Equipment and modules and use of modules

Abstract

To improve a device comprising multiple modules configured as a modular device, the following is proposed: that the multiple modules include at least one device module and / or one handle module and / or at least one application module and at least one extension module, each of the multiple modules having at least one fixing unit, and that the device module having at least two fixing units, the modules being able to be detachably fixed to each other using these fixing units, thereby enabling the modules of the device to be assembled into devices with various device configurations, and thereby enabling the modules of the device to be assembled into at least a small handheld device and / or a long handheld device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and at least one module and the use of at least one module.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a (surface) cleaner for cleaning a surface.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a (surface) cleaner having a front part and a rear part.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an accessory device for a vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning a surface, which has a liquid application device, a suction passage having a suction passage communication port, and a cleaning element.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses a portable and telescopic device.

[0006] Patent Document 5 discloses a portable cleaning device for liquid cleaning of delicate parts, particularly delicate aircraft parts and / or aerospace parts.

[0007] Patent Document 6 discloses a modular robot having a robot platform configured to transfer mobility and connectivity to external components to the modular robot.

[0008] Patent Document 7, which was published later, discloses a system comprising a floor treatment device, a storage device, and at least one accessory device for removable connection to the floor treatment device.

[0009] Patent Document 8 discloses a surface cleaner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

[0011] The fundamental problems of the present invention are to improve the device, to improve it by providing at least one module, and to improve it by providing the use of at least one module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In embodiments of the present invention, the aforementioned underlying problems are solved by a device configured as a modular device. The device comprises a plurality of modules, in particular at least one device module, preferably at least one handle module and / or one application module, and preferably at least one extension module, each of which comprises at least one fixing unit, the modules of which can be detachably assembled, and as a result the modules of the device can be assembled to form a device with various device configurations, and as a result the modules of the device can be assembled to form at least a small handheld device and / or a long handheld device.

[0013] In embodiments of the present invention, the aforementioned underlying problems are solved by modules, particularly equipment modules and / or handle modules and / or application modules and / or extension modules, especially equipment modules as described above and in advantageous embodiments thereafter. The module comprises at least one fixed unit, the module can be detachably coupled with at least one other module by the at least one fixed unit, and as a result, the at least one module can be used in equipment of various equipment configurations, in particular, the at least one module can be used in equipment configurations corresponding to at least small handheld equipment and / or equipment configurations corresponding to at least long handheld equipment, in particular together with at least one other module.

[0014] In embodiments of the present invention, the underlying problems are solved by the use of at least one module, in particular by the use of at least one equipment module and / or at least one handle module and / or at least one application module and / or at least one extension module. The at least one module, preferably each module comprises at least one fixing unit, and the at least one module can be detachably coupled with at least one other module by the at least one fixing unit, so that the at least one module can be used in various equipment configurations of the equipment, and as a result, the at least one module can be used in at least one modular small handheld equipment and / or at least one modular long handheld equipment, i.e., in equipment configurations corresponding thereto.

[0015] In particular, the equipment module comprises at least one fixed unit, preferably at least two fixed units.

[0016] In particular, the handle module includes one fixing unit.

[0017] In particular, the application module includes one fixed unit.

[0018] In particular, the extension module includes at least two fixed units.

[0019] In particular, the handle module and the device module can be detachably fixed to each other by a fixed unit of the handle module and at least one fixed unit of the device module, particularly a handle-side fixed unit of the device module.

[0020] In particular, the application module and the device module can be detachably fixed to each other by a fixed unit of the application module and at least one fixed unit of the device module, particularly an application-side fixed unit of the device module.

[0021] In particular, at least one extension module, preferably at least some of the plurality of extension modules, for example each of all of them, and the device module can be detachably fixed to each other by at least one fixed unit of the extension module and at least one fixed unit of the device module.

[0022] In particular, at least one extension module, preferably at least some of the plurality of extension modules, for example each of all of them, and the handle module can be detachably fixed to each other by at least one fixed unit of the extension module and a fixed unit of the handle module.

[0023] In particular, at least one extension module, preferably at least some of the plurality of extension modules, for example each of all of them, and the application module can be detachably fixed to each other by at least one fixed unit of the extension module and a fixed unit of the application module.

[0024] In particular, in equipment configurations for modular, small, handheld devices, the application module and the equipment module are fixed to each other by their respective fixing units, and / or the equipment module and the handle module are fixed to each other by their respective fixing units. In particular, extension modules are not used in equipment configurations for modular, small, handheld devices.

[0025] In particular, equipment configurations that accommodate long, handheld devices utilize at least one extension module.

[0026] In particular, one advantage of the embodiments of the present invention is that each module can be combined to create various equipment configurations, thereby allowing modular equipment to be assembled to suit various applications. For example, depending on the application, a small, easy-to-handle handheld device may be more practical and easier to use. For example, depending on the application, a long handheld device may be easier to use. This is because, in particular, the user has a wider range of motion, and / or a user in an upright position can easily handle, especially cleaning, floor surfaces and / or walls of various heights with a long handheld device.

[0027] To the extent that at least substantially the same features are intended in an advantageous manner in the modular apparatus and / or the modules and / or the use, those features are described together up to this point and thereafter, and such description relates to any of the advantageous embodiments of the modular apparatus and / or the advantageous embodiments of the modules and / or the advantageous embodiments of the use.

[0028] In particular, the equipment is fluid equipment, such as thermal fluid equipment and / or cleaning machines.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the apparatus and / or at least one module, preferably at least some of the modules, are configured to apply a fluid, in particular a thermal fluid, in at least one function.

[0030] In particular, the equipment and / or at least one module, preferably at least some of the modules, are configured for cleaning in at least one function, and preferably a fluid, such as a thermal fluid, is applied at least partially for cleaning.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus and / or at least one module, for example, at least several modules, are configured for ironing in at least one function, in particular, to be at least partially subjected to a fluid, such as a thermal fluid.

[0032] In particular, the fluid contains water.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] No detailed claims have been made so far regarding the aforementioned at least one extension module, that is, exactly one extension module or preferably multiple extension modules.

[0036] For example, if there are multiple extension modules, at least some of them have at least one identical feature. For example, if there are multiple extension modules, at least some of them differ in at least one feature. Up to this point and thereafter, when we say "(at least) one extension module" in relation to a description of a feature, it should be understood in particular to mean exactly one extension module, and / or at least one of multiple extension modules, in particular at least some of multiple extension modules, for example all of them, have the feature being described.

[0037] In particular, by inserting and removably securing at least one extension module with its two fixing units at least between the handle module and the equipment module and / or between the equipment module and at least one application module, a long equipment configuration can be formed such that the equipment becomes a long handheld device.

[0038] In some conveniently long equipment configurations, multiple extension modules are preferably used.

[0039] For example, one advantage of this is that in various equipment configurations, the equipment module can be used in various relative positions to the handle module and / or application module.

[0040] In particular, in at least one convenient long equipment configuration, at least one extension module is inserted between the handle module and the equipment module, and the equipment module and the application module are fixed to each other, for example. This is particularly convenient for applications involving low-position application, such as when the user is standing while cleaning the floor, because in this equipment configuration the center of gravity of the equipment is also at a low position.

[0041] In particular, in at least one favorable equipment configuration, at least one extension module is inserted between the equipment module and the application module, and, for example, the equipment module and the handle module are fixed to each other. For example, the advantage of this is that the equipment module is positioned close to the user, which is convenient for the user in terms of operating the operating elements on the equipment module and / or visibility of the display elements on the equipment module. For example, in some applications, such as when the user uses the equipment to work at the same height as themselves or higher, it is advantageous if the center of gravity of the equipment is close to the user's hand holding the handle.

[0042] In particular, in some advantageous equipment configurations, at least one extension module is inserted between the application module and the equipment module, and at least one extension module is inserted between the equipment module and the handle module. For example, in such equipment configurations, the advantages mentioned above are combined at least partially.

[0043] In particular, at least one extension module is a long, slender module that contributes specifically to extending the equipment and / or to increasing the range of movement of the user using the equipment.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, at least one extension module is configured to be at least partially rigid. In particular, at least one extension module is • At least one extension module is constructed to be rigid in at least a large portion of its elongated extension. and / or, • At least one extension module is configured to be rigid at least for a large portion of the space between its two fixed units. It possesses at least one of the following characteristics.

[0045] The configuration of the extension module, which is at least partially rigid, is advantageous because it allows the user to guide the equipment, which includes the equipment module and, for example, the application module, from the handle module in the equipment configuration having the extension module, and to apply pressure to the application area, for example.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments, at least one extension module is configured to be at least partially flexible. In particular, at least one extension module is configured to be at least partially flexible. • At least one extension module is configured to be flexible in at least a large part of its elongated extension. and / or, • At least one extension module is configured to be flexible, at least for a large part, between its two fixed units. It possesses at least one of the following characteristics.

[0047] For example, one advantage of this is that, when using extension modules that are at least partially flexible, the equipment module can be placed, for example, on the ground, while the application module can be handled movably.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, at least one extension module is configured to be retractable, particularly by at least two module components. This has the particular advantage of allowing the length of the extension to be flexibly adjusted using the at least one extension module.

[0049] In particular, in advantageous embodiments, at least one extension module is configured as at least substantially a hollow body. Specifically, the hollow body is elongated and has one fixing unit at each of its opposing ends. For example, the hollow body is configured to be at least partially rigid and / or at least partially flexible.

[0050] In particular, one advantage of this is that the weight of the extension module is reduced. In particular, another advantage of this is that fluids can be flowed through the hollow space of the hollow body, and / or connecting components and / or wiring and / or other components can be passed through it.

[0051] No detailed claims have been made regarding the aforementioned at least one application module, that is, exactly one application module or more application modules.

[0052] When we refer to "(at least) one application module" in relation to the description of a feature, it should be understood that exactly one application module, and / or at least one of several application modules, preferably at least several, for example all, possess the feature being described.

[0053] For example, the advantage of configuring multiple application modules, preferably for various functions, is that the equipment can be used for a variety of purposes.

[0054] In particular, at least one application module is configured to act on something, especially an object and / or surface, in accordance with the function of the device.

[0055] Preferably, at least one application module is configured to apply a fluid, particularly a thermal fluid.

[0056] In particular, at least one application module is configured for use in cleaning. In particular, in this case, at least one cleaning element can be placed in the application module, preferably at least one application module includes at least one cleaning element. Preferably, at least one application module is configured for use in cleaning with a fluid, in particular a thermal fluid.

[0057] In particular, the equipment module and at least one application module are functionally and technically coupled to each other for at least one function of the modular equipment.

[0058] In particular, the equipment module and at least one application module are capable of being coupled to each other to guide at least a fluid, especially a thermal fluid.

[0059] In a favorable embodiment, at least one fixed unit of the equipment module and at least one fixed unit of the application module are configured to connect with each other for functional technical connection, for example, to guide a fluid, particularly a thermal fluid.

[0060] In a favorable embodiment, at least one fixed unit of the extension module is configured for a functional technical connection, and as a result, a functional technical connection exists even when the extension module is inserted between the application module and the equipment module.

[0061] No detailed claims had been made regarding the equipment modules until now.

[0062] In particular, the equipment module includes at least partially, preferably at least largely, the equipment technology necessary for at least one function of the equipment.

[0063] For example, the device module includes at least one particularly 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., an operating element and / or a display element).

[0064] 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.

[0065] In some preferred embodiments, the thermal fluid generation unit includes an instantaneous water heater.

[0066] In some preferred embodiments, the thermal fluid generation unit includes a water heating unit for heating a fluid, particularly a liquid, to make it a thermal fluid and for supplying the heated fluid.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the power supply unit is configured to be connectable to an external power connection. In particular, this allows the power supply unit to supply electrical energy to each unit of the equipment and / or equipment technology by providing a connection to an external power connection.

[0068] In some preferred embodiments, the power supply unit is configured to supply electrical energy internally within the device. In particular, in this case, the power supply unit includes an energy storage unit for electrical energy, 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.

[0069] In an advantageous embodiment, the two fixing units of the equipment module, particularly the handle-side fixing unit and the application-side fixing unit, are positioned opposite each other, and in particular linearly opposite each other along a single arrangement axis. In this advantageous embodiment, the fixing units are configured such that extension modules fixed to the two fixing units extend outward from the equipment module on opposite sides, particularly linearly along the arrangement axis. The particular advantage of this is that in an equipment configuration in which at least one, particularly rigid, extension module is inserted between the handle module and the equipment module on the one hand, and between the equipment module and the application module on the other hand, the at least two extension modules extend at least substantially along the arrangement axis, and in an advantageous embodiment, there is a linear connection between the handle module and the application module.

[0070] No detailed statements had been made regarding the fixed unit until now.

[0071] In particular, the fixing unit of one module and the corresponding fixing unit of another module have at least one fixed state in which both fixing units are fixed to each other and the two modules, i.e., the one module and the other module, are fixed to each other.

[0072] When a fixing unit is detached, that fixing unit is not fixed to another fixing unit, and the module of that detached fixing unit is not connected to another module in that fixing unit.

[0073] In particular, the corresponding fixed units can be reversed freely from the state in which at least one unit is detached to the state in which at least one unit is fixed, and from the state in which at least one unit is fixed to the state in which at least one unit is detached.

[0074] In particular, at least two types of fixed units are provided.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, a first type of fixing unit and a second type of fixing unit are defined and particularly formed in at least one pair of two types of fixing units, such that the pair of first type and second type fixing units are corresponding fixing units that can be detachably fixed to each other. Specifically, the pair of first type and second type fixing units can transition to a fixed state.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, at least one fixing unit of the equipment module, particularly the handle-side fixing unit, and the fixing unit of the handle module are corresponding fixing units. For example, at least one fixing unit of the equipment module, particularly the handle-side fixing unit, is one of a pair, for example, a first type, and the fixing unit of the handle module is the other of this pair, for example, a second type.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, at least one fixing unit of the equipment module, particularly the application-side fixing unit, and the fixing unit of the application module are corresponding fixing units. For example, at least one fixing unit of the equipment module, particularly the application-side fixing unit, is one of a pair, for example, of type 1, and the fixing unit of the application module is the other of this pair, for example, of type 2.

[0078] In an advantageous embodiment, the two fixing units of an extension module are two different types of the same pair of fixing units, for example, a first and a second type.

[0079] This allows for the coupling of equipment modules and application modules and / or equipment modules and handle modules, and is particularly advantageous because it allows for the insertion of at least one extension module between the application module and the equipment module and / or between the handle module and the equipment module.

[0080] Preferably, two types of fixed units are provided in exact pairs, so that each fixed unit of each module of the equipment is either one (e.g., the first) type or the other (e.g., the second) type of the exact pair. This is preferable because it provides maximum flexibility when combining modules to create various equipment configurations.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, in at least one pair of two types of fixing units, one of the two types, for example, a first type of fixing unit, is provided with a fixing receiving portion, and the other of the two types, for example, a second type of fixing unit, is provided with a fixing relative object to be received. Furthermore, preferably, when the two types of fixing units are fixed together, the fixing relative object to be received is received within the fixing receiving portion, and in particular, the module having the first fixing unit and the module having the other module are received so as to be fixed and coupled to each other.

[0082] In a highly advantageous embodiment, at least one detection device is provided, which is configured to recognize at least one state of at least one fixed unit assigned to the detection device and / or to recognize at least one equipment configuration.

[0083] This is advantageous because the at least one detection device can recognize at least one state of the fixed unit and / or at least one equipment configuration, and the detection results of the detection device can be further processed, for example, within the equipment technology, to display the detection results and / or adapt the control of the equipment according to the detected results.

[0084] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one detection device is configured to recognize at least one state of at least one assigned fixed unit of the equipment module.

[0085] In particular, at least one detection device is configured in the equipment module at least partially, and especially at least largely.

[0086] For example, an advantage of this is that the equipment technology is typically configured at least partially within an equipment module, and therefore at least one detection device is configured within the same module.

[0087] Preferably, at least one detection device is assigned to the handle-side fixing unit of the equipment module, and in particular, the at least one detection device is at least partially configured as the handle-side fixing unit.

[0088] In particular, for at least one application and associated equipment configuration, it is important to detect the status of the handle-side fixing unit, as it is crucial whether the handle module or the extension module is fixed to the handle-side fixing unit.

[0089] In some preferred embodiments, at least one detection device is configured at least partially on the handle module, and / or at least one detection device is configured to recognize at least one state of at least one assigned fixing unit of the handle module.

[0090] For example, since how the handle module is coupled with other modules is important for at least one application and associated equipment configuration, it is beneficial to detect at least one state of the handle module's fixing unit.

[0091] For example, in some embodiments, at least one detection device is configured in at least part of at least one extension module, and / or at least one detection device is configured to recognize at least one state of at least one assigned fixed unit of at least one extension module.

[0092] For example, in some applications, it is important to know whether an extension module is used in the equipment configuration, so it is useful to detect the state of at least one fixed unit of at least one extension module.

[0093] In a highly advantageous embodiment, at least two subtypes of corresponding fixed units are provided for at least one fixed unit assigned to the detection device, and this at least one detection device provides, The detection result when the at least one assigned fixed unit is fixed to the corresponding fixed unit of one of the two subtypes, for example, the first subtype, is different from the detection result when the at least one assigned fixed unit is fixed to the corresponding fixed unit of the other of the two subtypes, for example, the second subtype. and / or, The detection result when the at least one assigned fixing unit is fixed to at least one of the two subtypes, for example, the first and / or second subtype's corresponding fixing unit, is different from the detection result when the assigned fixing unit is detached. It is configured such that at least one of the following conditions is met.

[0094] This is advantageous because it allows us to recognize different states of at least one fixed unit based on different detection results.

[0095] Preferably, at least two subtypes of corresponding fixing units are provided for at least one fixing unit of the equipment module. In particular, different types of corresponding fixing units are formed for the handle module and / or at least one extension module and / or the application module.

[0096] It is highly advantageous if at least two subtypes of corresponding fixing units are provided for the handle-side fixing unit of the equipment module, one of the two subtypes, for example, the first subtype, is formed on the handle module, and the other of the two subtypes, for example, the second subtype, is formed on at least one extension module, preferably at least some of a plurality of extension modules, for example, all of them.

[0097] In one example, the application-side fixing unit of the equipment module is provided with at least two subtypes of corresponding fixing units, and at least one application module has one of the two subtypes, for example, a first subtype of corresponding fixing unit, and at least one extension module, preferably at least some, for example, all of a plurality of extension modules, has the other of the two subtypes, for example, a second subtype of corresponding fixing unit.

[0098] In some preferred embodiments, the fixing unit of the handle module is provided with at least two subtypes of corresponding fixing units, the equipment module has one of the two subtypes, for example, a first subtype of corresponding fixing unit, and at least one extension module, preferably at least some of a plurality of extension modules, for example, all of them, have the other of the two subtypes, for example, a second subtype of corresponding fixing unit.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, at least one detection device includes at least one sensor for recognizing at least one state of at least one fixed unit assigned to the at least one detection device and / or for recognizing at least one equipment configuration.

[0100] Preferably, at least one sensor of at least one detection device, • At least one sensor is a contact sensor. and / or • At least one sensor is a non-contact sensor. It has at least one of the following configurations.

[0101] In some preferred embodiments, at least one non-contact operating sensor is an optical sensor.

[0102] In some preferred embodiments, at least one non-contact operating sensor is an electromagnetic sensor, such as a magnetic sensor.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, at least one sensor is configured to recognize whether at least one fixed unit assigned to the sensor is fixed to a corresponding fixed unit of at least one subtype (e.g., a first and / or second subtype).

[0104] In one example, at least one sensor is configured to recognize whether at least one fixing unit assigned to the sensor is detached and / or fixed.

[0105] In some preferred embodiments, at least one sensor of the detection device is configured to recognize whether at least one fixing unit assigned to the sensor is fixed to the fixing unit of the handle module.

[0106] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one sensor of the detection device is configured to recognize whether at least one fixed unit assigned to the sensor is fixed to the fixed unit of the extension module.

[0107] In some preferred embodiments, at least one sensor is configured to recognize whether at least one fixed unit assigned to the sensor is fixed to a fixed unit of the application module.

[0108] For example, in some embodiments, at least one sensor of the detection device is configured to recognize whether at least one fixed unit assigned to the sensor is fixed to the fixed unit of the equipment module.

[0109] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one fixed unit of at least one module includes an element to be detected for detection by at least one detection device.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, a corresponding fixed unit of one subtype, for example, a first or second subtype, includes the element to be detected, while a corresponding fixed unit of another subtype, for example, a second or first subtype, does not include the element to be detected.

[0111] This is advantageous because it allows detection of the element being fixed to a corresponding fixing unit of a subtype that contains the element to be detected. In particular, this allows for differentiation of the detection results when the element is fixed, depending on which subtype the corresponding fixing unit is. This is advantageous because the detection result when the fixing unit assigned to the detection device is fixed to a corresponding fixing unit of a subtype that contains the element to be detected will differ from the detection result when the fixing unit is detached.

[0112] In some preferred embodiments, at least two subtypes of the corresponding fixing unit include different elements to be detected. This is advantageous because the detection results when the fixing unit assigned to the detection device is fixed to one subtype of the corresponding fixing unit, when it is fixed to the other subtype of the corresponding fixing unit, and when it is detached will be different.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, at least one element to be detected of at least one fixed unit is • The element to be detected is magnetic. and / or, • The element to be detected is a contact element. It is at least one of the following.

[0114] In particular, this makes the at least one fixed unit detectable by a magnetic sensor or a contact sensor.

[0115] In some preferred embodiments, the corresponding fixing unit of at least one of two subtypes, for example, a first or second subtype, is at least partially longer than the corresponding fixing unit of another of the at least two subtypes, for example, a second or first subtype. In this case, the corresponding fixing unit of the at least two subtypes corresponds to at least one fixing unit assigned to the detection device and can be fixed to this assigned fixing unit.

[0116] The fact that the lengths of the fixed units of the at least two subtypes differ at least partially is advantageous because it allows for different detection results in the detection device.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, at least one fixed unit assigned to the detection device comprises at least one detection area.

[0118] In particular, when fixed, the detection target element and / or longer portion of the corresponding fixed unit protrudes into the detection area and is detected. For example, depending on the embodiment, the detection may be performed by contact of a contact sensor and / or non-contact by a sensor, for example electromagnetically, particularly magnetically.

[0119] In particular, in at least one fixing unit having a fixing receiving portion, the fixing receiving portion is provided with an end region, and the end region is positioned opposite the receiving opening of the fixing receiving portion.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, at least one fixing unit having a fixing receiving portion has a detection region at the end region of the fixing receiving portion.

[0121] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one sensor of a detection device is located in the end region of the fixing receiving portion of at least one fixing unit having a fixing receiving portion.

[0122] This way, for example, the at least one sensor and / or the detection area is positioned so as to be at least partially protected within the edge area.

[0123] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one functional unit of equipment technology within at least one module, in particular at least one functional unit within the equipment module, has at least two different drive modes. In particular, so that at least one functional unit is capable of being driven in at least two different drive modes.

[0124] For example, at least a large portion of the equipment technology within at least one module can be driven in at least two different driving modes.

[0125] This is advantageous, for example, in enabling the at least one functional unit and / or equipment technology to be driven in different modes depending on the application and / or equipment configuration.

[0126] In particular, the driving method differs from the aforementioned at least two different driving modes.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one functional unit and / or the equipment technology has an off state and an on state, and when the switch is on, the functional unit and / or the equipment technology is capable of being driven in at least two different drive modes.

[0128] For example, the functional unit and / or the equipment technology has at least one sleep mode, particularly when it is switched on. In particular, when the functional unit and / or the equipment technology is in sleep mode, it is switched on but not in a fully operational state, for example, a standby operational state.

[0129] It is highly advantageous if at least one thermal fluid generation unit within a module, particularly within the equipment module, has at least two different drive modes.

[0130] In particular, the thermal fluid generating unit releases thermal fluid during its operation, especially in at least two of its operation modes.

[0131] In particular, the thermal fluid generation unit does not release thermal fluid when in standby mode.

[0132] For example, when the thermal fluid generation unit is in idle mode, at least some heating elements are still at least partially operating. For example, this allows for quick re-release of the thermal fluid when switching to an active drive mode. For example, this ensures that at least some warm fluid, such as thermal fluid, remains in the thermal fluid generation unit even in idle mode, but is not released.

[0133] It is highly advantageous if at least one drive mode, and in particular one of the at least two different drive modes, is a continuous drive mode.

[0134] In particular, in the continuous drive mode, the functional unit and / or the equipment technology remain in a continuously driven state after switching to the continuous drive mode until the continuous drive mode is actively terminated, in particular until the user actively terminates the continuous drive mode.

[0135] In particular, the thermal fluid generation unit continuously releases thermal fluid in its continuous operation mode.

[0136] For example, the continuous drive mode is convenient to use because the drive continues continuously after switching to this mode.

[0137] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one drive mode, in particular at least one of the at least two different drive modes, is an action drive mode. This is advantageous because the functional unit and / or equipment technology can be driven in at least one action drive mode.

[0138] In particular, in at least one action-driven mode, at least partially, a user action is required to maintain the operation of the functional unit and / or the equipment technology.

[0139] In particular, in at least one action-driven mode, • In order to maintain operation in at least one action-driven mode, at least one action by the user is required after at least a specific predetermined time. and / or, • At least one action-driven mode must be maintained, requiring at least substantially continuous user actions. Make it so that it is at least one of the following.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined time is a short time, particularly in the seconds range. For example, the predetermined time is less than one minute, preferably less than 30 seconds. In particular, the predetermined time is longer than one second, for example, longer than five seconds.

[0141] This is advantageous because, in action-driven mode, continuous operation does not occur, and user action is required to remain in action-driven mode and in the driven state. In particular, if no action is performed, the functional unit and / or equipment technology switches to a dormant mode and / or is switched off.

[0142] For example, the action mode is advantageous in the case of safety-related functional units. In particular, the action-driven mode prevents the functional unit and / or equipment technology from continuing to operate substantially indefinitely, even if, for example, the user is negligent, thereby reducing, at least the risk of, for example, substantially indefinite operation.

[0143] In one example, an action-driven mode is defined by safety regulations for at least one functional unit in at least one equipment configuration.

[0144] In particular, in at least one action-driven mode, the required action is the operation of an operational element.

[0145] In some preferred embodiments, an operating element for maintaining drive in at least one action-driven mode is located on the handle module. This is advantageous, for example, because when a user holds the handle module in their hand, the operating element is close to the user's hand for operation.

[0146] In some advantageous embodiments, an operating element for maintaining drive in at least one action-driven mode is located in the equipment module. In particular, the advantage of this is that the operating element can be directly and functionally connected to the functional unit and / or equipment technology within the equipment module. In particular, this provides a structurally simpler solution and avoids the need to make functional and / or signal transmission connections between different modules.

[0147] In an advantageous embodiment, the operating element for maintaining the drive in at least one action-driven mode is located in the device module at least near and / or in contact with the handle area of ​​the device module.

[0148] In particular, when one of the fixing units of the equipment module, especially the handle-side fixing unit, is fixed to the fixing unit of the handle module, the handle module is positioned within the handle area.

[0149] In a preferred embodiment, at least one operating element for maintaining drive in at least one action-driven mode is located at least near one fixed unit in the equipment module, particularly near the handle-side fixed unit.

[0150] This is advantageous because when the handle module is fixed to the equipment module with its own fixing unit, the user can reach the operating elements located on the handle module by holding the handle module with their hand.

[0151] In particular, when we talk about this, "placing it close" should be understood as meaning that the placement is within the range of hand movement; in other words, that the placement should be at most about the length of a finger.

[0152] It is highly advantageous if at least one functional unit of the equipment technology and / or at least a large portion of the equipment technology is drivable in at least one drive mode, particularly at least one of the two different drive modes, depending on at least one state of one fixed unit and / or depending on the equipment configuration of the combined modules. This is advantageous because, depending on the state of the fixed unit and / or depending on the equipment configuration, at least a large portion of the functional unit and / or the equipment technology can be driven in at least one drive mode, for example, a continuous drive mode and / or an action drive mode, and may not be drivable in another drive mode, for example, depending on the state of the fixed unit and / or depending on the equipment configuration.

[0153] For example, this is advantageous when the assembly of modules needs to meet different requirements, particularly regarding ease of handling and / or safety.

[0154] Therefore, for example, in the case of a thermal fluid generation unit, it is advantageous to ensure that the unit can be driven only in action-driven mode when the equipment configuration corresponds to a small, handheld device.

[0155] In some preferred embodiments, when the handle module and the equipment module are directly coupled, i.e., when their fixing units are fixed to each other, at least one functional unit, in particular the thermal fluid generation unit, is made drivable only in action-driven mode.

[0156] In some preferred embodiments, a continuous drive mode is activated for at least one functional unit, particularly at least the thermal fluid generation unit, when at least one extension module is used in the equipment configuration.

[0157] In some preferred embodiments, the continuous drive mode is activated when the extension module is fixed to at least one of the fixing units of the equipment module, for example, the application-side fixing unit and / or the handle-side fixing unit.

[0158] In particular, the continuous operation mode of at least one functional unit, especially the continuous operation mode of the thermal fluid generation unit, is not activated in equipment configurations corresponding to small handheld devices. This is particularly advantageous for the user, as it at least reduces the risk of the user being injured by accidentally released thermal fluid. In particular, the continuous operation mode of the thermal fluid generation unit in small handheld devices is prohibited by safety regulations.

[0159] In some preferred embodiments, the user can switch between at least several drive modes by appropriate input via the operating elements of the device.

[0160] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one functional unit and / or equipment technology switches to at least one drive mode, in particular at least one of the at least two drive modes, depending on at least one state of a fixed unit and / or the equipment configuration of an assembled module.

[0161] In particular, a control device is provided for this purpose, which switches the at least one functional unit and / or the equipment technology to a certain drive mode depending on the state of a certain fixed unit and / or the equipment configuration, and / or enables driving in the at least one drive mode, and / or prohibits driving in the at least one drive mode.

[0162] The control unit, Depending on the state of at least one fixed unit detected by the detection device, and / or, Depending on whether the handle module is fixed to the fixing unit of the equipment module, particularly the handle-side fixing unit, and / or, Depending on whether at least one extension module is used in an assembled equipment configuration and / or is fixed to at least one fixed unit of the equipment module, It would be highly advantageous to enable driving in at least one drive mode and / or disable driving in at least one drive mode and / or switch between at least two drive modes, depending on at least one of these.

[0163] In particular, the control unit is configured on the functional unit and / or within the equipment.

[0164] In a preferred embodiment, the equipment module includes an equipment casing. In particular, the equipment technology and / or each unit of the equipment module is at least partially located inside the casing of the equipment casing.

[0165] In particular, the equipment module, for example, at least the equipment casing of the equipment module, extends in the principal direction and the vertical direction, and the principal direction and the vertical direction are at least approximately orthogonal to each other.

[0166] In particular, the front and back surfaces of the equipment casing are opposite surfaces of the equipment casing in the main direction.

[0167] In particular, the lateral direction extends at least approximately perpendicular to the principal direction and / or the vertical direction.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, the equipment module, particularly its equipment casing, includes a handle area for arranging the handle module.

[0169] In particular, a cavity for a separate handle module is formed in the handle area.

[0170] Preferably, the handle area extends laterally so as to penetrate the lateral extension of the equipment casing.

[0171] In a preferred embodiment, the handle area extends to the rear of the equipment casing with respect to the principal direction.

[0172] Preferably, the handle area begins on the back of the equipment casing and extends within the area behind the equipment casing.

[0173] In particular, the application-side fixing unit is positioned on the front side.

[0174] In an advantageous embodiment, the equipment casing forms a configuration section having at least a fixing unit for a handle module, particularly the handle-side fixing unit, and / or a fixing unit for an application module, particularly the application-side fixing unit.

[0175] In particular, 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.

[0176] In particular, the arrangement portion extends at least substantially from the front to the handle area in the main direction.

[0177] In particular, the handle area is bounded forward with respect to the principal direction by at least one area of ​​the placement section. Specifically, the area of ​​the placement section defining this boundary includes a fixing unit for the handle module. Preferably, the area of ​​the placement section defining this boundary includes a support surface for at least a portion of the handle module.

[0178] In one example, the orientation of the handle module is oblique to the main direction and / or the vertical direction in the fixing unit for the handle module.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, the orientation of arrangement 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 orientation of arrangement 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.

[0180] In particular, the orientation of the handle module is determined by the extension of the handle-side fixing unit, especially the extension of the fixing receiving portion of the handle-side fixing unit.

[0181] It is highly advantageous if the application-side fixing unit is oriented diagonally downward with respect to the main direction and the vertical direction.

[0182] In one example, the fixing unit for the application module, particularly the fixing receiving portion of the fixing unit, extends diagonally downward.

[0183] In particular, the diagonally downward-facing application-side fixing unit is determined by the diagonally downward-facing arrangement direction of the application module. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement direction is at 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 arrangement direction is at 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.

[0184] In one example, the orientation of the application module and / or the diagonal orientation of the application-side fixing unit are determined by the extension of the fixing unit.

[0185] It is highly advantageous if the handle-side fixing unit and the application-side fixing unit are arranged in the arrangement portion of the equipment module such that each module fixed to them, for example, the handle module or extension module fixed to the handle-side fixing unit and the application module or extension module fixed to the application-side fixing unit, are arranged along a single arrangement axis.

[0186] Preferably, the arrangement axis extends diagonally with respect to the principal direction and / or diagonally with respect to the vertical direction.

[0187] 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.

[0188] For example, the axial direction of the arrangement axis is determined by at least the arrangement direction of the handle module and / or the arrangement direction of the application module, and / or the orientation of at least the handle side and / or the application side fixing unit.

[0189] In particular, the advantage of arranging each module along the alignment axis is that this substantially linear arrangement reduces, or even completely eliminates, bending forces within the arrangement, thus reducing the load on the arrangement and, for example, mitigating the risk of damage to the arrangement.

[0190] In particular, arranging each module along the alignment axis is advantageous because it allows for a structure that is assembled at least substantially linearly from the application module to the handle module.

[0191] Preferably, the device module 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.

[0192] In particular, the equipment module includes at least one operating device having at least one operating element for operating the equipment.

[0193] 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.

[0194] In a highly advantageous embodiment, the equipment module, in particular the equipment casing, comprises at least one interaction surface.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] In some preferred embodiments, the equipment module includes a water tank area for arranging a water tank that can be particularly detachably fixed.

[0199] In particular, the water tank area has a cavity formed therein for receiving a water tank that can be detachably fixed, for example, in the equipment casing.

[0200] In particular, the water tank area is formed on the back of the equipment casing.

[0201] In a preferred embodiment, the handle area is formed above the water tank area with respect to the vertical direction.

[0202] In one example, a power supply opening for a power supply unit is formed on the back, particularly the rear, of the equipment casing. For example, the power supply opening is provided and formed for passing a cable through.

[0203] In an advantageous embodiment, the device module includes at least one cartridge.

[0204] In particular, the cartridge is located inside the casing.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] In particular, the container of the cartridge includes a plurality of walls, and these plurality of walls form the boundary of the internal space.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] Preferably, the container comprises two wall sections that are arranged opposite to each other in the height direction.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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 equipment module with the cartridge oriented at least approximately vertically.

[0219] 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 and / or the direction of gravity of the equipment module, and / or the inlet opening is located in the upper region of the internal space with respect to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the equipment module. and / or, The height of the container is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction and / or gravity direction of the equipment module. and / or, • One of the two expanding directions of the container is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical and / or gravitational direction of the equipment module. 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 module. 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 and / or gravity direction of the equipment module, 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 and / or gravity direction of the equipment module.

[0220] For example, by orienting the cartridge vertically, the flow of liquid through the internal space is not hindered by gravity at all, and in advantageous embodiments, is at least somewhat aided.

[0221] In particular, by orienting the cartridge vertically, it can be positioned in a convenient orientation even if the orientation of the equipment module changes in various ways in different equipment configurations. For example, one advantage of vertical orientation is that the cartridge can be compactly placed within the equipment module.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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.

[0225] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is provided and configured for at least partial purification of the liquid flowing within the cartridge.

[0226] 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.

[0227] In particular, the fluid modifier is configured to physically and / or chemically alter the liquid flowing through the cartridge.

[0228] It is highly advantageous if the fluid modifier is a granular medium.

[0229] 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.

[0230] Features and elements described in this application as examples and / or preferably and / or in preferred embodiments and / or modified are optional elements and / or features, which are particularly advantageous developments of the present invention but are not essential for the basic solution of the present invention and its success.

[0231] 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.

[0232] The description of the solutions according to the present invention therefore includes various combinations of features defined by the embodiments numbered sequentially below.

[0233] 1. A device (100) configured as a modular device, comprising a plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules include at least one device module (112) and / or one handle module (114) and / or at least one application module (116) and at least one extension module (118), each of the plurality of modules comprising at least one fixing unit (132), wherein the device module (112) comprises at least two fixing units (132), and the modules can be detachably fixed to each other by the fixing units (132), thereby enabling the modules of the device (100) to be assembled into a device (100) of various device configurations (105), thereby enabling the modules of the device (100) to be assembled into at least a small handheld device and / or a long handheld device.

[0234] 2. Modules for the device (100) according to any embodiment directed particularly toward the device (100), particularly a device module (112) and / or a handle module (114) and / or an application module (116) and / or an extension module (118), wherein the module comprises at least one fixing unit (132), particularly the device module (112) comprising at least two fixing units (132), and the module can be detachably coupled with at least one other module by at least one fixing unit (132), as a result the at least one module can be used in various device configurations (105) of the device (100), particularly the at least one module can be used together with at least one other module in device configurations corresponding to at least small handheld devices and / or device configurations corresponding to at least long handheld devices.

[0235] 3. Use of at least one module, in particular use of at least one equipment module (112) and / or at least one handle module (114) and / or at least one application module (116) and / or at least one extension module (118), wherein the at least one module comprises at least one fixing unit (132), and the at least one module can be detachably coupled with at least one other module at the at least one fixing unit (132), so that the at least one module can be used in various equipment configurations of the equipment (100), and so that the at least one module can be used in at least one modular small handheld equipment and / or at least one modular long handheld equipment.

[0236] 4. Use of the apparatus (100) of Embodiment 1 and / or the module of Embodiment 2 and / or Embodiment 3, wherein the apparatus (100) and / or the module is configured to apply a thermal fluid in at least one function and / or to clean in at least one function and / or to iron in at least one function.

[0237] 5. The use of the device (100) of Embodiment 1 or 4 and / or the modules of Embodiment 2 or 4 and / or Embodiment 3 or 4, characterized in that the device (100) can be formed into a long device configuration (105) such that it becomes a long handheld device by inserting and removably fixing at least one extension module (118) between at least the handle module (114) and the device module (112) and / or the device module (112) and at least one application module (116) with its two fixing units (132), and in particular, that a plurality of extension modules (118) are provided in at least one device configuration (105).

[0238] 6. At least one extension module (118) is configured to be at least partially rigid, and in particular, at least one extension module (118) is, • At least one extension module (118) is constructed to be rigid in at least a large portion of its elongated extension. and / or, • At least one extension module (118) is configured to be rigid at least for a large portion of the space between its two fixed units (132). The use of the device (100) of Embodiment 1, 4, or 5 and / or the module of Embodiment 2, 4, or 5 and / or Embodiment 3, 4, or 5, comprising having at least one of the following characteristics.

[0239] 7. At least one extension module (118) is configured to be at least partially flexible, and in particular, at least one extension module (118) is: • At least one extension module (118) is configured to be flexible in at least a large part of its elongated extension. and / or, • At least one extension module (118) is configured to be flexible, at least for a large part, between its two fixed units (132). A device (100) of any of Embodiments 1, 4 to 6 and / or a module of any of Embodiments 2, 4 to 6 and / or use of any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 6, comprising at least one of the following characteristics.

[0240] 8. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 7 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 7 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 7, wherein at least one extension module (118) is configured to be extendable and retractable by at least two module components.

[0241] 9. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 8 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 8 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 8, wherein at least one extension module (118) is configured as at least substantially hollow.

[0242] 10. Use of any of the devices (100) of Embodiments 1, 4 to 9 and / or any of the modules of Embodiments 2, 4 to 9 and / or any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 9, wherein at least one application module (116) is configured to act on something, such as an object and / or surface, in particular in accordance with at least one function of the device (100).

[0243] 11. Use of any of the equipment (100) of Embodiments 1, 4 to 10 and / or any module of Embodiments 2, 4 to 10 and / or any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 10, wherein at least the equipment module (112) and at least one application module (116) are functionally and technically coupled to each other for at least one function of the modular equipment (100), for example, coupling to deliver thermal fluid.

[0244] 12. Use of the device (100) of any of Embodiments 1, 4 to 11 and / or any module of Embodiments 2, 4 to 11 and / or any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 11, wherein the device module (112) includes at least partially, and in particular at least largely, device technology necessary for at least one function of the device (100), for example, the device technology included in the device module (112) includes at least one particularly electrical control technology and / or at least one functional unit and / or power supply unit (372) and / or interaction technology for user-device-device interaction.

[0245] 13. Use of any equipment (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 12 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 12 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 12, wherein the equipment module (112) includes a thermal fluid generation unit (378).

[0246] 14. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 13 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 13 and / or any of embodiments 3, 4 to 13, wherein at least two fixing units (132) of the device module (112), in particular the handle-side fixing unit (132) and the application-side fixing unit (132), are arranged on opposite sides of each other, in particular linearly opposite sides.

[0247] 15. Equipment (100) of any of Embodiments 1, 4 to 14 and / or module of any of Embodiments 2, 4 to 14 and / or use of any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 14, wherein at least two types of fixing units (132) are provided, and in at least one pair of the two types, a first type of fixing unit (132) and a second type of fixing unit (132) are defined and particularly formed, and a pair of first type fixing units (132) and second type fixing units (132) are corresponding fixing units (132) that can be detachably fixed to each other.

[0248] 16.2 Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 15 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 15 and / or any of embodiments 3, 4 to 15, wherein in at least one pair of two types of fixing units (132), one of the two types, for example, a first type of fixing unit (132), comprises a fixing receiving portion (136), and the other of the two types, for example, a second type of fixing unit (132), comprises a fixing relative object (138) to be received, in particular, when fixed, the fixing relative object (138) to be received is received within the fixing receiving portion (136).

[0249] 17. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 16 and / or a module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 16 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 16, wherein at least one detection device (152) is provided, which is configured to recognize at least one state of at least one assigned fixed unit (132) and / or to recognize at least one device configuration (105).

[0250] 18. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 17 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 17 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 17, wherein at least one detection device (152) is configured at least partially in the device module (112).

[0251] 19. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 18 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 18 and / or any of embodiments 3, 4 to 18, wherein at least one detection device (152) is configured to recognize at least one state of at least one assigned fixing unit (132) of the device module (112), in particular at least one state of the handle-side fixing unit (132) of the device module (112).

[0252] 20. At least two subtypes of corresponding fixed units (132) are provided for at least one fixed unit (32) assigned to the detection device (152), and this at least one detection device, with respect to its detection result, The detection result when at least one assigned fixing unit (132) is fixed to one of the corresponding fixing units (132) of the two subtypes is different from the detection result when at least one assigned fixing unit (132) is fixed to the other corresponding fixing unit (132) of the two subtypes. and / or, The detection result when at least one assigned fixing unit (132) is fixed to the corresponding fixing unit (132) of at least one of the two subtypes is different from the detection result when the assigned fixing unit (132) is detached. The use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 19 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 19 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 19, configured such that at least one of the above applies.

[0253] 21. At least one detection device (152) includes at least one sensor (156) for recognizing at least one state of at least one assigned fixed unit (132) and / or at least one equipment configuration (105), in particular, at least one sensor (156) • At least one sensor (156) is a contact sensor. and / or • At least one sensor (156) is a non-contact sensor. The device (100) of any of Embodiments 1, 4 to 20 and / or the module of any of Embodiments 2, 4 to 20 and / or the use of any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 20, having at least one of the above configurations.

[0254] 22. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 21 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 21 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 21, wherein at least one sensor (156) of the detection device (152) is configured to recognize whether at least one fixing unit (132) assigned to the sensor (156) is fixed to the fixing unit (132) of the handle module (114).

[0255] 23. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 22 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 22 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 22, wherein at least one sensor (156) of the detection device (152) is configured to recognize whether at least one fixed unit (132) assigned to the sensor (156) is fixed to the fixed unit (132) of the extension module (118).

[0256] 24. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 23 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 23 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 23, wherein at least one fixing unit (132) of at least one module, in particular the fixing unit of the handle module (114) and / or at least one fixing unit (132) of at least one extension module (118) includes a detection target element (164) for detection by at least one detection device (152).

[0257] 25. At least one detection target element (164) of at least one fixed unit (132) • The element to be detected (164) is magnetic. and / or, • The element to be detected (164) is a contact element. Use of at least one of the devices (100) of any of Embodiments 1, 4 to 24 and / or a module of any of Embodiments 2, 4 to 24 and / or any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 24.

[0258] 26. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 25 and / or module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 25 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 25, wherein one corresponding fixed unit (132) of at least two subtypes is at least partially longer than another corresponding fixed unit (132) of the at least two subtypes, and those corresponding fixed units (132) correspond to at least one fixed unit (132) assigned to the detection device (152).

[0259] 27. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 26 and / or a module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 26 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 26.

[0260] 28. Use of any of Embodiments 1, 4 to 27 and / or any of Embodiments 2, 4 to 27 and / or any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 27, wherein at least one functional unit of the equipment technology within at least one module, in particular within the equipment module (112), has at least two different drive modes.

[0261] 29. Use of any apparatus (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 28 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 28 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 28, wherein at least one thermal fluid generating unit (122) within a module has at least two different drive modes.

[0262] 30. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 29 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 29 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 29, wherein at least one drive mode is a continuous drive mode.

[0263] 31. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 30 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 30 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 30, wherein at least one drive mode is an action drive mode.

[0264] 32. In at least one action-driven mode, at least partially, a user action is required to maintain the drive, in particular, • In order to maintain operation in at least one action-driven mode, at least one action by the user is required after at least a specific predetermined time. and / or, • At least one action-driven mode must be maintained, requiring at least substantially continuous user actions. Use of any device (100) from Embodiments 1, 4 to 31 and / or any module from Embodiments 2, 4 to 31 and / or any of Embodiments 3, 4 to 31.

[0265] 33. Use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 32 and / or any module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 32 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 32, wherein the required action in at least one action-driven mode is the operation of an operating element.

[0266] 34. In at least one actuation drive mode, an operating element for maintaining the drive is arranged on the handle module (114) and / or the device module (112). The device (100) according to any one of Embodiments 1, 4 to 33 and / or the module according to any one of Embodiments 2, 4 to 33 and / or the use according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4 to 33.

[0267] 35. In at least one actuation drive mode, at least one operating element for maintaining the drive is arranged at least near the handle area of the device module (112) and / or at least near one fixing unit (132) of the device module (112), particularly near the handle-side fixing unit (132). The device (100) according to any one of Embodiments 1, 4 to 34 and / or the module according to any one of Embodiments 2, 4 to 34 and / or the use according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4 to 34.

[0268] 36. At least one functional unit and / or device technology of device technology can be driven and / or switched to at least one of the two different drive modes, particularly the continuous drive mode and / or the actuation drive mode, according to at least one state of at least one fixing unit (132) and / or according to the device configuration of the assembled module. The device (100) according to any one of Embodiments 1, 4 to 35 and / or the module according to any one of Embodiments 2, 4 to 35 and / or the use according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4 to 35.

[0269] 37. The control unit · according to at least one state of at least one fixing unit (132) detected by the detection device (152), and / or, · according to whether the handle module (114) is fixed to one fixing unit (132) of the device module (112), particularly the handle-side fixing unit (132), and / or, Depending on whether at least one extension module (118) is used in an assembled equipment configuration (105) and / or is fixed to at least one fixed unit (132) of the equipment module (112), The use of any device (100) of any embodiment 1, 4 to 36 and / or a module of any embodiment 2, 4 to 36 and / or any embodiment 3, 4 to 36, which switches between at least two drive modes depending on at least one of the above.

[0270] The following provides a detailed description of the embodiments and illustrations illustrating the preferred features and advantages of the present invention.

[0271] The contents of the diagram are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0272] [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 the handle module. [Figure 12] 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 equipment 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]

[0273] 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.

[0274] 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.

[0275] 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.

[0276] In a modification of this embodiment, a larger or smaller number of modules can also be provided. For example, in some modifications, the device module 112 integrally includes a handle unit, and in that case, for example, a separate handle module 114 is not provided. For example, in some modifications, the device module 112 includes at least one application unit, and thus a separate application module 116 is not particularly provided.

[0277] In particular, the device 100 can be configured for various uses by different device configurations 105.

[0278] In particular, in at least one device configuration 105, here the device configurations 105I, II, III schematically depicted in FIG. 1, the device is a long handheld device. In this case, at least one extension module 118 is used for the device configuration 105 corresponding to the long handheld device, and this is fixed to at least the device module 112 and / or the handle module 114 and / or the application module 116.

[0279] For example, in a certain device configuration 105 (here the device configuration 105I) corresponding to a long handheld device, the device module 112 and the application module 116 are fixed to each other, and at least one extension module 118 (in this example, two extension modules 118I, II) is used between the device module 112 and the handle module 114.

[0280] For example, in a certain device configuration 105 (here the device configuration 105II) corresponding to a long handheld device, at least one extension module 118 (here the extension module 118II) is used between the device module 112 and the application module 116, and at least one extension module 118 (here the extension module 118I) is used between the device module 112 and the handle module 114.

[0281] 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.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] For example, the 105IV configuration, which is compatible with small, handheld devices, is advantageous for providing users with easy-to-use, compact devices.

[0286] 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.

[0287] 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.

[0288] 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.

[0289] 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.

[0290] 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.

[0291] 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.

[0292] 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.

[0293] 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.

[0294] 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.

[0295] 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.

[0296] 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.

[0297] 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.

[0298] 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.

[0299] 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.

[0300] 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.

[0301] 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] 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.

[0305] 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.

[0306] Each extension module 118 preferably comprises two fixing units 132 so that it can be coupled with two other modules.

[0307] In particular, the handle module 114 is equipped with exactly one fixing unit 132.

[0308] In particular, the application module 116 is equipped with exactly one fixed unit 132.

[0309] 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.

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] 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.

[0313] 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.

[0314] 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.

[0315] 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.

[0316] 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.

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] Preferably, the device 100, and in particular the device module 112, includes a detection device 152 for detecting at least some device configurations 105.

[0320] In particular, the sensor 156 is assigned to the fixed unit 132 and is specifically located within that unit.

[0321] 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.

[0322] 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.

[0323] 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 that is assigned to it.

[0324] 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.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] In a preferred modification, at least one sensor 156 operates when the fixing unit 132 assigned to the sensor is fixed to the corresponding fixing unit 132 of one of two subtypes, while this at least one sensor 156 does not operate when the fixing unit 132 assigned to the sensor is fixed to the corresponding fixing unit 132 of the other subtype, or when the fixing unit 132 assigned to the sensor is detached.

[0329] In some variations, the detection result of at least one sensor 156 differs in at least three states of the fixing unit 132 assigned to the sensor, namely, the state in which it is fixed to the corresponding fixing unit 132 of one subtype, the state in which it is fixed to the fixing unit 132 of the other subtype, and the state in which it is detached. As a result, at least these three different states can be distinguished based on the detection result of this at least one sensor 156.

[0330] In an advantageous modification, the handle-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112 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 sensor 156 can distinguish between the state in which the handle-side fixing unit 132 assigned to it is fixed to the fixing unit 132 of the extension module and other states of the handle-side fixing unit 132 assigned to it.

[0331] In some preferred modifications, the handle-side fixing unit 132 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 sensor 156 can distinguish between the state in which the handle-side fixing unit 132 assigned to it is fixed to the fixing unit of the handle module 114 and other states of the handle-side fixing unit 132 assigned to it.

[0332] 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.

[0333] 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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.

[0336] 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.

[0337] In particular, only the corresponding fixed unit 132 of a certain subtype is equipped with the detection target element 164.

[0338] 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.

[0339] 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.

[0340] 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.

[0341] 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.

[0342] 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.

[0343] 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.

[0344] 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.

[0345] In some preferred variations, at least one sensor 156 of the detection device 152 is a non-contact sensor.

[0346] In particular, non-contact sensors include magnetic sensors, especially Hall sensors.

[0347] In that case, in particular, one subtype of the corresponding fixed unit 132 is equipped with a magnet as the detection target element 164. For example, another subtype of the corresponding fixed unit 132 is not equipped with a magnet.

[0348] This allows the magnetic sensor to distinguish between the state in which the assigned fixing unit 132 is fixed to the corresponding fixing unit 132 of the subtype having a magnet, and other states of the assigned fixing unit 132, particularly the detached state and the state in which it is fixed to the corresponding fixing unit 132 of another subtype without a magnet.

[0349] Preferably, the device 100, in particular its device technology and / or at least one functional unit within the device module 112, is capable of being driven in at least two different drive modes.

[0350] Preferably, the at least two drive modes include at least one continuous drive mode and / or at least one action drive mode. In this case, the at least one continuous drive mode and the at least one action drive mode are operational drive modes when the switch is on.

[0351] Furthermore, the device 100, in particular at least its device technology and / or at least one functional unit of said device technology, includes at least one switch-off state.

[0352] In a preferred embodiment, the device 100, in particular at least its device technology and / or at least one functional unit, includes a sleep mode when switched on.

[0353] In particular, the device 100, in relation to the thermal fluid generation unit, has at least one continuous drive mode and an active drive mode when switched on, as well as a pause mode when switched on, for example.

[0354] 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.

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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.

[0362] It would be very convenient if the device 100 could switch between the at least two drive modes depending on the state detected by the detection device 152.

[0363] 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.

[0364] 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.

[0365] 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.

[0366] 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.

[0367] 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.

[0368] 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.

[0369] The device 100 includes, in particular, a device casing 212, which defines the interior of the casing 214.

[0370] Exemplary modifications of the equipment casing 212 and the interior of the casing 214 are partially depicted in Figures 7 and 8.

[0371] 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.

[0372] 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.

[0373] 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.

[0374] 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.

[0375] 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.

[0376] 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.

[0377] 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.

[0378] 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.

[0379] 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.

[0380] The vertical direction 246 and the main direction 226 of the equipment casing 212 are at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0381] 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.

[0382] 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.

[0383] 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.

[0384] The device 100 includes a handle unit 262. The handle unit 262 includes at least one handle element 264, which forms the handle.

[0385] 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.

[0386] 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.

[0387] 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.

[0388] 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.

[0389] 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.

[0390] 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.

[0391] 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.

[0392] In particular, the placement location 272 is formed on the handle element 264 or the front end 266 of the placement element.

[0393] For example, the placement element extends from the placement location to the front end 266 of the handle element 264.

[0394] 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.

[0395] 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.

[0396] 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.

[0397] 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.

[0398] 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.

[0399] 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.

[0400] 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.

[0401] 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.

[0402] 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.

[0403] 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.

[0404] 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.

[0405] 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.

[0406] 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.

[0407] 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.

[0408] 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.

[0409] 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.

[0410] 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.

[0411] 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.

[0412] 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.

[0413] The void 298 is, for example, defined by a support surface 286, primarily at the bottom.

[0414] 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.

[0415] 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.

[0416] 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.

[0417] 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.

[0418] 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.

[0419] 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.

[0420] 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.

[0421] In a preferred embodiment, the extension of the arrangement portion 322 is directed diagonally downward toward the front surface 222.

[0422] 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.

[0423] 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.

[0424] 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.

[0425] Preferably, the electronic components of the device are located at least partially, and especially at least largely, within the arrangement section 322.

[0426] 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.

[0427] 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.

[0428] 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.

[0429] 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.

[0430] 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.

[0431] 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.

[0432] 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.

[0433] 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.

[0434] In particular, the water tank 352 is equipped with a storage space for storing liquid.

[0435] 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.

[0436] 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.

[0437] 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.

[0438] 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.

[0439] 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.

[0440] The equipment casing 212 has a rear portion 364 that extends to the rear surface 224.

[0441] 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.

[0442] 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.

[0443] 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.

[0444] 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.

[0445] The device 100 includes a power supply unit 372. The power supply unit 372 is preferably located at least primarily within the rear 364.

[0446] 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.

[0447] 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.

[0448] 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.

[0449] 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.

[0450] 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.

[0451] In some advantageous variations, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 includes an instantaneous water heater for heating the liquid.

[0452] In some advantageous variations, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 includes a water heater having a heating element for heating a liquid.

[0453] 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.

[0454] In particular, the device 100 includes a piping system for guiding fluid inside the casing 214.

[0455] 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.

[0456] In particular, one section of the piping system leads to the placement location 232 for the application unit 236.

[0457] 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.

[0458] 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.

[0459] 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.

[0460] 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.

[0461] 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.

[0462] 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.

[0463] 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.

[0464] Cartridge 410 is shown in Figures 15 and 16 as an example.

[0465] 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.

[0466] In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall portion 428 surrounds the internal space 424 and forms the outside of the container 422.

[0467] 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.

[0468] For example, container 422 has six outer wall sections 428I to 428VI.

[0469] Multiple wall sections 428 shall be described together as long as they are configured in at least substantially the same way, and in particular, what relates to a particular 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 described features. 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 not imply any other information, in particular, the Roman numeral does not imply the order of the wall sections 428 and / or information regarding the total number of wall sections.

[0470] 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.

[0471] 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.

[0472] 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.

[0473] 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.

[0474] 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.

[0475] 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.

[0476] 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.

[0477] 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.

[0478] 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.

[0479] 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.

[0480] 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.

[0481] 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.

[0482] 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.

[0483] 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.

[0484] 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.

[0485] 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.

[0486] 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.

[0487] 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.

[0488] 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.

[0489] 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.

[0490] 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.

[0491] 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.

[0492] 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.

[0493] At least several container components 482, 484, and in particular all container components 482, 484, each include at least one wall portion 428.

[0494] 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.

[0495] 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.

[0496] 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.

[0497] The wall portions 428 formed on different container parts 482 and 484 and positioned 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.

[0498] 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.

[0499] 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.

[0500] 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.

[0501] 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.

[0502] 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.

[0503] 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.

[0504] 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.

[0505] 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.

[0506] 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.

[0507] 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.

[0508] 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.

[0509] 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.

[0510] 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.

[0511] 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.

[0512] 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.

[0513] 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.

[0514] 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.

[0515] 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.

[0516] 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.

[0517] 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.

[0518] 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.

[0519] 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.

[0520] In particular, the spatial diagonal is oblique to at least the height direction 476 and / or to both of the spreading directions 472, 474.

[0521] 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.

[0522] 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.

[0523] 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.

[0524] In particular, the connection space region 542 extends along a linear connection line 528 from the inlet opening 514 to the outlet opening 518.

[0525] 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.

[0526] 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.

[0527] In particular, the entire internal space 424 is formed without obstacles, at least when it is unfilled.

[0528] 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.

[0529] 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.

[0530] 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.

[0531] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid modifier 414 is a granular medium.

[0532] In particular, this method makes it possible to fill the internal space 424 well, and the granular medium provides a large surface area for reaction with the liquid flowing through the internal space 424.

[0533] In particular, the fluid modifier 414 is configured to purify liquids, such as demineralizing water.

[0534] 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.

[0535] 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.

[0536] 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.

[0537] 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.

[0538] 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.

[0539] 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.

[0540] 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.

[0541] 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.

[0542] 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.

[0543] 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.

[0544] 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.

[0545] 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]

[0546] 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...Blank 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. A device (100) configured as a modular device, comprising a plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules include at least one device module (112) and / or one handle module (114) and / or at least one application module (116) and at least one extension module (118), each of the plurality of modules comprising at least one fixing unit (132), wherein the device module (112) comprises at least two fixing units (132), and the modules can be detachably fixed to each other by the fixing units (132), thereby enabling the modules of the device (100) to be assembled into a device (100) with various device configurations (105), thereby enabling the modules of the device (100) to be assembled into at least a small handheld device and / or a long handheld device.

2. Modules for the device (100) as described in any of the claims particularly directed to the device (100), particularly a device module (112) and / or a handle module (114) and / or an application module (116) and / or an extension module (118), wherein the module comprises at least one fixing unit (132), particularly the device module (112) comprising at least two fixing units (132), and the module can be detachably coupled with at least one other module by at least one fixing unit (132), as a result the at least one module can be used in various device configurations (105) of the device (100), particularly the at least one module can be used together with at least one other module in a device configuration corresponding to at least a small handheld device and / or a device configuration corresponding to at least a long handheld device.

3. Use of at least one module, in particular use of at least one equipment module (112) and / or at least one handle module (114) and / or at least one application module (116) and / or at least one extension module (118), wherein the at least one module comprises at least one fixing unit (132), and the at least one module can be detachably coupled with at least one other module at the at least one fixing unit (132), so that the at least one module can be used in various equipment configurations of the equipment (100), and so that the at least one module can be used in at least one modular small handheld equipment and / or at least one modular long handheld equipment.

4. The apparatus (100) and / or the module according to claim 1 and / or the use according to claim 3, characterized in that the apparatus (100) and / or the module is configured to apply a thermal fluid in at least one function, and / or to clean in at least one function, and / or to iron in at least one function.

5. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 4 and / or the module according to claim 2 or 4 and / or the use according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one extension module (118) is inserted and detachably fixed by its two fixing units (132) at least between the handle module (114) and the device module (112) and / or between the device module (112) and at least one application module (116), thereby forming a long device configuration (105) such that the device (100) becomes a long handheld device, and in particular, a plurality of extension modules (118) are provided in at least one device configuration (105).

6. At least one extension module (118) is configured to be at least partially rigid, and in particular, at least one extension module (118) is, - At least one extension module (118) is constructed to be rigid in at least a large portion of its elongated extension. - At least one extension module (118) is rigidly configured at least for a large portion of the space between its two fixed units (132). The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, 4, or 5 and / or the module according to claim 2, 4, or 5 and / or the use according to claim 3, 4, or 5, characterized in that it is configured to have at least one of the following features.

7. At least one extension module (118) is configured to be at least partially flexible, and in particular, at least one extension module (118) is, - At least one extension module (118) is configured to be flexible in at least a large portion of its elongated extension. - At least one extension module (118) is configured to be flexible at least for a large part between its two fixed units (132). The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 6 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 6 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 6, characterized in that it is configured to have at least one of the following features.

8. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 7, characterized in that at least one extension module (118) is configured to be extendable and retractable by at least two module components, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 7, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 7.

9. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 8, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 8, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 8, characterized in that at least one extension module (118) is configured as at least substantially hollow.

10. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 9 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 9 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 9, characterized in that at least one application module (116) is configured to act on something, for example, an object and / or a surface, in particular in accordance with at least one function of the apparatus (100).

11. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 10 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 10 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 10, characterized in that at least the apparatus module (112) and at least one application module (116) are functionally and technically coupled to each other for at least one function of the modular apparatus (100), for example, coupling to deliver thermal fluid.

12. The equipment module (112) includes at least partially, and in particular at least largely, equipment technology necessary for at least one function of the equipment (100), for example, the equipment technology included in the equipment module (112) includes at least one particularly electrical control technology and / or at least one functional unit and / or a power supply unit (372) and / or interaction technology for user-device-device interaction, as described in any of claims 1, 4 to 11, and / or the module and / or the use described in any of claims 3, 4 to 11.

13. The equipment (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 12, characterized in that the equipment module (112) includes a thermal fluid generation unit (378), and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 12, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 12.

14. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 13, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 13, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 13, characterized in that at least two fixing units (132) of the device module (112), in particular the handle-side fixing unit (132) and the application-side fixing unit (132), are arranged on opposite sides of each other, particularly linearly opposite sides.

15. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 14 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 14 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 14, characterized in that at least two types of fixing units (132) are provided, and in at least one pair of the two types, a first type of fixing unit (132) and a second type of fixing unit (132) are defined and particularly formed, and a pair of first type fixing units (132) and second type fixing units (132) are corresponding fixing units (132) and can be detachably fixed to each other.

16. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 15 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 15 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 15, wherein in at least one pair of two types of fixing units (132), one of the two types, for example, a first type of fixing unit (132), is provided with a fixing receiving portion (136), and the other of the two types, for example, a second type of fixing unit (132), is provided with a fixing relative object (138) to be received, and in particular, when in a fixed state, the fixing relative object (138) to be received is received within the fixing receiving portion (136).

17. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 16, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 16, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 16, characterized in that at least one detection device (152) is provided, the device being configured to recognize at least one state of at least one assigned fixed unit (132) and / or to recognize at least one device configuration (105).

18. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 17, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 17, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 17, characterized in that at least one detection device (152) is configured at least partially in the apparatus module (112).

19. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 18 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 18 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 18, characterized in that at least one detection device (152) is configured to recognize at least one state of at least one assigned fixing unit (132) of the apparatus module (112), in particular at least one state of the handle-side fixing unit (132) of the apparatus module (112).

20. At least two subtypes of corresponding fixed units (132) are provided for at least one fixed unit (32) assigned to the detection device (152), and this at least one detection device, with respect to its detection result, - The detection result when at least one assigned fixing unit (132) is fixed to one of the corresponding fixing units (132) of the two subtypes is different from the detection result when at least one assigned fixing unit (132) is fixed to the other corresponding fixing unit (132) of the two subtypes. - The detection result when at least one assigned fixing unit (132) is fixed to the corresponding fixing unit (132) of at least one of the two subtypes is different from the detection result when the assigned fixing unit (132) is detached. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 19 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 19 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 19, characterized in that it is configured such that at least one of the above applies.

21. At least one detection device (152) includes at least one sensor (156) for recognizing at least one state of at least one assigned fixed unit (132) and / or at least one equipment configuration (105), in particular, at least one sensor (156) - At least one sensor (156) is a contact sensor. - At least one sensor (156) is a non-contact sensor. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 20 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 20 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 20, characterized in having at least one of the following configurations.

22. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 21 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 21 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 21, characterized in that at least one sensor (156) of the detection device (152) is configured to recognize whether at least one fixing unit (132) assigned to the sensor (156) is fixed to the fixing unit (132) of the handle module (114).

23. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 22 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 22 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 22, characterized in that at least one sensor (156) of the detection device (152) is configured to recognize whether at least one fixed unit (132) assigned to the sensor (156) is fixed to the fixed unit (132) of the extension module (118).

24. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 23 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 23 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 23, characterized in that at least one fixing unit (132) of at least one module, in particular the fixing unit of the handle module (114) and / or the fixing unit (132) of at least one extension module (118) includes a detection target element (164) for detection by at least one detection device (152).

25. At least one detection target element (164) of at least one fixed unit (132) - The element to be detected (164) is magnetic. - The element to be detected (164) is a contact element. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 24, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 24, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 24, characterized in that it is at least one of the above.

26. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 25 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 25 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 25, characterized in that one corresponding fixed unit (132) of at least two subtypes is at least partially longer than another corresponding fixed unit (132) of the at least two subtypes, and those corresponding fixed units (132) correspond to at least one fixed unit (132) assigned to the detection device (152).

27. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 26 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 26 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 26, characterized in that at least one sensor (156) of a detection device (152) is located in an end region of the fixing receiving portion (136) of the fixing receiving portion (136), and the end region is located particularly opposite to a receiving opening (168) of the fixing receiving portion (136).

28. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 27, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 27, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 27, characterized in that at least one functional unit of the device technology within at least one module, particularly within the device module (112), comprises at least two different drive modes.

29. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 28, characterized in that at least one thermal fluid generating unit (122) within a module has at least two different drive modes, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 28, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 28.

30. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 29, characterized in that at least one drive mode is a continuous drive mode, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 29, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 29.

31. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 30, characterized in that at least one drive mode is an action drive mode, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 30, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 30.

32. In at least one action-driven mode, at least partially, a user action is required to maintain the drive, and in particular, - In order to maintain operation in at least one action-driven mode, at least one action by the user is required after at least a specific predetermined time. and / or, - At least one action-driven mode requires at least substantially continuous user actions to maintain operation. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 31 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 31 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 31.

33. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 32, characterized in that the required action in at least one action-driven mode is the operation of an operating element, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 32, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 32.

34. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 33 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 33 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 33, characterized in that an operating element for maintaining drive in at least one action drive mode is provided in the handle module (114) and / or the device module (112).

35. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 34 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 34 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 34, characterized in that at least one operating element for maintaining drive in at least one action drive mode is located at least near the handle area of ​​the device module (112) and / or at least near one fixing unit (132) in the device module (112), particularly near the handle-side fixing unit (132).

36. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 35 and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 35 and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 35, characterized in that at least one functional unit of the apparatus technology and / or the apparatus technology can be driven and / or switched to at least one of the two different drive modes, particularly a continuous drive mode and / or an action drive mode, depending on at least one state of at least one fixed unit (132) and / or depending on the apparatus configuration of the assembled module.

37. The control unit, - Depending on at least one state of at least one fixed unit (132) detected by the detection device (152), - Depending on whether the handle module (114) is fixed to one of the fixing units (132) of the equipment module (112), in particular the handle-side fixing unit (132), Depending on whether at least one extension module (118) is used in an assembled equipment configuration (105) and / or is fixed to at least one fixed unit (132) of the equipment module (112), The device (100) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 36, and / or the module according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 36, and / or the use according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 36, characterized in that it switches between at least two drive modes depending on at least one of the above.

Images