Trunk including a motorized opening panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a suitcase comprising: - a shell (20) forming a frame (2); - a cover (10) forming an opening panel (1) movable relative to the frame (2) between a closed position, in which the opening panel (1) is folded onto the frame (2), and at least one open position; - at least one electric motor (40) motorizing the opening and closing of the opening panel (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the design and manufacture of suitcases. More specifically, the invention relates to opening and closing mechanisms integrated into suitcases. Background Technology

[0002] The opening and closing of the opening panel relative to the frame on which it is movably mounted can be performed purely manually, as is the traditional method in the field of luggage, or it can be done in a motorized manner, as can be observed in other technical fields.

[0003] For designs where the actuation is only manual, the opening panel is usually connected to the frame via hinges.

[0004] In this configuration, the control panel is simply opened or closed by pivoting about the pivot axis formed by the hinge.

[0005] According to the conventional design of mechanisms used to open suitcases by manual actuation, the mechanism exerts little or no resistance on the user's manipulation of the opening panel.

[0006] Therefore, users can easily fold the opening panel back onto the frame, thus changing the opening panel from the open position to the folded position on the frame.

[0007] Mechanisms with manual actuation are typically equipped with a locking device that allows the opening panel to be locked in its folded-back position on the frame.

[0008] This locking device can be composed of the following:

[0009] - A notch, which is provided by the opening panel on one of its slices;

[0010] - A latch, provided by the frame, for engaging in the recess at the folded-back position of the open panel;

[0011] - An actuator coupled to the latch to allow the latch to retract from the notch during the opening of the opening panel.

[0012] The latch may have a bevel and a return mechanism in a protruding position. Thus, when the opening panel folds back, it applies pressure to the latch and pushes it back, allowing the opening panel to move to its folded position. Once the opening panel reaches its folded position, a notch aligns with the latch, and the latch engages in the notch under the action of the return mechanism, locking the opening panel in its folded position.

[0013] For motorized mechanisms, an electric motor is used to open and close the opening panel relative to the frame without human intervention. In this case, there is no need to manually open or close the opening panel; the motor itself can perform the opening and closing of the panel.

[0014] These different types of mechanisms each have their own specific characteristics and inherent advantages. Purely manual and mechanical mechanisms allow the opening and closing of the panel in a natural and intuitive way for the user. Mechanized mechanisms, on the other hand, provide automatic closing of the opening panel without direct intervention from the user.

[0015] The aim is to reconcile the advantages of a conventional opening mechanism with manual actuation with the advantages of a motorized mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of this invention is to provide a suitcase having a device for opening and closing the opening panel, which coordinates the intuitiveness of manually closing the opening mechanism with the ability to automatically close the mechanism generated by a motor.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a suitcase that triggers automatic locking when the opening panel is moved to a folded-back position on its frame.

[0018] These objectives, and others mentioned below, are achieved by means of the present invention, the subject of which is a suitcase comprising:

[0019] - A housing, which forms a frame;

[0020] - A cover body forming an opening panel, the opening panel being movable relative to the frame between a closed position and at least one open position, in which the cover body folds back onto the frame;

[0021] - At least one electric motor that motorizes the opening and closing of the opening panel;

[0022] The suitcase is characterized in that it comprises:

[0023] - A determining device for determining the applied force E on the opening panel and / or the displacement velocity D of the opening panel during the period when a user applies a force that causes the opening panel to be displaced from one of its open positions in a direction along its closed position;

[0024] - Electronic unit, the electronic unit being parameterized by threshold force S and / or threshold velocity V;

[0025] Furthermore, the electronic unit is also parameterized to control the electric motor such that if the applied force E is greater than or equal to the threshold force S, or if the displacement velocity D is greater than or equal to the threshold velocity V, the electric motor pulls the opening panel into the closed position.

[0026] According to the invention, the user can trigger the automatic closing of the lid by manually activating the closing mechanism.

[0027] In fact, the user does not need to fully support the closing of the cover through the electric motor; the electric motor takes over the manual start-up motion.

[0028] Therefore, the automatic shut-off mechanism, which utilizes a motor, was implemented in a particularly intuitive way.

[0029] Once the user applies sufficient force to the cover, this automatic closing becomes more precise. This force is detected by a determining device that receives the applied force or the displacement velocity of the opening panel caused by the user's action. The applied force or displacement velocity is then compared to a threshold force or threshold velocity to allow triggering of electronic control of the electric motor if the applied force E or displacement velocity D has reached or exceeded the threshold force S or threshold velocity S.

[0030] This automatic shut-off via an electric motor also ensures that the control panel moves properly to the closed position.

[0031] For suitcases with a conventional mechanism that is manually actuated according to the prior art, the user can initiate the closing of the lid and allow it to fall back onto the suitcase shell. This locks the lid in the closed position. However, it can be noted in some cases that, for example, if insufficient inertia is given to the lid during the initiation of closing, the lid may not reach its closed and locked position.

[0032] Moreover, the lid may suddenly fall back onto the shell, which could cause the suitcase to gradually deteriorate.

[0033] The automatic closing of the suitcase lid according to the invention avoids these situations. Therefore, when the user manually begins to close it, the closing is safely terminated and controlled by an electric motor (not abruptly), and the user can hold the suitcase and move it without the risk of accidentally opening it.

[0034] Advantageously, the suitcase includes a hinge between the opening panel and the frame, an electric motor cooperating with the hinge to open or close the opening panel, and a determining device including a first position sensor of the hinge component, referred to as a "control unit," the determining device being parameterized to calculate the applied force based on the displacement of the control unit resulting from a force applied on the opening panel and the resistance to that displacement applied by the electric motor, and / or to calculate the displacement velocity of the opening panel based on the displacement of the control unit resulting from the force applied on the opening panel.

[0035] In this way, the force applied to the opening panel and / or the speed of the opening panel are detected through the hinge components. This determination is performed indirectly.

[0036] Moreover, because it is located on the hinge, the position of the control unit determines the position of the opening panel relative to the frame, as well as the evolution of the position of the opening panel relative to the frame due to the evolution of the position of the control unit.

[0037] In this case, according to a preferred design, the hinge includes:

[0038] - A conversion mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the electric motor into translational motion, the conversion mechanism including a transmission member capable of translating along a translational axis T;

[0039] - A connecting member, which is connected to the opening panel at a first pivot point offset from the axis of rotation of the opening panel via its first end, and to the transmission member at a second pivot point via its second end, wherein the transmission member causes the opening panel to open by translation in a first direction, and causes the opening panel to close by translation in a second direction.

[0040] The transmission component forms the control unit.

[0041] This hinge design allows the control unit to be formed from components of a conversion mechanism, used to transmit the motion generated by the electric motor to the opening panel.

[0042] Therefore, the displacement of the control unit can be safely and definitively correlated with the displacement of the opening panel.

[0043] Based on the preferred features, the open panel is:

[0044] - It can move relative to the frame between a maximum open position and a middle open position, in which the opening panel is positioned directly near its closed position and protrudes relative to the frame;

[0045] - Capable of moving relative to the frame between the intermediate open position and the closed position;

[0046] Furthermore, the electronic unit is parameterized to control the electric motor such that the electric motor tends to hold the opening panel in the middle open position by applying resistance to the displacement of the opening panel from its middle open position to its closed position, where the resistance is equal to the threshold force S.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the opening panel is positioned close to its closed position and tends to remain in that position.

[0048] This center-opening position can, for example, prevent the opening panel from being positioned where it might be very difficult for the user to grip, such as interrupting its closing or reopening.

[0049] This central opening position can also give the suitcase relatively complex opening kinematics and may give the suitcase a qualitative aspect.

[0050] In its open position, the panel will only be able to move to its closed position under the action of the electric motor when a force greater than or equal to the resistance applied by the electric motor (and therefore equal to the threshold force) is applied.

[0051] Advantageously, opening the panel is:

[0052] - Capable of rotating and moving relative to the frame between the maximum open position and the intermediate open position;

[0053] - It can translate relative to the frame between the intermediate open position and the closed position.

[0054] The opening panel has qualitative and / or attractive opening kinematics.

[0055] In this case, according to preferred features, the hinge includes at least one movable bracket, which is translatably mounted on at least one translation guide element provided by the frame, and the opening panel is at least rotatably mounted on one or more movable brackets.

[0056] According to an advantageous design, the frame has a framework that defines the position occupied by the opening panel in its closed position, and the determining device includes at least one second position sensor relative to the opening panel of the frame, the second position sensor being positioned adjacent to the framework, the second position sensor being independent of the first position sensor, and the determining device being parameterized to calculate the applied force E based on the signal from the second position sensor generated by the force applied to the opening panel in its intermediate open position.

[0057] One or more second position sensors ensure that the force applied to the opening panel to close it is fully captured by the determining device.

[0058] In fact, because the first position sensor indirectly determines the force applied to the opening panel, the integration of other sensors ensures that the force applied to the opening panel is correctly determined.

[0059] In this configuration, according to the preferred design, the second position sensor is positioned adjacent to the front edge of the frame and opposite the rear edge of the frame, and the hinge is positioned in the frame on one side of the rear edge of the frame.

[0060] This design compensates for leverage and parasitic moments that occur when someone applies force to the part of the open panel opposite the hinge.

[0061] More precisely, when someone applies a force that tends to close the opening panel to the front edge opposite the rear edge of the opening panel, the force creates a lever effect on the hinge, and due to the presence of parasitic torque in the region of the hinge, the force is not properly captured by the first position sensor.

[0062] Furthermore, the positioning of one or more second position sensors close to the leading edge of the frame compensates for the parasitic torque and ensures that the force applied to the opening panel is correctly determined.

[0063] Finally, a force of the same strength causes the opening panel to close automatically, regardless of whether the force is applied to a part of the opening panel or the rear.

[0064] According to a preferred feature, the second position sensor or multiple second position sensors are Hall effect sensors, and the opening panel carries one or more magnets positioned relative to one or more Hall effect sensors.

[0065] Because of their ability to determine the position of an object through a magnetic field, this Hall effect sensor determines the position of the opening panel relative to the frame. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a suitcase according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which includes a housing and a lid, wherein the closing movement of the lid is shown;

[0068] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of the opening mechanism of a suitcase according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an open suitcase according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a suitcase according to the second embodiment, wherein the lid of the suitcase is in the closed position;

[0071] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a suitcase according to the second embodiment, wherein the lid of the suitcase is in the middle open position;

[0072] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a suitcase according to the second embodiment, wherein the lid of the suitcase is in the fully open position. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Figures 1 to 6 A suitcase according to the present invention is shown.

[0074] The suitcase includes a housing 20 and a cover 10 that is movably mounted on the housing 20.

[0075] The housing 20 forms the frame 2, and the cover forms the opening panel 1.

[0076] In other words, the opening panel 1 is installed so that it is movable relative to the frame 2.

[0077] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The opening panel 1 is movable between a closed position and at least one open position.

[0078] When it is in its closed position, the open panel 1 folds back onto frame 2.

[0079] according to Figure 3 Furthermore, as detailed below, frame 2 has a framework 200. This framework 200 defines the position occupied by the open panel 1 in its closed position F.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown, the opening panel 1 is rotatably and movablely mounted on the frame 2.

[0081] Reference Figures 3 to 6 In the second embodiment shown, the opening panel 1 has more complex opening or closing kinematics than in the first embodiment.

[0082] More precisely, opening panel 1 is:

[0083] - It can rotate relative to the frame (2) between the maximum open position and the intermediate open position;

[0084] - It can translate relative to the frame 2 between the intermediate open position and the closed position.

[0085] Figure 5 The middle open position shown specifically corresponds to a position where, by translation, the opening panel 1 moves fully away from its closed position, so that it can be grasped by the user of the suitcase.

[0086] Of course, the suitcase according to the first embodiment may also have an opening panel 1, which, when installed to be able to rotate only, has a middle opening position corresponding to the middle opening position of the second embodiment.

[0087] To allow the opening panel 1 to move on the frame 2, the suitcase includes a hinge 3 between the opening panel 1 and the frame 2.

[0088] The hinge 3 will now be described more precisely with reference to two implementation methods.

[0089] The suitcase also includes:

[0090] -At least one electric motor 40;

[0091] - Determining device 5, which is used to determine the force E applied to the opening panel 1 and / or the displacement speed D of the opening panel 1 during the period when the user applies a force to move the opening panel 1 from one of its open positions in the direction of its closed position;

[0092] - Electronic unit 6, which is connected to electric motor 40 and determining device 5.

[0093] One or more electric motors 40 drive the opening and closing of the control panel 1, and for this purpose, one or more electric motors 40 cooperate with hinges 3.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the suitcase specifically includes two electric motors 40.

[0095] These electric motors 40 are brushed DC electric motors. Each electric motor 40 is also equipped with a reducer 41 and generates rotational motion.

[0096] More precisely, the hinge comprises two sub-assemblies, a left sub-assembly and a right sub-assembly, each of which engages with one of the two electric motors 40.

[0097] Of course, hinge 3 may include two sub-components, one of which engages with a single electric motor 40.

[0098] As mentioned above, the determining device 5 can receive the applied force E on the opening panel and / or the displacement speed D of the opening panel 1.

[0099] The force E is generated manually by the user, or in other words, by the user's hand M grasping the opening panel 1 and applying force to close the opening panel 1.

[0100] These determining devices 5 will be described in more detail below.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the electronic unit 6 is parameterized with threshold force S and / or threshold velocity V.

[0102] For example, the threshold force S can be equal to 20N.

[0103] The applied force E is used by the electronic unit 6, which is parameterized to control the electric motor 40 such that if the applied force E is greater than or equal to the threshold force S, the electric motor will pull the opening panel 1 to the closed position.

[0104] According to another example, the threshold velocity V can correspond to the experimentally determined rotational angular velocity of the opening panel 1, which corresponds to a velocity sufficient to allow the opening panel 1 to move from the open position to its intermediate open position.

[0105] In this case, once the displacement speed D is greater than or equal to the threshold speed C, the electronic unit 6 controls the electric motor 40 so that once the opening panel 1 reaches its middle open position, the electric motor 40 guides the opening panel 1 from the middle open position to its closed position.

[0106] The suitcase also includes a shut-off device for turning off the electric motor 40.

[0107] These closing devices for shutting off the electric motor 40 are configured to interrupt the closing of the opening panel 1 by the electric motor 40 after detecting resistance preventing the opening panel from closing.

[0108] As detailed later, this resistance is detected by detection device 5.

[0109] One or more electric motors 40 can be connected to the hinge 3 by a design described below to allow the opening panel 1 to move on the frame 2.

[0110] Reference Figure 2 as well as Figures 4 to 6 The hinge 3 includes a conversion mechanism for converting rotational motion into translational motion.

[0111] The conversion mechanism includes an intermediate component 43, which can be moved horizontally under the action of an electric motor 40.

[0112] refer to Figure 2:

[0113] - The electric motor 40 and the reducer 41 drive the screw 42 to rotate;

[0114] - The conversion mechanism corresponds to the ball screw, and the intermediate component 43 is more specifically the nut 430.

[0115] Nut 430 is connected to screw 42.

[0116] The intermediate component 43, more specifically the nut 430, is movable along the translation axis T formed by the extension axis of the screw 42.

[0117] according to Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown, the opening panel 1 is rotatably mounted on the frame 2, and the hinge 3 further includes a drive arm 7 that connects the intermediate member 43 to the opening panel 1. More specifically, the drive arm 7 connects the intermediate member 43 to the cover 10.

[0118] like Figure 2 As shown, the transmission arm 7 is more precisely connected to the opening panel 1 via its first end at a first pivot point 71 offset from the rotation axis R of the opening panel 1. The transmission arm 7 is also connected to the intermediate member 43 via its second end, opposite to the first end, at a second pivot point 72.

[0119] The device 1 is configured such that the intermediate member 43 causes the opening panel 1 to open according to the translation in the first direction, and the intermediate member 43 causes the opening panel 1 to close according to the translation in the second direction.

[0120] according to Figures 4 to 6 The second embodiment shown has an opening panel 1 that has translational mobility between its open position and its closed position, a hinge 3 that has the same features as the hinge in the first embodiment, and includes at least one movable support 8 that is translatably mounted on at least one translational guide element 80 provided by the frame 2.

[0121] More precisely, the hinge 3 includes two movable supports 8, namely, movable supports 8 for each sub-assembly.

[0122] The opening panel 1 is rotatably and movablely mounted on one or more movable brackets 8.

[0123] The additional cam paths include a first cam path C1 and a second cam path C2 provided by the frame 2 and / or the movable support 8. The additional cam paths convert the translational motion of the intermediate member 43 along the translation axis T into the translational motion of the opening panel 1, or into the rotational motion of the opening panel 1.

[0124] More specifically, according to Figures 4 to 6In the embodiment shown, the movable support 8 carries the rotation axis R and the second rotation axis A;

[0125] Furthermore, the opening panel 1 includes a fixing part 11 that extends within the housing 20 in the closed position of the opening panel 1. This fixing part is connected to the main plane of the opening panel 1.

[0126] The fixed part 11 cooperates with the movable bracket 8, so that the opening panel 1 can rotate around the rotation axis R.

[0127] According to this embodiment, the hinge 3 includes:

[0128] - First cam P1, first cam P1 is movable in first cam path C1, first cam P1 is also first pivot point 71, transmission arm 7 is connected to first pivot point 71;

[0129] - Second cam P2, which is movable in the second cam path C2;

[0130] - Second transmission arm 73, the second transmission arm 73 is connected to the first cam P1 at one end and to the second cam P2 at the second end;

[0131] - Third drive arm 74, which is connected to the second cam P2 at one end and to the second rotation axis A at the second end.

[0132] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the translation of the intermediate member 43 along the first part of the screw 42 causes the movable bracket 8 to translate between the low position and the high position, and thus causes the opening panel 1 to translate between its closed position and its intermediate open position.

[0133] Since each of the first cam path C1 and the second cam path C2 has a straight section, translation of the movable support 8 is permitted. Due to the transmission arm 7, the second transmission arm 73, the third transmission arm 74, and the load applied by the cam paths, the translation of the intermediate member 43 along the first section of the screw 42 causes displacement of the first cam P1 and the second cam P2 only along the straight sections of their respective cam paths.

[0134] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the translation of the intermediate member 43 along the second part of the screw 42 causes the opening panel 1 to rotate about the rotation axis R located on one or more movable supports 8, and thus causes the opening panel 1 to rotate relative to the frame 2.

[0135] Since each of the first cam path C1 and the second cam path C2 has a curved portion extending from its straight section, rotation of the opening panel 1 is permitted. Due to the transmission arms 7, the second transmission arm 73, the third transmission arm 74, and the load applied by the cam paths, the translation of the intermediate member 43 along the second portion of the screw 42 itself causes displacement of the first cam P1 and the second cam P2 only along the curved portions of their respective cam paths. More specifically, the first cam P1 and the second cam P2 are respectively driven to rotate about the rotation axis R and the second rotation axis A.

[0136] As previously stated, the determining device 5 receives the applied force E and / or the displacement velocity D of the opening panel 1.

[0137] First, the determination is performed indirectly.

[0138] In fact, the determining device 5 includes a first position sensor 51 for the hinge component, which is referred to as the "control unit".

[0139] The determining device 5 is parameterized to calculate the applied force E and / or the displacement velocity D of the opening panel 1 based on the displacement of the control unit caused by the force applied to the opening panel 1.

[0140] According to this embodiment, the transmission member 43 forms a control unit.

[0141] More precisely, the first position sensor 51 determines the position of the intermediate member 43, or more precisely, the position of the nut 430 along its translation axis T. The position of the opening panel 1 relative to the frame 2 is then correlated with the position of the intermediate member 43 along the translation axis T.

[0142] The evolution of the position of the intermediate member 43 along the translation axis T particularly determines the evolution of the position of the opening panel 1.

[0143] In other words, the actual position and displacement velocity of nut 430 allow the determining device to calculate the position and displacement velocity D of opening panel 1.

[0144] Furthermore, by connecting to the electric motor 40, the determining device 5 integrates the instantaneous motor torque value transmitted by the electric motor, or even integrates the resistance torque if the motor applies a torque opposite to the rotation of the screw 42 and the displacement of the intermediate member 43.

[0145] These data sets (torque of electric motor 40, actual position of nut 430, and instantaneous speed of nut 430) determine the resistance of electric motor 40 to closing the opening panel 1, and the calculation of the applied force E is performed by determining device 5.

[0146] refer to Figures 4 to 6In the second embodiment shown, the opening panel 1 can be in a middle opening position. Figure 5 The electronic unit 6 is also parameterized to control the electric motor 40, so that the electric motor 40 tends to keep the opening panel 1 in the middle open position.

[0147] The electric motor 40 uses its connection with the determining device 5 to apply resistance (or resistance torque) that prevents the opening panel 1 from translating from its intermediate open position to its closed position.

[0148] Advantageously, the resistance is equal to the threshold force S.

[0149] If a user applies force to the opening panel 1 to close it, and the force does not produce a force E equal to or greater than the threshold force S, the opening panel 1, which is in the middle open position, remains in the middle open position.

[0150] Once the user applies sufficient force and the applied force E is equal to or greater than the threshold force S, the motor shuts it off by moving the opening panel 1 to the closed position.

[0151] Secondly, the applied force E can be determined directly.

[0152] In fact, reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The determining device 5 includes a second position sensor 52 that opens the panel 1 relative to the frame 200. This second position sensor 52 is naturally independent of the first position sensor 51.

[0153] The second position sensor 52 is positioned adjacent to the frame 200.

[0154] More precisely, the second position sensor 52 is positioned adjacent to the front edge 201 of the frame 200 and opposite the rear edge 202 of the frame 200, and the hinge 3 is positioned in the frame 2 on one side of the rear edge 202 of the frame 200.

[0155] According to this embodiment, the second position sensor 52 is a Hall effect sensor, and the complementary magnet 520 of the Hall effect sensor is supported by an open panel opposite to the second position sensor 52.

[0156] This Hall effect sensor measures changes in the magnetic field, detects the position of the magnet 520 relative to the second position sensor 52, and determines the position of the opening panel 1 relative to the leading edge 201 of the frame 200.

[0157] The determining device 5 is parameterized so that the signal of the second position sensor 52 generated by the force applied to the opening panel 1 in the middle open position is associated with the applied force E.

[0158] refer to Figure 5When the first force F1 is applied to the front of the opening panel 1, this second position sensor 52 compensates for the existence of parasitic torque caused by the lever effect. In fact, the force applied to the front of the opening panel 1 causes a parasitic torque due to the distance between the front and the hinge 3 from the opening panel 1.

[0159] Therefore, when integrated into the hinge 3, the first position sensor allows for better detection of the second force F2 applied to the rear of the opening panel 1, near the hinge 3, compared to the detection of the first force F1.

[0160] The second position sensor 52 ultimately corrects the determined force and improves the accuracy of the determining device 5 to obtain the appropriate applied force E.

Claims

1. A suitcase, comprising: - Housing (20), the housing (20) forming a frame (2); - Cover (10), the cover (10) forms an opening panel (1), the opening panel (1) is movable relative to the frame (2) between a closed position and at least one open position, in the closed position, the opening panel (1) folds back onto the frame (2); - At least one electric motor (40) that motorizes the opening and closing of the opening panel (1); The suitcase is characterized in that it comprises: - Determining device (5), the determining device (5) is used to determine the force (E) applied to the opening panel (1) and / or the displacement velocity (D) of the opening panel (1) during the period when the user applies a force that causes the opening panel (1) to be displaced from one of its open positions in the direction of its closed position; - Electronic unit (6), said electronic unit (6) parameterized with threshold force (S) and / or threshold velocity (V); Furthermore, the electronic unit (6) is also parameterized to control the electric motor (40) such that if the applied force (E) is greater than or equal to the threshold force (S), or if the displacement velocity (D) is greater than or equal to the threshold velocity (V), the electric motor pulls the opening panel (1) into the closed position.

2. The suitcase according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suitcase includes a hinge (3) between the opening panel (1) and the frame (2), and an electric motor (40) cooperates with the hinge (3) to open or close the opening panel (1). Furthermore, the determining device (5) includes a first position sensor (51) of the hinge component, referred to as the "control unit," and the determining device (5) is parameterized to calculate the applied force (E) based on the displacement of the control unit caused by the force applied to the opening panel (1) and the resistance to that displacement applied by the electric motor (40), and / or to calculate the displacement velocity (D) of the opening panel (1) based on the displacement of the control unit caused by the force applied to the opening panel (1).

3. The suitcase according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hinge (3) includes: - A conversion mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the electric motor (40) into translational motion, the conversion mechanism including a transmission member (43) capable of translating along a translation axis (T); - A connecting member (7) is connected to the opening panel (1) at a first pivot point (71) offset from the axis of rotation (R) of the opening panel (1) via its first end, and to the transmission member (43) at a second pivot point (72) via its second end. The transmission member (43) causes the opening panel (1) to open by translation in a first direction, and causes the opening panel (1) to close by translation in a second direction. The transmission component (43) forms the control unit.

4. The suitcase according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening panel (1) is: - It can move relative to the frame (2) between a maximum open position and a middle open position, in which the opening panel (1) is positioned directly near its closed position and protrudes relative to the frame (2); -Able to move relative to the frame (2) between the intermediate open position and the closed position; Furthermore, the electronic unit (6) is parameterized to control the electric motor (40) such that the electric motor (40) tends to hold the opening panel (1) in its intermediate open position by applying resistance to the displacement of the opening panel (1) from its intermediate open position to its closed position, wherein the resistance is equal to the threshold force (S).

5. The suitcase according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening panel (1) is: - It can rotate and move relative to the frame (2) between the maximum opening position and the intermediate opening position; - It can be translated relative to the frame (2) between the intermediate open position and the closed position.

6. The suitcase according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hinge (3) includes at least one movable bracket (8), which is translatably mounted on at least one translation guide element (80) provided by the frame (2). Furthermore, the opening panel (1) is rotatably and movablely mounted on at least one or more movable supports (8).

7. The suitcase according to claim 4, characterized in that, The frame (2) has a structure (200) that defines the position occupied by the open panel in its closed position. The determining device (5) includes at least one second position sensor (52) relative to the opening panel (1) of the frame (200), the second position sensor (52) being positioned adjacent to the frame, the second position sensor being independent of the first position sensor (51), and the determining device (5) being parameterized to calculate the applied force (E) based on the signal of the second position sensor (52) generated by the force applied to the opening panel (1) in its intermediate open position.

8. The suitcase according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second position sensor (52) is positioned adjacent to the front edge (201) of the frame (200) and opposite to the rear edge (202) of the frame (200). The hinge (3) is positioned in the frame (2) on one side of the rear edge (202) of the frame (200).

9. The suitcase according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second position sensor (52) is a Hall effect sensor. Furthermore, the opening panel (1) carries one or more magnets (520) positioned relative to one or more of the Hall effect sensors.

10. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The suitcase includes a closing device for the electric motor (40), the closing device being configured to interrupt the closing of the opening panel (1) by the electric motor (40) upon detecting resistance preventing the opening panel (1) from closing.

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