Device and method for storing and / or metering a molten product

Abstract

A device (1) for storing and / or metering a molten product, comprising a first upper container (7a, 7b) for containing the molten product, the first upper container having first heating means (8a, 8b) for heating the molten product within the first upper container; a first lower container (9a, 9b) located below the first upper container (7a, 7b) for containing the molten product from the first upper container, the first lower container having second heating means (10a, 10b) for heating the molten product in the first lower container; and an outlet (20) provided on the lower side of the first lower container (9a, 9b) for discharging the molten product in the first lower container. Furthermore, the outlet is provided with at least one substantially flat outlet cover (21, 22) designed to close the outlet (20), and the outlet cover (21, 22) is provided with at least one opening (21, 22). The device comprises at least one actuator connected to the outlet cover (21, 22) and designed to move the outlet cover, by means of a translational movement (B1, B2) substantially parallel to the plane of the outlet cover, to a first position in which the outlet cover can fully close the outlet and to a second position in which the outlet cover can open the outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for storing and / or metering a molten product, in particular depilatory wax, and to a method for storing and / or metering a molten product, in particular depilatory wax. Background Art

[0002] In the cosmetic or hair removal industry, the hair removal process involves applying a molten product, such as depilatory wax, to an area of ​​the body. This forms a layer of wax on the area of ​​the body that bonds with the hair on that area, particularly upon subsequent cooling. By removing the wax layer from the area of ​​the body, for example using a fabric strip, the hair is also removed.

[0003] Depilatory wax is usually semi-solid or solid at room temperature, that is, not free-flowing, and must be heated to a free-flowing state (liquid or viscous or sticky) before it can be further applied to the skin.

[0004] In order to ensure that the depilatory wax is always available, ie heated to the required temperature and flowable, and to avoid waiting times, a sufficient amount of the depilatory wax needs to be stored in a suitable container in a ready-to-use state.

[0005] DE 10 2018 132 193 A1 discloses a melt preparation and storage device having two upper chambers with circular resistance heaters, two lower chambers with circular resistance heaters, and a discharge valve for dispensing a certain amount of depilatory wax in the lower chambers.

[0006] US6,935,535B2 discloses a hot wax container having a heating element for heating the wax to a liquid state. An outlet with a control valve is provided on the bottom of the container for discharging a desired amount of wax.

[0007] US Pat. No. 8,084,718 B1 discloses a wax melting system having a container in which a melting stage and a storage stage are formed. The melting stage is provided with a discharge port for supplying molten wax to the storage stage.

[0008] Purpose of the Invention The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and method for storing and / or metering molten product, in particular depilatory wax, which allows for particularly hygienic and / or as precisely metered discharge of the molten product and / or for storing a sufficient amount of the molten product for use. This object is achieved by the device according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 14. Further developments of the invention are provided in the dependent claims. The method can be further improved by the features of the device described below or by the features of the dependent claims, and vice versa. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a device for storing and / or metering molten product, particularly depilatory wax. The device comprises: a first upper container for containing the molten product; a first heating device disposed within or on the first upper container for heating the molten product in the first upper container; a first lower container disposed below the first upper container for receiving the molten product from the first upper container; and a second heating device disposed within or on the first lower container for heating the molten product in the first lower container. The device also comprises an outlet disposed on the underside of the first lower container for discharging the molten product from the first lower container, wherein the outlet is provided with at least one substantially flat outlet cover configured to close the outlet. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one actuator coupled to the outlet cover and configured to move the outlet cover via a translation motion substantially parallel to a plane of the outlet cover between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the outlet cover completely closes the outlet; and in the second position, the outlet cover opens the outlet.

[0010] Preferably, the first upper container and the lower container are respectively configured such that the heated molten product or depilatory wax flows from the first upper container to the first lower container by gravity; and / or such that the flowable but partially solidified molten product or depilatory wax flows from the first upper container to the first lower container only at the edges of the containers.

[0011] Preferably, the inner side of the first upper and / or lower container has a coating which prevents or reduces the molten product from adhering to the container.

[0012] By providing at least one outlet cap, for example, a quantitative discharge of molten product or depilatory wax can be achieved. The actuator can be electronically controlled to automatically dispense a certain amount of molten product or depilatory wax. The molten product or depilatory wax can, for example, be stored in sufficient quantity in a lower container for later use. This makes the depilatory process as efficient as possible because the heating time of the depilatory wax can be eliminated. Furthermore, a precise amount of depilatory wax can be discharged, thereby reducing or avoiding waste of wax, making the depilatory process more economical and saving materials.

[0013] The device is preferably substantially enclosed, for example, by means of a housing and / or a lid. "Substantially enclosed" herein does not exclude openings for filling and dispensing the molten product or depilatory wax, such as the aforementioned outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the upper and / or lower containers may be configured to be closable, for example, by means of a container lid. This can, for example, minimize or prevent contamination of the molten product / depilatory wax with bacteria or other contaminants. Furthermore, it can prevent the escape of unpleasant odors and / or harmful vapors. Furthermore, it can reduce energy exchange with the environment, thereby making the heating of the device or molten product more energy-efficient and economical.

[0014] The molten product or depilatory wax can be discharged from the outlet by placing another container, such as a cup, below the outlet.

[0015] The volume of the first lower container can be, for example, 3 liters. This can provide a sufficiently large space for storing molten product or depilatory wax.

[0016] Preferably, the device further comprises a control unit configured and / or programmed to control the at least one actuator so that the outlet cover moves from the first position to the second position to discharge a predetermined amount of molten product in the first lower container through the outlet. Further preferably, the device comprises an operating unit having at least one first operating element for selecting a first predetermined amount of molten product and at least one second operating element for selecting a second predetermined amount of molten product different from the first predetermined amount, wherein the first predetermined amount and the second predetermined amount preferably correspond to different application areas, in particular different body areas.

[0017] The control unit allows, for example, the automatic dispensing of a certain amount of molten product or depilatory wax. The operating unit simplifies the operation of the device by the user, in particular the selection of a suitable amount of molten product. In particular, by combining the control unit with the operating unit, various pre-programmed doses of the molten product or depilatory wax can be provided and selected by the user.

[0018] Preferably, the control unit controls the first and second heating devices so that the molten product in the first upper container is transformed into a free-flowing state at least at the container wall; and / or the temperature of the molten product in the first lower container is kept substantially constant, preferably at a substantially constant value in the range of 50°C to 80°C, more preferably in the range of 55°C to 75°C; and / or the temperature of the molten product in the first upper container is lower than the temperature of the molten product in the first lower container. More preferably, the device comprises at least one temperature measuring device, in particular a temperature sensor, for measuring the temperature of the molten product in the first upper and / or lower container, wherein the at least one temperature measuring device is configured to transmit the measured temperature to the control unit.

[0019] The temperature measuring device, particularly when combined with a control device, can, for example, regulate the temperature of the respective container and / or the molten product therein to a substantially constant value. This allows, for example, the molten product to be stored in the lower container before use. The target temperature is preferably set so that the molten product remains free-flowing but prevents evaporation of its components. This can, for example, prevent overheating of the molten product / depilatory wax, thereby preventing the generation of unpleasant odors and / or harmful vapors. It can also avoid the risk of burns to the application area (skin area).

[0020] Preferably, the actuator is configured as an electromagnetic motor.This provides, for example, an actuator for automatically controlling the outlet cover to open and close the outlet, in particular for dispensing a predetermined amount of molten product.

[0021] Preferably, the first and / or second heating means are configured as electrical resistance heaters, which are preferably arranged around the outside of the first upper and / or lower container. Alternatively, any other heating means suitable for heating the molten product in the respective container may also be provided.

[0022] Preferably, the first lower container has a container bottom, and the outlet is configured as an outlet opening in the container bottom. Preferably, the device includes a funnel-shaped discharge portion, which is arranged below the outlet, for discharging the molten product downwardly through the outlet. This allows, for example, to discharge the molten product in a simple manner and / or to empty the lower container as completely as possible.

[0023] Preferably, the outlet cover is a first outlet cover, and the device further comprises a second outlet cover which is arranged on the outlet opening and is substantially flat, wherein the first and second outlet covers are configured to jointly close or open the outlet, and the device further comprises at least one second actuator which is connected to the second outlet cover and is configured to move the second outlet cover to a first position and a second position by a translation movement substantially parallel to the plane of the second outlet cover, wherein in the first position, the second outlet cover completely closes the outlet together with the first outlet cover; and in the second position, the second outlet cover jointly opens the outlet together with the first outlet cover.

[0024] This means, for example, that an automatically controllable outlet cover can be provided in order to selectively close or open the outlet.

[0025] The device preferably includes a cartridge for receiving unliquefied molten product, wherein the cartridge is at least partially disposed in the first upper container. The cartridge is preferably at least partially open and / or accessible from outside the device. This allows, for example, filling or replenishing a certain amount of molten product even while the device is in operation.

[0026] Preferably, the first upper and / or lower container is thermally insulated and / or airtight; and / or the device comprises a housing, wherein at least the first upper and lower containers and the first and second heating devices are disposed within the housing. This can, for example, prevent the escape of unpleasant odors and / or harmful vapors and / or improve the energy efficiency of the device.

[0027] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a second upper container having a third heating device and a second lower container having an outlet and a fourth heating device, wherein the second upper container and the third heating device are constructed similarly, preferably identically, to the first upper container and the first heating device; and the second lower container and the fourth heating device are constructed similarly, preferably identically, to the first lower container and the second heating device. It is further preferred that the second and fourth heating devices are configured and / or the apparatus comprises a control unit for controlling the second and fourth heating devices such that the temperature of the molten product in the first lower container is higher than the temperature of the molten product in the second lower container.

[0028] This makes it possible, for example, to provide a device which is configured to discharge ready-to-use depilatory wax at different temperatures and / or which is configured to receive and store different types of wax respectively.

[0029] The method of the present invention for storing and / or metering molten products, in particular depilatory wax, comprises the following steps: introducing the molten product into a first upper vessel; heating the molten product in the first upper container by a first heating device disposed in or on the first upper container; introducing the molten product into a first lower container disposed below the first upper container, preferably under the action of gravity; heating the molten product in the first lower container by a second heating device disposed in or on the first lower container; and discharging the molten product through an outlet provided on the lower side of the first lower container; Wherein, at least one substantially flat outlet cover configured to close the outlet is provided on the outlet, and the outlet cover performs a translational movement substantially parallel to the plane of the outlet cover through at least one actuator connected to the outlet cover to reach a first position in which the outlet cover completely closes the outlet and / or a second position in which the outlet cover opens the outlet.

[0030] The method can be further improved by the features of the above-mentioned device. Through the method of the present invention, similar or identical effects as those of the above-mentioned device can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a device for storing, heating and / or metering a molten product according to the invention is shown; Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the device shown without the housing; Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic perspective front view of the device shown without the housing; Figure 4a Shown is housed in Figures 1 to 3 A schematic perspective view of a material box in the illustrated device; Figure 4b Shown Figures 1 to 3 a schematic perspective view of an upper container included in the illustrated apparatus; Figure 4c Shown Figures 1 to 3 a schematic perspective view of a heating device included in the illustrated device; Figure 4d Shown Figures 1 to 3 a schematic perspective view of a discharge portion included in the illustrated apparatus; Figure 5a Shown Figures 1 to 3 a schematic perspective view of the two outlet covers and the actuator in the illustrated device; Figure 5b and 5c Shown Figures 1 to 3 A schematic perspective view of the lower container in the device shown, wherein Figure 5a The outlet cover is shown closed ( Figure 5b ) and open state ( Figure 5c );as well as Figure 6 Shown Figures 1 to 3 Schematic diagram of the operating units included in the device shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following, we will combine Figures 1 to 3 , describes the device 1 of the present invention for processing molten product, hereinafter referred to as depilatory wax. As described in detail below, the device is configured to heat the depilatory wax, store the depilatory wax and discharge it in a quantitative manner.

[0033] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the device 1 has a base in the form of a base plate 2 which, in this embodiment, has four feet 3 attached to the bottom of the base plate 2 and supporting the base plate 2 to ensure, for example, that the device 1 stands stably.

[0034] A housing or cover 4 of the device is provided on the upper side of the substrate 2 , which at least partially isolates the device 1 from the outside world. Figure 1 , a device with a housing 4 is shown, Figure 2 and Figure 3 4 , the device 1 is shown without the housing in order to more clearly show the components within the housing 4 .

[0035] The outer side of the housing 4 is provided with a button, for example (see Figure 6 ) at least one, in the figure two, operating units 5a, 5b, and, optionally, a central switch 6 for switching the device 1 on and / or off.

[0036] The housing 4 includes two upper containers 7a and 7b, each equipped with a heating device 8a and 8b, and two lower containers 9a and 9b, each equipped with a heating device 10a and 10b. The containers 7a, 7b, 9a, and 9b are used to hold molten product, particularly depilatory wax. The lower containers 9a and 9b are positioned above the base plate 2 and connected to the upper containers 7a and 7b above them, allowing the depilatory wax to flow from the upper containers 7a and 7b to the lower containers 9a and 9b, preferably under the action of gravity.

[0037] On the underside of the base plate 2, corresponding drains 16a, 16b are provided in the region of the lower containers 9a, 9b (see also Figure 4d ), for discharging the flowable depilatory wax from the lower container 9a, 9b or the device 1.

[0038] The device 1 further comprises two material boxes 11a, 11b, each of which is at least partially disposed within one of the upper containers 7a, 7b. The containers 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b and the heating devices 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b are disposed within the housing 4, with the material boxes 11a, 11b partially protruding upwards beyond the housing 4 so as to be accessible from outside the housing 4 (see FIG. Figure 1 ). In the following, we will combine Figure 4a -c, Figure 5b as well as Figure 5c The container, material box and heating device are described in detail.

[0039] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the figure, the container, heating device, material box and discharge part shown on the left side are all suffixed with "a", and the container, heating device, material box and discharge part shown on the right side are all suffixed with "b".

[0040] Each lower container 9a, 9b is provided with at least one actuator 24, 25 for driving the outlet cover (see Figures 5a-5c ; Figure 1-Figure 3not shown). Figure 2 、 Figure 3 The actuator 12 shown is arranged on the base plate 2 outside the lower container 9a, 9b.

[0041] The device 1 further comprises a control unit, which in this embodiment is configured as an electronic control board 13 with a relay 14. The control unit is configured and / or programmed to control the components of the device 1, in particular the heating devices 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b and the actuators 24, 25. The control unit is also configured to receive control instructions from the operating units 5a, 5b to control the components of the device 1 accordingly.

[0042] Each container 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b is provided on or within a temperature measuring device in the form of a temperature sensor 15; in Figure 4, the temperature sensor 15 is located on the heating device. The temperature measuring device is configured to detect the temperature of the depilatory wax in the corresponding container. Preferably, the device 1 is further configured to transmit the temperature detected by the temperature measuring device to the control unit, for example, via a suitable (data) cable or wirelessly.

[0043] Figure 4a Schematic diagrams of material boxes 11a and 11b are shown. Figure 4a The illustrated material cassette is cylindrical, and its height is designed so that when installed in the upper container, it protrudes upward above the upper edge of the corresponding upper container 7a, 7b (see Figures 2 and 3). The material cassettes 11a, 11b are open on their upper sides. This allows the depilatory wax to be replenished in the device 1 through the material cassettes 11a, 11b, for example, through the wax tank with an open bottom side, when the housing 4 is closed.

[0044] Figure 4b A schematic diagram of upper containers 7a and 7b is shown. In this embodiment, their tops are open. By way of example only, they are cylindrical, with a diameter greater than that of material boxes 11a and 11b to accommodate the material boxes within them. The undersides of the upper containers 7a and 7b have radially outwardly extending projections 17 for resting on and / or connecting to the corresponding lower containers 9a and 9b.

[0045] Figure 4c Schematic diagrams of heating devices 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b are shown. In this embodiment, they are configured as resistance heaters, for example. The heating devices are substantially cylindrical, with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the containers 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b to which they are connected. Thus, the heating devices can be mounted outside the respective containers 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b, preferably in contact with the exterior of the container (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 and Figure 3). This allows for good heat transfer from the heating device to the corresponding container. The heating devices 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b are configured to heat the corresponding container 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b or the depilatory wax in the corresponding container. The temperature sensor 15 is disposed on the heating device.

[0046] Figure 4d Schematic diagram of the discharge portion 16a, 16b of the corresponding lower container 9a or 9b is shown. The discharge portion 16a, 16b has a funnel shape that tapers downward. The discharge portion 16a, 16b is configured so that it can be attached to the lower side of the substrate 2 at the outlet area of ​​the corresponding lower container 9a, 9b (see Figure 5b 、 5c To this end, in this embodiment, the drain portion is provided on a mounting plate 18 having a fixing portion 19, through which the drain portions 16a, 16b are attached to the underside of the base plate 2 (see FIG3 ). The drain portion may also be formed integrally with the base plate 2 (not shown).

[0047] Figure 5a Two outlet covers 21, 22 in the form of cover plates are shown. By way of example only, the outlet covers 21, 22 are rectangular. In the closed position adjacent to each other, the area they cover together is larger than the outlet opening 20 of the lower container 9a, 9b or the base plate 2 (see Figure 5b 、 Figure 5c In this embodiment, the edges 23 facing each other have complementary shapes, which seal the flowable depilatory wax in the lower container. The edges 23 are, for example, stepped or serrated.

[0048] also, Figure 5a Two actuators 24, 25 are shown, which in this embodiment are connected to the cover plates 21, 22 respectively via rod-shaped connectors 26. Each actuator 24, 25 is configured to drive the cover plate 21 or 22 to which it is connected to move away from or towards the other cover plate. In other words, the actuators 24, 25 are configured to cause the corresponding cover plate 21, 22 to translate in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the cover plate. Figure 5a In the embodiment, the cover plates 21, 22 are in a first position in which the cover plates 21, 22 are adjacent to each other, i.e., their opposite edges 23 are in contact with each other. When the actuators 24, 25 drive the cover plates to move from this position, the cover plates 21, 22 are in a first position in which the cover plates 21, 22 are adjacent to each other, i.e., their opposite edges 23 are in contact with each other. Figure 5a As shown by arrows B1 and B2 in FIG, the two cover plates 21 and 22 move away from each other, thereby exposing a gap between the two cover plates 21 and 22 in the second position (see FIG. 5 c ).

[0049] The actuators 24 and 25 may be configured as electromagnetic motors, for example.

[0050] Figure 5b 、 5c The lower container 9a, 9b is shown with a cover plate 21, 22 and an actuator 24, 25. For example only, the lower container 9a, 9b is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the diameter of the lower container 9a, 9b is larger than the diameter of the corresponding upper container 7a, 7b, so that the upper container 7a, 7b is supported on the lower container 9a, 9b by the protrusion 17 (see Figure 1-Figure 3 as well as Figure 4b ).

[0051] The lower containers 9a, 9b are attached to the top of the base plate 2 and define together with the base plate 2 a storage space for storing depilatory wax, which storage space has a volume of, for example, 3 liters. Therefore, the base plate 2 forms the bottom of the container in the area of ​​the lower containers 9a, 9b. The base plate 2 has a discharge port 20 for discharging the depilatory wax in the area of ​​the lower containers 9a, 9b (see Figure 5c The cover plates 21, 22 are arranged in the area of ​​the discharge port 20 so that when the cover plates 21, 22 are in the first position where the cover plates 21, 22 are adjacent to each other (see Figure 5a ), the cover plates 21 and 22 completely close the discharge port 20, as shown in Figure 5 b. In this position of the cover plates 21 and 22, that is, the closed state of the discharge port 20, the depilatory wax cannot overflow through the discharge port 20.

[0052] The actuators 24, 25 are mounted on the base plate 4 outside the lower containers 9a, 9b. By properly controlling the actuators 24, 25, the cover plates 21, 22 will move away from each other ( Figure 5a arrows B1, B2) until they reach Figure 5c The second position shown is shown, in which the discharge port 20 is completely exposed. In this position of the cover plates 21, 22, i.e., the open state of the discharge port 20, the depilatory wax is discharged through the discharge port 20 and the adjacent discharge portions 16a, 16b. By appropriately controlling the actuators 24, 25, the cover plates 21, 22 can be returned to the first position ( Figure 5b By controlling the time that the cover plates 21 and 22 are exposed to the discharge port 20, the amount of depilatory wax discharged through the discharge port 20 can be adjusted. This enables accurate measurement of the discharge amount of the depilatory wax.

[0053] Figure 6 The operating units 5a, 5b of the device 1 are shown in detail in FIG. The operating units 5a, 5b have a plurality of operating elements 12, Figure 6There are four operating elements 12 in the figure, and these operating elements can be manually operated by the user. Each operating element 12 can be assigned a different, preset amount of depilatory wax to be discharged, that is, based on the operation of a certain operating element 12, a preset amount of depilatory wax can be discharged. The operating elements 12 can correspond to different areas of the body, such as Figure 6 The "Legs / Arms", "Back", and "Abdomen / Buttocks" body regions are also included. Figure 6 Also be provided with " manual " operating element, the user can freely choose the amount of discharge depilatory wax by this element. As mentioned above, the discharge amount of depilatory wax is determined by the time that described discharge port 20 is exposed by cover plate 21,22.

[0054] The operating units 5a, 5b can have operating elements 12, for example in the form of buttons or keys. The operating units can also have a touch screen on which the operating elements are displayed.

[0055] Figures 1 to 3 Shown are separate operating units 5a and 5b for the left container 7a, 9a and for the right container 7b, 9b. However, a single central operating unit can also be provided, by which the depilatory wax output of the two lower containers 9a and 9b can be centrally adjusted (not shown in the figure).

[0056] During operation, the user fills at least one of the material boxes 11a, 11b with solid (non-free-flowing) depilatory wax. Preferably, the depilatory wax is filled into each of the two material boxes 11a, 11b. In particular, different types of depilatory wax can be loaded into each of the two material boxes 11a, 11b. The depilatory wax to be filled into the material boxes can be placed, for example, in a wax tank (not shown) and / or the depilatory wax in the tank can be loaded into the material box. For example, a wax tank can hold 400ml or 800ml of depilatory wax.

[0057] The control unit then controls the heating devices 8a and 8b of the two upper containers 7a and 7b to heat the depilatory wax in the material boxes 11a and 11b, rendering it flowable at least at the container walls / box walls. The target temperature of the depilatory wax in the upper containers 7a and 7b is, for example, 70°C. A temperature sensor 15 measures the actual temperature of the upper containers 7a and 7b and / or the depilatory wax therein and transmits this measured temperature to the control unit, which preferably adjusts the heating power of the heating devices 8a and / or 8b to achieve and maintain the desired target temperature in the corresponding upper container 7a or 7b. The target temperature of the upper container 7a or 7b may be lower than the target temperature of the corresponding lower container 9a or 9b (see below).

[0058] The flowable depilatory wax then enters the corresponding lower container 9a or 9b, where it is further heated by the corresponding heating device 10a or 10b. The temperature sensor 15 measures the actual temperature of the lower container 9a or 9b and / or the depilatory wax contained therein and transmits the measured temperature to a control unit. The control unit preferably adjusts the heating power of the heating device 10a or 10b so that the depilatory wax in the lower container 9a or 9b reaches a target temperature and maintains it substantially constant. The term "substantially" includes, for example, temperature fluctuations within a range of ±2°C. The target temperature of the depilatory wax in the lower containers 9a or 9b is, for example, 50°C to 80°C, preferably 55°C to 75°C. In particular, the left and right lower containers 9a and 9b can be set to different target temperatures, for example, 75°C for the left lower container 9a and 55°C for the right lower container 9b. In this state, the depilatory wax stored in the lower containers 9a or 9b is ready for use.

[0059] The user can now remove a certain amount of depilatory wax to be used from the device 1 by operating one of the control elements 12 of the corresponding control unit 5a or 5b. The control unit controls the actuator 24, 25 of the corresponding lower container 9a or 9b so that it moves the cover 21, 22 to the second position (see Figure 5c ), in this second position, the discharge port 20 is exposed. The discharge amount of the depilatory wax is determined by the exposure time of the discharge port 20. Therefore, the metered discharge of the depilatory wax can be achieved.

[0060] For example, the user may place a cup below the corresponding discharge section 16a or 16b to collect a measured amount of depilatory wax therein.

[0061] For example, by operating the "Legs / Arms" (see Figure 6) or "Back" control element, 250 ml of depilatory wax can be discharged, by operating the "Abdomen / Buttocks" control element, 200 ml of depilatory wax can be discharged, and by operating the "Manual" control element, a user-defined amount of depilatory wax can be discharged. In particular, Figure 6 The control unit shown may correspond to the left lower container 9a, in which depilatory wax (see above) at a target temperature (usage temperature) of 75°C is stored.

[0062] Other possible operating elements, such as Figure 6 Other operating elements not shown in the figure can be assigned to other areas of the body, such as "face", "underarm", "bikini area" and "manual"; by operating the "face" operating element, 70 ml of depilatory wax can be discharged, by operating the "underarm" operating element, 125 ml of depilatory wax can be discharged, by operating the "bikini area" operating element, 150 ml of depilatory wax can be discharged, and by operating the "manual" operating element, a user-defined amount of depilatory wax can be discharged. In particular, the above-mentioned Figure 6The operating unit shown in may correspond to the lower right container 9b in which depilatory wax (see above) of a target temperature (usage temperature) of 55°C is stored.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the apparatus shown in the accompanying drawings may also be configured with only one upper container and lower container and corresponding heating device, or with more than two upper containers, lower containers, and corresponding heating devices. Preferably, each lower container has an independent discharge port for discharging the depilatory wax or other molten product in the lower container.

[0064] Only one cover plate or more than two cover plates may be provided instead of two cover plates 21, 22 to selectively close or open the discharge port 20 of the lower container (see Figure 5a-5c ). Other components besides the above-mentioned cover plate can also be used as the discharge port cover.

[0065] The actuator may also be configured as a drive element or motor other than an electromagnetic motor.

[0066] The design of the individual components of the device may also differ from that described herein, particularly in terms of their shape. For example, the container for the depilatory wax may be shaped other than circular or cylindrical. The device may also be controlled differently from the control panel with relays described above, for example, by a control unit located inside or outside the device or housing 4, which coordinates the various components of the device 1 to perform the heating and metering processes. The term "control unit" refers to any computer-based control device capable of controlling the operation of the device or its components. For example, the control unit is a computer. The control unit may include a CPU, the operation of which is controlled by a computer program (software).

Claims

1. A device (1) for storing and / or metering a molten product, in particular depilatory wax, comprising: a first upper container (7a, 7b) for containing the molten product; a first heating device (8a, 8b) disposed in or on the first upper container for heating the molten product in the first upper container; a first lower container (9a, 9b) disposed below the first upper container (7a, 7b) for receiving the molten product from the first upper container; a second heating device (10a, 10b) disposed in or on the first lower container (9a, 9b) for heating the molten product in the first lower container; and an outlet (20) provided at the lower side of the first lower container (9a, 9b) for discharging the molten product in the first lower container; The outlet is provided with at least one substantially flat outlet cover (21, 22) configured to close the outlet (20); and The device comprises at least one actuator (24, 25) connected to the outlet cover (21, 22) and designed to move the outlet cover to a first position and a second position with a translation movement (B1, B2) substantially parallel to the plane of the outlet cover; wherein, in the first position, the outlet cover completely closes the outlet; and in the second position, the outlet cover opens the outlet.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a control unit (13, 14) designed and / or programmed to control the at least one actuator (24, 25) so that the outlet cover moves from the first position to the second position in order to discharge a preset amount of molten product in the first lower container through the outlet (20).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an operating unit (5a, 5b), which has at least one first operating element (12) for selecting a first preset amount of molten product and at least one second operating element (12) for selecting a second preset amount of molten product different from the first preset amount, wherein the first preset amount and the second preset amount are preferably assigned to different application areas, in particular different body areas.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The control unit (13, 14) controls the first and second heating devices (8a, 8b, 10a, 10b) so that the molten product in the first upper container (7a, 7b) is converted into a free-flowing state and / or the temperature of the molten product in the first lower container (9a, 9b) is maintained at a substantially constant value, preferably between 50°C and 80°C, in particular between 55°C and 75°C; and / or the temperature of the molten product in the first upper container (7a, 7b) is lower than the temperature of the molten product in the first lower container (9a, 9b).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also included is at least one temperature measuring device (15), in particular a temperature sensor, for measuring the temperature of the molten product in the first upper and / or lower container, wherein the at least one temperature measuring device is designed to transmit the measured temperature to the control unit (13, 14).

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The actuator is realized in the form of an electromagnetic motor (24, 25).

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first and / or second heating means (8a, 8b, 10a, 10b) are realized in the form of resistance heaters, which are preferably arranged around the outside of the first upper and / or lower container.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first lower container (9a, 9b) has a container bottom, and the outlet is realized in the form of an outlet opening (20) in the container bottom.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a funnel-shaped discharge portion (16a, 16b) which is arranged below the outlet so as to convey the molten product discharged through the outlet downward.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The outlet cover is a first outlet cover, and The device further comprises a second outlet cover (21, 22), which is substantially flat and is arranged on the outlet (20), wherein the first and second outlet covers (21, 22) are designed to close or open the outlet together; Furthermore, the device comprises a second actuator (24, 25) connected to the second outlet cover and designed to move the second outlet cover (21, 22) to a first position and a second position with a translation movement substantially parallel to the plane of the second outlet cover, wherein in the first position the second outlet cover completely closes the outlet together with the first outlet cover; and in the second position the second outlet cover opens the outlet together with the first outlet cover.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: It also includes a material box (11a, 11b) for accommodating unliquefied molten products, wherein the material box is at least partially arranged in the first upper container (7a, 7b).

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The first upper and / or lower container is thermally insulated and / or designed to be odor-proof; and / or The device further comprises a housing (4) in which at least the first upper and lower containers and the first and second heating devices are arranged.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: Also includes: a second upper container (7a, 7b) with a third heating device (8a, 8b), which is realized in a manner similar to, and preferably identical to, said first upper container and first heating device; a second lower container (9a, 9b) having an outlet (20) and fourth heating means (10a, 10b), which are realized in a manner similar to, and preferably identical to, said first lower container and second heating means; The second and fourth heating devices are preferably implemented and / or the device has a control unit for controlling the second and fourth heating devices so that the temperature of the molten product in the first lower container is higher than the temperature of the molten product in the second lower container.

14. A method for storing and / or metering a molten product, in particular a depilatory wax, comprising the following steps: introducing the molten product into a first upper container (7a, 7b); heating the molten product in the first upper container by a first heating device (8a, 8b) arranged in or on the first upper container, preferably heating the molten product through the container wall / material box wall; introducing the molten product into a first lower container (9a, 9b) disposed below the first upper container, preferably under the action of gravity, and heating the molten product in the first lower container by a second heating device (10a, 10b) disposed in or on the first lower container; and discharging the molten product through an outlet (20) provided on the lower side of the first lower container (9a, 9b); wherein at least one substantially flat outlet cover (21, 22) is provided at the outlet and is designed to close the outlet; and At least one actuator (24, 25) connected to the outlet cover causes the outlet cover (21, 22) to perform a translational movement substantially parallel to the plane of the outlet cover to reach a first position and / or a second position, wherein in the first position the outlet cover completely closes the outlet and in the second position the outlet cover opens the outlet.

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