EP4420556A1 - Device and method for storing and/or dosing a melted product - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for storing and/or dosing 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 a container bottom 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 on the outlet, which is essentially flat 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 by a translational movement (B1, B2) essentially 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.

Description

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.

In the cosmetics or hair removal industry, a hair removal process involves applying a melting product, such as depilatory wax, to an area of the body. This creates a layer of wax on the corresponding area of the body, which bonds with the hair present on the area of the body, particularly when it cools down. By removing the layer of wax from the area of the body, for example using strips of fabric, the hair is also removed.

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.

In order to ensure that the depilatory wax is ready for use, i.e. heated to the desired temperature and ready to flow, is available quickly and to avoid any waiting times, it is advisable to store the depilatory wax in a suitable container in sufficient quantities while it is ready for use.

EN 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 to dispense an amount of the depilatory wax provided in the lower chamber.

US6,935,535 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.

US8,084,718 B1 describes a wax melting system with a container in which a melting stage and a storage stage are formed. A drain is provided at the melting stage to supply melted wax to the storage stage.

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. The 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.

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 which is provided in or on the first upper container in order to heat the melting product in the first upper container, a first lower container which is located below the first upper container is provided for receiving the melt product from the first upper container, and a second heating device which is provided in or on the first lower container in order to heat the melt product in the first lower container. The device further comprises an outlet which is provided on a container underside of the first lower container in order to discharge the melt product from the first lower container, wherein at least one outlet cover is provided on the outlet, which is essentially flat and is designed to close the outlet. The device further comprises at least one actuator which is connected to the outlet cover and is designed to bring the outlet cover by a translational movement essentially 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.

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 to the first lower container by means of gravity, and/or such that only melt product or depilatory wax that is flowable but partially solid at the edge of the container passes from the first upper container to the first lower container.

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.

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 controlled electronically so that an automatic dispensing of an amount of the melting product or depilatory wax is possible. The melting product or depilatory wax For example, sufficient amounts can be stored in the lower container ready for use. This makes it possible to carry out a hair removal process as efficiently as possible, as any heating times for the hair removal wax can be eliminated. It is also possible to dispense an exact amount of hair removal wax so that excess hair removal wax can be reduced or avoided, making a hair removal process cost-effective and material-saving.

The device is preferably designed to be essentially closed, for example by means of a housing and/or a cover. "Essentially closed" here means that openings for filling and dispensing the melt product or depilatory wax, e.g. the outlet mentioned above, 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, for example, minimize or prevent contamination of the melt product/depilatory wax with bacteria or other contaminants. In addition, the escape of unpleasant odors and/or vapors that are hazardous to health can be prevented. Furthermore, energy exchange with the environment can be reduced, which can make the device or the heating of the melt product energy and cost efficient.

The melt product or depilatory wax can be removed from the outlet, for example, by arranging another container, e.g. a cup, under the outlet.

The volume of the first lower container can be, for example, three liters. This can provide a sufficiently large volume for storing the melting product or depilatory wax. Preferably, the device further comprises a control unit which 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 which 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 areas of the body.

The control unit makes it possible, for example, to automatically dispense a quantity of the melting product or depilatory wax. The operating unit can simplify operation of the device for the user, in particular the selection of a suitable quantity of the melting product. In particular, by combining a control unit with an operating unit, various pre-programmed dosage quantities of the melting product or depilatory wax can be provided and can be selected by the user.

Preferably, the control unit controls the first and the second heating device in such a way that the melt product in the first upper container is put into a flowable state at least on the container wall, and/or that a temperature of the melt product in the first lower container is kept substantially constant, preferably has a substantially constant value in a range between 50°C and 80°C, more preferably between 55°C and 75°C, and/or in such a way that a temperature of the melt product in the first upper container is lower than a temperature of the melt product in the first lower container. More preferably, the device comprises at least one temperature measuring device, in particular a Temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the melt 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.

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

Preferably, the actuator is designed as a solenoid motor. This makes it possible to provide, for example, an actuator for automatically controlling the outlet cover for opening and closing the outlet, and in particular for dispensing a defined amount of the melt product.

Preferably, the first and/or the 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 can also be provided.

Preferably, the first lower container has a container base and the outlet is designed as an outlet opening in the container base. Preferably, the device comprises a funnel-shaped discharge section which is arranged below the outlet in order to discharge 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.

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.

This can, for example, provide an automatically controllable outlet cover for optionally closing or releasing the outlet.

The device preferably comprises a material box for receiving the non-liquefied melt product, the material box being arranged at least partially in the first upper container. The material box is preferably designed to be open at least in sections and/or to be accessible from outside the device. This makes it possible, for example, to fill in or refill a quantity of the melt product even while the device is in operation.

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 container, as well as the first and second heating devices are provided. This can, for example, prevent the escape of unpleasant odors and/or health-endangering vapors, and/or increase the energy efficiency of the device.

Preferably, the device comprises a second upper container with a third heating device, which are 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 are 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.

This makes it possible, for example, to provide a device 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.

• Einbringen des Schmelzprodukts in einen ersten oberen Behälter,
• Erhitzen des Schmelzprodukts in dem ersten oberen Behälter mittels einer ersten Heizvorrichtung, die in oder an dem ersten oberen Behälter vorgesehen ist,
• Einbringen des Schmelzprodukts, vorzugsweise unter Einwirkung von Schwerkraft, in einen ersten unteren Behälter, der unterhalb des ersten oberen Behälters vorgesehen ist
• Erhitzen des Schmelzprodukts in dem ersten unteren Behälter mittels einer zweiten Heizvorrichtung, die in oder an dem ersten unteren Behälter vorgesehen ist, und
• Ausgeben des Schmelzprodukts über einen Auslass, der an einer Behälterunterseite des ersten unteren Behälters vorgesehen ist,

wobei zumindest eine Auslassabdeckung an dem Auslass vorgesehen ist, die im Wesentlichen flächig ausgebildet ist und dazu ausgebildet ist, den Auslass zu verschliessen, und wobei die Auslassabdeckung durch zumindest einen Aktuator, der mit der Auslassabdeckung verbunden ist, eine translatorische Bewegung im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer Ebene der Auslassabdeckung ausführt, um in eine erste Position zu gelangen, in der die Auslassabdeckung den Auslass vollständig verschliesst, und/oder in eine zweite Position, in der die Auslassabdeckung den Auslass freigibt.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
• Discharge of the melt product via an outlet provided on a 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.

The method can be further developed in particular by the features of the device described above. With the method according to the invention, similar or the same effects can be achieved as with the device described above.

Fig. 1

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zur Aufbewahrung, Erwärmung und/oder Dosierung eines Schmelzprodukts gemäss vorliegender Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung ohne ein Gehäuse,

Fig. 3

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 1, 2 gezeigten Vorrichtung von vorne ohne das Gehäuse,

Fig. 4a

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht eines in der in Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung enthaltenen Materialkastens,

Fig. 4b

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht eines in der in Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung enthaltenen oberen Behälters,

Fig. 4c

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht einer in der in Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung enthaltenen Heizvorrichtung,

Fig. 4d

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht eines in der in Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung enthaltenen Ausgabeabschnitts,

Fig. 5a

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht zweier Auslassabdeckungen und Aktuatoren der in Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung,

Fig. 5b und 5c

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht eines in der in Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung enthaltenen unteren Behälters mit den in Fig. 5a gezeigten Auslassabdeckungen in einem geschlossenen (Fig. 5b) und einem geöffneten (Fig. 5c) Zustand, und

Fig. 6

eine schematische Ansicht einer in der in Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung enthaltenen Bedieneinheit.

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

a schematic, perspective view of a device for storing, heating and/or dosing a melt product according to the present invention;

Fig.2

a schematic, perspective view of the Fig.1 shown device without a housing,

Fig.3

a schematic, perspective view of the Fig. 1, 2 shown device from the front without the housing,

Fig. 4a

a schematic, perspective view of a in the Fig. 1 to 3 shown device contained material box,

Fig. 4b

a schematic, perspective view of a in the Fig. 1 to 3 upper container contained in the device shown,

Fig. 4c

a schematic, perspective view of a in the in Fig. 1 to 3 heating device contained in the device shown,

Fig. 4d

a schematic, perspective view of a in the Fig. 1 to 3 shown device contained output section,

Fig. 5a

a schematic, perspective view of two outlet covers and actuators of the Fig. 1 to 3 shown device,

Fig. 5b and 5c

a schematic, perspective view of a in the Fig. 1 to 3 shown device contained lower container with the in Fig. 5a shown outlet covers in a closed ( Fig. 5b ) and an open ( Fig. 5c ) condition, and

Fig.6

a schematic view of a in the Fig. 1 to 3 control unit contained in the device shown.

In the following, with reference to the Figures 1 to 3 a device 1 for treating a melt product, hereinafter referred to as depilatory wax, according to the present invention is described. The device is, as described in detail below, designed to heat, store and dispense the depilatory wax in doses.

The Fig. 1 to 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 that the device 1 stands stable.

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. In Fig.1 the device is shown with the housing 4, in Fig.2 and 3 The device 1 is shown without the housing for a better representation of the components arranged in the housing 4.

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.

Inside the housing 4, there are two upper containers 7a, 7b with respective heating devices 8a, 8b provided thereon, and two lower containers 9a, 9b with respective heating devices 10a, 10b provided thereon. The containers 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b serve to hold a melt 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 pass from the upper container 7a, 7b into the lower container 9a, 9b, preferably under the influence of gravity.

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 ) to to dispense flowable depilatory wax from the lower containers 9a, 9b or from the device 1.

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

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

Each of the lower containers 9a, 9b is assigned at least one actuator 24, 25, which is used to operate 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.

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.

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 a 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 by means of suitable (data) cables or wirelessly.

Fig. 4a shows a view of a material box 11a, 11b. The Fig. 4a The material box shown is, purely by way of example, cylindrical in shape 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 towards its top. This makes it possible to refill the device 1 with depilatory wax, for example in a wax can that is open at the bottom, via the material box 11a, 11b when the housing 4 is closed.

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

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. The heating device is thus attached to an outside of the respective container 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b preferably mounted so that it is in contact with the outside of the container (see also Fig. 2 , 3 ). This allows 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.

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 tapering shape. The dispensing section 16a, 16b is designed such that it is located on the underside of the base plate 2 in the area 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).

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 that is 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 for the flowable depilatory wax provided in the lower container. For example, the edges 23 are stepped or jagged.

Next shows Fig. 5a two actuators 24, 25, which are 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 this moves away from or towards 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. In 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 edges 23 facing each other touch. 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 by arrows B1, B2, so that in a second position they leave a gap between the two cover plates 21, 22 (see Fig. 5c ).

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

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.

The lower container 9a, 9b is attached to the top of the base plate 2 and together with it defines a receiving space, for example with a volume of three liters, for the depilatory wax. The base plate 2 thus forms the container bottom in the area of the lower container 9a, 9b. The base plate 2 has a dispensing opening 20 in the area of the lower container 9a, 9b for dispensing depilatory wax (see. 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 each other (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.

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 in which the dispensing opening 20 is uncovered by the cover plates 21, 22. This enables the amount of depilatory wax dispensed to be precisely dosed.

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

The operating unit 5a, 5b can, for example, have operating elements 12 in the form of buttons or keys. The operating unit can have a touch display on which the operating elements can be displayed.

In Fig. 1 to 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 depilatory wax dispensed for both lower containers 9a and 9b can be centrally adjusted (not shown in the figures).

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 be provided in a wax can (not shown in the figures), for example, and/or can be filled into the material box in the wax can. A wax can can, for example, contain 400 ml or 800 ml of depilatory wax.

The heating devices 8a, 8b of the two upper containers 7a, 7b are then controlled by the control unit in such a way that the depilatory wax in the material boxes 11a, 11b is heated and thereby made flowable at least on the container wall/material box wall. A target temperature of the depilatory wax in the upper containers 7a, 7b can be 70°C, for example. 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 a 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 keep 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).

The flowable depilatory wax then reaches the respective lower container 9a, 9b, where it is further heated by the corresponding heating device 10a or 10b. The temperature sensors 15 measure an 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 a heating output of the heating device 10a or 10b so that a target temperature of the depilatory wax in the lower container 9a or 9b is reached and kept 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 left lower container 9a and the right lower container 9b, for example 75°C in the left lower container 9a and 55°C in the right lower container 9b. In this state, the depilatory wax stored in the lower containers 9a, 9b is ready for use.

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 in which the dispensing opening 20 is open. The depilatory wax is thus dispensed in a metered manner. 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.

For example, by operating the control element "Legs/Arms" (see Fig.6 ) or the "Back" control element, a quantity of 250 ml of the depilatory wax is dispensed, by operating the "Stomach/Bottom" control element a quantity of 200 ml, and by operating the "Manual" control element an individually selected quantity of the depilatory wax can be dispensed. 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).

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 the depilatory 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 the depilatory 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).

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, the device shown in the figures can also be provided 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 another melting product provided in the lower container.

Instead of two cover plates 21, 22, the dispensing opening 20 of the lower container can be optionally closed or opened (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).

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

The individual components of the device can also differ from the design described here, particularly in their shape. For example, the containers for holding the depilatory wax can have a shape other than round or cylindrical. The device can also be controlled in a way other than by means of the control card with relays described above, for example by means of a control unit that is provided inside or outside the device or the housing 4 and 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 that is able to control the operation of the device or a component thereof. For example, the control unit can be a computer. The control unit can contain a CPU whose operation is controlled by a computer program (software).

Claims (14)

Device (1) for storing and/or dosing a melting product, in particular depilatory wax, comprising: a first upper container (7a, 7b) for receiving the melt product, a first heating device (8a, 8b) provided in or on the first upper container 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, a second heating device (10a, 10b) provided in or on the first lower container (9a, 9b) for heating the melt product in the first lower container, and an outlet (20) provided on a container bottom of the first lower container (9a, 9b) for discharging the melt product from the first lower container, wherein at least one outlet cover (21, 22) is provided on the outlet, which is substantially flat and is designed to close the outlet (20), and at least one actuator (24, 25) which is connected to the outlet cover (21, 22) and is designed to bring the outlet cover by a translational movement (B1, B2) 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 releases the outlet. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (13, 14) which is designed and/or programmed to control the at least one actuator (24, 25) such that the outlet cover is first position to the second position to discharge a predetermined amount of the melt product provided in the first lower container through the outlet (20). Device according to claim 2, further comprising an operating unit (5a, 5b) with at least one first operating element (12) for selecting a first predetermined amount of the melt product and at least one second operating element (12) for selecting a second predetermined amount of the melt product different from the first amount, wherein the first amount and the second amount are preferably assigned to different areas of application, in particular different areas of the body. 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) such that the melt product in the first upper container (7a, 7b) is put into a flowable state, and/or that a temperature of the melt product in the first lower container (9a, 9b) is kept substantially constant, preferably has 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 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). Device according to claim 4, further comprising at least one temperature measuring device (15), in particular a temperature sensor, for detecting a temperature of the melt 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 (13, 14). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuator is designed as a solenoid motor (24, 25). Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and/or the second heating device (8a, 8b, 10a, 10b) is designed as a resistance heater, which is preferably provided around an outer side of the first upper and/or lower container. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first lower container (9a, 9b) has a container bottom and the outlet is formed as an outlet opening (20) in the container bottom. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a funnel-shaped discharge portion (16a, 16b) disposed below the outlet for discharging melt product discharged through the outlet downwards. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outlet cover is a first outlet cover, and the device further comprises a second outlet cover (21, 22) which is provided on the outlet (20) and is substantially flat, wherein the first and second outlet covers (21, 22) are designed to jointly close or open the outlet, and at least one second actuator (24, 25) which is connected to the second outlet cover and is designed to bring the second outlet cover (21, 22) by a translatory 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 closes, and into a second position in which the second outlet cover together with the first outlet cover releases the outlet. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a material box (11a, 11b) for receiving the unliquefied melt product, wherein the material box is at least partially arranged in the first upper container (7a, 7b). Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first upper and/or lower container is thermally insulated and/or odor-tight, and/or
further comprising a housing (4) in which at least the first upper and lower containers, as well as the first and second heating devices are provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a second upper container (7a, 7b) with a third heating device (8a, 8b) which are designed similarly, preferably identically, 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 similar, preferably identical, to the first lower container and the second heating device, and wherein preferably the second and the fourth heating device are designed and/or the device has a control unit for controlling the second and fourth heating device 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. Method for storing and/or dosing a melt product, in particular a depilatory wax, comprising the 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 below the first upper container, preferably under the action 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 Discharge of the melt product via an outlet (20) provided on a bottom side of the first lower container (9a, 9b), wherein at least one outlet cover (21, 22) is provided on the outlet, which is substantially flat and is designed to close the outlet, and wherein the outlet cover (21, 22) executes a translational movement substantially parallel to a plane of the outlet cover by at least one actuator (24, 25) 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 releases the outlet.

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