DE102022200523A1 - Suction nozzle with suction mouth opening that can be covered - Google Patents

Abstract

A suction nozzle for a suction device is described. The suction nozzle comprises a suction mouth (107) with a suction mouth opening which, when the suction nozzle is in operation, faces a surface to be cleaned, the suction mouth opening having a total area through which a suction air stream flows during operation of the suction nozzle for sucking off the surface to be cleaned. The suction nozzle also includes a cover element that is designed to be transferred from a basic position to a cover position, in which the cover element covers a first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening, so that the suction air flow during operation of the suction nozzle flows through an uncovered second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening, which has a reduced area compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening.

Description

The invention relates to a suction nozzle for a suction device, in particular for a robot vacuum.

A suction device typically has a suction nozzle with a suction mouth, via which impurities or dirt, in particular dust particles, are sucked up from a floor to be cleaned by means of an air flow. The air flow can be effected by a fan. The dirt is conveyed from the suction mouth into a dirt collection container of the suction device by the air flow.

The suction power of a suction device, in particular a suction robot, can be impaired, for example, in the corner of a room because the suction mouth cannot be placed directly at the corner of the room and/or because the suction mouth of a suction device is typically intended for relatively large, free, Suction surfaces, and therefore cannot be focused in the corner or at the edge of a room.

The present document deals with the technical task of providing a suction nozzle for a suction device, in particular for a robotic vacuum cleaner, which can also be used in areas that are difficult to access, such as e.g. B. a room corner, a reliable and thorough cleaning allows.

The object is achieved in each case by the subject matter of the individual independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent patent claims, described in the following description or shown in the attached drawing.

According to one aspect of the invention, a suction nozzle for a suction device is described. The suction nozzle can be permanently integrated into the suction device, in particular into the housing of the suction device (such as, for example, in a vacuum robot). Alternatively, the suction nozzle can be detachable (such as, for example, in a (hand-held) vacuum cleaner).

The suction nozzle comprises a suction mouth with a suction mouth opening, the suction mouth opening facing the surface to be cleaned (e.g. a floor) when the suction nozzle is in operation. The suction mouth opening can have a total area through which a suction air flow flows during operation of the suction nozzle for sucking off the surface to be cleaned (if the suction mouth opening is not covered). In standard operation, the suction nozzle can be designed to cause a suction air flow through the total (cross-sectional) area of the suction mouth opening in order to suck off as large an area as possible of the surface to be cleaned.

The suction mouth opening can be rectangular. Furthermore, the suction mouth opening can have a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis (arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). The suction mouth opening can have a specific overall length along the longitudinal axis and a specific overall width along the transverse axis. The overall length can be greater than the overall width, e.g. B. by a factor of 2 or more, or by a factor of 3 or more. The total area of the suction mouth opening can correspond to the product of the total length and the total width. The transverse axis can be arranged in the usual direction of movement of the suction nozzle (forward or backward). The longitudinal axis can be arranged transversely to the usual direction of movement.

A brush roller can be arranged in the suction mouth of the suction nozzle, the brush roller being designed to rotate about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation typically running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth opening. The brush roller can be arranged in the suction mouth in such a way that the brush roller can act on the surface to be cleaned through the suction mouth opening.

The suction nozzle includes a cover element which is designed to be transferred from a basic position into a cover position. The cover element can be designed to cover a first partial area of the suction mouth opening in the covering position, so that the suction air flow during operation of the suction nozzle flows through an uncovered second partial area of the suction mouth opening, which has a reduced area compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening. Reducing the effective cross-sectional area through which the suction airflow flows typically increases the flow velocity of the suction airflow (if the total volumetric flow rate of the suction airflow remains unchanged).

Furthermore, the cover element can be designed in such a way that the cover element does not cover the suction mouth opening in the basic position, and/or that when the suction nozzle is operated with the cover element in the basic position, the suction air flow flows through the first partial area and through the second partial area of the suction mouth opening.

As already explained above, the suction mouth or the suction mouth opening can have a longitudinal axis which possibly runs perpendicular to the (usual) direction of movement of the suction nozzle when the suction nozzle is in operation. The first partial area and the second partial area of the suction mouth opening can be arranged adjacent and/or one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth or the suction mouth opening. In particular, the second partial area can follow the first partial area along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth. Furthermore, the first partial area and the second partial area of the suction mouth opening can extend along the longitudinal axis over the entire length of the suction mouth opening. In other words, the first partial area and the second partial area together can have the total length of the suction mouth opening. In other words, the total length of the suction mouth opening along the longitudinal axis can be made up of the first length of the first partial area and the second length of the second partial area of the suction mouth opening. Furthermore, the first partial area and the second partial area can each extend over the entire width of the suction mouth opening along the transverse axis, which runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

A suction nozzle with a suction mouth opening is thus described, which can be partially covered by a cover element in order to reduce the cross-sectional area of the uncovered portion of the suction mouth opening, thereby increasing the flow speed of the suction air flow through this portion. As a result, cleaning performance can be increased efficiently and reliably at a focused point of the surface to be cleaned (e.g., on the wall of a room or in the corner of a room).

The suction nozzle can also include at least one actuator which is set up to move the cover element from the basic position into the at least one cover position. The actuator can be designed to be actuated manually by a user of the suction nozzle (e.g. with the foot). As an alternative or in addition, the actuator can comprise at least one electric motor in order to bring about automatic activation of the cover element. A particularly comfortable and reliable covering of a partial area of the suction mouth opening can thus be made possible.

The cover element can have a cover surface (e.g. in the form of a flat material) which can be moved out of the first partial area of the suction mouth opening by the actuator in order to convert the cover element from the cover position into the base position. Alternatively or additionally, the covering surface can be moved by the actuator into the first partial area of the suction mouth opening in order to transfer the covering element from the basic position into the covering position. In this case, the cover surface can be moved into or out of the first partial area, if necessary using one or more guide elements (such as a guide rail or a support ring). A particularly reliable covering of a partial area of the suction mouth opening can thus be made possible.

The cover element can comprise a plurality of support rings which are arranged adjacent and/or one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the cover element (which typically corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth). In particular, a plurality of support rings can be arranged at different locations along the longitudinal axis of the cover element (e.g. at opposite ends of the suction mouth and at one or more intermediate locations). The cover surface can then be attached to the support rings. The cover surface can form a segment of the lateral surface of a circular cylinder. In other words, the cover element can be tubular, with only part of the outer surface of the tube being covered by a cover surface.

The (tubular) cover element can be arranged in the suction mouth. The support rings can enclose a brush roller arranged in the suction mouth. The cover element can be designed to be rotated about the longitudinal axis by the actuator inside the suction mouth, so that the cover surface does not cover the first partial area of the suction mouth opening in a basic angular position (which corresponds to the basic position of the cover element) (the cover surface can then be arranged inside the suction mouth , e.g. on a wall of the suction mouth). Furthermore, the cover element can be designed to be rotated about the longitudinal axis by the actuator within the suction mouth, so that the cover surface (which corresponds to the cover position of the cover element) covers the first partial area of the suction mouth opening (precisely) in a cover angle position.

The first partial area of the suction mouth opening can be delimited along the longitudinal axis by a first edge and an opposite second edge. The cover surface can then extend axially along the longitudinal axis from the first edge to the second edge of the first partial area of the suction mouth opening. Furthermore, the first partial area of the suction mouth opening can be delimited along the transverse axis by a front edge and an opposite rear edge. The cover surface can then extend over such a wide angular range tangentially and/or in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis that the cover surface covers the suction mouth opening along the transverse axis from the rear edge to the front edge in the angular cover position.

A tubular cover element can thus be provided which can be rotated about the longitudinal axis in order to selectively cover the first part to release or cover the area around the suction mouth opening. In this way, selective local focusing of the suction mouth opening can be effected in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

The covering element can be designed in such a way that the covering surface extends over a wider angular range on the second edge of the first partial area (which faces away from the second partial area) than on the first edge of the first partial area (which faces the second partial area), so that by rotating the cover element about the longitudinal axis, the portion of the first partial area of the suction mouth opening that is covered by the cover surface is changed, in particular is changed gradually or continuously. The width of the covering surface can thus be changed along the longitudinal axis in order to be able to change the cross-sectional area of the uncovered part of the suction mouth opening in an efficient manner.

Alternatively or additionally, the covering element can comprise a shield-shaped covering surface. The shield-shaped covering surface can be arranged in the basic position of the covering element in a cavity (of the suction nozzle and/or the suction device) which is arranged along the transverse axis of the suction mouth opening in front of or behind the suction mouth opening (in particular in front of the front edge of the suction mouth opening or behind the rear edge of the suction mouth opening). is. Furthermore, the shield-shaped covering surface can cover the first partial area of the suction mouth opening when the covering element is in the covering position. The shield-shaped cover surface can be moved by the actuator. By using a shield-shaped covering surface, the suction mouth opening can be partially covered in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

The shield-shaped cover surface may have a greater width (along the transverse axis) at the second edge of the first portion (facing away from the second portion) than at the first edge of the first portion (facing the second portion). It can thus be made possible to change the portion of the first partial area of the suction mouth opening that is covered by the covering surface.

Alternatively or additionally, the cover element can have a cover surface (which can be unwound and/or rolled up), which is rolled up on a roll when the cover element is in the basic position, and which can be unwound from the roll to transfer the cover element into the cover position, so that the cover surface first partial area of the suction mouth opening at least partially or completely covered. The covering surface may comprise a plurality of slats arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller. Alternatively or in addition, the covering surface can comprise a flexible, in particular textile- or rubber-based, material.

The roller can be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth opening in front of or behind the suction mouth opening, so that the covering surface is moved along the longitudinal axis over the first partial area of the suction mouth opening. In this way, different portions of the first partial area can be covered in an efficient manner. Alternatively, the roller can be arranged along the transverse axis of the suction mouth in front of or behind the suction mouth (e.g. in front of the front edge or behind the rear edge of the suction mouth), so that the covering surface is moved along the transverse axis over the first partial region of the suction mouth.

By using a covering surface (which can be unrolled and/or rolled up), the suction mouth opening can be partially covered in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

The cover member may have a first roller on a first side of the suction mouth and a second roller on an opposite second side of the suction mouth. The first side can be located in front (along the transverse axis) and the second side can be located behind the suction mouth opening. Alternatively, the first side (along the longitudinal axis) can be arranged on the right and the second side on the left next to the suction mouth opening.

The covering element can then be designed such that the covering surface is unwound from the first roll and wound up from the second roll in a complementary manner, or vice versa (to convert the covering element from the base position to the covering position). By using two rollers, the reliability of covering the suction mouth opening can be further increased.

The covering area can include a covering grid with a large number of grid cells (in particular with a planar matrix of grid cells). In this case, a first part of the plurality of grid cells can have covering material for covering a respective corresponding cell of the first partial area of the suction mouth opening. Furthermore, a second part of the plurality of grid cells can have no covering material, so that the corresponding cell of the first partial area of the suction mouth opening is not covered. A particularly flexible local focusing of the suction air flow can be brought about by using a covering surface in which grid cells are partially covered and partially uncovered.

The suction nozzle can include a sealing element (e.g. a sealing lip or a brush strip) on the edge of the second partial area of the suction mouth opening, which faces away from the first partial area of the suction mouth opening, which can be moved between a sealing position and an open position. The sealing element can be designed to block the suction air flow more in the sealing position than in the open position. The edge of the second partial area can be arranged on the side wall of the suction nozzle and/or the suction device.

The suction nozzle can be designed to operate the sealing element in the sealing position when the cover element is in the basic position. In this way, the suction air flow can be reliably focused on the area below the (fully open) suction mouth opening. Furthermore, the suction nozzle can be designed to operate the sealing element in the open position when the covering element is in the covering position. The suction air flow can thus be oriented towards the edge of the suction nozzle in order to further increase the cleaning quality at the edge.

The suction nozzle can include a sealing element (e.g. a sealing lip or a brush strip) which is designed to seal the edge between the second partial area of the suction mouth opening and the first partial area of the suction mouth opening during operation of the suction nozzle with the covering element in the covering position. For this purpose, the sealing element can extend at the edge between the second partial area of the suction mouth opening and the first partial area of the suction mouth opening from the suction mouth opening to the surface to be cleaned. In this way, the suction air flow can be focused in a particularly effective manner on the area below the second partial area of the suction mouth opening in order to further improve the cleaning quality.

The covering element can have a plurality of partial covering elements which are arranged one behind the other and/or adjacent to one another along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth. The individual partial cover elements can be designed to selectively cover a part of the first partial area of the suction mouth opening, in particular in a complementary manner, so that the entire first partial area of the suction mouth opening is covered by the multiple partial cover elements together. The individual partial covering elements can be moved between the respective basic position and the respective covering position by a dedicated actuator. A particularly flexible partial covering of the suction mouth opening can be made possible through the use of several partial covering elements.

According to a further aspect, a suction device for cleaning a surface (in particular a floor) is described. The suction device can be embodied as a vacuum cleaner, as a vacuum robot, or as a (possibly multi-use) hand-held device. The suction device includes the suction nozzle described in this document. Furthermore, the suction device typically includes a fan that is designed to bring about a flow of suction air through the suction nozzle.

The suction device may comprise a control module, wherein the control module is configured to determine (e.g. based on the sensor data from one or more sensors of the suction device) that a focusing situation exists in which the suction air flow should be locally focused. The control module may further be configured, in response thereto, to cause the cover element of the suction nozzle to be transferred from the base position to the cover position in order to locally focus the suction air flow (e.g. on an edge region of the suction mouth opening).

According to a further aspect, a method for operating a suction device is described which has a suction mouth with a suction mouth opening which, during operation, faces the surface to be cleaned. The suction mouth opening has a total area through which a suction air stream flows during operation for sucking off the surface to be cleaned. The suction device also includes a cover element, which is designed to selectively cover a first partial area of the suction mouth opening at least partially or completely, so that the suction air flow flows (only) through the (complementary) uncovered second partial area of the suction mouth opening, which is opposite to the overall surface of the Suction mouth opening has reduced area.

The method includes determining that a focusing situation exists where the suction airflow should be or is to be locally focused. Furthermore, the method comprises, in response thereto, causing the cover element to at least partially or completely cover the first partial area of the suction mouth opening.

It should be noted that any aspect of the suction nozzle described in this document and/or the suction device described in this document and/or the method described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the patent claims can be combined with one another in many different ways.

• 1a einen beispielhaften Saugroboter als Beispiel für eine Saugvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 1b die Unterseite eines beispielhaften Saugroboters;
• 1c eine beispielhafte Fokussierungssituation;
• 2a bis 2g unterschiedliche Ansichten eines Saugroboters mit einem Abdeckelement;
• 3a bis 3e unterschiedliche Ansichten eines Saugroboters mit einem Abdeckelement;
• 4a bis 4e unterschiedliche Ansichten eines Saugroboters mit einem Abdeckelement;
• 5a bis 5g unterschiedliche Ansichten eines Saugroboters mit einem Abdeckelement;
• 6a bis 6h unterschiedliche Ansichten eines Saugroboters mit einem Abdeckelement;
• 7a bis 7b unterschiedliche Ansichten einer Saugmundöffnung; und
• 8 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines beispielhaften Verfahrens zum Betrieb einer Saugvorrichtung.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing.
show:

• 1a an exemplary robot vacuum as an example of a suction device in a perspective view;
• 1b the underside of an example vacuum robot;
• 1c an exemplary focusing situation;
• 2a until 2g different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element;
• 3a until 3e different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element;
• 4a until 4e different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element;
• 5a until 5g different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element;
• 6a until 6h different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element;
• 7a until 7b different views of a suction mouth opening; and
• 8th a flowchart of an exemplary method for operating a suction device.

As explained at the outset, the present document deals with increasing the cleaning quality of a suction device on a wall or in a corner of a room. In this context shows 1a the underside 122 of a vacuum robot 100 as an example of a suction device. When the vacuum robot 100 is in suction mode, the underside 122 faces the floor to be cleaned or the surface to be cleaned of a cleaning area, for example a room. The underside 122 of the robot vacuum 100 typically has one or more drive units 101 (with one or more drive wheels) by which the robot vacuum 100 can be moved in order to clean different areas of a floor. Furthermore, the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 can have one or more guide and/or support elements 104 (e.g. non-driven wheels), which enable the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 to move stably over the floor to be cleaned. In addition, a robot vacuum 100 typically includes one or more cleaning units 106 (in particular suction nozzles) that are set up to clean the floor under the robot vacuum 100 . The one or more cleaning units 106 can be shielded by one or more barrel-shaped shields 103 in the direction of movement 120 of the vacuum robot 100 . Larger objects lying on the floor can be pushed aside by the one or more shields 103 in order to prevent larger objects from getting into a cleaning unit 106 and damaging and/or clogging the cleaning unit 106 .

A cleaning unit 106 (in particular a suction nozzle) can have a brush roller 102 which is designed to rotate about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation typically being arranged parallel to the underside 122 of the vacuum robot 100 . The brush roller 102 can be used to mechanically loosen dust and/or dirt on the floor to be cleaned from the floor so that the dust and/or dirt can be sucked into the suction mouth 107 of the cleaning unit 106 with increased reliability.

A user interface can be arranged on the upper side 121 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100, which allows a user of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 to make control inputs. In addition, the robot vacuum 100 can include an impact sensor 105 on a side wall 123 (e.g. on a side wall 123 in the front area of the robot vacuum 100), which is set up to record sensor data that indicate whether the robot vacuum 100 is hitting an obstacle in the direction of movement 120 encountered. The triggering of the impact sensor 105 by an obstacle can cause the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 to rotate about its vertical or vertical axis, which is perpendicular to the floor, and thereby change the direction of movement 120 in order to avoid the obstacle.

Furthermore, a vacuum robot 100 typically has one or more environment sensors 110 that are set up to capture environment or sensor data relating to the environment of the vacuum robot 100 (see FIG 1b) . The one or more environment sensors 110 can include: one or more image cameras, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more tactile and/or optical distance sensors, one or more acoustic sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more lidar and/or radar sensors, etc. A control module 130 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 can be set up to determine digital map information relating to the cleaning area to be cleaned on the basis of the environmental data and, if necessary, to store it on a storage unit 111 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 . The robotic vacuum cleaner 100 can use the digital map information to orient itself within the cleaning area (e.g. within a room) and/or to define a driving route for cleaning the cleaning area.

1c 15 shows the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 positioned in a corner 150 of a room 1c the arrangement of Suction mouth 107 of the vacuum robot 100 relative to a corner 150. As shown 1c As can be seen, the suction mouth 107 can only be arranged in a relatively wide area at the corner 150. In particular, the corner 150 cannot be swept over with the suction mouth 107 . As a result, the cleaning effect of the vacuum robot 100 in corners 150 can be impaired.

This document describes a suction device 100, in particular a robotic vacuum cleaner, which has a suction mouth 107 that can be at least partially covered by a cover element, so that the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 is reduced. As a result, the flow speed of the suction air can be increased through the uncovered part of the suction mouth 107, which in turn can increase the suction power in the immediate vicinity of the uncovered part of the suction mouth 107.

To clean a corner 150, a part of the suction mouth 107 facing away from the corner 150 can be covered, whereby the suction power is increased by the uncovered part of the suction mouth 107, which faces the corner 150. This makes it possible to increase the cleaning quality of the suction device 100 in a corner 150 in an efficient manner.

2a shows a suction device 100, in particular a vacuum robot, in a perspective view. The suction device 100 has on and/or in the suction mouth 107 a cover element 200 which is designed to cover a part of the suction mouth 107, in particular a part of the suction mouth opening. 2 B shows an exemplary cover element 200, which is designed as a piece of pipe, which is arranged rotatably within the suction mouth 107 about the brush roller 102, ie about the axis of rotation of the brush roller 102. The cover element 200 has an axis of rotation which can correspond to the axis of rotation of the brush roller 102 . Furthermore, the cover element 200 has a plurality of support rings 202 which are distributed along the axis of rotation.

A cover surface 201 is arranged on the support rings 202 and is designed to cover part of the suction mouth 107 . in the in 2 B In the example shown, the covering surface 201 has a lateral surface segment that extends in the axial direction of the tubular covering element 200 from one edge to an opposite edge of the part of the suction mouth 107 that can be covered. Furthermore, the covering surface 201 extends in the tangential direction and/or in the circumferential direction of the tubular covering element 200 in such a way that the suction mouth 107 is (substantially) completely covered transversely to the axial direction.

The suction device 100 can include an actuator (not shown), e.g. B. an electric motor, which is set up to move the cover element 200, in particular to rotate about the axis of rotation. In this case, the covering surface 201 can be selectively placed in front of the suction mouth 107 in order to reduce the cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 . On the other hand, by rotating the tubular covering member 200, the cover surface 201 can be rotated against a wall (located in the suction device 100) of the suction mouth 107 to fully open the suction mouth 107.

2c shows the underside 122 of the suction device 100 in a situation in which a (first) part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered by the covering surface 201 of the covering element 200, so that the suction air is essentially only through an uncovered (second) part 207 of the Suction mouth 107 acts on the surface to be cleaned. in the in 2c In the example shown, the uncovered part 207 of the suction mouth 107 is arranged on a side wall 123 of the suction device 100, so that the suction power of the suction device 100 on this side wall 123 (e.g. for cleaning a corner 150) can be increased.

The suction device 100 can, as in 2d shown, have a sealing element 210 which is arranged between the uncovered or uncoverable (second) part 207 of the suction mouth 107 and the coverable (first) part 208 of the suction mouth 107 . The sealing element 210 can extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107 (the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107 being parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush roller 102). The sealing element 210 can extend from the suction mouth 107 to the surface to be cleaned, so that the sealing element 210 forms a lateral barrier for the suction air that is sucked through the uncovered part 207 of the suction mouth 107 . The sealing element 210 can thus focus the suction air more strongly on the side wall 123 of the suction device 100 and thus possibly on a corner 150 to be cleaned.

2e shows the suction mouth 107 2d (in a view of the underside 122 of the suction device 100), in which the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered by the covering surface 201.

2f and 2g each show a section through the suction device 100, in which the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107 is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. 2f illustrates how that Covering surface 201 of the covering element 200 (in a basic position) can be placed on an inner wall of the suction mouth 107 in order to open the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 . 2g shows the covering element 200 in a covering position, in which the part 208 of the suction mouth 107 that can be covered is covered by the covering surface 201 and is thus closed to suction air.

• • das Abdeckelement 200 in einer ersten (Abdeck-)Stellung platziert werden kann, bei der der abdeckbare Teil 208 des Saugmunds 107 nur durch das erste Segment 301 der Abdeckfläche 201 bedeckt wird (wie beispielhaft in 3b dargestellt); und
• • das Abdeckelement 200 in einer zweiten (Abdeck-)Stellung platziert werden kann, bei dem der abdeckbare Teil 208 des Saugmunds 107 vollständig durch das erste Segment 301 und durch das zweite Segment 302 der Abdeckfläche 207 bedeckt wird (wie beispielhaft in 2c dargestellt).

The cover element 200 can be designed to change the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 stepwise or smoothly. 3a shows a tubular covering element 200 with a covering surface 201, which has two segments 301, 302, which are arranged next to one another or one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107. The first segment 301 has a greater spread in the tangential direction and/or in the circumferential direction than the second segment 302. It can thus be achieved that by rotating the cover element 200 about the axis of rotation of the cover element 200,

• • the covering element 200 can be placed in a first (covering) position, in which the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered only by the first segment 301 of the covering surface 201 (as exemplified in 3b shown); and
• • the cover element 200 can be placed in a second (covering) position, in which the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is completely covered by the first segment 301 and by the second segment 302 of the cover surface 207 (as exemplified in 2c shown).

The effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 or the suction mouth opening can thus be changed in an efficient manner by rotating the cover element 200 .

In a further example (not shown), the covering surface 201 of the tubular covering element 200 can be designed in such a way that the spread of the covering surface 201 along the longitudinal axis, starting from a first edge of the covering element 200 to the opposite second edge of the covering element 200, flows in a tangential direction Increased direction or in the circumferential direction. The first edge can face the non-coverable part 207 of the suction mouth 107 and the second edge can face away from the non-coverable part 207 of the suction mouth 107 . Thus, it can be made possible to cover the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 little by little (in a smooth manner) by rotating the tubular cover member 200 .

3c shows a cover element 200, which has a first partial cover element 310 and a second partial cover element 320, which are arranged one behind the other and/or adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107, and which each have a cover surface 201, with which a part of the Suction mouth 107 can be covered. The partial cover elements 310, 320 can be designed to be moved independently of one another (by an actuator, not shown). 3d shows a situation in which the suction mouth 107 is only covered with the covering surface 201 of the first partial covering element 310, and 3e shows a situation in which the suction mouth 107 is covered by the covering surfaces 201 of the first and second partial covering elements 310, 320.

4a shows a curved and/or shield-shaped cover element 200 with a curved and/or shield-shaped covering surface 201, which can be pushed in front of the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 by an actuator (not shown) in order to reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 . As in the sectional drawings of 4b and 4c shown, the arcuate and/or shield-shaped covering surface 201 can be pushed out of the region 208 of the suction mouth opening (e.g. into a region of the suction device 100 which is arranged in front of the suction mouth 107 in the direction of movement 120). 4c illustrates how the cover surface 201 can be placed in front of the suction mouth opening to cover the suction mouth 107.

The covering surface 201 can have different segments 301, 302 in order to enable the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 to be covered step by step (see FIG 4d ). Alternatively or additionally, the arcuate and/or shield-shaped cover element 200 can be composed of several arcuate and/or shield-shaped partial cover elements 310, 320, with which different sections of the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 can be selectively covered.

In the 5a until 5c a covering element 200 is described with a covering surface 201 which can be rolled onto a roll 502 or unrolled from a roll 502 . The cover surface 201 can then be extended in the longitudinal direction of the suction mouth 107 (ie along the in 5c shown covering direction 505) unrolled from the roller 502 and moved over the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107. 5a shows the cover element 200 in a rolled-up state, in which the cover surface 201 is rolled up on the roller 502, so that the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is not covered. 5b shows the covering element 200 in an unrolled state, in which the covering surface 201 has been unwound from the roll 502 and covers the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 . 5c illustrates how the suction mouth 107 can be gradually covered with the covering surface 201 by unrolling the covering surface 201 from the roller 502 . The roller 502 of the cover element 200 is arranged behind or in front of the suction mouth 107 along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107 .

5d and 5e each show a section through a suction device 100, the direction of movement 120 of the suction device 100 being perpendicular to the image area. 5d shows the roll 502 of the covering element 200 with the rolled up covering surface 201. 5e 12 illustrates how, by unwinding the covering surface 201 from the roll 502, the suction mouth 107 can be gradually covered with the covering surface 201 to reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107. FIG.

5f shows how the part 208 of the suction mouth 107 that can be covered is approximately 50% covered by the developed covering surface 201, and 5g shows how the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is completely covered by the cover surface 201. Further illustrate 5f and 5g a sealing member 503 which is arranged at the end of the covering surface 201 and which is designed to shield the uncovered part 207 of the suction mouth 107 from the covered part 208 of the suction mouth 107 in order to focus the suction air flow.

The 6a until 6h 12 illustrate cover elements 200 that can be pulled over the suction mouth 107 transversely to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107. FIG. In this case, the covering surface 201 can be unrolled from a roller 502 in order to place the covering surface 201 over at least part of the suction mouth 107 . The role 502, as in the 6b and 6c shown, be arranged in front of the suction mouth 107 along the direction of movement 120 . It is also possible to arrange the roller 502 behind the suction mouth 107 (relative to the direction of movement 120).

6d 1 illustrates that the covering element 200 can have a plurality of partial covering elements 310, 320 which are arranged one behind the other and/or adjacent to one another along the longitudinal axis.

6e and 6f illustrate the use of a cover element 200 with a cover surface 201, which is composed of slats 601, which can be rolled up or unrolled from a roll 502, similar to a roller shutter. 6f illustrates how the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered by the lamellae 601 of the cover surface 201. The individual lamellae 601 can have a longitudinal axis that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the suction mouth 107 .

6g shows a covering element 200 with a covering grid 641, which has a multiplicity of grid cells 642, wherein a grid cell 642 can be empty or filled. The covering area 201 is then composed of the filled-in grid cells 642 of the covering grid 641 . The shape of the covering surface 201 can thus be adapted in a flexible manner in order to cover or open different areas of the suction mouth 107 .

The cover surface 201 can be attached to two rollers 502 if necessary. One roller 502 can be arranged on one side and the second roller 502 on the opposite side of the suction mouth 107 (as exemplified in 6h shown). The covering surface 201 can then be unrolled from the first roll 502 and rolled up onto the second roll 502 in order to place different grid cells 642 and/or segments 301, 302 of the covering surface 201 in front of the suction mouth 107. In this way, the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 can be adjusted in a particularly reliable and flexible manner.

7a and 7b show an exemplary sealing lip 700, which can be arranged on one side of the suction mouth 107, in particular on the side of the non-coverable part 207 of the suction mouth 107, which faces away from the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107. The sealing lip 700 can be pivotable so that the sealing lip 700 is in a first position (see FIG 7a) seals the suction mouth 107 on the side on which the sealing lip 700 is arranged. The first position can e.g. B. be used when the suction mouth 107 is not covered.

Furthermore, the sealing lip 700 can be moved to a second position (see 7b) , away from the suction mouth 107. In this way, suction air can be sucked in from the side on which the sealing lip 700 is arranged, e.g. B. to increase the suction in a corner 150. The second position of the sealing lip 700 can be used when the suction mouth 107 is partially covered by the covering surface 201 of the covering element 200 .

A robotic vacuum cleaner 100 is thus described in which the suction mouth 107 can be partially covered. In the remaining open area 207 of the suction mouth 107, an increased suction power is available in this way due to the more concentrated air flow. For an improved edge For cleaning, the area 207 of the suction mouth 107 can be left open, which is guided along by the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 relatively close to a wall.

As in connection with the 2a until 2g described, a rotatable, tubular cover 200 can be placed in the suction mouth 107 (around the brush roller 102) and can be rotatably supported there. Depending on the position of the cover tube 200 in relation to the suction mouth opening, the cover surface 201 of the cover tube 200 partially covers the suction mouth opening or lets air into the suction mouth 107. The cover tube 200 is preferably designed in such a way that the cover tube 200 restricts the flow of air in the open state as unhindered as possible from the suction mouth opening to the dust container of the suction device 100 can flow. The suction mouth 107 can, for. B. from an overall length (z. B. about 200 mm) can be reduced by the cover surface 201 to a reduced length (z. B. about 25 mm). The cover element 200 can thus reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth opening by 50% or more, or by 70% or more. The air flow is then amplified many times over in the remaining area 207 (compared to the situation where the suction mouth 107 has the full length). To control the cover element 200 (in particular the cover tube), one (in particular a single) actuator can be used, which is designed to change the angular position of the cover tube 200 (to move the suction mouth 107 between the open state (i.e. the basic position) and the partially closed state state (ie the covering position) to change).

In order to achieve intermediate levels of suction mouth coverage, the tubular cover 200 can be designed with a multi-level cover wall 201 (ie cover surface) (as exemplified in Fig 3a shown). Depending on the position of the cover tube 200 in the suction mouth 107, more or less of the area of the suction mouth opening can be covered. This can e.g. B. be used for edge cleaning programs that are to be carried out temporarily more intensively and / or temporarily faster. If necessary, a single actuator can be used in order to (sequentially) bring about several different degrees of coverage.

In order to achieve several intermediate stages of the suction mouth cover without impairing the air flow in the suction mouth 107 in the partially covered or open state, several shortened partial cover tubes 310, 320 can be used (instead of a relatively long cover tube 200) (as exemplified in 3c shown). Each sub-tube 310, 320 can be controlled individually (possibly by a dedicated actuator and/or by a control mechanism) and thus enables the suction mouth 107 to be selectively covered. This can be used for edge cleaning programs that can be flexibly more intensive and/or or run faster.

In the 4a until 4c a cover element 200 is described that has a displaceable, shield-shaped cover surface 201 that can be arranged in front of the suction mouth 107 and that can be pushed toward the suction mouth in order to cover the suction mouth opening at least in regions. Depending on the position of the cover shield 201 in relation to the suction mouth opening, the cover shield 201 covers a partial area 208 of the suction mouth opening or lets air into the suction mouth opening 107. As shown in the figures, the shield 201 can be arranged in front of the suction mouth 107 and can be “after behind” to partially cover the suction mouth 107. Alternatively, the shield 201 can be arranged behind the suction mouth 107 and can be pushed “forward” to cover the suction mouth opening, if necessary, in order to cover the suction mouth 107 . The control of the cover plate 201 can be brought about with a (possibly single) actuator which is designed to change the position of the cover plate 201 .

In order to achieve intermediate stages of the suction mouth cover, the shield-shaped cover 200 can be formed with a multi-stage shape (as exemplified in Fig 4d shown). Depending on the position of the cover shield 201 in the suction mouth 107, more or less of the area of the suction mouth 107 can be covered. This can e.g. B. be used for edge cleaning programs that are to be carried out temporarily more intensively and / or temporarily faster. In this case, if necessary, a single actuator can be used to bring about several different degrees of coverage.

In order to achieve several intermediate stages of the suction mouth covering, several relatively short partial covering shields 310, 320 can be used alternatively or additionally (instead of a relatively long covering shield 201) (as exemplified in 4e shown). Each partial cover plate 310, 320 can be controlled individually (possibly by a dedicated actuator and/or by a control mechanism), which allows the suction mouth 107 to be covered selectively. This can be used for edge cleaning programs that need to be flexibly run more intensively and/or faster.

5a until 5g show an exemplary rollable cover 200 that can be arranged next to the suction mouth 107 (in an extension to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107). The cover 200 has a flexible, rollable Cover surface 201 on. The cover surface 201 can be pushed in front of the suction mouth 107 if necessary. Depending on the position of the roller blind 200 in relation to the suction mouth opening, the covering surface 201 covers the suction mouth opening to a greater or lesser extent. Next to the in the 5a until 5g illustrated variants, in which the roller blind 200 is arranged next to the suction mouth 107, the roller blind 200 can be arranged in one or more other variants behind or in front of the suction mouth 107 (as in Figs 6a until 6d shown). Furthermore, a cover surface 201 can be segmented, ie like a venetian blind (as in Figs 6e until 6f shown). A single actuator, which controls the unwinding length of the roller blinds 200, can be used for activation.

The rubber lip and/or brush strip 210 used to laterally seal the suction mouth 107 against pressure losses can be attached directly to the roller blind-like cover surface 201 (like the ones shown in 5f shown sealing lip 503). A suitable seal can thus be provided in any position of the cover surface 201 .

If a roller blind-like covering surface 201 is used, any intermediate stages of the suction mouth covering can be achieved by only partially extending the roller blind-like covering surface 201 . This can be used for edge cleaning programs that flexibly switch between intensive and/or quick cleaning.

A roll-off cover surface 201 can (as shown in Figs 6b and 6c shown) or behind the suction mouth 107, and can be pushed over the suction mouth 107. Depending on the position of the covering roller blind 200 in relation to the suction mouth opening, the covering surface 201 may or may not cover the suction mouth opening. A single actuator, which controls the unwinding length of the roller blind 200, can be used for activation.

In order to achieve several intermediate stages of the suction mouth covering, it is possible to use several shorter partial covering blinds 310, 320 instead of a relatively long covering blind 200 (as exemplified in 6d shown). Each partial covering roller blind 310, 320 can be controlled individually (possibly by a dedicated actuator and/or by a corresponding mechanism), which allows the suction mouth 107 to be selectively covered. This can be used for edge cleaning programs that flexibly switch between intensive and/or quick cleaning.

The roll-off covering surface 201 can be realized by a segmented, blind-like construction (as exemplified in Figs 6e and 6f shown). The use of stronger materials in the blind segments 601 enables increased resistance (compared to a flexible, possibly textile or rubber-based, roller blind-like covering surface 201). A single actuator, which controls the unwinding length of the covering blind 201, can be used for activation.

In order to achieve several intermediate stages of the suction mouth cover, it is possible to use a single rollable cover 200 that is controlled with a single actuator. The cover can be provided with multiple step recesses (as exemplified in 6g shown). Depending on the position of the cover 200 in the suction mouth 107, more or less of the area of the suction mouth 107 can be covered. Cavities in front of and/or behind the suction mouth 107 can be used to integrate such a cover 200 . In this way, areas of the cover 200 that are not arranged over the suction mouth 107 can be rolled up in the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 to save space (see FIG 6h) .

• • bei Reinigung eines begrenzten Bereichs (etwa einer Ecke 150) eines Hartbodens; und/oder
• • bei Reinigung einer Fuge in dem Boden.

A covering element 200 can thus be provided, with which a partial area 208 of the suction mouth 107 can be partially or completely covered in order to provide a focused, intensified suction air flow in the uncovered partial area 207 of the suction mouth 107 . The control module 130 of the suction device 100 can be set up to recognize that there is a focusing situation in which the suction air flow should be locally focused. This can e.g. B. on the basis of the sensor data from one or more sensors 110 (z. B. a camera, a distance sensor, etc.) of the suction device 100 can be detected. A focusing situation may exist

• • when cleaning a limited area (such as a corner 150) of a hard floor; and or
• • when cleaning a joint in the floor.

The control module 130 may be further configured to identify (based on the sensor data) the location at which to effect a focused cleaning. The cover element 200 can then be controlled in order to cover the suction mouth 107 at least in regions to match the identified location. It is thus possible for the suction mouth 107 to be automatically adapted to the particular floor and/or to the particular cleaning situation.

The suction mouth 107 can be sealed laterally on the outside against unwanted pressure losses by a rubber lip or brush strip 700. It is typically used for cleaning surfaces advantageous that no secondary air is drawn into the suction mouth 107, and the seal 700 is therefore preferably arranged flush on the lateral edge of the suction mouth 107. For edge cleaning (e.g. in a corner 150), side air can be advantageous in order to be able to extract the walls better. The outer lateral rubber lip and/or brush strip 700 can therefore be linked to the state of the suction mouth cover 200 . If the suction mouth 107 is not covered, the seal 700 can be arranged close to the suction mouth 107 (as exemplified in 7a shown). If the suction mouth 107 is covered for edge cleaning, the side seal 700 can be tilted outwards, moved outwards, folded away or retracted in order to increase the effective range of edge cleaning (as exemplified in 7b shown). So, among other things, the cleaning of baseboards can be improved.

As already explained above, the "inner" lateral seal 210, 503 (which is arranged between the uncovered partial area 207 and the covered partial area 208 of the suction mouth 107) can be arranged on the cover element 200, in particular on the cover surface 201. If necessary, a flexible, stretchable, kinkable or foldable seal 210, 503 can be used.

8th shows a flowchart of a (possibly computer-implemented) method 800 for operating a suction device 100, which has a suction mouth 107 with a suction mouth opening, which faces a surface to be cleaned during operation of the suction device 100. The suction mouth opening has an overall area (in particular an overall cross-sectional area) through which a suction air stream flows in (normal or standard) operation for sucking off the surface to be cleaned.

The suction device 100 further comprises a cover element 200, which is designed to selectively cover a first partial area 208 of the suction mouth opening, so that the suction air stream flows through an uncovered second partial area 207 of the suction mouth opening, which has a reduced (cross-sectional) area compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening. surface. The second partial area 207 can be complementary to the first partial area 208, so that the two partial areas 207, 208 together form the entire suction mouth opening. The reduced area may be 50% or less, or 70% or less, or 90% or less of the total area. In other words, the open area of the suction mouth opening can be reduced by 50% or more, or by 70% or more, or by 90% or more (compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening).

The method 800 includes determining 801 that there is a focusing situation where the suction airflow should be locally focused. This can be detected based on the sensor data from one or more sensors 110 of the suction device 100 . For example, it can be recognized that the surface to be cleaned is hard floor (and not carpet). Furthermore, it can be seen that the suction device 100 (in particular the suction nozzle 106 of the suction device 100) is guided along a wall. Based on this, it can then be determined that a focusing situation is present.

The method 800 further includes, in response to the detected focusing situation, causing 802 the covering element 200 to be transferred from the base position to the covering position. In other words, the covering element 200 can be caused (in step 802) to cover the first partial region 208 of the suction mouth opening. The (open) cross-sectional area of the suction mouth opening is thereby reduced, whereby the flow speed of the suction air flow is increased (if the volume flow of the suction air flow remains unchanged), which in turn can increase the cleaning quality in edge areas.

The measures described in this document can improve the edge cleaning of a suction device 100, in particular a robot vacuum, since the air flow can be concentrated in the vicinity of walls and thus intensified. Corner cleaning can also be improved in this way. Furthermore, improved edge cleaning of baseboards can also be effected, in particular if the position of the outer lateral seal 700 is linked to the suction mouth cover.

The selective partial covering of the suction mouth 107 can be used for different cleaning programs. If necessary, the suction mouth cover can be switched over manually (e.g. by switching over with a foot). If necessary, the cover element 200 can be combined with a cable protection grille in front of the suction mouth 107 . In other words, the cover element 200 can also have the function of a cable protection grid in front of the suction mouth opening. The struts of the lattice can be used to support the covering surface 201 of the covering element 200 .

Furthermore, the suction power of a suction device 100 in corners 150 can be increased in an efficient and reliable manner by the aspects described in this document.

The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are only intended to illustrate the principle of the suction nozzle and/or the suction device and/or the method described in this document.

Reference List

100

suction device

101

drive unit

102

brush roller

103

shielding

104

Guide and/or support element

105

shock sensor

106

Cleaning unit / suction nozzle

107

suction mouth

110

environment sensor

111

storage unit

120

direction of movement

121

top

122

bottom

123

Side wall

130

control module

150

Corner

200

cover element

201

cover surface

202

support ring

207

open (second) partial area of the suction mouth or the suction mouth opening

208

coverable (first) partial area of the suction mouth or the suction mouth opening

210

Sealing element (between the partial areas of the suction mouth)

301, 301

segments of the coverage area

310,310

partial cover elements

502

role

503

sealing element (on the cover surface)

505

covering direction

601

cover slat

641

Cover grid

642

grid cell

700

sealing element

800

Method of operating a suction device

801, 802

process steps

Claims (19)

Suction nozzle (106) for a suction device (100); wherein the suction nozzle (106) comprises, - a suction mouth (107) with a suction mouth opening which, during operation of the suction nozzle (106), faces a surface to be cleaned; wherein the suction mouth opening has a total area through which a suction air flow flows during operation of the suction nozzle (106) for sucking off the surface to be cleaned; - a cover element (200), which is designed to be transferred from a basic position to a cover position, in which the cover element (200) covers a first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening, so that the suction air flow during operation of the suction nozzle (106) through a uncovered second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening, which has a reduced area compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening; and - An actuator which is set up to convert the covering element (200) from the basic position into the at least one covering position. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 1 , wherein the cover element (200) is designed such that - the cover element (200) does not cover the suction mouth opening in the basic position; and/or - during operation of the suction nozzle (106) with the cover element (200) in the basic position, the suction air stream flows through the first partial area (208) and through the second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the suction mouth (107) has a longitudinal axis which runs in particular perpendicular to a direction of movement (120) of the suction nozzle (106) when the suction nozzle (106) is in operation; - the first partial area (208) and the second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening are arranged adjacent and/or one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth (107); - A total length of the suction mouth opening along the longitudinal axis is composed of a first length of the first partial area (208) and a second length of the second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening; and - the first portion (208) and the second portion (207) along a transverse axis which is sunk runs right to the longitudinal axis, extend over an entire width of the suction mouth opening. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (200) has a cover surface (201), - Which can be moved out of the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening by the actuator in order to convert the covering element (200) from the covering position into the base position; and or - Which can be moved into the first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening by the actuator in order to convert the covering element (200) from the basic position into the covering position. Suction nozzle (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the cover element (200) comprises a plurality of support rings (202) which are arranged one behind the other and/or adjacent along a longitudinal axis of the cover element (200); - the covering element (200) comprises a covering surface (201) fastened to the support rings (202) and forming in particular a segment of the lateral surface of a circular cylinder; - the cover element (200) is arranged in the suction mouth (107); and - The cover element (200) is designed to be rotated about the longitudinal axis by the actuator within the suction mouth (107), so that - The covering surface (201) does not cover the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening in a basic angular position; and or - The covering surface (201) in a covering angle position at least partially or completely covers the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 5 , wherein - the first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening is delimited along the longitudinal axis by a first edge and an opposite second edge; - the cover surface (201) extends axially along the longitudinal axis from the first edge to the second edge of the first portion (208) of the suction mouth opening; - the first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening is delimited along a transverse axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis by a front edge and an opposite rear edge; and - the covering surface (201) extends tangentially around the longitudinal axis over such a wide angular range that the covering surface (201) in the angular covering position covers the suction mouth opening along the transverse axis from the rear edge to the front edge. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 6 , wherein the cover surface (201) extends over a wider angular range on the second edge of the first partial area (208) than on the first edge of the first partial area (208), so that by rotating the cover element (200) about the longitudinal axis, the proportion of the first Partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening is changed, in particular gradually or continuously, which is covered by the covering surface (201). Suction nozzle (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member (200) comprises a shield-shaped cover surface (201) which - is arranged in the basic position of the cover element (200) in a cavity which is arranged along a transverse axis of the suction mouth opening in front of or behind the suction mouth opening; and - In the covering position of the covering element (200), the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening is covered. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering element (200) has a covering surface (201) which - is rolled up in the basic position of the covering element (200) on a roller (502); and - is unwound from the roller (502) to transfer the covering element (200) into the covering position, so that the covering surface (201) at least partially or completely covers the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 9 , wherein - the roller (502) is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the suction mouth opening in front of or behind the suction mouth opening, so that the cover surface (201) is moved along the longitudinal axis over the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening; or - the roller (502) is arranged in front of or behind the suction mouth opening along a transverse axis of the suction mouth opening, so that the covering surface (201) is moved along the transverse axis over the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of claims 9 until 10 , wherein - the covering surface (201) comprises a plurality of lamellae (601) which are arranged parallel to an axis of rotation of the roller (502); and/or - the cover surface (201) comprises a flexible, in particular textile- or rubber-based, material. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of claims 9 until 11 wherein - the cover member (200) has a first roller (502) on a first side of the suction mouth opening and a second roller (502) on an opposite second side of the suction mouth opening; and - the covering surface (201) unwound in a complementary manner from the first roll (502) and from the second roll (502) is wound up, or vice versa. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 12 , wherein - the covering area (201) comprises a covering grid (641) with a multiplicity of grid cells (642); - a first part of the plurality of grid cells (642) comprises covering material for covering a corresponding cell of the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening; and - a second part of the plurality of grid cells (642) has no covering material, so that the corresponding cell of the first partial region (208) of the suction mouth opening is not covered. Suction nozzle (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the suction nozzle (106) comprises a sealing element (700) on an edge of the second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening, which faces away from the first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening, which sealing element can be moved between a sealing position and an open position; - the sealing element (700) is designed to block the suction air flow more in the sealing position than in the open position; and - the suction nozzle (106) is formed, - to operate the sealing element (700) in the sealing position when the cover element (200) is in the base position; and or - to operate the sealing element (700) in the open position when the covering element (200) is in the covering position. Suction nozzle (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the suction nozzle (106) comprises a sealing element (210, 503) which is designed to seal an edge between the second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening and the first partial area when the suction nozzle (106) is in operation with the covering element (200) in the covering position (208) to seal the suction mouth opening; and - the sealing element (210, 503) extends at the edge between the second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening and the first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening from the suction mouth opening to the surface to be cleaned. Suction nozzle (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - The covering element (200) has a plurality of partial covering elements (310, 320) which are arranged adjacent and/or one behind the other along a longitudinal axis of the suction mouth (107); and - the individual partial cover elements (310, 320) are designed to selectively cover a part of the first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening, in particular in a complementary manner, so that the multiple partial cover elements (310, 320) together cover the entire first Section (208) of the suction mouth opening is covered. Suction device (100) for cleaning a surface; wherein the suction device (100) comprises, - a suction nozzle (106) according to any one of the preceding claims; and - A fan that is designed to cause the suction air flow. Suction device (100) according to Claim 17 , wherein - the suction device (100) comprises a control module (130); and - the control module (130) is arranged - to determine that a focusing situation exists in which the suction air flow should be locally focused; and - in response thereto causing the cover member (200) of the suction nozzle (106) to be transferred from the base position to the cover position. Method (800) for operating a suction device (100) which has a suction mouth (107) with a suction mouth opening which, during operation, faces a surface to be cleaned; wherein the suction orifice has an overall area through which, in use, a flow of suction air flows for suctioning the surface to be cleaned; wherein the suction device (100) further comprises a cover element (200) which is designed to selectively cover a first partial area (208) of the suction mouth opening, so that the suction air flow flows through an uncovered second partial area (207) of the suction mouth opening, the one opposite the total area of the suction mouth opening has reduced area; the method (800) comprising - determining (801) that there is a focusing situation in which the suction air flow should be locally focused; and - in response thereto, causing (802) the cover member (200) to cover the first portion (208) of the suction mouth opening.

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