Device and method for storing and / or dosing a melted product

Abstract

A device (1) for storing and / or dispensing a melt product comprises a first upper container (7a, 7b) for receiving the melt product, with a first heating device (8a, 8b) for heating the melt product in the first upper container, a first lower container (9a, 9b) provided below the first upper container (7a, 7b) for receiving the melt product from the first upper container, with a second heating device (10a, 10b) for heating the melt product in the first lower container, and an outlet (20) provided on the underside of the first lower container (9a, 9b) for dispensing the melt product from the first lower container.Furthermore, at least one outlet cover (21, 22) is provided at the outlet, which is essentially planar and is designed to close the outlet (20), and the device comprises at least one actuator (24, 25) which is connected to the outlet cover (21, 22) and is designed to bring the outlet cover into a first position, in which the outlet cover completely closes the outlet, and into a second position, in which the outlet cover releases the outlet, by means of a translational movement (B1, B2) essentially parallel to a plane of the outlet cover.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for storing and / or dosing a melt product, in particular a depilatory wax, and to a method for storing and / or dosing a melt product, in particular a depilatory wax.

[0002] In the cosmetics and hair removal industry, a hair removal procedure involves applying a melting product, such as depilatory wax, to a specific area of ​​the body. This creates a layer of wax on the affected area, which bonds with the hair present in that area, particularly upon subsequent cooling. Removing the wax layer from the body area, for example, using strips of fabric, also removes the hair.

[0003] The depilatory wax is usually in a semi-solid or solid form at room temperature, i.e. in a non-flowable state, and must be heated to reach a flowable state (liquid or viscous form or viscosity) in which it can be further applied to the skin.

[0004] In order to ensure rapid provision of the depilatory wax that is ready for use, i.e. heated to the desired temperature and ready to flow, and to avoid any waiting times, it is advisable to store the depilatory wax in a suitable container in sufficient quantity while it is ready for use.

[0005] DE 10 2018 132 193 A1 describes a melt preparation and storage device with two upper chambers with round resistance heaters, two lower chambers with round resistance heaters, and a drain tap for dispensing a quantity of the depilatory wax provided in the lower chamber.

[0006] US 6,935,535 B2 describes a hot wax container with a heating element that heats the wax to a liquid state. An outlet with a control valve is provided at the bottom of the container to dispense the required amount of wax.

[0007] US 8,084,718 B1 describes a wax melting system comprising a container in which a melting stage and a storage stage are formed. A drain is provided at the melting stage to feed molten wax to the storage stage.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device and an improved method for storing and / or dosing a melt product, in particular a depilatory wax, with which, in particular, a hygienic and / or as precisely dosed as possible amount of the melt product can be dispensed, and / or the melt product can be stored in sufficient quantity ready for use. This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 14. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The method can be further developed by features of the device below or specified in the subclaims, and vice versa.

[0009] A device according to the invention serves for storing and / or dosing a melting product, in particular depilatory wax. The device comprises a first upper container for receiving the melting product, a first heating device provided in or on the first upper container for heating the melting product in the first upper container, a first lower container provided below the first upper container for receiving the melting product from the first upper container, and a second heating device provided in or on the first lower container for heating the melting product in the first lower container.The device further comprises an outlet provided on a container bottom side of the first lower container for discharging the melt product from the first lower container, wherein at least one outlet cover is provided on the outlet, which is substantially flat and designed to close the outlet. The device further comprises at least one actuator connected to the outlet cover and designed to move the outlet cover, by a translational movement substantially parallel to a plane of the outlet cover, into a first position in which the outlet cover completely closes the outlet, and into a second position in which the outlet cover opens the outlet.

[0010] Preferably, the first upper and lower containers are each designed such that the heated melt product or depilatory wax passes from the first upper container into the first lower container by means of gravity, and / or such that only flowable, but partially solid, melt product or depilatory wax passes from the first upper container into the first lower container.

[0011] Preferably, the first upper and / or lower container has a coating on an inner side of the container, which prevents or reduces adhesion of the melt product to the container.

[0012] By providing at least one outlet cover, it is possible, for example, to dispense a metered amount of the melting product or depilatory wax. The actuator can be electronically controlled, allowing automatic dispensing of a quantity of the melting product or depilatory wax. The melting product or depilatory wax can, for example, be stored in sufficient quantities ready for use in the lower container. This makes it possible to carry out a depilatory process as time-efficiently as possible, as any heating times for the depilatory wax can be eliminated. Furthermore, it is possible to dispense a precise amount of depilatory wax, allowing excess depilatory wax to be reduced or avoided, thus making a depilatory process cost-effective and material-saving.

[0013] The device is preferably designed to be substantially closed, for example by means of a housing and / or a cover. "Substantially closed" here means that openings for filling and dispensing the melting product or hair removal wax, e.g., the aforementioned outlet, are not excluded. Alternatively or additionally, the upper and / or lower containers can be designed to be closable, e.g., by means of a container lid. This can minimize or prevent, for example, contamination of the melting product / hair removal wax with bacteria or other contaminants. Furthermore, the escape of unpleasant odors and / or harmful vapors can be prevented. Furthermore, energy exchange with the environment can be reduced, which can make the device or the heating of the melting product energy- and cost-efficient.

[0014] The melted product or depilatory wax can be removed from the outlet, for example, by placing another container, e.g. a cup, under the outlet.

[0015] The volume of the first lower container can be, for example, three liters. This provides sufficient space for storing the melting product or hair removal wax.

[0016] Preferably, the device further comprises a control unit that is designed and / or programmed to control the at least one actuator such that the outlet cover is moved from the first position to the second position in order to dispense a predetermined amount of the melt product provided in the first lower container through the outlet. Further preferably, the device comprises an operating unit with at least one first operating element for selecting a first predetermined amount of the melt product and at least one second operating element for selecting a second predetermined amount of the melt product that is different from the first amount, wherein the first amount and the second amount are preferably assigned to different areas of application, in particular different body regions.

[0017] The control unit, for example, enables automatic dispensing of a specific amount of the melting product or hair removal wax. The operating unit can simplify operation of the device for the user, particularly the selection of a suitable amount of the melting product. In particular, by combining a control unit with an operating unit, various preprogrammed dosage amounts of the melting product or hair removal wax can be provided and selected by the user.

[0018] Preferably, the control unit controls the first and second heating devices such that the molten product in the first upper container is rendered flowable at least at the container wall, and / or such that a temperature of the molten product in the first lower container is kept substantially constant, preferably at a substantially constant value in a range between 50°C and 80°C, more preferably between 55°C and 75°C, and / or such that a temperature of the molten product in the first upper container is lower than a temperature of the molten product in the first lower container. Further preferably, the device comprises at least one temperature measuring device, in particular a temperature sensor, for detecting a 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 detected temperature to the control unit.

[0019] The temperature measuring device(s), particularly in combination with the control device, can, for example, enable the temperature of the respective container and / or the melted product provided therein to be regulated to a substantially constant value. This makes it possible, for example, to store the melted product ready for use in the lower container. The target temperatures are preferably selected such that the melted product is in a flowable state, but evaporation of components of the melted product is prevented. This can, for example, prevent excessive heating of the melted product / depilatory wax, thus avoiding unpleasant odors and / or harmful vapors. Any risk of burning the application area (skin surface) can also be avoided.

[0020] Preferably, the actuator is designed as a solenoid motor. This allows, for example, an actuator to be provided for automatically controlling the outlet cover to open and close the outlet, and in particular to dispense a defined amount of the melt product.

[0021] Preferably, the first and / or second heating device is designed as a resistance heater, which is preferably provided around an outer side of the first upper and / or lower container. Alternatively, any other heating device suitable for heating the melt product in the respective container may also be provided.

[0022] Preferably, the first lower container has a container bottom, and the outlet is formed as an outlet opening in the container bottom. Preferably, the device comprises a funnel-shaped discharge section arranged below the outlet for discharging melt product discharged through the outlet downwards. This makes it possible, for example, to discharge the melt 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 provided on the outlet opening and is substantially flat, wherein the first and the second outlet cover are designed to jointly close or open the outlet, and the device comprises at least one second actuator which is connected to the second outlet cover and is designed to bring the second outlet cover by a translational movement substantially parallel to a plane of the second outlet cover into a first position in which the second outlet cover together with the first outlet cover completely closes the outlet, and into a second position in which the second outlet cover together with the first outlet cover opens the outlet.

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

[0025] The device preferably comprises a material box for receiving the unliquefied melt product, wherein the material box is arranged at least partially in the first upper container. The material box is preferably open at least in sections and / or accessible from outside the device. This makes it possible, for example, to add or refill a quantity of the melt product even during operation of the device.

[0026] Preferably, the first upper and / or lower container is thermally insulated and / or odor-tight, and / or the device comprises a housing in which at least the first upper and lower containers, as well as the first and second heating devices, are provided. This can, for example, prevent the escape of unpleasant odors and / or harmful vapors, and / or increase the energy efficiency of the device.

[0027] Preferably, the device comprises a second upper container with a third heating device, which is designed similarly, preferably identically, to the first upper container and the first heating device, and a second lower container with an outlet and a fourth heating device, which is designed similarly, preferably identically, to the first lower container and the second heating device. Further preferably, the second and fourth heating devices are designed and / or the device has a control unit for controlling the second and fourth heating devices such that a temperature of the melt product in the first lower container is greater than a temperature of the melt product in the second lower container.

[0028] Thus, for example, a device can be provided which is designed to dispense ready-to-use depilatory wax at different temperatures and / or is designed to separately receive and store different types of wax.

[0029] A method according to the invention for storing and / or dosing a melt product, in particular a depilatory wax, comprises the following steps: Introducing the melt product into a first upper container, heating the melt product in the first upper container by means of a first heating device provided in or on the first upper container, introducing the melt product, preferably under the influence of gravity, into a first lower container provided below the first upper container, heating the melt product in the first lower container by means of a second heating device provided in or on the first lower container, and discharging the melt product via an outlet provided on a container bottom side of the first lower container, wherein at least one outlet cover is provided on the outlet, which is substantially flat and is designed to close the outlet, and wherein the outlet cover executes a translational movement substantially parallel to a plane of the outlet cover by at least one actuator connected to the outlet cover in order 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 developed, in particular, by the features of the device described above. Similar or identical effects can be achieved with the method according to the invention as with the device described above.

[0031] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a device for storing, heating and / or dosing a melt product according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 1 shown device without a housing, Fig. 3 a schematic, perspective view of the in Fig. 1, 2 shown device from the front without the housing, Fig. 4a a schematic, perspective view of a device shown in Fig. 1 bis 3 shown device contained material box, Fig. 4b is a schematic, perspective view of a material box contained in the device shown in Fig. 1 bis 3 shown device contained upper container, Fig. 4c a schematic, perspective view of a in the in Fig. 1 bis 3 shown device included heating device, Fig. 4d a schematic, perspective view of a in the in Fig. 1 bis 3 shown device contained output section, Fig. 5a a schematic, perspective view of two outlet covers and actuators of the device shown in Fig. 1 bis 3 shown device, Fig. 5b and 5c a schematic, perspective view of a device shown in Fig. 1 bis 3 shown device contained in the lower container with the Fig. 5a shown outlet covers in a closed ( Fig. 5b ) and an open ( Fig. 5c ) state, and Fig. 6 a schematic view of a in the in Fig. 1 bis 3 control unit contained in the device shown.

[0032] In the following, with reference to the Figuren 1 bis 3 A device 1 for treating a melted product, hereinafter referred to as depilatory wax, according to the present invention is described. The device is designed, as described in detail below, to heat, store, and dispense the depilatory wax in a metered manner.

[0033] The Fig. 1 bis 3 The device 1 shown has a base in the form of a base plate 2 with, in the present embodiment, four feet 3 which are attached to an underside of the base plate 2 and support the base plate 2, for example to ensure a stable stand of the device 1.

[0034] On an upper side of the base plate 2, a housing or a cover 4 of the device is provided, which at least partially closes the device 1 to the outside. Fig. 1 the device is shown with the housing 4, in Fig. 2 and 3The device 1 is shown without the housing for a better representation of the components arranged in the housing 4.

[0035] On an outer side of the housing 4, at least one, in the figures two, operating units 5a, 5b, e.g. in the form of buttons, are provided (see also Fig. 6 ), and optionally a central switch 6 for switching the device 1 on and / or off.

[0036] Arranged within the housing 4 are two upper containers 7a, 7b, each with heating devices 8a, 8b provided thereon, and two lower containers 9a, 9b, each with heating devices 10a, 10b provided thereon. The containers 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b serve to hold a melted product, in particular a depilatory wax. The lower containers 9a, 9b are each arranged on the upper side of the base plate 2 and are connected to the respective upper container 7a, 7b arranged above them in such a way that flowable depilatory wax can flow from the upper container 7a, 7b into the lower container 9a, 9b, preferably under the influence of gravity.

[0037] On the underside of the base plate 2, in an area of ​​the lower containers 9a, 9b, respective output sections 16a, 16b (see also Fig. 4d ) is provided to dispense flowable depilatory wax from the lower containers 9a, 9b or from the device 1.

[0038] Furthermore, the device 1 has two material boxes 11a, 11b, each of which is at least partially arranged in one of the upper containers 7a, 7b. The containers 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b and heating devices 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b are provided within the housing 4; the material boxes 11a, 11b partially protrude upwards beyond the housing 4, so that they are accessible from outside the housing 4 (see Fig. Fig. 1 ). The containers, material boxes and heating devices are described below in relation to Fig. 4a-c , 5b, 5c described in more detail.

[0039] In Fig. 1 bis 3 The containers, heating devices, material boxes and output sections shown on the left in the figures are each assigned the suffix "a", and the containers, material boxes, heating devices and output sections shown on the right are each assigned the suffix "b".

[0040] Each of the lower containers 9a, 9b is assigned at least one actuator 24, 25, which is used to actuate an outlet cover (see Fig. 5a-5c ; in Fig. 1-3 not shown). The Fig. 2 , 3 The actuators 12 shown are arranged outside the lower containers 9a, 9b on the base plate 2.

[0041] The device 1 further comprises a control unit, which in the present embodiment is designed as an electronic control card 13 with relays 14. The control unit is designed 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 designed to receive control commands from the operating unit 5a, 5b and to control the components of the device 1 accordingly.

[0042] On or in the containers 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b there is a temperature measuring device in the form of a temperature sensor 15, in Fig. 4c The temperature sensor 15 is provided on the heating device. The temperature measuring device is designed to detect the temperature of the depilatory wax in the respective container. Preferably, the device 1 is further designed to transmit the temperature detected by the temperature measuring device to the control unit, for example, via a suitable (data) cable or wirelessly.

[0043] Fig. 4a shows a view of a material box 11a, 11b. The Fig. 4a The material box shown is cylindrical in shape purely as an example and has a height which is selected such that it extends over an upper edge of the respective upper container 7a, 7b (see Fig. 2 , 3) when the material box is arranged in the upper container. The material box 11a, 11b is open toward its top. This allows refilling of depilatory wax, for example, in a downwardly open wax container, into the device 1 via the material box 11a, 11b while the housing 4 is closed.

[0044] Fig. 4b shows a view of the upper container 7a, 7b, which in the present embodiment is open at the top. It has a purely exemplary cylindrical shape, with a diameter of the upper container being larger than a diameter of the material box 11a, 11b to allow the material box to be accommodated in the upper container. On its underside, the upper container 7a, 7b has a radially outwardly extending projection 17, with which it rests on the respective lower container 9a, 9b and / or is attached to it.

[0045] Fig. 4c shows a view of the heating device 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b, which in the present embodiment are designed, for example, as a resistance heater. The heating device is essentially cylindrical with a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the container 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b to which the heating device is attached. Thus, the heating device can be attached to an outer side of the respective container 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b, preferably in such a way that it is in contact with the outer side of the container (see also Fig. 2 , 3 This allows for good heat transfer from the heating device to the respective container. The heating device 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b is designed to heat the respective container 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b or the depilatory wax provided in the respective container. The temperature sensor 15 is provided on the heating device.

[0046] Fig. 4d shows a view of the dispensing section 16a, 16b of the respective lower container 9a or 9b. The dispensing section 16a, 16b is funnel-shaped with a downwardly tapered shape. The dispensing section 16a, 16b is designed such that it is located on the underside of the base plate 2 in the region of an outlet (see Fig. 5b, 5c ) of the respective lower container 9a, 9b. For this purpose, the dispensing section in the present embodiment is provided on a mounting plate 18 with fastening sections 19, by means of which the dispensing section 16a, 16b can be attached to the underside of the base plate 2 (see Fig. 3 ). The output section may also be formed integrally with the base plate 2 (not shown in the figures).

[0047] Fig. 5a shows two outlet covers in the form of cover plates 21, 22. The cover plates are rectangular in shape purely as an example. In a closed position, in which they are adjacent to one another, they together cover an area larger than an outlet opening 20 (see Fig. 5b, 5c ) of the lower container 9a, 9b or the base plate 2. In the present embodiment, their mutually facing edges 23 have a complementary shape, which has a sealing effect on the flowable depilatory wax provided in the lower container. For example, the edges 23 are stepped or serrated.

[0048] Further shows Fig. 5a two actuators 24, 25, each connected to the cover plates 21, 22 via a rod-shaped connection 26 in the present embodiment. Each of the actuators 24, 25 is designed to set the cover plate 21 or 22 connected to it in motion, so that it moves away from or toward the other cover plate. In other words, the actuators 24, 25 are designed to set the respective cover plate 21, 22 in a translational movement parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the cover plate. Fig. 5a The cover plates 21, 22 are shown in a first position in which they are adjacent to each other, ie in which their mutually facing edges 23 touch each other. If the cover plates 21, 22 are set in motion from this position by the actuators 24, 25, they move away from each other, in Fig. 5a represented by arrows B1, B2, so that in a second position they open a gap between the two cover plates 21, 22 (see Fig. 5c ).

[0049] The actuators 24, 25 can be designed, for example, as solenoid motors.

[0050] In Fig. 5b, 5c The lower container 9a, 9b is shown with the cover plates 21, 22 and actuators 24, 25. The lower container 9a, 9b has a purely exemplary cylindrical shape, wherein a diameter of the lower container 9a, 9b in the present embodiment is larger than a diameter of the respective upper container 7a, 7b, so that the upper container 7a, 7b with the projection 17 (see Fig. 1-3 and 4b ) rests on the lower container 9a, 9b.

[0051] The lower container 9a, 9b is mounted on top of the base plate 2 and, together with the base plate, defines a receiving space, for example, with a volume of three liters, for the depilatory wax. Thus, the base plate 2 forms the container bottom in the area of ​​the lower container 9a, 9b. The base plate 2 has a dispensing opening 20 for dispensing depilatory wax in the area of ​​the lower container 9a, 9b (see Fig. Fig. 5c ). The cover plates 21, 22 are provided in the area of ​​the dispensing opening 20 so that they completely close the dispensing opening 20 when they are in the first position in which they are adjacent to one another (see Fig. 5a ), as provided for in Fig. 5b shown. In this position of the cover plates 21, 22, ie a closed state of the dispensing opening 20, no depilatory wax can escape through the dispensing opening 20.

[0052] The actuators 24, 25 are mounted outside the lower container 9a, 9b on the base plate 4. By controlling the actuators 24, 25 accordingly, the cover plates 21, 22 move away from each other (arrows B1, B2 in Fig. 5a ) until they are in the Fig. 5c shown second position, in which they completely expose the dispensing opening 20. In this position of the cover plates 21, 22, ie an open state of the dispensing opening 20, depilatory wax is dispensed through the dispensing opening 20 and the adjoining dispensing sections 16a, 16b. By appropriately controlling the actuators 24, 25, the cover plates 21, 22 are returned to the first position, in which they close the dispensing opening 20 ( Fig. 5b ). The amount of depilatory wax dispensed through the dispensing opening 20 can be adjusted by a period of time during which the dispensing opening 20 is uncovered by the cover plates 21, 22. This allows for precise dosing of the amount of depilatory wax dispensed.

[0053] The control unit 5a, 5b of the device 1 is in Fig. 6 shown in more detail. The control unit 5a, 5b has several Fig. 6 four control elements 12 that can be manually operated by a user. Different, pre-determined amounts of depilatory wax can be assigned to the control elements 12, i.e., depending on the actuation of one of the control elements 12, a pre-determined amount of depilatory wax is dispensed. The control elements 12 can, for example, be assigned to different body areas, in Fig. the body areas "legs / arms," ​​"back," and "stomach / bottom." Furthermore, in Fig. 6 A "Manual" control element is provided, with which a user-selectable amount of depilatory wax can be dispensed. The amount of depilatory wax dispensed is determined by the period of time during which the dispensing opening 20 is exposed by the cover plates 21, 22, as described above.

[0054] The control unit 5a, 5b can, for example, have control elements 12 in the form of buttons or switches. The control unit can have a touch display on which the control elements can be displayed.

[0055] In Fig. 1 bis 3 Separate control units 5a and 5b are shown for the left containers 7a, 9a and for the right containers 7b, 9b. However, a single central control unit can also be provided, via which the respective quantities of dispensed depilatory wax for both lower containers 9a and 9b can be centrally adjusted (not shown in the figures).

[0056] During operation, a user fills depilatory wax in solid form (non-flowable state) into at least one of the material boxes 11a, 11b. Preferably, depilatory wax is filled into each of the two material boxes 11a, 11b. In particular, it is possible for each of the two material boxes 11a, 11b to hold a different type of depilatory wax. The depilatory wax to be filled into the material box(es) can, for example, be provided in a wax tin (not shown in the figures) and / or can be filled into the material box in the wax tin. A wax tin can, for example, contain 400 ml or 800 ml of depilatory wax.

[0057] Subsequently, the heating devices 8a, 8b of the two upper containers 7a, 7b are controlled by the control unit such that the depilatory wax in the material boxes 11a, 11b is heated and thereby rendered fluid at least at the container wall / material box wall. A target temperature of the depilatory wax in the upper containers 7a, 7b can be, for example, 70°C. The temperature sensors 15 measure an actual temperature of the upper container 7a, 7b and / or the depilatory wax contained therein and transmit the measured temperature to the control unit, which preferably adjusts the heating output of the heating device 8a and / or 8b in order to achieve the desired target temperature in the respective upper container 7a or 7b and to maintain it essentially constant. A target temperature of the upper container 7a or 7b can be lower than a target temperature of the respective lower container 9a or 9b (see below).

[0058] The flowable depilatory wax then enters the respective lower container 9a, 9b, where it is further heated by the corresponding heating device 10a or 10b. The temperature sensors 15 measure the actual temperature of the lower container 9a or 9b and / or the depilatory wax contained therein and transmit the measured temperature to the control unit. The control unit preferably adjusts the heating output of the heating device 10a or 10b such that a target temperature of the depilatory wax in the lower container 9a or 9b is reached and maintained essentially constant. The term "essentially" expresses that temperature fluctuations, for example, in the range of ± 2°C, are included. A target temperature of the depilatory wax in the lower container 9a, 9b can be, for example, between 50°C and 80°C, preferably between 55°C and 75°C.In particular, different target temperatures can be provided for the lower left container 9a and the lower right container 9b, for example, 75°C in the lower left container 9a and 55°C in the lower right container 9b. In this state, the depilatory wax stored in the lower containers 9a, 9b is ready for use.

[0059] The user can now remove a quantity of the ready-to-use depilatory wax from the device 1 by operating one of the control elements 12 of the respective control unit 5a or 5b. The control unit controls the actuators 24, 25 of the respective lower container 9a or 9b so that they move the cover plates 21, 22 into the second position (see Fig. 5c ) in which the dispensing opening 20 is open. The amount of depilatory wax dispensed is determined by the period of time during which the dispensing opening 20 is open. Thus, the depilatory wax is dispensed in a metered manner.

[0060] The user can, for example, hold a cup under the respective dispensing section 16a or 16b in order to collect the metered amount of depilatory wax therein.

[0061] For example, by pressing the "Legs / Arms" control element (see Fig. 6 ) or the "Back" control element dispenses 250 ml of hair removal wax, the "Abdomen / Bottom" control element dispenses 200 ml, and the "Manual" control element dispenses an individually selected amount of hair removal wax. In particular, the Fig. 6 The control unit shown can be assigned to the lower left container 9a, in which the depilatory wax is stored, for example, at a target temperature (application temperature) of 75°C (see above).

[0062] Other possible controls, e.g. the other, in Fig. 6 not shown control element, can be assigned to other body areas, e.g. "Facial areas", "Armpits", "Bikini" and "Manual", whereby by operating the "Facial areas" control element, a quantity of 70 ml of hair removal wax is dispensed, by operating the "Armpits" control element, a quantity of 125 ml, by operating the "Bikini" control element, a quantity of 150 ml and by operating the "Manual" control element, a quantity of hair removal wax individually selected by the user. In particular, the above-described, in Fig. 6 not shown control unit, can be assigned to the right lower container 9b, in which the depilatory wax is stored, for example, at a target temperature (application temperature) of 55°C (see above).

[0063] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, the device shown in the figures can also be designed with only one upper and lower container and corresponding heating devices, or with more than two upper containers, lower containers, and respective heating devices. Preferably, each lower container has a separate dispensing opening for dispensing depilatory wax or other melting product provided in the lower container.

[0064] Instead of two cover plates 21, 22, the dispensing opening 20 of the lower container (see Fig. 5a-5c ) Only one cover plate or more than two cover plates may be provided. Elements other than the cover plates described above may also be provided as outlet cover(s).

[0065] The actuators can also be designed as drive elements or motors other than a solenoid motor.

[0066] The individual components of the device may also differ from the design described here, particularly in their shape. For example, the containers for holding the depilatory wax may have a shape other than round or cylindrical. The device may also be controlled by means other than the control card with relays described above, for example, by means of a control unit provided inside or outside the device or housing 4, via which the individual components of the device 1 are controlled in a coordinated manner to carry out the heating and dosing process. The term "control unit" refers in particular to any computer-based control device capable of controlling the operation of the device or a component thereof. For example, the control unit may be a computer.The control unit may contain a CPU whose operation is controlled by a computer program (software).

Claims

1. A device (1) for storing and / or metering a melt product, particularly depilatory wax, comprising: a first upper container (7a, 7b) for receiving the melt product, a first heating device (8a, 8b), which is provided in or on the first upper container, in order to heat the melt product in the first upper container, a first lower container (9a, 9b), which is provided underneath the first upper container (7a, 7b), for receiving the melt product from the first upper container, a second heating device (10a, 10b), which is provided in or on the first lower container (9a, 9b), in order to heat the melt product in the first lower container, and an outlet (20), which is provided on an underside of the first lower container (9a, 9b), in order to discharge the melt product from the first lower container, wherein at least one outlet cover (21, 22), which is essentially flat and designed for closing the outlet (20), is provided on the outlet, and wherein the device comprises at least one actuator (24, 25) that is connected to the outlet cover (21, 22) and designed for moving the outlet cover into a first position, in which the outlet cover completely closes the outlet, and into a second position, in which the outlet cover opens up the outlet, in the form of a translational movement (B1, B2) essentially parallel to a plane of the outlet cover.

2. The device according to claim 1, furthermore comprising a control unit (13, 14) that is designed and / or programmed for controlling the at least one actuator (24, 25) in such a way that the outlet cover is moved from the first position into the second position in order to discharge a predefined quantity of the melt product provided in the first lower container through the outlet (20).

3. The device according to claim 2, furthermore comprising an operating unit (5a, 5b) with at least one first operating element (12) for selecting a first predefined quantity of the melt product and at least one second operating element (12) for selecting a second predefined quantity of the melt product, which differs from the first quantity, wherein the first quantity and the second quantity preferably are assigned to different application areas, particularly different body areas.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit (13, 14) controls the first and the second heating device (8a, 8b, 10a, 10b) in such a way that the melt product in the first upper container (7a, 7b) is transformed into a free-flowing state and / or that a temperature of the melt product in the first lower container (9a, 9b) is essentially kept constant, preferably at an essentially constant value in a range between 50 °C and 80 °C, particularly between 55 °C and 75 °C, and / or that a temperature of the melt product in the first upper container (7a, 7b) is lower than a temperature of the melt product in the first lower container (9a, 9b).

5. The device according to claim 4, furthermore comprising at least one temperature measuring device (15), particularly a temperature sensor, for measuring a temperature of the melt product in the first upper and / or lower container, wherein the at least one temperature measuring device is designed for transmitting the measured temperature to the control unit (13, 14).

6. The device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuator is realized in the form of a solenoid motor (24, 25).

7. The device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and / or the second heating device (8a, 8b, 10a, 10b) is realized in the form of a resistance heater, which preferably is provided around an outer side of the first upper and / or lower container.

8. The device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein 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 one of claims 1 to 8, furthermore comprising a funnel-shaped discharge section (16a, 16b), which is arranged underneath the outlet, in order to deliver melt product discharged through the outlet downward.

10. The device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outlet cover is a first outlet cover and the device furthermore comprises a second outlet cover (21, 22), which is essentially flat and provided on the outlet (20), wherein the first and the second outlet cover (21, 22) are designed for collectively closing or opening up the outlet, and wherein the device comprises at least one second actuator (24, 25) that is connected to the second outlet cover and designed for moving the second outlet cover (21, 22) into a first position, in which the second outlet cover completely closes the outlet together with the first outlet cover, and into a second position, in which the second outlet cover opens up the outlet together with the first outlet cover, in the form of a translational movement essentially parallel to a plane of the second outlet cover.

11. The device according to one of claims 1 to 10, furthermore comprising a material box (11a, 11b) for receiving the non-liquefied melt product, wherein the material box is at least partially arranged in the first upper container (7a, 7b).

12. The device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first upper and / or lower container are thermally insulated and / or designed in an odor-proof manner and / or wherein the device furthermore comprises a housing (4), in which at least the first upper and lower container and the first and the second heating device are provided.

13. The device according to one of claims 1 to 12, furthermore comprising a second upper container (7a, 7b) with a third heating device (8a, 8b), which are realized similar, preferably identical, to the first upper container and the first heating device, a second lower container (9a, 9b) with an outlet (20) and a fourth heating device (10a, 10b), which are realized similar, preferably identical, to the first lower container and the second heating device, and wherein the second and the fourth heating device preferably are realized in such a way and / or the device has a control unit for controlling the second and the fourth heating device in such a way that a temperature of the melt product in the first lower container is higher than a temperature of the melt product in the second lower container.

14. A method for storing and / or metering a melt product, particularly a depilatory wax, comprising the following steps: introducing the melt product into a first upper container (7a, 7b), heating the melt product in the first upper container by means of a first heating device (8a, 8b) provided in or on the first upper container, preferably via the container wall / material box wall, introducing the melt product into a first lower container (9a, 9b) provided underneath the first upper container, preferably under the influence of gravity, heating the melt product in the first lower container by means of a second heating device (10a, 10b) provided in or on the first lower container, and discharging the melt product through an outlet (20) provided on an underside of the first lower container (9a, 9b), wherein at least one outlet cover (21, 22), which is essentially flat and designed for closing the outlet, is provided on the outlet, and wherein at least one actuator (24, 25), which is connected to the outlet cover, causes the outlet cover (21, 22) to carry out a translational movement essentially parallel to a plane of the outlet cover in order 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 up the outlet.

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