Stimulation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a stimulation device (1) for a massage, of the type provided with a chamber generating pressure waves, being particularly suitable for massaging erogenous zones, such as the clitoris. Said device comprises an opening (3) intended for being situated on the clitoris, and an inner end (2b) provided with generating means (4) for generating pressure waves in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein chamber comprises a side wall (6) arranged between the outer end (2a) and the inner end (2b), provided with deflector means (5) for deflecting pressure waves which protrude from the side wall (6) to cause turbulences in the pressure waves.

Description

Technical sector of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a stimulation device for a massage, of the type provided with a chamber generating pressure waves, particularly suitable for massaging erogenous zones, such as the clitoris.Background of the invention

[0002] Devices of the type mentioned above are known, for example, from patent document EP3308762. These known devices are provided with a first chamber and a second chamber, with the second chamber having an opening to be placed on a part of the body, for example, an erogenous zone, such as the clitoris. These two chambers are connected to one another through a narrow connecting channel. These devices are additionally provided with drive means configured such that they modify the volume of the first chamber, so that a stimulating pressure field can be generated in the second chamber through the connecting channel. To improve the hygiene of these devices, in which the first chamber cannot always be effectively cleaned, devices having a single chamber, such as the device described in patent document EP3228297, are also known, wherein the cross-section of the chamber is substantially unchanged or at least virtually constant across its entire length, such that the air flow is substantially unchanged across the entire length of the chamber. However, both the known devices provided with two chambers connected by means of a connecting channel and those provided with only one chamber generate rhythmic or periodic pressure waves causing a rhythmic stimulation effect which, over time, may become ineffective, whereby making it necessary to change the stimulation effect.

[0003] Document WO2019068308A1 discloses stimulation device for a pressure wave massage for the clitoris, comprising a chamber with an outer end forming an opening for being situated on the clitoris, and an inner end provided with generating means for generating pressure waves in a longitudinal direction, wherein the chamber comprises a side wall arranged between the outer end and the inner end, provided with deflector means for deflecting pressure waves which protrude from the side wall to cause turbulences in the pressure waves, characterised in that.

[0004] To overcome this problem, known devices are usually provided with selectors in the form of buttons, such that they allow the rhythm or pattern of the generated periodic pressure waves to be changed by modifying their frequency or amplitude, for example. However, this involves having to operate the controls of the device during use, which may interfere with stimulation.

[0005] Devices which incorporate random frequency changes in the pressure waves, such as the device described in patent document EP3405158, are also known. However, these random changes may not be desirable during use of the device, and they also cannot be controlled manually.

[0006] Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to disclose a stimulation device having an improved stimulation effect, which allows stimulation to be readily changed so as to thus increase the efficacy thereof without having to operate the controls of the device.Description of the invention

[0007] The present invention is directed to a stimulation device according to claim 1. Subsidiary aspects of the invention are provided in the dependent claims.

[0008] The stimulation device for a pressure wave massage for the clitoris of the present invention is of the type comprising a substantially tubular chamber, with an outer end forming an opening, optionally with a rim, intended for being situated on the clitoris, and an inner end, which can be open or closed, provided with generating means for generating pressure waves in a longitudinal direction towards the opening. This chamber may be closed at its inner end and be flexible, such that the base of the chamber may be driven by driving means, such as a motor, which generate pressure waves when driving the base of the chamber at its inner end. The chamber can also be open, provided with one opening, for example, although there could be several, generally small openings, and pressure waves could be generated from said opening, for example by pneumatic means connected to said opening, or the pressure waves could even be generated initially in another previous chamber and be transmitted to the chamber through the opening.

[0009] The device is essentially characterised in that it comprises, between the inner end and the outer end, a side wall arranged between the outer end and the inner end provided with deflector means for deflecting pressure waves which protrude from the side wall, adapted to modify pressure waves as they pass through and cause turbulences in the medium through which the waves propagate, generally air, although it could also be a liquid. Advantageously, the pressure waves at the outlet of the outer end of the chamber thereby have different intensities and pressures, such that the stimulation effect of the clitoris that is achieved may vary and the massaging effect may be changed by simply moving or turning the device, so the turbulences which are generated in the medium allow for greater versatility and efficacy of the device, with the possibility of varying the massaging effect achieved in a simple manner. Thus, unlike known devices having substantially uniform pressure waves at their outlet, the device object of the present invention allows the massage effect to vary in a simple manner as a result of providing different pressures at the outlet of the chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment variant, the chamber comprises a side wall arranged between the outer end and the inner end, determining a peripheral zone of the chamber, adjacent to the side wall, and a central zone of the chamber, adjacent to the peripheral zone, and usually far from the side wall, with the deflector means being arranged in the peripheral zone without occupying the central zone. Turbulences in at least the peripheral zone of the chamber are thereby achieved. These peripheral zone and central zone can be defined as the projection.

[0011] In one embodiment variant, the deflector means are arranged normally inscribed in the peripheral zone, such that the central zone, through which there passes a central longitudinal axis, is devoid of deflector means, so the pressure wave is modified only on its periphery, but it is also, in turn, partially attenuated in in the longitudinal direction, whereas in its central part, the pressure wave is not attenuated in the longitudinal direction and, therefore, exerts a more intense massaging effect, whereas the pressure wave of the peripheral zone has turbulences, but it is more attenuated.

[0012] In one embodiment variant, the peripheral zone and the central zone are concentric, the peripheral zone a preferably being cylindrical ring and the central zone a cylinder within said cylindrical ring, advantageously achieving that the central part of the pressure wave, which moves in the direction of the longitudinal central axis, does not change, even if the device is turned. The chamber is intended to be substantially tubular and to have a circular cross-section. However, the cross-section could have other shapes, and even still, when the peripheral zone and the central zone are concentric, the central part of the pressure wave, which moves in the direction of the longitudinal central axis, would not change. Another advantage when the peripheral zone and the central zone are concentric and the chamber has a circular cross-section is that certain homogeneity in the turbulences of the peripheral zone can be achieved by suitably selecting the deflector means, such that at the opening of the chamber of the device, the peripheral zone with turbulences and less pressure in the longitudinal direction can be distinguished from the central zone without turbulences and with higher pressure in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the central zone and the peripheral zone can be determined from the external viewing of the chamber in the longitudinal direction, such that the peripheral zone, where deflector means and the central zone devoid of deflector means are located, can be determined in the lumen of the chamber from the rim of the opening.

[0013] In one embodiment variant, the cross-section of the peripheral zone has a circular ring shape with an inner radius and an outer radius, with the central zone being inside the circular ring. When the rim of the opening is completely circular, the circular ring will conform to the circular cross-section lumen determined by the rim. The ratio between the inner radius and the outer radius will allow the part of the cross-section of the chamber occupied by deflector means, and therefore whether there will be more or less turbulence for one and the same shape of deflector means to be determined. Thus, in devices of the state of the art in which there are no deflector means, it can be considered that the inner radius will be equal to the outer radius, as there will be no peripheral zone, so in this case the ratio between the inner radius and the outer radius will be 1.

[0014] In one embodiment variant, the ratio between the inner radius and the outer radius is less than 0.9, thus forming turbulences in the peripheral zone which may differ during use of the device in relation to known devices from the state of the art. This effect is obtained for example with a ratio between the inner radius and the outer radius less than 0.9; less than 0.85; 0.8; 0.75; 0.7; 0.65; 0.6; 0.55; 0.5; 0.45; 0.4 or 0.35.

[0015] In one embodiment variant, the ratio between the inner radius and the outer radius is less than 0.6, wherein the turbulences are well-known and establish a clearly different effect between the central zone and the peripheral zone. This effect is obtained, for example, with a ratio between the inner radius and the outer radius less than 0.6; less than 0.55; 0.5; 0.45; 0.4 or 0.35.

[0016] In one embodiment variant, the ratio between the inner radius and the outer radius is greater than 0.3, because for lower ratios, the chamber is flooded and the obtained effect decreases. This effect is obtained, for example, with a ratio between the inner radius and the outer radius greater than 0.3; greater than 0.35; 0.4; 0.45; 0.5; 0.55; 0.6; 0.65; 0.7; 0.75; 0.8 or 0.85.

[0017] In one embodiment variant, the deflector means are arranged in the side wall of the chamber, for example in the form of protrusions or fins which can be adhered to or inserted into the side wall.

[0018] In one embodiment variant, the deflector means are integrated into the side wall of the chamber, formed from bends in the side wall, or moulded together with the chamber, such that they are connected to the chamber avoiding the possibility of being detached.

[0019] In one embodiment variant, at least part of the deflector means follow a helical-shaped path, such that they favour a substantially helicoidal turbulence. Logically, the helix shape is intended so that it may be both a right-handed and a left-handed helix. These deflector means can be a set of protrusions aligned with one another following said helical-shaped path, even with spaces between them. Logically, depending on the pitch of the helix, it will form a larger or smaller angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, namely a larger angle the smaller the pitch; therefore, the larger the angle, the greater the turbulence caused.

[0020] In a preferred variant, at least part of the deflector means have a helix shape, i.e., they have helical-shaped continuity, thus achieving a higher, substantially helicoidal turbulence.

[0021] In one embodiment variant, at least part of the deflector means have a double helix shape, i.e., it has the shape of two helixes cooperating with one another to reinforce the helical-shaped turbulence even further.

[0022] In one embodiment variant, the deflector means comprise a helical-shaped first protrusion and a helical-shaped second protrusion, with the first protrusion and the second protrusion being arranged forming a double helix.

[0023] The thickness in the longitudinal direction of the deflector means decreases in the transverse direction towards the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.

[0024] In one embodiment variant, the deflector means have odd symmetry with respect to a plane of section in the longitudinal direction of the chamber.

[0025] In one embodiment variant, the volume ratio of the chamber, divided by the volume of the same chamber devoid of deflector means 5, is less than 0.95, and preferably greater than 0.45.Brief description of the drawings

[0026] To complement the description being made and for the purpose of making it easier to understand the features of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to this specification in which the following is depicted in an illustrative and nonlimiting manner: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a sagittal section view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the detail of the chamber of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a front view of the detail of the chamber of Figure 1; Figure 5a shows a section view according to plane of section AA of the chamber of Figure 4; Figure 5b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber of the device of Figure 1; Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a detail of another device according to the invention; Figure 6b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber of the device of Figure 6a; Figure 7a shows a perspective view of a detail of another device according to the invention; Figure 7b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber of the device of Figure Figure 7b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber of the device of Figure 7a; Figure 8a shows a perspective view of a detail of another device according to the invention; Figure 8b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber of the device of Figure 8a; Figure 9a shows a perspective view of a detail of another device according to the invention; Figure 9b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber of the device of Figure 9a; Figure 10a shows a perspective view of a detail of another device according to the invention; Figure 10b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber of the device of Figure 10a; Figure 11 shows a front sagittal section view of another chamber of a device of the invention; and Figures 12a, 12b and 12c show different device chambers. Detailed description of the drawings

[0027] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the stimulation device 1 for a pressure wave massage for the clitoris of the present invention. As can be observed, the device comprises an ergonomic body 9 adapted to be held comfortably with one hand and provided with a set of controls 10 in the form of buttons to activate the device 1 and establish different operating modes, in a known manner. It is also observed that the device 1 further comprises a chamber 2 inside the device 1, which is substantially tubular and has an outer end 2a forming an opening 3 intended for being situated on the clitoris provided with a rim 11, and an inner end 2b provided with generating means 4 for generating pressure waves, which can be both positive and negative with respect to the ambient pressure, in a longitudinal direction towards the opening. Since the chamber 2 is situated on the clitoris by its outer end 2a, the pressure waves generated by the generating means 4 are thereby transmitted to the clitoris, performing a stimulating massage effect. The outer end 2a can be also provided with a preferably circular slot adapted to receive a nozzle to improve the coupling of the chamber 2 with the skin.

[0028] It is further observed in the embodiment shown that the device 1 optionally comprises a vibrating massage appendage 12 , adapted to be inserted into the vagina. A combined effect of the massage on the clitoris performed by the pressure waves generated by the generating means 4 in the chamber 2 with the vibrating massaging effect of the appendage 12 in the vagina is thereby achieved.

[0029] In a known manner, the device 1 can be provided with a removable power cord which is internally connected to rechargeable power means 14, such as a batter. The rechargeable power means 14 which will power the drive means 15 of the generating means 4 for generating pressure waves in the chamber 2, in this case a motor driving a connecting rod-crankshaft system to move the bottom of the chamber 2, as well as the vibration means 16 arranged in the appendage 12, in this case a motor driving an eccentric, as well as the rest of the electronic control elements that can be driven from the set of controls 10 can be recharged by means of said power cord in order to thus enable a portable and cord-free use of the device 1.

[0030] It is also observed that the chamber 2, which is flexible and formed by a single part, further integrated in this case with a flexible covering of the body 9, comprises, between the outer end 2a and the outer end 2a, deflector means 5 for deflecting pressure waves generated by the generating means 4 adapted to modify the generated pressure waves and cause turbulences in the pressure waves when they reach the opening 3 as these pressure waves move over a medium, such as air or water. These deflector means 5 protrude from the side walls 6 of the chamber 2 towards the inside of the chamber 2 to cause turbulences in the pressure waves.

[0031] It is thereby achieved that the pressure waves at the outlet of the chamber 2 are not homogeneous, but rather have turbulences and irregularities in its pressure components, thus achieving zones in which the pressure has a mostly longitudinal component, for example a central zone 7b close to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 2, whereas in other zones, such as a peripheral zone 7a, the pressure has turbulences due to the effect of the deflector means 5. In this peripheral zone 7a, the pressure will have not only a smaller longitudinal component in the central zone 7b, but it will also have a transverse component transversal, which advantageously allows the massaging effect exerted by said pressure waves on the clitoris during use of the device 1 to be changed by simply moving the device 1 slightly, for example by moving or rotating it.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a sagittal section view of the device 1. In the section view, a section of the chamber 2 is observed, where it can be seen that it is closed at its inner end 2b and driven by the drive means 15, in the form of motor connected to a connecting rod-crankshaft system, this closed inner end 2b thus acting like generating means 4 for generating pressure waves in the chamber 2. It is therefore intended for at least the base of the chamber 2 to be flexible, such that it can move by changing the volume of the chamber 2 and thus generating positive and negative pressure waves based on a reference pressure, such as atmospheric pressure. Logically, the chamber 2 could also be connected at the inner end 2b to other chambers by means of a narrow channel, and the pressure waves could be generated initially in the other chamber and the pressure wave could be transmitted through the narrow channel to chamber 2. This case would provide for the narrow channel at the inner end 2b of the chamber 2 acting like generating means 4 for generating pressure waves.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the chamber 2 of the device 1, where the deflector means 5 can be more clearly observed. As can be observed, the deflector means 5 are arranged in the side wall 6 of the chamber 2 in the form of fins, protruding towards the inside of the chamber 2. The deflector means 5 are integrated into the side wall 6 of the chamber 2 and follow a helical-shaped path. In the embodiment shown, the deflector means 5 form a double helix in such a way that they comprise a helical-shaped first protrusion 8a and a helical-shaped second protrusion 8b, with the first protrusion 8a and the second protrusion 8b being arranged forming a double helix. The deflector means 5 would, in fact, have an odd symmetry with respect to a plane of section in the longitudinal direction L of the chamber 2.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a front view of the chamber 2, in which it can be observed that the chamber 2 comprises a side wall 6 arranged between the outer end 2a and the inner end 2b, determining a peripheral zone 7a of the chamber 2, adjacent to the side wall 6, and a central zone 7b of the chamber 2, far from the side wall, concentric to one another. The deflector means 5, formed in this case by a first protrusion 8a and a second protrusion 8b, are inscribed in the peripheral zone 7a, such that the turbulences will be concentrated in this peripheral zone 7a, whereas the deflector means 5 affect the central zone 7b, devoid of deflector means 5, to a lesser extent. Positive or negative pressure waves generated by the generating means 4 to achieve a turbulent effect at the opening 3 of the chamber 2 during a stimulation session are thereby modelled. Advantageously, the pressures of the central zone 7b will have a pressure component mostly in the longitudinal direction L, so a massaging effect similar to the effect obtained with known devices would be achieved. However, pressure waves coming from the peripheral zone 7a will have a larger transverse component and will, in fact, form a helicoidal effect in the peripheral zone 7a in the described embodiment in which the deflector means 5 have a helix shape. In this manner, since there will be different effects in the central zone 7b and the peripheral zone 7a of the chamber 2, the stimulation may be changed during a stimulation session by simply moving or turning the device, such that different erogenous parts are stimulated by a pressure coming from the central zone 7b or from the peripheral zone 7a, thus changing the stimulation without having to operate the controls of the device 1.

[0035] Figure 5a shows section AA of Figure 4; the first protrusion 8a of the deflector means 5 is observed in this section. This first protrusion 8a would have an odd symmetry with the second protrusion 8b. It is observed that the deflector means 5 have an angle of extension from the side wall 6 towards the central axis of the chamber 2 which will also determine the measurement of the turbulent effect of the deflector means. It is also observed in said Figure 5 that the thickness of the deflector means 5 in the longitudinal direction further decreases in the transverse direction towards the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 2. It is also observed that

[0036] Figure 5b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber 2 of the device 1 previously shown in Figure 1, in the which the peripheral zone 7a and the central zone 7b, as well as the inner radius r and the outer radius R can be observed. In this case, the inner radius r is 4.24 mm, whereas the outer radius R is 7.13 mm, so the ratio between the inner radius r and the outer radius R is 0.59 , i.e., less than 0.9; 0.85; 0.8; 0.75; 0.7; 0.65; and 0.6, and greater than 0.3; 0.35; 0.4; 0.45; 0.5 and 0.55. In this embodiment, the volume ratio of the chamber 2, divided by the volume of the same chamber 2 devoid of deflector means 5, would be 0.9385.

[0037] Figure 6a shows a perspective view of another chamber 2 of a device 1 according to the present invention and Figure 6b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber 2 of this device in which deflector means 5 form a helix. In Figure 6b, the peripheral zone 7a and the central zone 7b of the chamber 2, as well as the inner radius r and the outer radius R can be observed. In this case, the inner radius r is 5.48 mm, whereas the outer radius R is 7.13 mm, so the ratio between the inner radius r and the outer radius R is 0.77 , i.e., less than 0.9; 0.85 and 0.8; and greater than 0.3; 0.35; 0.4; 0.45; 0.5; 0.55; 0.6; 0.7 and 0.75. In this embodiment, the volume ratio of the chamber 2, divided by the volume of the same chamber 2 devoid of deflector means 5, would be 0.9378.

[0038] Figure 7a shows a perspective view of another chamber 2 of a device 1 according to the present invention and Figure 7b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber 2 of this device in which the deflector means 5 trace out helix shapes. In Figure 7b, the peripheral zone 7a and the central zone 7b of the chamber 2, as well as the inner radius r and the outer radius R can be observed. In this case, the inner radius r is 3.62 mm, whereas the outer radius R is 7.13, so the ratio between the inner radius r and the outer radius R is 0.51, i.e., less than 0.9; 0.85; 0.8; 0.75; 0.7; 0.65; 0.6 and 0.55 and greater than 0.3; 0.35; 0.4; 0.45; and 0.5. In this embodiment, the volume ratio of the chamber 2, divided by the volume of the same chamber 2 devoid of deflector means 5, would be 0.53.

[0039] Figure 8a shows a perspective view of another chamber 2 of a device 1 according to the present invention and Figure 8b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber 2 of this device. In Figure 8b, the peripheral zone 7a and the central zone 7b of the chamber 2, as well as the inner radius r and the outer radius R can be observed. In this case, the inner radius r is 2.49 mm, whereas the outer radius R is 7.13 mm, so the ratio between the inner radius r and the outer radius R is 0.349, i.e., less than 0.9; 0.85; 0.8; 0.75; 0.7; 0.65; 0.6; 0.55; 0.5; 0.45; 0.4 and 0.35 and greater than 0.3. In this embodiment, the volume ratio of the chamber 2, divided by the volume of the same chamber 2 devoid of deflector means 5, would be 0.4816.

[0040] Figure 9a shows a perspective view of another chamber 2 of a device 1 according to the present invention and Figure 9b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber 2 of this device. In Figure 9b, the peripheral zone 7a and the central zone 7b of the chamber 2, as well as the inner radius r and the outer radius R can be observed. In this case, the inner radius r is 5.53 mm, whereas the outer radius R is 7.13 mm, so the ratio between the inner radius r and the outer radius R is 0.78, i.e., less than 0.9; 0.85; and 0.8; and greater than 0.3; 0.35; 0.4; 0.45; 0.5; 0.55; 0.6; 0.65; 0.7 and 0.75. In this embodiment, the volume ratio of the chamber 2, divided by the volume of the same chamber 2 devoid of deflector means 5, would be 0.7469.

[0041] Figure 10a shows a perspective view of another chamber 2 of a device 1 according to the present invention and Figure 10b shows a front sagittal section view of the chamber 2 of this device. In Figure 10b, the peripheral zone 7a and the central zone 7b of the chamber 2, as well as the inner radius r and the outer radius R can be observed. In this case, the inner radius r is 6.22 mm, whereas the outer radius R is 7.13 mm, so the ratio between the inner radius r and the outer radius R is 0.87, i.e., less than 0.9 and greater than 0.3; 0.35; 0.4; 0.45; 0.5; 0.55; 0.6; 0.65; 0.7; 0.75; 0.8; and 0.85. In this embodiment, the volume ratio of the chamber 2, divided by the volume of the same chamber 2 devoid of deflector means 5, would be 0.7313.

[0042] Figure 11 shows a front sagittal section view of another chamber 2 of the device of the present invention. It should be noted that in this case, the chamber 2 does not have a circular section but rather a polygonal, namely a hexagonal section. Logically other regular or irregular sections are provided for as well. Even still, as illustrated, the peripheral zone 7a and central zone 7b can be determined, so an inner radius r and an outer radius R can also be established to calculate the ratio thereof, which is the same in the variant shown as in the variant shown previously in Figure 5b.

[0043] Figures 12a, 12b and 12c show different turbulence analysis points in chambers 2 with an air medium and a reference pressure equal to atmospheric pressure. Figure 12a shows a type of chamber 2 devoid of deflector means which is known in the state of the art; Figures 12b and 12c show a chamber provided with the deflector means 5 of the device 1 according to the present invention. Namely, the chamber 2 of Figure 12b corresponds to the chamber of the device 1 shown previously in Figures 1 to 5b, whereas the chamber 2 of Figure 12c corresponds to the chamber of the device 1 shown previously in Figures 9a and 9b. It is noted that in the central plane p of the chamber 2 of Figure 12a, the maximum radial velocity is 0.02 m / s, whereas in the central plane p of the chamber 2 of Figure 12b, the maximum radial velocity is 0.69 m / s, and in the central plane p of the chamber 2 of Figure 12c, the maximum radial velocity is 0.24 m / s; it can thus be concluded that this parameter for a device 1 of the present invention will be greater than 0.1 m / s, preferably greater than 0.2 m / s.

Claims

1. Stimulation device (1) for a pressure wave massage for the clitoris, comprising a chamber (2) with an outer end (2a) forming an opening (3) for being situated on the clitoris, and an inner end (2b) provided with generating means (4) for generating pressure waves in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the chamber comprises a side wall (6) arranged between the outer end (2a) and the inner end (2b), provided with deflector means (5) for deflecting pressure waves which protrude from the side wall (6) to cause turbulences in the pressure waves, characterised in that the thickness in the longitudinal direction of the deflector means (5) decreases in the transverse direction towards the central longitudinal axis of the chamber (2).

2. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the chamber (2) has a peripheral zone (7a) of the chamber, adjacent to the side wall, and a central zone (7b) of the chamber, adjacent to the peripheral zone (7a), with the deflector means (5) being in the peripheral zone.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the peripheral zone (7a) and the central zone (7b) are concentric.

4. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the cross-section of the peripheral zone (7a) has a circular ring shape with an inner radius (r) and an outer radius (R).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the ratio between the inner radius (r) and the outer radius (R) is less than 0.9.

6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the ratio between the inner radius (r) and the outer radius (R) is less than 0.6.

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the ratio between the inner radius (r) and the outer radius (R) is greater than 0.3.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the deflector means (5) are arranged in the side wall (6) of the chamber (2)9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the deflector means (5) are integrated into the side wall (6) of the chamber (2).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least part of the deflector means (5) follow a helical-shaped path.

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least part of the deflector means (5) form a helix.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least part of the deflector means (5) form a double helix.

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the deflector means (5) comprise a helical-shaped first protrusion (8a) and a helical-shaped second protrusion (8b), with the first protrusion (8a) and the second protrusion (8b) being arranged forming a double helix.

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the deflector means (5) have odd symmetry with respect to a plane of section in the longitudinal direction of the chamber (2).

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