Temperature control device for face pads

Abstract

The present invention relates to a temperature control device (21) for face pads (1), comprising: a Peltier element (22) having a receiving region for receiving a face pad (1), the receiving region corresponding to a warm side (25) or a cold side (24) of the Peltier element (22); and a retaining magnet apparatus (12) for magnetically fastening a face pad (1) in the receiving region, the retaining magnet apparatus (12) being disposed, in relation to the Peltier element (22), on the side (24; 25) facing away from the receiving region.

Description

[0001] Temperature control device for face pads

[0002] The invention relates to temperature control devices for temporarily facial, and in particular periocular, attachable support elements, such as so-called eye pads or philtrum pads.

[0003] Cutaneous application and removable support elements, also called "eye pads," are products from the cosmetics industry that are applied by a user to the area under and / or around the eyes to create a cosmetic effect on the skin. Cutaneous application elements, also called "philtrum pads," can also be used in the cutaneous area between the nose, nasolabial folds, and upper lip, the philtrum, to reduce the formation of wrinkles. The targeted cutaneous application of heat or cold can be an effective treatment, particularly against wrinkles.

[0004] For example, eye pads containing an active ingredient that is slowly released into the user's skin are known in the prior art. This can, for example, stimulate circulation or, in the case of moisturizers, reduce the evaporation of water from the skin's surface, thereby achieving improved moisture retention in the skin.

[0005] Furthermore, therapies for the treatment of eye diseases such as Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) - a chronic anomaly of the Meibomian glands (MG) - or other unpleasant or pathological changes in and around the eye can be positively supported by targeted heating or cooling of the periocular area.

[0006] Devices that heat and / or cool the skin under a user's eyes are known in the prior art. Traditionally, natural materials such as cucumber slices or similar are used for this purpose, which provide a cooling effect through dissipated evaporative heat. However, technical devices are also known that are applied to the skin and heat or cool the skin using electrical, chemical, or biochemical components.

[0007] Examples of this are described in the publications US 301,931 A, US 8,525,363 B1, US 2013 / 0172829 A1, and WO 2018 / 122710 A1. Examples of temperature control devices that can be used to specifically heat or cool eye pads or philtrum pads prior to cutaneous application are described in the publications US 2018 / 0116866 A1 and US 2017 / 0216088 A1.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device for a defined heating or cooling of eye pads or philtrum pads.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to an eye pad comprising an eye pad body with a first side for resting on a user's skin, and a second side substantially opposite the first side. The eye pad body comprises a passage from the first side to the second side, and the eye pad comprises a vacuum generating element which is arranged on the second side at one end of the passage and preferably extends at least partially into the passage. According to the invention, the vacuum generating element is at least partially elastic and is designed to provide a suction force in the passage through the eye pad body as a result of elastic deformation of the vacuum generating element when the first side of the eye pad body rests on the user's skin.

[0010] The design of the eye pad according to the first aspect of the invention, with the passage from the first side to the second side through the eye pad body and the vacuum generating element, provides a secure attachment method that does not require additional mechanical holding means. This ensures secure attachment of the eye pad under one of the user's eyes, is easy to apply, and does not result in unpleasant pressure points on the user's head, thus ensuring a high level of comfort. Furthermore, the suction effect also improves blood circulation in the area where the eye pad is applied. The eye pad of the first aspect of the invention prevents it from falling off the user's skin in an uncontrolled manner without severely restricting the user's freedom of movement while using the eye pad.In addition, the eye pads are easy to use and do not require any temperature control devices during use.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the eye pad according to the invention, the passage has a larger opening on the first side than on the second side. This increases the area of ​​the user's skin over which the suction force is distributed. This reduces the likelihood of blood vessels in the user's skin being damaged by the suction effect. Furthermore, the wearing comfort of the eye pads according to the invention is further improved. Preferably, the vacuum-generating element can have an extension protruding from the second side. This makes it easier for the user of the eye pad according to the invention to grip the vacuum-generating element.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the passage comprises a plurality of slits and / or holes oriented substantially in a passage direction. This divides the passage into a plurality of sub-regions, thereby distributing the suction effect among the plurality of slits and / or holes. This distributes the force generated by the suction effect over a larger area of ​​the skin surface.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the eye pad according to the invention, the slits and / or holes are arranged at an acute angle to each other, narrowing toward the second side. This further increases the area of ​​the user's skin exposed to the suction effect.

[0014] According to some alternative embodiments of the eye pad according to the invention, the vacuum-generating element extends from the second side to the first side of the eye pad body through the passage and is designed as an at least partially elastic insert in the eye pad body that is open on one side toward the first side. This achieves an improved seal between the vacuum-generating element and the eye pad body, whereby the vacuum and the resulting suction effect can be maintained over a longer period of time.

[0015] Preferably, the vacuum-generating element can have a flexible lip arranged on the first side of the eye pad body and surrounding the passage. This improves the sealing of the passage through the eye pad body against the user's skin. Furthermore, the passage can, for example, have a constriction between the first side and the second side of the eye pad body. This limits the extent to which the user's skin can be sucked into the eye pad body.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the eye pad according to the invention, the eye pad body is made of a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, or combinations thereof, and can advantageously be covered with a soft material such as silicone, latex, and / or rubber. By manufacturing the eye pad body from metal, an increased heat capacity of the eye pad body is achieved, whereby the warming or cooling effect on the user's skin can be maintained for an extended period when the eye pad is heated or cooled. By covering the eye pad body with silicone, latex, and / or rubber, a tactilely pleasant, soft surface is provided, and thermal insulation of the eye pad body is also achieved. This reduces the risk of burns or frostbite on the user's skin when using the eye pad.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the invention, a temperature control device for eye pads and / or philtrum pads comprises a Peltier element with a receiving area for receiving a face support pad, wherein the receiving area corresponds to a warm side or a cold side of the Peltier element. Furthermore, the temperature control device includes a holding magnet device for magnetically securing a face support pad in the receiving area, wherein the holding magnet device is arranged on the side of the Peltier element facing away from the receiving area.

[0018] Thus, an eye pad or philtrum pad, which comprises a magnetizable material or also a magnet, can be firmly fixed in the receiving area. This also ensures that the contact between the eye pad or philtrum pad and the Peltier element meets a predetermined quality, for example, while maintaining limit values ​​of quality parameters such as flatness, surface roughness, or the like. The eye pad or philtrum pad, for example, has the largest possible contact surface with the Peltier element, i.e., the contact surfaces between the Peltier element and the eye pad are designed to complement each other in their external shape.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the temperature control device, the Peltier element has a coating, at least in the receiving area, for mechanical protection of the Peltier element surface. The coating within the meaning of this application is created by applying a firmly adhering layer of amorphous material to the surface of a workpiece. The coating can consist of individual layers as well as several interconnected layers. The coating can be applied using a chemical, mechanical, thermal and / or thermomechanical coating process. The coating has, for example, a substrate which, prior to the coating process, is in the form of a liquid, in particular a paint, or a solid, in particular a powder, laminate film or similar film. In this way, mechanical damage such as scratches or paint loss to the Peltier element can be avoided.

[0020] According to a further development of the temperature control device, the coating has a thickness of at most 200 μm, preferably at most 100 μm. This only insignificantly influences the heat transfer from the Peltier element to the eye pad. Alternatively or additionally, the coating comprises a thermally conductive material. According to some embodiments, the temperature control device further comprises a rechargeable energy storage device, which is electrically connected to the Peltier element. This makes the temperature control device portable, thus particularly advantageous for travel, and thus usable independently of a stationary energy source.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the temperature control device, the holding magnet device comprises at least two magnets or parts made of magnetizable material for magnetically attaching a face support pad. This allows the orientation and / or position of the pad within the receiving area to be predetermined, for example, to maximize the spatial utilization of the receiving area or to attach the pads at locations with defined heat transfer.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the temperature control device further comprises a fixing device that fixes the Peltier element to the side of the receiving area. The fixing device is made, for example, of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. It can partially surround the receiving area and be attached to a base of the temperature control device. The fixing device can be attached to the base by a detachable fastening means, in particular by a screw connection, a plug connection, or the like. In this way, the Peltier element can be pressed against the base under a predetermined contact pressure, creating a defined contact.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the temperature control device, a temperature sensor is arranged on a surface of the Peltier element in the receiving area, and a control unit is connected to the temperature sensor and the Peltier element. The control unit is designed to regulate the heating or cooling power of the Peltier element based on a temperature of the Peltier element surface in the receiving area detected by the temperature sensor. More than one temperature sensor can also be provided at different measuring positions within the temperature control device. Furthermore, other measuring sensors, such as voltage sensors or current sensors, can also be implemented at suitable locations in the temperature control device.

[0024] According to a further development of the temperature control device, the control unit is further configured to regulate the heating or cooling power of the Peltier element upon reaching a target temperature of the Peltier element surface in the receiving area such that the temperature of the Peltier element surface in the receiving area remains substantially constant. The Peltier element can be alternately supplied with or without electrical voltage, so that current flows through the Peltier element temporarily. The control unit, for example, switches an electrical circuit, in which the Peltier element and a power source are integrated, on or off depending on the detected temperature compared to the target temperature.

[0025] According to a further development of the temperature control device, the control unit is further configured to take into account an ambient temperature measured by an ambient temperature sensor when controlling the heating or cooling output such that the heating or cooling output is increased, decreased, or prevented within predetermined temperature ranges of the ambient temperature. For example, in an environment whose temperature is higher than the target temperature, further heating of the eye pad or philtrum pad can be prevented. Optionally, in an environment with an ambient temperature below normal room temperature, the heating output can be increased to compensate for the heat lost from the eye pads or philtrum pads to the environment.

[0026] According to a further development of the temperature control device, the control unit is further configured, if the temperature control device has at least two Peltier elements operating simultaneously, to supply the power from a power source to only one of the at least two Peltier elements in phases. In a temperature control device with two Peltier elements, one of the two Peltier elements can thus be heated or cooled more quickly. The power source is, for example, the rechargeable energy storage device or the power grid, provided the temperature control device is connected to the power grid via a power cable.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the temperature control device also has a base that supports all components of the temperature control device. The base is preferably made of a temperature-conducting material. This improves heat dissipation from the side of the Peltier element facing away from the receiving area to the environment when the receiving area corresponds to the cold side of the Peltier element, so that the unused heat from the warm side is not accumulated in the temperature control device. The thermal coupling between the base and the side of the Peltier element facing away from the receiving area can be provided, for example, by surface contact. In addition, a thermal paste, a preferably plastically deformable thermal pad, or a comparable thermally conductive material can fill any cavities in the surface contact and thus support the heat transfer between the Peltier element and the base.According to a third aspect of the invention, a pad kit comprises at least one, preferably at least two eye pads and / or a philtrum pad, and a temperature control device. The temperature control device has a Peltier element and a receiving area for at least two eye pads. The eye pads are thus thermally coupled to the Peltier element through direct contact with a warm side or a cold side of the element. The temperature control device provides the possibility of heating or cooling one or more face pads according to the invention.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the pad kit comprises two eye pads according to the invention and a common receiving area for receiving the two eye pads.

[0029] According to the preferred embodiment of the pad kit according to the invention, the temperature control device comprises at least one cover spanning the receiving area. This provides protection for the face pads against mechanical damage. This cover preferably also includes a hinge, allowing the cover to be easily opened and closed.

[0030] According to the preferred embodiment of the pad kit according to the invention, the Peltier element surface is coupled to a temperature sensor, and the temperature control device has a control unit connected to the temperature sensor and the Peltier element, which is designed to regulate the heating or cooling power of the Peltier element based on a temperature of the Peltier element surface detected by the temperature sensor. This prevents the face pads from being heated or cooled to a temperature that would lead to burns or frostbite when applied to a user's skin.

[0031] Preferably, the control unit is configured to regulate the heating or cooling power of the Peltier element upon reaching a target temperature of the Peltier element surface such that the temperature of the Peltier element surface is kept substantially constant. This keeps the face pads at a constant temperature that is optimal for a given application.

[0032] Preferred and alternative embodiments of the eye pad according to the invention and the pad kit according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0033] Figure 1 shows two face pads according to the invention during use. Figures 2a to 8b show various embodiments of the face pads according to the invention in a cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figures 9a and 9b show a pad kit according to the invention with two eye pads and a temperature control device according to the invention, wherein Figure 9b shows an exploded view of the pad kit.

[0035] Figure 1 shows two face pads 1 according to the invention, which have been placed on a user's skin H under the eyes. The face pads can thus be referred to as eye pads 1 and are used for the cosmetic treatment of the area under the user's eyes covered by the eye pads 1.

[0036] In the course of such an exemplary treatment, the eye pads 1 according to the invention are first heated to a first target temperature, such as 40°C, then applied to the skin H of the user under the eyes or in the periocular area, and secured by suction. After the skin H has been heated by the eye pads 1, they are removed again, and a cream, preferably an eye cream such as an anti-wrinkle cream, is applied to the periocular area of ​​the user's eyes in the area heated by the eye pads. Subsequently, the same or additional eye pads, which have been cooled to a second target temperature, such as between 5°C and 12°C, are applied to these areas and again secured by suction. The heating effect promotes the absorption of the cream by the skin H, with the subsequent cooling contributing to the re-closing of the pores of the skin H.This improves the effect of the applied skin cream.

[0037] An eye pad 1 according to the invention is shown in a sectional view in Figure 2a. The eye pad 1 according to the invention comprises an eye pad body 2, a first side 3 for resting on the user's skin H, and a second side 4 substantially opposite the first side 3. The eye pad body 2 comprises a passage 5 from the first side 3 to the second side 4. The eye pad 1 further comprises a vacuum generating element 6 which is arranged on the second side 4 at one end of the passage 5 and preferably extends at least partially into the passage 5. The vacuum generating element 6 is at least partially elastic and can, for example, be designed as a hollow body with an at least partially elastic shell having a hole oriented in the direction of the passage 5.The vacuum generating element 6 is designed to provide a suction force in the passage 5 through the eye pad body 2 as a result of elastic deformation of the vacuum generating element 6 when the first side 3 of the eye pad body 2 is placed on the user's skin H. When the eye pad 1 according to the invention is applied, the first side 2 is thus placed on the user's skin H, and subsequently or simultaneously, a force is exerted on the vacuum generating element 6. As a result, the vacuum generating element 6 is reversibly deformed. If the vacuum generating element 6 is designed as an at least partially elastic hollow body as described above, the volume of the vacuum generating element 6 is reduced by the reversible deformation. Since the passage 5 on the first side 3 is blocked by the user's skin H, a suction effect occurs in the passage 5.As a result, the eye pad 1 is sucked onto the user's skin H and reversibly secured thereto. This state is illustrated in Figure 2b. In Figures 2a to 8b, the respective embodiment of the eye pad 1 according to the invention is always shown in the state in which it is sucked onto the user's skin H, i.e., in the attached state, in the figures marked with the letter b.

[0038] As can be seen in Figures 2a to 8b, the passage 5 preferably has a larger opening 7 on the first side 3 than on the second side 4. This increases the area on the user's skin H over which the suction force is distributed. This reduces the likelihood that the suction effect will damage blood vessels in the user's skin H. Furthermore, the wearing comfort of the eye pad 1 according to the invention is further improved.

[0039] Figure 3a shows the eye pad 1 according to the invention in an alternative embodiment. According to this embodiment, the vacuum-generating element 6 comprises an extension 8 protruding from the second side 3. This makes it easier for the user of the eye pad 1 according to the invention to grasp the vacuum-generating element 6 and deform it.

[0040] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, the passage 5 comprises a plurality of slots and / or holes 9 oriented substantially in a passage direction D. This divides the passage 5 into a plurality of sub-regions, thereby distributing the suction effect among the plurality of slots and / or holes 9. This distributes the force generated by the suction effect over a larger area of ​​the surface of the skin H.

[0041] According to a variant embodiment of the preferred embodiment of the eye pad 1 according to the invention shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the slots and / or holes 9 are arranged at an acute angle to one another, narrowing towards the second side 4. This further increases the area of ​​the user's skin H exposed to the suction effect. Figures 6a to 8b show variant embodiments of the eye pad 1 according to the invention in which the vacuum generating element 6 extends from the second side 4 to the first side 3 through the passage 5. The vacuum generating element 6 is designed as an at least partially elastic insert in the eye pad body 2, open on one side towards the first side 3.By designing the vacuum generating element 6 as an insert in the eye pad body 2 that is open on one side, the advantage is achieved that a better seal is achieved between the vacuum generating element 6 and the eye pad body 2, as well as the user's skin H. Preferably, the vacuum generating element 6, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b, has a flexible lip 10 arranged on the first side 3 of the eye pad body 2 and encircling the passage 5. The flexible lip 10 further improves the seal against the user's skin H, whereby the eye pad 1 adheres better to the user's skin H.

[0042] As can be seen in Figures 6a to 8b, the passage 5 may have a constriction 11 between the first side 3 and the second side 4. This limits how far the user's skin H can be sucked into the eye pad body 2.

[0043] According to the preferred embodiment of the eye pad 1 according to the invention, the eye pad body 2 is made of metal and preferably coated with a soft material such as silicone, latex, and / or rubber. This results in an increased heat capacity of the eye pad body 2, whereby the warming or cooling effect on the user's skin H can be maintained for a longer period of time when the eye pad is heated or cooled. Alternatively or additionally, the interior of the eye pad body 2 can thus have a temperature in the range of 55°C to 65°C, while the outer surface of the eye pad 1, with or without a coating, would have a temperature in the range of 35°C to 45°C. By coating the eye pad body 2 with silicone, latex, and / or rubber, a haptically pleasant, soft surface is provided, and thermal insulation of the eye pad body 2 is also achieved.This reduces the risk of burns or frostbite on the user's skin H when using the eye pad 1.

[0044] Figures 9a and 9b respectively show a schematic representation of a pad kit 20 according to the invention, which comprises two face support pads 1 according to the invention. These face support pads 1 are shown in Figures 9a and 9b as eye pads 1, but it should be clear that the face support pads 1 can also have other support elements, such as pads ("philtrum pads") that can be applied in the cutaneous area between the nose, upper lip, and nasolabial folds. In the following description of exemplary embodiments, reference is made to eye pads; however, analogous technical considerations apply equally to other face support pads 1, in particular philtrum pads.

[0045] The kit 20 further comprises a temperature control device 21 according to the invention, which has a Peltier element 22 with a receiving area 23 for receiving an eye pad 1. The receiving area 23 corresponds to either a warm side 25 or a cold side 24 of the Peltier element 22. This provides the possibility of heating or cooling the eye pads 1 before they are applied to the user's skin H.

[0046] In addition, the temperature control device 21 has a holding magnet device 12 for magnetically securing a pad 1 in the receiving area 23. The holding magnet device 12 is arranged on the side 24; 25 facing away from the receiving area 23 with respect to the Peltier element 22, i.e., below the Peltier element 22. The magnetic holding force of the holding magnet device 12 thus acts through the Peltier element 22. Depending on the type of material of the surrounding components and / or the distance from the receiving area 23, the person skilled in the art will provide the holding magnet device 12 such that the magnetic holding force in the receiving area 23 is strong enough to secure an eye pad 1 according to the invention.

[0047] Furthermore, the Peltier element 22 has, for example, a coating 32 for mechanical protection of the Peltier element surface. The coating 32 is embodied, for example, as a laminate film. The coating 32 is applied to the upper side of the Peltier element 22, which side also has the receiving area 23. Additionally, the coating 32 can also be applied to the lower side. This coating 32 can also be provided in all embodiments of the kit 20 according to the invention.

[0048] Preferably, a temperature sensor 31 is also provided. The temperature sensor 31 is provided, for example, between the Peltier element 22 and the coating 32. In particular, the temperature sensor 31 is arranged at the edge of the receiving area 23. For example, the temperature sensor 31 is also positioned on the coating 32, positioned in a recess of the coating 32, or embedded in the Peltier element 22. To embed a temperature sensor 31 in the Peltier element 22, it may be possible to create recesses within the Peltier element into which a temperature sensor 31, for example based on an NTC element on a circuit board, is inserted and wired to the outside. The embedded temperature sensor 31 then touches one side of the Peltier element 22 in each case, so that differential measurements can also be performed.Optionally, several temperature sensors 31 can be provided, which are optionally provided in the previously mentioned positions or alternative positions.

[0049] Optionally, the temperature control device 21 has a rechargeable energy storage device 33. The energy storage device 33 is electrically connected at least to the Peltier element 22, but can also be electrically connected to other components of the temperature control device 21. The energy storage device illustrated in Figures 9a and 9b is, for example, an accumulator that can be charged wired or wirelessly, in particular inductively, resonantly, or the like. Furthermore, the energy storage device 33 can be permanently or replaceably integrated into the temperature control device 21. Furthermore, in some variants, it may be possible to dispense with the energy storage device 33 and instead provide a fully grid-connected power supply.

[0050] The receiving area 23 of the Peltier element 22 can, for example, also be used to cool an eye roller or the like as part of the kit 20 according to the invention. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature control device 21 can also comprise a fastening option for the eye roller and / or a cream container, wherein the eye roller and / or the cream container are thermally coupled to the cold side 25 or the warm side 24 of the Peltier element 22 when received on the temperature control device 21. This provides the advantage that the eye roller and / or the cream container can be heated or cooled simultaneously with the eye pads 1.

[0051] As can be seen in Figures 9a and 9b, the eye pads 1, according to their preferred embodiment, can each comprise at least one magnet 29 or a magnetizable material for magnetically securing the eye pads 1 in the receiving area 23. This provides secure attachment of the eye pads 1 to the receptacles 23. Alternatively, the eye pads 1 can also comprise a magnetizable material.

[0052] In addition, the temperature control device 21 contains, for example, a base 35, which supports at least the Peltier element 22, the holding magnet device 12, and the energy storage device 33. Furthermore, the base 35 can comprise a temperature-conducting material in order to absorb the waste heat from the Peltier element 22 and dissipate it to the environment. In this way, overheating of the temperature control device 21 can be reduced. Furthermore, the base 35 can comprise a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the base. Thus, the temperature of the base can be used as a reference value for the temperature of the Peltier element surface, for example, to throttle the Peltier element if the temperature of the base is too high, thus preventing overheating. According to an alternative embodiment of the kit 20 according to the invention, the receiving area 23 is delimited by a fixing device 34, which is thermally decoupled from the Peltier element 22.The fixing device 34 fastens the Peltier element 22 and, if applicable, the coating 32 to the base 35 by means of a screw connection.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the kit 20 according to the invention, the kit 20 comprises two eye pads 1 and two receiving areas 23, wherein each receiving area 23 receives one eye pad 1. Optionally, the fixing device 34 is designed as a recess substantially adapted to the shape of the eye pads 1. In addition, the temperature control device 21 preferably comprises at least one cover 28 spanning at least one receiving area 23. In addition, the covers 28 preferably each comprise a hinge, which is not visible in the figures. This provides a pivoting connection of the cover 28 to the temperature control device 21. In addition, the cover 28 can comprise a magnet for reversibly closing the cover 28.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment of the eye pad kit 20 according to the invention, two Peltier elements 22 are provided, each having its own receiving area 23. In addition, a control unit 30 can be provided for controlling the respective Peltier elements 22. This control unit 30 can also be provided in embodiments of the temperature control device 21 with only one Peltier element 22, as shown in Figures 9a and 9b. Depending on the orientation or control of the Peltier elements 22 by the control unit 30, the receiving area 23 corresponds to the warm side 24 or the cold side 25 of the respective Peltier element 22. Preferably, each of the receiving areas 23 also has a temperature sensor 31. The control unit 30 is connected to the temperature sensors 31 and the Peltier element 22.The control unit 30 regulates a heating or cooling power of the Peltier element 22 or the Peltier elements 22 based on a temperature of one or more of the Peltier element surfaces, for example in the receiving area 23 or - in the case of a temperature sensor 31 embedded in the Peltier element 22 - on the inner top and bottom of the Peltier element 22, detected by the temperature sensors 31. In addition, when a target temperature of the Peltier element surface in the receiving area 23 is reached, the control unit 30 can regulate the heating or cooling power of the Peltier element 22 such that the temperature of the Peltier element surface in the receiving area 23 is kept substantially constant.For example, it is also possible to significantly increase the heating power of the Peltier elements 22 for a certain period of time, for example at the beginning of a heating process, in a “boost” mode in order to shorten the waiting time until the target temperature in the eye pads 1 or the Peltier element surface in the receiving area 23 is reached.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 30 is designed to take an ambient temperature measured by an ambient temperature sensor into account when regulating the heating or cooling output. The control unit 30 increases, decreases, or prevents the heating or cooling output within predetermined temperature ranges of the ambient temperature. For example, in an environment whose temperature is higher than, for example, 55°C, further heating of the eye pad can be prevented, since in this case, a malfunction or incorrect operation can be assumed. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 30 is further designed to supply the heating or cooling output of the Peltier element 22 in phases to only one of the two receiving areas 23 if the user wishes to simultaneously cool the receiving area 23 corresponding to the cold side and heat the receiving area corresponding to the warm side and activates this in each case.However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment with a single Peltier element, but can also have only some of the described features. Thus, a temperature control device 21 can be provided, for example, with two or more Peltier elements 22, which can also operate independently of one another.

[0056] The control unit 30 preferably also has a communications interface configured to establish a data connection with a computer unit. The computer unit can be configured, for example, as a smartphone, server, or tablet computer, wherein the control unit 30 is configured to regulate the power of the Peltier element 22 based on data received from the computer unit via the communications interface.

[0057] In alternative embodiments, the temperature control device 21 can further comprise, for example, a lighting device that illuminates the eye pads 1, in particular with UV light. The lighting device can be arranged optionally in the cover, on the housing, or in another manner such that a large part of the eye pad 1, in particular the skin contact surface, is illuminated by the lighting device. In this way, the number of bacteria / viruses / germs that are located, for example, on the outer surface of the eye pads 1 can be reduced.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Temperature control device (21) for face support pads (1), comprising: a Peltier element (22) with a receiving area (23) for receiving a face support pad (1), wherein the receiving area (23) corresponds to a warm side (25) or a cold side (24) of the Peltier element (22); and a holding magnet device (12) for magnetically attaching a face support pad (1) in the receiving area (23), wherein the holding magnet device (12) is arranged on the side (24; 25) facing away from the receiving area (23) with respect to the Peltier element (22).

2. Temperature control device (21) according to claim 1, wherein the Peltier element (22) has a coating (32) for mechanical protection of the Peltier element surface at least in the receiving area (23).

3. Temperature control device (21) according to claim 2, wherein the coating (32) has a thickness of at most 200 pm, preferably at most 100 pm.

4. Temperature control device (21) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a rechargeable energy storage device (33) which is electrically connected to the Peltier element (22).

5. Temperature control device (21) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding magnet device (12) has at least two magnets or a magnetizable material for magnetically attaching a face support pad (1).

6. Temperature control device (21) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a fixing device (34) which fixes the Peltier element (22) on the side of the receiving area (23).

7. Temperature control device (21) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one temperature sensor (31) is arranged on a surface of the Peltier element (22) and / or at least one temperature sensor (31) is embedded in the Peltier element (22) in the receiving area (23), and a control unit (30) is connected to the temperature sensor (31) and the Peltier element (22), wherein the control unit (30) is configured to control a heating or cooling power of the Peltier element (22) on the basis of a temperature of one or more of the Peltier element surfaces detected by the temperature sensor (31).

8. Temperature control device (21) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (30) is further configured to regulate the heating or cooling power of the Peltier element (22) when a target temperature of the Peltier element surface in the receiving area (23) is reached, such that the temperature of the Peltier element surface remains essentially constant.

9. Temperature control device (21) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit (30) is further configured to take into account an ambient temperature measured by an ambient temperature sensor in the controlled heating or cooling capacity such that in predetermined temperature ranges of the ambient temperature the heating or cooling capacity is increased, decreased or prevented.

10. Temperature control device (21) according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the control unit (30) is further configured to supply the current from a current source to only one of the at least two Peltier elements (22) in phases, provided that the temperature control device (21) has at least two Peltier elements (22) which are in operation simultaneously.

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