Method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device and self-propelled cleaning device

Abstract

A method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device is proposed, wherein the cleaning device comprises a preferably hinged cover and a distance meter for measuring the distance of the cleaning device from objects in its environment. According to the invention, the distance meter is used to detect an open position of the cover.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method to operate a self-propelled cleaning device comprising:
 measuring, using a distance meter, a distance of the cleaning device from objects in an environment, and   using the distance meter to detect an open position of a cover of the cleaning device.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising operating the cover which is hinged. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein a detection of an open position of the cover is performed by comparing a distance measured with the distance meter with a reference value and assessing an open position of the cover when the comparison shows that the measured distance is smaller than the reference value. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the measured distance and the reference value are each assigned a direction, wherein it is only evaluated as an open position of the cover when the comparison shows that the measured distance is smaller than the reference value and the direction of the measured distance coincides with the direction of the reference value. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the reference value represents a distance to an outer edge of the cleaning device. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein a warning message is output when an open position of the cover is detected. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein cleaning is aborted, interrupted and/or prevented when an open position of the cover is detected. 
     
     
         18 . A self-propelled cleaning device comprising:
 a cover, and   a distance meter configured to measure a distance of the cleaning device from objects in an environment, the distance meter further configured to detect an open position of a cover of the cleaning device.   
     
     
         19 . The cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the cover is hinged. 
     
     
         20 . The cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the cover in a closed position is flush with a housing and/or a top side of the cleaning device and in an open position projects from the housing and/or the top side. 
     
     
         21 . The cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the cover is arranged on a top side of the cleaning device. 
     
     
         22 . The cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the cover is at least substantially horizontally aligned in a closed position and at least partially vertically aligned in an open position. 
     
     
         23 . The cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the cover serves to cover and/or close a dirt container of the cleaning device. 
     
     
         24 . The cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the distance meter is arranged on a top side of the cleaning device. 
     
     
         25 . The cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the distance meter is a laser distance meter.