Stimulant device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a stimulation device for stimulating body parts to be stimulated, in particular erogenous zones such as the clitoris, comprising a pressure field generation device with a cavity having an application opening for arranging or placing on or over a body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding the body part to be stimulated, wherein the cavity is bounded by a circumferential side wall, and a medium influencing arrangement acting on a gaseous and / or liquid medium located in the cavity, which is configured to apply a stimulation profile to the medium, at least in the application opening, characterized by a time-varying change in the pressure of the medium, wherein the pressure forms a pressure field consisting of time-varying minimum and maximum pressures with respect to a reference pressure, and a drive device configured toto drive the medium control arrangement in such a way that a change in pressure occurs between the minimum pressures and the maximum pressures.

[0002] A device of the type mentioned above is known, for example, from EP 3 228 297 A1. This device contains a cavity forming a single, continuous chamber. The cavity opens at its outer end into an application opening, which is surrounded by a rim at the outer end of the cavity. The application opening is positioned or placed with its rim on or over a body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding the body part to be stimulated. The medium-influencing arrangement includes a membrane as its volume-changing element, which closes the cavity at its inner end and is moved alternately towards and away from the application opening by the drive unit.The reciprocal movement of the membrane driven by the drive unit causes a change in the volume of the chamber such that a pressure field consisting of alternating minimum and maximum pressures relative to normal atmospheric pressure or ambient pressure is generated at the application opening, thereby stimulating the body part to be stimulated.

[0003] Document DE 20 2013 012252 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to modify a stimulation device of the type mentioned above in such a way that the pressure field, consisting of alternating minimum and maximum pressures, is generated exclusively in the negative pressure range and thus below normal atmospheric pressure. This object is achieved by a stimulation device for stimulating body parts to be stimulated, in particular erogenous zones such as the clitoris, with a pressure field generation device comprising a cavity with an application opening for placement on or over a body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding the body part to be stimulated, wherein the cavity is bounded by a circumferential side wall, and a medium-influencing arrangement acting on a gaseous and / or liquid medium located in the cavity, which is configured to subject the medium to a stimulation profile acting at least in the application opening, characterized by a time-varying change in the pressure of the medium, wherein the pressure forms a pressure field consisting of time-varying minimum and maximum pressures with respect to a reference pressure, and a drive device configured to drive the medium influencing arrangement such that a change in pressure occurs between the minimum and maximum pressures, characterized by a first check valve arrangement arranged within the cavity between the application opening and the medium influencing arrangement, sealed with the side wall of the cavity, and movable at least section by section towards and away from the application opening, and comprising a first check valve configured to close towards the application opening and to open towards the medium influencing arrangement, wherein the cavity has a first section located between the first check valve arrangement and the medium influencing arrangement and a second section located between the first check valve arrangement and the application opening.and a second check valve arrangement connecting the first section of the cavity to an outside of the stimulation device, comprising a second check valve configured to close towards the first section of the cavity and to open towards the outside of the stimulation device.

[0005] The first check valve arrangement divides the cavity according to the invention into a first section and a second section. The first section of the cavity is bounded on one side by the first check valve arrangement and on the other side by the medium control arrangement, while the second section of the cavity is also bounded on the one hand by the first check valve arrangement and on the other hand opens into the application opening. Thus, the medium control arrangement only acts on the gaseous and / or liquid medium located in the first section of the cavity. Furthermore, the first check valve arrangement, by virtue of its movable design according to the invention, acquires a certain degree of compliance, enabling it to move both towards and away from the application opening.

[0006] The pressure field generation device according to the invention operates cyclically to generate a pressure field consisting of alternating minimum and maximum pressures exclusively in the vacuum range. Each cycle can be divided into a first cycle half, in which the relative minimum pressures are generated in the second section of the cavity, and a second cycle half, in which the relative maximum pressures are generated in the second section of the cavity.

[0007] According to the invention, the first check valve of the first check valve arrangement is designed to open only in the direction of the medium influencing arrangement. If, at the beginning of the first half of the cycle, the medium located in the first section of the cavity is subjected to a negative pressure by the medium influencing arrangement, which in this operating state is lower than the pressure in the second section of the cavity, this leads to a movement of the first check valve arrangement in the direction of the medium influencing arrangement and thus away from the application opening, and then also to the opening of the first check valve, through which a portion of the medium located in the second section of the cavity is then drawn into the first section of the cavity.This creates a vacuum in the second section of the cavity, particularly during sealing operation, i.e., when the application opening is essentially sealed against the body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding it. The second check valve of the second check valve arrangement is closed, as it is designed according to the invention to close towards the first section of the cavity. The vacuum created in the second section of the cavity exerts a suction effect on the body part to be stimulated.

[0008] In the subsequent second half of the cycle, when the medium-influencing arrangement reverses its action and now applies overpressure to the medium in the first section of the cavity, the first check valve in the first check valve assembly closes. This prevents any of the medium in the first section of the cavity from entering the second section. The movable arrangement of the first check valve assembly means that the pressure building up in the first section of the cavity now prevents it from moving further away from the application opening, but instead reverses its movement and pushes it towards the application opening. The pressure increase in the first section of the cavity also causes the second check valve, which is designed according to the invention, to open towards the outside of the stimulation device.Thus, part of the medium located in the first section of the cavity is discharged to the outside via the open second check valve, thereby releasing pressure from the first section of the cavity, which ultimately eliminates the temporarily created overpressure.

[0009] If, for the next cycle, the medium-influencing arrangement reverses its direction of action once again and applies a vacuum to the medium in the first section of the cavity, the second check valve of the second check valve arrangement immediately closes, and the first half of the next cycle begins again in the manner described above. The vacuum that then builds up again in the first section of the cavity applies a suction pressure to the check valve arrangement, causing it to move in the opposite direction, away from the application opening.

[0010] In a steady state during 100% leak-tight operation, where the application opening with its surrounding rim is positioned so tightly on the body part to be stimulated or a surrounding area that no exchange of medium between the second section of the cavity and the environment is possible, negative pressure conditions arise in both sections of the cavity that prevent the two check valves from opening; in this ideal case, the two check valves remain closed and the pulsating negative pressure field generated by the medium influencing arrangement is transmitted from the first section of the cavity to the second section of the cavity exclusively via the movement of the first check valve arrangement.However, experience shows that this ideal case rarely occurs, so that when more medium enters the second section of the cavity through the application opening, the negative pressure there increases towards normal atmospheric pressure, causing the first check valve to open again in the first half of the cycle.

[0011] By applying an oscillating negative pressure field using the arrangement according to the invention, the body part to be stimulated is drawn in a rhythmic or pulsating manner through the application opening into the subsequent second section of the cavity, resulting in a particular stimulation effect. Although the term "pressure field" usually implies a specific spatial distribution of pressure, in this case it refers to the temporal progression of the pressure and thus the generation of pressure waves that constitute a pressure field.

[0012] Another advantage of the design according to the invention is simple cleaning, in that the stimulation device is immersed in a cleaning fluid during operation, thereby forcing a complete flow of the cleaning fluid through the two sections of the cavity (and thus through the entire cavity) and the check valves of the two check valve arrangements without further measures.

[0013] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0014] The preferred design of the first and / or second check valve as a lip valve or umbrella valve results in a particularly simple and at the same time effective construction.

[0015] Preferably, the stimulation device does not have any other valves, particularly to avoid unwanted pressure losses.

[0016] In particular, the reference pressure is the atmospheric ambient pressure, preferably prevailing at the start of operation of the stimulation device.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the pressure field can exhibit a substantially sinusoidal-periodic pressure profile, at least in the steady state during operation of the stimulation device.

[0018] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first check valve arrangement has a wall element which is oriented at an angle, preferably substantially transversely or at right angles, to the side wall of the cavity, is sealed against the side wall of the cavity, is designed to be movable at least partially towards and away from the application opening, and is provided with the first check valve. The use of such a wall element allows for a particularly high degree of mobility of the first check valve arrangement.

[0019] Advantageously, the first and second check valve assemblies form a single, preferably replaceable, one-piece component. Combining the two check valve assemblies into a single component offers not only design advantages but also manufacturing benefits. A further advantage of this design lies in the ease of cleaning, which is remarkably simple despite the use of two check valve assemblies and the division of the cavity into two sections. This is because both check valve assemblies are located within the same component, which can be removed, thus providing direct access to all cavities of the assembly for cleaning.

[0020] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the second section of the cavity is designed as a nozzle, preferably interchangeable, which is provided with the first check valve arrangement and / or the second check valve arrangement. Particularly when the nozzle is interchangeable or removable, this embodiment has the advantage of allowing the use of first and / or second check valve arrangements with different dimensions and / or different valve or opening and closing behavior to adapt to different stimulation requirements.Likewise, this embodiment offers the flexibility to use, if necessary, a nozzle that differs in its construction from the solution according to the invention, instead of a nozzle equipped with the first and / or second check valve arrangement, and which thereby effects a different type of stimulation in a different constructive way, for example, as in the prior art, by generating a pressure field from alternating underpressures and overpressures with respect to the atmospheric ambient pressure.

[0021] In a further development of this design, the nozzle, if equipped with the second check valve arrangement, has a channel that connects the second check valve to the first section of the cavity. Thus, in this further development, not only the second check valve but also the channel is integrated into the nozzle, which is advantageous in terms of design, manufacturing, and application.

[0022] It is also structurally advantageous if the nozzle has an inner side wall that forms a section of the side wall of the cavity leading to the application opening, in order to define the second section of the cavity.

[0023] The nozzle is preferably made of a flexible material, ideally silicone or thermoplastic elastomers. The use of silicone is not only advantageous for hygienic reasons, but also offers a degree of flexibility to adapt to the shape of the body part to be stimulated or a surrounding area, ensuring the tightest possible seal of the application opening. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) offer the same advantages but are more durable and recyclable than silicone.

[0024] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the medium influencing arrangement is designed as a volume change element for changing the volume of the cavity.

[0025] A further development of this embodiment is characterized by the fact that the cavity is bounded by a side wall, at least one section of the side wall of the cavity bounding the first section of the cavity is movable, the volume change element includes this movable side wall section, and the drive device is designed to set this movable side wall section into a reciprocal movement. The aforementioned movable side wall section is preferably a membrane that closes the inner end of the first section of the cavity. In a further development of the aforementioned embodiment, the entire cavity is provided with the application opening at a first end and closed at a second, preferably opposite, end by the movable side wall section.

[0026] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the drive device comprises an electromagnetically operated linear motor with at least one stationary electromagnetic coil element and a magnetic or magnetizable core that is reciprocally movable relative to the stationary electromagnetic coil element and is configured to drive the medium influencing arrangement.

[0027] During further training, the core is trained to set the aforementioned movable side wall section into a reciprocal movement.

[0028] An alternative embodiment is characterized by the fact that the core is movably arranged within the first section of the cavity, and the volume-changing element comprises or is formed by the core, wherein the core is reciprocally movable along the first section of the cavity, and / or a cross-section of the cavity defined transversely to its length remains essentially unchanged or at least nearly constant over the length of its first section, and the core has a corresponding cross-section, and / or the cavity has the shape of a tube, at least along its first section. This alternative embodiment is similar in its construction and function, for example, to a bicycle pump or a piston engine.

[0029] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide an electrically operated rotary motor with a gearbox for the drive device instead of an electromagnetically operated linear motor, which converts the rotation of the output shaft into a reciprocal linear motion to drive the medium influencing arrangement and in particular for a reciprocal motion of the aforementioned movable wall section.

[0030] To facilitate start-up and accelerate the achievement of steady state, a venting pump can preferably be used, designed to vent the second section of the cavity so that it reaches the negative pressure range more quickly. Preferably, the venting pump has an inlet that communicates with the second section of the cavity and an outlet that opens to the environment on the outside of the stimulation device.

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the aforementioned design is characterized by a proximity sensor configured to detect the distance between the application opening and the body part to be stimulated and to output a signal when the distance falls below a predetermined threshold, and by a control device connected to the proximity sensor and the venting pump, which is configured to activate the venting pump upon receiving a signal from the proximity sensor, preferably with a threshold of zero. Using such a proximity sensor, the targeted switching on and off of the venting pump can be automated, which is advantageous for the handling of the stimulation device.

[0032] Advantageously, a control device connected to the drive unit and the venting pump is provided, which is designed to activate the drive unit only after a predetermined delay following activation of the venting pump. This prevents the medium-influencing arrangement driven by the drive unit and the venting pump from working against each other in a counterproductive manner.

[0033] Alternatively, for example, the use of a pressure sensor is conceivable, which is designed to detect the pressure within the second section of the cavity and to output a signal when the pressure is below the prevailing atmospheric ambient pressure, and a control device connected to the pressure sensor, the drive unit and the venting pump, which is designed to activate or keep activated the drive unit only when the signal from the pressure sensor is present.

[0034] Alternatively, the pressure sensor may be configured to detect the pressure within the second section of the cavity and output a signal if the pressure is not below the prevailing atmospheric pressure, and a control device connected to the pressure sensor, the drive unit and the venting pump may be configured to activate or keep activated the venting pump and deactivate or keep deactivated the drive unit only when a signal from the pressure sensor is present.

[0035] Advantageously, the device can be designed as a handheld device, preferably electrically powered by a battery.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the invention, a nozzle for a stimulation device of the type described above is proposed, wherein the nozzle can be detachably arranged on or in a housing of the stimulation device, forms the second section of the cavity and is provided with the first check valve arrangement and / or the second check valve arrangement.

[0037] First, exemplary embodiments from the prior art are explained for comparison, followed by a more detailed explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective side view of a pressure wave massage device known from the prior art according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through the pressure wave massage device of Fig. 1Fig. 3 schematically shows a longitudinal section of an enlarged section of a part of a pressure field generating device and the cavity of a pressure wave massage device known from the prior art according to a second embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a pressure wave massage device known from the prior art according to a third embodiment; Fig. 5 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a detail view of an assembly formed by the drive device and the cavity of a pressure wave massage device known from the prior art according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 6 shows the path of the pressure waves generated by a pressure wave massage device known from the prior art in a medium such as, in particular, air; Fig.7in perspective front view (a) and a side-cut perspective rear view (b) a new nozzle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for use on conventional pressure wave massage devices, such as those exemplified in the . Figures 1 to 5 are shown; Fig. 8 in longitudinal section a partial illustration of the pressure wave massage device from Figure 2 in the area of ​​its head with the new nozzle attached to the extension according to Figure 7 ; Fig. 9a to h schematically shows a longitudinal section of a part of the extension of the pressure wave massage device of Figure 8 with the new nozzle attached according to Figure 7 in various operating states; Fig. 10 a progression of the using the new nozzle of Figure 7 generated pressure waves of a medium such as, in particular, air; and Fig. 11 in longitudinal section a partial illustration of the pressure wave massage device of Figure 2in the area of ​​its head with the new nozzle attached to the extension according to Figure 7 in a modified version according to the invention, extended and supplemented by a venting pump and a sensor.

[0038] The in the Figure 1 and 2 In a first embodiment, the pressure wave massage device 1, known from the prior art, has an elongated housing 2 with a first end section 2a, an opposing second end section 2b, and an intermediate middle section 2c. Preferably, the housing is made of plastic. As shown in the Figure 1 and 2 As can be seen, the two end sections 2a and 2b are rounded and taper slightly towards the middle section 2c, which is somewhat slimmer.

[0039] A projecting extension 4 extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the housing 2 is formed on the first end section 2a of the housing 2 and together with the first end section 2a of the housing 2 forms a head of the pressure wave massage device 1, while the second end section 2b of the housing 2 preferably serves as a handle to hold the pressure wave massage device 1 during the application which will be described in more detail below.

[0040] How in particular the Figure 1 and 2 Furthermore, as shown, a nozzle 6, containing an application opening 8, is located on the extension 4. Preferably, the nozzle 6 is made of a soft or flexible plastic material, such as, in particular, a silicone material.

[0041] The head of the pressure wave massage device 1, formed by the first end section 2a of the housing 2 and the extension 4, houses a pressure wave generating device 10, which generates a stimulating pressure field or a stimulating reciprocal airflow in the application opening 8. Fig. 2 As can be seen in detail, the pressure field generating device 10 has a cavity 12 with an outer first end, which also forms the application opening 8 in the nozzle 6, and an inner second end opposite and located away from the first end. In the illustrated first embodiment, the cavity 12 is formed by a single continuous chamber 14 and bounded by an inner or side wall connecting its two ends. How Fig. 2As can further be seen, the nozzle 6 has an outer section 6a, with which it is detachably attached to the extension 4, and an inner section 6b. The outer section 6a and the inner section 6b of the nozzle 6 are connected to each other in the area of ​​the application opening 8, where the nozzle 6 has an edge section 6c surrounding the application opening 8. The inner section 6b of the nozzle 6 has a continuous and uninterrupted inner wall 6d and is designed as a sleeve open at both ends, which is not interrupted or contains any other components and thus forms an uninterrupted passage undisturbed by any other components. The inner wall 6d of the nozzle 6 therefore forms part of the inner or side wall of the cavity 12 and thus delimits an outer section of the cavity 12 leading to its outer first end. Preferably, the inner or side wall 6d can be formed by a continuous or side wall of the cavity 12.The side wall of the cavity 12 outside the nozzle 6 consists of a substantially rigid material. The application opening 8 with the surrounding edge section 6c of the nozzle 6 forms a plane which, in the illustrated embodiment, is oriented substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 12, although the orientation can alternatively be at a different angle to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 12.

[0042] How Fig. 2 Furthermore, as can be seen, according to the first embodiment, the cavity 12 is free of discontinuities, wherein the cavity is perpendicular to its (in the view of Figure 2The cross-section of the cavity 12, defined by its vertical length between its two ends, is essentially constant along its entire length in the illustrated embodiment and widens only slightly towards the application opening 8, so that the cross-section of the application opening 8 also corresponds approximately to the cross-section of the cavity 12. The cavity 12 preferably has the shape of a solid of revolution with a circular or elliptical cross-section; alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to provide the cavity 12 with a polygonal, preferably square or hexagonal, cross-section. Thus, the chamber 14 forms a continuous tube with a cross-section that remains almost constant along its entire length, with the cavity being oriented approximately transversely to the longitudinal extent of the housing 2 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0043] Furthermore, the cavity 12 is closed at its inner second end with a flexible membrane 18, preferably made of silicone, which extends over the entire cross-section of the cavity 12 and is driven by a drive unit 22, which in the present embodiment comprises a drive motor 22 and a mechanism 22a. The mechanism 22a is designed such that the rotary motion of the output shaft of the drive motor 22 is converted into a reciprocal longitudinal motion, thereby setting the membrane 18 into a motion transverse to the plane it spans, alternately towards the application opening 8 and in the opposite direction. In this way, the volume of the cavity 12 of the chamber 14 is changed depending on the rotation of the output shaft of the drive motor 22.Preferably, the mechanism 22a includes an eccentric or a connecting rod to convert the rotary motion of the output shaft of the drive motor 22 into a reciprocal longitudinal motion for the reciprocal deflection of the diaphragm 18. The reciprocal movement of the diaphragm 18 causes a change in the volume of the cavity 12 between a minimum volume and a maximum volume, corresponding to its stroke (amplitude), with the change occurring repeatedly at a certain frequency.

[0044] How Fig. 2As can also be seen, the drive motor 22, which in the described embodiment is an electric motor, is connected via an electrical cable 24 to an electronic control circuit board 26, which controls the drive motor 22. A battery 30 is connected to the control circuit board 26 via an electrical cable 28, supplying the drive motor 22 and the control circuit board 26 with the necessary electrical energy. The battery 30 can optionally be a non-rechargeable battery or a rechargeable accumulator.In the illustrated embodiment, the drive motor 22 is located in the connection area between the slim central section 2c of the housing 2 and the first end section 2a of the housing 2, and thus adjacent to the head of the pressure wave massager 1 formed by the first end section 2a of the housing 2 and the extension 4, while the battery 30 is arranged in the second end section 2b of the housing 2, ensuring that the housing 2 is well balanced when the pressure wave massager 1 is held in the hand by the user.

[0045] As the Figure 1 and 2Furthermore, as can be seen, a power button 32 is provided, which can be operated from the outside of the housing 2 to switch the pressure wave massage device 1 on and off and is located in the slim central section 2c of the housing 2. Also located in the slim central section 2c of the housing 2 is an externally operated push button 34, with which various operating states of the pressure wave massage device 1 can be set, and an indicator light 36, preferably designed as a light-emitting diode and visible from the outside. The power button 32 and the push button 34 are arranged directly on the control circuit board 26, which is mounted below the wall of the housing 2, while the indicator light 36 is connected to the control circuit board 26 via an electrical cable (not shown in the figures).

[0046] In addition to controlling the drive motor 22, the electronic control circuit board 26 in the illustrated embodiment also manages the charging of the battery 30. For this purpose, the control circuit board 26 is connected via an electrical cable 38 to charging contacts 40, which are located on the front face of the second end section 2b of the housing 2 and are accessible from the outside, as shown in the Figure 1 and 2 This can be seen. An external charger (not shown in the figures) can be connected to these charging contacts 40 via a plug with magnetic contacts, which can be brought into contact with the charging contacts 40 to establish an electrical connection due to magnetic forces.

[0047] The described pressure wave massage device 1 is designed as a handheld device and, for application, is placed with the application opening 8 onto a body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding the body part being stimulated, such that this body part or area is essentially enclosed by the rim section 6c of the nozzle 6 surrounding the application opening 8. During operation of the pressure wave massage device 1, the body part to be stimulated is then exposed to alternating different air pressures or a reciprocal airflow by the reciprocal movement of the membrane 18.

[0048] The control circuit board 26 preferably has a memory (not shown in the figures) in which various modulation patterns are stored. By pressing the button 34, a desired modulation pattern can be selected in order to then control the drive motor 22 accordingly.

[0049] In Fig. 3A schematic longitudinal section of a section 12c of the cavity 12 of a pressure wave massage device known from the prior art, according to a second embodiment, is shown. This second embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment in that, instead of a flexible diaphragm closing the inner end of the chamber 14, a piston 50 is arranged to move reciprocally within the cavity 12. The other components are implemented in the same way as in the first embodiment, so reference is made to the preceding description to avoid repetition. The piston 50 is set into a reciprocating motion by the drive motor 22 via the mechanism 22a (similar to the flexible diaphragm 18 in the first embodiment) along a section 12c of the cavity 12.The cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity 12, defined perpendicular to its length, remains essentially unchanged or at least nearly constant in size and shape along the length of the aforementioned section 12c, and the piston 50 has a corresponding cross-sectional area. In the illustrated embodiment, the aforementioned section 12c of the cavity 12 has the shape of a tube. The second embodiment is similar in construction and function, for example, to a bicycle pump or a piston engine. The reciprocal movement of the piston 50 generates a pressure field with correspondingly varying pressures or a reciprocal airflow at the application opening.

[0050] In Fig. 4 A longitudinal section of a pressure wave massage device known from the prior art, according to a third embodiment, is shown, which differs from the first embodiment according to Fig. 2The third embodiment differs in the following detailed design of the drive unit 20. With the exception of the different construction of the drive unit 20, the third embodiment does not differ from the first embodiment, so that the same components are marked with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the preceding description of the first embodiment.

[0051] In the Fig. 4In the third embodiment shown, the drive unit 20 is designed as an electromagnetically operated linear drive. For this purpose, the drive unit 20 in the illustrated embodiment has two stationary electromagnetic coil elements 21a, 21b, each designed as a cylindrical coil and arranged coaxially one behind the other. The arrangement of the two stationary electromagnetic coil elements 21a, 21b contains a central cavity 21c, open at both ends, which is enclosed and thus bounded by a circumferential inner wall 21d. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 21c enclosed by the inner wall 21d has the form of a tube, preferably a cylinder. A magnetic or magnetizable core 21e is arranged to be reciprocally movable in the coaxial direction within the cavity 21c.The cross-sectional area of ​​this cavity 21c, defined perpendicular to its length, is essentially unchanged or at least nearly constant in terms of its size and shape, and the core 21e has a corresponding cross-sectional area.

[0052] The core 21e, in turn, is coupled to the membrane 18. In Fig. 4 The core 21e and the membrane 18 are shown in their central position. The two stationary electromagnetic coil elements 21a, 21b are controlled and excited such that the core 21e, located within the arrangement of the two stationary electromagnetic coil elements 21a, 21b, is set into a reciprocal motion, which is accordingly transmitted to the membrane 18. Fig. 4Furthermore, as can be seen, the stationary electromagnetic coil elements 21a, 21b are connected to the control circuit board 26 via the electrical cables 24, which controls and excites the stationary electromagnetic coil elements 21a, 21b accordingly. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 21e is not provided with an electromagnetic coil, but consists of a solid body made of magnetic or magnetizable material such as rare earth elements.

[0053] To limit the stroke of the reciprocally moving core 21e, end magnets 23a, 23b are provided at both ends of the arrangement formed by the stationary electromagnetic coil elements 21a, 21b. The ends of the core 21e facing each other and the end magnets 23a, 23b have the same magnetic polarity. This results in a repulsive force acting on the core 21e, generated by the end magnets 23a, 23b, which increases as the core 21e approaches the coils. Consequently, the electromagnets 23a, 23b decelerate the core 21e until it is subjected to an opposing motion. Thus, the end magnets 23a, 23b act as magnetic impact elements. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide mechanical impact elements designed as stops against which the core 21e comes into contact and is thereby stopped in its further movement.

[0054] In Fig. 5The figure schematically shows a longitudinal section of a component assembly formed jointly by the drive unit 20 and the cavity 12 of a pressure wave massage device known from the prior art according to a fourth embodiment, which differs from the previously described third embodiment according to Fig. 4 The difference lies in the fact that, instead of a flexible membrane closing the inner end of the chamber 14, the reciprocally moving core 21e of the drive device 20 itself takes over the change in the volume of the chamber 14 formed by the cavity 12, while the other components are realized in the same way as in the third embodiment, so that, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the preceding description of the third embodiment according to Fig. 4 is referred to. How Fig. 5Furthermore, it can be seen that the inner wall 21d, which in the area of ​​the arrangement of the two stationary electromagnetic coil elements 21a, 21b encloses the centrally formed cavity 21c that receives the core 21e, is flush with the inner wall 14a of the chamber 14 formed by the cavity 12. Thus, the cavity 21c, which receives the reciprocally moving core 21e, and the cavity 12 form a structural unit. This fourth embodiment, like the second embodiment, is similar in its construction and function to, for example, a bicycle pump or a piston engine. The reciprocating movement of the core 21e thus generates a pressure field with correspondingly varying pressures or a reciprocating airflow at the application opening 8.

[0055] Furthermore, other drive types are also conceivable in principle, which cause a deflection of the flexible membrane 18 according to the Figures 2 and 4 or of piston 50 according to Fig. 3 to effect a change in the volume of the cavity 12. This can also be done, for example, piezoelectrically, pneumatically or hydraulically.

[0056] Finally, other design solutions are conceivable for changing the volume of the cavity 12, such as making the side wall of the cavity 12 at least partially flexible instead of using a membrane, and alternately compressing and expanding the cavity at least at this point by applying external pressure. This alternative solution is also not shown in the figures.

[0057] In its application, a distinction is made in particular between a sealed operation, an open operation and a so-called semi-open operation, which generally applies to a pressure wave massage device of the type under discussion known from the prior art and thus equally to the embodiments described above.

[0058] In sealed operation, the nozzle 6 is placed on the body part to be stimulated in such a way that no air exchange with the environment takes place. In this operating state, the movement of the diaphragm 18 according to Figures 2 and 4, and of the piston 50 according to Figure 4, creates a vacuum. Fig. 3 and of core 21e according to Fig. 5 Pressure waves that change over time, preferably periodically, act throughout the entire cavity 12. The pressure waves are essentially isotropic and thus also affect the body part to be stimulated. There is essentially no airflow.

[0059] Open operation is characterized by the fact that air exchange with the environment takes place. In this operating state, the nozzle 6 is placed on the body part to be stimulated in such a way that the application opening 8 only partially encloses the body part to be stimulated, and at least a gap-like space remains between at least one section of the application opening 8 and at least one section of the body part to be stimulated, allowing air to escape from the cavity 12 into the environment. Likewise, in this operating state, air from the environment can be drawn into the cavity 12, so that regular air exchange occurs in this case.

[0060] Finally, a so-called semi-open operation is also conceivable, in which, after initially placing the nozzle 6 completely onto the body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding it, no excessively strong contact pressures are exerted, so that any relative overpressures can partially escape due to the compliance of the body part to be stimulated or the area surrounding it, while after a negative pressure is created in the cavity 12 when the membrane 18 moves according to the Figures 2 and 4 , of piston 50 according to Figure 3 and of core 21e according to Figure 5 In the direction away from the application opening 8, due to the suction effect created, the sections of the body part to be stimulated or the area surrounding it that have been opened by the overpressures are drawn back to the edge section 6d of the nozzle 6 surrounding the application opening 8, and the application opening 8 is thereby completely closed again.

[0061] The pressure waves generated at the application opening 8, which form a pressure field consisting of alternating periods of low and high pressure relative to the ambient air pressure, or the reciprocal airflow generated at the application opening 8, exhibit a wave-like profile that ideally corresponds to a sine curve, as shown in Fig. 6 The wave-like pattern is characterized by an amplitude that is determined by the stroke of the flexible membrane 18 according to the Figures 2 and 4 , of piston 50 according to Fig. 3 and of core 21e according to Fig. 5 is determined, as well as by a frequency which is determined by the rate of change of the reciprocal motion of the flexible membrane 18 according to the Figures 2 and 4 , of piston 50 according to Fig. 3 and of core 21e according to Fig. 5is determined. In addition, it should be noted in this context that in practical operation the course of the pressure waves or the reciprocal airflow generated at the application opening 8 is not infrequently determined by the Figure 6The ideal case shown deviates from a sine curve. In particular, in most cases, the relationship between the difference values ​​between the maximum amplitude value of the pressure (magnitude of the maximum overpressure) or the airflow exit velocity and the ambient air pressure or airflow velocity (zero) differs from the difference value between the minimum amplitude value (magnitude of the maximum underpressure) or the airflow entry velocity and the ambient air pressure or airflow velocity (zero). Thus, the zero line, which is defined midway between the maximum and minimum amplitude values, does not always represent the ambient air pressure or airflow velocity (zero).In particular, the semi-open operation works more strongly in the negative pressure range than in the positive pressure range, meaning that the maximum amount of the negative amplitude relative to the ambient air pressure is greater than the maximum amount of the positive amplitude relative to the ambient air pressure.

[0062] In the prior art pressure wave massage devices, which have been described previously using various embodiments, pressure waves with alternating overpressures and underpressures relative to the ambient air pressure or reciprocal air currents are generated at the application opening 8, thereby stimulating the body parts to be stimulated.

[0063] In contrast, the solution according to the invention consists in modifying the known pressure wave massage devices so that they operate exclusively in negative pressure mode.

[0064] For this purpose, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the in the Fig. 2 , 4 and 5 illustrated nozzle 6 through the in Fig. 7 The new nozzle shown (size 60) has been replaced. Fig. 8 shows a partial representation of the pressure wave massage device according to the [reference to be added]. Fig. 2 The illustrated first embodiment in the area of ​​its head formed by the first end section 2a of the housing 2 and the extension 4, on which, however, instead of the nozzle 6 of Fig. 2 the new nozzle 60 from Fig. 7 is arranged. Of course, the new nozzle 60 can also be used instead of nozzle 6 in the previously used configurations. Figs. 3 to 5 The second to fourth embodiments described above are used. The illustration of Fig. 8This serves only as an example of the use of the new nozzle 60 on known pressure wave massage devices. The other components, however, are used in the same way as in conventional pressure wave massage devices, as previously described. Figs. 1 to 5 The described embodiments are implemented so that, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the preceding description of the embodiments according to the Figs. 1 to 5 is referred.

[0065] As the Fig. 7 and 8As can be seen, the nozzle 60, like the nozzle 6, has an outer section 60a by which it is detachably attached to the extension 4, in that the outer section 60a of the nozzle 60 engages a projecting section 4a of the extension 4 from the outside. Similar to the nozzle 6, the nozzle 60 also has an inner section 60b and is provided with the application opening 8. The outer section 60a and the inner section 60b of the nozzle 60 are connected to each other in the area of ​​the application opening 8, similar to the nozzle 6, where the nozzle 60 also has a rim section 60c surrounding the application opening 8. The inner section 60b of the nozzle 60 has an inner wall 60d that opens into the rim section 60c surrounding the application opening. Preferably, the inner or side wall of the cavity 12 outside the nozzle 60 can also consist of a substantially rigid material.In the case of the nozzle 60, the application opening 8 and the circumferential edge section 60d also form a plane which, in the illustrated embodiment, when the nozzle 60 is arranged on the extension 4, is essentially transverse to the (in the view of . Fig. 8 horizontally defined) longitudinal axis of the cavity 12 is aligned, whereby in principle the alignment can alternatively be oriented at a different angle to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 12.

[0066] The special feature of the nozzle 60 is that it is provided with a first check valve arrangement 70 and a second check valve arrangement 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the first check valve arrangement 70 forms the inner end of the inner section 60b of the nozzle 60, opposite and located away from the application opening 8, and comprises a first check valve 72 and a flexible wall element 74. The flexible wall element 74 contains the first check valve 72 and closes the inner end of the inner section 60b of the nozzle 60. Due to its flexibility, the wall element 74 is compliantly mounted and can move reciprocally towards and away from the application opening 8. The first check valve 72 is designed to close towards the application opening 8 and to open away from the application opening 8, and thus towards the diaphragm 18.In the illustrated embodiment, the first check valve is designed as a lip valve. Of course, other designs for the first check valve are also conceivable, such as a dome valve.

[0067] The first check valve assembly 70 divides the cavity 12 into a first cavity section 12a located between the first check valve assembly 70 and the diaphragm 18, and a second cavity section 12b located between the first check valve assembly 70 and the application opening 8. The first cavity section 12a is bounded on one side by the first check valve assembly 70 and closed at its opposite end by the diaphragm 18, while the second cavity section 12b is formed as the inner section 60b of the nozzle 60. In the case of the design of the pressure field generating device according to the above based on the Figures 3 and 5 In the second and fourth embodiments of conventional pressure wave massage devices described above, the piston 50 or the core 21e is received only by the first cavity section 12a. Since the wall element 74 is arranged to be sealed against the side wall of the cavity 12, the first check valve 72 provides the only fluid connection between the two cavity sections 12a and 12b.

[0068] The second check valve arrangement 80 has a second check valve 82, which in the illustrated embodiment is arranged in the outer section 60a of the nozzle 60. The second check valve 82 communicates on the one hand with the environment and on the other hand via a channel 84 with the first cavity section 12a. As shown in particular by the Fig. 7b and 8As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, an elongated, groove-shaped recess is provided to form the channel 84. This recess extends from the second check valve 82 first along the inside of the outer section 60a of the nozzle 60 and then along the outside of the inner section 60b of the nozzle 60 to the first cavity section 12a. In the assembled state of the nozzle 60, this recess is bounded by the projecting section 4a of the extension 4. The second check valve 82 is designed to open towards the outside of the housing 2 and thus to the environment, and to close towards the channel 84 and thus to the first cavity section 12a. In the illustrated embodiment, the second check valve 82 is also designed as a lip valve, although other designs, such as a shield valve, are of course also possible for the second check valve 82.

[0069] Preferably, the nozzle 60 is also made of a soft or flexible plastic material, such as silicone. This offers advantages not only in terms of hygiene and flexibility in adapting to the body part to be stimulated or a surrounding area during application, but also allows the nozzle 60 with the two check valve assemblies 70, 80 to be manufactured as a single-piece molded part and thus as a single component, whereby the flexibility or elasticity of such a material can be advantageously used to form the two check valves 72, 82. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to form the nozzle 60 as a single piece with the extension 4 and thus as part of the extension 4, so that in this case the two check valve assemblies 70, 80 are also components of the extension 4.

[0070] Using the new nozzle 60, cyclic operation can be achieved, generating a pressure field consisting of alternating minimum and maximum pressures exclusively in the vacuum range. Each cycle can be divided into a first half, in which the relative minimum pressures are generated in the second cavity section 12b, and a second half, in which the relative maximum pressures are generated in the second cavity section 12b. Such a cycle is schematically represented in the Figures 9a to h depicted.

[0071] At the beginning of the first half of the cycle, the membrane 18 is moved away from the first check valve arrangement 70 by movement ( Fig. 9a ) the first cavity section 12a is subjected to a negative pressure which in this operating state is lower than the pressure in the second cavity section 12b, this leads to a movement of the flexible wall element 74 by suction effect towards the membrane 18 ( Fig. 9b ) and with further increasing negative pressure also to open the first check valve 72, through which some of the air located in the second cavity section 12b is then drawn into the first cavity section 12a ( Fig. 9c This creates a vacuum in the second cavity section 12b, particularly during sealing operation, i.e., when the application opening 8 with the surrounding edge section 60c of the nozzle 60 is essentially sealed against the body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding the body part to be stimulated. The second check valve 82 remains closed. The vacuum created in the second cavity section 12b exerts a suction effect on the body part to be stimulated through the application opening 8 into the second cavity section 12b.

[0072] In the subsequent second half of the cycle, when the diaphragm 18 reverses its movement and now pressurizes the first cavity section, the first check valve 72 closes ( Fig. 9d Furthermore, the flexible wall element 74 is now prevented from moving further away from the application opening 8 by the pressure building up in the first cavity section 12a, but its movement is reversed ( Fig. 9e ) and pressed in the direction of the application opening 8 ( Fig. 9f ). The increase in pressure in the first cavity section 12a also leads to the opening of the second check valve 82 ( Fig. 9g ). Thus, some of the air in the first cavity section 12a is discharged to the outside via the open second check valve 82, thereby releasing pressure from the first cavity section 12a, which ultimately eliminates the overpressure that briefly occurred in the first cavity section 12a.

[0073] If, for the next cycle, the diaphragm 18 reverses its movement and again applies a vacuum to the first cavity section 12a, the second check valve 82 immediately closes, and the first half of the next cycle begins again in the manner described above. The vacuum that then builds up in the first cavity section 12a again applies suction pressure to the flexible wall element 74, causing it to move in the opposite direction, away from the application opening 8. Fig. 9h ).

[0074] Fig. 10 This shows the pressure curve after switching on the pressure wave massage device with the new nozzle 60. It allows Fig. 10 recognize that an oscillating negative pressure field with essentially constant amplitude can establish itself after just a few cycles.

[0075] Fig. 11 shows in the same perspective as Fig. 8the head 4 of a pressure wave massage device equipped with the nozzle 60, which, however, differs from the one in Fig. 8 The illustrated embodiment features a further modification according to the invention. This modification consists in the fact that a venting pump 90 is arranged inside the housing 2, the inlet 90a of which communicates with the second cavity section 12b via a venting hose 92. For this purpose, in Fig. 11A vent opening 32a is schematically shown in the inner section 60b of the nozzle 60. The vent hose 92 is connected to this opening, establishing a fluid connection between the vent hose 92 and the second cavity section 12b. Furthermore, an outlet hose 94 is provided, connecting the outlet 90b of the venting pump 90 to an outlet opening 94a located in the outer wall of the housing 2. The venting pump 90 is designed to vent the second cavity section 12b as much as possible at the beginning of use of the pressure wave massage device, specifically when the application opening 8 is placed on or over a body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding it, so that a noticeable initial negative pressure is already present.The air pumped out of the second cavity section 12b via the vent hose 92 is discharged by the vent pump 90 through the outlet hose 94 connected to its outlet 90b and into the surrounding environment via the outlet opening 94a. The vent pump 90 is connected to the power supply via an electrical cable 96. Fig. 2 The control circuit board 26 shown is connected, which also controls the operation of the venting pump 90.

[0076] The venting pump 90 can, in principle, be switched on and off manually. However, it is more convenient to equip or program the control circuit board 26 with a time-dependent control that limits the operation of the venting pump 90 to a predetermined period after manual activation and then switches it off automatically. Even more convenient is the automation of both the time-dependent switching off and the switching on of the venting pump 90, particularly using a sensor. Such a sensor is available in Fig. 11 The sensor 100 is shown schematically and labelled with the reference symbol "100". For the transmission and further processing of its signals, the sensor 100 is connected to the control circuit board 26 via an electrical cable 102.

[0077] For example, a proximity sensor 100 can be used to detect the distance between the nozzle 60 and the body part to be stimulated and to output a signal when the distance falls below a predetermined threshold. Upon receiving this signal, the control circuit board 26 switches on the venting pump 90. Preferably, the threshold is zero, so that the automatic switching on of the venting pump 90 is only triggered when the circumferential edge section 60c of the nozzle 60 comes into contact with the body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding it.

[0078] Alternatively, the sensor 100 can also be configured as a pressure sensor to detect the pressure within the second cavity section 12b and output a signal if the pressure is not below the prevailing ambient pressure. As long as this signal is present, the control circuit board 26 activates the venting pump 90 and simultaneously disables the activation of the drive unit 20. When the signal is no longer present, i.e., when the pressure in the second cavity section 12b has dropped below the ambient pressure, the control circuit board 26 switches off the venting pump 90 and activates the drive unit 20.

[0079] The control circuit board 26 can control not only the switching on and off of the venting pump 90, but also the automatic switching on of the drive unit 20. With the aforementioned time-dependent control of the venting pump 90, the drive unit 20 can be switched on with a delay by the control circuit board 26, at the latest during the automatic switching off of the venting pump 90 or, in order to avoid possible pressure losses in the second cavity section 12b, shortly before the venting pump 90 is switched off.

Claims

1. A stimulation device for stimulating parts of the body to be stimulated, in particular, erogenous zones such as the clitoris, using a pressure-field-generation device (10), comprising - a cavity (12) having an application opening (8) for arranging or placing on or over a body part to be stimulated or an area surrounding the body part to be stimulated, wherein the cavity (12) is delimited by a circumferential side wall, and - a medium-influencing assembly (18; 21e; 50) acting on gaseous and / or liquid medium located in the cavity (12), which are designed to apply to the medium a stimulation profile acting at least in the application opening (8), which is characterized by a change in a pressure of the medium over time, wherein the pressure forms a pressure field of alternating minimum pressures and maximum pressures with respect to a reference pressure, and a drive device (20) which is designed to drive the medium-influencing assembly (18; 21e; 50) in such a way that a change in pressure takes place between the minimum pressures and the maximum pressures, characterized in that a first non-return-valve assembly (70), which is sealed within the cavity (12) between the application opening (8) and the medium-influencing assembly (18; 21e; 50), with the side wall of the cavity (12), arranged and moveable at least in sections in the direction of the application opening (8) and away from it, and which comprises a first non-return valve (72) which is designed to close in the direction of the application opening (8) and to open in the direction of the medium-influencing assembly (18; 21e; 50), wherein the cavity (12) comprises a first section (12a) located between the first non-return-valve assembly (70) and the medium-influencing assembly (18; 21e; 50) and a second section (12b) located between the first non-return-valve assembly (70) and the application opening (8), and a second non-return-valve assembly (80) which connects the first section (12a) of the cavity (12) to an outer side of the stimulation device and comprises a second non-return valve (82) which is designed to close in the direction of the first section (12a) of the cavity (12) and to open in the direction of the outer side of the stimulation device, wherein the stimulation device is preferably a handheld device, preferably operated with a battery (30).

2. The stimulation device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first and / or second non-return valve (72; 82) is designed as a lip valve or as an umbrella valve and / or it otherwise comprises no other valves, and / or the reference pressure is the ambient atmospheric pressure, preferably upon starting operation of the stimulation device, and / or the pressure field, at least in the steady state during operation of the stimulation device, comprises an essentially sinusoidal pressure gradient.

3. The stimulation device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first non-return-valve assembly (70) comprises a wall element (74) which is arranged in an angled and sealed manner, preferably substantially transverse or right-angled, orientated to the side wall of the cavity (12) towards the side wall of the cavity (12), at least in sections in the direction of the application opening (8) and away from it, and is provided with the first non-return valve (72).

4. The stimulation device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first non-return-valve assembly (70) and the second non-return-valve assembly (80) together form a preferably interchangeable, single-piece component.

5. The stimulation device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second section (12b) of the cavity (12) is formed as a grommet (60), preferably interchangeable, which is provided with the first non-return-valve assembly (70) and / or the second non-return-valve assembly (80).

6. The stimulation device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the grommet (60) provided with the second non-return-valve assembly (80) comprises a channel (84) connecting the second non-return valve (82) to the first section (12a) of the cavity (12).

7. The stimulation device according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the grommet (60) comprises an inner side wall (60d) forming a section of the side wall of the cavity (12) leading to the application opening (8).

8. The stimulation device according to any one of the Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the grommet (60) is made of flexible material, preferably silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

9. The stimulation device according to Claim 4 and according to any one of the Claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the grommet (60) forms the single-piece component.

10. The stimulation device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium-influencing assembly (18; 21e; 50) is designed as a volume-changing element for changing the volume of the cavity (12).

11. The stimulation device according to claim 10, characterized in that the cavity (12) is delimited by a side wall, at least one section of the side wall of the cavity (12) delimiting the first section (12a) of the cavity (12) is moveable, the volume-changing element (18) comprises this moveable side wall section and the drive device (20) is designed to set this moveable side wall section in reciprocal motion.

12. The stimulation device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the cavity (12) is provided with the application opening (8) at a first end and is sealed by the moveable side wall section at a second end, preferably located opposite thereto.

13. The stimulation device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (20) comprises an electromagnetically operated linear motor with at least one stationary electromagnetic coil element (21a, 21b) and a magnetic or magnetizable core (21e) which is reciprocally moveable with respect to the stationary electromagnetic coil element (21a, 21b) and which is designed to drive the medium-influencing assembly.

14. The stimulation device according to Claims 11 and 13, characterized in that the core (21e) is designed to set the moveable side wall section into reciprocal motion.

15. The stimulation device according to claims 10 and 13, characterized in that the core (21e; 50) is arranged in a moveable manner within the first section (12a) of the cavity (12) and the volume-changing element comprises the core (21e; 50) or is formed from the core (21e; 50), wherein the core (21e; 50) is reciprocally moveable along the first section (12a) of the cavity (12) and / or a cross-section of the cavity (12) defined transversely to its length at least over the length of its first section (12a) is essentially unchanged or at least almost constant, and the core (21e; 50) comprises a corresponding cross-section and / or the cavity (12) comprises the shape of a pipe at least along its first section.

16. The stimulation device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a evacuation pump (90) designed to evacuate the second section (12b) of the cavity (12) and preferably comprising an inlet (90a) that communicates with the second section (12b) of the cavity (12) and an outlet (90b) open to the outer side of the stimulation device, wherein preferably a proximity sensor (100) is provided to detect the distance of the application opening (8) from the part of the body to be stimulated and to output a signal when the distance falls below a predetermined threshold value, and a control device (26) connected to the proximity sensor and the evacuation pump (90) which is designed to activate the bleed air pump (90) when the signal is received from the proximity sensor, wherein the threshold value is preferably zero, and / or wherein preferably a control device (26) connected to the drive device (20) and the evacuation pump (90) is provided, the drive device (20) is to be activated with a delay of a specified time period only after the activation of the evacuation pump (90).

17. The stimulation device according to Claim 16, characterized by a pressure sensor (100) designed to sense the pressure within the second section (12b) of the cavity (12) and to output a signal when the pressure is below the prevailing atmospheric ambient pressure, and a control device (26) connected to the pressure sensor, the drive device (20) and the evacuation pump (90), which is designed, to activate or keep the drive device (20) activated only in the presence of the signal from the pressure sensor, or characterized by a pressure sensor (100) which is designed to sense the pressure within the second section (12b) of the cavity (12) and to output a signal if the pressure is not below the prevailing atmospheric pressure, and a control device connected to the pressure sensor (100), the drive device (20) and the evacuation pump (90) which is designed to activate the evacuation pump (90) only in the presence of the signal from the pressure sensor (100) or to keep it activated and to deactivate or keep the drive device (20) deactivated.

18. A grommet for a stimulation device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the grommet (60) is detachable on or in a housing (2) of the stimulation device, characterized in that the grommet (60) forms the second section (12b) of the cavity (12) and is provided with the first non-return-valve assembly (70) and / or the second non-return-valve assembly (80) and preferably furthermore designed according to at least one of the Claims 9 to 12.