Surface cleaning device
The parallel guide surfaces in the suction nozzle of robotic vacuum cleaners ensure efficient dirt collection by guiding particles to the inlet, enhancing cleaning efficiency and allowing for easy adaptation to different surfaces.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Robotic vacuum cleaners face inefficiencies in suction efficiency due to the design of the dirt inlet, leading to larger dirt particles being trapped on the underside of the device rather than being collected effectively.
The design of the guide surfaces in the suction nozzle, where the inner and outer edges run parallel to each other, forming guide channels with a constant width, ensuring dirt is reliably guided to the dirt inlet along the entire length, with the suction nozzle positioned on the bottom and incorporating a cover element for easy exchange based on surface type.
This design enhances cleaning efficiency by preventing larger dirt particles from being trapped and allowing direct pickup from the surface, improving suction results and ease of assembly with interchangeable cover elements.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a surface cleaning device, in particular in the form of a floor cleaning device, comprising a cleaning device body, a suction nozzle arranged or formed on the cleaning device body which defines a dirt inlet, a suction device for generating a suction flow through the dirt inlet into the cleaning device body, a dirt collection container arranged in the cleaning device body and in fluid communication with the dirt inlet for collecting dirt introduced into the cleaning device body by the suction flow, wherein the suction nozzle comprises a suction flow guidance device for guiding and / or directing the suction flow from a surface to be cleaned through the dirt inlet into the cleaning device body, wherein the suction flow guidance device comprises at least one guide channel extending away from the dirt inlet.wherein the at least one guide channel, when the surface cleaning device is used as intended, is bounded by a guide surface pointing towards the surface to be cleaned and inclined relative to it, and by two lateral guide side surfaces extending transversely, in particular vertically, away from the guide surface and pointing towards each other, wherein the at least one guide channel is open away from the guide surface and pointing towards the surface to be cleaned, wherein each guide side surface is bounded by an inner edge of the guide surface, which defines a line of intersection between the guide surface and the guide side surface, and by an outer edge of the guide surface.
[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a surface cleaning device.
[0003] Surface cleaning devices of the type described above are known, for example, as floor cleaning devices, and are particularly available as so-called robotic vacuum cleaners. An example of such a robotic vacuum cleaner is described in WO 2016 / 037635 A1.
[0004] Robotic vacuum cleaners typically operate independently of a power outlet and are battery-powered. One problem with these devices is their suction efficiency, which depends significantly on the design of the dirt inlet. It is therefore common practice to incorporate appropriate suction flow guidance systems on the cleaning unit body. These systems enable the suction device to create the most effective possible suction flow, reliably drawing in dirt particles of varying sizes through the dirt inlet and collecting them in the dustbin.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a surface cleaning device and a method of the type described above in such a way that the surface cleaning device cleans as efficiently as possible.
[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention in a surface cleaning device of the type described above by the fact that the inner edge of the guide surfaces and the outer edge of the guide surfaces run parallel to each other.
[0007] The further development of a surface cleaning device of the type described above, as proposed according to the invention, has the particular advantage that a guide body can be easily formed between two adjacent guide channels, the side surfaces of which define the guide channel have a constant width. This makes it possible, in particular, to reliably guide dirt to the dirt inlet along the entire length of the guide body. Specifically, in one direction of travel of the surface cleaning device, dirt can thus be reliably guided from its first contact with the guide surface along the entire length of the guide channel to the dirt inlet. Due to the special design of the guide surfaces, dirt is reliably guided to the dirt inlet by the guide side surfaces upon contact with the suction flow guidance device.This significantly reduces the risk of larger dirt particles, in particular, not entering one of the designated guide channels in the suction nozzle area, but instead becoming trapped on the underside of the surface cleaning device facing the area being cleaned. This, in particular, improves cleaning efficiency.
[0008] It is advantageous if the surface cleaning device has a top and a bottom, and if, during normal use, the top of the device faces away from the surface to be cleaned and the bottom faces it. This design makes it particularly possible to arrange or incorporate operating elements on the top of the device. The suction airflow guide is preferably located on or near the bottom. This also allows the dirt inlet to be located on the bottom. This enables the dirt to be picked up directly from the surface as the device passes over it.
[0009] It is advantageous if the surface cleaning device includes a cover element, if the cover element is arranged on or formed within the cleaning device body and defines or forms at least part of the underside, and if the dirt inlet and / or the suction nozzle are formed on the cover element. Such a cover element can also be referred to as the base plate of the surface cleaning device. It can form part or all of the underside. This design makes it particularly possible to optionally exchange cover elements depending on the cleaning task. This can be advantageous, for example, if the surface cleaning device is used on both smooth surfaces and high-pile carpets. Furthermore, such a surface cleaning device can be designed in a simple manner. For example, the cover element can be injection-molded from a plastic.
[0010] The surface cleaning device can be easily assembled if the cover element is designed to be detachably connected to the cleaning device body. For example, the cover element can be connected to the cleaning device body by force-fit and / or form-fit, in particular with one or more screws, or by material bonding, in particular with adhesive or adhesive strips.
[0011] According to a further preferred embodiment, the guide surface is bounded by a front edge and a rear edge, and the front and rear edges connect the inner and outer edges of the guide surfaces. In this way, a quadrilateral, and in particular a trapezoidal or parallelogram-shaped, guide surface can be formed. The shape of the guide surface depends significantly on whether the rear and front edges are parallel or not. Depending on whether these boundaries of the guide surface are parallel or not, guide channels in various desired shapes and configurations can be realized.
[0012] It is advantageous if the guide surface areas each define a parallelogram and if the leading and trailing edges of the guide surface areas are parallel to each other. Such a design makes it particularly possible to create guide surface areas with a constant width from the leading to the trailing edge.
[0013] It is advantageous if the distance between the inner and outer edges of the guide surfaces defines the width of the guide surface, and if the length of the leading edge and / or the trailing edge of the guide surface is greater than the width of the guide surface. Such a design makes it particularly easy to form the guide surface in the shape of a parallelogram.
[0014] To enable the surface cleaning device to pick up dirt easily and reliably, it is advantageous if the suction nozzle includes at least two, and in particular exactly two, three, four, or more, guide channels, if a guide body is arranged or formed between the at least two guide channels, and if the guide body has two guide side surfaces, each of which delimits one of the at least two guide channels. Such a guide body allows, in particular, the two guide channels to be separated from each other easily and reliably. Specifically, it can guide dirt to relatively small openings encompassed by the dirt inlet. This allows high flow velocities in the suction stream to be achieved in the area of these openings, thus ensuring good suction results.
[0015] It is advantageous if the guide body has a leading edge and if this leading edge is formed by the intersection of the two guide side surfaces encompassed by the guide body. In particular, a wedge-shaped guide body can be designed with a sharp edge, namely the leading edge, which can point in a preferred cleaning direction of the surface cleaning device. The leading edge can optionally be rounded to minimize the risk of injury. A sharp or as narrow a leading edge as possible has the particular advantage that dirt particles are directed into one channel or the other and cannot become trapped at the front of the leading edge.
[0016] Preferably, the leading edge of the guide body is defined by the leading edges of the two guide side surfaces. This results in a particularly compact design of the flow guidance device.
[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the two guide surface areas encompassed by the guide body enclose an internal angle between them, and this internal angle has a value in the range of approximately 30° to approximately 150°, particularly a value in the range of approximately 90° to 150°. The smaller the internal angle of the guide body, the more acutely the guide body points in the preferred cleaning direction of the surface cleaning device. The larger the internal angle of the guide body, the more shallowly dirt particles strike the guide surface areas. Preferably, the internal angle of the guide body has a value of approximately 120°.
[0018] To transport dirt into the dirt collection container with minimal energy expenditure, it is advantageous for the dirt inlet to be located or designed on the underside of the cleaning device body and to include a dirt inlet opening that opens the cleaning device body towards the surface to be cleaned. This allows dirt to be conveyed directly into the cleaning device body through the dirt inlet opening. Furthermore, the dirt inlet opening also allows for the placement of an additional cleaning element, such as a rotating brush roller, within its area, in order to not only suck dirt into the dirt collection container but also to mechanically transport it there.
[0019] A compact design for the surface cleaning device can be achieved, in particular, by defining the dirt inlet opening as defined by a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges connecting these front and rear edges. This allows for the creation of a dirt inlet opening that is essentially rectangular, trapezoidal, or parallelogram-shaped.
[0020] Preferably, the leading and trailing edges of the dirt inlet opening run parallel to each other. This allows the dirt inlet to be designed in a mirror-symmetrical manner. In particular, the entire surface cleaning device can be designed in a mirror-symmetrical or substantially mirror-symmetrical manner. This simplifies both the design and manufacture of the surface cleaning device.
[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the two dirt inlet opening side edges run parallel or substantially parallel to each other in sections. For example, a straight dirt inlet opening side edge can be provided on each side of the dirt inlet opening. If both dirt inlet opening side edges run parallel to each other, a rectangular dirt inlet opening can be easily achieved. However, the dirt inlet opening side edges can also have sections inclined towards each other. In particular, the inclination of these edges relative to the surface to be cleaned can vary. Thus, especially in a perpendicular projection onto the underside of the surface cleaning device, the dirt inlet opening can be rectangular or substantially rectangular.
[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the leading edge and / or the trailing edge of the dirt inlet opening define a transverse direction of the cleaning device body, and if a longitudinal direction of the cleaning device body extends perpendicular to the transverse direction. In particular, the longitudinal direction can run parallel to the preferred cleaning direction of the surface cleaning device. In such a configuration, the leading edge of the dirt inlet opening is moved first over the soiled surface to be cleaned, and only then is the trailing edge of the dirt inlet opening moved.
[0023] To facilitate the entry of dirt through the dirt inlet, it is advantageous if the dirt inlet includes at least one channel opening, provided that this channel opening is bounded by the front edge of the dirt inlet opening, by a rear edge of the guide surface, and by the rear edges of two guide side surfaces. In particular, a channel opening can be designed that opens in the direction of movement of the surface cleaning device, i.e., not pointing towards the surface to be cleaned, but rather in a direction transverse to it, especially perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned.This design makes it possible, in particular, to capture even relatively large dirt particles through the dirt inlet, especially particles larger than the distance between, for example, the underside of the surface cleaning device and thus the front or rear edge of the dirt inlet opening from the surface to be cleaned. The at least one channel opening then forms, in particular, a kind of cutout on the underside of the surface cleaning device, through which dirt particles can enter the dirt inlet directly as the device passes over them, without the underside of the device passing over the dirt particles and trapping them between itself and the surface to be cleaned.
[0024] Preferably, the leading edge of the dirt inlet opening is interrupted in the area of at least one channel opening. This allows the guide channel to be completely open, particularly in the direction of the surface to be cleaned. It is then only bounded by the guide surface and two opposing guide side surfaces.
[0025] Good dirt collection through the dirt inlet can be achieved in particular if the front edge of the dirt inlet opening runs parallel to the rear edge of the guide surface.
[0026] A compact design of the surface cleaning device can be achieved in particular if the distance between the rear edge of the guide surface and the front edge of the dirt inlet opening corresponds to the length of the rear edges of the guide side surfaces. In this way, the distance can define the width of the channel opening in a direction transverse, especially perpendicular, to the surface to be cleaned.
[0027] Preferably, the rear edge of the guide surface runs parallel to the front edge and / or the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening. This ensures, in particular, that the aforementioned edges extend transversely, and especially perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction of the surface cleaning device.
[0028] It is advantageous if the at least one channel opening is rectangular and if the two trailing edges of the guide surfaces defining the at least one channel opening run parallel to each other. Such a channel opening can be formed easily, for example, on a cover plate by injection molding.
[0029] It is advantageous if the length of the trailing edge of the guide surface of the at least one channel opening is greater than the length of the trailing edge of the guide side surface adjacent to the at least one channel opening. For example, a channel opening can be designed that is wider than it is high in relation to the area to be cleaned.
[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one channel opening defines a channel opening plane, the dirt inlet opening defines a dirt inlet opening plane, the front edge and the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening lie in the dirt inlet opening plane, and the channel opening plane extends transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the dirt inlet opening plane. As already mentioned, the dirt inlet opening can thus point essentially parallel to the surface to be cleaned and directed towards it, while the channel opening extends transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to it. Dirt particles can thus be guided, in particular, from the guide channels to the channel openings, through which they can then be conveyed into the cleaning device body, in particular by suction or mechanical assistance with a cleaning element, especially a brush roller.
[0031] It is advantageous if the guide body has a guide body cover surface and if the guide body cover surface is bounded by two guide surface outer edges and the front edge of the dirt inlet opening. Designing a guide body as proposed has the particular advantage that it is not open, but closed in the area of the guide body cover surface. This prevents dirt particles from becoming trapped in the area of the guide body, especially not between the two guide surface surfaces encompassed by the guide body.
[0032] Preferably, the guide body's top surface points towards the surface to be cleaned. This allows it to guide dirt particles to the dirt inlet opening, analogous to how the guide surface directs dirt particles, particularly to a channel opening of a guide channel.
[0033] Particularly effective guidance of dirt particles towards the channel opening can be achieved if the guide body's top surface runs parallel to the guide surface. This design has the particular advantage that the underside of the surface cleaning device can slide on large dirt particles not only in the area of the guide surface but also on the guide body's top surface.
[0034] It is advantageous if both dirt inlet opening side edges each have a first side edge section that, during normal use of the surface cleaning device, is aligned parallel to the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the first side edge sections, relative to the surface to be cleaned, can define a minimum distance between the surface cleaning device and the surface being cleaned, specifically in the area of the dirt inlet.
[0035] Preferably, the first side edge section extends from the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening towards the front edge of the dirt inlet opening. This allows for a minimum distance to be maintained, particularly between the dirt inlet opening and the surface to be cleaned in the area of the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening.
[0036] Furthermore, it is advantageous if each of the two dirt inlet opening side edges has a second side edge section extending from the first side edge section to the front edge of the dirt inlet opening. If the second side edge section is slightly inclined relative to the first side edge section, it becomes particularly possible to provide the dirt inlet opening with an opening component in the area of the second side edge section in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. This especially facilitates the intake of dirt particles through the dirt inlet opening.
[0037] It is advantageous if the first side edge sections define a first side edge section plane, if the second side edge sections define a second side edge section plane, and if the first and second side edge section planes are inclined relative to each other by a side edge section plane angle. This allows for an angle or kink to be formed for the dirt inlet opening in the transition area between the first and second side edge sections. In particular, one of the two side edge section planes can run parallel to the surface to be cleaned, while the other is slightly inclined relative to the surface to be cleaned. As already explained, an opening component can thus be defined in the area of one of the two side edge sections, specifically in a direction transverse, and in particular perpendicular, to the surface to be cleaned.Preferably, the side edge section plane angle has a value in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 10°. Specifying the side edge section plane angle within this range helps to maximize both suction efficiency and energy efficiency.
[0038] The guidance of dirt particles towards the channel opening and the dirt inlet opening can be further improved, in particular, by sloping the guide surface and the second side edge section plane relative to each other by a guide surface inclination angle.
[0039] Preferably, the guide surface inclination angle has a value in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 30°. A relatively large guide surface inclination angle facilitates the guiding of large dirt particles through a guide channel towards a channel opening.
[0040] Advantageously, the guide surface inclination angle is greater than the side edge section plane angle. This allows the surface cleaning device to be positioned as flat as possible against the surface to be cleaned, particularly in the area of the dirt inlet opening. Furthermore, this design enables the guide surface to reliably and safely direct even large dirt particles to the channel opening.
[0041] Preferably, the first side edge sections run parallel to the top surface of the surface cleaning device. The surface cleaning device can also define a base on which it rests with a drive mechanism, preferably comprising at least three wheels. The base surface can, in particular, run parallel to the surface to be cleaned or be defined by it when the surface cleaning device is in use.
[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment, the surface cleaning device may have a front and a back, and the preferred cleaning direction of the surface cleaning device may run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device towards the front. In other words, the surface cleaning device is designed such that it can achieve a particularly good cleaning result when it is moved parallel to the longitudinal direction with its front leading over a surface to be cleaned.
[0043] Dirt particles can be easily and safely collected through the dirt inlet if at least one channel opening is open in the direction of the front.
[0044] It is advantageous if at least one dirt inlet opening side edge, in particular the second side edge section, extends at least to one of the at least one channel opening and to an end face running parallel to the at least one channel opening. Such a design can be provided, in particular, to form such an end face adjacent to outer guide channels that do not have another guide channel as a neighbor on one side. In this way, dirt can reach the end face when the surface cleaning device passes over the area to be cleaned and be removed from it as desired.
[0045] To facilitate the guidance of dirt particles towards the channel opening, even if the front surface runs parallel to a channel opening, it is advantageous if the front surface lies in the plane of the channel opening.
[0046] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the end face projects beyond the plane of the channel opening. In particular, the guide channel can be bounded by a guide side surface running parallel to the longitudinal direction.
[0047] It is advantageous if the end face defines an end face plane and if at least one guide side surface leading edge lies in the end face plane. This design is to be understood, in particular, as allowing, for example, a guide body whose leading edge lies in the end face plane. In this way, the leading edges of all guide bodies can lie in the end face plane. The end face plane can, in particular, define a front end of the flow guidance device.
[0048] It is advantageous if the end face is formed on a lateral guide body that delimits the at least one guide channel, and if the guide body has a guide body side surface extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the end face. Such a guide body is particularly suitable for guiding dirt particles towards a channel opening with its guide body side surface.
[0049] Preferably, the guide side body surface extends to the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening. In this way, dirt particles can be reliably guided by the guide side body surface from their first contact with the flow guidance device to the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening.
[0050] Furthermore, the suction nozzle may include a guide element, and the guide element may have a guide surface pointing away from the dirt inlet, particularly from the at least one channel opening, which is inclined relative to the end face at a guide surface angle. Such a guide element makes it possible, in particular, to reliably guide dirt particles into a guide channel, especially when the end face runs parallel to the plane of the channel opening. This can be transverse, i.e., perpendicular to the preferred direction of movement of the surface cleaning device. If the end face runs parallel to the plane of the channel opening, it can only guide dirt particles into a guide channel parallel to the transverse direction. However, dirt can be guided transversely to the transverse direction by the guide element into the guide channel or a channel opening.
[0051] A particularly compact design can be achieved, in particular, by having the guide side body encompass or form the guide element. This allows the guide side body to be completely enclosed, especially in the direction of the surface to be cleaned. It is then possible to design the suction flow guidance device in the area of the guide side body as completely enclosed, i.e., without any gaps between the guide element and the guide side body.
[0052] However, it can be advantageous if the guide element is positioned or designed at a distance from the front face. This allows air to be drawn in from the side between the guide element and the front face into the guide channel, thus reliably directing dirt particles into the dirt inlet.
[0053] Ideally, the guide surface angle should be in the range of approximately 10° to 60°. The larger the guide surface angle, the more easily dirt particles can be guided into the adjacent guide channel.
[0054] To further improve the pickup of dirt with the surface cleaning device, it is advantageous if the guide body surface projects at least partially forward beyond the guide surface.
[0055] The surface cleaning device can be easily designed if the guide element is cuboid or essentially cuboid in shape.
[0056] According to a further preferred embodiment, the guide surface can have a guide surface edge pointing towards the surface to be cleaned, and the guide surface edge runs parallel to the front edge of the dirt inlet opening. This allows for optimal guidance of dirt particles by the guide surface into an adjacent guide channel.
[0057] It is advantageous if the guide surface edge and the trailing edge of the guide surface define a plane. The guide surface thus protrudes only minimally from the guide surface at its guide surface edge, namely only as far as the trailing edge of the guide surface. In this way, a stepped lateral inlet can be formed between the guide guide and the end face.
[0058] Preferably, the guide surface edge and the dirt inlet opening leading edge define a plane. This allows, in particular, the formation of a sufficiently high guide element, which facilitates the guiding of dirt particles into an adjacent guide channel.
[0059] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the guide surface edge and the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening define a plane. In this case, the guide element projects towards the surface to be cleaned as far as the suction flow guidance device in the area of the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening.
[0060] The surface cleaning device can be easily constructed and designed if the suction nozzle is mirror-symmetrical or essentially mirror-symmetrical to a mirror plane running perpendicular to the transverse direction.
[0061] For improved cleaning results, especially along walls, it is advantageous if the surface cleaning device includes at least one rotating cleaning element. This cleaning element can be designed in the form of a cleaning roller or a side brush. A side brush can rotate around an axis that runs transversely, and especially perpendicularly, to the surface to be cleaned when the surface cleaning device is placed on the surface as intended. This axis can be the contact surface defined by the transport mechanism of the surface cleaning device.
[0062] Advantageously, the side brush is positioned or integrated within the guide side body. This allows dirt to be transported from the guide side body into a guide channel, particularly an adjacent one. Furthermore, a side brush can also protrude laterally beyond the cleaning device body, enabling particularly effective cleaning along wall surfaces.
[0063] Preferably, the at least one cleaning element is designed to rotate about a rotational axis. This allows the cleaning element to be driven easily and reliably, for example with an electric motor, to set it in rotation.
[0064] It is advantageous if the axis of rotation runs parallel to the rear edge of the dirt inlet opening or transversely, and especially perpendicularly, to the top or bottom surface. Particularly in the former case, a brush roller can, for example, be positioned in the area of the dirt inlet opening. A rotation axis running transversely to this is particularly suitable for a side brush of the surface cleaning device, in order to sweep dirt away from a wall or obstacles positioned on the surface to be cleaned, such as furniture, and direct it into a guide channel.
[0065] It is advantageous if the surface cleaning device includes a cleaning element drive for rotating the at least one cleaning element around the axis of rotation. For example, the cleaning element drive can include an electric motor or a gearbox, so that the drive mechanism of the surface cleaning device can also be used to power the at least one cleaning element.
[0066] Preferably, the surface cleaning device is self-propelled and self-steering. In particular, it can be designed in the form of a robotic vacuum cleaner. Such a surface cleaning device is especially suitable for cleaning surfaces autonomously. It does not require operator supervision.
[0067] Advantageously, the surface cleaning device includes a drive unit for powering at least one wheel to move the device across the surface to be cleaned. For example, the surface cleaning device can include a drive mechanism with at least one, preferably at least three, wheels to move it across the surface to be cleaned.
[0068] Advantageously, the surface cleaning device includes a steering mechanism for controlling its movement. This has the particular advantage that, when moving across the surface to be cleaned, the device can be positioned so that its front edge first crosses the surface, thus selectively drawing dirt particles through the suction airflow system and into the cleaning device body.
[0069] Furthermore, the problem set out at the beginning is solved according to the invention in a method for operating a surface cleaning device of the type described at the beginning by moving one of the surface cleaning devices described above over a surface to be cleaned and conveying dirt into the cleaning device body through the at least one guide channel of the suction nozzle.
[0070] In this way, surfaces can be cleaned quickly, reliably and thoroughly with a suggested surface cleaning device.
[0071] The foregoing description therefore includes in particular the following embodiments of surface cleaning devices defined in the form of numbered sentences: 1. Surface cleaning device (10), in particular in the form of a floor cleaning device (12), comprising a cleaning device body (16), a suction nozzle (60) arranged or formed on the cleaning device body (16) which defines a dirt inlet (62), a suction device (56) for generating a suction flow through the dirt inlet (62) into the cleaning device body (16), a dirt collection container (64) arranged in the cleaning device body (16) and in fluid communication with the dirt inlet (62) for collecting dirt (66) introduced into the cleaning device body (16) by the suction flow, wherein the suction nozzle (60) comprises a suction flow guidance device (68) for guiding and / or directing the suction flow from a surface (40) to be cleaned through the dirt inlet (62) into the cleaning device body (16), wherein the suction flow guidance device (68) has at least one guide channel extending away from the dirt inlet (62). (70, 72, 74) includes,wherein the at least one guide channel (70, 72, 74) is bounded during the intended use of the surface cleaning device (10) by a guide surface (76) pointing towards the surface (40) to be cleaned and inclined relative to it, and by two lateral guide side surfaces (78, 80) extending transversely, in particular vertically, away from the guide surface (76) and pointing towards each other, wherein the at least one guide channel (70, 72, 74) is open away from the guide surface (76) and pointing towards the surface (40) to be cleaned, wherein each guide side surface (78, 80) is bounded by an inner guide surface edge (82), which defines a line of intersection between the guide surface (76) and the guide side surface (78, 80), and an outer guide surface edge (84), characterized in that the inner guide surface edge (82) and the outer guide surface edge (84) run parallel to each other. 2. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 1, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) has a top (18) and a bottom (20) and that, when the surface cleaning device (10) is used as intended, the top (1) points away from the surface (40) to be cleaned and the bottom (20) points towards the surface (40) to be cleaned. 3. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 2, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) comprises a cover element (86), that the cover element (86) is arranged or formed on the cleaning device body (16) and defines or forms at least a part of the underside (20) and that the dirt inlet (62) and / or the suction nozzle (62) is formed on the cover element (86). 4. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 3, characterized in that the cover element (86) is designed to be detachably connectable to the cleaning device body (16). 5. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the guide side surface (78, 80) is each bounded by a front guide side surface front edge (126) and a rear guide side surface rear edge (128) and that the guide side surface front edge (126) and the guide side surface rear edge (128) each connect the guide surface inner edge (82) and the guide surface outer edge (84) to each other. 6. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 5, characterized in that the guide side surfaces (78, 80) each define a parallelogram and that the guide side surface front edge (126) and the guide side surface rear edge (128) run parallel to each other. 7. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 5 or 6, characterized in that a distance (130) between the inner edge (82) of the guide surface and the outer edge (84) of the guide surface defines a guide side surface width (132) of the guide side surface (78, 80) and that a length (134, 136) of the front edge (126) and / or the rear edge (128) of the guide side surface is greater than the guide side surface width (132). 8. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the suction nozzle (60) comprises at least two, in particular two, three, four or more, guide channels (70, 72, 74), that a guide body (138, 140) is arranged or formed between the at least two guide channels (70, 72, 74) and that the guide body (138, 140) has two guide side surfaces (78, 80) which each define one of the at least two guide channels (70, 72, 74). 9. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 8, characterized in that the guide body (138, 140) has a guide body front edge (142) and that the guide body front edge (142) is formed by a line of intersection of the two guide side surfaces (78, 80) encompassed by the guide body (138, 140). 10. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 9, characterized in that the guide body front edge (142) is defined by the two guide side surface front edges (126). 11. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the two guide side surfaces (78, 80) encompassed by the guide body (138, 140) enclose an internal guide body angle (144) between them and that the internal guide body angle (144) has a value in a range of about 30° to about 150°, in particular a value in a range of about 90° to about 150°. 12. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 2 to 11, characterized in that the dirt inlet (62) is arranged or formed on the underside (20) of the cleaning device body (16) and comprises a dirt inlet opening (88) that opens the cleaning device body (16) in the direction of the surface (40) to be cleaned. 13. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 12, characterized in that the dirt inlet opening (88) is bounded by a dirt inlet opening front edge (146), a dirt inlet opening rear edge (148) and two dirt inlet opening side edges (150) connecting the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) and the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148) to each other. 14. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 13, characterized in that the front edge (146) of the dirt inlet opening and the rear edge (148) of the dirt inlet opening run parallel to each other. 15. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 13 or 14, characterized in that the two dirt inlet opening side edges run parallel or substantially parallel to each other in sections. 16. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 13 to 15, characterized in that the front edge (146) of the dirt inlet opening and / or the rear edge (148) of the dirt inlet opening define a transverse direction (100) of the cleaning device body (16) and that a longitudinal direction of the cleaning device body extends perpendicular to the transverse direction (100). 17. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 13 to 16, characterized in that the dirt inlet (62) comprises at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156), and that the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) is bounded by the dirt inlet opening front edge (146), by a rear guide surface rear edge (158) of the guide surface (76) and two rear guide side surface rear edges (128) of the guide side surfaces (78, 80). 18. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 17, characterized in that the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) is interrupted in the area of the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 158). 19. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 17 or 18, characterized in that the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) runs parallel to the guide surface rear edge (158). 20. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 17 to 19, characterized in that a distance (160) of the guide surface rear edge (158) from the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) corresponds to a length (136) of the guide side surface rear edges (128). 21. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 17 to 20, characterized in that the rear guide surface rear edge (158) runs parallel to the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) and / or to the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148). 22. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 17 to 21, characterized in that the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) is rectangular and that the two guide side surface rear edges (128) limiting the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) run parallel to each other. 23. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 17 to 22, characterized in that a length (162) of the guide surface rear edge (158) of the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) is greater than a length (136) of the guide side surface rear edge (128) adjoining the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156). 24. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 17 to 23, characterized in that the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) defines a channel opening plane (164), that the dirt inlet opening (88) defines a dirt inlet opening plane (166), that the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) and the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148) lie in the dirt inlet opening plane (166) and that the channel opening plane (164) runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the dirt inlet opening plane (166). 25. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 13 to 24, characterized in that the guide body (138, 140) has a guide body cover surface (168) and that the guide body cover surface (168) is limited by two guide surface outer edges (84) and the dirt inlet opening front edge (146). 26. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 25, characterized in that the guide body cover surface (168) points towards the surface (40) to be cleaned. 27. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 25 or 26, characterized in that the guide body cover surface (168) runs parallel to the guide surface (76). 28. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 13 to 27, characterized in that the two dirt inlet opening side edges (150) each have a first side edge section (170) which is aligned parallel to the surface (40) to be cleaned when the surface cleaning device (10) is used as intended. 29. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 28, characterized in that the first side edge section (170) extends from the rear edge (148) of the dirt inlet opening towards the front edge (146) of the dirt inlet opening. 30. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 28 or 29, characterized in that the two dirt inlet opening side edges (150) each have a second side edge section (172) which extends from the first side edge section (170) to the dirt inlet opening front edge (146). 31. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 30, characterized in that the first side edge sections (170) define a first side edge section plane (174), that the second side edge sections (172) define a second side edge section plane (176) and that the first side edge section plane (174) and the second side edge section plane (176) are inclined to each other by a side edge section plane angle (178). 32. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 31, characterized in that the side edge section plane angle (178) has a value in a range of about 1° to about 10°. 33. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 31 or 32, characterized in that the guide surface (76) and the second side edge section plane (176) are inclined to each other by a guide surface inclination angle (180). 34. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 33, characterized in that the guide surface inclination angle (180) has a value in a range of about 1° to about 30°. 35. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 33 or 34, characterized in that the guide surface inclination angle (180) is greater than the side edge section plane angle (178). 36. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 28 to 35, characterized in that the first side edge sections (170) run parallel to the top (18) of the surface cleaning device (10). 37. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 16 to 36, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) has a front (104) and a back (106) and that the preferred cleaning direction (108) of the surface cleaning device (10) runs parallel to the longitudinal direction (102) of the cleaning device body (16) in the direction of the front (104). 38. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 37, characterized in that the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) is open in the direction towards the front (104). 39. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 17 to 38, characterized in that at least one dirt inlet opening side edge (150), in particular the second side edge section (172), extends at least to one of the at least one channel opening (154, 156) and an end face (182) running parallel to the at least one channel opening (154, 156). 40. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 39, characterized in that the front surface (182) lies in the channel opening plane (164). 41. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 39 or 40, characterized in that the front surface (182) projects beyond the channel opening plane (164). 42. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 39 to 41, characterized in that the end surface (182) defines an end surface plane (190) and that the at least one guide side surface front edge (126) lies in the end surface plane (190). 43. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 39 to 41, characterized in that the end face (182) is formed on a lateral guide side body (184) defining the at least one guide channel (72, 74) and that the guide side body (184) has a guide side body side surface (186) extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the end face (182). 44. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 43, characterized in that the guide side body side surface (186) extends to the rear edge (148) of the dirt inlet opening. 45. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 39 to 44, characterized in that the suction nozzle (60) comprises a guide element (192) and that the guide element (192) has a guide surface (194) pointing away from the dirt inlet (62), in particular from the at least one channel opening (154), which is inclined relative to the front surface (182) by a guide surface angle (196). 46. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 45, characterized in that the guide side body (184) comprises or forms the guide guide body (192). 47. Surface cleaning device according to 45 or 46, characterized in that the guide element (192) is arranged or designed at a distance from the front surface (182). 48. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 45 to 47, characterized in that the guide body surface angle (196) has a value in a range of about 10° to about 60°. 49. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 45 to 48, characterized in that the guide body surface (194) is formed at least partially projecting forward beyond the guide surface (76). 50. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 45 to 49, characterized in that the guide element (194) is cuboid or substantially cuboid in shape. 51. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 45 to 50, characterized in that the guide body surface (194) has a guide body surface edge (198) pointing towards the surface (40) to be cleaned and that the guide body surface edge (198) runs parallel to the dirt inlet opening front edge (146). 52. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 51, characterized in that the guide body surface edge (198) and the guide surface rear edge (158) define a plane. 53. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 51, characterized in that the guide body surface edge (198) and the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) define a plane (200). 54. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 51, characterized in that the guide body surface edge (192) and the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148) define a plane. 55. Surface cleaning device according to one of sentences 16 to 54, characterized in that the suction nozzle (60) is designed to be mirror-symmetrical or substantially mirror-symmetrical to a mirror plane (188) running perpendicular to the transverse direction (100). 56. Surface cleaning device according to the preceding, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) comprises at least one rotating cleaning element (92), in particular in the form of a cleaning roller (94) or a side brush (112). 57. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 56, characterized in that the side brush (112) is arranged or formed in the area of the guide side body (184). 58. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 56 or 57, characterized in that the at least one cleaning element (92, 110) is designed to be rotatable about a rotation axis (118, 120). 59. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 58, characterized in that the axis of rotation (120) runs parallel to the rear edge (148) of the dirt inlet opening or transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the top or bottom surface (18, 20). 60. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 58 or 59, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) comprises a cleaning element drive (122, 124) for rotating the at least one cleaning element (92, 110) around the axis of rotation (118, 120). 61. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) is self-propelled and self-steering, in particular in the form of a vacuum robot (14). 62. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 61, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) comprises a drive device (46) for driving at least one wheel (24) for moving the surface cleaning device (16) over the surface (40) to be cleaned. 63. Surface cleaning device according to sentence 61 or 62, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) comprises a steering device (42) for steering a driving movement of the surface cleaning device (10). 64. Method for operating a surface cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding sentences, in which the surface cleaning device (10) is moved over a surface (40) to be cleaned and dirt (66) is conveyed through the at least one guide channel (70, 72, 74) of the suction nozzle (60) into the cleaning device body (16).
[0072] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings, serves for further explanation. The drawings show: Fig. 1: A schematic, partially open perspective overall view of an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning device from above; Fig. 2: A schematic perspective view of the arrangement from Fig. 1 from the bottom; Fig. 3: a schematic view similar Fig. 2 when using the surface cleaning device; Fig. 4: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 1 in the direction of arrow A; Fig. 5: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 4 from the rear in the direction of arrow B; Fig. 6: a schematic, partial sectional view along line 6-6 in Fig. 5; Fig. 7: a schematic view similar Fig. 2 with two alternative embodiments of cover elements in the form of floor plates; Fig. 8: an enlarged view of the in Fig. 7 schematically depicted perspective view of a first embodiment of a cover element from below, shown above left; Fig. 9: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 8 from the bottom; Fig. 10: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 9 in the direction of arrow C; Fig. 11: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 10 in the direction of arrow D; Fig. 12: a schematic sectional view along line 12-12 in Fig. 10; Fig. 13: a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a cover element from below; Fig. 14: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 13 from the bottom; Fig. 15: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 14 in the direction of arrow E; Fig. 16: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 15 in the direction of arrow F; Fig. 17: a schematic sectional view along line 17-17 in Fig. 15; Fig. 18: a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a cover element from below; Fig. 19: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 18 from the bottom; Fig. 20: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 19 in the direction of arrow G; Fig. 21: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 20 in the direction of arrow H1; Fig. 22: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 20 in the direction of arrow H2; Fig. 23: a schematic sectional view along line 23-23 in Fig. 20; Fig. 24: a schematic sectional view along line 24-24 in Fig. 20; Fig. 25: a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cover element from below; Fig. 26: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 25 from the bottom; Fig. 27: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 26 in the direction of arrow I; Fig. 28: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 27 in the direction of arrow J1; Fig. 29: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 27 in the direction of arrow J2; Fig. 30: a schematic sectional view along line 30-30 in Fig. 27; Fig. 31: a schematic sectional view along line 31-31 in Fig. 27; Fig. 32: a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a cover element from below; Fig. 33: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 32 from the bottom; Fig. 34: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 33 in the direction of arrow K; Fig. 35: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 34 in the direction of arrow L1; Fig. 36: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 34 in the direction of arrow L2; Fig. 37: a schematic sectional view along line 37-37 in Fig. 34; Fig. 38: a schematic sectional view along line 38-38 in Fig. 34; Fig. 39: an enlarged view of the in Fig. 7 schematically depicted perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a cover element from below, shown above right; Fig. 40: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 39 from the bottom; Fig. 41: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 40 in the direction of arrow M; Fig. 42: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 41 in the direction of arrow N1; Fig. 43: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 41 in the direction of arrow N2; Fig. 44: a schematic sectional view along line 44-44 in Fig. 41; Fig. 45: a schematic sectional view along line 45-45 in Fig. 41; Fig. 46: a schematic perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a cover element from below; Fig. 47: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 46 from the bottom; Fig. 48: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 47 in the direction of arrow O; Fig. 49: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 48 in the direction of arrow P1; Fig. 50: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 48 in the direction of arrow P2; Fig. 51: a schematic sectional view along line 51-51 in Fig. 48; Fig. 52: a schematic sectional view along line 52-25 in Fig. 48; Fig. 53: a schematic perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a cover element from below; Fig. 54: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 53 from the bottom; Fig. 55: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 54 in the direction of arrow Q; Fig. 56: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 55 in the direction of arrow R1; Fig. 57: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 55 in the direction of arrow R2; Fig. 58: a schematic sectional view along line 58-58 in Fig. 55; Fig. 59: a schematic sectional view along line 59-59 in Fig. 55; Fig. 60: a schematic perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a cover element from below; Fig. 61: a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 60 from the bottom; Fig. 62: a schematic view of the arrangement Fig. 61 in the direction of arrow S; Fig. 63: a schematic side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 62 in the direction of arrow T; Fig. 64: a schematic sectional view along line 64-64 in Fig. 62; and Fig. 65: a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a surface cleaning device.
[0073] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a first embodiment of a surface cleaning device designated overall by reference numeral 10. It is designed in the form of a floor cleaning device 12, specifically in the form of a vacuum robot 14.
[0074] The cleaning device 10 comprises a cleaning device body 16 and defines a top 18 and a bottom 20.
[0075] A drive mechanism 22 is arranged or formed on the cleaning device body 16, which includes two driven wheels 24, which define a common wheel axle 26, and a wheel 28, which defines a wheel axle 30.
[0076] The wheel 28 is mounted on the cleaning device body 16 so that it can be rotated about a steering axis 32.
[0077] The surface cleaning device 10 defines a base plane 34 with its three wheels 24, 28, which is defined by a floor surface 36 of a floor on which the surface cleaning device 10 moves.
[0078] The floor area 36 is the area that can be cleaned with the surface cleaning device 10, thus the surface or area 40 to be cleaned.
[0079] The surface cleaning device 10 comprises a steering device 42, which is received in a designated receptacle 44 on the underside 20 of the cleaning device body 16. The steering device 42 is designed to actively or passively rotate the wheel 28 about the steering axis 32, which runs transversely, i.e., perpendicularly, to the support plane 34, and thus to steer a travel movement of the surface cleaning device 10.
[0080] The surface cleaning device 10 further comprises a drive unit 46 including two electric motors 48. Each electric motor 48 is assigned to one of the two wheels 24, so that they can be set in rotation independently of each other. The drive unit 46 serves to move the surface cleaning device 10 forwards and backwards across the surface to be cleaned, i.e., the area 40 to be cleaned. By rotating the wheels 24 in opposite directions, the surface cleaning device can essentially turn on the spot and thus easily change its direction of travel.
[0081] The wheels 24 include rubber tires 50, which enable safe movement of the surface cleaning device 10 over the surface to be cleaned 40, especially on smooth and slippery surfaces 40.
[0082] The driving device 22 with the drive device 46 enables the self-driving and self-steering training of the surface cleaning device 10.
[0083] A schematic diagram of the surface cleaning device 10 is shown in Fig. Figure 64 shows a mains-independent energy supply unit 52 in the form of a rechargeable battery 54, which serves to supply all electrical consumers of the surface cleaning device 10 with electrical energy.
[0084] The surface cleaning device 10 includes the drive unit 46 already described, comprising the two electric motors 48.
[0085] The cleaning device body 16 has a suction device 56 in the form of a fan blower 58, which is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply unit 52.
[0086] The surface cleaning device 10 further comprises a suction nozzle 60 arranged or formed on the cleaning device body 16, which defines a dirt inlet 62. The suction device 56 is designed to generate a suction flow through the dirt inlet 62 into the cleaning device body 16.
[0087] Furthermore, a dirt collection container 64, which is in fluid communication with the dirt inlet 62, is arranged on the cleaning device body 16 for collecting dirt 66 introduced into the cleaning device body 16 by the suction flow, which is schematically described in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 is shown.
[0088] The suction nozzle 60 includes a suction flow guidance device 68 for guiding and / or directing the suction flow from the surface 40 to be cleaned through the dirt inlet 62 into the cleaning device body 16.
[0089] The suction flow guidance device 68 comprises at least one guide channel 70, 72, 74 extending away from the dirt inlet 62. During the intended use of the surface cleaning device 10, this channel is bounded by a guide surface 76 pointing towards the surface 40 to be cleaned and inclined relative to it or to the support surface 34, and by two lateral guide side surfaces 78, 80 extending transversely, in particular vertically, away from the guide surface 76 and pointing towards each other.
[0090] The guide channels 70, 72 and 74 are open away from the guide surface 76 and pointing towards the surface 40 to be cleaned.
[0091] Each guide surface 78, 80 is bounded by an inner guide surface edge 82, which defines an intersection line of the guide surface 76 and the respective guide surface 78, 80, and an outer guide surface edge 84.
[0092] The inner edge 82 of the guide surfaces and the outer edge 84 of the guide side surfaces 78 and 80 run parallel to each other.
[0093] The surface cleaning device 10 is designed such that, when the surface cleaning device 10 is used as intended, the underside 20 points towards the surface 40 to be cleaned, and the top side 18 points away from it.
[0094] The surface cleaning device 10 comprises a cover element 86, which is arranged or formed on the cleaning device body 16 and defines or forms at least a part of the underside 20. The cover element 86 is detachably connected to the cleaning device body 16, as shown schematically in Fig. 7 is indicated.
[0095] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the dirt inlet 62 and the suction nozzle 60 are formed on the cover element 86.
[0096] The dirt inlet 62 is arranged or formed as described on the underside 20 of the cleaning device body 16 and comprises a dirt inlet opening 88, which opens the cleaning device body 16 in the direction of the surface 40 to be cleaned.
[0097] A cleaning element receptacle 90 is arranged or formed on the cleaning device body 16, in which a cleaning element 92 in the form of a cleaning roller 94 is arranged or formed. The cleaning roller 94 can, in particular, be equipped with a plurality of bristle bundles 96 and / or squeegee lips 98.
[0098] The wheel axle 26 defines a transverse direction 100 of the surface cleaning device 10. A longitudinal direction 102 of the cleaning device body 16 extends perpendicular to the transverse direction 100 from a front 104 to a rear 106 of the surface cleaning device 10.
[0099] A preferred cleaning direction 108 is in Fig. 4 schematically symbolized by an arrow pointing away from the front 104 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction 102 from the surface cleaning device 10.
[0100] The surface cleaning device 10 also includes a further cleaning element 110 in the form of a side brush 112, which is only in Fig. 5 is shown schematically with dashed lines. The side brush 112 is rotatably arranged on a rotating device 114 in the area of a recess 116 on the underside 20. The rotating device 114 defines an axis of rotation 118, which runs transversely to the support plane 34 and is slightly inclined with respect to a surface normal of the support plane 34.
[0101] The cleaning roller 94 is also mounted to rotate about a rotation axis 120. This runs parallel to the transverse direction 100 and thus also parallel to the wheel axis 26.
[0102] The rotation device 114 forms a cleaning element drive 122 for the cleaning element 110. Another cleaning element drive 124 is arranged or designed in the cleaning device body 16 to set the cleaning element 92 in rotation.
[0103] In Fig. Figure 7, top left, shows a first embodiment of a cover element 86, the structure of which is described below in conjunction with the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 will be explained in more detail.
[0104] The guide surfaces 78, 80 are each bounded by a front guide surface leading edge 126 and a rear guide surface trailing edge 128. The guide surface leading edge 126 and the guide surface trailing edge 128 each connect the guide surface inner edge 82 and the guide surface outer edge 84 of the guide surfaces 78, 80. In this way, the guide surfaces 78, 80 each form a parallelogram. This means that the guide surface leading edge 126 and the guide surface trailing edge 128 are parallel to each other.
[0105] A distance 130 between the inner edge 82 of the guide surface and the outer edge 84 of the guide surface defines a guide side surface width 132 of the respective guide side surface 78, 80. A length 134 of the leading edge 126 of the guide side surface and a length 136 of the trailing edge 128 of the guide side surface is greater than the guide side surface width 132.
[0106] The suction nozzle 60 comprises at least two, in which the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 12, three guide channels 70, 72 and 74 are provided. Optionally, four or more guide channels can also be provided.
[0107] A guide body 138 is arranged or formed between the two guide channels 70 and 72, and a guide body 140 is formed between the guide channels 70 and 74. The guide bodies 138 and 140 are identical. Each guide body 138, 140 has two guide side surfaces 78, 80, with one of the guide side surfaces 78, 80 adjoining one of the guide channels 70, 72, 74.
[0108] The guide body 138 has a guide body front edge 142, which is formed by a line of intersection of the two guide side surfaces 78, 80 encompassed by the guide body 138. Thus, the guide body front edge 142 is defined by the two guide side surface front edges 126 of the two guide side surfaces 78, 80.
[0109] The two guide side surfaces 78, 80 encompassed by the guide body 138 enclose an internal guide body angle 144 between them. This angle has a value in the range of approximately 30° to approximately 150°. Preferably, the value is in the range of approximately 90° to 150°. In the case of the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in 12, the inner angle of the guide body 144 has a value of approximately 150°.
[0110] The dirt inlet opening 88 has a dirt inlet opening front edge 146, a dirt inlet opening rear edge 148, and is laterally bounded by two dirt inlet opening side edges 150 connecting the dirt inlet opening front edge 146 and the dirt inlet opening rear edge 148. The dirt inlet opening front edge 146 and the dirt inlet opening rear edge 148 run parallel to each other and parallel to the transverse direction 100.
[0111] In addition to the dirt inlet opening 88, the dirt inlet 62 comprises at least one channel opening 152, 154 or 156. The channel opening 152, 154, 156 is bounded by the dirt inlet opening front edge 146, by a rear guide surface rear edge 158 of the guide surface 76 and two rear guide side surface rear edges 128 of the guide side surfaces 78 and 80.
[0112] How particularly good in the Fig. 8 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the front edge 146 of the dirt inlet opening is interrupted in the area of the channel opening 152. Furthermore, the front edge 146 of the dirt inlet opening runs parallel to the rear edge 158 of the guide surface. A distance 160 of the rear edge 158 of the guide surface from the front edge 146 of the dirt inlet opening corresponds to the length 136 of the rear edges 128 of the guide side surfaces.
[0113] The rear guide surface trailing edge 158 also runs parallel to the dirt inlet opening front edge 146 and parallel to the dirt inlet opening trailing edge 148.
[0114] The channel opening 152 is rectangular. The two guide side surface trailing edges 128 bounding the channel opening 152 run parallel to each other. A length 162 of the guide surface trailing edge 158 of the channel opening 152 is greater than the length 136 of the guide side surface trailing edge 128 adjacent to the channel opening 152.
[0115] The channel opening 152 defines a channel opening plane 164. The dirt inlet opening 88 defines a dirt inlet opening plane 166. The dirt inlet opening front edge 146 and the dirt inlet opening rear edge 148 lie in the dirt inlet opening plane 166. The channel opening plane runs perpendicular to the dirt inlet opening plane 166.
[0116] The guide body 138, 140 has a guide body cover surface 168. The guide body cover surface 168 is bounded by two guide surface outer edges 84 and the dirt inlet opening front edge 146. The guide body cover surface 168 points towards the area 40 to be cleaned. Furthermore, it runs parallel to the guide surface 76.
[0117] The two dirt inlet opening side edges 150 do not run in a straight line, but are divided into a first side edge section 170 and a second side edge section 172. The first side edge section 170 extends from the rear edge 148 of the dirt inlet opening towards the front edge 146 of the dirt inlet opening.
[0118] The second side edge section 172 extends from the first side edge section 170, thus adjoining it, to the front edge 146 of the dirt inlet opening. The first side edge sections 170 define a first side edge section plane 174. Furthermore, the second side edge sections 172 define a second side edge section plane 176. The first side edge section plane 174 and the second side edge section plane 176 are inclined relative to each other by a side edge section plane angle 178. This angle has a value in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 10°.
[0119] The guide surface 76 and the second side edge section plane 176 are inclined relative to each other by a guide surface inclination angle 180°. This angle has a value in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 30°.
[0120] The guide surface inclination angle 180 is greater than the side edge section plane angle 178. The first side edge section plane 174 runs parallel to the surface 40 to be cleaned and thus parallel to the support plane 34. Moreover, it runs parallel to the top surface 18. Therefore, the first side edge sections 170 also run parallel to the support plane 34.
[0121] As already explained, the channel openings 152, 154 and 156 are open in the direction of the front 104.
[0122] The dirt inlet opening side edge 150, namely the second side edge section 172 thereof, extends at least to the channel opening 154 or 156, specifically exactly to these openings and to an end face 182 running parallel to the channel openings 154 and 156. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 in the channel opening level 164.
[0123] The end face 182 is formed on a lateral guide side body 184 that delimits the guide channel 72 or 74. This defines a guide side body side surface 186 extending transversely, i.e., perpendicularly, to the end face 182. This extends to the rear edge 148 of the dirt inlet opening. The suction nozzle 60 according to the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 is essentially mirror-symmetrical to a mirror plane 188 containing the longitudinal direction 102. The mirror plane 188 runs perpendicular to the transverse direction 100 and divides the guide channel 70 in the middle.
[0124] This in connection with the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. The cover element 86 described in section 12 is further described in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows that the surface cleaning device 10 shown in these figures is equipped with the cover element 86, which is shown in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 is shown.
[0125] In the Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. Figure 17 schematically shows a second embodiment of a cover element 86. Its basic structure corresponds to the embodiment of the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12. To avoid repetition, only the differences to the exemplary embodiment of the following are noted. Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 explained. This also applies accordingly to all further examples.
[0126] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17 to Fig. 18. The dirt inlet opening side edges 150 are not divided into two sections. However, they also extend to the front surface 182, which, however, projects beyond the channel opening plane 164. As in Fig. As can be clearly seen, in this embodiment the end face 182 defines an end face plane 190 such that the guide side surface leading edges 126 lie or run in the end face plane 190.
[0127] A third embodiment of a cover element 86 is shown schematically in the Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. 24. Its construction is almost identical to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12. However, it differs from this in that the suction nozzle 60 comprises a guide element 192. The guide element 192 has a guide surface 194 pointing away from the dirt inlet 62, in particular from the channel opening 154, which is inclined relative to the end face 182 by a guide surface angle 196. As in the Fig. 18, Fig. 19 to Fig. As can be clearly seen, the guide body 192 is arranged or formed at a distance from the front surface 182.
[0128] The guide body surface angle 196 has a value in the range of approximately 10° to approximately 60°. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. 24 the guide body surface 194 partially extends forward over the guide surface 76.
[0129] The guide element 192 is cuboid or substantially cuboid in shape. Furthermore, it has a guide surface edge 198 pointing towards the surface 40 to be cleaned. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. 24 define the guide surface edge 198 and the guide surface trailing edge 158 schematically in Fig. 20 plotted plane 200.
[0130] The cover element 86 is also asymmetrically designed and has a hollow cylindrical end surface 202 in the area of the guide side body 184 at the front right in the top view, which allows free rotation of the side brush 112 and is adapted to the recess 116. No guide element 192 is arranged or formed on the side with the end surface 202.
[0131] A fourth embodiment of a cover element 86 is shown schematically in the Fig. 25, Fig. 26, Fig. 27, Fig. 28, Fig. 29, Fig. 30 to Fig. 31. Its construction is almost identical to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. 24 agree, so that full reference can be made to the above description.
[0132] It differs only in that, instead of the hollow cylindrical end surface 202, the guide side body 184 also has an end surface 182, in front of which a guide side guide body 192 is arranged in an analogous manner, such that the cover element 86 is essentially symmetrical overall with respect to the mirror plane 188.
[0133] The Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37 to Fig. Figure 38 schematically shows a fifth embodiment of a cover element 86. It is almost identical to the third embodiment of the Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. 24. It differs only in the height of the guide body surface 194 and thus of the guide guide body 192 overall. In this embodiment, the guide body surface edge 198 and the dirt inlet opening front edge 146 define a plane 200, as is well illustrated in the Fig. 34, Fig. 35 to Fig. 36 can be seen.
[0134] In this embodiment as well, an end 204 of the guide body 192 pointing towards the channel opening 154 ends in a plane defined by the guide side body side surface 186.
[0135] A sixth embodiment of a cover element 86 is shown schematically in the Fig. 39, Fig. 40, Fig. 41, Fig. 42, Fig. 43, Fig. 44 to Fig. 45. It is again essentially symmetrical about the mirror plane 188. It differs from the fourth embodiment, which is shown in the Fig. 25, Fig. 26, Fig. 27, Fig. 28, Fig. 29, Fig. 30 to Fig. Figure 31 shows the height of the guide body surface 194. In the sixth embodiment, the guide body surface edge 198 and the dirt inlet opening front edge 146 define a plane 200.
[0136] In the Fig. 46, Fig. 47, Fig. 48, Fig. 49, Fig. 50, Fig. 51 to Fig. Figure 52 schematically depicts a seventh embodiment of a cover element 86. It essentially corresponds to the structure of the fifth embodiment of the Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37 to Fig. 38 are identical. The only difference here is the height of the guide element 192. The guide element surface edge 198 forms a plane 200 with the rear edge 148 of the dirt inlet opening.
[0137] The seventh embodiment of the cover element 86 is also asymmetrically designed, since it again has the hollow cylindrical end surface 202 already described on one of the guide side bodies 184 adjacent to the channel opening 156, which is advantageous when a side brush 112 is present.
[0138] An eighth embodiment of a cover element 86 is shown schematically in the Fig. 53, Fig. 54, Fig. 55, Fig. 56, Fig. 57, Fig. 58 to Fig. 59. It differs from the sixth embodiment of the Fig. 39, Fig. 40, Fig. 41, Fig. 42, Fig. 43, Fig. 44 to Fig. 45 by the height of the guide body surface 194. In the eighth embodiment, the guide body surface edge 198 forms a plane 200 with the rear edge 148 of the dirt inlet opening. Overall, the cover element 86 is essentially symmetrical to the mirror plane 188.
[0139] The sixth embodiment, which is schematically shown in the Fig. 39, Fig. 40, Fig. 41, Fig. 42, Fig. 43, Fig. 44 to Fig. 45 is also in Fig. 7 shown in the upper right as an alternative cover element 86, which replaces the one shown in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 shown in the first embodiment, it can alternatively be arranged on the underside 20 of the surface cleaning device 10.
[0140] In the Fig. 60, Fig. 61, Fig. 62, Fig. 63 to Fig. 64 is a ninth embodiment 86 shown schematically. It is the first embodiment of the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 similarly. Unlike the first embodiment, which has end faces 182 defining an end face plane 190, in this embodiment the guide side body 184 extends further forward in such a way that both the channel opening 154 and the channel opening 156 are limited by the interaction of the guide bodies 138 and 140 with end bodies 206 and 208 adjoining the respective guide side body 184.
[0141] The end bodies 206 and 208 have end body cover surfaces 210 and 212, which define a common cover surface plane 214 with the guide body cover surfaces 168 of the guide bodies 138 and 140. The end body cover surfaces 210 and 212 run parallel to the guide surface 76. Thus, a guide side surface 78 and 80, respectively, is formed on the end bodies 206 and 208, respectively, with the guide side surface 78 of the end body 206 together with the guide side surface 80 of the guide body 138 defining the guide channel 72, and the guide side surface 80 of the end body 208 together with the guide side surface 78 of the guide body 140 defining the guide channel 74. In this way, three practically identical guide channels 70, 72, and 74 are formed. In this embodiment, the three defined channel openings 152, 154 and 156 are of the same size.
[0142] All the above-described embodiments of cover elements 86 can, in principle, be optionally arranged on the underside 20 of the surface cleaning device 10. Variants with a hollow cylindrical end surface 202 are preferably used when the surface cleaning device 10 includes a cleaning element 110 in the form of a side brush 112. Without a side brush 112, all other cover elements 86 can be used.
[0143] The respective suction nozzles 60 with suction flow guidance device 68 facilitate the removal of dirt 66 from a surface 40 to be cleaned, especially also when using a cleaning element 92 in the form of a cleaning roller 94. Reference symbol list 10 Cleaning device 12 floor cleaning device 14 robot vacuum cleaners 16 cleaning device bodies 18 Top 20 Subpage 22 Driving equipment 24-inch wheel 26 wheel axle 28-inch wheel 30 wheel axle 32 Steering axle 34 Uprising level 36 floor area 38 Floor 40 area 42 Steering device 44 recording 46 Drive unit 48 Electric motor 50 rubber tires 52 Energy supply facility 54 Battery 56 Suction unit 58 air blowers 60 suction nozzle 62 Dirt inlet 64 dirt collection containers 66 dirt 68 Suction airflow guidance device 70 Guide channel 72 Guide channel 74 Guide channel 76 guide surface 78 Guide side surface 80 guide side surface 82 Inner edge of guide surfaces 84 Outer edge of guide surfaces 86 Cover element 88 Dirt inlet opening 90 Cleaning element holder 92 Cleaning element 94 Cleaning roller 96 bristle bundles 98 Squeegee 100 transverse direction 102 Longitudinal direction 104 Front 106 reverse 108 Cleaning direction 110 cleaning element 112 side brushes 114 Rotary device 116 recess 118 Rotation axis 120 Rotation axis 122 Cleaning element drive 124 Cleaning element drive 126 Guide side surfaces front edge 128 Guide side surfaces rear edge 130 distance 132 guide side surface width 134 Length 136 Length 138 guide bodies 140 guide bodies 142 Guide body leading edge 144 Guide body inner angle 146 Dirt inlet opening front edge 148 Rear edge of dirt inlet opening 150 dirt inlet opening side edge 152 Channel opening 154 Channel opening 156 Canal opening 158 Trailing edge of guide surfaces 160 distance 162 length 164 Channel opening level 166 Dirt inlet opening level 168 Guide body cover surface 170 first side edge section 172 second side edge section 174 first side edge section plane 176 second side edge section plane 178 Side edge section plane angles 180° guide surface inclination angle 182 Front surface 184 Guide side bodies 186 Guide side body side surface 188 Mirror plane 190 End face plane 192 guide rails 194 guide body area 196 guide body surface angles 198 Guide surface edge 200 level 202 End area 204 End 206 End bodies 208 End bodies 210 End body cover surface 212 End body cover surface 214 Cover surface level QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] WO 2016 / 037635 A1
[0003]
Claims
Surface cleaning device (10), in particular in the form of a floor cleaning device (12), comprising a cleaning device body (16), a suction nozzle (60) arranged or formed on the cleaning device body (16) which defines a dirt inlet (62), a suction device (56) for generating a suction flow through the dirt inlet (62) into the cleaning device body (16), a dirt collection container (64) arranged in the cleaning device body (16) and in fluid communication with the dirt inlet (62) for collecting dirt (66) introduced into the cleaning device body (16) by the suction flow, wherein the suction nozzle (60) comprises a suction flow guidance device (68) for guiding and / or directing the suction flow from a surface (40) to be cleaned through the dirt inlet (62) into the cleaning device body (16), wherein the suction flow guidance device (68) has at least one guide channel (70) extending away from the dirt inlet (62), 72, 74) includes,wherein the at least one guide channel (70, 72, 74) is bounded during the intended use of the surface cleaning device (10) by a guide surface (76) pointing towards the surface (40) to be cleaned and inclined relative to it, and by two lateral guide side surfaces (78, 80) extending transversely, in particular vertically, away from the guide surface (76) and pointing towards each other, wherein the at least one guide channel (70, 72, 74) is open away from the guide surface (76) and pointing towards the surface (40) to be cleaned, wherein each guide side surface (78, 80) is bounded by an inner edge (82) of the guide surface, which defines a line of intersection between the guide surface (76) and the guide side surface (78, 80), and an outer edge (84) of the guide surface, characterized in that the inner edge (82) of the guide surface and the outer edge (84) of the guide surface run parallel to each other. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) has a top (18) and a bottom (20) and that, when the surface cleaning device (10) is used as intended, the top (18) points away from the surface (40) to be cleaned and the bottom (20) points towards the surface (40) to be cleaned. Surface cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) comprises a cover element (86), that the cover element (86) is arranged or formed on the cleaning device body (16) and defines or forms at least a part of the underside (20), and that the dirt inlet (62) and / or the suction nozzle (62) is formed on the cover element (86). Surface cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover element (86) is detachably connectable to the cleaning device body (16). Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide side surface (78, 80) is each bounded by a front guide side surface leading edge (126) and a rear guide side surface trailing edge (128), and that the guide side surface leading edge (126) and the guide side surface trailing edge (128) each connect the guide surface inner edge (82) and the guide surface outer edge (84) to each other, wherein in particular a) the guide side surfaces (78, 80) each define a parallelogram and wherein the guide side surface leading edge (126) and the guide side surface trailing edge (128) run parallel to each other and / or b) a distance (130) between the guide surface inner edge (82) and the guide surface outer edge (84) defines a guide side surface width (132) of the guide side surface (78, 80) and wherein a length (134,136) the leading edge (126) of the guide side surface and / or the trailing edge (128) of the guide side surface is greater than the guide side surface width (132)., Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction nozzle (60) comprises at least two, in particular two, three, four or more, guide channels (70, 72, 74), that a guide body (138, 140) is arranged or formed between the at least two guide channels (70, 72, 74) and that the guide body (138, 140) has two guide side surfaces (78, 80) which each define one of the at least two guide channels (70, 72, 74). Surface cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide body (138, 140) has a guide body front edge (142) and that the guide body front edge (142) is formed by a line of intersection of the two guide side surfaces (78, 80) encompassed by the guide body (138, 140), wherein in particular the guide body front edge (142) is defined by the two guide side surface front edges (126). Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two guide side surfaces (78, 80) encompassed by the guide body (138, 140) enclose an inner guide body angle (144) between them and that the inner guide body angle (144) has a value in a range of about 30° to about 150°, in particular a value in a range of about 90° to about 150°. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the dirt inlet (62) is arranged or formed on the underside (20) of the cleaning device body (16) and comprises a dirt inlet opening (88) that opens the cleaning device body (16) in the direction of the surface (40) to be cleaned. Surface cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the dirt inlet opening (88) is bounded by a dirt inlet opening front edge (146), a dirt inlet opening rear edge (148) and two dirt inlet opening side edges (150) connecting the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) and the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148), wherein in particular a) the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) and the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148) run parallel to each other and / or b) the two dirt inlet opening side edges run sectionally or substantially parallel to each other and / or c) the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) and / or the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148) define a transverse direction (100) of the cleaning device body (16) and wherein a longitudinal direction of the cleaning device body extends perpendicular to the transverse direction (100). Surface cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that the dirt inlet (62) comprises at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156), and that the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) is bounded by the dirt inlet opening front edge (146), by a rear guide surface rear edge (158) of the guide surface (76) and two rear guide side surface rear edges (128) of the guide side surfaces (78, 80). Surface cleaning device according to claim 11, characterized in that the dirt inlet opening front edge (146)a) is interrupted in the area of the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 158) and / orb) runs parallel to the guide surface rear edge (158). Surface cleaning device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a distance (160) of the guide surface rear edge (158) from the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) corresponds to a length (136) of the guide side surface rear edges (128). Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the rear guide surface rear edge (158) runs parallel to the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) and / or to the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148). Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a) the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) is rectangular and that the two guide side surface trailing edges (128) bounding the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) run parallel to each other and / or b) a length (162) of the guide surface trailing edge (158) of the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) is greater than a length (136) of the guide side surface trailing edge (128) adjoining the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) and / or c) the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) defines a channel opening plane (164), that the dirt inlet opening (88) defines a dirt inlet opening plane (166), that the The front edge (146) and the rear edge (148) of the dirt inlet opening lie in the dirt inlet opening plane (166) and that the channel opening plane (164) is transverse, in particular vertical,to the dirt inlet opening level (166). Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the guide body (138, 140) has a guide body cover surface (168) and that the guide body cover surface (168) is limited by two guide surface outer edges (84) and the dirt inlet opening front edge (146), wherein in particular the guide body cover surface (168) a) points towards the surface (40) to be cleaned and / or b) runs parallel to the guide surface (76). Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the two dirt inlet opening side edges (150) each have a first side edge section (170) which, when the surface cleaning device (10) is used as intended, is aligned parallel to the surface (40) to be cleaned, wherein in particular the first side edge section (170) extends from the rear edge (148) of the dirt inlet opening towards the front edge (146) of the dirt inlet opening. Surface cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that the two dirt inlet opening side edges (150) each have a second side edge section (172) which extends from the first side edge section (170) to the dirt inlet opening front edge (146). Surface cleaning device according to claim 18, characterized in that the first side edge sections (170) define a first side edge section plane (174), that the second side edge sections (172) define a second side edge section plane (176), and that the first side edge section plane (174) and the second side edge section plane (176) are inclined relative to each other by a side edge section plane angle (178), wherein in particular a) the side edge section plane angle (178) has a value in the range of about 1° to about 10° and / or b) the guide surface (76) and the second side edge section plane (176) are inclined relative to each other by a guide surface inclination angle (180), wherein in particular the guide surface inclination angle (180) has a value in the range of about 1° to about 30° and / or is greater than the side edge section plane angle (178). is. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the first side edge sections (170) run parallel to the top (18) of the surface cleaning device (10). Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) has a front (104) and a back (106) and that the preferred cleaning direction (108) of the surface cleaning device (10) runs parallel to the longitudinal direction (102) of the cleaning device body (16) in the direction of the front (104), wherein in particular the at least one channel opening (152, 154, 156) is open in the direction of the front (104). Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that at least one dirt inlet opening side edge (150), in particular the second side edge section (172), extends at least to one of the at least one channel opening (154, 156) and an end face (182) running parallel to the at least one channel opening (154, 156). Surface cleaning device according to claim 22, characterized in that the front surface (182)a) lies in the channel opening plane (164) and / orb) projects beyond the channel opening plane (164) and / orc) defines a front surface plane (190) and that the at least one guide side surface front edge (126) lies in the front surface plane (190) and / ord) is formed on a lateral guide side body (184) bounding the at least one guide channel (72, 74) and that the guide side body (184) has a guide side body side surface (186) extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the front surface (182), wherein in particular the guide side body side surface (186) extends to the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148). Surface cleaning device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the suction nozzle (60) comprises a guide element (192) and that the guide element (192) has a guide surface (194) pointing away from the dirt inlet (62), in particular from the at least one channel opening (154), which is inclined relative to the front surface (182) by a guide surface angle (196). Surface cleaning device according to claim 24, characterized in that the guide side body (184) comprises or forms the guide guide body (192). Surface cleaning device according to 24 or 25, characterized in that a) the guide element (192) is arranged or designed at a distance from the front surface (182) and / or b) the guide element surface angle (196) has a value in a range of approximately 10° to approximately 60° and / or c) the guide element surface (194) is designed to project forward at least partially beyond the guide surface (76) and / or d) the guide element (194) is cuboid or substantially cuboid in shape. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the guide body surface (194) has a guide body surface edge (198) pointing towards the surface (40) to be cleaned and that the guide body surface edge (198) runs parallel to the dirt inlet opening front edge (146). Surface cleaning device according to claim 27, characterized in that the guide body surface edge (198) and the guide surface rear edge (158) define a plane. Surface cleaning device according to claim 27, characterized in that the guide body surface edge (198) and the dirt inlet opening front edge (146) define a plane (200). Surface cleaning device according to claim 27, characterized in that the guide body surface edge (192) and the dirt inlet opening rear edge (148) define a plane. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 10 to 30, characterized in that the suction nozzle (60) is designed to be mirror-symmetrical or substantially mirror-symmetrical to a mirror plane (188) extending perpendicular to the transverse direction (100). Surface cleaning device according to the preceding, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) comprises at least one rotating cleaning element (92), in particular in the form of a cleaning roller (94) or a side brush (112), wherein in particular a) the side brush (112) is arranged or formed in the area of the guide side body (184) and / or b) the at least one cleaning element (92, 110) is designed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (118, 120), wherein in particular - the axis of rotation (120) runs parallel to the rear edge (148) of the dirt inlet opening or transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the top or bottom surface (18, 20) and / or - the surface cleaning device (10) comprises a cleaning element drive (122, 124) for rotating the at least one cleaning element (92, 110) about the axis of rotation (118, 120). Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10) is self-propelled and self-steering, in particular in the form of a vacuum robot (14), wherein in particular the surface cleaning device (10)a) comprises a drive device (46) for driving at least one wheel (24) for moving the surface cleaning device (16) over the surface (40) to be cleaned and / orb) comprises a steering device (42) for steering a driving movement of the surface cleaning device (10). Method for operating a surface cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the surface cleaning device (10) is moved over a surface (40) to be cleaned and dirt (66) is conveyed through the at least one guide channel (70, 72, 74) of the suction nozzle (60) into the cleaning device body (16).