Variable-shape stimulation device for stimulating the body

Abstract

The invention relates to a variable-shape stimulation device (1) for stimulating the body, in particular for sexual stimulation, comprising a rotatably mounted drive shaft (10), which is designed to be driven about a rotational axis (D) by a motor unit (20), wherein the drive shaft (10) comprises at least one wobble-bearing unit (40), which is torque-resistently connected to the drive shaft (10), and at least one wobble element (30) having at least one bearing-receptacle unit (50), on which the at least one wobble-bearing unit (40) is arranged for supporting the at least one wobble element (30). According to the invention, the at least one wobble-bearing unit (40) defines an inclination axis (N), which is inclined at an inclination angle with respect to the rotational axis (D), and the at least one wobble-bearing unit (40) is designed to support, in a wobbling manner, the wobble element (30) via the at least one bearing-receptacle unit (50) with respect to the drive shaft (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shape-varying stimulation device for physical stimulation, comprising a rotatably mounted drive shaft which is designed to be driven by a motor unit about a rotary axis, wherein the drive shaft has at least one wobble bearing unit which is connected to the drive shaft in a torque-resistant manner, and comprising at least one wobble body with a bearing receiving unit on which the wobble bearing unit is arranged for supporting the at least one wobble body.

[0002] US patent 10,350,135 B2 discloses a stimulation device with a curved drive shaft, at the end of which a sliding element is arranged which is in contact with a guide groove in a massage body of the stimulation device, so that the massage body is moved towards and away from a foot end of the stimulation device.

[0003] A disadvantage of this type of stimulation device is that the curved drive shaft results in a comparatively large bending moment and radial force acting on the drive shaft bearings. Furthermore, the curved drive shaft necessitates that the bearings be positioned at a relatively large distance from the contact point between the sliding element and the guide groove. Consequently, the drive shaft bearings are subjected to considerable stress from the resulting bending moment and radial force.

[0004] To achieve a long service life for the stimulation device despite the comparatively large bending moment and radial force, the drive shaft bearings must be relatively large, meaning they must have a comparatively large diameter and / or width. However, this contradicts the goal of making such stimulation devices as easy to handle as possible for use in physical massage and stimulation.

[0005] Furthermore, this type of stimulation device only allows for a change in the shape of the massage body in one direction at any given time or time interval; for example, a movement of the massage body towards the foot end or a movement of the massage body away from the foot end. In this respect, known stimulation devices can often only perform a bending or a stretching movement at any given time or time interval.

[0006] For an improved massage and stimulation experience, it may be preferable for the massage body to perform a shape variation in different directions at a given time or time interval, so that, for example, a lower section of the massage body moves towards the foot end (i.e., curves), while an upper section of the massage body moves away from the foot end (i.e., stretches) at the same time or time interval.

[0007] WO2017 / 054072 relates to a device for sexual stimulation comprising a motor, a vibration actuator and a flexible drive shaft connected to an output of the motor and supplying the vibration actuator with driving force.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stimulation device that reduces or eliminates the disadvantages of existing solutions. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stimulation device that has a long service life and is also easy to handle. Furthermore, it is a particular object of the present invention to provide a stimulation device that allows for shape variation in different directions at the same time or within the same time interval. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stimulation device with which an improved stimulation effect can be achieved on and / or within the body.

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved according to the shape-variant stimulation device for physical stimulation, in particular for sexual stimulation, as described in claim 1. The stimulation device is specifically designed for insertion into a body orifice, for example, the vagina. Preferably, the stimulation device is designed as a vibrator or dildo.

[0010] In particular, the object of the present invention is solved with the shape-varying stimulation device described above, wherein the at least one wobble bearing unit defines an axis of inclination which is inclined at an angle to the axis of rotation, and the at least one wobble bearing unit is designed to mount the wobble body in a wobbling manner relative to the drive shaft via the at least one bearing receiving unit.

[0011] The stimulation device extends longitudinally along the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. It is particularly preferred that the stimulation device extends longitudinally between a hand unit and a head unit. The hand unit is designed for holding the stimulation device. The head unit is specifically designed for body massage.

[0012] Typically, such a stimulation device according to the invention can have a deformable outer shell. In particular, such an outer shell defines an interior space of the device, which the outer shell can seal watertight and / or airtight from the environment. For example, the outer shell can be made of an elastic material, such as silicone. Preferably, for the application of the stimulation device, the outer shell encloses the rotatably mounted drive shaft and / or the motor unit and / or the at least one rocker bearing unit and / or the at least one rocker body.

[0013] The shape-variing stimulation device according to the invention has a rotatably mounted drive shaft, which is designed to be driven about a rotary axis by a motor unit. For this purpose, the drive shaft can be connected to the motor unit in a torque-resistant manner to transmit the rotary motion of the motor unit to the drive shaft. It may be preferred to arrange a gearbox between the motor unit and the drive shaft, which mechanically couples the motor unit and the drive shaft in order to impart a desired speed and / or torque to the drive shaft. The motor unit is, in particular, an electric motor that can be powered by an electrical supply unit, for example, a battery, an accumulator, and / or a low-voltage network.

[0014] The hand unit of the stimulation device typically includes the motor unit and an electrical power supply unit to provide the motor unit with the electrical power required for operation. In particular, the hand unit may also include a gearbox that transmits the speed and / or torque of the motor unit to the drive shaft via a corresponding gear ratio or reduction. Specifically, it is understood that the drive shaft is rotatably mounted relative to the hand unit about its axis of rotation. Furthermore, the drive shaft is preferably fixed in the longitudinal direction of its axis of rotation relative to the hand unit.

[0015] In particular, one or more of the wobble bodies can be arranged in the head unit of the stimulation device. Specifically, it is provided that the drive shaft extends from the motor unit to the head unit.

[0016] The drive shaft has at least one wobble bearing unit that is torque-resistant and connected to the drive shaft. Preferably, the at least one wobble bearing unit is positively locked, frictionally locked, and / or materially bonded to the drive shaft. It is particularly preferred that the wobble bearing unit is rigidly connected to the drive shaft in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation. Preferably, the at least one wobble bearing unit is positively locked, frictionally locked, and / or materially bonded to the drive shaft in the longitudinal direction. It is particularly preferred that the drive shaft and the at least one wobble bearing unit are formed in one piece. It may be particularly preferred that the drive shaft and / or the at least one wobble bearing unit are formed as a casting, especially as an injection-molded part.

[0017] In particular, it is provided that the at least one wobble bearing unit has a corresponding shaft receptacle. The shaft receptacle is designed for connection to the shaft. It is particularly preferred that the shaft receptacle of the at least one wobble bearing unit and the drive shaft are connected by a material bond, a positive fit, and / or a friction fit.

[0018] Preferably, the drive shaft and / or the at least one wobble bearing unit are made of steel and / or plastic. It may be preferred that the drive shaft is made of steel and the at least one wobble bearing unit is made of plastic, or vice versa. Alternatively, it may be preferred that the drive shaft and the at least one wobble bearing unit are made of the same material. Furthermore, it may be preferred that the drive shaft and / or the at least one wobble bearing unit are coated. In particular, the at least one wobble bearing unit is made of or coated with a material having a low coefficient of friction. A material with a low coefficient of friction suitable for plain bearings is, for example, a PTFE composite material, a POM composite material, or a bronze-based alloy, such as a plain bearing made of solid bronze, sintered bronze, or rolled bronze.The at least one wobble bearing unit can also be made of a fiber composite material, for example of polyester fibers and / or glass fibers embedded in a matrix, for example of epoxy resin.

[0019] Several wobble bearing units are preferably arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft or the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Preferably, several wobble bearing units are arranged equidistant from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] Furthermore, the shape-varying stimulation device comprises at least one wobble body with at least one bearing unit. Preferably, the at least one bearing unit is arranged on the wobble body. It is preferred that the at least one bearing unit is connected to the wobble body in a torque-resistant manner. Additionally or alternatively, it may be preferred that the at least one bearing unit is rigidly connected to the wobble body in at least one translational direction. In particular, the at least one bearing unit is connected to the wobble body by a positive fit and / or a force-fit and / or a material bond. Preferably, the at least one bearing unit and the wobble body are formed in one piece. In particular, it may be preferred that the wobble body and / or the at least one bearing unit are formed as a casting, in particular as an injection-molded part.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one wobble bearing body and / or the at least one bearing housing unit is made of steel and / or plastic. It may be preferred that the at least one wobble bearing body is made of steel and the at least one bearing housing unit is made of plastic, or vice versa. Alternatively, it may be preferred that, in the case of an arrangement of several bearing housing units, the bearing housing units are made of the same material. Furthermore, it may be preferred that the at least one bearing housing unit is coated. In particular, the at least one bearing housing unit is made of or coated with a material having a low coefficient of friction. A material with a low coefficient of friction suitable for plain bearings is, for example, a PTFE composite material, a POM composite material, or a bronze-based alloy, such as a plain bearing made of solid bronze, sintered bronze, or rolled bronze.The at least one bearing receiving unit can also be made of a fiber composite material, for example of polyester fibers and / or glass fibers embedded in a matrix, for example of epoxy resin.

[0022] It may be preferred that the shape-varying stimulation device has several wobble bodies. In particular, the shape-varying stimulation device has two or three wobble bodies. The wobble bodies are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft or the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. In particular, the wobble bodies are arranged equidistant from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The at least one wobble bearing unit is arranged on the at least one bearing receiving unit for supporting the at least one wobble body. In particular, one bearing receiving unit is assigned to one wobble body and one wobble bearing unit. Preferably, one wobble body is assigned to one wobble bearing unit. Furthermore, it may be preferred that two or more wobble bearing units are assigned to the wobble body. Preferably, the at least one wobble bearing unit is in point, line, or area contact with the at least one bearing receiving unit. In particular, the at least one wobble bearing unit and the at least one bearing receiving unit are designed as sliding bearings. It is preferred that the at least one wobble bearing unit slides relative to the at least one bearing receiving unit when the drive shaft is driven by the motor unit.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one wobble bearing unit and the at least one bearing support unit are designed as axial and / or radial sliding bearings. If the at least one wobble bearing unit and the at least one bearing support unit are designed as axial bearings, the at least one bearing support unit has a circumferential projection or is designed as a projection. In particular, the at least one bearing support unit is designed as a flanged bushing when used as an axial bearing. The at least one wobble bearing unit is designed as an axial bearing, in particular as a plate-shaped or ring-shaped bearing. As an axial bearing, the projection of the at least one bearing support unit is in sliding contact with the plate-shaped or ring-shaped at least one wobble bearing unit.If the at least one wobble bearing unit and the at least one bearing mounting unit are designed as radial bearings, the at least one bearing mounting unit and the at least one wobble bearing unit are preferably cylindrical. As radial bearings, the cylindrically designed at least one bearing mounting unit and the cylindrically designed at least one wobble bearing unit are in sliding contact.

[0025] The at least one wobble bearing unit defines an inclination axis that is inclined at an angle relative to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Preferably, the inclination axis is oriented such that it intersects the axis of rotation. It is particularly preferred that, in the case of multiple wobble bearing units, the respective defined inclination axis intersects the axis of rotation. It may be preferred that, in multiple wobble bearing units, the inclination angles of the inclination axes are different from one another, or at least partially different from one another. It is particularly preferred that, in multiple wobble bearing units, the inclination angles of the inclination axes are identical.

[0026] The angle of inclination of an axis of inclination is, in particular, the angle between the axis of rotation and the axis of inclination when the axis of inclination intersects the axis of rotation or when the axis of inclination intersects the axis of rotation after a parallel displacement. Preferably, the angle of inclination is at least 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°. Furthermore, it is preferred that the angle of inclination be at most 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°.

[0027] Preferably, the axes of inclination of two adjacent wobble bearing units extend such that they do not intersect. It may be preferred that two adjacent wobble bearing units are arranged such that their axes of inclination are oriented such that they intersect, in particular at an angle corresponding to the sum of the inclination angles of the two axes. It may further be preferred that two or more axes of inclination extend parallel to each other. In particular, the wobble bearing units are arranged such that the respective axes of inclination extend offset about the axis of rotation by a rotational differential angle. The rotational differential angle is therefore an angle between the axes of inclination of two longitudinally adjacent wobble bearing units.In this respect, the rotation difference angle describes an angle by which an inclination axis of a wobble body is arranged rotated around the axis of rotation relative to the inclination axis of a neighboring wobble body.

[0028] Preferably, in a shape-varying stimulation device comprising two wobble bodies, the inclination axis(s) of one or more wobble bearing units assigned to one of the two wobble bodies are oriented offset relative to the inclination axis(s) of one or more wobble bearing units assigned to the other of the two wobble bodies in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft about the axis of rotation by a rotational differential angle of at least 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270° or 315° and by a maximum rotational differential angle of 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270° or 315°.

[0029] The at least one wobble bearing unit is designed to mount the at least one wobble body relative to the drive shaft via the at least one bearing mounting unit in a wobbling manner. The wobble body is mounted at an angle relative to the axis of rotation, determined by the angle of inclination defined by the wobble bearing unit. The direction of inclination of the respective wobble body changes depending on the rotation angle of the respective wobble bearing unit.

[0030] It is preferred that the at least one wobble body is stationary about the axis of rotation in the circumferential direction relative to the drive shaft. In particular, for the wobbling mounting of the at least one wobble body relative to the drive shaft, it is provided that the at least one wobble body is arranged stationary in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the wobbling mounted at least one wobble body is arranged stationary in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation relative to the drive shaft.

[0031] It is preferred, however, that the at least one wobbling element, mounted on a wobbling bearing, performs a wobbling motion during operation of the stimulation device, depending on the angle of rotation of a drive shaft rotating during operation about the axis of rotation. In particular, the wobbling motion of the at least one wobbling element is defined such that the at least one wobbling element is arranged coaxially to the axis of inclination of the at least one wobbling bearing unit. It is understood, in particular, that the at least one wobbling element is designed to perform only a wobbling motion, but not a rotational motion about the axis of rotation. The wobbling motion of a wobbling element causes a shape variation of the stimulation device. The arrangement of several wobbling elements particularly advantageously causes a shape variation of the stimulation device in different directions at the same time or within the same time interval.

[0032] The at least one wobble body is therefore arranged relative to the drive shaft in such a way that the wobble body does not perform any rotational movement about the axis of rotation. However, the at least one wobble body is also arranged relative to the drive shaft in such a way that the at least one wobble body performs a wobble movement in relation to the drive shaft or the at least one wobble bearing unit during operation of the stimulation device.

[0033] During operation, the rotating drive shaft causes the at least one wobble bearing unit to rotate, and thus the tilt axis defined by the respective wobble bearing unit to rotate. When the drive shaft rotates 360° about the axis of rotation, the tilt axis describes the surface of a cone, which is preferably rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation. Accordingly, the invention is characterized by at least one wobble body that is mounted at an angle relative to the axis of rotation by means of the at least one wobble bearing unit. It is preferably provided that the tilt angle is constant, independent of the rotation angle of the at least one wobble bearing unit. In particular, it is provided that the tilt axis of the at least one wobble bearing unit rotating about the drive shaft defines a conical surface.

[0034] The stimulation device according to the invention thus reduces, if not eliminates, the disadvantages of existing solutions. In particular, the inventive design of the stimulation device enables a particularly space-saving and wear-free bearing for performing a wobbling motion, i.e., shape variation of the stimulation device, in several directions simultaneously or within the same time interval. The wear-free bearing of the wobbling elements relative to the drive shaft, in particular, leads to a comparatively long service life of the stimulation device. Furthermore, the described arrangement of the wobbling elements relative to the drive shaft means that the bearing is subjected to less stress, which also has a positive effect on the service life and, at the same time, allows for a particularly compact design of the stimulation device.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the drive shaft is straight. A straight drive shaft, in particular, has no curvature. Specifically, the curvature of a straight drive shaft is zero. In particular, the manufacture and assembly of a straight drive shaft is simpler and less expensive compared to curved drive shafts. Furthermore, such a straight drive shaft can have the advantage of minimal bending stress.

[0036] In addition or alternatively, this preferred embodiment of the shape-changing stimulation device provides that the drive shaft has a polygonal cross-section. A polygonal cross-section is, in particular, a multi-sided cross-section. For example, a polygonal cross-section is a triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. cross-section. It may be preferred that the shaft cross-section be designed as a star-shaped or gear-shaped cross-section.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one wobble bearing unit is designed to positively engage the drive shaft with its polygonal cross-section. Preferably, the shaft receptacle is designed as a polygonal cross-section. In particular, the polygonal cross-section is a polygonal cross-section. For example, a polygonal cross-section is triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. It may be preferred that the cross-section be designed as a star-shaped or gear-shaped cross-section.

[0038] This enables a positive-locking connection between the drive shaft and the motor unit. Furthermore, the drive shaft can be connected to the wobble bearing unit in a particularly simple and rotationally fixed manner. This allows for a particularly effective transmission of torque.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the wobble bearing unit has a wobble bearing surface that is arranged inclined relative to the axis of rotation. In particular, the wobble bearing surface is designed to support the wobble body in a wobbling manner relative to the drive shaft via the at least one bearing mounting unit.

[0040] A wobble bearing surface inclined relative to the axis of rotation intersects the axis of rotation, in particular at an angle of inclination greater than 0° and less than 90°. Preferably, a wobble bearing surface inclined relative to the axis of rotation does not extend parallel to the axis of rotation. Furthermore, it is preferred that a wobble bearing surface inclined relative to the axis of rotation does not intersect the axis of rotation orthogonally. In particular, the wobble bearing surface is arranged inclined relative to the axis of rotation by the angle of inclination.

[0041] It may be preferred that the wobble bearing surface comprises one or more surface sections that have no curvature and one or more surface sections that have curvature. Preferably, the one or more surface sections that have no curvature extend orthogonally to the axis of inclination. Furthermore, it is preferred that the one or more surface sections that have curvature extend parallel, and in particular coaxially, to the axis of inclination.

[0042] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the wobble bearing surface is provided to have a cylindrical wobble bearing surface that extends coaxially to the tilting axis. Additionally or alternatively, in this preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the wobble bearing surface has a plate-shaped wobble bearing surface that extends orthogonally to the tilting axis.

[0043] Preferably, the cylindrical bearing surface is a surface corresponding to the shell of a cylinder or at least to a section of the cylinder's shell. It is particularly preferred that the cylindrical bearing surface has a constant curvature. The plate-shaped bearing surface is preferably a flat surface. In particular, the plate-shaped bearing surface is circular. Preferably, the plate-shaped bearing surface is an end face of the cylinder or corresponds to at least a section of the end face of the cylinder. The plate-shaped bearing surface is preferably a disk-shaped bearing surface.

[0044] It is particularly preferred that the cylindrical bearing surface extends from the plate-shaped bearing surface. Preferably, the cylindrical bearing surface extends orthogonally to the plate-shaped bearing surface. It may be preferred that the bearing surface is formed alternately from the cylindrical bearing surface and the plate-shaped bearing surface. In particular, it may be preferred that the bearing surface comprises several cylindrical bearing surfaces and / or several plate-shaped bearing surfaces.

[0045] It is preferable for the wobble bearing unit to have several cylindrical wobble bearing surfaces. In particular, it is preferable for the several cylindrical wobble bearing surfaces to be spaced apart from each other.

[0046] Furthermore, it may be preferred that the wobble bearing unit has several plate-shaped wobble bearing surfaces. In particular, it may be preferred that the several plate-shaped wobble bearing surfaces are spaced apart from each other. In preferred embodiments of the stimulation device, the wobble bearing unit may have two plate-shaped wobble bearing surfaces facing each other. Furthermore, it may be preferred that the wobble bearing unit additionally or alternatively has two plate-shaped wobble bearing surfaces facing away from each other.

[0047] According to another preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the wobble bearing unit has a wobble bearing adapter with a mounting receptacle, via which the wobble bearing unit is connected to the drive shaft in a torque-resistant manner.

[0048] Preferably, the wobble bearing adapter is positively locked and / or frictionally locked and / or materially bonded to the drive shaft. It is particularly preferred that the wobble bearing adapter is rigidly connected to the drive shaft in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation. Preferably, the wobble bearing adapter is positively locked and / or frictionally locked and / or materially bonded to the drive shaft in the longitudinal direction. It is particularly preferred that the drive shaft and the wobble bearing adapter are formed in one piece. It may be particularly preferred that the drive shaft and / or the wobble bearing adapter are formed as a casting, especially as an injection-molded part.

[0049] In particular, the wobble bearing adapter is designed to have a corresponding shaft receptacle. Specifically, the shaft receptacle is designed to correspond to the mounting receptacle.

[0050] The wobble bearing adapter allows for particularly easy and quick assembly of the shape-changing stimulation device. Specifically, the tilt angle, and thus the degree of shape change of the stimulation device, can be adjusted as needed by replacing the wobble bearing adapter.

[0051] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the shape-variable stimulation device, the mounting receptacle extends coaxially to the axis of rotation. This allows for a particularly advantageous force transmission. In particular, such an arrangement minimizes the bending moment acting on the drive shaft. This coaxial arrangement of the wobble bearing adapter also results in a particularly compact design for the stimulation device.

[0052] According to a further preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the mounting receptacle is a through-hole that extends along the axis of rotation through the wobble bearing adapter.

[0053] According to a further preferred development of the shape-varying stimulation device, the through-hole has a polygonal opening cross-section.

[0054] Preferably, this training provides that the opening cross-section corresponds to the polygonal wave cross-section.

[0055] A polygonal opening cross-section is, in particular, a multi-sided cross-section. For example, a polygonal opening cross-section is a triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. cross-section. It may be preferred that the opening cross-section be designed as a star-shaped or gear-shaped cross-section.

[0056] Preferably, the at least one wobble bearing unit is designed to positively engage the drive shaft with its polygonal cross-section. Preferably, the shaft receptacle is designed as a polygonal cross-section. In particular, the polygonal cross-section is a polygonal cross-section. For example, a polygonal cross-section is triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. It may be preferred that the cross-section be designed as a star-shaped or gear-shaped cross-section.

[0057] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the wobble bearing adapter has a projection designed to support a bearing bushing in an extension direction of the tilt axis.

[0058] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the shape-variable stimulation device, the wobble bearing unit includes a bearing bushing that circumferentially surrounds the wobble bearing adapter, with the bearing bushing preferably comprising the wobble bearing surface. This particularly facilitates the easy and quick replacement of wear parts such as the bearing bushing. In particular, this solution eliminates the need to replace the entire stimulation device after the bearing bushing wears out, as can be the case with prior art stimulation devices.

[0059] According to a further development of the shape-variant stimulation device, the bearing bushing is made of nylon. Specifically, the bearing bushing is designed to be made of nylon. A bearing bushing made of nylon, or one consisting entirely of nylon, exhibits particularly advantageous bearing and sliding properties. Nylon minimizes wear and thus increases the service life of such stimulation devices.

[0060] According to a further preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the bearing bushing is designed as a plain bearing bushing. A plain bearing bushing has the advantage of being more durable and quieter compared to rolling bearings. Furthermore, the use of a plain bearing bushing allows for the compensation of misalignment and dampens vibrations. In particular, the plain bearing bushing enables a more compact design compared to rolling bearings.

[0061] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the shape-variing stimulation device, the bearing bushing is provided to have one or more bearing bushing surface sections. Preferably, the one bearing bushing surface section or the several bearing bushing surface sections extend parallel to the axis of inclination. Additionally or alternatively, in this preferred embodiment, the one bearing bushing surface section or the several bearing bushing surface sections extend orthogonally to the axis of inclination.

[0062] According to a further preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the bearing unit comprises one or more bearing surface sections. Preferably, in this embodiment, the one or more bearing surface sections extend parallel to the axis of inclination. Additionally or alternatively, in this preferred embodiment, the one or more bearing surface sections extend orthogonally to the axis of inclination. In particular, the bearing surface section is configured such that the wobbling body is mounted in a wobbling manner relative to the wobbling bearing unit, especially the wobbling bearing surface.

[0063] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, it is provided that one bearing receiving surface section or the several bearing receiving surface sections are designed in a ring-shaped or partially ring-shaped form.

[0064] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the shape-varying stimulation device comprises two, three, or more wobble bearing units, wherein the axis of inclination of at least one wobble bearing unit extends relative to the axis of rotation by a rotational differential angle equal to the angle of inclination. In this preferred embodiment, it is provided that the axis of inclination of the at least one wobble bearing unit extends relative to the axis of inclination of the at least one other wobble bearing unit by a rotational differential angle of 180° equal to the angle of inclination.

[0065] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the shape-variant stimulation device, the stimulation device extends between a head end and a hand end. A wobble body forming the head end is designed as a head body, which has a wobble body recess extending from a first end face of the at least one wobble body into an interior of the at least one wobble body, and the drive shaft extends into the wobble body recess. Additionally or alternatively, it is provided that a wobble body arranged between the head end, in particular the head body, and the hand unit is designed as an intermediate body, which has a wobble body passage opening extending between the first and a second end face of the wobble body, and the drive shaft extends through the wobble body passage opening.

[0066] Furthermore, in a preferred advanced training, the shape-variing stimulation device includes a hand unit for handling the stimulation device.

[0067] According to a further preferred embodiment, the shape-varying stimulation device has at least one deformable support element which is arranged on the at least one wobble body.

[0068] In a further preferred embodiment of the shape-variing stimulation device, the at least one support element supports the at least one wobble body at the first and / or second end face. Additionally or alternatively, this preferred embodiment provides that the at least one support element extends at least partially into the at least one wobble body, in particular at least partially into the wobble body recess and / or the wobble body passage opening of the at least one wobble body.

[0069] In this preferred embodiment, it is preferably provided that a deformable support element is arranged between each pair of adjacent wobble bodies. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that a deformable support element is arranged between each wobble body and the hand unit.

[0070] The at least one support element is designed to deform depending on the angle of inclination. In particular, the at least one support element is compressed on one side and stretched on the opposite side.

[0071] Finally, in a further preferred embodiment of the shape-varying stimulation device, the at least one support element has a cylindrical outer shell, at least in some sections. Additionally or alternatively, in this preferred embodiment, the at least one support element has a stepped outer shell, at least in some sections. Furthermore, it is additionally or alternatively provided that the at least one support element has a corrugated outer shell, at least in some sections.

[0072] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Figures 1a-1c are schematic sectional views of a preferred embodiment of a stimulation device; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a stimulation device; Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a stimulation device; Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a stimulation device; Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a stimulation device; and Figures 6a-6c are schematic three-dimensional detail views of the Figure 5 preferred embodiment of a stimulation device as shown.

[0073] The Figures 1a to 1cFigure 1 shows schematic sectional views of a preferred embodiment of a shape-variable stimulation device 1 for massaging a body. The stimulation device extends longitudinally along a drive shaft 10 or a rotation axis D of the drive shaft 10 between a hand unit 70 and a head unit 80. During operation, the hand unit 70 serves to hold the stimulation device 1, and the head unit 80 can be placed against the body for massage.

[0074] The shape-variing stimulation device 1 comprises a drive shaft 10 rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation D, which is mechanically coupled to a motor unit 20 and extends straight out from the motor unit 20. The motor unit 20 drives the drive shaft 10 in one direction of rotation about the axis of rotation D at a desired speed and with a desired torque. Preferably, the speed and also the torque that the motor unit 20 can provide to drive the drive shaft 10 can be varied during operation of the shape-variing stimulation device 1.

[0075] The drive shaft 10 has two wobble bearing units 40, which are torque-resistant and connected to the drive shaft 10. It can be seen that the wobble bearing units 40 are spaced apart from each other, with the drive shaft 10 extending longitudinally from the motor unit 20 along the axis of rotation D to one of the two wobble bearing units 40. The other of the two wobble bearing units 40 is arranged between the motor unit 20 and this wobble bearing unit 40.

[0076] The two in the Figures 1a to 1cThe depicted wobble bearing units 40 each have a plate-shaped wobble bearing surface 42b that extends inclined relative to the axis of rotation D. These inclined plate-shaped wobble bearing surfaces 42b each define an axis of inclination N that extends orthogonally to the respective plate-shaped wobble bearing surface 42b and intersects the axis of rotation D. It can be seen that the two axes of inclination N extend offset by a rotation angle difference of 180° around the axis of rotation D.

[0077] The in the Figures 1a-1cThe illustrated preferred embodiment of the shape-changing stimulation device 1 comprises two wobble bodies 30, each having a bearing unit 50, which is mounted on one of the two wobble bearing units 40 for the purpose of supporting the respective wobble body 30. One of the two wobble bodies 30, which is arranged longitudinally opposite the hand unit 70, forms the head unit of the stimulation device 1. The other of the two wobble bodies 30, which is arranged longitudinally between the hand unit 70 and the wobble body designed as the head unit, is designed as an intermediate body of the stimulation device 1.

[0078] The Figures 1a-1c The figures show the drive shaft 10 of the stimulation device 1 at different angles of rotation. Figure 1aFor example, the drive shaft is at a rotation angle of 0°. In this position, the intermediate body is tilted to the left and the wobble body forming the head unit is tilted to the right. Figure 1b The image shows the drive shaft at a rotation angle of 90°. In this position, the intermediate body is inclined forwards (outwards from the blade) and the wobble body forming the head unit is inclined backwards (inwards from the blade). Figure 1c Finally, the drive shaft is shown at a rotation angle of 180°. In this position, the intermediate body is tilted to the right and the wobble body forming the head unit is tilted to the left.

[0079] It is important to understand that the wobble body does not rotate around the axis of rotation while the drive shaft rotates around the axis of rotation. Rather, the wobble bodies are designed to perform a wobble motion only depending on the angle of rotation of the drive shaft, but remain stationary in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft.

[0080] It can be seen that in the wobble body forming the head unit, the drive shaft 10 extends into the interior of the wobble body, but not through it. The wobble body 30 forming the head unit thus has a wobble body recess that extends from a first end face of the wobble body 30 into the interior of the wobble body 30. The drive shaft 10, together with the wobble bearing unit 40, therefore extends partially into the wobble body recess.

[0081] The wobble body 30, designed as an intermediate body, is configured such that the drive shaft 10 extends through it. The wobble body 30, therefore, has a through-opening. This through-opening extends between a first and a second end face of the wobble body. The drive shaft is designed to extend through this through-opening.

[0082] A support element 60 is arranged between the wobble body forming the head unit and the wobble body forming the intermediate body. Furthermore, a support element 60 is arranged between the wobble body forming the intermediate body and the hand unit 70. One support element 60 thus supports the wobble body forming the head unit at its first end face relative to the wobble body forming the intermediate body at its second end face. The other support element 60 supports the wobble body forming the intermediate body at its first end face relative to the hand unit 70. In conjunction with the support elements, the wobble bodies are thus mounted on wobble bearing units 40.

[0083] For the present purpose, the support elements 60 are designed to be deformable in order to follow a wobbling motion of the wobbling bodies 30. To improve deformability, the support elements have a stepped outer shell. The stepped outer shell comprises several sections, each of which has a cylindrical outer shell. It is preferably provided that the support elements, as well as the wobbling bodies, are arranged in a stationary position in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft.

[0084] The Figures 2 to 5 Each shows a schematic sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a stimulation device 1. The figures in the Figures 2 to 5 The embodiments of the stimulation device 1 shown are similar to those described in the Figures 1a-1c The embodiment of a stimulation device 1 shown and described above. Figures 2 to 5 The illustrated embodiments of the stimulation device 1 differ from the one shown in Figure 1The illustrated embodiment of the stimulation device 1 essentially in the design of the at least one wobble bearing unit 40 and the at least one bearing receiving unit 50.

[0085] In Figure 2Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a stimulation device 1, the at least one of which, a wobble bearing unit 40, has three cylindrical wobble bearing surfaces 42a. Furthermore, the at least one wobble bearing unit 40 has four plate-shaped wobble bearing surfaces 42b, two of which face each other and two of which face away from each other. The bearing support unit 50 has three corresponding cylindrical bearing support surface sections 50b, 50c, 50d, which extend coaxially to the tilt axis N. This fixes the wobble body radially to the tilt axis N. The bearing support unit 50 also has two bearing support surface sections that extend orthogonally to the tilt axis N and are in sliding contact with the corresponding wobble bearing surfaces 42b to support the wobble body in a wobbling position. This fixes the wobble body along the tilt axis N.

[0086] In Figure 3Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a stimulation device 1, the at least one of which has a wobble bearing unit 40 with two cylindrical wobble bearing surfaces 42a spaced apart from each other along the axis of inclination N. Between the two cylindrical wobble bearing surfaces 42a are two plate-shaped wobble bearing surfaces 42b, facing away from each other. The bearing receiving unit 50 has two cylindrical bearing receiving surface sections 50b, 50c extending parallel to the axis of inclination N. This fixes the wobble body radially to the axis of inclination N. Furthermore, the bearing receiving unit 50 has two bearing receiving surface sections extending orthogonally to the axis of inclination N, which are in sliding contact with the corresponding wobble bearing surfaces 42b to support the wobble body in a wobbling position. This fixes the wobble body along the axis of inclination N.

[0087] In Figure 4Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a stimulation device 1, the at least one of which has a wobble bearing unit 40 with a cylindrical wobble bearing surface 42a extending coaxially to the tilt axis N. Furthermore, the at least one wobble bearing unit 40 has a projection 44 at each end, each forming a plate-shaped, in particular annular, wobble bearing surface 42b extending orthogonally to the tilt axis N. The bearing receiving unit 50 has four corresponding cylindrical bearing receiving surface sections 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, which extend coaxially to the tilt axis N and are spaced apart from one another along the tilt axis N. It is further provided that the bearing receiving unit 50 has two bearing receiving surface sections extending orthogonally to the tilt axis N, which are in sliding contact with the corresponding wobble bearing surfaces 42b to support the wobble body in a wobbling position.

[0088] In Figure 5 An embodiment of a stimulation device 1 is shown, which is essentially based on the one described in Figure 4 the embodiment of the stimulation device 1 shown. In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 4 The depicted storage unit 50 has the following features: Figure 5 The bearing support unit 50 shown has four cylindrical bearing support surface sections which are in sliding contact with the wobble bearing surfaces of the wobble bearing units 40 for the bearing of the wobble bodies 30.

[0089] Figures 6a to 6c are schematic three-dimensional detail views of the in Figure 5The illustrated preferred embodiment of a stimulation device 1, in particular a bearing support unit 50 and a wobble bearing unit 40, is shown. It can be seen that the wobble bearing unit 40 has a wobble bearing adapter 41 with a mounting receptacle 43, via which the wobble bearing unit 40 is torque-resistantly connected to the drive shaft 10. For this purpose, the mounting receptacle 43 extends coaxially to the axis of rotation D and has a through-opening that extends along the axis of rotation D through the wobble bearing adapter 41. To transmit the torque and rotational movement of the drive shaft to the wobble bearing units 40, the through-opening has a polygonal cross-section. Correspondingly, the drive shaft 10 has a polygonal cross-section that corresponds to the cross-section of the opening.In the preferred embodiment shown here, the opening cross-section and the shaft cross-section are rectangular.

[0090] In this preferred embodiment, the wobble bearing adapters 41 each have a projection 44 designed to support a bearing bushing 45 in one direction of extension of the tilt axis N. The bearing bushing 45 surrounds the wobble bearing adapter 41 circumferentially and rests on the projection 44 of the wobble bearing adapter 41. In this preferred embodiment, the bearing bushing 45 has cylindrical wobble bearing surfaces 42a, 42b, such that the cylindrical wobble bearing surface 42a extends coaxially to the tilt axis N and the plate-shaped wobble bearing surface 42b extends orthogonally to the tilt axis N. The bearing bushing 45, in conjunction with the bearing receiving unit 50, forms a sliding bearing.This allows the drive shaft 10 with the wobble bearing units 40 which are fixed to the drive shaft 10 to rotate relative to the wobble bodies 30 which are arranged stationary in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 10 and cause a wobble movement of the wobble bodies 30. Reference symbol list

[0091] 1 Shape-varying stimulation device 10 Drive shaft 20 Motor unit 30 Wobble body 40 Wobble bearing unit 41 Wobble bearing adapter 42a Cylindrical wobble bearing surface 42b Plate-shaped wobble bearing surface 43 Mounting receptacle 44 Projection 45 Bearing bushing 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d Bearing bushing surface sections 50 Bearing receptacle unit 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e Bearing receptacle surface sections 60 Support element 70 Hand unit 80 Head unit D Rotation axis N Tilting axis

Claims

1. A variable-shape stimulation device (1) for stimulating the body, in particular for sexual stimulation, comprising - a rotatably mounted drive shaft (10), which is designed to be driven about a rotational axis (D) by a motor unit (20), wherein the drive shaft (10) has at least one wobble-bearing unit (40), which is torque-resistantly connected to the drive shaft (10), and - at least one wobble body (30) having at least one bearing-receptacle unit (50), on which the at least one wobble-bearing unit (40) is arranged for supporting the at least one wobble body (30), characterized in that - the at least one wobble-bearing unit (40) defines an inclination axis (N), which is inclined at an inclination angle relative to the rotational axis (D), and - the at least one wobble-bearing unit (40) is designed to support, in a wobbling manner, the wobble body (30) via the at least one bearing-receptacle unit (50) with respect to the drive shaft (10).

2. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive shaft (10) is a straight drive shaft (10) and / or the drive shaft (10) has a polygonal shaft cross section.

3. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 and 2, wherein the wobble-bearing unit (40) has a wobble-bearing surface which is inclined relative to the rotational axis (D), wherein preferably the wobble-bearing surface - has a wobble-bearing surface (42a) in the form of a cylindrical shell which extends coaxially to the inclination axis (N), and / or - has a plate-shaped wobble-bearing surface (42b) which extends orthogonally to the inclination axis (N).

4. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the wobble-bearing unit (40) has a wobble-bearing adapter (41) with a fastening receptacle (43), via which the wobble-bearing unit (40) is torque-resistantly connected to the drive shaft (10), wherein the fastening receptacle (43) extends preferably coaxially to the rotational axis (D).

5. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in the preceding claim4, wherein the fastening receptacle (43) is a through-opening which extends along the rotational axis (D) through the wobble-bearing adapter (41), wherein preferably the through-opening has a polygonal opening cross section, wherein the opening cross section preferably corresponds to the polygonal shaft cross section.

6. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 4 to 5, wherein the wobble-bearing adapter (41) has a projection (44) which is designed to support a bearing bush (45) in a direction of extent of the inclination axis (N), wherein preferably the wobble-bearing unit (40) comprises the bearing bush (45), which surrounds the wobble-bearing adapter (41) on the circumferential side, wherein preferably the bearing bush (45) comprises the wobble-bearing surface, wherein preferably the bearing bush (45) comprises nylon.

7. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in the preceding claim6, wherein the bearing bush (45) is designed as a plain bearing bush.

8. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 6 to 7, wherein the bearing bush (45) comprises one or more bearing bush surface portions (45a, 45b, 45c, 45d), wherein preferably the one bearing bush surface portion or the plurality of bearing bush surface portions (45a, 45b, 45c, 45d) - extend parallel to the inclination axis (N), and / or - extend orthogonally to the inclination axis (N).

9. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the bearing-receptacle unit (50) comprises one bearing-receptacle surface portion (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e) or a plurality of bearing-receptacle surface portions (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e), wherein preferably the one bearing-receptacle surface portion (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e) or the plurality of bearing-receptacle surface portions (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e) - extend parallel to the inclination axis (N), and / or - extend orthogonally to the inclination axis (N), wherein preferably the one bearing-receptacle surface portion or the plurality of bearing-receptacle surface portions (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e) are annular or partially annular.

10. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 9, comprising a plurality of wobble-bearing units (40), wherein the inclination axis (N) of at least one wobble-bearing unit (40) extends, relative to the wobble axis of at least one other wobble-bearing unit (40), offset to the inclination angle by an angle of rotation with respect to the rotational axis (D), wherein preferably the inclination axis (N) of the at least one wobble-bearing unit (40) extends, relative to the inclination axis (N) of the at least one other wobble-bearing unit (40), offset to the inclination angle by an angle of rotation of 180° with respect to the rotational axis (D).

11. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the stimulation device (1) extends between a head end and a hand unit (70), wherein - a wobble body (30) forming the head end is designed as a head body which has a wobble body recess which extends from a first end face of the at least one wobble body (30) into an interior of the at least one wobble body (30), and the drive shaft extends into the wobble body recess, and / or - a wobble body (30) arranged between the head end, in particular the head body, and the hand unit (70) is formed as an intermediate body which has a wobble body through-opening which extends between a first and a second end face of the wobble body, and the drive shaft extends through the wobble body through-opening.

12. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 11, comprising a hand unit (70) for handling the stimulation device.

13. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 12, having at least one deformable support element (60), which is arranged on the at least one wobble body (30).

14. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in preceding claim 13, wherein the at least one support element (60) - supports the at least one wobble body (30) at the first and / or the second end face, and / or - extends at least partially into the at least one wobble body (30), in particular extends at least partially into the wobble body recess and / or the wobble body through-opening of the at least one wobble body (30); wherein preferably one deformable support element (60) is arranged in each case - between two adjacent wobble bodies (30) and / or - between a wobble body (30) and the hand unit (70).

15. The variable-shape stimulation device (1) as claimed in one of preceding claims 13 to 14, wherein the at least one support element (60) - has an outer casing in the form of a cylindrical shell at least in portions; and / or - has a stepped outer casing at least in portions; and / or - has a corrugated outer casing at least in portions.

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