Suitcase containing a computer unit set to control the opening of the suitcase according to predetermined control rules.

Description

[0001] The field of invention is that of the design and manufacture of luggage.

[0002] More specifically, the invention applies to all types of luggage, such as suitcases, and in particular to briefcase-type cases.

[0003] These "briefcase-style" cases allow for the easy and secure transport of documents or other items.

[0004] In the field of this invention, it is common practice to include a locking device on the crates, allowing or preventing the opening of the lid relative to the container. Such a locking device can be simply mechanical and operated manually. It can also be electromechanical and triggered without contact, for example, via a control button on the crate, a remote control, or a computer application installed on a smartphone.

[0005] More recently, crates have been proposed with one or more electromechanical actuators mounted between the opening and the container (see, for example, document US2015168099), designed to trigger the opening and move relative to the container. These electromechanical actuators can be triggered, as with the locking mechanism, via an opening control button accessible from outside the crate, a remote control, or a computer application installed on a smartphone.

[0006] Furthermore, it has become commonplace to make objects smart and connected. Cash registers, and in particular briefcases, are no exception to this trend and are now regularly equipped with an embedded computer unit capable of receiving and processing various digital data.

[0007] In this context, it can be expected that the luggage will perform different automatic opening and / or closing modes, through electronic control of the opening mechanism by the computer unit, following a voluntary activation request from the luggage owner, for example via: by pressing the control button accessible from outside the luggage; by a mobile application running on a connected mobile terminal (preferably securely connected to the luggage); or by an on-board or remote voice assistant.

[0008] Of course, such luggage is equipped with means of powering the on-board computer unit and the various electromechanical actuators.

[0009] That being said, the aim is to minimize the onboard electrical energy capacity, that is, the mass of the battery required for the various functions. The aim is also to minimize its usage, that is, the electrical consumption of the various components of the luggage.

[0010] Thus, in the case of luggage with automatic opening or closing, the designer of such luggage studies different solutions so that the position reached at the end of the stroke by the opening, when opening or closing, does not require, for its maintenance in equilibrium, an additional supply of energy to its movement.

[0011] To achieve this, it is common practice in the design of hand luggage to ensure that the opening, at the end of its travel, is brought into a position whereby: either the opening is in stable support on a mechanical stop (for example the opening supported on the frame); or the forces acting on the opening such as those of gravity do not act (opening vertically).

[0012] Under these conditions, once the movement of the opening has been completed, it is and remains in equilibrium without mechanical action of the electromechanical actuator, which can be switched off to limit energy consumption.

[0013] However, the technical solutions mentioned above, designed to reduce energy consumption, depend on specific preferential conditions of use, not taking into account situations in which the luggage is tilted and / or in motion.

[0014] Indeed, in the case of a significant tilt of the luggage, there is a significant loss of contact between the opening and its stop, which can cause the luggage to open unexpectedly and spill its contents outside.

[0015] And, in the event that the luggage is in motion, a user may inadvertently move the luggage while it is open, at the risk of pinching their fingers, for example if its opening were to lose its precarious balance.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need to optimize energy consumption in the situations just mentioned.

[0017] The invention therefore aims, in particular, to satisfy this need.

[0018] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a case, and in particular an "attache case", which ensures the security of the goods contained in the luggage and / or the safety of the people using the luggage in all or almost all circumstances, through permanent and active control of the opening.

[0019] The invention also aims to provide such a case which optimizes its electrical consumption, regardless of its use or almost.

[0020] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved through the invention, which relates to a box composed of a container and a movable opening that pivots relative to the container, between an open position providing access to an internal volume delimited by the container and a closed position of the container, further comprising: a computer unit, at least one electromechanical actuator mounted between the opening and the container, intended to be controlled by the computer unit to cause movement of the opening relative to the container, opening / closing control means connected to the computer unit, means for supplying power to the electromechanical actuator(s), opening / closing control means and the embedded computer unit, including: at least one container orientation sensor, connected to the computer unit to transmit container orientation data, and / or an opening orientation sensor connected to the computer unit to transmit opening orientation data; at least one device for determining the angular position of the opening relative to the container, connected to the computer unit to transmit angular position data. and in that the computer unit is configured to apply control rules for the electromechanical actuator(s) based on the orientation data of the container and / or the orientation data of the opening, and on angular position data. Thus, thanks to the invention, the container does not manage the opening or closing of the opening on its own in purely static mode.

[0021] Indeed, unlike the prior art, such a box according to the invention will be able to control the electromechanical actuators linked to the opening by taking into account situations in which the box is inclined and / or in motion, this by taking into account the orientation data of the container, and / or those of the opening, and the angular position data of the opening relative to the container.

[0022] In this way, the cash register makes it possible to broaden the range of situations in which the cash register is used, in which it ensures the security of the goods it contains and / or the people who use it.

[0023] Furthermore, this data on the tilt and / or movements of the box also allows the opening to be managed in a way that optimizes the energy consumption dedicated to controlling the mechanical actuators.

[0024] According to an advantageous solution, the orientation sensor(s) each consist of an accelerometer.

[0025] According to an initial configuration, the computer unit is set up to detect a first situation defined by the following parameters: the container orientation data indicate a vertical orientation of the container, and the opening orientation data indicate a vertical orientation of the opening, or the angular position data combined with the container orientation data or the opening orientation data indicate a vertical orientation of the container and a vertical orientation of the opening, the case has a bearing face on a support with the pivot axis of the in a low and horizontal position.

[0026] Thus, the cash register's computer system detects a situation that is translated as follows: the opening face of the luggage is vertical; the support face of the container with its support is the one closest to the axis of rotation of the hinges between the opening and the container; the opening is in the closed position (since the container and the opening are both in the vertical position).

[0027] Based on this initial situation, detected by the cash register's IT unit, the IT unit is further configured to: receive, with the parameters of the first situation being retained, a request to open signal from the opening / closing control means; do not control the electromechanical actuator(s) to maintain a closed position of the opening.

[0028] It is understood that, according to this setting, the computer unit manages a static situation of the cash register and prevents the contents of the cash register from spilling out of it while it is in a vertical position, which would be the case with an opening of the door.

[0029] Based on the initial situation detected by the IT unit, the latter is configured to: receive a variation of angular position data of the container, the variation being such that the container drives the opening when placed under the container and in a closed position, do not drive the electromechanical actuator(s) to maintain a closed position of the opening.

[0030] Thus, as before, the opening of the opening is prevented in a situation where the tilting of the crate combined with the opening of the opening would cause the contents of the crate to spill out.

[0031] Still in the case of the first situation, detected by the IT unit, the latter is configured to: receive a variation of angular position data of the container, the variation being such that the container is tilted when placed under the opening, control the electromechanical actuator(s) to maintain a vertical position of the opening.

[0032] In this use case, the container's tilt is considered unlikely to cause its contents to spill. Therefore, the opening is permitted relative to the container, provided it remains vertical to minimize energy consumption due to its stable equilibrium position.

[0033] According to another configuration, the computer unit is set up to detect a second situation defined by the following parameters: The container orientation data indicates a horizontal orientation of the container, the opening orientation data indicates a vertical orientation of the opening.

[0034] Such a situation corresponds to a box placed on a support, with its container resting horizontally on the support, while the opening is in the open position, and more precisely in the vertical position.

[0035] When this second situation is detected by the computer unit, the latter is configured to control the electromechanical actuator(s) to maintain a vertical position of the opening.

[0036] In such a use case, where the case is in a static situation, the opening is thus kept open vertically, under active control of the computer unit, via the electromechanical actuator(s), in order to control possible minor disturbances such as an air current or slight vibrations of the support surface.

[0037] According to another advantageous configuration within the context of the second situation detected by the IT unit, the latter is configured to: receive a variation of angular position data of the container, the variation being such that the container is tilted when brought closer to the opening, control the electromechanical actuator(s) to maintain a vertical position of the opening until the opening occupies a predetermined angular position relative to the container.

[0038] Such a setting means that, starting from the second situation, if the container is tilted towards the opening, then in a vertical position, the opening is maintained in its vertical position corresponding to a stable equilibrium allowing to limit the energy consumption that could be dedicated to maintaining it in position.

[0039] In this case, once the predetermined angular position is reached, the computer unit is configured to drive the electromechanical actuator(s) so as to drive the opening to a closed position.

[0040] This method accelerates the closing of the crate as the container approaches the vertical position. Indeed, the container's upward movement could cause its contents to fall. Therefore, to prevent this, the opening mechanism pivots towards the container, thus accelerating the crate's closure and preventing the contents from potentially falling.

[0041] According to another feature of the invention, the box incorporates electromechanical locking means for the opening in the closed position, which can be controlled by the computer unit.

[0042] In this case, the computer unit, having detected the second situation, is configured to: to control the electromechanical actuator(s) to maintain the vertical position of the opening as the container is tilted by being brought closer to the opening, until the opening occupies a predetermined angular position relative to the container; to drive, when the predetermined angular position is reached, the electromechanical actuator(s) so as to drive the opening until it reaches a closed position; to detect a closed position; to control the electromechanical locking means to cause the opening to lock in the closed position.

[0043] According to another configuration based on the second situation detected by the computer unit, it is configured to: receive a variation of angular position data of the container, the variation being such that the container is tilted by being angularly away from the opening, drive the electromechanical actuator(s) to drive the opening until it reaches a closed position.

[0044] This use case results in the container moving relative to the (vertically held) opening, which can lead to a risk of spillage. Configuring the computer system prevents these situations by causing the opening to close.

[0045] According to yet another feature of the invention, the box incorporates a sound or vibration source, which can be activated by the computer unit.

[0046] In this case, the computer unit is advantageously configured to activate the sound and / or vibration source prior to the computer unit controlling the electromechanical actuator(s) designed to drive the opening until it reaches a closed position.

[0047] In this way, the user is informed of any control of the electromechanical actuator(s) which would be likely to cause the opening to close on the container.

[0048] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which: there figure 1 is a schematic representation of a crate according to the invention, in its open configuration; the figure 2 is a schematic representation of a first use case according to a first parameterized situation in the cash register's computer unit; the figures 3 et 4 schematically illustrate a cash register according to the invention in a second use case according to the first situation parameterized in the cash register's computer unit; the figure 5 is a schematic representation of a cash register according to the invention, in a third use case according to a first situation parameterized in the cash register's computer unit; the figure 6 is a schematic representation of a cash register according to the invention in a first use case according to a second parameterized situation in the cash register's computer unit; the figures 7 à 9 schematically illustrate a cash register according to the invention, according to different phases of a second use case according to a second parameterized situation in the cash register's computer unit; the figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a cash register according to the invention in a third use case according to a second parameterized situation in the cash register's computer unit.

[0049] With reference to the figure 1 A box according to the invention is conventionally composed of a container 1 and a hinged door 2 mounted to pivot relative to the container and, in this case, on the container, around a pivot axis A, between an open position as illustrated by the figure 1 providing access to an internal volume delimited by the container 1, and a closed position of the container (in which the opening 2 is folded down on and against the container).

[0050] According to this embodiment, the box also includes: embedded intelligence, in the form of a computer unit 3: at least one electromechanical actuator 20 (in this case, a pair of electromechanical actuators 20), mounted between the opening 2 and the container 1; opening / closing control means 21, in the form of a button or key accessible from outside the case; electrical supply means 4, electrically connected to the electromechanical actuators, to the opening / closing control means and to the computer unit.

[0051] The electromechanical actuators 20 are electrically connected to the computer unit 3 which is intended to control the electromechanical actuators to drive a mobility of the opening relative to the container.

[0052] The computer unit is also electrically connected to the opening / closing control means, so as to receive an opening / closing control signal from the latter.

[0053] According to the principle of the invention, the box further comprises: a first orientation sensor 10, advantageously consisting of an accelerometer, coupled to the container (for example attached and fixed to the bottom of the container 1, inside the volume delimited by the container), this first orientation sensor being connected to the computer unit 3 to transmit to it orientation data of the container and / or a second orientation sensor 22, also advantageously consisting of an accelerometer, coupled to the opening 2 (for example attached and fixed to the inner face of the opening, i.e. the face of the opening turned towards the volume delimited by the container), this second orientation sensor being connected to the computer unit 3 to transmit to it orientation data of the opening 2; a device for determining an angular position of the opening 2 relative to the container 1, connected to the computer unit 3 to transmit to it angular position data.

[0054] Of course, the first and second orientation sensors and the device for determining an angular position are electrically connected to the electrical supply means 4, so as to be electrically supplied by them.

[0055] Thus, the device for measuring the angular position of the opening relative to the container (or vice versa) can consist of: either by the presence together of the first orientation sensor and the second orientation sensor, coupled to the computer unit then parameterized to calculate the angular position of the opening relative to the container from the orientation data of the opening and the container; or by the direct implementation of an angular position sensor of the opening relative to the container (or vice versa), mounted on the hinge(s) connecting the opening to the container.

[0056] The first and second accelerometer orientation sensors are, for example, three-axis accelerometers of the MEMS type, and provide information on the absolute orientation of the container and the opening, this information being calculated from a projection in a spherical reference frame of the measured acceleration vector.

[0057] The opening 2 is connected to the container 1 via rotary hinges driven by electromechanical actuators 20. These rotary hinges are instrumented, according to an alternative embodiment mentioned above, by an angular position sensor 23.

[0058] According to another feature of the principle of the invention, the computer unit 3 is parameterized to apply control rules for the electromechanical actuators 20, these rules being based on the orientation data of the container provided by the first orientation sensor 10 and / or on the orientation data of the opening provided to the computer unit by the second orientation sensor 22, and on the angular position data provided by the device for determining an angular position of the opening relative to the container to the computer unit.

[0059] A cash register according to the invention being thus constituted, the computer unit is configured to detect in particular two predefined situations, namely: a first situation in which the box rests on a support by means of its rear face 11, opposite its front face 12 having a handle 120, the rear face 11 being connected to the front face 12 by the bottom face 110 of the container 1 and by the upper face 121 in which the opening 2 is inscribed ( figure 2 ); a second situation illustrated by the figure 6 , according to which the crate is arranged "flat", that is to say resting on a support via the bottom face 110 of the container 1 as defined previously, with the opening 2 of the crate in the open position, and more precisely in the vertical position (being considered, according to the figure 6 , that the rear face 11 of the container 1 extends substantially horizontally).

[0060] With reference to the figure 2 Computer unit 3 is configured to detect the first situation as being defined by the following parameters: the orientation data of container 1 indicate a vertical orientation of container 1, and the orientation data of opening 2 indicate a vertical orientation of the opening; the box has a bearing face on a support, constituted by the rear face 11 of container 1, with the pivot axis A in a low and horizontal position.

[0061] This same initial situation can also be defined by the following parameters: The angular position data of the opening 2 relative to the container 1, combined with the orientation data of the container 1 or those of the opening 2, indicate a vertical orientation of the container 1 and a vertical orientation of the opening 2, the box has a bearing face on a support, constituted by the rear face 11 of the container 1, with the pivot axis A in a low and horizontal position.

[0062] In this context, the first situation being detected by computer unit 3, the latter is configured to detect a use case such as the one illustrated by the figure 3 according to which the computer unit is configured for: analyze that the parameters of the first situation described above are retained; receive if necessary a signal requesting opening from the opening / closing control means 21; do not control the electromechanical actuators 20 to maintain a closed position of the opening 2.

[0063] If the parameters of the first situation are detected by the computer unit, the latter is configured, within the framework of a second use case illustrated by the figure 4 , to detect a "positive" variation in the inclination of the container (as shown by arrow F1, i.e. a situation in which the luggage is tilted forward by its user, i.e. towards the opening, while an opening instruction, remote or by contact, is transmitted to the computer unit.

[0064] This case means that the computer unit is configured to receive a variation in angular position data of container 1, the variation being such that container 1 causes opening 2 to move when placed under container 1 and in a closed position.

[0065] With all these parameters detected, the computer unit is configured not to control the electromechanical actuators 20 in order to maintain a closed position of the opening 2.

[0066] If the parameters defining the first situation are detected by the computer unit, it is configured, within the framework of a third use case illustrated by the figure 5 , to detect a "negative" variation, as illustrated by arrow F2, whereby the luggage is tilted backwards by the user, i.e., away from the opening 2 from its vertical position.

[0067] This use case translates at the computer unit level by the reception of a variation in data and angular position of container 1, this angular variation being such that container 1 is tilted when placed under the opening.

[0068] All these parameters are analyzed by the cash register's computer unit, which is then configured to control the electromechanical actuators 20 to maintain a vertical position of the opening 2.

[0069] With reference to the figure 6 which illustrates the second situation, this one is detected by the computer unit as being defined by the following parameters: The orientation data for container 1 indicates a horizontal orientation of the container; the orientation data for opening 2 indicates a vertical orientation of the opening.

[0070] By default, this second situation being detected by the computer unit, the latter is configured to control the electromechanical actuators 20 in order to maintain a vertical position of the opening 2 (this defining a first use case), at least until the opening occupies a predetermined angular position relative to the container.

[0071] If the parameters of the second situation are detected by the computer unit, it is configured for a second use case, as illustrated by the... figures 7 à 9 , to detect a "positive" variation (as illustrated by arrow F3) in the inclination of container 1, i.e. a displacement of container 1 from its horizontal position according to which it is pivoted in the direction of the opening 2, the latter retaining its vertical position.

[0072] In this case, the computer unit is configured to detect the parameters translating this use case, namely receiving a variation in angular position data of the container, this variation being such that the container 1 is tilted when brought closer to the opening 2.

[0073] Having detected these parameters, the computer unit is further configured to control the electromechanical actuators of the case to maintain a vertical position of the opening 2, as the container 1 is tilted by being brought closer to the opening 2 at an angle, as illustrated by the figures 8 And 9, and this vertically from the opening 2 (this defining a first use case), at least until the opening occupies a predetermined angular position relative to the container as indicated previously.

[0074] This predetermined angular position can, for example, correspond to an angle of 20° between the door and the container. This angle helps to limit the risk of the contents falling from the container as it is rotated towards the door. Once this angular position is predetermined, the computer system is configured to control the actuator(s) to move the door towards the container, in addition to the manual movement of the container towards the door, to accelerate the closing of the crate.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the casing incorporates electromechanical locking means 5 ( figure 1 ) intended to lock the opening 2 in the closed position on the container 1. These electromechanical locking means 5 are capable of being controlled by the computer unit 3.

[0076] In this case, since the parameters of the second situation and the second use case described above are detected by the computer unit, the latter is configured to: detect an approach to the closed position of the opening on the container; control the electromechanical locking means 5 to cause the opening 2 to lock in the closed position.

[0077] Again, if the parameters of the second situation are detected by the computer unit, it is further configured to detect a third use case in which the container is tilted with a "negative" variation, as illustrated by arrow F4 on the figure 10. This use case translates at the computer unit level by receiving a variation in angular position data of the container, this variation being such that the container is tilted when being angularly distant from the opening.

[0078] In this case, this triggers the computer unit to control electromechanical actuators to drive the opening until it reaches a closed position on container 1.

[0079] According to another feature, the casing incorporates a sound and / or vibration source 6 electrically connected to the computer unit 3, such that the computer unit can activate the sound and / or vibration source. More specifically, the computer unit 3 is configured to activate the sound and / or vibration source prior to the computer unit controlling the electromechanical actuators 20, when such control is likely to cause the opening to reach a closed position.

Claims

1. A case composed of a container (1) and of an opening frame (2) movably mounted to pivot relative to the container, between an open position providing access to an internal volume delimited by the container and a closed position of the container, further comprising: - a computer unit (3), - at least one electromechanical actuator (20) mounted between the opening frame (2) and the container (1), intended to be piloted by the computer unit (3) to cause a mobility of the opening frame relative to the container, - opening / closing control means (21) connected to the computer unit (3), - power supply means (4) for the electromechanical actuator(s) (20), the opening / closing control means (21) and the computer unit (3), - at least one orientation sensor (10) of the container connected to the computer unit (3) to transmit orientation data of the container (1) thereto, and / or an orientation sensor (22) of the opening frame (2) connected to the computer unit (3) to transmit orientation data of the opening frame (2) thereto, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one device (23) for determining an angular position of the opening frame (2) relative to the container (1), connected to the computer unit (3) to transmit angular position data thereto, and in that the computer unit (3) is parameterized to apply pilot rules for the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) based on the orientation data of the container (1) and / or on the orientation data of the opening frame (2) and on the angular position data.

2. The case according to claim 1, characterized in that the orientation sensor(s) (10), (22) each consist of an accelerometer.

3. The case according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer unit (3) is parameterized to detect a first situation defined by the following parameters: - the orientation data of the container (1) indicate a vertical orientation of the container (1) and the orientation data of the opening frame (2) indicate a vertical orientation of the opening frame (2), or the angular position data combined with the orientation data of the container (1) or with the orientation data of the opening frame (2) indicate a vertical orientation of the container (1) and a vertical orientation of the opening frame (2), - the case has a bearing face on a support with a pivot axis (A) of the opening frame (2) in the low and horizontal position.

4. The case according to claim 3, characterized in that, having detected the first situation, the computer unit (3) is parameterized: - to receive, the parameters of the first situation being retained, an opening request signal coming from the opening / closing control means (21); - not to pilot the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) to maintain a closed position of the opening frame (2).

5. The case according to claim 3, characterized in that, having detected the first situation, the computer unit (3) is parameterized: - to receive a variation in the angular position data of the container (1), the variation being such that the container (1) drives the opening frame (2) when placed under the container and in a closed position; - not to pilot the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) to maintain a closed position of the opening frame (2).

6. The case according to claim 3, characterized in that, having detected the first situation, the computer unit (3) is parameterized: - to receive a variation in the angular position data of the container (1), the variation being such that the container (1) is tilted when placed under the opening frame (2), - to pilot the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) to maintain a vertical position of the opening frame (2).

7. The case according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer unit (3) is parameterized to detect a second situation defined by the following parameters: - the orientation data of the container (1) indicate a horizontal orientation of the container, - the orientation data of the opening frame (2) indicate a vertical orientation of the opening frame.

8. The case according to claim 7, characterized in that, having detected the second situation, the computer unit (3) is parameterized to pilot the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) to maintain a vertical position of the opening frame (2).

9. The case according to claim 3, characterized in that, having detected the first situation, the computer unit (3) is parameterized: - to receive a variation in the angular position data of the container (1), the variation being such that the container (1) is tilted when closer to the opening frame (2), - to pilot the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) to maintain a vertical position of the opening frame (2) until the opening frame occupies a predetermined angular position relative to the container (1).

10. The case according to claim 9, characterized in that, the predetermined angular position being reached, the computer unit (3) is parameterized to drive the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) so as to drive the opening frame (2) until it reaches a closed position.

11. The case according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it incorporates means (5) for electromechanically locking the opening frame (2) in the closed position, capable of being piloted by the computer unit (3).

12. The case according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the computer unit (3) is parameterized: - to pilot the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) to maintain the vertical position of the opening frame (2) as the container (1) is tilted when angularly closer to the opening frame (2), until the opening frame occupies a predetermined angular position relative to the container (1); - to drive the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) when the predetermined angular position is reached so as to drive the opening frame (2) until it reaches a closed position; - to detect a closed position; - to pilot the electromechanical locking means (5) to cause a locking of the opening frame (2) in the closed position.

13. The case according to claim 7, characterized in that, having detected the second situation, the computer unit (3) is parameterized: - to receive a variation in the angular position data of the container (1), the variation being such that the container is tilted when angularly away from the opening frame (2), - to pilot the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) to drive the opening frame (2) until it reaches a closed position.

14. The case according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it incorporates a sound and / or vibration source (6) capable of being activated by the computer unit (3).

15. The case according to claim 12, characterized in that the computer unit (3) is parameterized to activate the sound and / or vibration source (6) prior to a piloting, by the computer unit, of the electromechanical actuator(s) (20) likely to drive the opening frame (2) until it reaches a closed position.