SUCTION NOZZLE WITH COVERABLE SUCTION OPENING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a suction nozzle for a suction device, in particular for a vacuum robot.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner typically has a suction nozzle with a suction port through which impurities or dirt, especially dust particles, are sucked up from a floor to be cleaned using an air stream. The air stream can be generated by a fan. The air stream transports the dirt from the suction port into a dirt collection container of the vacuum cleaner.

[0003] The suction power of a vacuum device, in particular a robot vacuum, can be impaired, for example, in the corner of a room because the suction mouth cannot be placed directly at the corner of the room and / or because the suction mouth of a vacuum device is typically intended to vacuum relatively large, open areas and therefore cannot be focused in the corner or at the edge of a room.

[0004] DE 10 2014 119 188 A1 describes a suction nozzle with a suction mouth opening defined by movable edge elements. DE 10 2017 102 466 A1 describes a suction nozzle with multiple suction mouths, one of which can be opened or closed as needed. DE 26 10 866 A1 describes a suction nozzle with multiple suction openings. EP 0 898 924 A1 describes a suction nozzle in which the edges of the suction mouth are adjustable.

[0005] This document addresses the technical problem of providing a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, in particular for a robot vacuum cleaner, which enables reliable and thorough cleaning even in areas that are difficult to access, such as the corner of a room.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the individual independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent patent claims, described in the following description, or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a suction nozzle for a suction device is described. The suction nozzle can be permanently integrated into the suction device, in particular into the housing of the suction device (such as in a robot vacuum cleaner). Alternatively, the suction nozzle can be detachable (such as in a (handheld) vacuum cleaner).

[0008] The suction nozzle comprises a suction mouth with a suction mouth opening, wherein the suction mouth opening faces the surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) during operation of the suction nozzle. The suction mouth opening can have a total area through which, during operation of the suction nozzle, a suction air stream flows to vacuum the surface to be cleaned (if the suction mouth opening is not covered). In standard operation, the suction nozzle can be designed to create a suction air stream through the total (cross-sectional) area of the suction mouth opening in order to vacuum the largest possible area of the surface to be cleaned.

[0009] The suction mouth opening can be rectangular. Furthermore, the suction mouth opening can have a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis (arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). The suction mouth opening can have a specific overall length along the longitudinal axis and a specific overall width along the transverse axis. The overall length can be greater than the overall width, e.g. by a factor of 2 or more, or by a factor of 3 or more. The total area of the suction mouth opening can correspond to the product of the overall length and the overall width. The transverse axis can be arranged in the usual direction of movement of the suction nozzle (forwards or backwards). The longitudinal axis can be arranged perpendicular to the usual direction of movement.

[0010] A brush roller can be arranged in the suction mouth of the suction nozzle, wherein the brush roller is designed to rotate about a rotational axis, wherein the rotational axis typically runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth opening. The brush roller can be arranged in the suction mouth such that the brush roller can act on the surface to be cleaned through the suction mouth opening.

[0011] The suction nozzle comprises a cover element that is designed to be transferred from a base position into a covering position. In this case, the cover element can be designed to cover a first partial region of the suction mouth opening in the covering position, so that, during operation of the suction nozzle, the suction air flow flows through an uncovered second partial region of the suction mouth opening, which has a reduced area compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening. By reducing the effective cross-sectional area through which the suction air flow flows, the flow velocity of the suction air flow is typically increased (if the volume flow of the suction air flow remains unchanged overall).

[0012] Furthermore, the cover element can be designed such that the cover element does not cover the suction mouth opening in the basic position, and / or that when the suction nozzle is operated with the cover element in the basic position, the suction air flow flows through the first partial area and through the second partial area of the suction mouth opening.

[0013] As already explained above, the suction mouth or suction mouth opening has a longitudinal axis that may be perpendicular to the (usual) direction of movement of the suction nozzle during operation. The first and second partial areas of the suction mouth opening are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth or suction mouth opening.

[0014] In particular, the second partial region can follow the first partial region along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth. Furthermore, the first partial region and the second partial region of the suction mouth opening can extend along the longitudinal axis over the entire length of the suction mouth opening. In other words, the first partial region and the second partial region together can have the entire length of the suction mouth opening. In still other words, the entire length of the suction mouth opening along the longitudinal axis can be composed of the first length of the first partial region and the second length of the second partial region of the suction mouth opening. Furthermore, the first partial region and the second partial region can each extend along the transverse axis, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, over the entire width of the suction mouth opening.Thus, a suction nozzle with a suction mouth opening is described that can be partially covered by a cover element to reduce the cross-sectional area of the uncovered portion of the suction mouth opening, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the suction air flow through this portion. As a result, the cleaning quality at a focused location on the surface to be cleaned (e.g., on the wall of a room or in the corner of a room) can be increased efficiently and reliably.

[0015] The suction nozzle may further comprise at least one actuator configured to transfer the cover element from the base position into the at least one covering position. The actuator may be configured to be manually actuated by a user of the suction nozzle (e.g., with the foot). Alternatively or additionally, the actuator may comprise at least one electric motor to automatically control the cover element. This enables particularly convenient and reliable covering of a portion of the suction mouth opening.

[0016] The cover element can have a cover surface (e.g. in the form of a flat material) which can be moved out of the first partial region of the suction mouth opening by the actuator in order to transfer the cover element from the covering position to the base position. Alternatively or additionally, the cover surface can be moved into the first partial region of the suction mouth opening by the actuator in order to transfer the cover element from the base position to the covering position. In this case, the cover surface can be moved into or out of the first partial region using one or more guide elements (e.g. a guide rail or a support ring). This can enable particularly reliable covering of a partial region of the suction mouth opening.

[0017] The cover element can comprise a plurality of support rings arranged adjacent to and / or one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the cover element (which typically corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth). In particular, a plurality of support rings can be arranged at different locations along the longitudinal axis of the cover element (e.g., at the opposite ends of the suction mouth and at one or more intermediate locations). The cover surface can then be attached to the support rings. The cover surface can form a segment of the lateral surface of a circular cylinder. In other words, the cover element can be tubular, with only a portion of the lateral surface of the tube being covered by a cover surface.

[0018] The (tubular) cover element can be arranged in the suction mouth. The support rings can enclose a brush roller arranged in the suction mouth. The cover element can be designed to be rotated by the actuator within the suction mouth about the longitudinal axis, so that the cover surface in a base angular position (which corresponds to the base position of the cover element) does not cover the first partial area of the suction mouth opening (the cover surface can then be arranged within the suction mouth, e.g., on a wall of the suction mouth). Furthermore, the cover element can be designed to be rotated by the actuator within the suction mouth about the longitudinal axis, so that the cover surface in a cover angular position (which corresponds to the cover position of the cover element) (exactly) covers the first partial area of the suction mouth opening.

[0019] The first partial region of the suction mouth opening can be delimited along the longitudinal axis by a first edge and an opposite second edge. The covering surface can then extend axially along the longitudinal axis from the first edge to the second edge of the first partial region of the suction mouth opening. Furthermore, the first partial region of the suction mouth opening can be delimited along the transverse axis by a leading edge and an opposite trailing edge. The covering surface can then extend tangentially and / or circumferentially around the longitudinal axis over such a wide angular range that the covering surface, in the covering angular position, covers the suction mouth opening along the transverse axis from the trailing edge to the leading edge.

[0020] Thus, a tubular cover element can be provided that can be rotated about its longitudinal axis to selectively expose or cover the first portion of the suction mouth opening. This allows for selective local focusing of the suction mouth opening in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

[0021] The cover element can be designed such that the cover surface extends over a wider angular range at the second edge of the first partial region (which faces away from the second partial region) than at the first edge of the first partial region (which faces the second partial region), so that by rotating the cover element about the longitudinal axis, the portion of the first partial region of the suction mouth opening covered by the cover surface is changed, in particular changed stepwise or smoothly. The width of the cover surface can thus be changed along the longitudinal axis in order to be able to efficiently change the cross-sectional area of the uncovered part of the suction mouth opening.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the cover element can comprise a shield-shaped cover surface. In the base position of the cover element, the shield-shaped cover surface can be arranged in a cavity (of the suction nozzle and / or the suction device) which is arranged along the transverse axis of the suction mouth opening in front of or behind the suction mouth opening (in particular in front of the front edge of the suction mouth opening or behind the rear edge of the suction mouth opening). Furthermore, in the covering position of the cover element, the shield-shaped cover surface can cover the first partial area of the suction mouth opening. The shield-shaped cover surface can be moved by the actuator. By using a shield-shaped cover surface, the suction mouth opening can be partially covered in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

[0023] The shield-shaped covering surface can have a greater width (along the transverse axis) at the second edge of the first partial region (facing away from the second partial region) than at the first edge of the first partial region (facing the second partial region). This makes it possible to change the portion of the first partial region of the suction mouth opening that is covered by the covering surface.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the cover element can have a (rollable and / or unrollable) cover surface that is rolled up on a roll in the base position of the cover element and that can be unwound from the roll to transfer the cover element into the covering position, so that the cover surface at least partially or completely covers the first partial area of the suction mouth opening. The cover surface can comprise a plurality of slats arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the roll. Alternatively or additionally, the cover surface can comprise a flexible, in particular textile- or rubber-based, material.

[0025] The roller can be arranged in front of or behind the suction mouth opening along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth opening, so that the covering surface is moved along the longitudinal axis over the first partial area of the suction mouth opening. This allows different portions of the first partial area to be covered efficiently. Alternatively, the roller can be arranged in front of or behind the suction mouth opening along the transverse axis of the suction mouth opening (e.g., in front of the leading edge or behind the trailing edge of the suction mouth opening), so that the covering surface is moved along the transverse axis over the first partial area of the suction mouth opening.

[0026] By using a (removable and / or rollable) cover surface, the suction mouth opening can be partially covered in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

[0027] The cover element can have a first roller on a first side of the suction mouth opening and a second roller on an opposite second side of the suction mouth opening. The first side can be arranged in front of the suction mouth opening (along the transverse axis) and the second side can be arranged behind it. Alternatively, the first side can be arranged to the right of the suction mouth opening (along the longitudinal axis) and the second side to the left.

[0028] The cover element can then be designed such that the cover surface is unwound from the first roll and wound onto the second roll in a complementary manner, or vice versa (to transfer the cover element from the base position to the covering position). The use of two rolls can further increase the reliability of covering the suction mouth opening.

[0029] The covering surface can comprise a covering grid with a plurality of grid cells (in particular with a planar matrix of grid cells). A first part of the plurality of grid cells can have covering material for covering a respective cell of the first partial region of the suction mouth opening. Furthermore, a second part of the plurality of grid cells can have no covering material, so that the corresponding cell of the first partial region of the suction mouth opening is not covered. By using a covering surface in which grid cells are partially covered and partially uncovered, a particularly flexible local focusing of the suction air flow can be achieved.

[0030] The suction nozzle may comprise a sealing element (e.g., a sealing lip or a brush strip) at the edge of the second portion of the suction mouth opening, which faces away from the first portion of the suction mouth opening. The sealing element may be movable between a sealing position and a passage position. The sealing element may be configured to block the suction air flow more strongly in the sealing position than in the passage position. The edge of the second portion may be arranged on the side wall of the suction nozzle and / or the suction device.

[0031] The suction nozzle can be configured to operate the sealing element in the sealing position when the cover element is in the base position. This allows the suction air flow to be reliably focused on the area below the (fully open) suction mouth opening. Furthermore, the suction nozzle can be configured to operate the sealing element in the passage position when the cover element is in the covering position. This allows the suction air flow to be directed toward the edge of the suction nozzle to further improve the cleaning quality at the edge.

[0032] The suction nozzle can comprise a sealing element (e.g., a sealing lip or a brush strip) designed to seal the edge between the second portion of the suction mouth opening and the first portion of the suction mouth opening when the suction nozzle is operated with the cover element in the cover position. For this purpose, the sealing element can extend along the edge between the second portion of the suction mouth opening and the first portion of the suction mouth opening from the suction mouth opening to the surface to be cleaned. The suction air flow can thus be focused particularly effectively on the area below the second portion of the suction mouth opening to further improve the quality of cleaning.

[0033] The cover element can have a plurality of partial cover elements arranged one behind the other and / or adjacent to one another along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth. The individual partial cover elements can be designed to each selectively cover a part of the first partial region of the suction mouth opening, in particular in a complementary manner, so that the entire first partial region of the suction mouth opening is covered by the plurality of partial cover elements together. The individual partial cover elements can, if necessary, each be moved by a dedicated actuator between the respective base position and the respective covering position. The use of a plurality of partial cover elements can enable particularly flexible partial covering of the suction mouth opening.

[0034] According to a further aspect, a suction device for cleaning a surface (in particular a floor) is described. The suction device can be designed as a vacuum cleaner, a robotic vacuum cleaner, or as a (possibly multi-use) handheld device. The suction device comprises the suction nozzle described in this document. Furthermore, the suction device typically comprises a fan configured to cause a suction air flow through the suction nozzle.

[0035] The suction device may comprise a control module, wherein the control module is configured to determine (e.g., based on the sensor data from one or more sensors of the suction device) that a focusing situation exists in which the suction air flow should be locally focused. The control module may further be configured, in response, to cause the cover element of the suction nozzle to be transferred from the base position to the cover position in order to locally focus the suction air flow (e.g., onto an edge region of the suction mouth opening).

[0036] According to a further aspect, a method for operating a suction device is described which has a suction mouth with a suction mouth opening which, during operation, faces the surface to be cleaned. The suction mouth opening has a total area through which, during operation, a suction air stream flows to vacuum the surface to be cleaned. The suction device further comprises a cover element which is designed to selectively cover a first partial area of the suction mouth opening at least partially or completely, such that the suction air stream flows (only) through the (complementary) uncovered second partial area of the suction mouth opening, which has a reduced area compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening.

[0037] The method comprises determining that a focusing situation exists in which the suction air flow should be or is to be locally focused. Further, in response, the method comprises causing the cover element to at least partially or completely cover the first portion of the suction mouth opening.

[0038] It should be noted that any aspect of the suction nozzle and / or the suction device described in this document and / or the method described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the patent claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0039] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Showing: Figure 1a shows an exemplary vacuum robot as an example of a suction device in a perspective view; Figure 1b shows the underside of an exemplary vacuum robot; Figure 1c shows an exemplary focusing situation; Figures 2a to 2g show different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element; Figures 3a to 3e show different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element; Figures 4a to 4e show different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element; Figures 5a to 5g show different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element; Figures 6a to 6h show different views of a vacuum robot with a cover element; Figures 7a to 7b show different views of a suction mouth opening; and Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for operating a suction device.

[0041] As stated at the beginning, this document deals with improving the cleaning performance of a vacuum cleaner on a wall or in a corner of a room. In this context, Fig. 1a the underside 122 of a vacuum robot 100 as an example of a suction device. During vacuuming operation of the vacuum robot 100, the underside 122 faces the floor to be cleaned or the surface of a cleaning area, such as a room, to be cleaned. The underside 122 of the vacuum robot 100 typically has one or more drive units 101 (with one or more drive wheels) by means of which the vacuum robot 100 can be moved to clean different areas of a floor. Furthermore, the vacuum robot 100 can have one or more guide and / or support elements 104 (e.g., non-driven wheels) that enable stable movement of the vacuum robot 100 over the floor to be cleaned. In addition, a vacuum robot 100 typically comprises one or more cleaning units 106 (in particular, suction nozzles) that are configured to clean the floor beneath the vacuum robot 100.The one or more cleaning units 106 can be shielded by one or more barrel-shaped shields 103 in the direction of movement 120 of the vacuum robot 100. The one or more shields 103 can push larger objects lying on the floor to the side to prevent larger objects from entering a cleaning unit 106 and damaging and / or clogging the cleaning unit 106.

[0042] A cleaning unit 106 (in particular a suction nozzle) may include a brush roller 102 configured to rotate about a rotational axis, wherein the rotational axis is typically arranged parallel to the underside 122 of the robot vacuum cleaner 100. The brush roller 102 may be used to mechanically remove dust and / or contaminants from the floor to be cleaned, so that the dust and / or contaminants can be sucked into the suction mouth 107 of the cleaning unit 106 with increased reliability.

[0043] A user interface may be arranged on the top side 121 of the robot vacuum 100, allowing a user of the robot vacuum 100 to make control inputs. Furthermore, the robot vacuum 100 may include a shock sensor 105 on a side wall 123 (e.g., on a side wall 123 in the front area of the robot vacuum 100), which is configured to capture sensor data indicating whether the robot vacuum 100 has encountered an obstacle in the direction of movement 120. Triggering the shock sensor 105 by an obstacle may cause the robot vacuum 100 to rotate about its vertical or vertical axis, which is perpendicular to the floor, and thereby change the direction of movement 120 to avoid the obstacle.

[0044] Furthermore, a vacuum robot 100 typically has one or more environment sensors 110, which are configured to capture environment or sensor data relating to the environment of the vacuum robot 100 (see Fig. 1b ). The one or more environmental sensors 110 can include: one or more image cameras, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more tactile and / or optical distance sensors, one or more acoustic sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more lidar and / or radar sensors, etc. A control module 130 of the vacuum robot 100 can be configured to determine digital map information relating to the cleaning area to be cleaned based on the environmental data and, if necessary, to store it on a storage unit 111 of the vacuum robot 100. The vacuum robot 100 can use the digital map information to orient itself within the cleaning area (e.g., within a room) and / or to determine a driving route for cleaning the cleaning area.

[0045] Fig. 1c shows the vacuum robot 100 arranged in a corner 150 of a room. In particular, Fig. 1c the arrangement of the suction mouth 107 of the vacuum robot 100 relative to a corner 150. As can be seen from Fig. 1c As can be seen, the suction mouth 107 can only be arranged in a relatively wide area at the corner 150. In particular, the corner 150 cannot be covered by the suction mouth 107. As a result, the cleaning effect of the vacuum robot 100 in corners 150 may be impaired.

[0046] This document describes a suction device 100, in particular a vacuum robot, which has a suction mouth 107 that can be at least partially covered by a cover element, so that the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 is reduced. As a result, the flow velocity of the suction air through the uncovered part of the suction mouth 107 can be increased, which in turn can increase the suction power in the immediate vicinity of the uncovered part of the suction mouth 107.

[0047] To clean a corner 150, a part of the suction mouth 107 facing away from the corner 150 can be covered, thereby increasing the suction power through the uncovered part of the suction mouth 107 facing the corner 150. This makes it possible to efficiently increase the cleaning performance of the suction device 100 in a corner 150.

[0048] Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a suction device 100, in particular a robot vacuum cleaner. The suction device 100 has a cover element 200 on and / or in the suction mouth 107, which is designed to cover a portion of the suction mouth 107, in particular a portion of the suction mouth opening. Fig. 2b shows an exemplary cover element 200, which is designed as a tubular piece that is arranged within the suction mouth 107 so as to be rotatable about the brush roller 102, i.e., about the rotational axis of the brush roller 102. The cover element 200 has an axis of rotation that can correspond to the rotational axis of the brush roller 102. Furthermore, the cover element 200 has a plurality of support rings 202 that are distributed along the rotational axis.

[0049] A cover surface 201 is arranged on the support rings 202 and is designed to cover a part of the suction mouth 107. In the Fig. 2b In the example shown, the cover surface 201 has a lateral surface segment that extends in the axial direction of the tubular cover element 200 from one edge to an opposite edge of the coverable part of the suction mouth 107. Furthermore, the cover surface 201 extends in the tangential direction and / or in the circumferential direction of the tubular cover element 200 such that the suction mouth 107 is (substantially) completely covered transversely to the axial direction.

[0050] The suction device 100 may comprise an actuator (not shown), e.g., an electric motor, configured to move the cover element 200, in particular to rotate it about the rotation axis. In this case, the cover surface 201 may be selectively placed in front of the suction mouth 107 to reduce the cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107. On the other hand, the cover surface 201 may be rotated by rotating the tubular cover element 200 against a wall of the suction mouth 107 (located in the suction device 100) to fully open the suction mouth 107.

[0051] Fig. 2c shows the underside 122 of the suction device 100 in a situation in which a (first) part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered by the cover surface 201 of the cover element 200, so that the suction air essentially only acts on the surface to be cleaned through an uncovered (second) part 207 of the suction mouth 107. In the Fig. 2c In the example shown, the uncovered part 207 of the suction mouth 107 is arranged on a side wall 123 of the suction device 100, so that the suction power of the suction device 100 can be increased on this side wall 123 (e.g. for cleaning a corner 150).

[0052] The suction device 100 can, as in Fig. 2d shown, have a sealing element 210 which is arranged between the uncovered or non-coverable (second) part 207 of the suction mouth 107 and the coverable (first) part 208 of the suction mouth 107. The sealing element 210 can extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107 (wherein the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107 runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush roller 102). The sealing element 210 can extend from the suction mouth 107 to the surface to be cleaned, so that the sealing element 210 forms a lateral barrier for the suction air that is sucked through the uncovered part 207 of the suction mouth 107. The sealing element 210 can thus focus the suction air more intensively onto the side wall 123 of the suction device 100 and thus, if necessary, onto a corner 150 to be cleaned.

[0053] Fig. 2e shows the suction mouth 107 from Fig. 2d (in a view of the underside 122 of the suction device 100), in which the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered by the cover surface 201.

[0054] Figuren 2f und 2g each show a section through the suction device 100, in which the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107 is perpendicular to the image plane. Fig. 2f illustrates how the cover surface 201 of the cover element 200 (in a basic position) can be placed on an inner wall of the suction mouth 107 in order to open the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107. Fig. 2g shows the cover element 200 in a covering position in which the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered by the cover surface 201 and is thus closed to suction air.

[0055] The cover element 200 can be designed to change the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 stepwise or smoothly. Fig. 3a shows a tubular cover element 200 with a cover surface 201, which has two segments 301, 302 arranged side by side or one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107. The first segment 301 has a greater extension in the tangential direction and / or in the circumferential direction than the second segment 302. Thus, by rotating the cover element 200 about the rotation axis of the cover element 200, the cover element 200 can be placed in a first (covering) position, in which the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered only by the first segment 301 of the cover surface 201 (as shown by way of example in Fig. 3b shown); and the cover element 200 can be placed in a second (covering) position, in which the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is completely covered by the first segment 301 and by the second segment 302 of the cover surface 207 (as shown by way of example in Fig. 2c shown).

[0056] Thus, the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 or the suction mouth opening can be changed in an efficient manner by rotating the cover element 200.

[0057] In a further example (not shown), the covering surface 201 of the tubular covering element 200 can be configured such that the extent of the covering surface 201 along the longitudinal axis, starting from a first edge of the covering element 200 to the opposite second edge of the covering element 200, increases smoothly in the tangential direction or in the circumferential direction. The first edge can face the non-coverable part 207 of the suction mouth 107, and the second edge can face away from the non-coverable part 207 of the suction mouth 107. This makes it possible to gradually (smoothly) cover the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 by rotating the tubular covering element 200.

[0058] Fig. 3c shows a cover element 200 comprising a first partial cover element 310 and a second partial cover element 320, which are arranged one behind the other and / or adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107, and each having a cover surface 201 with which a part of the suction mouth 107 can be covered. The partial cover elements 310, 320 can be configured to be moved independently of one another (by an actuator, not shown). Fig. 3d shows a situation in which the suction mouth 107 is covered only with the covering surface 201 of the first partial covering element 310, and Fig. 3e shows a situation in which the suction mouth 107 is covered by the cover surfaces 201 of the first and second partial cover elements 310, 320.

[0059] Fig. 4a shows a curved and / or shield-shaped cover element 200 with a curved and / or shield-shaped cover surface 201, which can be pushed by an actuator (not shown) in front of the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 in order to reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107. As shown in the sectional drawings of Fig. 4b und 4c As shown, the arcuate and / or shield-shaped cover surface 201 can be pushed out of the area 208 of the suction mouth opening (e.g. into an area of the suction device 100 which is arranged in front of the suction mouth 107 in the direction of movement 120). Fig. 4c illustrates how the cover surface 201 can be placed in front of the suction mouth opening to cover the suction mouth 107.

[0060] The covering surface 201 can have different segments 301, 302 to enable a step-by-step covering of the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 (see Fig. 4d ). Alternatively or additionally, the arcuate and / or shield-shaped cover element 200 can be composed of several arcuate and / or shield-shaped partial cover elements 310, 320, with which different sections of the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 can be selectively covered.

[0061] In the Figuren 5a bis 5c A cover element 200 is described with a cover surface 201 which can be rolled onto a roll 502 or unrolled from a roll 502. The cover surface 201 can then be moved in the longitudinal direction of the suction mouth 107 (ie along the Fig. 5c shown covering direction 505) from the roll 502 and moved over the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107. Fig. 5a shows the cover element 200 in a rolled-up state, in which the cover surface 201 is rolled up on the roll 502, so that the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is not covered. Fig. 5b shows the cover element 200 in an unrolled state, in which the cover surface 201 is unwound from the roll 502 and covers the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107. Fig. 5c illustrates how the suction mouth 107 can be gradually covered with the cover surface 201 by unrolling the cover surface 201 from the roll 502. The roll 502 of the cover element 200 is arranged behind or in front of the suction mouth 107 along the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107.

[0062] Figuren 5d and 5e each show a section through a suction device 100, wherein the direction of movement 120 of the suction device 100 is perpendicular to the image surface. Fig. 5d shows the roll 502 of the cover element 200 with the rolled-up cover surface 201. Fig. 5e illustrates how, by unwinding the cover surface 201 from the roll 502, the suction mouth 107 can be gradually covered with the cover surface 201 in order to reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107.

[0063] Figur 5f shows how the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered by approximately 50% of the developed covering surface 201, and Fig. 5g shows how the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is completely covered by the covering surface 201. Furthermore, Figuren 5f und 5g a sealing element 503 which is arranged at the end of the cover surface 201 and which is designed to shield the uncovered part 207 of the suction mouth 107 from the covered part 208 of the suction mouth 107 in order to focus the suction air flow.

[0064] The Figuren 6a bis 6h illustrate cover elements 200, which can be pulled across the suction mouth 107 transversely to the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107. The cover surface 201 can be unrolled from a roll 502 in order to place the cover surface 201 over at least a part of the suction mouth 107. The roll 502 can, as in the Figuren 6b und 6c shown, be arranged in front of the suction mouth 107 along the direction of movement 120. It is also possible to arrange the roller 502 behind the suction mouth 107 (relative to the direction of movement 120).

[0065] Fig. 6d illustrates that the cover element 200 can have a plurality of partial cover elements 310, 320 which are arranged one behind the other and / or adjacent to one another along the longitudinal axis.

[0066] Figuren 6e und 6f illustrate the use of a cover element 200 with a cover surface 201 composed of slats 601 that can be rolled up or unrolled from a roll 502, similar to a roller shutter. Fig. 6f illustrates how the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107 is covered by the slats 601 of the covering surface 201. The individual slats 601 can have a longitudinal axis that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the suction mouth 107.

[0067] Fig. 6g shows a cover element 200 with a cover grid 641 having a plurality of grid cells 642, wherein a grid cell 642 can be empty or filled. The cover surface 201 is then composed of the filled grid cells 642 of the cover grid 641. Thus, the shape of the cover surface 201 can be flexibly adapted to cover or open different areas of the suction mouth 107.

[0068] The cover surface 201 can optionally be attached to two rollers 502. One roller 502 can be arranged on one side and the second roller 502 on the opposite side of the suction mouth 107 (as shown by way of example in Fig. 6h shown). The cover surface 201 can then be unrolled from the first roll 502 and rolled onto the second roll 502 in order to place different grid cells 642 and / or segments 301, 302 of the cover surface 201 in front of the suction mouth 107. In this way, the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth 107 can be adjusted in a particularly reliable and flexible manner.

[0069] Figuren 7a und 7b show an exemplary sealing lip 700, which can be arranged on one side of the suction mouth 107, in particular on the side of the non-coverable part 207 of the suction mouth 107, which is facing away from the coverable part 208 of the suction mouth 107. The sealing lip 700 can be pivotable, so that the sealing lip 700 can be in a first position (see Fig. 7a ) seals the suction mouth 107 on the side where the sealing lip 700 is arranged. The first position can be used, for example, if the suction mouth 107 is not covered.

[0070] Furthermore, the sealing lip 700 can be moved to a second position (see Fig. 7b ), away from the suction mouth 107. This allows suction air to be sucked in from the side on which the sealing lip 700 is arranged, e.g., to increase the suction effect in a corner 150. The second position of the sealing lip 700 can be used when the suction mouth 107 is partially covered by the cover surface 201 of the cover element 200.

[0071] Thus, a vacuum robot 100 is described in which the suction mouth 107 can be partially covered. In the remaining open area 207 of the suction mouth 107, increased suction power is thus available due to the more concentrated air flow. For improved edge cleaning, the area 207 of the suction mouth 107 can be left open, which is guided by the vacuum robot 100 relatively close to a wall.

[0072] As in connection with the Figuren 2a bis 2g As described above, a rotatable, tubular cover 200 can be arranged in the suction mouth 107 (around the brush roller 102) and can be rotatably mounted there. Depending on the position of the cover tube 200 in relation to the suction mouth opening, the cover surface 201 of the cover tube 200 covers the suction mouth opening in sections or allows air into the suction mouth 107. The cover tube 200 is preferably designed such that, in the open state, the cover tube 200 allows the air flow to flow as unhindered as possible from the suction mouth opening to the dust container of the suction device 100. The suction mouth 107 can, for example, be reduced from a total length (e.g., approximately 200 mm) to a reduced length (e.g., approximately 25 mm) by the cover surface 201. The cover element 200 can thus reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the suction mouth opening by 50% or more, or by 70% or more.The air flow is then amplified many times over in the remaining area 207 (compared to the situation where the suction mouth 107 has the entire length). To control the cover element 200 (in particular the cover tube), an actuator (in particular a single one) can be used, which is designed to change the angular position of the cover tube 200 (in order to switch the suction mouth 107 between the open state (i.e., the base position) and the partially closed state (i.e., the cover position)).

[0073] In order to achieve intermediate stages of the suction mouth cover, the tubular cover 200 can be designed with a multi-stage cover wall 201 (ie cover surface) (as exemplified in Fig. 3a (shown). Depending on the position of the cover tube 200 in the suction mouth 107, more or less of the area of the suction mouth opening can be covered. This can be used, for example, for edge cleaning programs that are to be carried out more intensively and / or more quickly at certain times. If necessary, a single actuator can be used to (sequentially) achieve several different degrees of coverage.

[0074] In order to achieve several intermediate stages of the suction mouth cover without impairing the air flow in the suction mouth 107 in the partially covered or open state, several shortened partial cover tubes 310, 320 can be used (instead of a relatively long cover tube 200) (as shown by way of example in Fig. 3c Each partial tube 310, 320 can be controlled individually (possibly by a dedicated actuator and / or by a control mechanism) and thus enables selective coverage of the suction mouth 107. This can be used for edge cleaning programs that are to be carried out more intensively and / or faster in a flexible manner.

[0075] In the Figuren 4a bis 4c A cover element 200 is described that has a movable, shield-shaped cover surface 201 that can be arranged in front of the suction mouth 107 and pushed toward the suction mouth to at least partially cover the suction mouth opening. Depending on the position of the cover shield 201 relative to the suction mouth opening, the cover shield 201 covers a partial area 208 of the suction mouth opening or allows air into the suction mouth 107. As shown in the figures, the shield 201 can be arranged in front of the suction mouth 107 and can be pushed "backward" to partially cover the suction mouth 107. Alternatively, the shield 201 can be arranged behind the suction mouth 107 and can be pushed "forward" to cover the suction mouth opening if necessary. The control of the cover plate 201 can be effected with a (possibly single) actuator which is designed to change the position of the cover plate 201.

[0076] In order to achieve intermediate stages of the suction mouth cover, the shield-shaped cover 200 can be designed with a multi-stage shape (as exemplified in Fig. 4d Depending on the position of the cover plate 201 in the suction mouth 107, more or less of the area of the suction mouth 107 can be covered. This can be used, for example, for edge cleaning programs that are to be carried out more intensively and / or more quickly at certain times. If necessary, a single actuator can be used to achieve several different degrees of coverage.

[0077] In order to achieve several intermediate stages of the suction mouth cover, alternatively or additionally (instead of a relatively long cover plate 201) several relatively short partial cover plates 310, 320 can be used (as shown by way of example in Fig. 4e Each partial cover plate 310, 320 can be controlled individually (possibly by a dedicated actuator and / or by a control mechanism), enabling selective covering of the suction mouth 107. This can be used for edge cleaning programs that are to be executed more intensively and / or faster in a flexible manner.

[0078] Figuren 5a bis 5g show an exemplary roll-up cover 200 that can be arranged next to the suction mouth 107 (in extension of the longitudinal axis of the suction mouth 107). The cover 200 has a flexible, roll-up cover surface 201. The cover surface 201 can be pushed in front of the suction mouth 107 if necessary. Depending on the position of the cover roller 200 in relation to the suction mouth opening, the cover surface 201 covers the suction mouth opening more or less. In addition to the Figuren 5a bis 5g In addition to the variants shown, in which the cover roller 200 is arranged next to the suction mouth 107, the cover roller 200 can be arranged behind or in front of the suction mouth 107 in one or more other variants (as in the Figuren 6a bis 6d Furthermore, a cover surface 201 can be segmented, ie, designed like a blind (as in the Figuren 6e bis 6f shown). A single actuator can be used to control the unrolling length of the cover roller blinds 200.

[0079] The rubber lip and / or brush strip 210 used to seal the suction mouth 107 against pressure losses can be attached directly to the roller blind-like cover surface 201 (as shown in Fig. 5f sealing lip 503 shown). Thus, a suitable seal can be provided in any position of the cover surface 201.

[0080] When using a roller-like cover surface 201, any intermediate stages of suction mouth coverage can be achieved by only partially extending the roller-like cover surface 201. This can be used for edge cleaning programs that flexibly alternate between intensive and / or rapid cleaning.

[0081] A rollable cover surface 201 can be provided in front (as shown in the Figuren 6b und 6c shown) or behind the suction mouth 107, and can be pushed over the suction mouth 107. Depending on the position of the cover roller 200 in relation to the suction mouth opening, the cover surface 201 covers the suction mouth opening or not. A single actuator can be used for control, which controls the unrolling length of the cover roller 200.

[0082] In order to achieve several intermediate stages of the suction mouth cover, it is possible to use several shorter partial cover rollers 310, 320 instead of a relatively long cover roller 200 (as shown for example in Fig. 6d Each partial cover roller blind 310, 320 can be controlled individually (possibly by a dedicated actuator and / or by a corresponding mechanism), enabling selective covering of the suction mouth 107. This can be used for edge cleaning programs that flexibly alternate between intensive and / or fast cleaning.

[0083] The rollable cover surface 201 can be realized by a segmented, blind-like construction (as shown for example in the Figuren 6e und 6f shown). The use of stronger materials for the blind segments 601 enables increased resistance (compared to a flexible, possibly textile- or rubber-based, roller-blind-like cover surface 201). A single actuator can be used to control the unwinding length of the cover blind 201.

[0084] To achieve multiple intermediate levels of the suction mouth cover, it is possible to use a single rollable cover 200, which is controlled by a single actuator. The cover can be provided with recesses with multiple levels (as exemplified in Fig. 6g shown). Depending on the position of the cover 200 in the suction mouth 107, more or less of the area of the suction mouth 107 can be covered. To integrate such a cover 200, cavities in front of and / or behind the suction mouth 107 can be used. Areas of the cover 200 that are not arranged above the suction mouth 107 can thus be rolled up in the vacuum robot 100 to save space (see Fig. 6h ).

[0085] Thus, a covering element 200 can be provided with which a partial area 208 of the suction mouth 107 can be partially or completely covered in order to provide a focused, amplified suction air flow in the uncovered partial area 207 of the suction mouth 107. The control module 130 of the suction device 100 can be configured to detect that a focusing situation exists in which the suction air flow should be locally focused. This can be detected, for example, based on the sensor data from one or more sensors 110 (e.g., a camera, a distance sensor, etc.) of the suction device 100. A focusing situation can exist when cleaning a limited area (such as a corner 150) of a hard floor; and / or when cleaning a joint in the floor.

[0086] The control module 130 can further be configured to identify (based on the sensor data) the location where focused cleaning is to be performed. The cover element 200 can then be controlled to cover the suction nozzle 107 at least in part, matching the identified location. This allows for automatic adjustment of the suction nozzle 107 to the particular floor and / or cleaning situation.

[0087] The suction mouth 107 can be sealed on the outside against unwanted pressure losses by a rubber lip or brush strip 700. For cleaning surfaces, it is typically advantageous that no secondary air is drawn into the suction mouth 107, and the seal 700 is therefore preferably arranged flush with the lateral edge of the suction mouth 107. For edge cleaning (for example in a corner 150), a lateral secondary air can be advantageous in order to better vacuum walls. The outer lateral rubber lip and / or brush strip 700 can therefore be coupled to the state of the suction mouth cover 200. If the suction mouth 107 is not covered, the seal 700 can be arranged close to the suction mouth 107 (as shown by way of example in Fig. 7a shown). When the suction mouth 107 is covered for edge cleaning, the side seal 700 can be tilted outwards, moved outwards, folded away or retracted in order to increase the effective range of the edge cleaning (as shown by way of example in Fig. 7b This can improve the cleaning of skirting boards, among other things.

[0088] As already explained above, the "inner" lateral seal 210, 503 (which is arranged between the uncovered portion 207 and the covered portion 208 of the suction mouth 107) can be arranged on the cover element 200, in particular on the cover surface 201. If necessary, a flexible, expandable, bendable, or foldable seal 210, 503 can be used.

[0089] Fig. 8shows a flowchart of a (possibly computer-implemented) method 800 for operating a suction device 100, which has a suction mouth 107 with a suction mouth opening, which, during operation of the suction device 100, faces a surface to be cleaned. The suction mouth opening has a total area (in particular a total cross-sectional area) through which a suction air stream flows during (normal or standard) operation to vacuum the surface to be cleaned.

[0090] The suction device 100 further comprises a cover element 200 configured to selectively cover a first partial area 208 of the suction mouth opening, such that the suction air flow flows through an uncovered second partial area 207 of the suction mouth opening, which has a reduced (cross-sectional) area compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening. The second partial area 207 may be complementary to the first partial area 208, such that the two partial areas 207, 208 together form the entire suction mouth opening. The reduced area may be 50% or less, or 70% or less, or 90% or less of the total area. In other words, the open area of the suction mouth opening may be reduced by 50% or more, or by 70% or more, or by 90% or more (compared to the total area of the suction mouth opening).

[0091] The method 800 includes determining 801 that a focusing situation exists in which the suction air flow should be locally focused. This can be detected based on the sensor data from one or more sensors 110 of the suction device 100. For example, it can be detected that the surface to be cleaned is a hard floor (and not a carpet). Furthermore, it can be detected that the suction device 100 (in particular the suction nozzle 106 of the suction device 100) is being guided along a wall. Based on this, it can then be determined that a focusing situation exists.

[0092] The method 800 further includes, in response to the detected focusing situation, causing 802 the cover element 200 to be transferred from the base position to the covering position. In other words, the cover element 200 can be caused (in step 802) to cover the first partial region 208 of the suction mouth opening. The (open) cross-sectional area of the suction mouth opening is thereby reduced, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the suction air flow (if the volume flow of the suction air flow remains unchanged), which in turn can increase the cleaning quality in edge regions.

[0093] The measures described in this document can improve the edge cleaning of a vacuum device 100, in particular a robot vacuum, since the air flow can be concentrated near walls and thus intensified. This also improves corner cleaning. Furthermore, improved edge cleaning of baseboards can also be achieved, especially if the position of the outer lateral seal 700 is coupled to the suction mouth cover.

[0094] The selective partial cover of the suction mouth 107 can be used for different cleaning programs. If necessary, manual switching of the suction mouth cover can be enabled (e.g., by foot switching). If necessary, the cover element 200 can be combined with a cable protection grid in front of the suction mouth 107. In other words, the cover element 200 can also function as a cable protection grid in front of the suction mouth opening. The struts of the grid can be used to support the cover surface 201 of the cover element 200.

[0095] Furthermore, the aspects described in this document can increase the suction power of a suction device 100 in corners 150 in an efficient and reliable manner.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the suction nozzle and / or the suction device described in this document and / or the method described in this document. List of reference symbols

[0097] 100Suction device 101Drive unit 102Brush roller 103Shielding 104Guide and / or support element 105Shock sensor 106Cleaning unit / suction nozzle 107Suction mouth 110Environment sensor 111Storage unit 120Direction of movement 121Top 122Bottom 123Side wall 130Control module 150Corner 200Cover element 201Cover surface 202Support ring 207Open (second) section of the suction mouth or the suction mouth opening 208Coverable (first) section of the suction mouth or the suction mouth opening 210Sealing element (between the sections of the suction mouth) 301, 301Segments of the cover surface 310, 310Partial cover elements 502Roller 503Sealing element (on the cover surface) 505Covering direction 601Cover slat 641Cover grid 642Grid cell 700Sealing element 800Method for operating a suction device 801, 802Process steps

Claims

1. Suction nozzle (106) for a suction apparatus (100); wherein the suction nozzle (106) comprises - a suction orifice (107), with a suction orifice opening, which during operation of the suction orifice (107) faces towards a surface to be cleaned; wherein the suction orifice opening has an overall area, through which a suction air flow flows to vacuum the surface to be cleaned during operation of the suction nozzle (106); wherein the suction orifice (107) has a longitudinal axis, which runs perpendicular to a direction of movement (120) of the suction nozzle (106) during operation of the suction nozzle (106); - a cover element (200), which is embodied to be transitioned from a basic position into a cover position, in which the cover element (200) covers a first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening, so that, during operation of the suction nozzle (106), the suction air flow flows through a non-covered second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening, which has a reduced area compared to the overall area of the suction orifice opening; and - an actuator, which is configured to transition the cover element (200) from the basic position into the at least one cover position; characterised in that the first partial region (208) and the second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the suction orifice (107).

2. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 1, wherein the cover element (200) is embodied in such a manner that - the cover element (200) does not cover the suction orifice opening in the basic position; and / or - during operation of the suction orifice (106) with the cover element (200) in the basic position, the suction air flow flows through the first partial region (208) and through the second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening.

3. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first partial region (208) and the second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening are arranged adjacently along the longitudinal axis of the suction orifice (107); - an overall length of the suction orifice opening along the longitudinal axis is composed of a first length of the first partial region (208) and a second length of the second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening; and - the first partial region (208) and the second partial region (207) extend along a transverse axis, which runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, over an overall width of the suction orifice opening.

4. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (200) has a cover area (201), - which can be moved out of the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening by the actuator, in order to transition the cover element (200) from the cover position into the basic position; and / or - which can be moved into the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening by the actuator, in order to transition the cover element (200) from the basic position into the cover position.

5. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the cover element (200) comprises a plurality of supporting rings (202), which are arranged one behind the other and / or adjacently along a longitudinal axis of the cover element (200); - the cover element (200) comprises a cover area (201), which is fastened to the supporting rings (202) and in particular forms a segment of the peripheral area of a circular cylinder; - the cover element (200) is arranged in the suction orifice (107); and - the cover element (200) is embodied to be rotated about the longitudinal axis by the actuator within the suction orifice (107), so that - the cover area (201) does not cover the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening in a basic angular position; and / or - the cover area (201) at least partially or fully covers the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening in a cover angular position.

6. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 5, wherein - the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening is delimited along the longitudinal axis by a first edge and an opposite second edge; - the cover area (201) extends axially along the longitudinal axis from the first edge up to the second edge of the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening; - the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening is delimited along a transverse axis, which runs transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis, by a front edge and an opposite rear edge; and - the cover area (201) extends tangentially about the longitudinal axis over an angular range that is wide in such a manner that the cover area (201), in the cover angular position, covers the suction orifice opening along the transverse axis from the rear edge up to the front edge.

7. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 6, wherein the cover area (201), at the second edge of the first partial region (208), extends over a wider angular range than at the first edge of the first partial region (208), so that the portion of the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening that is covered by the cover area (201) is modified, in particular in stages or in a fluid manner, by rotating the cover element (200) about the longitudinal axis.

8. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (200) comprises a shield-shaped cover area (201), which, - in the basic position of the cover element (200), is arranged in a cavity that is arranged before or after the suction orifice opening along a transverse axis of the suction orifice opening; and - in the cover position of the cover element (200), covers the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening.

9. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (200) has a cover area (201), which - is rolled up on a reel (502) in the basic position of the cover element (200); and - is unwound from the reel (502) to transition the cover element (200) into the cover position, so that the cover area (201) at least partially or fully covers the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening.

10. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 9, wherein - the reel (502) is arranged before or after the suction orifice opening along a longitudinal axis of the suction orifice opening, so that the cover area (201) is moved along the longitudinal axis over the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening; or - the reel (502) is arranged before or after the suction orifice opening along a transverse axis of the suction orifice opening, so that the cover area (201) is moved along the transverse axis over the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening.

11. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein - the cover area (201) comprises a large number of fins (601), which are arranged in parallel with an axis of rotation of the reel (502); and / or - the cover area (201) comprises a flexible, in particular textile or rubber-based, material.

12. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein - the cover element (200) has a first reel (502) on a first side of the suction orifice opening and a second reel (502) on an opposite second side of the suction orifice opening; and - the cover area (201) is unwound from the first reel (502) and rolled up by the second reel (502), or vice versa, in a complementary manner.

13. Suction nozzle (106) according to claim 12, wherein - the cover area (201) comprises a cover grid (641) with a large number of grid cells (642); - a first part of the large number of grid cells (642) has cover material for covering a corresponding cell of the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening in each case; and - a second part of the large number of grid cells (642) does not have cover material, so that the corresponding cell of the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening is not covered.

14. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the suction nozzle (106), on an edge of the second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening that faces away from the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening, comprises a sealing element (700) that can be moved between a sealing position and an open position; - the sealing element (700) is embodied to block the suction air flow to a greater extent in the sealing position than in the open position; and - the suction nozzle (106) is embodied - to operate the sealing element (700) in the sealing position when the cover element (200) is in the basic position; and / or - to operate the sealing element (700) in the open position when the cover element (200) is in the cover position.

15. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the suction nozzle (106) comprises a sealing element (210, 503), which is embodied to seal off an edge between the second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening and the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening during operation of the suction nozzle (106) with the cover element (200) in the cover position; and - the sealing element (210, 503) extends, on the edge between the second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening and the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening, from the suction orifice opening towards the surface to be cleaned.

16. Suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the cover element (200) has a plurality of partial cover elements (310, 320), which are arranged adjacently and / or one behind the other along a longitudinal axis of the suction orifice (107); and - the individual partial cover elements (310, 320) are embodied to cover a part of the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening selectively in each case, in particular in a complementary manner, so that the entire first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening is covered by the plurality of partial cover elements (310, 320) together.

17. Suction apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface; wherein the suction apparatus (100) comprises - a suction nozzle (106) according to one of the preceding claims; and - a fan, which is embodied to cause the suction air flow.

18. Suction apparatus (100) according to claim 17, wherein - the suction apparatus (100) comprises a control module (130); and - the control module (130) is configured - to determine that a focusing situation is present, in which the suction air flow is to be focused locally; and - in response to this, to cause the cover element (200) of the suction nozzle (106) to be transitioned from the basic position into the cover position.

19. Method (800) for operating a suction apparatus (100) according to claim 17, which has a suction orifice (107) with a suction orifice opening, which during operation faces towards a surface to be cleaned; wherein the suction orifice opening has an overall area, through which a suction air flow flows to vacuum the surface to be cleaned during operation; wherein the suction apparatus (100) further comprises a cover element (200), which is embodied to cover a first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening selectively, so that the suction air flow flows through a non-covered second partial region (207) of the suction orifice opening, which has a reduced area compared to the overall area of the suction orifice opening; wherein the method (800) comprises - determining (801) that a focusing situation is present, in which the suction air flow is to be focused locally; and - in response to this, causing (802) the cover element (200) to cover the first partial region (208) of the suction orifice opening.