EP1938025A2

EP1938025A2 - Refrigerating device

Info

Publication number: EP1938025A2
Application number: EP06794376A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pierre Jeuch; Lionel Frantz; Fadi Khairallah
Original assignee: Thermagen SA
Current assignee: Thermagen SA
Priority date: 2005-09-02
Filing date: 2006-09-01
Publication date: 2008-07-02
Also published as: US20090084113A1; JP2009507204A; WO2007028878A2; WO2007028865A1; WO2007028878A3

Abstract

The invention concerns a portable cooling device for personal care products comprising a thermoelectric element (1) and means for thermally contacting (2) a dose of product to be cooled with the thermoelectric element. The inventive device is adapted to be used for applying a personal care product, such as cosmetic products, requiring to be rapidly and greatly cooled immediately before being applied to the skin.

Description

REFRIGERATION DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of refrigeration devices, and more specifically relates to a portable refrigeration device for care products. Some care products, for example cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, need to be applied cold to be effective. STATE OF THE ART

The SAMSUNG® company has thus proposed a refrigerator specifically dedicated to cosmetic products, of small dimensions and intended to be installed for example in a bathroom. Such an apparatus is described in US-A-

2003/0084670. The products to be refrigerated and stored cold are placed in a storage chamber whose volume is cooled by a thermoelectric element coupled to a heat exchanger in a double bottom of the storage chamber. An electronic unit controls the thermoelectric element based on information provided by a temperature detector and according to parameters entered by the user.

Such an apparatus is however relatively bulky. In addition, the refrigerator described in US-A-2003/0084670 can keep cold care products, but not cool instantly. However, some care products have assets activated by a quenching effect, that is to say when they are cooled rapidly and rapidly just before use.

Also known from US-A-4,587,810 an apparatus for making ice cubes which comprises an insulating casing integrated in a structure attached to the wall. This device is intended to be placed in hotel rooms for example. The bottom of the insulative housing includes a tray for receiving ice bags and two rows of six thermoelectric elements are placed under the tray. Ice cubes can be formed in about 30 minutes. Such a device is fixed and despite the relative speed of manufacture of ice cubes, it does not allow to apply a quenching effect to a product. Indeed, the thermal quenching involves a significant cooling and very fast, of the order of a few minutes. For example, one can refer to the cosmetic product marketed under the name Ice-Source®, a description of which can be found on the website www.ice-source.com. This product is contained in a self-cooling packaging to quickly and rapidly cool the cosmetic product just before its application. The packaging marketed to date, however, is for single use and cools all of its contents once. It thus does not allow to cool small quantities of samples, nor to cool doses of different products.

Also known from US-A-2005/0005628, a self-cooling package for cosmetics. This package contains a refrigeration tube connected to a cosmetic tank and opening through an outlet port of the product. This tube is surrounded by a cooling channel connected to a pressurized gas tank. Cooling is provided by expansion of gas along the channel surrounding the expulsion tube of the cosmetic product. This packaging makes it possible to instantly cool a small amount of product just before use, but the gases used - CFCs - are banned by European and American standards for ecological reasons. The use of other gases, such as CO ₂ or butane, are no more acceptable for safety reasons, the CO ₂ requiring a very high pressurization and butane being highly flammable. In addition, the package described in US-A-2005/0005628 does not allow to cool samples of different products.

There is therefore a need for a cooling device that allows rapid and repeated cooling of doses of care products, typically a few ml to cool in less than 5 minutes, and which is compact and does not harm the environment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For this purpose, the invention proposes to use a portable device comprising a thermoelectric element and means for thermally contacting a dose of care product with the thermoelectric element.

The thermoelectric element of the device of the invention does not cool a volume, as is the case of the refrigerator described in document US-A-2003/0084670, but directly cools the product. The device of the invention therefore does not seek to keep cold a cosmetic product in its packaging, but allows to apply a quenching effect directly to a dose of product before use.

According to the embodiments, the means for thermally contacting the dose of care product with the thermoelectric element comprise a product receiving plate on which the product is spread and which is adapted to be cooled by the thermoelectric element. ; or means for pressing a package containing the dose of product against the thermoelectric element.

The invention also proposes a combination of a device according to the invention and a package containing a dose of care product to be cooled. Such packaging may comprise a product pouch or a tube intended to be pressed against a thermoelectric element of the device, for example by pressing means of the device.

The device thus makes it possible to separately and successively cool doses of different products, each dose of product being able to be supplied in a package intended to be pressed against a thermoelectric element of the device.

The invention also relates to a flexible package comprising two flexible heat-sealed sheets delimiting a pouch containing a dose of care product to be cooled by a device according to the invention and a neck extending in the extension of the pouch. Said flexible packaging further comprises at least one polarizer consisting of a hole through the heat-sealed flexible sheets and located on one side of the neck.

The invention also relates to a package in the form of a metal tube containing a dose of care product to be cooled by a device according to the invention, the tube having a first end closed by a plug and a second end closed by a piston.

The invention also relates to a method of cooling a dose of care product, comprising the steps of: placing the dose of product in thermal contact with a thermoelectric element of a cooling device according to the invention; - activate the thermoelectric element; collect the cooled product and apply it to an area to be treated. - AT -

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, which show - FIG. perspective of the refrigeration device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2, a side sectional view of the device of Figure 1;

- Figure 3, a detailed diagram of the cooling element and the heat removal assembly of the device according to the invention; - Figure 4, a perspective diagram of the refrigeration device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 5, a side sectional view of the device of Figure 4;

- Figure 6, a detail view of the A pressing element of Figure 5;

- Figure 7, a perspective diagram of the refrigeration device according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 8, a side sectional view of the device of Figure 7. Figure 9, a diagram of a dose package of care product to be cooled with the device according to the second or third embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the refrigeration device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; 11, a diagram of a care product dose package to be cooled with the device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description, the terms "conductor", "insulator" and

"In contact" refers to thermal conduction; the expressions "above" and "below" are used with reference to the appended figures.

A first embodiment of the device according to the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 1, the device is illustrated with the general appearance of a box with a housing 10 and a lid 11 raised. The housing 10 has a limited size, of the order of 250 * 200 * 100 mm ³ . The upper wall of the housing 10 comprises a plate 2 for receiving a care product to be cooled. A marking 3 located substantially in the center of the plate 2 makes it possible to locate the most cooled zone of the plate 2 during operation of the device. A dose of product to be cooled will therefore be spread on the plate 2, at the marked area 3. Figure 1 also shows a control button 8, for example on the front wall of the housing. This control button 8 may be a simple on / off switch or a regulation button.

When the device is not used, the cover 11 can be folded down to protect the product receiving plate 2, limit the size of the device and facilitate its transport. When the device is used, the lid 11 is raised to allow access to the plate 2 to spread the care product to be cooled. The inner face of the lid 11 may comprise a mirror, in particular when the product to be cooled is a cosmetic product.

A display element 12 of the temperature of the marked area 3 of the product receiving plate 2 can be integrated into the device, for example in the cover 11 for good visibility. The temperature display element 12 may be of the bar graph type comprising a series of light-emitting diodes that turn on or off as the temperature of the plate 2 is lowered. An electrical connection connects the diodes to an electronic control circuit placed in the device and described later; this connection can pass through the hinges of the cover 11.

Figure 2 shows the cooling device according to this first embodiment in lateral section with the lid 11 raised. Figure 2 thus shows the contents of the housing 10 of the device according to the first embodiment of the invention. A thermoelectric element 1 is placed under the plate 2, substantially at the level of the marking 3 identified in FIG. 1. The plate 2 thus constitutes a means of placing in thermal contact a dose of product to be cooled with the thermoelectric element 1.

The thermoelectric element 1 is connected to an electronic control circuit 8a and a power supply 7 which may be of the rechargeable battery type, such as for example a laptop battery. For a device according to the invention, a power supply 7 of about 4OW under 9V to 4A is appropriate. The device according to the invention is portable because of limited dimensions and it also has a certain autonomy because it can be powered from the mains or its battery 7.

The thermoelectric element 1 may be a Peltier cell having a cold face and a hot face when it is crossed by an electric current, the temperature difference being a function of the intensity of the current flowing through the cell. The cold side of the Peltier cell is in contact with the plate 2 intended to receive the product to be cooled and the hot face of the cell is placed on a heat evacuation assembly which may be a radiator 5 associated with a fan 6 or a thermal storage well, for example a water tank. Figure 3 will describe in more detail the cooling element 1 and the heat dissipating assembly 5, 6 according to one possible embodiment.

FIG. 2 also shows the control button 8 intended to trigger the cooling of the plate 2. This button 8 can be a simple switch controlling an electronic circuit 8a which controls the intensity of the current flowing through the thermoelectric element 1 thanks to the indications of a temperature measurement sensor 9, of the thermistor type, for example. This electronic circuit 8a also makes it possible to control the temperature display element 12 described with reference to FIG. 1, thanks to the indications of the temperature sensor 9. The electronic circuit 8a can also include a delay which automatically stops the cooling at after a few minutes.

Figure 2 also shows an intermediate plate 4 located between the cold face of the Peltier cell 1 and the plate 2 for receiving the product. The product receiving plate 2 is preferably made of stainless steel, for reasons of ease of cleaning and limiting the thermal leakage. Indeed, it is sought to cool strongly and quickly a given area of the plate 2 to ensure a quenching effect care product spread on the plate; we therefore want to avoid any heat loss over the entire surface of the plate. For this purpose, it is chosen to make the plate 2 stainless steel very thin, for example 0.5 mm. Stainless steel having a low thermal conductivity, the cold transmitted from the Peltier 1 cell to the plate 2 spreads little in the plate. To ensure good thermal stability of the product receiving plate 2, it is proposed to introduce an adapter plate 4, by example aluminum 6 mm thick, placed between the cold face of the Peltier 1 cell and the stainless steel plate 2 for receiving the product. This adapter plate 4 provides a certain thermal inertia and can integrate the temperature measurement sensor 9 connected to the electronic circuit 8a. The coldest zone of the plate 2, marked by the marking 3, corresponds to the zone above the adapter plate 4.

The housing 10 may be plastic, wood or any other thermally insulating material. The housing 10 may have an upper wall for supporting the product receiving plate 2 which then constitutes only an outer casing wall of the housing. Indeed, when the plate 2 is stainless steel, as described above, it is very thin and little deform when a user spreads or collects the product. The upper wall of the housing will then be partially pierced to a dimension slightly greater than that of the adapter plate 4, to allow direct thermal contact with the product receiving plate 2. Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention. heat removal assembly with the thermoelectric element 1 and the adapter plate 4. The assembly illustrated in FIG. 3 is intended to be placed in the housing of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In FIG. 3, the Peltier cell 1 is placed between the adapter plate 4 and a radiator 5. The cold face of the Peltier cell 1 is in contact with the adapter plate 4, but could also be free and contact directly the product receiving plate 2 when assembled in the device housing. The hot face of the Peltier cell 1 is in contact with the radiator 5. The radiator 5 is made of a thermally conductive material, for example aluminum or copper. The radiator 5 has a plate forming a contact surface with the hot face of the Peltier cell 1 and fins connected to this contact surface to evacuate the heat transmitted by the Peltier cell. A fan 6 may further ventilate said fins to improve the dissipation capacity of the radiator 5. The fan 6 can be started as soon as the device is put into operation, for example to be controlled by the on / off button 8 of the device described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The fan 6 may also be controlled by the electronic circuit 8a. It can be started only beyond a certain threshold of temperature to limit noise, for example by the electronic circuit 8a receiving a measurement of a temperature sensor of the hot face of the Peltier cell 1. The fan 6 is selected low power, of the order of lWatt; this power is sufficient to evacuate the heat produced by the Peltier cell (a few Watt of average thermal power) while limiting the noise generated.

The device according to the first embodiment of the invention can be used for the application of a care product as follows.

A care product, for example a cosmetic cream, needs to be applied cold after quenching effect on an area to be treated. A dose of this product is spread on the receiving plate 2 of the device, preferably uniformly and in a thin layer at the marking 3. The control button 8 is then activated to start the device; an electric current passes through the thermoelectric element 1 and causes rapid and significant cooling of the zone 3 of the plate 2 and thus the spread care product.

The device can also be switched on before spreading the product on the receiving plate 2 of the device, the product then being spread over an already cold surface. In this case, activation of the Peltier 1 cell is maintained for a few minutes to ensure the quenching effect of the spread product ^* . The device according to the invention makes it possible to cool the plate 2 for receiving the product at a temperature below 8 ° C. in less than 5 minutes. More specifically, the marked area 3 corresponding to the location of the Peltier cell 1 under the plate 2 can be cooled to a temperature below 5 ° C in less than 2 minutes. When the spread care product has thus been rapidly cooled, the user can collect it and apply it on the area to be treated, for example a portion of skin - face, hands, bust or other.

A second embodiment of the device according to the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The elements identical to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 bear the same reference numbers. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the device according to the second embodiment with the lid 11 raised. The lid 11 may comprise a mirror and a temperature display element 12 as previously described. The housing 10 has a plate 2 'forming its outer upper wall; this plate 2 'has a recess intended to receive a pressing element 20. In fact, according to this second embodiment, the product to be cooled is no longer spread on the plate 2' but is placed in a single-dose flexible package 21 which is pressed against the thermoelectric element by a pressing element 20. The package 21 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 9; and the pressing member will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. When the device is not in use, the cover 11 may be folded over the plate 2 'and the pressing member 20 to limit the size of the device and facilitate its transport. The plate 2 'may be made of the same material as the housing 10, wood or plastic, be stainless steel as described above. According to an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the pressing element 20 may be located above the plate 2 'which then has no recess. According to this variant, the housing 10 does not have a lid or has a lid with a recess receiving the pressing element 20 protruding from the plate 2 '.

In Figure 4, the recess of the plate 2 'to accommodate the pressing element 20 is located on a front edge of the housing 10. This arrangement is advantageous when it is desired to let one end of the single-dose package 21 during the cooling operation as will be explained later. FIG. 4 also shows positioning studs 41 of the flexible packaging 21. These studs 41 are intended to cooperate with polarizers provided in the packaging as will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In FIG. pressing element 20 is in the retracted position; the pads 41 are disengaged and the pressing element 20 can pivot on its rear axis. Figure 5 shows the housing 10 of the device according to this second embodiment in lateral section with the lid 11 raised. FIG. 5 thus shows the thermoelectric element 1 placed between an adapter plate 4 and a heat evacuation assembly 5, 6. The heat evacuation assembly can be that described with reference to FIG. The thermoelectric element 1 is also connected to an electronic control circuit 8a and to a power supply 7.

Figure 5 also shows the pressing member 20 having a hinged movable plate. The pressing element 20 is raised to place the flexible packaging unit of the product 21 to be cooled in the device, then folded to press the package against the adapter plate 4. The pressing means 20 of the flexible package 21 and constitute means for contacting a thermal dose of product to be cooled with the thermoelectric element 1. FIG. 6 illustrates a detail referenced A in FIG. 5. The pressing element 20 is mounted on an axis 25 in order to pivot to give access to a zone cooled by the thermoelectric element. 1. The package 21 is placed on the plate 2 'of the housing 10 facing the adapter plate 4 which provides a certain thermal inertia and can integrate a temperature measurement sensor 9 connected to the electronic circuit 8a. The package 21 could also be directly pressed against the cold face of the thermoelectric element 1.

FIG. 6 also shows a switch 8 'intended to trigger the cooling of the product contained in the packaging 21. This switch 8' can be actuated by the pressing element 20 when it is folded down to press the flexible packaging 21 against the adapter plate 4. The switch 8 'can control the electronic circuit 8a. According to one variant, the positioning studs 41 of the flexible packaging 21 may serve as a switch for triggering the cooling of the product when the pressing element 20 is folded down to press the flexible packaging 21. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 6, the pressing member 20 comprises a movable plate 22 pressing consisting at least in part of a dense material to ensure the pressing effect by its own weight. This movable plate 22 is articulated on the axis 25 in an L-shaped housing. The movable plate 22 can thus have a retracted pivot position on the axis (FIG. 4) or an advanced horizontal pressure position (FIGS. 6). An insulating layer 23 may be provided on the inner face of the pressing element to limit the thermal leakage of the refrigerated product to the pressing plate 22. The insulating layer 23 is therefore located under the hinged movable plate 22 to be positioned between said plate 22 and the flexible package 21 pressed. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the positioning studs 41 of the packaging 21 are no longer visible because the mobile plate 22 of the pressing element 20 has bores accommodating said pads when the movable plate is folded in the advanced position to ensure uniform pressure on the flexible packaging 21 by its own weight.

According to a non-illustrated embodiment, a second thermoelectric element could be integrated on the inner face of the pressing element 20. The flexible packaging 21 would then be sandwiched between two thermoelectric elements. The pressing element 20 would then comprise the movable plate 22, the insulating layer 23 and the second thermoelectric element.

FIG. 6 also shows a temperature sensor 13 placed on the insulating layer 23 of the pressing element, the measuring surface of the sensor 13 being in contact with the packaging 21 of the product to be refrigerated. In order to improve the reliability of the measurement of the sensor 13, in particular in the case where an air bubble is present in the package 21 facing the sensor, a thin conductive plate 24 can be added to the insulating layer 23. This plate 24, 0.5 mm aluminum for example, allows to integrate the temperature of the product over a wider area than the surface of the sensor without adding excessive heat capacity. The temperature sensor 13 is then placed between the insulating layer 23 and the conductive plate 24.

If a second thermoelectric element is provided in the pressing element 20, as indicated above, the conductive plate 24 can be thickened to about 3 or

4 mm and serves as adapter plate between the second thermoelectric element and the flexible packaging to be cooled. The temperature sensor 13 is then placed on the conductive plate 24 of adaptation.

The temperature measurement of the sensor 13 may be indicated on the display element 12 of the lid 11. This measurement will make sure that the product in the package 21 is refrigerated well before its application. The temperature measurement of the sensor 9 can be used by the electronic control circuit

8a to regulate the operation of the thermoelectric element to prevent the product from being frozen in the package 21.

The dimensions of the insulating layer 23, possibly covered with the conductive plate 24, are substantially identical to the dimensions of the single-dose package 21 of product to be cooled. The pressing plate 22 will be a little larger, longer to integrate the housing of the axis 25 and a little wider to ensure uniform pressure on the flexible package 21. Figure 9 illustrates a single-dose flexible package 21 for use with the device of Figures 4 to 6.

The single-dose package 21 consists of two substantially rectangular flexible sheets heat-sealed at the periphery to delimit a pouch 26 with a neck 27. The pouch 26 of the package 21 is filled with a dose of care product that needs to be activated. by a quenching effect, for example a cosmetic product or a dermatological treatment product. The volume of the pouch 26 can be between 2ml and 8ml for example.

The neck 27 extends in the extension of the pocket, in the length of the package 21; it is relatively long to exceed the means of pressing the device as will be described later. Indeed, it will seek to tear or cut the neck 27 to expel the product out of the pouch 26 while the pouch is still held in the pressing means of the cooling device according to the invention. It is therefore necessary that the neck 27 is accessible without the edges of the housing 10 hindering its opening.

In order to facilitate the positioning of the flexible package 21 between the pressing means 20 and the thermoelectric element 1, the package 21 has at least one polarizer 40. According to the illustrated embodiment, the package 21 has two polarizers 40 consisting of two holes drilled in the heat-sealed sheets on either side of the neck 27. These keying holes 40 are intended to be plugged onto the pads 41 provided on the housing 10 of the cooling device. The precise location of these polarizers 40, in combination with the pads 41, allows a positioning of the package 21 with the pouch 26 well located above the thermoelectric element for optimal thermal coupling and good cooling efficiency of the dose of product.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate the opening of the neck 27, at least one notch 28 is provided on one edge of the heat-sealed sheets. The extension of the cut 28 cuts the neck 27; thus, when a user catches the end of the package 21 and pulls it while the pouch 26 is held stationary by the pressing means 20 of the device and / or by the polarizers 40 plugged onto the studs 41 of the housing, the heat-sealed sheets tear in the extension of the notch 28 in the width of the package and the neck 27 is open. The device according to the second embodiment of the invention can be used for the application of a care product as follows.

The single-dose flexible packaging 21 is placed in the device of FIGS. 4 to 6 with the pouch 26 in contact with the thermoelectric element 1, possibly through the adapter plate 4, and with the collar 27 protruding from the edge of the housing 10 The pressing element 20 is then folded over the pouch 26 to press its contents uniformly against the thermoelectric element 1. Simultaneously, the rocker of the pressing element 20 actuates the switch 8 '; an electric current passes through the thermoelectric element 1 and causes the rapid cooling of the care product in the compressed pouch 26. The starting of the device can also be triggered by a push button 8 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 or by a switch connected to the pads 41 for positioning the package 21.

The device according to this embodiment of the invention allows the contents of the pouch 26 to be cooled to a temperature of less than less than 5 ^° C. in less than 2 minutes. When the temperature display element 12 indicates that the product has reached the desired temperature, the neck 27 is cut with scissors or torn apart from a notch 28. As the neck 27 protrudes from the element pressing, it can be cut or tear without removing the cover 26 of the refrigerated zone; in this way, the care product remains refrigerated during the entire time of its application.

A third embodiment of the device according to the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The elements identical to those described with reference to the preceding figures bear the same reference numbers. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the device according to the third embodiment without cover. The housing 10 has a slot 29 located on one of its side walls and intended to receive a single-dose flexible packaging 21. A package of the type described with reference to Figure 9 may be used in the context of this third embodiment. In Figure 7, the slot 29 is located substantially in the center of the front wall of the housing 10 of the device, but another location could be considered. The upper wall of the housing can incorporate a temperature display element 12 (not shown). Figure 7 also shows a lever 30 protruding from the top wall of the housing and which can be retractable when the device has a lid; the lever 30 could also protrude from another wall of the housing 10. The function of this lever will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows the housing 10 of the device according to this third embodiment in lateral section. FIG. 8 thus shows a pair of thermoelectric elements 1 and placed them face to face with their cold face extending substantially parallel to each other; the gap between the cold faces of the thermoelectric elements 1, the is intended to receive the flexible package 21. Each thermoelectric element 1 and the is placed on a set 5, 6 of heat evacuation and respectively connected to an electronic circuit of control and power supply (not shown). An on / off control button (not shown) is also provided on a wall of the housing 10 to actuate a switch of the electronic circuit as described with reference to Figure 2. The heat dissipation assemblies can be of the type described in FIG. reference to Figure 3.

FIG. 8 also shows adaptation plates 4, 4a placed on each cold face of the thermoelectric elements 1, la. As described with reference to FIG. 2, these adaptation plates 4, 4a provide a certain thermal inertia and may each integrate a temperature measurement sensor 9, 9a connected to the electronic circuit. The package 21 could however be directly pressed between the cold faces of the thermoelectric elements 1, 1a.

FIG. 8 also shows a spring 31 forcing one of the thermoelectric elements 1a towards the other thermoelectric element 1. More specifically, the spring forces one of the adaptation plates 4a towards the other adaptation plate 4. The adaptation plate 4a therefore constitutes a movable plate of pressing means, said pressing means comprising a second thermoelectric element 1a. The lever 30 makes it possible to actuate the spring 31 to separate the adapter plates 4, 4a and to release a space opposite the slot 29 to receive the flexible single-dose package 21. The adaptation plates 4, 4a therefore form the slot walls 29. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), it could provide a single thermoelectric element 1, the spring 31 pressing a movable plate of the type described with reference to Figure 6 to said thermoelectric element. The spring 31 constitutes therefore an element of the pressing means of the flexible package 21 to thermally contact a dose of product to be cooled with the thermoelectric element.

The device according to the third embodiment of the invention can be used for the application of a care product as follows. The lever 30 is actuated to separate the thermoelectric elements 1 from each other and open a slot 29 in the housing 10. The flexible single-dose package 21 is then placed in the device of FIGS. 7 and 8 with the pouch 26 slid into the slot 29 and the collar 27 protruding outwardly. The lever 30 is then released and the pouch 26 is sandwiched. A push button may be depressed by the user and an electric current passes through the thermoelectric elements 1 and the resulting rapid and important cooling of the care product in the pocket 26 compressed.

The device according to this embodiment of the invention allows the contents of the pouch 26 to be cooled to a temperature of less than less than 5 ° C. in less than 2 minutes. When a temperature display element indicates that the product has reached the desired temperature or after a predetermined time, the lever 30 is operated to remove the package 21 from the slot and the neck 27 of the package may be cut or torn to collect the cooled product. The neck 27 can also be opened without removing the pouch 26 which remains compressed between the thermoelectric elements. Indeed, the neck 27 protrudes from the slot 29, so it can be cut or tear without removing the package 21 of the refrigerated area.

It is understood that a dose of care product contained in a package 21 could also be cooled by pressing the flexible package 21 manually against a product receiving plate 2 as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2; the neck 27 would then be cut or torn and the care product expelled manually for its application to an area to be treated.

A fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 10. The elements identical to those described with reference to the preceding figures bear the same reference numbers. Figure 10 shows a detail view of the device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the thermoelectric element 1 placed between an adapter plate 4 and a heat evacuation assembly 5, for example of the type FIG. 10 also shows a pressing element 20, for example of the type described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. According to this fourth embodiment, the adapter plate 4 is shaped to receive a tube 51 containing the product to be cooled. In Figure 10, the tube 51 is shown in section with a circular shape, but it is understood that the tube 51 may have an oval shape. The adapter plate 4 is shaped with a recess to accommodate the tube 51 and ensure a maximized thermal contact surface with the walls of the tube 51. Indeed, the adapter plate 4 ensures the heat transfer between the thermoelectric element 1 and the product to be cooled. It will therefore seek to maximize the exchange surface between the adapter plate 4 and the walls of the tube 51 to ensure rapid cooling of the product. The pressing element 20 is raised to place the tube 51 of the product to be cooled in the device, then folded down to press the tube against the adapter plate 4. The pressing means 20 thus constitute means for bringing the thermal contact into contact with each other. a dose of product to be cooled with the thermoelectric element 1.

Fig. 11 illustrates a tube-shaped single-dose package 51 for use with the device of Fig. 10.

The tube 51 is metallic, preferably aluminum. Aluminum is indeed a good thermal conductor. Thus, even if only one half of the circumference of the tube is in thermal contact with the cooled adapter plate, the entire tube will be cooled rapidly. The tube 51 has relatively thick walls, greater than 0.4 mm, to ensure good cooling over the entire circumference of the tube. If the pressing means 20 includes a second thermoelectric element as previously described with reference to the second embodiment, the walls of the metal tube 51 may be thinner.

According to one embodiment, the tube 51 has a substantially cylindrical body containing the product to be cooled. The tube 51 may contain about 2 ml to 8 ml of care product. One end of the tube is closed by a plug 52 and another end is closed by a piston 53. The cap 52 may comprise a screwed closure cap or have a breakable tip 54. In an embodiment not shown, the tip shutter can be continuous to the walls of the tube and include an uncapping zone. The device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention can be used for the application of a care product as follows.

The single-dose package 51 is placed in the device of FIG. 10 with the tube 51 housed in the recess of the adapter plate 4. The pressing element 20 is then folded down on the tube 51 to press it into the housing of the plate 4 and ensure maximum heat transfer with the thermoelectric element 1. In this embodiment, the adapter plate 4 can be cooled before the insertion of the single dose package because the plate 4 has a significant thermal inertia . The start of the device can thus be triggered a few minutes before insertion by a push button as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The device according to this embodiment of the invention allows the contents of the tube 51 to be cooled to a temperature of less than less than 5 ° C. in less than 2 minutes. When the product is cooled, for example when the temperature display element 12 indicates that the product has reached the desired temperature, the plug 52 is open, for example the breakable tip 54 is torn. The piston 53 is then actuated to expel the cooled care product from the tube. For example, a rod incorporated in the device (not shown) can be depressed to actuate the piston 53. This movable rod can be actuated by a motor or by a manual lever. As described with reference to FIG. 6, the end of the tube comprising the cap 52 may protrude from the pressing element; it is thus possible to open the tube 51 without leaving the refrigerated zone; in this way, the care product remains refrigerated during the entire time of its application. The tube 51 can also be pulled out of the recess of the adapter plate and the piston 53 can be operated manually outside the device. The device according to the invention, whatever the embodiment chosen, allows to exploit certain properties of a care product, activated by the quenching effect, for small doses of product and repeatedly. In addition, the device according to the invention is not limited to a single product, as is the case in a self-cooling package, but can be used successively for doses (in bags or not) of different products.

The illustrated device has the general appearance of a box with a housing 10 and a cover 11, but it is understood that other geometric shapes may to be considered. The device according to the invention has a minimized size compared to a refrigerator, even miniaturized; and it is easily transportable.

Claims

1. A portable cooling device for care products, comprising: - at least one thermoelectric element (1, la); and

means for placing in thermal contact (2, 20, 31) a dose of product to be cooled with the thermoelectric element.

2. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the thermal contacting means of the product comprises a product receiving plate (2) adapted to be cooled by the thermoelectric element.

3. The device of claim 2, characterized in that the thermoelectric element (1) is adapted to cool at least one zone (3) of the plate (2) at a temperature below 5 ° C in less than 2 minutes .

4. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the means for bringing the product into thermal contact comprise pressing means (20,

31) of a package (21, 51) containing a dose of product against the thermoelectric element.

5. The device of claim 4, characterized in that the thermoelectric element (1) is adapted to cool the dose of product in the package (21) at a temperature below 5 ° C in less than 2 minutes.

6. The device of one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises an adapter plate (4) disposed on a cold face of the thermoelectric element (1).

7. The device of claim 6, characterized in that the adapter plate (4) comprises a temperature sensor (9).

8. The device of one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a set (5, 6) of heat evacuation generated by the thermoelectric element (1).

9. The device of claim 8, characterized in that the heat dissipation assembly comprises:

a radiator (5) comprising fins connected to a plate forming a contact surface with a hot face of the cooling element, and

- A fan (6) adapted to ventilate said fins.

10. The device of claim 8, characterized in that the heat dissipation assembly comprises a storage heat sink comprising a plate forming a contact surface with a hot face of the cooling element.

1. The device of one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a rechargeable battery (7) connected to the thermoelectric element (1).

12. The device of one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises control and control means (8, 8 ', 8a) adapted to regulate a passage of current through the thermoelectric element ( 1).

13. The device of one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises:

a housing (10) receiving the thermoelectric element (1);

a cover (11) comprising a display element (12) for the temperature of a zone of thermal contact with the dose of product to be cooled.

14. The device of claim 4 and one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the pressing means (20) comprise a movable plate (22) adapted to exert pressure on the package (21).

15. The device of claim 14, characterized in that the movable plate (22) is adapted to exert pressure on the package (21) by its own weight.

16. The device of claim 14, characterized in that the movable plate is adapted to exert pressure on the package (21) under the action of a spring (31).

17. The device of claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises a lever (30) adapted to separate the pressing means (20) of the thermoelectric element (1).

18. The device of one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the pressing means (20) further comprise an insulating layer (23) under the movable plate (22).

19. The device of one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the pressing means (20) further comprise a temperature sensor (13) adapted to be brought into contact with the package (21).

20. The device of one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the pressing means (20) further comprise a conductive plate (24) adapted to be placed in contact with the package (21).

21. The device of one of claims 4 to 20, characterized in that the pressing means (20) further comprise a second thermoelectric element (la).

22. The combination of a portable cooling device according to one of claims 1 to 21 and a flexible package (21) containing a dose of care product to be cooled, the package comprising a product pouch (26) intended to be pressed against at least one thermoelectric element (1, 1 a) of the device.

23. The combination of claim 22, wherein the pouch (26) of the package (21) is intended to be pressed by means of pressing (20, 31) of a cooling device according to one of the claims 14 to 21.

24. The combination of claim 23, wherein the package (21) comprises a neck (27) in the extension of the pouch (26), the neck being intended to be maintained outside the pressing means.

25. The combination of claim 24, wherein the neck (27) is intended to be cut or torn to allow the expulsion of the care product out of the pouch (26) while said pouch is kept pressed against the element thermoelectric by the pressing means.

26. The combination of one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the package (21) comprises at least one polarizer (40) for cooperating with at least one pad (41) of the cooling device.

27. The combination of a portable cooling device according to one of claims 6 to 21 and a package in the form of a metal tube (51) containing a dose of care product to be cooled, the tube having a first end plugged by a plug (52) and a second end closed by a piston (53), said tube being intended to be positioned in a recess of the adapter plate (4) of the portable cooling device.

28. The combination of claim 27, wherein the tube (51) is intended to be pressed by means of pressing (20, 31) of a cooling device according to one of claims 14 to 21.

29. The combination of claim 27 or 28, wherein the portable cooling device further comprises a movable rod adapted to actuate the piston (53).

30. A flexible package comprising two flexible heat-sealed sheets delimiting:

- a pouch (26) containing a dose of care product to be cooled by a device according to one of claims 1 to 21,

a neck (27) extending in the extension of the pocket, and

- At least one polarizer (40) consisting of a hole through the heat-sealed flexible sheets and located on one side of the neck (27).

31. The package of claim 30, characterized in that it comprises at least one notch (28) on at least one edge of the heat-sealed sheets, the extension of the notch (28) cutting the neck (27).

32. A package in the form of a metal tube (51) containing a dose of care product to be cooled by a device according to one of claims 4 to 21, the tube having a first end closed by a plug (52). ) and a second end closed by a piston (53),

33. The package of claim 32, the tube comprising a body having a symmetry of revolution and walls of thickness greater than 0.4 mm.

34. A method of cooling a dose of care product, comprising the steps of: a) placing the dose of product in thermal contact with a thermoelectric element (1) of a cooling device according to one of claims 1 to 21; b) activating the thermoelectric element (1); c) collect the cooled product and apply it to an area to be treated

35. The method of claim 34, wherein step a) comprises spreading a dose of product on a receiving plate (2) of the device.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the dose of care product is contained in a package (21, 51) and step a) comprises inserting the package (21) between a thermoelectric element (1) and pressing means (20, 31) of a device according to one of claims 14 to 21.

The method of claim 36, further comprising the steps of:

actuating the pressing means (20, 31) during activation of the thermoelectric element (1);

- open the package (21, 51) to collect the cooled product.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the step of operating the pressing means and activating the thermoelectric element is extended during the step of opening the package.

39. The method of one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the package is a flexible package (21) according to claim 30 or 31, step a)

20 of positioning the polarizer (40) of the package (21) on pads

(41) of the cooling device and the step of opening the package of cutting or tearing the neck (27) of the package.