DE102019102401A1 - Heat and / or chill - Google Patents

Abstract

Heating and / or cooling device (10) for delivering heat and / or cooling energy to the body of a living being (28). The heating and / or cooling device (10) comprises a heating and / or cooling support (12) which can be connected to the body of the person (28). The heating and / or cooling pad has an upper side (122) and a lower side (121) and at the lower side (121) there is an adhesive surface (1210) for fastening the heating and / or cooling support (12) to the skin surface of the person (28) provided. The heating and / or cooling support comprises at least one heating and / or cooling element (26), by means of which electrical energy emitted by an electrical energy source (22) can be converted into heat and / or cooling energy. Furthermore, the heating and / or cooling device (10) comprises a control unit (14), which is provided for fixed or detachable recording of the energy source (22) and which has a signal processor (16). Furthermore, the control unit (14) is provided for the delivery of a control and / or regulating signal, by means of which the energy output from the energy source (22) to the heating and / or cooling element (26) is controllable. The heating and / or cooling pad (12) and the control unit (14) are characterized by at least one electrical connector (18) via which the electrical energy to the heating and / or cooling element (26) is transferable, and at least one mechanical and / or or magnetic connector (20), electrically and mechanically connectable to each other.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a heating and / or cooling device for emitting heat and / or cooling energy to the body and to a method for controlling and / or regulating such as well as a computer program with a program code for carrying out the method.

State of the art

A large part of the population suffers from some "chronic" neck and back tension. Chronic neck and back tension can lead to a wrong posture. Tension and poor posture can result in poorly circulated muscles and this can, for example, promote migraine attacks. Furthermore, it is often used in a neck and back tension to avoid pain, a restraint. Continuous restraint can cause enormous damage to joints. In addition, the intervertebral discs can deteriorate due to a poor posture and thus an acute herniated disc can occur. This has particular long-term consequences. Many sufferers try to remove the tension or pain with the help of passive means such as ointments or thermal patches, without any additional effort or movement. Often pain persists and can become chronic.

From the prior art, for example, heat patches are known for the treatment of pain, especially in neck and back strains, as previously mentioned, for example. These can generate heat through a chemical reaction. However, these heat patches can also cause skin rashes in many sufferers due to the chemical reaction that generates the heat. In addition, thermal patches with chemical reactants must be replaced regularly with new heat patches. This is not sustainable.

Furthermore, a heat plaster can not produce a constant heat at the affected or stressed area over a longer period of time. The pain is thus alleviated only for a short time and especially a longer lasting treatment is expensive. Also, the heat is generated only on the skin surface and does not penetrate deeper into the body. A deep heat can thus not be generated.

Furthermore, there is no possibility to regulate the temperature, which can cause skin injuries such as redness or burns if there is too much heat depending on the person and the skin type.

Also, the heat can not be switched on and off. A changing heat supply (on / off switching) is not possible with conventional heat pots. Furthermore, traditional thermal patches require about> 30 minutes to reach the therapeutic heat of 42 ° C. A constant supply of heat can have a negative impact on the healing process, depending on the affliction. Continuous supply of heat can lead to a habituation of the muscle tissue, whereby a relaxing effect is missing. There is thus no possibility of intelligent heat therapy procedures, as the heat is released uncontrollably.

There is also a risk of a wrong application of heat therapy. Often, thermal patches are applied only at the point where the pain occurs or has been localized. This can release the pain and tension in the short term, but new tension can develop on other parts of the body, as the warming place relieves, while other places cramp. This can cause further tension due to incorrect application of local heat.

Furthermore, larger heating pads are known, which can be connected directly via a power outlet. These are relatively inflexible and restrict, due to the power cord which must be connected to a power outlet, the freedom of movement in everyday life.

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved concept for the delivery of heat and / or cold energy to the body of a living being and / or an animal (hereafter living beings) that is less expensive, more sustainable and more intelligent.

Solution of the task

This object is achieved by the device according to the invention according to claim 1, the inventive method according to claim 14, and the inventive computer program according to claim 16.

Detailed description

Embodiments of the present invention include a heating and / or cooling device for delivering heat and / or cooling energy to the body of a living being. The Heating and / or cooling device comprises a connectable to the body of the living and heating and / or cooling pad. The heating and / or cooling pad has an upper side and a lower side, wherein on the underside of an adhesive surface for attaching the heating and / or cooling pad is provided on the skin surface of the living being. The heating and / or cooling pad comprises at least one heating and / or cooling element, by means of which electrical energy emitted by an electrical energy source can be converted into heat and / or cooling energy. Furthermore, the heating and / or cooling device comprises a control unit, which is provided for fixed or detachable recording of the energy source and which has a signal processor. Furthermore, the control unit is provided for outputting a control and / or regulating signal, by means of which the energy output from the energy source to the heating and / or cooling element can be controlled and / or regulated. The heating and / or cooling pad and the control unit are electrically and mechanically connected to each other by at least one electrical connection element, via which the electrical energy to the heating and / or cooling element is transferable, and at least one mechanical and / or a magnetic connector.

Embodiments provide concepts for delivering heat and / or cold energy to the body of a living being. In this case, the heating and / or cooling pad can be arranged or glued or fixed by an adhesive surface to the body of a living being. The heating and / or cooling pad may have a more or less flat shape or be flat-shaped, so that no possible pressure points on the body of the living being when wearing the heating and / or cooling device. Furthermore, the heating and / or cooling pad is flexible by a flat shape possible. The heating and / or cooling pad may have a substantially flat shape with a lower side or a first surface and an upper side or a second surface. The adhesive surface may be provided or formed on the underside of the heating and / or cooling pad. The adhesive surface may be provided with a protective layer against accidental attachment, which may be removed prior to attachment to the body. The heating and / or cooling pad can absorb electrical energy or electrical current and, for example, convert it into heat and / or cooling energy or thermal energy. This conversion can be done for example by an electrical resistance or an electrical heating or heating and / or cooling element. The electrical resistance or the electrical heating and / or cooling element can convert electrical energy into heat. The heat and / or cold can be delivered by the contact of the heating and / or cooling pad with the body of the living being, to the body of the living being.

The muscle or muscles, which are under the skin at the location of the heating and / or cooling pad, which releases heat and / or cold to the body, by the heat and / or cold, which of the heating and / or or cooling pad is delivered to the body of the animal, are stimulated. By delivering heat and / or cold to muscles and other soft tissues, contracted muscles and / or soft tissues may relax. Furthermore, through the heat and / or cooling of muscles, the circulation of the muscle can be promoted.

Stimulating the muscles can release cramps and reduce pain. It is also possible that the antagonist of a muscle or muscle group is stimulated to relax the cramped opponent (s). Relaxed muscles and relaxed muscles generally improve the posture and / or movement of the animal. With posture, which can be understood more statically, in the following also always a body movement, which can be understood rather dynamically meant. A good posture can protect joints and reduce pain. As a result, the well-being of the living being can be increased.

By using an electrical energy storage instead of a chemical energy storage, such as. In a thermal plaster, there is no risk of allergic skin reactions to the chemical energy storage.

The heating and / or cooling device may further comprise the control unit on which a signal processor, a processor unit or a controller may be arranged. The signal processor may be configured to generate a control and / or regulating signal or a signal for controlling and / or regulating an electrical energy source. The signal processor can receive and process data or signals and output data or signals. The signals can be received or output as radio signals or conducted signals, analog or digital signals. The data can be generated, for example, by sensors or a controller and fed to the signal processor. The processing can be carried out, for example, by evaluating or evaluating or comparing the measured or acquired data with reference data. The processing can be done in software or hardware.

The signal processor may be configured to control the energy flow of an electrical energy source. Also, the signal processor can be designed in such a way, the thermal Energy supply or energy delivery to the body or to control the muscles. The electrical energy can, for example, be delivered continuously by adjusting the power or by changing a pulse-pause ratio from the electrical energy source to the heating and / or cooling pad.

The electrical energy source may e.g. a battery or an accumulator. The battery or the accumulator can deliver electrical energy or electric current. An accumulator can be charged or recharged with electrical energy via a further energy source and a charging circuit.

Thus, for example, an accumulator or a battery as a mobile electrical energy source can provide the electrical energy for the heating and / or cooling circulation. In addition, the electrical energy source can supply the signal processor, sensors, radio unit, vibration generator, electrodes, heating element, or transmission units with electrical energy. The battery or the accumulator may be attached or attachable to the control unit. The electrical energy can also be transmitted to the control unit eg. Via a cable. The cable can be connected to a power supply or a socket, which provides the energy. Thus, the power source, which is detachably receivable in the control unit, also be an external power source, which is received via a cable, for example. A power cord in the control unit.

Via an electrical connector or an electrical connection element, the electric current can be transmitted from the control unit or the electric power source to the heating and / or cooling pad. By the electrical connector, an electrical coupling and a separation between the control unit or the electric power source and the heating and / or cooling pad can be made possible. By complementary electrical connection elements such as a plug and a matching socket or magnets or push buttons, a secure and reliable electrical connection can be made, which can be separated. Complementary connecting elements are connecting elements which produce a non-positive and / or positive connection with one another.

In addition, at least one mechanical and / or magnetic connector or a mechanical and / or magnetic connection element can be arranged on the control unit and a complementary mechanical and / or magnetic connection element on the heating and / or cooling support. The connecting element may be arranged on the upper side of the heating and / or cooling support or on the surface opposite the adhesive surface of the heating and / or cooling support. Thereby, the heating and / or cooling pad between the control unit and the body of the living being can be arranged. By the mechanical and / or non-mechanical connector, a secure and reliable mechanical and / or magnetic coupling between the control unit and the heating and / or cooling pad can be made, which can be separated. By complementary mechanical and / or magnetic connection elements such as mentioned above in the electrical connection elements, a safe and reliable mechanical and / or magnetic connection can be made, which can be separated. Due to the mechanical and / or magnetic connecting elements, the heating and / or cooling pad can be disconnected from the control unit after use for cleaning or disposal. The control unit can be reused as often as desired, whereby the maintenance or operating costs of the heating and / or cooling device can be reduced and a sustainable benefit arises.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connector has a first electrical connection element connected to the control unit and a second connection element connected to the heating and / or cooling support. The mechanical and / or magnetic connector has a first mechanical and / or magnetic connection element connected to the control unit and a second mechanical and / or magnetic connection element connected to the heating and / or cooling support. In this case, the first and second mechanical connecting element encloses the first or second electrical connecting element corresponding thereto. The electrical connector or the electrical connection element or the electrical interface can be arranged or integrated in the mechanical connector or the mechanical connection element. The mechanical and / or magnetic connector or the mechanical and / or magnetic connection element can also be arranged or integrated in the electrical connector or the electrical connection element. This offers the advantage that fewer connecting elements have to be connected or coupled together when connecting the heating and / or cooling support to the control unit. This simplifies operation and handling. As a connecting element can, for example, metallic snaps, magnets or a click system can be used. The connection system should on the one hand produce a mechanically stable, detachable connection, on the other hand the smallest possible electrical resistance should occur.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least three mechanical and / or magnetic connecting elements and opposite to the heating and / or cooling support at the same point, three complementary mechanical and / or magnetic connecting elements are formed on the control unit. By three mechanical and / or non-mechanical connection elements, a stable mechanical and / or magnetic connection between the heating and / or cooling pad and the control unit can be produced. This in particular when the heating and / or cooling device is attached to the body of a living being. By means of more than two mechanical and / or magnetic connecting elements, it is less important to pay attention to the position of the connecting elements when attaching the heating and / or cooling device to the body of the living being. In addition, with three or more connecting elements, in particular in an asymmetrical arrangement of the connecting elements, a position-optimized or position-determined connection between heating and / or cooling pad and control unit can be specified. This means that the control unit can be connected to the heating and / or cooling support in two positions (0 ° and / or 180 °). Malfunctions or short circuits between the control unit and the heating and / or cooling pad are not possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the energy source and the heating and / or cooling element is designed to heat the heating and / or cooling pad by 20 K in less than 1 minute, preferably in less than 20 seconds, particularly preferably in less than 5 seconds, and / or to cool. This offers the advantage of giving the body e.g. at trigger points of the muscles by the rapid heating and / or cooling, quickly heat and / or cooling energy can be supplied. This can cause a particularly effective stimulation of the muscles and thereby a relaxation of the muscles. The heating and / or cooling pad can be heated and / or cooled rapidly from 8 ° to 42 ° C, preferably also up to 45 ° C and vice versa (therapeutic heat and / or cold). Where the body reacts very sensitively to heat and / or cold in the range of the own body temperature (36 ° C) and temperature changes in this range are clearly perceived.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the heating and / or cooling device comprises at least one posture sensor. The posture sensor may be configured to at least partially detect the posture and / or movement of the subject. The posture sensor may generate posture data. The posture sensor may be arranged on the control unit. The posture sensor may comprise at least one of the following sensors, for example a 3D gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a bending sensor, a temperature sensor or a sensor with strain gauges. The posture or movement may be determined by the posture data that the posture sensor or postures. The posture data may be supplied to the signal processor.

By a posture sensor or by the generated posture data can be detected or determined whether the posture of the living being is correct or whether the posture is wrong or bad. It is also possible to use only part of the posture e.g. the attitude of the upper body of a living being, with at least one posture sensor to capture and generate posture data.

A correct posture can include a relaxed musculature. With correct postures, the entire body can be erect. If the posture is correct, the body should not lean against the left or right side of the body. The head or body may appear in correct posture, as if it were attached to or suspended from an invisible thread exiting at the highest point of the head. In a wrong or bad posture, the body can tilt too far forward, backward, left or right. It is also possible that e.g. the shoulders are pulled too high up or down. Furthermore, a hump or a hollow cross may be a bad or wrong posture. A correct posture is an indication of a relaxed musculature. A wrong posture is an indication of a tense or cramped muscles.

A relaxed posture can be different. Certain living beings may, for example, have congenital or altered body postures due to illness, accident or age. It is also possible to define this changed posture as a correct posture and to detect deviations from this altered posture as a body malposition or incorrect posture. Thus, for example, it is also possible to calibrate the current posture or correct posture, so that, for example, living beings with congenital disorders of posture have no falsified posture data.

The determination of the posture may be made by evaluating or evaluating the posture data or comparing the measured posture data with reference posture data in the signal processor. By determining the posture can be detected, for example, whether tension in the body or in the musculature of the living being. Muscle tension can cause pain in various parts of the body such as the neck or back. The posture data can show exactly where the problem needs to be tackled or solved.

If, due to the posture, it is recognized that a certain or several muscles are braced, they can be stimulated or relaxed, for example, by the supply of energy or heat and / or cold. Depending on the body data, the signal processor can change the signal by means of which the energy output from the energy source to the heating and / or cooling element can be controlled.

In a further preferred embodiment, the heating and / or cooling device comprises a radio unit for transmitting and / or receiving data. The data may include sensor data, control data, status data or other data. The radio unit can be arranged or formed on the control unit. The radio unit can exchange data with a first heating and / or cooling device with at least one second heating and / or cooling device. Through the radio unit, the heating and / or cooling device can also exchange data with a mobile device such as a tablet, a mobile phone or a smartphone. The data may be exchanged between the signal processor on the first heating and / or cooling device and a signal processor on the second heating and / or cooling device or a signal processor on a mobile device. Thus, e.g. the ease of use of the controller and the efficiency of the treatment are increased.

In a preferred embodiment, the heating and / or cooling device comprises a temperature sensor which is designed to generate temperature data and the signal processor is designed to generate the control and / or control signal for controlling and / or regulating the electrical energy source depending on the temperature data. The temperature sensor can be arranged on the heating and / or cooling device, for example, on the heating and / or cooling support. The temperature sensor can detect or measure the surface temperature of the skin and / or the temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad. It can also be arranged a plurality of temperature sensors on the heating and / or cooling device or the heating and / or cooling pad. Depending on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor, the control and / or regulating signal for controlling and / or regulating the electrical energy source or the electric current can be generated. For example. the signal processor can be designed to generate the control and / or regulating signal for controlling and / or regulating the electric current as a function of the temperature data or the detected temperature and thus the output of the heating and / or cooling energy or the temperature of the heating - And / or cooling pad to control or regulate. Thus, the temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad can be controlled or regulated.

By measuring the body temperature or the surface temperature of the skin, the living being can, for example, be given a pleasant, warm and / or cool body sensation. Furthermore, the temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad can be adjusted to the optimum treatment temperature. It can also be prevented that too much warming up and / or cooling of the heating and / or cooling pad causes burns or other skin injuries.

Depending on the organism and the skin type, different high and / or low temperatures on the heating and / or cooling pad can be perceived as pleasant and cause a stimulation or a healing of the muscle. If the heating and / or cooling pad is heated too weak and / or cooled, the muscle is not stimulated or not relaxed and thus there is no positive effect on the animal, as for example. The pain is not relieved. By detecting or measuring the temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad and compare with a desired value or a desired temperature, an optimal temperature at the heating and / or cooling pad can be generated. If the temperature sensor on the skin measures a temperature which is less than a setpoint temperature, then the heating and / or cooling support can be activated, for example, by the signal processor and convert electrical energy into heat and / or cooling energy. By delivering the heat and / or cold energy to the skin, the skin can be heated to a predetermined desired temperature and / or cooled. After reaching the target temperature, the conversion of the heat and / or cooling energy in the heating and / or cooling pad is reduced or increased until the temperature of the skin drops again below or above a predetermined value.

The temperature is preferably detected at the surface resting on the skin (adhesive surface) of the heating and / or cooling pad. The electric current is regulated according to the temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad. If the setpoint temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad is to be higher than the measured temperature, the electrical current or the output of the electrical energy to the heating and / or cooling pad can be increased. If the setpoint temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad is to be lower than the measured temperature, the electric current or the output of the electrical energy to the heating and / or Cooling pad can be reduced. Thus, a predetermined or optimum temperature can be achieved at the adhesive surface of the heating and / or cooling pad. The heat output can be constant on the entire surface or adhesive surface or film surface of the heating and / or cooling pad.

It has been found in experiments that the temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad on contact with the skin <60 ° C, preferably <50 ° C, more preferably <45 ° C or in a range between 38 ° C and 42 ° C in case of heating should be to avoid skin injuries. Similarly, when cooling, the temperature should be in a range between 8 ° C and 15 ° C. In particular, for example, in small children, the temperature should be <40 ° C, but above 8 ° C to avoid skin injuries. In order to achieve stimulation of the muscle, the temperature should be> 35 ° C, preferably> 40 ° C, more preferably> 45 ° C.

Furthermore, the well-being regarding the temperature of a heating and / or cooling pad may depend on its size. In this case, the larger the heating and / or cooling pad, the lower should be the temperature at which it is operated, since with large heating and / or cooling pads, the risk of skin injuries is greater. In addition, there is the danger that the body of the living being overheated and / or overcooled in large-scale heating and / or cooling pads.

In a further preferred embodiment, electrodes are arranged on the underside of the heating and / or cooling pad and the signal processor is formed by electromyography to determine the muscle tension and / or by measuring the conductance of the skin, the skin resistance. The heating and / or cooling device may comprise electromyography electrodes for measuring muscle tension. The electrodes for measuring the muscle tension EMG can be arranged on the heating and / or cooling pad. Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle electrical activity. With electrodes placed on the surface of the skin, changes in the potential of one or more muscles can be measured. The measurement of potential changes with an EMG gives information about muscle tension. The information of the muscle tension can be made available to the signal processor. The signal processor can be designed to generate a control signal adapted to the muscle voltage for controlling the electrical energy source. Through the information of the muscle tension, a targeted relaxation by the heat supply to the muscle can be achieved. Thus, tension in the muscles can be determined and corrected. EMG sensors can also identify or record skin data. Other muscle tension sensors may include posture sensors such as a 3D gyro sensor (gyroscope 3D), an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, a bending sensor, or a strain gauge.

The heating and / or cooling device may comprise electrodes for detecting the skin resistance. The heating and / or cooling device may comprise a skin resistance sensor, which is designed to detect the skin resistance of the person. The signal processor can be designed to generate a control signal which is matched to the skin resistance in order to control the electrical energy source or to control the energy output from the energy source to the heating element. By detecting the skin resistance, for example, it can be determined how much the person perspires. The heating and / or cooling device may also include a sensor for detecting the moisture or skin moisture. Such moisture sensors change, for example, their electrical resistance as a function of the moisture to be measured. The release of electrical energy by the electrical energy source and thus the heat output from the heating and / or cooling device can thus be regulated or changed depending on the skin resistance or on the intensity of the sweat delivery or the transpiration of a living being.

To determine the skin resistance, the impedance between two electrodes, which abut the body, can be measured. The impedance is also dependent on the sweat on the skin surface. The signal processor may be configured to determine or measure the impedance. The signal processor may be configured to generate an impedance-matched control signal for controlling the output of energy from the power source to the heating and / or cooling element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the adhesive surface of the heating and / or cooling pad comprises an adhesive and / or an adhesive element. A pressure-sensitive adhesive offers the advantage that the adhesive has no hardening mechanism, whereby the adhesive does not form a permanent connection. Thus, after use, the heating and / or cooling pad can be detached from the body surface or skin surface of the user and, if necessary, can be fastened to the body of a living being.

In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is gel-shaped. The adhesive on the adhesive surface of the heating and / or cooling pad may comprise a gel-like adhesive or the consistency of the adhesive may be gel-like. Gel-like substances can adapt well to uneven surfaces such as the skin surface and Contact this extensively. By contacting large areas, the heat and / or cold energy can be well transferred from the heating and / or cooling pad on the body of a living being.

In a further preferred embodiment, the heating and / or cooling pad is a disposable element and the control unit is a reusable element. The heating and / or cooling pad can be glued to the body or the skin of the person. For hygienic reasons (sweat, body fat) or e.g. because different people use the heating and / or cooling device or because after a certain time, the adhesive effect of the adhesive subsides, the heating and / or cooling pad can be disposed of after a certain period of use or after a certain number of uses.

The control unit may comprise the electronics or various electronic elements, which can be reused as desired. The heating and / or cooling pad can be removed after wear of the control unit and replaced by a new heating and / or cooling pad. By reusing the control unit and merely replacing the heating and / or cooling pad, which is brought into contact with the skin of the animal, the operating costs for the heating and / or cooling device can be reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment, the heating and / or cooling device comprises a vibration generator which is designed to convert electrical energy emitted by the electrical energy source into mechanical energy that can be delivered to the body of the person. The vibration generator can convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy convert and, for example, in the form of vibrations to the body. The vibration generator, for example, have an electric motor with an asymmetrically mounted on the shaft mass (imbalance). When the shaft of the electric motor is driven by the electric power, the mass connected to the shaft starts to rotate. The rotating mass generates an imbalance, whereby mechanical vibrations or mechanical energy is generated. The imbalance is generated by the offset of the shear point of the mass to the axis of rotation of the shaft. By contact of the heating and / or cooling device with the body of the living being, the mechanical energy can be transmitted to the skin or the body of the living being.

Among other things, the mechanical energy depends on the mass or imbalance and the rotational speed of the electric motor or the shaft of the electric motor. The greater the imbalance, the more mechanical energy is generated. The generated mechanical energy is also greater, the greater the rotational or rotational speed of the mass or the shaft of the electric motor.

By delivering the mechanical energy to the body of the animal, the person can perceive vibrations. These vibrations can inform the living being about a body malaise or signal the body malaise. Through the vibration, the living being can become aware and can, for example, through their own conscious observation, improve their posture. False postures can thus be signaled by vibrations. The signaling of the malposition can, for example, by a heating and / or cooling device close to the malposition done. Furthermore, by the output of information of the heating and / or cooling device to the living beings, for example. On the display of a mobile device, the living being informed about postural errors or improvements of posture. Through the vibration, the living being can also be reminded, for example, of physical exercises (gymnastics exercises) to improve posture.

Further, embodiments provide a system for delivering heat and / or cold energy to the body of a living being. The system can promote the relaxation of the body muscles. The system comprises at least one first heating and / or cooling device according to described exemplary embodiments and at least one second heating and / or cooling device according to described exemplary embodiments and / or a mobile device which are suitable for exchanging data with the first heating and / or cooling device. In embodiments, the system may be configured to transmit and / or receive data from the first heating and / or cooling device to the second heating and / or cooling device. The heating and / or cooling devices can thus exchange data with each other and form a network. The heating and / or cooling devices may also be designed to send data to a mobile device and / or to receive it from a mobile device. The mobile device may be a mobile phone or a smartphone or a tablet or a mobile device specially designed for the delivery of heat and / or cold energy to the body of a living being. Thus, a network can also be formed. The data may be sensor data, posture data, control data or other data which are essential to the operation of the heating and / or cooling devices. The heating and / or cooling devices can also be connected to one another via a cable.

Furthermore, a method for controlling a heating and / or cooling device according to exemplary embodiments is provided, which is provided for delivering heat and / or cooling energy to the body of a living being. The heating and / or cooling device comprises a control unit and a heating and / or cooling pad which can be connected to the body of the living being and provided with a heating and / or cooling element, which are electrically and mechanically connected to one another, wherein a control signal is generated by means of the control unit is, by means of which the energy output from an energy source to the heating and / or cooling element is controllable.

Furthermore, by means of the posture sensors, the posture of the person measured and determined in the control unit and from the control and / or control signal can be calculated to control the heat release such that the posture is corrected.

Furthermore, a computer program with a program code for carrying out the method described above is provided when the computer program runs on a computer or processor.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Wärme- und/oder Kältevorrichtung in einer Draufsicht;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Wärme- und/oder Kältevorrichtung mit drei Verbindungselementen in einer Draufsicht;
• 3a eine weitere schematische Darstellung einer Wärme- und/oder Kältevorrichtung in einer Seitenansicht mit verbundener Heiz- und/oder Kühlauflage und Steuereinheit;
• 3b eine weitere schematische Darstellung einer Wärme- und/oder Kältevorrichtung in einer Seitenansicht mit getrennter Heiz- und/oder Kühlauflage und Steuereinheit;
• 4 eine weiter schematische Darstellung einer Wärme- und/oder Kältevorrichtung in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht mit getrennter Heiz- und/oder Kühlauflage und Steuereinheit;
• 5a eine Person in einer Vorderansicht mit mehreren Wärme- und/oder Kältevorrichtungen;
• 5a eine Person in einer Rückenansicht mit mehreren Wärme- und/oder Kältevorrichtungen;
• 6 ein System zur Abgabe von Wärme- und/oder Kälteenergie an den Körper eines Lebewesens mit verschiedenen Wärme- und/oder Kältevorrichtungen;
• 7 ein System zur Abgabe von Wärme- und/oder Kälteenergie an den Körper eines Lebewesens mit einem Mobilgerät;
• 8a-c ein Mobilgerät mit Darstellungen zur Verbesserung der Körperhaltung;

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a heating and / or cooling device in a plan view;
• 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a heating and / or cooling device with three connecting elements in a plan view;
• 3a a further schematic representation of a heating and / or cooling device in a side view with connected heating and / or cooling pad and control unit;
• 3b a further schematic representation of a heating and / or cooling device in a side view with separate heating and / or cooling pad and control unit;
• 4 a further schematic representation of a heating and / or cooling device in a side sectional view with separate heating and / or cooling pad and control unit;
• 5a a person in a front view with several heating and / or cooling devices;
• 5a a person in a back view with multiple heating and / or cooling devices;
• 6 a system for delivering heat and / or cooling energy to the body of a living being with various heating and / or cooling devices;
• 7 a system for delivering heat and / or cold energy to the body of a living being with a mobile device;
• 8a-c a mobile device with posture enhancements;

figure description

In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, the same or equivalent elements in the figures are given the same reference numerals, so that their description in the different embodiments is interchangeable.

1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a heating and / or cooling device 10 for the delivery of heat and / or cooling energy to the body not shown 28 of a living thing in a top view. The heating and / or cooling device 10 includes one with the body 28 the person connectable heating and / or cooling pad 12 , which has a top and a bottom and at the bottom is an adhesive surface 1210 , for fixing the heating and / or cooling pad 12 provided on the skin surface of the person. The adhesive surface 1210 may be on a first surface of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be educated. The adhesive surface 1210 can be brought into contact with the skin surface of a living being. When contacting the adhesive surface 1210 with the skin surface of the person, the adhesive surface of the heating and / or cooling pad should stick to the skin of the person or adhere. The adhesive surface 1210 may be protected against contamination or accidental attachment prior to contacting the skin surface with an adhesive protective layer, for example. This protective layer is removed before attaching to the skin.

The adhesive used should have skin-friendly properties. This means that the adhesive surface 1210 or the adhesive does not harm or irritate the skin as much as possible. Furthermore, the adhesive surface should 1210 for example, after use of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 remove well from the skin. The adhesive surface 1210 should be reusable.

The adhesive may preferably comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Pressure-sensitive adhesives have no hardening mechanism. This means that they remain highly viscous and permanently tacky after application to a carrier material and, for example, by applying pressure to a counterpart, the skin are applied and stick there. The adhesive on the adhesive surface 1210 the heating and / or cooling cover 12 may be gel-shaped. The adhesive on the adhesive surface of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can have a high viscosity. The adhesive on the adhesive surface of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 may have a gel-like consistency. A gel-like adhesive can easily be incorporated into skin folds or bumps on the skin to create a good adhesive contact. The adhesive should have good thermal conductivity. Due to a good thermal conductivity and a good thermal contact between the heating and / or cooling pad 12 and the skin surface, the heat and / or cold energy well from the heating and / or cooling pad 12 on the body 28 or the skin of the person to be transferred.

The heating and / or cooling pad 12 can at least one heating and / or cooling element 26 comprise, by the from an electrical energy source 22 emitted electrical energy or electricity is converted into heat and / or cooling energy or thermal energy. The heating and / or cooling element or the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can be formed, the heat and / or cooling energy to the body 28 to give or transfer to the person. The heating and / or cooling element 26 can be heated by converting electrical energy into thermal energy. The conversion of the electrical energy or the electrical current into heat energy or thermal energy can be done, for example, by an electrical resistance (R) or by an electrical heating or heating element. The thermal energy generated is more or less proportional to the input or output electrical energy.

The heat and / or cold energy can, as in a thermal paving, to the body 28 the person are handed over. By giving off heat and / or cold energy, contracted muscles can relax very well. The release of heat can expand the blood vessels in the muscles and can thus promote the circulation of the muscle. Through the better blood circulation also pollutants which block the muscle can be flushed out of the muscle and the muscle can regenerate. By relaxing the muscles, cramps and pain are reduced.

The heating and / or cooling element 26 or the electrical resistance which converts the electric current into heat and / or cold, can centrally on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be arranged and a thermally good conductive material such as metal, the heat and / or cooling energy on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 to distribute. The heating and / or cooling element 26 but can also be flat on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be arranged (in the 1 shown with dashed line). So that the electrical energy on a larger area on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 is converted into heat and / or cooling energy. The heating and / or cooling pad 12 or the heating and / or cooling element 26 may include a thermal foil, a wire, a wire mesh or a wire mesh. These can, for example, more or less deliver a constant heat and / or cold over their entire surface.

• - Eine Energiequelle 22. Die Energiequelle 22 kann in der Steuereinheit 14 aufgenommen werden - entweder fest oder abnehmbar. Die Energiequelle 22 kann aber auch eine extern angeordnete Energiequelle 22, bspw. ein Stromnetz sein, die über ein Kabel oder auch berührungslos beispielsweise mittels induktiver oder kapazitiver Energieübertragung in der Steuereinheit 14 aufgenommen wird. Wird eine wiederaufladbare Batterie als Energiequelle 22 verwendet, kann die Steuereinheit 14 auch eine geeignete Ladeschaltung 104 umfassen;
• - einen Signalprozessor als Signalverarbeiter 16, der derart konfiguriert ist, um Signale zu empfangen, die für den Betrieb der Steuereinheit 14 relevant sind. Einige dieser Signale 38, 107, 116, 117 können elektrisch sein und von ausserhalb der Steuereinheit 14 stammen - in diesem Fall kann das Signal durch einen elektrischen Verbinder 18 geleitet werden. Die Signale 117 können digital sein, in diesem Fall können sie direkt vom Signalprozessor 16 verarbeitet werden. Einige Signalprozessoren 16 können möglicherweise analoge Signale direkt verarbeiten, aber in den meisten Fällen kann ein Analog-DigitalWandler (ADC) 108 verwendet werden, um externe analoge Signale 38, 107, 116 zu verarbeiten, um sie entsprechend zu wandeln oder anzupassen;
• - eine Steuerung oder ein Mikrocontroller 110. Diese kann eine separate Komponente sein oder mit einem Signalverarbeiter 16 kombiniert werden, wie in 10 dargestellt. Der Mikrocontroller 110 ist derart konfiguriert und angeordnet, um den Betrieb der Steuereinheit 14 zu steuern - insbesondere kann der Steuereinheit 14 konfiguriert werden, um die Energieabgabe von der Energiequelle 22 an ein oder mehrere Heiz- und/oder Kühlelemente 26 über einen oder mehrere elektrische Verbinder 18 zu steuern. Einige Mikrocontroller 110 können möglicherweise direkt den entsprechenden Strom und/oder die entsprechende Spannung für das eine oder die mehreren Heiz- und/oder Kühlelemente 26 bereitstellen, aber in den meisten Fällen kann eine separate Pulsweitenmodulation (PWM) verwendet werden - zum Beispiel eine PWM-Steuerung mittels eines Pulsweitenmodulators 112. In einem solchen Fall kann der Mikrocontroller 110 eine Behandlungsanweisung bereitstellen, wie z.B. die Haut 2 Minuten lang auf 30° C erhitzen; auf Raumtemperatur abkühlen lassen; 1 Minute wiederholen - die Leistungssteuerung kann dann konfiguriert werden, um das eine oder die mehreren Heiz- und/oder Kühlelemente 26 unter Verwendung eines beliebig geeigneten Regelalgorithmus, beispielsweise die Übertragungsfunktion eines PID-Reglers, zu betreiben;
• - optional kann eine Anzeige 101 vorgesehen werden, um den Bediener über wichtige Parameter wie Hauttemperatur, Zustand der Batterie 22 oder Betriebsart zu informieren;
• - optional kann in der Steuereinheit 14 ein Vibrationsserzeuger 42 als Mittel zum Bereitstellen einer Stimulation, die von Heizen und/oder Kühlen verschieden ist, enthalten sein. Diese zusätzlichen Mittel können in der Steuerinheit 14, wie dargestellt, oder ausserhalb der Steuereinheit 14 unter Verwendung eines elektrischen Verbinders 18 vorgesehen werden, um diese weiteren Stimulationsmittel 114 mit elektrischer Energie zu versorgen;
• - optional einen oder mehrere Hauttemperatursensoren 38. Um wärmeinduzierte und/oder kälteinduzierte Schäden an der Haut zu vermeiden. Der Signalprozessor 16 und die Steuerung 110 können konfiguriert werden, um nur dann Wärme und/oder Kälte bei Behandlungsstufen bereitzustellen, wenn die Haut in der Nähe der Auflage 12 ausreichend nicht zu heiss und/oder nicht zu kalt ist. So kann beispielsweise vor der elektrischen Versorgung eines oder mehrerer Heizelemente 26 mit einem elektrischen Stromsignal des Pulsweitenmodulators 112 zunächst überprüft werden, ob die Haut unterhalb einer Schwellentemperatur liegt. Nach Beginn der Wärmebehandlung kann die Hauttemperatur kontinuierlich überwacht und die Behandlung gestoppt werden, wenn die Hauttemperatur einen vorgegebenen Schwellenwert überschreitet. So kann beispielsweise vor der elektrischen Versorgung eines oder mehrerer Kühlelemente 26 mit einem elektrischen Stromsignal des Pulsweitenmodulators 112 zunächst überprüft werden, ob sich die Haut oberhalb einer Schwellentemperatur befindet. Nach Beginn der Kühlbehandlung kann die Hauttemperatur kontinuierlich überwacht und die Behandlung gestoppt werden, wenn die Hauttemperatur unter einen vorgegebenen Schwellenwert fällt. Obwohl sie ausserhalb der Einheit 14 dargestellt sind, können auch andere Optionen innerhalb der Einheit 14 verwendet werden, wie beispielsweise eine Wärmebildkamera oder ein optischer Temperaturdetektor, der innerhalb der Einheit 14 montiert und mit einer der Haut zugewandten Öffnung versehen ist. Im Allgemeinen ist eine maximale Temperatur von ca. 42 - 43° C vorgegeben, um thermische Schäden an der Haut zu vermeiden. Typische Werte während der Behandlung hierfür sind sind ca. 8°C bis 15° C, vorzugsweise auch bis 20° C. Diese Werte können je nach Position am Körper, an dem die Behandlung angewendet wird, variieren und sind individuell abhängig;
• - optional einen von mehreren Hauterkennungssensoren 107. Der Signalprozessor 16 und die mikrocontrollerbasierte Steuerung 110 können konfiguriert werden, um nur dann Wärme und/oder Kälte bei Behandlungsstufen bereitzustellen, wenn die Auflage 12 ausreichend mit einer Hautoberfläche in Kontakt steht. Bevor beispielsweise ein oder mehrere Heiz- und/oder Kühlelemente 26 mit elektrischer Energie versorgt werden, kann zunächst eine Messung 107 durchgeführt werden, um einen ausreichenden Kontakt mit der Haut herzustellen. Nach Beginn der Behandlung kann der Hautkontakt kontinuierlich überwacht und die Behandlung gestoppt werden, wenn der Grad des Hautkontakts unter einen vorgegebenen Schwellenwert fällt. Obwohl ausserhalb der Einheit 14 dargestellt, können auch andere Optionen innerhalb der Einheit 14 verwendet werden, wie beispielsweise ein kapazitiver Detektor innerhalb der Einheit 14. Ein oder mehrere Hauttemperatursensoren 38 können auch als ein Hauterkennungssensor konfiguriert werden;
• - optional, aber vorzugsweise, Sicherheitsüberwachung und Schutzvorrichtung 109. Unter vorher festgelegten Bedingungen während des Betriebs können der Signalprozessor 16 und die Steuerung 110 derart konfiguriert werden, um die elektrische Energie, die dem einen oder den mehreren Heiz- und/oder Kühlelementen 26 zugeführt wird, zu ändern oder sogar auszusetzen. Zum Beispiel, wie vorstehend erwähnt, wenn eine Temperatur der Haut ausserhalb eines vorgegebenen Bereichs liegt oder wenn der Grad des Hautkontakts unter einem vorgegebenen Schwellenwert liegt. Optional kann eine Strom-, Spannungs-, Energie- und/oder Leistungsüberwachung 113 vorgesehen werden, um eine Dosis auf der Haut zu bestimmen - wenn die Dosis einen vorbestimmten Wert überschreitet, kann die Leistung des elektrischen Stromsignals des Pulsweitenmodulators 112 geändert oder sogar ausgesetzt werden. Optional kann die Einheit 14 einen Speicher umfassen, der vorgegebene Grenzen und Bereiche speichert, und es kann vorteilhaft sein, dem Benutzer zu ermöglichen, diese Grenzen und Bereiche zu ändern oder einzustellen. Optional können auch interne Parameter überwacht werden, wie beispielsweise die Temperatur der Energiequelle 22 oder der Ladezustand der Energiequelle 22 - beispielsweise können der Signalprozessor 16 und die Steuerung 110 konfiguriert werden, um die Behandlung auszusetzen oder zu verhindern, wenn in der Energiequelle 22 nicht genügend Energie zur Verfügung steht, um die Behandlung abzuschliessen; und
• - optional zusätzliche Sensoren 116, 117 wie ein oder mehrere Haltungssensoren, ein oder mehrere EMG (Elektromyografie) Sensoren, ein oder mehrere Biegesensoren, ein oder mehrere 3D-Gyrosensoren, ein oder mehrere Beschleunigungssensoren, ein oder mehrere Dehnungsmessstreifen.

10 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a control unit 14 which is a plurality of electrical components and one or more electrical connection elements 18a . 18b between the control unit 14 and the heating and / or cooling carrier 12 (not shown). The control unit 14 will be referred to as the control unit 14 designated. It includes:

• - An energy source 22 , The energy source 22 can in the control unit 14 be taken - either fixed or removable. The energy source 22 but can also be an externally arranged source of energy 22 , For example, be a power supply, via a cable or non-contact, for example by means of inductive or capacitive energy transfer in the control unit 14 is recorded. Will a rechargeable battery as an energy source 22 used, the control unit can 14 also a suitable charging circuit 104 include;
• - a signal processor as a signal processor 16 configured to receive signals indicative of the operation of the control unit 14 are relevant. Some of these signals 38 . 107 . 116 . 117 can be electrical and from outside the control unit 14 In this case, the signal can be through an electrical connector 18 be directed. The signals 117 can be digital, in this case they can be directly from the signal processor 16 are processed. Some signal processors 16 may be able to process analog signals directly, but in most cases an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can 108 used to external analog signals 38 . 107 . 116 to process, adapt or adapt accordingly;
• - a controller or a microcontroller 110 , This can be a separate component or with a signal processor 16 combined, as in 10 shown. The microcontroller 110 is configured and arranged to control the operation of the control unit 14 to control - in particular, the control unit 14 be configured to control the energy output from the power source 22 to one or more heating and / or cooling elements 26 via one or more electrical connectors 18 to control. Some microcontrollers 110 may directly apply the appropriate current and / or voltage to the one or more heating and / or cooling elements 26 but in most cases a separate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) may be used - for example a PWM control by means of a pulse width modulator 112 , In such a case, the microcontroller 110 provide a treatment instruction, such as the skin 2 Heat to 30 ° C for minutes; Allow to cool to room temperature; Repeat 1 minute - the power control can then be configured to control the one or more heating and / or cooling elements 26 operate using any suitable control algorithm, such as the transfer function of a PID controller;
• - Optionally, an ad 101 be provided to the operator about important parameters such as skin temperature, condition of the battery 22 or mode to inform;
• - optional can in the control unit 14 a vibration generator 42 as a means for providing stimulation other than heating and / or cooling. These additional funds can be in the control unit 14 , as shown, or outside the control unit 14 using an electrical connector 18 be provided to these other stimulation means 114 to supply with electrical energy;
• - optionally one or more skin temperature sensors 38 , To prevent heat-induced and / or cold-induced damage to the skin. The signal processor 16 and the controller 110 can be configured to provide only heat and / or cold at treatment levels when the skin is near the overlay 12 not too hot and / or not too cold. For example, before the electrical supply of one or more heating elements 26 with an electrical current signal of the pulse width modulator 112 First, check whether the skin is below a threshold temperature. After the start of the heat treatment, the skin temperature can be continuously monitored and the treatment stopped when the skin temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, before the electrical supply of one or more cooling elements 26 with an electrical current signal of the pulse width modulator 112 First, check whether the skin is above a threshold temperature. After the start of the cooling treatment, the skin temperature can be continuously monitored and the treatment stopped when the skin temperature falls below a predetermined threshold. Although they are outside the unit 14 may also have other options within the unit 14 be used, such as a thermal imager or an optical temperature detector, within the unit 14 mounted and provided with a skin-facing opening. In general, a maximum temperature of about 42 - 43 ° C is given to avoid thermal damage to the skin. Typical values during the treatment for this are about 8 ° C to 15 ° C, preferably also up to 20 ° C. These values may vary depending on the position on the body to which the treatment is applied and are individually dependent;
• - Optionally one of several skin detection sensors 107 , The signal processor 16 and the microcontroller-based controller 110 can be configured to provide heat and / or cold at treatment levels only when the overlay 12 sufficiently in contact with a skin surface. Before, for example, one or more heating and / or cooling elements 26 can be supplied with electrical energy, can first make a measurement 107 be performed to establish sufficient contact with the skin. After initiation of treatment, skin contact may be continuously monitored and treatment stopped when the degree of dermal contact falls below a predetermined threshold. Although outside the unit 14 can also represent other options within the unit 14 be used, such as a capacitive detector within the unit 14 , One or more skin temperature sensors 38 can also be configured as a skin detection sensor;
• - Optional, but preferably, security monitoring and protection 109 , Under predetermined conditions during operation, the signal processor can 16 and the controller 110 be configured to the electrical energy that the one or more heating and / or cooling elements 26 is supplied, changed or even suspended. For example, as mentioned above, when a temperature of the skin is outside a predetermined range or when the degree of skin contact is below a predetermined threshold. Optionally, a current, voltage, energy and / or performance monitoring 113 be provided to determine a dose on the skin - when the dose exceeds a predetermined value, the power of the electrical current signal of the pulse width modulator 112 changed or even suspended. Optionally, the unit 14 include a memory, the predetermined Stores borders and areas, and it may be advantageous to allow the user to change or set these boundaries and areas. Optionally, internal parameters can also be monitored, such as the temperature of the energy source 22 or the state of charge of the power source 22 - For example, the signal processor 16 and the controller 110 be configured to suspend treatment or prevent when in the power source 22 not enough energy is available to complete the treatment; and
• - optional additional sensors 116 . 117 such as one or more posture sensors, one or more EMG (electromyography) sensors, one or more flexure sensors, one or more 3D gyro sensors, one or more acceleration sensors, one or more strain gauges.

The signal processor 16 may be formed, a control signal for control 110 to generate an electrical energy source. The signal processor 16 may be formed signals from one or more signal sources 38 . 107 . 116 . 117 For example, posture sensors, temperature sensors 38 or to receive and process further sensors. The signal processor 16 can generate a control signal with which the electrical energy source is controlled or the energy supply or energy delivery to the body or the musculature is controlled. The signal processor 16 may include a processor or a computing unit. The signal processor 16 can process the signals partially or not at all and the signals for processing to another signal processor, for example. In a mobile device or at a further heating and / or cooling device 10 or control unit 14 hand off. The signal processor can do this 16 For example, only receive and / or transmit radio signals.

The heating and / or cooling element 26 may be configured, the electric current from the electrical energy source 22 receive directly and deliver the heat and / or cold energy to the skin of a living being. The heating and / or cooling element 26 may also be formed, the electric current from the electrical energy source 22 through the signal processor 16 and microcontroller 110 to receive and deliver the heat and / or cold energy to the skin of the person. Furthermore, the signal processor 16 the control signal for control 110 the source of electrical energy 22 to the heating and / or cooling pad 12 transferred and the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can send the signal to the electrical energy source 22 transmit and the electrical energy from the electrical energy source 22 receive.

The electrical energy source 22 and the heating and / or cooling element 26 may be formed the heating and / or cooling pad 12 in less than 1 minute, preferably in less than 20 seconds, more preferably in less than 5 seconds to heat by 20 K. The heating of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can by a temperature sensor 38 be monitored to avoid skin injuries, such as burns. The temperature sensor 38 can be on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be arranged and, for example, the temperature of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 monitor. The signal processor 16 can, for example, a measured value of the temperature sensor 38 process and depending on the temperature sensor 38 measured value or temperature value the control signal to the control 110 the source of electrical energy 22 change, so more electrical energy of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 is supplied when the heating and / or cooling pad 12 should heat up more and less or no electrical energy of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 is supplied when the heating and / or cooling pad 12 should heat less or not at all. The temperature sensor 38 can also measure the skin temperature or body temperature of the person and depending on the body temperature, the electrical energy as previously described control, so that the heating and / or cooling device 10 The person warms as soon as a predetermined temperature value of the skin temperature or body temperature is reached.

• - die Zeit, in der die Heiz- und/oder Kühlauflagen 12 die jeweils gewünschte Temperatur erreichen, und die Geschwindigkeit des Wärmeübergangs zwischen den Auflagen 12 und der angrenzenden Haut;
• - den Strom, die Spannung und die Energieabgabe der Pulsweitenmodulationsleistungssteuerung 112;
• - den maximalen Strom, die maximale Spannung und die maximale Energieleistung der Energiequelle 22;
• - die Art der Heiz- und/oder Kühlelemente 26;
• - die Abmessungen der Heiz- und/oder Kühlelemente 26;
• - für ein Heizelement 26 den Widerstand und die Abmessungen der Heizleiter (zu den geeigneten Metallen gehören Kupfer, Aluminum, Platin oder Chromo der Legierungen dieser Metalle);
• - für ein Heizelement 26 die Dichte (Abstand) der Heizleiter. In Ausführungsformen, bei denen ein oder mehrere Widerstandsheizelemente von der Mitte der Auflage 12 aus angeschlossen sind, erwärmt sich der zentrale Teil des Pads wahrscheinlich schneller als die Kanten des Pads;
• - das Leistungsregelungsprofil - z.B. basiert die PID-Regelung in der Regel auf dem Fehler zwischen den Istwerten und dem Sollwert. Das anfängliche Aufheizen und/oder Abkühlen kann jedoch durch Überschreiten des Schwellenwert des PID-Reglers zu Beginn beschleunigt werden. So kann beispielsweise der gewünschte Wert um 1 oder 2° C erhöht werden - wenn der Sollwert tatsächlich 42° C beträgt, kann einem Heizelement ein Überschwingerwert von 44° C oder sogar 45° C gegeben werden. Obwohl aus Sicherheitsgründen die Hauttemperatur in der Regel bei 42° C oder 43° C maximiert wird, kann eine höhere Temperatur für einen sehr kurzen Zeitraum toleriert werden, wie z.B. 45° C für nicht länger als 5 Sekunden. Durch geeignete Optimierung wurden innerhalb von 20 Sekunden Temperaturen von bis zu 42° C nahe der Mitte der Auflage 12 erreicht.

The time it takes to heat and / or cool the skin depends on a number of parameters, including:

• - the time in which the heating and / or cooling pads 12 reach the desired temperature, and the speed of heat transfer between the pads 12 and the adjacent skin;
• the current, the voltage and the power output of the pulse width modulation power control 112 ;
• - the maximum current, the maximum voltage and the maximum energy output of the energy source 22 ;
• - The type of heating and / or cooling elements 26 ;
• - The dimensions of the heating and / or cooling elements 26 ;
• - for a heating element 26 the resistance and dimensions of the heating conductors (suitable metals include copper, aluminum, platinum or chromium of the alloys of these metals);
• - for a heating element 26 the density (distance) of the heating conductors. In embodiments where one or more resistance heating elements from the center of the support 12 are connected from the central part of the pad is likely to warm faster than the edges of the pad;
• - the power control profile - eg the PID control is usually based on the error between the actual values and the setpoint. However, the initial heating and / or cooling may be accelerated by exceeding the threshold of the PID controller at the beginning. For example, the desired value can be increased by 1 or 2 ° C - if the setpoint is actually 42 ° C, a heater can be given an overshoot value of 44 ° C or even 45 ° C. Although, for safety reasons, the skin temperature is usually maximized at 42 ° C or 43 ° C, a higher temperature can be tolerated for a very short period of time, such as 45 ° C for no longer than 5 seconds. Through proper optimization, temperatures of up to 42 ° C were reached within 20 seconds near the center of the run 12 reached.

The electrical energy source 22 For example, a mobile electrical energy source such as a battery or an accumulator may be. The battery or the accumulator can deliver electrical energy or electric current. An accumulator can have another source of energy 22 and a charging circuit 104 be charged or recharged with electrical energy. The electrical energy source 22 may also be a public power grid, for example, via a power supply, the voltage of the power grid before feeding into the heating and / or cooling device 10 can be reduced.

The heating and / or cooling pad 12 and the control unit 14 are by at least one electrical connector 18 , via which the electrical energy to the heating and / or cooling element 26 is transferable, and at least one magnetic connector 20 electrically and mechanically connectable.

On the control unit 14 can be an electrical connection element 18a for transmitting the electrical energy or an electric current from the control unit 14 on a complementary electrical connection element 18b , which on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 is formed, be arranged. The electrical connector 18 can with the electric power source, the signal processor 16 or, for example, a control which controls the control signal 110 the source of electrical energy 22 receives, be connected. The electrical connector 18 can be formed, for example, as an electrical plug and electrical socket or in the form of magnets. The electrical connection elements 18a . 18b are preferably made of metal. The electrical connection elements 18a . 18b may additionally have a coating with another metal, which has a small contact resistance or not oxidized (for example, gold). The electrical connectors 18 may be mechanically fixed to the control unit for transmitting the electrical energy 14 and / or on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be arranged. The electrical connectors 18 But you can also use a flexible cable with the control unit 14 and / or the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be connected.

On the control unit 14 can be at least one mechanical fastener 20a be arranged. To the mechanical connection element 20a which is connected to the control unit 14 can be arranged on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 a complementary mechanical connecting element 20b be arranged. The mechanical connection element 20b can be on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 at the, the adhesive surface opposite top of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be arranged. The mechanical connection element 20a at the control unit 14 , should be on the position of the mechanical fastener 20b on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be aligned so that the fasteners 20a . 20b easy to connect.

Through the mechanical connectors 20a . 20b let the control unit 14 and the heating and / or cooling pad 12 easy to a heating and / or cooling device 10 to merge. Conversely, the heating and / or cooling device can be 10 through the magnetic connectors 20 into a control unit 14 for use in a heating and / or refrigeration device 10 according to the embodiment and in a heating and / or cooling pad 12 for use in a heating and / or refrigeration device 10 split or separate according to the embodiment. In the 1 become the control unit 14 and the heating and / or cooling pad 12 through two the magnetic connectors 20 connected.

The heating and / or cooling pad 12 can be a disposable element, which can be replaced after a single or multiple use about ten times or about twenty times or about thirty times. This has advantages in terms of hygiene, as the heating and / or cooling pad 12 glued directly on the body or the skin of the person and sometimes comes with a lot of body sweat and fat in touch. On the other hand, when the adhesive effect is released, the adhesive surface of the heating and / or cooling pad can be removed 12 by replacing the heating and / or cooling pad 12 again a good adhesive effect of the heating and / or cooling device 10 on the body 28 the person can be achieved. It is also possible that, for example, the heating and / or cooling element 26 , which converts the electrical energy into heat energy, from a spent heating and / or cooling pad 12 removed and into another, new heating and / or cooling pad 12 is used. By reusing the heating element 26 or from sensors on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 Costs and resources can be saved.

The control unit 14 can be a reusable element. The control unit 14 can eg the signal processor 16 , a radio unit, the electrical energy source 22 or further electronics. The control unit 14 should include components that are easy to recycle and / or expensive. The entire intelligence or the intelligence of the heating and / or cooling device 10 contributing components may be on the control unit 14 be arranged. The control unit 14 can be reused as often as you like, saving costs and resources.

The control unit 14 so on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be arranged that he is wearing or in the body 28 a living thing glued state of the heating and / or cooling device 10 does not come into direct contact with the person's skin. This results in less unhygienic contamination on the control unit 10 , for example, by sweat or body fat.

The electrical connector 18 indicates with the control unit 14 connected first electrical connection element 18a and one with the heating and / or cooling pad 12 connected second connecting element 18b on. Furthermore, the magnetic connector 20 one with the control unit 14 connected first mechanical connecting element 20a and one with the heating and / or cooling pad 12 connected second mechanical connecting element 20b on. The first and second mechanical connecting element 20a ; 20b can the corresponding first or second electrical connection element 18a ; 18b include. The mechanical connection element 20a . 20b can the electrical connection element 18a . 18b for transmitting the electric current. In other words, the electrical connection element 18a . 18b for transferring the electrical current, for example, into the mechanical connecting element 20a . 20b be integrated. The mechanical connection element 20a . 20b can also be used, for example, in the electrical connection element 18a . 18b be integrated to transmit the electric current. For example. a metallic push button with corresponding counterpart or a metallic magnet, can both as a mechanical fastener 20a . 20b as well as an electrical connection element 18a . 18b be used for transmission of electricity.

Embodiments of a heating and / or cooling device 10 , can be as a smart thermal paving, self-adhesive and as a heating and / or cooling element in the heating and / or cooling pad 12 a thermal foil or wire mesh which can be heated by energy to the therapeutic heat of 40 ° C to 42 ° C within seconds.

The self-adhesive film of the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can be used several times, preferably twenty to thirty times. Moreover, it has proved to be particularly advantageous in the context of the invention, when embodiments of the invention, a particularly skin-friendly adhesive is used for the self-adhesive film, so that the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can be applied similarly to a day tattoo and can also remain overnight or for several days on the skin. This is particularly advantageous, since the other components of the heat and / or chill 10 only for treatment needs on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can be placed on and taken off again after treatment.

2 shows a heating and / or cooling device 10 with three mechanical fasteners 20a . 20b , The heating and / or cooling device 10 can have at least three mechanical fasteners 20a . 20b comprise, wherein at the control unit 14 three mechanical fasteners 20a and at the same place opposite to the heating and / or cooling pad 12 three complementary mechanical fasteners 20b for connecting the heating and / or cooling pad 12 with the control unit 14 are formed. The mechanical connection elements 20a . 20b can also use the electrical connectors 18a . 18b include. The mechanical fasteners 20a . 20b can thus mirrored between the control unit 14 and the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be arranged.

By positioning the mechanical and / or magnetic fasteners 20a . 20b For example, an alignment coding can be achieved so that the control unit 14 only in a certain position or position with the heating and / or cooling pad 12 connect (encoding). Thus, for example, certain forces, for example. Vertical forces, which when worn on the body 28 of a living being on the heating and / or cooling device 10 work, be better absorbed. Furthermore, by coding at the connecting elements 18a . 18b ; 20a . 20b , which are both mechanical fasteners 20a . 20b as well as electrical fasteners 18a . 18b include the risk of electrical reverse polarity when connecting the heating and / or cooling pad 12 with the control unit 14 be reduced. Furthermore, with three pairs of connecting elements 18a . 18b ; 20a . 20b in addition to the two-pole electrical supply, a control signal is transmitted to the third connection element. At one on the two-pole electrical supply signal modulated control signal in turn the need for a third pair of fasteners 18a . 18b ; 20a . 20b , However, more than three, for example, four or more mechanical fasteners 20a . 20b and / or electrical connection elements 18a . 20b , the heating and / or cooling pad 12 and the control unit 14 to a heating and / or cooling device 10 connect.

3a and 3b shows a further illustration of an embodiment of the heating and / or cooling device 10 in a side view. 3a shows the heating and / or cooling device 10 with connected or coupled heating and / or cooling pad 12 and control unit 14 , In the coupled state can not in the representation between electrical or mechanical and / or magnetic fasteners 18a . 18b ; 20a . 20b connected to the control unit 14 or on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 are fixed, differentiated. The connectable to the body of the person heating and / or cooling pad 12 has a top 122 and a bottom 121 on, on the adhesive surface 1210 , for fixing the heating and / or cooling pad 12 on the skin surface of the body 28 is provided. The heating and / or cooling pad 12 comprises at least the heating and / or cooling element 26 , Through the heating and / or cooling element 26 can from the electrical energy source 22 emitted electrical energy into heat and / or cooling energy to be converted. The control unit 14 can the signal processor 16 for controlling the energy output from the power source 22 to the heating and / or cooling element 26 respectively.

3b shows the heating and / or cooling device 10 with separate heating and / or cooling pad 12 and control unit 14 , At the control unit 14 are each two electrical connection elements 18a and two mechanical fasteners 20a shown. The mechanical and / or magnetic connection element 20a encloses or comprises the electrical connection element 18a for transmitting the electric current. The connecting elements can thus be mechanical and / or magnetic 20a and / or electrical 18a connecting elements. At the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can to the fasteners 18a . 20a the control unit 14 complementary electrical connection elements 18b and mechanical and / or magnetic fasteners 20b be arranged. The mechanical and / or magnetic connection element 20b encloses or includes in the representation of the electrical connection element 18b for transmitting the electric current.

The adhesive surface 1210 can at a bottom 121 or first surface 121 the heating and / or cooling pad 12 be educated. At an opposite top 122 or second surface, the electrical or mechanical and / or magnetic fasteners 18b . 20b be arranged. The heating and / or cooling pad 12 again comprises at least the heating and / or cooling element 26 , Through the heating and / or cooling element 26 can from the electrical energy source 22 emitted electrical energy into heat and / or cooling energy to be converted. The control unit 14 can the signal processor 16 for controlling the energy output from the power source 22 to the heating and / or cooling element 26 respectively.

4 shows a further schematic representation of a heating and / or cooling device 10 in a side sectional view with separate heating and / or cooling pad 12 and control unit 14 , In the sectional view various elements are shown which the control unit 14 and the heating and / or cooling pad 12 may include.

In or on the control unit 14 can, for example, the electrical energy source 22 be arranged or attached. The electrical energy source 22 can also be arranged or fastened. This means the electrical energy source 22 can be fixed to the control unit 14 be connected or removable. The electrical energy source 22 may be formed, the heating and / or cooling pad 12 and / or the control unit 14 to supply with electrical energy. This is the heating and / or cooling device 10 independent of a wired electrical power supply, which would have to be connected to a power outlet, for example, and restrict the person's freedom of movement. The mobile electrical energy source 22 For example, it can be a battery or a rechargeable battery. The battery or the accumulator can deliver electrical energy or electric current. An accumulator can have another source of energy 22 and a charging circuit 104 be charged or recharged with electrical energy. The heating and / or cooling device 10 can be connected in embodiments for power supply also, for example, via a power supply to a power outlet. The heating and / or cooling device 10 can thus be connectable to an externally arranged power source. By supplying the heating and / or cooling device 10 with electrical energy from a socket, the electrical energy source does not need to be replaced or recharged.

The heating and / or cooling device 10 , preferably the control unit 14 can be a posture sensor 24 include, wherein the posture sensor 24 may be trained to capture the posture and / or movement of the person at least in part and to generate posture data. The signal processor 16 may be formed by means of the posture data Energy delivery from the energy source 22 to the heating and / or cooling element 26 to control. The heat and / or chill 10 can only be a posture sensor 24 or multiple posture sensors 24 include. Thereby several body posture sensors can 24 usually capture the posture more precisely. The posture sensor 24 or the signal processor 16 can recognize whether the person has a bad or wrong body malposition or whether the posture is correct or rather correct. The posture data may be generated based on posture. The posture data may be an analog or digital electrical signal received from the posture sensor 24 is produced. The signal may be a conducted signal on an electrical or wireline signal (wireless) or radio signal from the posture sensor 24 be provided or issued.

The posture sensor 24 can be on or in the control unit 14 be arranged. The posture sensor 24 The body posture can also be identified or recorded with the help of skin data. The posture sensor 24 can use a 3D gyro sensor (gyroscope 3D) , Accelerometer, temperature sensor 38 , Bend sensor, EMG sensor, strain gauges or other sensors for detecting the posture include. Through the posture sensor 24 the person's posture can be captured. Posture sensors 24 For example, they may be located on the shoulders or on the neck or in the region of the spine and may capture the posture of the person. A 3D gyro sensor or a 3D gyroscope such as the ITG 3200 from IvenSens Inc. can detect movements in 3-axes and thus determine the position in the room. An acceleration sensor or an accelerometer sensor, such as the BMA400 from Bosch, can detect a change in the position in the room. There are also sensors which combine the two previously described functions, for example the MO 416.H1X or the M0416. H 13 from Makersan.

Preferably on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 which is located closer to the body than the control unit 14 , can as a posture sensor 24 also a bending sensor 241 to be ordered. bend sensors 241 can capture the posture especially in the area of the shoulder and the spine and can detect a curvature of the spine or a pulling up or down of the shoulders well. The bending sensor 241 may have a length of 5 cm to 40 cm. Preferably, bending sensors have 241 a length of 10 cm to 30 cm. Long bending sensors 241 can be arranged, for example, in the region of the spine and detect this over their entire length from the coccyx to the cervical vertebrae. Furthermore, bending sensors can 241 Grasp the posture of the shoulders, for example, from the left arm to the right arm. Also, depending on a bending sensor 241 be arranged on the left shoulder and on the right shoulder. It can instead of single long bending sensors 241 also several shorter bending sensors 241 with a length of, for example, 1 cm to 5 cm, preferably 2 cm to 3 cm, for example, are arranged at the described locations. With a bending sensor 241 such as the SEN 10264 Spectra Symbo can detect curvature of, for example, the spine or pulling up or down of the shoulders. The bending sensor is a narrow strip with a length of 7.3 cm and a width of 6.3 mm. At rest, the applied resistance is 25 ohms. The more the sensor is bent, the more the resistance increases, which can amount to a maximum of 125 kOhm.

Thus, with postural sensors 24 For example, poor posture in the posture can be detected. Misbehaviors with respect to the posture are, for example, a hump, a hollow back, shoulder tension, imbalance of the shoulders or the back. From the measurements of the different posture sensors can then determine the posture of the person.

Furthermore, the control unit 14 the signal processor 16 include. The signal processor 16 can be on or in the control unit 14 be arranged. The signal processor 16 may be, for example, a processor or a processor unit. The processor can also be integrated, for example, in a body position-improving device, in particular on a mobile device. The processor may also be integrated in a universal mobile device such as a tablet or a smartphone or other mobile device. Specialized or universal mobile devices are often indistinguishable, as features can often be provided through the software in the mobile device. Specialized or universal mobile devices usually include at least one input unit, a display, a processor, sensors, communication means and an energy storage.

Depending on the posture data or the posture sensor signal 24 can the signal processor 16 determine the posture. Depending on the signal processor 16 certain posture, the signal processor can 16 a control signal for controlling an electric power source 22 produce. The control signal for controlling the electric power source 22 may in turn be an analog or digital electrical signal from the signal processor 16 is produced. The signal can be as a wired signal on an electrical line or wireless signal (wireless) or radio signal from signal processors 16 be provided or issued. The signal processor 16 can also directly output more or less electrical energy from an electrical energy source 22 was generated or saved.

The signal processor 16 may be configured to receive the posture data. The signal processor 16 may be configured to receive the posture data as a signal or electrical signal. The signal may be a wireline signal on an electrical or wireline (wireless) signal. Vorzugseise is the receipt of the signal at the signal processor 16 on the output of the signal of the posture sensor (s) 24 . 241 Voted.

The heat and / or chill 10 or the control unit 14 can a radio unit 36 for sending and / or receiving data. The radio unit can be on the control unit 14 be arranged. The radio unit 36 can also, for example, in the signal processor 16 or integrated with a processor. The radio unit 36 can data between heating and / or refrigeration devices 10 and / or a mobile device. All electronics (except some sensors) may be on the control unit 14 are located.

The heating and / or cooling pad 12 may be formed electrical power from the electrical energy source 22 or from the signal processor 16 to recieve. The heating and / or cooling pad 12 can via electrical line which the electrical energy or electricity can transmit with the electrical energy source 22 or the signal processor 16 be connected. The heating and / or cooling pad 12 can temperature sensor 38 , Bending sensor 241 , Electrodes 40 , Heating and / or cooling element 26 (Heating foil / heating wire mesh), adhesive surface 1210 with adhesive and connecting element 18b . 20b include.

The heating and / or cooling pad 12 can at least partially convert the electrical energy into thermal energy and to the body 28 leave the Peron. The released thermal energy can have a relaxing or stimulating effect on the muscles and can improve the posture of the person.

The energy by one or more heating and / or cooling pad 12 delivered to the body, may also affect other body tissues such as adipose tissue. In particular, by the contraction of the muscles, the burning of fatty tissue in the body can be activated. This can also increase the well-being of the person and improve posture.

The heating and / or cooling element 26 or the heating element in the heating and / or cooling pad 12 For example, it may comprise a film, wherein the film may more or less convert electrical energy into thermal energy over its entire surface. For example, electrically heatable polyamide film such as, for example, the RS film from Kapton can be used as the heat film. The thermal foil allows a constant and effective heat exchange. The heating and / or cooling element 26 may also include, for example, electrical conductors or a wire mesh and be designed to deliver constant heat at a lower energy consumption. The heating and / or cooling element 26 can also convert the electrical energy into heat energy in a relatively small space and heat over a good thermal conductor, such as a metal plate, on a larger area in or on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 to distribute.

At the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can electrodes 40 be arranged and the signal processor 16 can be formed by electromyography to determine the muscle tension. Through the electrodes 40 Potential changes of a muscle or a muscle group can be measured. The signal processor 16 can be a control signal for control 110 of the electrical energy storage 22 generate which depends on the muscle tension. When tensing the muscle, for example, the heating and / or cooling device 10 by emitting electrical energy from the electrical energy storage 22 to the heating and / or cooling pad 12 to be heated. By heating, muscles can be stimulated.

With the electrodes 40 The skin resistance can also be determined. In this case, for example, by a current which of a first electrode 40 to a second electrode 40 flows, by measuring the voltage between the two electrodes of the conductance, the resistance or the impedance between the electrodes 40 and thus the skin of the person will be determined. The conductance or resistance value can also be used for control 110 the heat and / or cold energy by the signal processor 16 , at the heating and / or cooling device 10 , be used.

The heating and / or cooling device 10 can be a vibration generator 42 which is formed by the electric power source 22 to convert emitted electrical energy into mechanical energy and deliver mechanical energy to the body of the person. Mechanical energy can be delivered in the form of vibrations to the skin or body of the person. The vibrations can be controlled by a vibration generator 42 which, for example, an electric motor and an imbalance includes generated. With an imbalance is the Focus not on the rotation thing. The vibration generator may also be a linear motor that moves a mass back and forth, thereby generating vibrations. The vibrations can give the person an indication, for example, of posture or relax or relax muscles through massage.

The heating and / or cooling device 10 or the heating and / or cooling pad 12 can also have a temperature sensor 38 include. The temperature sensor 38 may depend on the arrangement of the heating and / or cooling device 10 or on the heating and / or cooling pad 12 capture the skin temperature or body temperature of the person. The temperature sensor 38 can also the temperature of Heizauflege 12 to capture. The temperature sensor 38 can with the signal processor 16 be connected and due to the measured temperature value of the temperature sensor 38 the signal processor 16 Provide temperature data. The signal processor 16 can depending on the temperature data, the control signal to control 110 the source of electrical energy 22 produce. Thus, depending on the temperature sensor 38 detected temperature value, the energy output from the power source 22 to the heating and / or cooling element 26 be controllable or the electrical energy supply for Heizauflege 12 being controlled.

Both the heating and / or cooling pad 12 as well as the control unit 14 are in the 1 shown around. If standard gel pads are used with a diameter of 80 mm, then the control unit 14 preferably to a smaller diameter - about 60 - 70 mm, preferably 62 - 68 mm - designed.

The heating and / or cooling pad 12 and the control unit 14 but may also have an oval or n-shaped shape. Both the heating and / or cooling pad 12 as well as the control unit 14 may also have a square or square shape, for example, with pointed or round corners. Both the heating and / or cooling pad 12 as well as the control unit 14 can have any shape. The heating and / or cooling pad 12 and the control unit 14 can also have different shapes. For example. can the control unit 14 be round and the heating and / or cooling pad 12 has an elongated quadrangular shape.

9 put a heating pad 12 dar, the heating elements 26 comprising resistive conductors. The figure shows a top view of the top 122 the heating pad. For clarity, not all features are shown.

The overall shape of the heating pad 12 is about square with rounded corners. In this configuration, there are eight approximately triangular heating elements 26 intended: P, Q, R . S . T . U and V , Each extends from a position near the center to a position closer to the circumference of the overlay 12 , Each of the eight heating elements 26 is further divided into two parts - a section near the middle of the plate 12 , in which the conductors are relatively close together (a small distance) - these are the areas P1 . Q1 . R1 . S1 . T1 . T1 . U1 and V1 and another section near the circumference of the overlay 12 , in which the conductors are relatively far apart (a greater distance) - these are the areas P2 . Q2 . R2 . S2 . T2 . U2 and V2 , The sections of each heating element 26 are electrically connected - P1 and P2 / Q1 and Q2 / R1 and R2 / S1 and S2 / T1 and T2 / U1 and U2 / V1 and V2 . W1 and W2 , That means that when attached to each of the heating elements 26 a current is applied, the near-center sections heat up faster than the peripheral sections.

In the middle of the edition 12 There are six electrical 18b and magnetic connections 20b with two different sizes. Two larger ports A & B, and four smaller ports 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 , In this configuration, the connectors point 18b . 20b an axis of symmetry so that the overlay 12 can be connected in one of two directions. The use of two much larger A, B (about twice the diameter of the smaller compounds 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 ) Connections means that other alignments and possible failures are at least less likely and some incorrect connections become impossible.

Also in the middle is a temperature sensor labeled T, which is configured and arranged for temperature 38 near the skin.

The control unit 14 is not shown for reasons of clarity, but has corresponding electrical 18a - and magnetic 20a Connection elements with the illustrated 18b . 20b to match. Thus, these connections create a physical and electrical connection by coating appropriately dimensioned magnets with a conductive metal such as chromium, gold or platinum. On the upper layer 122 the heating pad 12 a suitable cover plate (not shown) can be provided - with openings of the same dimensions as the control units 14 connections 18a . 20a or the heating pad 12 connections 18b . 20b have recesses are provided, which align the two parts of the connections 18a to 18b and 20a to 20b facilitate.

Depending on the number of different electrical connections required, one or more of the magnetic fasteners may be used 20a . 20b be configured as a pure magnetic connection and not as an electrical connection - for example, the compounds A and B only magnetic 20a . 20b be while 1 . 2 . 3 , 4 both magnetic 20a . 20b as well as electrically 18a . 18b are, 18b that have four different electrical connections between the control unit 14 and the heating pad 12 produce.

In the simplest configuration, all heating elements 26 operated in parallel and require only two electrical connection elements 18a . 18b , To prevent unwanted heating of the connecting elements 18a . 18b To avoid this, more than one port may be used for each channel - for example A, 1, 2, with one side of each heating element 26 and B, 3, 4, with the other side of each heating element 26 connected is.

• 1 bis A => Heizelement P (26)
• 1 bis B => Heizelement Q (26)
• 2 auf A => Heizelement R (26)
• 2 auf B => Heizelement S (26)
• 3 bis A => Heizelement T (26)
• 3 bis B => Heizelement U (26)
• 4 auf A => Heizelement V (26)
• 5 auf B => Heizelement W (26)

In the illustrated embodiment, six different electrical connection elements are provided. By the connection of each electrical connection element 18b With at least two heater terminals, it is possible to control the electrical energy in each heating element 26 to set and adjust:

• 1 to A => heating element P (26)
• 1 to B => heating element Q (26)
• 2 on A => heating element R (26)
• 2 on B => heating element S (26)
• 3 to A => heating element T (26)
• 3 to B => heating element U (26)
• 4 on A => heating element V (26)
• 5 on B => heating element W (26)

Because the heating pads 12 After a number of applications, it may be helpful to minimize the number of connectors and, consequently, the connector, in order to reduce costs.

In the configuration of 9 were the heating elements 26 in different, consecutive segments, extending beyond the scope of the heating pad 12 extend. Alternatively or additionally, different concentric heating elements can also be used 26 be provided.

The temperature sensor 38 (T) can be two or more of the electrical connections 18b depending on the type of sensor and the number of control signals of the auxiliary heating element to be supplied 26 ,

A similar configuration can also be provided for a cooling pad when the resistance ladder through appropriately sized cooling elements 26 , such as Peltier elements, have been replaced.

5a and 5b show a person with several on the body 28 adhered or attached heat and / or refrigeration devices 10 , 5a shows the person in a front view. Depending on a heating and / or cooling device 10 is located on the right and left thighs. Two more heating and / or cooling devices 10 are arranged above the breast. The heating and / or cooling devices 10 can be arranged or glued anywhere on the body. Preferably, the heating and / or cooling devices 10 be placed on the skin over underlying muscle or muscle groups which are cramped or strained. The heat of the heating and / or cooling devices 10 can help relax the muscles. The heating and / or cooling device 10 can also be used or arranged at all trigger points of the body (eg thighs, back, etc.), for example.

In medicine, heat is said to have the following effects in particular: muscle relaxation, improvement in blood circulation, reduction in the viscosity of synovial fluid, improvement in the extensibility of collagenous connective tissue and pain relief. The heating and / or cooling devices 10 can fight or relieve the pain and tension where they take place. Warming therapies should not be used in inflammatory processes, such as inflammatory rheumatism (acute thrusts) and acute illnesses associated with the body's own heat development (local inflammation, redness, overheating, fever).

The heating and / or cooling device 10 should be so on the body 28 the person is positioned, the contracted muscles which under the skin of the body 28 lie, ie stimulated with heat and / or cooling energy of the heating and / or cooling device 10 can be supplied. By the heating and / or cooling device 10 can energy or heat and / or cold energy to the body 28 of the person or contracted muscles. The more precise the heating and / or cooling device 10 are arranged over contracted or tense muscles, the more precisely the energy can be delivered to the contracted muscle. Thus, leakage losses due to unnecessary energy release in locations that have no tense muscles can be reduced and thus the total energy consumption can be reduced by efficient use of energy. This will keep the batteries longer. Preferably, the Wärmauflage 10 as close as possible or directly to the body in order to transfer the energy as lossless as possible to the body.

The heating and / or cooling device 10 can be placed in the area of the neck or spine. In the area of the neck and / or the spine, tension or cramping or prolonged contractions of the musculature often occur. By the heating and / or cooling devices 10 Thermal energy is supplied to the affected areas or muscles, which relaxes or relaxes them. It can thus be a decontraction of the muscle in the body of the person. The energy delivered to the body of the person can produce a change in the contraction of the muscles under the skin of the person. The arrangement in this area, the energy can be delivered with little scattering loss to the affected areas with tension.

The heating and / or cooling devices 10 can also be placed on body parts to allow a conclusion about the posture of the person to allow, for example, on the shoulders or on the spine or in the vicinity of the shoulder or the spine. Of course, at least one posture sensor can also be arranged in each case in the shoulder region and in the back region. The area of the neck, the shoulder and the spine are particularly suitable for detecting the posture of the person. Preferably, the posture sensors are as close as possible or directly to the body to keep a measurement error in the detection of body posture data as small as possible or to avoid measurement errors.

The heating and / or cooling devices 10 can also be used for various heat therapy scenarios (trigger point treatment). It will give off heat to trigger points on the body. The signal processor (s) may generate control signals according to a predetermined pattern to control the energy output from the power source to the heating and / or cooling element in various heating and / or cooling devices 10 , In the treatment, the heating and / or cooling device 10 be heated briefly. Due to the arrangement of the heating and / or cooling devices 10 and sequentially reheating the heating and / or cooling devices 10 can on the body 28 the person eg. A kind of thermal wave motion are generated. This means that, for example, several, more or less in-line heating and / or cooling devices 10 be switched on one after the other. By successively turn on or warm up the heating and / or cooling devices 10 , becomes a kind of wave motion on the body 28 the person generates or the coordinated warming of the heating and / or cooling devices 10 creates for the person the impression of a heat wave propagating from a point. By this wave-shaped heat transfer to the body, a particularly effective relaxation of the muscles can be achieved. A first heating and / or cooling device 10 For example, between 5 minutes and 2 hours, preferably between 20 minutes and 1 hour can be supplied with electrical energy and thereby kept warm. Thereafter, a second heating and / or cooling device 10 supplied with electrical energy for a similar period of time and thereby kept warm. Thereafter, again the first or a third or further heating and / or cooling device 10 heated and kept warm.

A heating and / or cooling pad 14 can be supplied continuously with a predetermined energy, for example. A predetermined voltage (eg, 5 volts (V)) or a predetermined current. The heating and / or cooling pad 14 can for control 110 the heat can be supplied with a lower voltage (eg 3 V) or higher voltage (eg 7 V) or electricity. It is also possible the heating and / or cooling pad 14 with a kontantem current or voltage and by changing the on-off time (pulse-paus ratio) in their heating control. So can the heating and / or cooling pad 12 eg supplied with electrical energy for 2 seconds and not supplied with electrical energy for 1 second. About the ratio of the period between power supply and not supply, the heating of the heating and / or cooling pad can be controlled. The length of time for an optimum pulse-pause ratio depends on the thermal capacity of the heating element and can be between milliseconds and a few minutes.

It can autonomously and intelligently heat the individual heating and / or cooling devices 10 or heat and / or cold patches are controlled with each other. This means that every heating and / or cooling device 10 control their temperature or receive control commands. The heating and / or cooling device 10 can data about their sensors and / or their operating state, for example, more heating and / or cooling devices 10 communicate or receive data from them. Artificial intelligence can be used to generate an intelligent distribution of heat. Thus, a selection of different heat therapy scenarios can be provided. Through software and / or artificial intelligence, any extensions and regulations are possible.

Depending on the posture or the body malaise, the energy or the heat and / or cold at a given time unevenly or intelligently distributed by the heating and / or cooling devices, so that individual heating and / or cooling elements of the heating and / or cooling support are supplied simultaneously with different amounts of energy. The energy can also be supplied time-varying such that heating and / or cooling elements are supplied with energy one after the other. Thus pain can be relieved and tension can be solved. The signal processor can be designed in such a way to detect a body malaise of the person on the basis of the posture data and to control the delivery of the electrical current to at least one of the heating and / or cooling devices. In this case, body data can be generated by the at least one posture sensor. This body data can be transmitted to the signal processor. Depending on the body data, the signal processor can generate the control signal by means of which the energy output from the energy source to the heating and / or cooling element can be controlled.

6 shows a system 30 for delivering heat and / or cold energy to the body of a living being with various heating and / or cooling devices 10 , The system 10 can have at least two heating and / or cooling devices 10 with a radio unit 36 include, wherein the heating and / or cooling devices 10 are designed to send data and / or receive data. The heating and / or cooling devices 10 could also be via a cable eg. With each other and / or with a central energy source 22 and / or a signal processor 16 be connected. The heating and / or cooling devices 10 can also exchange data with each other, for example via a radio link 32 be connected. The data may include posture data, temperature data, data for controlling the energy source 22 , Signal processing data, sensor data, control data, operating data or any other data. The data can be from a first heating and / or cooling device 10 to a second heating and / or cooling device 10 be sent. Thus, the heating and / or cooling devices 10 Exchange data between each other or between each other and thus a system 30 or a network 30 form. The connection can, for example, via a radio link 32 , via a piconet such as Bluetooth, RF24, RF32, ANT or NFC (Near Field Communication). The heating and / or cooling devices 10 can also be connected via electrical lines with each other or to a central control or power supply.

The heating and / or cooling devices 10 can generally, as in the 6 shown to have a variety of forms. In particular, the heating and / or cooling devices 10 round, oval, quadrangular or another preferably on the course of the muscles, which are to be stimulated, have adapted shape.

7 shows a system 30 for the delivery of heat and / or cold energy to the body 28 with a mobile device 34 , The system 30 can at least a first heating and / or cooling device 10 , and at least a second heating and / or cooling device 10 and a mobile device 34 include. The first and second heating and / or cooling device 10 and the mobile device 34 are suitable for exchanging data. Each of the shown heating and / or cooling device 10 can be trained data to a mobile device 34 to send and / or from a mobile device 34 to recieve. The heating and / or cooling device 10 can be used for data exchange by the radio unit 36 with a mobile phone 34 be connected. In turn, the data may include posture data, temperature data, data for controlling the energy source 22 , Signal processing data, sensor data, control data, operating data or any other data. The data can be from the heating and / or cooling device 10 to the mobile phone 34 or to another heating and / or cooling device 10 be sent. Thus, the heating and / or cooling devices 10 Data between the mobile phone 34 or other heating and / or cooling devices 10 exchange and thus a system 30 or a network 30 form. The connection can, for example, via a radio link 32 , via a piconet such as Bluetooth, RF24, RF32, ANT or NFC (Near Field Communication). Instead of a mobile phone 34 It is also possible to use a smartphone or a tablet or a mobile device specially designed to improve posture. The heating and / or cooling devices 10 can also be via electrical lines eg. With the mobile device 34 or a power supply connected.

Through a mobile device 34 such as a smartphone or a tablet, for example, via a software application (app) data received, evaluated or displayed. The signal processor 16 may also be partial or complete in the mobile device 34 be arranged. The mobile device 34 can be a signal processor 16 containing the body posture data, via an interface of the mobile device 34 , for example, received from the posture sensor. The mobile device 34 can at an interface but also processed data from the signal processor 16 and display or store them, for example.

The mobile device 34 can at its interface but also, for example. Partly by the signal processor 16 edit body posture data and process them in addition.

Through an app, the person can be given instructions for improving posture. Through the app, the person can also, for example, individual heating and / or cooling devices 10Wärmme- and / or refrigeration devices 10 Manually energize or energize areas on the body 28 indicate that she perceives as a tensioned and wants to provide with heat and / or cooling energy to relax the areas. Or set an intelligent, autonomous heat mode. A microcontroller-based and therefore intelligent controller 110 Due to stored data and algorithms, the heating and / or cooling layer can be used 12 the heat and / or chill 10 supply or heat with energy. It is also possible that the user can define eg heat patterns himself, for example by drawing or changing lines in graphics. Also, the system can 30 First, for pre-existing body malaise, for example, be calibrated by congenital malpractice or disease. In addition, deviations from this pre-existing body malaise can then be recorded or treated.

The app can also give the person or the user a recommendation for improving posture, for example, by the app of the person graphically or by text indicating how to improve posture. The app can, for example, also give suggestions for gymnastics or gymnastics exercises to improve posture. The app can also make information accessible to the person from the Internet, which, for example, help the person to improve their posture. Furthermore, the app can also, for example, by a movie information about the wrong attitude of the person or suggestions for improvement to the person spend.

The improvement of the posture of the person can be done by deliberately changing the posture of the person, for example, in which the person by vibration or electrical impulses of a heating and / or cooling device 10 or by an ad 101 on a mobile device 34 informed about a body malaise. The improvement of posture or the correction of the body malaise can also be done unconsciously for the person by individual muscles or muscle groups by the supply of energy from the heat and / or chill 10 to be relaxed.

In 8a For example, the outlines of the upper part of a living body 28 are on a display, for example 101 a mobile device 34 as shown, for example, a smartphone. In silhouette on the display 101 can on the body 28 arranged heating and / or cooling devices 10 and / or posture sensors 24 be shown. The person which the system 30 for delivering the heat and / or cold energy to the body 28 of a living being can be called a user. The user may, for example, the arrangement of posture sensors 24 or the heating and / or cooling devices 10 enter, check or change on the body. It is also possible that the person 28 the supply of electrical energy or the intensity with which thermal energy to the body 28 is dispensed eg via the touch screen 101 of the mobile device 34 influences or controls. The influence on the energy output is, for example, with a plus sign and a minus sign on the display 101 of the mobile device 34 shown. By touching the plus sign, users can increase the energy output, for example. By touching the minus sign, the users can reduce the energy output, for example.

8b shows the upper part of a body 28 of a living being on display 101 a mobile device 34 such as a smartphone. On the display 101 For example, the user may be presented with his or her body malformation recognized by the system. On the display 101 may also be displayed to the user on how he can improve his posture. The output of the suggestions for improvement can be supplemented with symbols or animated.

8c shows again the upper part of a body 28 of a living being on display 101 a mobile device 34 such as a smartphone. The smartphone can be used as a mobile device 34 Suggestions for improving body posture to the user. The suggestions may include, for example, exercise or gymnastics that the user should perform. The proposals can be communicated to the user in a predetermined temporal regularity, so that the user is reminded, for example, once a day at a certain time or is asked to do exercises or gymnastics exercises. The exercises help the user eg to relax tense muscles or to strengthen muscle and thereby improve the posture. The exercises can be described as active measures. The exercises can be personalized, tailored to a specific user or a certain maladjustment, assembled automatically and output. The regular notification motivates to more movement. This can counteract chronic tension and pain.

The combination of active and passive measures lead to a healthy and correct posture. Consistently concentrated heat releases tension so that the body can regain its natural posture. Thus, there are no long-term negative consequences.

In embodiments, the heating and / or cooling pad 12 include an allergy-friendly or skin-friendly gel-like adhesive. As a result, there is less risk of an allergic reaction of the skin (allergy-friendly). Furthermore, the electrical energy source 22 be rechargeable and can therefore be more sustainable than a traditional thermal patch. As in the heat and / or chill 12 the heat is generated by electrical energy and not by a chemical reaction, as in a thermal patch, in the present heating and / or cooling device 10 less the risk of an allergic reaction to the chemical substances.

The heating and / or cooling device 10 may also be referred to as a heat patch, thermal pad, thermal pad, thermal pad, thermal pad or thermal pad. The heating and / or cooling device 10 may be for localized delivery of thermal energy to the skin. The heating and / or cooling pad 12 Can also be referred to as Heizpflaster or Heizpatch. The control unit may also be referred to as a control patch.

In embodiments, the heating and / or cooling device 10 also trained to give energy in various forms to the body. The delivery of different forms of energy to the body can be carried out simultaneously or sequentially. For example, in a first phase, thermal energy can pass through the heating and / or cooling device 10 to the body 28 the person are handed over. In a second phase, the same heating and / or cooling device 10 For example, give mechanical or electrical energy to the body of the person. By stimulating with different forms of energy (mechanical, thermal, electrical) in part, a faster and more sustainable relaxation of the muscle can be achieved.

Certain aspects have been described in the context of a device, however, these aspects may also constitute a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or an element of a device may also be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step.

Accordingly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device. Portions or all of the method steps may be performed using a hardware device, such as a smartphone , a microcontroller, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the most important method steps may be performed by such a hardware apparatus.

Depending on implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. The conversion may be performed using a digital storage medium, such as a memory stick, a memory card, a DVD, a Blu-ray Disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or FLASH memory, a hard disk or other magnetic or optical memory are stored on the electronically readable control signals that can cooperate with a programmable computer system or cooperate such that the respective method is performed. Thus, the digital storage medium may be computer readable.

Thus, embodiments of the invention may include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system such that one of the methods described herein may be performed.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program having a program code, wherein the program code is operative to perform one of the methods when the computer program runs on a computer. The program code can also be stored, for example, on a machine-readable carrier.

Other embodiments include the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, wherein the computer program is stored on a machine-readable medium.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention is thus expressed differently, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer. The data medium, the digital storage medium or the recorded medium are usually tangible or non-volatile.

Furthermore, another embodiment of the inventive method is a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program is recorded for carrying out one of the methods described herein.

Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or the sequence of signals may be configured, for example, to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet.

Another embodiment includes a processing device, such as a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or a programmable logic device that is configured or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein.

Another embodiment includes a computer on which the computer program is installed to perform one of the methods described herein.

Another embodiment according to the invention comprises a device or system configured to transmit a computer program to a receiver for performing at least one of the methods described herein. The transmission can be done for example electronically or optically. The receiver may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device or a similar device. For example, the device or system may include a file server for transmitting the computer program to the receiver.

In embodiments, a programmable logic device (eg, a field programmable gate array, an FPGA) may be used to perform some or all of the functionality of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microcontroller to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, in some embodiments, the methods are performed with any hardware device. This may be a universal hardware such as a computer processor (CPU) or hardware specific to the process, such as an ASIC.

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein may be apparent to others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Heating and / or refrigeration device 10

12

Heating and / or cooling pad

121

Bottom of the heating and / or cooling pad

1210

adhesive surface

122

Top of the heating and / or cooling pad

14

control unit

16

signal processors

18

electrical connector

18a

electrical connection element on the control unit

18b

electrical connection element on the heating and / or cooling support

20

magnetic connector

20a

mechanical and / or magnetic connection element on the control unit

20b

mechanical and / or magnetic connection element on the heating and / or cooling support

22

electrical energy source

24

Posture sensor

241

bend sensor

26

Heating or cooling element

28

body

30

System, network

32

radio link

34

mobile device

36

radio unit

38

temperature sensor

40

electrodes

42

vibration generator

101

display

102

antenna

104

charging circuit

107

Skin detection sensor

108

A / D converter

109

Security monitoring and protection device

110

microcontroller

112

Pulse width modulation power control

113

Current, voltage, energy and / or power monitoring current, voltage, energy and / or power measurement

114

further stimulants

116

additional analog sensors and detectors

117

other digital sensors and detectors

Claims (16)

Heating and / or cooling device (10) for delivering heat and / or cooling energy to the body (28), comprising: a heating and / or cooling pad (12) which can be connected to the body (28) and which has an upper side (122) and a lower side (121) and at the lower side (121) of which an adhesive surface (1210) for fastening the heating and / or or cooling pad (12) on the skin surface of the body (28) is provided, and the at least one heating and / or cooling element (26), by the electrical energy from an electrical energy source (22) emitted electrical energy in heat and / or cooling energy is changeable; a control unit (14) which is provided for receiving the energy source (22) having a signal processor (16) and which is provided for delivering a control and / or regulating signal, by means of which the energy output from the energy source (22) to the Heating and / or cooling element (26) is controllable and / or regulated; wherein the heating and / or cooling pad (12) and the control unit (14) by at least one electrical connector (18) via which the electrical energy to the heating and / or cooling element (26) is transferable, and at least one magnetic connector ( 20), electrically and mechanically connectable to each other. Heating and / or cooling device (10) after Claim 1 wherein the heating and / or cooling pad (12) and the control unit (14) by: - a further electrical connector (18) via which the electrical energy to the heating and / or cooling element (26) is transferable, and - a other magnetic connector (20) are electrically and mechanically connected to each other. Heating and / or cooling device (10) after Claim 1 of 2, wherein the heating and / or cooling pad (12) and the control unit (14) by at least one magnetic connector (20) via which the electrical energy to the heating and / or cooling element (26) is transferable, electrically and mechanically can be connected to each other. Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the electrical energy source (22) and the heating and / or cooling element (26) are formed, the heating and / or cooling pad (12) in less than 1 min., Preferably less than 20 seconds, more preferably in less than 5 seconds to heat and / or cool 20K. Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the heating and / or cooling device (10) comprises at least one posture sensor (24, 241) and the posture sensor (24, 241) is adapted to at least partially detect the posture and / or movement of the body (28) and To generate body posture data and by means of the body posture data, the energy output from the power source (22) to the heating and / or cooling element (26) is controllable and / or regulated. Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the heating and / or cooling device (10) comprises a radio unit (36) for transmitting and / or receiving data. Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the heating and / or cooling device (10) comprises a temperature sensor (38) which is designed to generate temperature data and the signal processor (16) is designed to control and / or regulate the control signal (110) depending on the temperature data and / or regulation of the electrical energy source (22). Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , wherein on the underside of the heating and / or cooling pad (12) electrodes (40) are arranged and the signal processor (16) is formed by electromyography to determine the muscle tension and / or by measuring the conductance of the skin resistance. Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , wherein the adhesive surface (121) of the heating and / or cooling pad (12) comprises an adhesive, preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 , wherein the adhesive is gel-shaped. Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 10 , wherein the heating and / or cooling pad (12) is a disposable element and the Control unit (14) is a reusable element. Heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the heating and / or cooling device (10) comprises a vibration generator (42) which is adapted to convert electrical energy emitted by the electrical energy source (22) into mechanical energy which can be delivered to the body (28). System (30) for delivering heat and / or cooling energy to the body (28) for relaxation of the body musculature comprising: at least one first heating and / or cooling device (10) according to Claim 1 , and at least one second heating and / or cooling device (10) according to Claim 1 and / or a mobile device (34) adapted to exchange data with the first heating and / or cooling device (10). Method for controlling and / or regulating a heating and / or cooling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 , which is provided for the delivery of heat and / or cooling energy to the body (28) and a control unit (14) and one with the body of the person (28) connectable and provided with a heating and / or cooling element (26) Heating and / or cooling pad (12), which are electrically and mechanically connected to each other, wherein by means of the control unit (14), a control signal is generated, by means of which the energy output from an energy source (22) to the heating and / or cooling element ( 26) is controllable. Method according to Claim 14 in that the posture (28) is measured and determined in the control unit (14) by means of the posture sensors (24) and the control signal is calculated therefrom in order to control the heat and / or cold output in such a way that the posture is corrected. Computer program with a program code for carrying out the method according to Claim 14 or 15 when the computer program is running on a computer or processor.

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