Device for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for stimulating a human clitoris with a variable pressure field, comprising a housing (21) in which a handle section and a stimulation section are formed; a drive unit (32) which is arranged in the housing (21) and is configured to repeatedly provide a drive movement; a pressure chamber (4, 16) which is arranged in the housing (21) to provide a variable pressure field and is at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall; and a movable chamber wall section (1).This forms a section of the chamber wall and couples to the drive unit (32) in such a way that the movable chamber wall section (1) can be repeatedly moved between different wall positions in response to the drive movement coupled thereto, thereby repeatedly increasing and decreasing the chamber volume of the pressure chamber (4, 16) to generate the variable pressure field with alternating overpressures and underpressures relative to an ambient pressure.The device further comprises: a housing opening (22) located in the stimulation section and in fluid communication with the pressure chamber (4, 16), such that the variable pressure field generated by the pressure chamber (4, 16) can be released via the housing opening (22) in the form of negative and positive pressures; a sealing device associated with the housing opening (22) and located in the area of ​​the stimulation section, configured to seal the pressure chamber (4, 16) from the environment during operation; and a battery device (28) configured to provide drive energy for the drive device (32). In the drive device (32), a coil device, through which an electric current flows during operation, is movably arranged in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field (3) and couples to the movable chamber wall section (1) to transmit the drive movement.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field. background

[0002] Document DE 10 2013 110 501 A1 describes a stimulation device comprising a drive train, an electrochemical energy storage device in the form of a battery or accumulator, and a control unit. The drive train consists of a rotating electric motor with an eccentric shaft, a connecting rod, and a piston located in at least one chamber of the stimulation device. The speed of the electric motor, and thus ultimately the frequency of the piston movement, is varied or controlled by the control current supplied to the rotating electric motor in the form of direct current. The piston stroke is fixed by the defined eccentric travel and therefore cannot be changed during operation.

[0003] Document DE 10 2016 105 019 B3 describes a stimulation device whose drive unit is "simplified in design" from document DE 10 2013 110 501 A1 and is intended to generate a "greater variety of different vibrations." The drive train does not use a rotating electric motor, but rather an electric linear motor with coil elements in the primary part and at least one axially displaceable magnetic core arranged parallel to the coil element as the secondary part. This core consists of at least two permanently magnets arranged with opposite poles. The magnetic core is mechanically connected to at least one actuating section of the first chamber wall of the stimulation device. The control current supplied to the coils or windings of the electric linear motor or the coil elements moves the rotor-side magnetic core axially back and forth.The maximum axial displacement of the magnetic core is determined by the number, design, arrangement and circuitry of the coils. Summary

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a device for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field, enabling a device with improved operating characteristics.

[0005] To solve this problem, a device for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field is provided according to independent claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, a device for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field is created. The device comprises the following: a housing in which a handle section and a stimulation section are formed; a drive unit arranged in the housing and configured to repeatedly provide a drive movement; a pressure chamber arranged in the housing to provide a variable pressure field and at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall; a movable chamber wall section, which forms a section of the chamber wall and is coupled to the drive unit, such that the movable chamber wall section can be repeatedly moved between different wall positions in response to the drive movement coupled thereto, thereby repeatedly increasing and decreasing the chamber volume of the pressure chamber to generate the variable pressure field; and a housing opening.which is arranged in the stimulation section and is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, such that the variable pressure field generated by the pressure chamber can be released via the housing opening in the form of overpressures and underpressures, in particular for acting on the clitoris; a sealing device which is assigned to the housing opening and is arranged and configured in the area of ​​the stimulation section, which is to seal the pressure chamber against the environment during operation; and a battery device which is configured to provide drive energy for a drive device, wherein in the drive device a coil device, which is traversed by an electric current during operation, is movably arranged in an assigned stationary permanent magnetic field and couples to the movable chamber wall section for transmitting the drive movement.

[0007] A variable pressure field, as defined in the disclosure, is a field of medium pressures that changes over time and space, exhibiting overpressures and underpressures. Underpressure is a medium pressure that is below a reference pressure, such as ambient pressure, and overpressure is a medium pressure that is above the reference pressure. The medium can be a medium filling the pressure chamber. The medium can be a gas or a liquid. For example, the medium can be air.

[0008] The sealing device seals the pressure chamber against the environment, either completely or substantially completely, when the housing opening is placed on a section of an erogenous zone. The sealing device may, for example, have a sealing projection, such as a sealing bead. The sealing projection may extend along an edge of the housing opening. The sealing device may be continuous around the entire housing opening. The sealing device, and in particular the sealing projection, may be adapted to the shape of the housing opening, for example, by being circular.

[0009] The battery system can include a non-rechargeable and / or a rechargeable energy storage device. For example, the battery system can include a rechargeable battery.

[0010] In this device, the stationary permanent magnetic field can be provided by one or more permanent magnets. Additionally, one or more pole plates can be enclosed by the arrangement containing the permanent magnet(s). The magnetic flux can be concentrated by means of the pole plates.

[0011] Unlike electromagnetic drives, where permanent magnets are moved within an electromagnetic field generated by a coil assembly to produce the drive movement, in the proposed device the coil assembly is movably arranged within a stationary magnetic field. The movably arranged coil assembly can be supplied with control current from the control unit. InIn this case, the so-called Lorentz force can act on the current-carrying coil assembly, which is movably arranged within the stationary permanent magnet field, causing the coil to move accordingly when energized. The strength of the Lorentz force depends on the amplitude of the control current, the length of the coil, the arrangement of the coil relative to the magnetic field, and the magnetic flux density in the air gap. The magnetic flux density in the air gap, for a given air gap, is determined by the magnet material and the magnet's volume or weight. A high magnetic flux density can be achieved, under otherwise identical conditions, by increasing the volume and / or weight of the stationary permanent magnet, without increasing the weight of the movable coil assembly. This allows the moving mass to be kept lower compared to the prior art.A smaller mass can be moved more efficiently with comparatively better dynamics and with less disruptive vibration in the form of structure-borne sound as well as more favorable noise radiation in the form of airborne sound.

[0012] The drive unit is designed as a linear drive unit that, during operation, generates a linear drive movement coupled to the movable chamber wall section. This movement repeatedly increases and decreases the volume of the pressure chamber, thus generating a pressure field that can be used for the contactless transmission of stimulation to an erogenous zone. Unlike stimulation devices where a stimulation head is moved to transmit stimulation waves via contact, the proposed device does not require the movement of such a mass.

[0013] The variable pressure field generated by the pressure chamber can act on the erogenous zone, such as the clitoris, via the housing opening in the form of overpressure and underpressure. For example, the variable pressure field generated by the pressure chamber acts on the erogenous zone via the housing opening when the housing opening is placed on the clitoris. The housing opening can completely or partially cover the clitoris. For example, the housing opening can cover the glans. A section of the housing surrounding the housing opening can rest against the skin. For example, the section surrounding the housing opening can rest against the clitoris and / or a skin area surrounding the clitoris. The housing opening can essentially seal off the area. For example, the section surrounding the housing opening can rest against the skin in such a way that fluid movement through the housing opening is impeded.The pressure applied to the casing opening within the changing pressure field can then act on the erogenous zone. This may allow for a small flow rate of the medium, which does not lead to complete pressure equalization with the ambient pressure at the casing opening. For example, the section of the casing surrounding the opening may have gaps in its contact with the skin, such that these gaps allow only a small flow rate of the medium, which does not lead to complete pressure equalization with the ambient pressure at the casing opening.

[0014] The chamber volume of the pressure chamber can be at most approximately 0.2 l. Alternatively, the chamber volume of the pressure chamber can be at most approximately 0.15 l, or alternatively, at most approximately 0.1 l.

[0015] Sealing the pressure chamber from the environment and enclosing a small volume of air increases the spring force on the linear motor. The spring force on the linear motor of the drive unit is further increased by the volume of air enclosed in the compact housing on the back of the diaphragm. The closed, or at least largely closed, volume of the housing on the back of the drive unit can be a maximum of approximately 2 liters, alternatively a maximum of 1 liter, and alternatively a maximum of 0.5 liters.

[0016] The linear motor of the drive unit is designed to generate the aforementioned target frequencies and pressure differences despite increased braking spring force through the two small volumes on the front (pressure chamber) and back (housing) of the diaphragm.

[0017] A closed or at least largely closed volume area on the rear side of the drive unit within the housing of the stimulation device can have a volume of at most approximately 2 liters. In this or other embodiments, the volume ratio between the volume of the pressure chamber and the (rear) volume area on the rear side of the drive unit within the housing can be at most approximately 1.5. Alternatively, this volume ratio can be at most approximately 1, and more preferably at most approximately 0.5. This volume ratio can be at least approximately 0.001. In one possible embodiment, the volume ratio can refer to the air-filled area within the housing that is not occupied by other parts or components within the housing.

[0018] The housing opening can have a diameter of at least approximately 5 mm and at most approximately 50 mm. Alternatively, the diameter can be at least approximately 7 mm. It is also possible for the diameter to be at most approximately 40 mm. The term "diameter" can also refer to other cross-sectional dimensions of non-circular openings. In particular, the values ​​mentioned apply to circular openings as well as, for example, oval or elliptical openings. Corresponding values ​​are then assumed for the semi-major axis of the ellipse. The same applies to openings of any other shape, for example, other round or angular shapes, whereby, in general, the size of an opening is preferably chosen such that the area of ​​the opening corresponds to the area of ​​a circular opening within the range of the dimensions mentioned above.

[0019] The drive unit can be configured to generate a low-frequency pneumatic pressure oscillation field with a frequency of approximately 0.5 Hz to approximately 150 Hz in a sealed pressure chamber, or alternatively with a frequency of approximately 1 Hz to approximately 125 Hz or approximately 3 Hz to approximately 100 Hz. For the purposes of this disclosure, a pressure oscillation field is understood to be a varying pressure field that exhibits both negative and positive pressures relative to the ambient pressure, for example, alternating negative and positive pressure phases, or in another predetermined pattern of potentially identical or different negative and positive pressures. This pressure oscillation field prevails in the pressure chamber, particularly in the region of the chamber's housing opening; that is, parameters such as the frequency and amplitude of the pressure oscillation field are measurable at the opening. The term pressure field or pressure oscillation field therefore refers to such a pressure oscillation field.

[0020] The drive unit can be configured to generate a pneumatic pressure fluctuation field with a pressure difference between a lowest vacuum and a highest overpressure of approximately 20 mbar to approximately 600 mbar, or alternatively from approximately 30 mbar to approximately 400 mbar or from approximately 40 mbar to approximately 300 mbar, within a sealed pressure chamber. The pressure difference can be essentially symmetrical around an ambient pressure.

[0021] The pressure chamber can be configured to alternately increase and decrease the chamber volume from a neutral position of the movable chamber wall section by a volume change of approximately 1% to approximately 25%. Alternatively, the volume change can be from approximately 1.1% to approximately 15% or from approximately 1.5% to approximately 11,5%. In this or other embodiments, the suspension or support, which acts as a positioning or centering device for the carrier with the (vibrating) coil, is in a (neutral) starting or rest position in which no deflection has taken place.

[0022] The movable chamber wall section can have a diameter of at least approximately 5 mm and at most approximately 60 mm. Alternatively, the diameter can be at least approximately 7 mm. The diameter can be less than or equal to 60 mm, or alternatively less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0023] The battery device can be configured to provide a driving energy of alternating polarity to the coil device, so that the coil device is supplied with an electric current of alternating polarity to move the movable chamber wall section around the neutral position.

[0024] The coil elements of the coil assembly can be arranged to encompass permanent magnets of the associated stationary permanent magnetic field.

[0025] The diameter of a region encompassed by the coil elements of the coil assembly containing the permanent magnets can correspond to at least one diameter of the movable chamber wall section.

[0026] The area diameter and a diameter of the movable chamber wall section are in a ratio of at least 0.3, or alternatively in a ratio of at least 0.5 or 0.7. In other embodiments, the ratio of the area diameter (diameter of the coil assembly) to the diameter of the movable chamber wall section is at most 2, or alternatively at most 1.8 or 1.5.

[0027] The movable chamber wall section can have a flexibly deformable membrane. In this or other embodiments, the membrane can be made of a plastic material.

[0028] The flexibly deformable membrane can have an elastic membrane section which is stretched and then contracts again when the movable chamber wall section is repeatedly shifted between different wall positions. In this process, membrane sections can be elastically stretched and compressed. These elastic membrane sections can be made of, for example, a plastic or rubber material.

[0029] The movable chamber wall section can be formed entirely from the flexibly deformable membrane.

[0030] The movable chamber wall section can include a rigid wall section which, in response to the applied drive movement, can be repeatedly moved between different associated wall positions. The rigid wall section is movable relative to adjacent wall sections of the chamber wall. A combination of a rigid wall section and one or more membrane sections can be provided. To enable the rigid wall section to move, it is integrated into the chamber wall in a way that allows it to be moved, for example, by coupling the rigid wall section to adjacent wall sections via a groove or a spring element. Such a mounting can be generally provided for the movable chamber wall section.

[0031] The first coil elements of the coil assembly can be arranged on the movable chamber wall section. The first coil element can be positioned on the flexibly deformable membrane and / or the rigid wall section. The first coil element can be partially or completely formed on these components. During operation, the first coil element moves along with the movable chamber wall section.

[0032] The first coil elements can be embedded, at least partially, in the membrane material of the flexible membrane. For example, the first coil element of the coil assembly can be cast into the membrane material. Alternatively or additionally, the first coil element can be incorporated between layers of the membrane material by means of a lamination process.

[0033] The movable chamber wall section can have a wave-like shape. This wave-like shape can be elastically deformable when the movable chamber wall section is moved during operation. The wave-like shape can, for example, correspond to a sine wave or a zigzag wave.

[0034] At least some of the coil elements can be arranged in the area of ​​wave troughs and / or wave crests of the waveform.

[0035] Second coil elements of the coil assembly can be arranged on a coupling component that couples to the movable chamber wall section. These second coil elements can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the first coil elements. The second coil elements can be arranged exclusively and entirely on the coupling component, for example, as a wire winding on a component body. For instance, a moving coil construction can be provided in this way. A coil winding can be arranged on a rod-shaped component body which, during operation when the coil assembly is energized, repeatedly enters and exits the stationary permanent magnetic field to generate the drive movement. The drive movement provided by the coupling component can be transmitted directly or via further coupling components to the movable chamber wall section.

[0036] The chamber wall can have an additional movable chamber wall section, which forms a segment of the chamber wall and can be moved between different wall or displacement positions. This additional movable chamber wall section is formed separately from the movable chamber wall section within the chamber wall. For example, it can be arranged opposite the movable chamber wall section. The additional movable chamber wall section is movable or displaceable relative to adjacent wall sections of the chamber wall. The additional movable chamber wall section can be independent of any coupling to the drive movement; it can be designed as a freely oscillating wall segment and thus function as a noise-absorbing component.The coupling or integration of the further movable chamber wall section into the chamber wall can be implemented similarly or differently from the connection of the movable chamber wall section itself, except that, unlike the movable chamber wall section, it lacks a coupling to the drive unit. Pairs of movable and further movable chamber wall sections can be provided, for example, such that the associated chamber wall sections are arranged opposite each other. During operation, the further movable chamber wall section is selectively set into vibration when the movable wall section is repeatedly displaced due to the drive movement.

[0037] The coil assembly can be arranged, at least partially, in a space between opposing permanent magnets. At least in one of the operating positions, in which the coil assembly is shifted towards the permanent magnets, the coil assembly can be arranged in the space between the opposing permanent magnets. Alternatively, instead of creating a space between opposing permanent magnets, the coil assembly can be arranged only on one side opposite the permanent magnet(s).

[0038] One or more permanent magnets, which provide the associated stationary permanent magnetic field, can be arranged on the chamber wall. The permanent magnet(s) can form a section of the chamber wall.

[0039] The pressure chamber can be formed with several interconnected pressure chambers. The housing opening for the application of the variable pressure field to the clitoris for non-contact stimulation can be located in a distal or end pressure chamber, whereas the movable chamber wall section, which is repeatedly repositioned during operation to generate the variable pressure field, is located in a proximal or front pressure chamber. A transition for the fluid connection is formed between adjacent pressure chambers, which may have a narrower cross-section compared to the interconnected pressure chambers.

[0040] During operation, separately formed coil elements of the coil assembly can be operated with different electrical currents. If these separately formed coil elements are traversed by different electrical currents, this allows the repeated displacement of each coil element during operation to be individually controlled, for example, with regard to a deflection amplitude and / or a deflection frequency, so that variable pressure fields of different types can be generated. For example, the variable pressure field can initially be generated primarily using one of the coil elements, and this pressure field can then be modeled using a movable chamber wall section that is connected to another coil element that is repeatedly displaced during operation.

[0041] The coil assembly can have an upper and a lower coil section, arranged one above the other on the coil winding support. The upper and lower coil sections can have separate electrical connections. During operation, they can be selectively supplied with different electrical currents. These different electrical currents can differ with respect to one or more current parameters, for example, amplitude, polarity, and / or temporal amplitude response. The upper and lower coil sections are formed separately from the movable chamber section on the support.

[0042] The upper and lower partial coils can be arranged opposite permanent magnets or pole plates, at least in the neutral rest position around which they are then shifted or swung during operation, whereby a design can also be provided in which one of the partial coils is opposite permanent magnets, whereas the other of the partial coils is opposite pole plates.

[0043] In the various configurations, the permanent magnets can be arranged inside or outside the coil windings. It is also possible to arrange the permanent magnets below the coil winding(s).

[0044] It can be provided that the coil winding(s) arranged on the support are displaced (deflected) from a neutral rest position before the start of operation, in which the movable chamber wall section is moved back and forth (or up and down) relative to an initial position, in order to then be moved or displaced around this displaced position during operation. During operation, the coil can be supplied with a current of non-alternating polarity, which simplifies the electrical supply. Such pre-displacement or deflection can be effected against a preloading device that provides a preload force against the deflection, for example, a spring mechanism. The preloading device providing the preload can assist the displacement of the coil assembly and thus of the movable chamber wall section during operation.

[0045] According to another aspect, a method for generating a variable pressure field is provided, comprising the following steps: providing a stimulation device with a housing in which a handle section and a stimulation section are formed; repeatedly providing a drive movement by means of a drive unit arranged in the housing; providing a variable pressure field in a pressure chamber arranged in the housing and at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall; displacing a displaceable chamber wall section, which forms a section of the chamber wall and is coupled to the drive unit, such that the displaceable chamber wall section is repeatedly displaced between different wall positions in response to the drive movement coupled thereto, thereby repeatedly increasing and decreasing the chamber volume of the pressure chamber to generate the variable pressure field.The effect of a variable pressure field in the form of negative and positive pressures on the clitoris through a housing opening located in the stimulation section and in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, such that the variable pressure field generated by the pressure chamber can be emitted through the housing opening in the form of negative and positive pressures; and the provision of drive energy for the drive unit by means of a battery unit, wherein, in the drive unit, a coil unit, through which an electric current flows during operation, moves in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field and couples to the movable chamber wall section to transmit the drive movement.

[0046] According to another aspect, a device for stimulating a human erogenous zone, in particular the clitoris, is created with a variable pressure field. The device comprises the following: a housing in which a handle section and a stimulation section are formed; a drive unit arranged in the housing and configured to repeatedly provide a drive movement; a pressure chamber arranged in the housing to provide a variable pressure field and at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall; a movable chamber wall section, which forms a section of the chamber wall and is coupled to the drive unit, such that the movable chamber wall section can be repeatedly moved between different wall positions in response to the drive movement coupled thereto.wherein a chamber volume of the pressure chamber is repeatedly increased and decreased to generate the variable pressure field, a housing opening arranged in the stimulation section and in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, such that the variable pressure field generated by the pressure chamber can be released via the housing opening in the form of overpressures and underpressures, in particular for acting on the clitoris, and a battery device configured to provide drive energy for a drive device, wherein in the drive device a coil device, through which an electric current flows during operation, is movably arranged in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field and couples to the movable chamber wall section for transmitting the drive movement. The chamber volume of the pressure chamber is at most approximately 0.2 liters.

[0047] In connection with the method for generating a variable pressure field using the stimulation device, the previously described configurations may be provided accordingly.

[0048] During operation, the coil device is supplied with an electric current, the frequency and / or amplitude of which is set by a control device. Description of exemplary implementations

[0049] Further examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to figures in a drawing. These show: Fig. 1a a schematic representation of a device for stimulating an erogenous zone with a variable pressure field in front view; Fig. 1b the device for stimulating an erogenous zone made of Fig. 1ain cross-section; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device with a pressure chamber formed with one or two pressure chamber sections; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device with two pressure chamber sections each; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which a dual drive is provided; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which two actively movable chamber wall sections are provided in the area of ​​the pressure chamber; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which coil elements are integrated in a movable chamber wall section; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which coil elements are also integrated into the movable chamber wall section; Fig.8 a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device with a pressure chamber having two pressure chambers, wherein coil elements are integrated into a movable chamber wall section; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which, in contrast to the embodiment in . Fig. 9 the pressure chambers are connected to each other via a lateral transition; Fig. 10 a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device, wherein one or two further movable chamber wall sections are provided; Fig. 11Fig. 12: A schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which the pressure chamber has two interconnected pressure chambers; Fig. 13: A schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which a movable chamber wall section is arranged between permanent magnets; Fig. 14: A schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which a movable chamber wall section has a wave shape; Fig. 15: A schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which the movable chamber wall section has a wave shape, wherein the pressure chamber is formed with two pressure chambers; Fig. 16: A schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which, unlike the embodiment in Fig. 17, two pressure chambers are arranged in a different configuration. Fig. 15are connected to each other via a lateral transition; Fig. 16 a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which the movable chamber wall section has a wave shape, wherein further movable chamber wall sections are provided; Fig. 17 a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which a movable chamber wall section with a wave shape is arranged between permanent magnets; Fig. 18 a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which the coil assembly has separate coil windings and permanent magnets are arranged externally; Fig. 19 a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which the coil assembly has separate coil windings and permanent magnets are arranged internally; Fig.Fig. 20 A schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which the coil assembly has separate coil windings and permanent magnets are arranged externally at the top; Fig. 21 A schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which the coil assembly has separate coil windings and permanent magnets are arranged externally at the bottom; Fig. 22 A schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which permanent magnets are arranged internally with respect to the voice coil; Fig. 23 A schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which permanent magnets are arranged externally with respect to the voice coil; Fig. 24 A schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which permanent magnets are arranged below the voice coil; Fig.Fig. 25 a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which the voice coil is pre-displaced from a neutral rest or starting position; and Fig. 26 a schematic representation of another arrangement for a stimulation device in which the voice coil is pre-displaced from a neutral rest or starting position; Fig. 27 a schematic representation of another arrangement for a stimulation device in which the voice coil is displaced from a neutral rest or starting position.

[0050] Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of a device for stimulating (stimulation device) an erogenous zone with a variable pressure field in the front view, Fig. 1b shows the stimulation device in cross-section.

[0051] The stimulation device 20 is, for example, a portable electrical or small device which has a housing 21, a housing opening 22 for placing, for example, on the clitoris 30, operating elements 23, a display 24, an on / off switch 25, an optional socket 26 and a battery device 28, for example with a rechargeable battery.

[0052] A sealing device 31 is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed with a sealing bead. By means of the sealing device 31, the pressure chamber 4 is sealed or nearly sealed against the environment during operation, so that a pressure fluctuation field can be generated in the pressure chamber 4.

[0053] The housing 21 can be ergonomically designed so that it can be comfortably held with one hand and has no sharp or pointed edges. Furthermore, the housing 21 can be made of a plastic, such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In addition, the grip areas or even the entire housing 21 can be finished with a tactilely pleasing silicone, for example, in the form of a silicone coating. The housing 21 can be at least water-repellent or splash-proof, for example, protection class IP 24. Furthermore, the stimulation device 20 can be designed to be waterproof against immersion in water.

[0054] The control element 23 or elements 23 are used to set the operating mode of the device, i.e., to set the modulation of the variable pressure field. The control elements 23 can, for example, comprise at least one push button, at least one rotary switch, or at least one touch-sensitive switch. Furthermore, the control elements 23 can provide visual feedback on their operation, for example, by means of integrated light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0055] An optional display 24 informs the user about the device status and / or the setting status. Display 24 can be configured, for example, with a single LED, multiple LEDs, or as an LCD display. The information displayed can include, for example, the device's power-on status, the charge level of the battery unit 28, or the current modulation setting of the print field.

[0056] The on / off switch 25 is used to activate and deactivate the stimulation device 20. This on / off switch 25 can, for example, be a push button which switches the stimulation device 20 on or off when pressed for a longer period, or a latching slide switch.

[0057] A socket 26 provides external power to the stimulation device 20 via an external plug 27, which is connected, for example, to an external power adapter. To ensure the splash resistance of the stimulation device 20, a magnetic-inductive transducer can be used instead of the socket 26, enabling power transmission to the stimulation device 20 without an electrically conductive contact. The stimulation device 20 also has a battery compartment 28, for example, with a rechargeable battery, such as a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion battery, for wireless operation. Alternatively or additionally, a (longer) power supply cable can also be provided from the stimulation device. Likewise, magnetic contacts can be provided as a power supply connection, either alternatively or additionally.

[0058] In the schematic cross-section in Fig. 1bThe housing opening 22 for placement on the clitoris 30, a pressure chamber 4, and the drive unit 32 of the stimulation device 20 are shown.

[0059] A control unit 29 controls the drive unit 32, the operating elements 23, and the display 24. The control unit 29 and the drive unit 32 are powered by the internal battery unit 28 and / or the external power supply 27. The control unit 29, which may include a microcontroller or be hard-wired, first controls the power supply to all components of the stimulation device 20, and optionally a charging and discharging process of the battery unit 28 and / or battery management. In particular, the control unit 29 controls the drive unit 32, for example, the modulation of the pressure field, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 29 may have a memory in which at least one modulation or stimulation pattern is stored.The drive unit 32 can now be controlled by the user of the stimulation device 20 via the control elements 23 according to these pre-stored stimulation patterns. The stimulation patterns of the pressure field can also optionally be individually created and saved by the user via the control elements.

[0060] In the various embodiments, the volume ratio between the volume of the pressure chamber 4 and a (rear or remaining) volume area 21a on the rear of the drive unit 32 in the housing 21 is, for example, at most about 1.5.

[0061] For the closed or at least largely closed volume area 21a of the housing 21 on the rear of the drive unit 32, a volume of at most approximately 2 l can be provided, alternatively at most 1 l and further alternatively at most approximately 0.5 l.

[0062] The following are, with reference to the Figs. 2 to 17 Embodiments for an arrangement for a stimulation device or arrangements for the drive unit 32 and the pressure chamber 4 are described, in which coil elements of an electromagnetic linear drive are arranged to be movable or displaceable in a stationary permanent magnetic field.

[0063] In the Fig. 2 In the arrangements shown, a movable wall section 1 connected to a support 5 is moved back and forth in a magnetic field 3 provided by permanent magnets by means of a control current, with at least one moving coil 2 attached to it, in order to move the movable wall section 1 back and forth during operation in order to generate a variable pressure field.

[0064] The movable wall section 1 (for example, made of a polymer or paper) as part of a pressure chamber 4 of the stimulation device is attached to a support 5 (for example, made of aluminum, Kapton, or an aluminum-Kapton laminate). The movable wall section 1 can be integrated into the chamber via a groove 6, which mechanically follows the movements of the movable wall section 1 largely without mechanical stress. Coil elements of a voice coil 2 are wound around the support 5 and are powered during operation by the control current from a control unit. The voice coil 2 consists of electrical conductors made of a material with the highest possible electrical conductivity (for example, copper or silver), which are insulated from each other and from the support 5 by an electrically insulating varnish. The magnetic field is provided by at least one permanent magnet 7, which may be ring-shaped.The magnetic flux is controlled by means of pole plates 9, which are connected to a rear pole plate 8 (for example, as in . Fig. 2 , with a cylindrical shape) and an upper pole plate 9a (for example, as in Fig. 2 , with a ring shape) have, for example, an annular air gap 10 to the cylindrical pole piece 11 guided. Rear 8 and upper pole plate 9 are like the pole core. 11 made of highly magnetically permeable material (for example, a soft magnetic alloy).

[0065] The permanent magnet 7 requires the air gap 10 between the upper pole plate 9a and the pole core, which should be kept as narrow as possible in the design, for induction. 11 a high possible flux density is desired, which is why the strongest possible permanent magnets with flux densities of about 0.4 to about 1.2 T (for example, neodymium-iron-boron magnets) are used, which generate strong magnetic fields at a low weight.

[0066] The support 5 with the voice coil 2 is structurally centered and guided in the air gap 10, optionally by at least one bracket or suspension 12 (for example, made of plastic, fabric, or paper), to prevent wobbling movements of the voice coil 2. The bracket or suspension 12 is attached to a frame 13 (for example, made of plastic, aluminum, or magnesium). Alternatively, wobbling movement of the voice coil 2 can also be prevented by means of a guide on the pole piece or the permanent magnet.

[0067] To move the movable wall section 1, the voice coil 2 is supplied with an alternating control current from a control unit. Depending on the current direction or polarity, the voice coil 2 is moved upwards or downwards in the magnetic field of the air gap 10 by the Lorentz force. The directions of the Lorentz force, the magnetic field, and the current flow are in Fig. 2The displacement of the voice coil 2 is perpendicular to each other. The stroke of the voice coil 2 is determined by the amplitude of the control current. The frequency of the alternating current corresponds to the frequency of the voice coil movement and thus to the frequency of the movement of the movable wall section 1. The frequency and the stroke of the voice coil, and therefore the movement of the movable wall section 1, can thus be controlled relatively easily and independently of each other by the current frequency and amplitude. The changing pressure field and the resulting alternating overpressure and underpressure at the erogenous zone (clitoris) can therefore be controlled independently of each other in frequency and amplitude by the alternating compression and expansion of the air via the movement of the movable wall section 1 (or of several movable wall sections during operation).

[0068] Due to the direct transmission, an extended frequency range from below 1 Hz to several hundred Hz is easily achievable with this principle. The direct current from the battery simply needs to be converted into alternating current. This conversion can involve switching on and off and / or superimposing direct current components. This allows for the provision of an alternating voltage with a direct current offset. For example, an alternating voltage can be provided that does not involve a polarity reversal, but merely a change in voltage amplitude while maintaining the same voltage direction (polarity).

[0069] The arrangement can be shown according to the right-hand illustration in Fig. 2The device comprises a pressure chamber with several pressure sub-chambers, in which, in addition to pressure chamber 4, a further pressure chamber 16 is provided, so that interconnected pressure sub-chambers are provided which are connected via a connecting channel 15. The housing opening for the action of the variable pressure field on the erogenous zone is provided on the further pressure chamber 16.

[0070] Even in the design of Fig. 3 Pressure chamber 4 and the further pressure chamber 16 are provided.

[0071] The generation of the variable pressure field by moving the movable wall section 1 (and thus the overpressure and underpressure) is accompanied by the generation of noise, i.e., local pressure fluctuations in the air propagating at the speed of sound, which are perceptible to the human ear. By appropriately dimensioning the chamber volume of the pressure chamber 4 and the (remaining) volume 21a of the housing 21, as well as the ratio of these volumes, taking into account the tuning of the linear drive and the design of the coil elements and diaphragm of the movable wall section 1 to achieve a high fundamental resonance frequency during operation, the generation of airborne noise is largely suppressed. Furthermore, the noise inherent in the movement of the movable wall section 1 can be absorbed by suitable measures, i.e., the sound energy can be converted into heat.

[0072] In Fig. 3(Right) According to the absorption principle of a plate resonator, the noise is dissipated as heat through friction in at least one of the chamber walls 18, which is formed with another movable wall section, as well as through friction of the vibrating chamber wall in air. The chamber wall 18, which vibrates for noise absorption, is also integrated into the chamber by a spring-like spring assembly 17. Sound energy is also ultimately converted into heat and dissipated through the deformation of the spring and the resulting friction in the spring assembly 17. The plate resonator is a narrowband resonance absorber whose mass and spring travel are selected such that the characteristic absorber frequency, for the highest possible noise absorption coefficient, lies as close as possible to, or within, the frequency range of the movement of, the movable wall section 1. Furthermore, the vibrations caused by the piston or...The noise generated by membrane movement is dissipated into heat in a porous structure according to the absorption principle.

[0073] The chamber walls 18 can be formed with a porous structure and, for example, integrated into the plate resonator or alternatively applied to the plate resonator. The noise is absorbed by means of the viscous airflow losses due to friction against the porous damping material and the friction caused by material deformation. The porous absorber is a broadband absorber, the layer thickness and material of which must be selected such that the characteristic absorber frequency, for the highest possible absorption coefficient, lies as close as possible to, or within, the frequency range of the movement of the movable wall section 1. Through absorption according to the plate resonator principle or in a porous structure, noise propagation is reduced as much as possible.

[0074] The drive unit is formed with few lightweight moving components and therefore has few unbalanced, free inertial forces that could excite the components or the housing of the stimulation device to oscillations or vibrations at certain movable wall sections. The low weight also allows for the highest possible fundamental resonance of the moving part of the drive unit 32. Furthermore, as described in Fig. 3 As shown, the further movable wall section of the chamber wall 18 can optionally be designed with a ferrofluid 14 for damping the resonances of the voice coil 2 and a frame 13 or a sealed chamber (not completely filled), which also improves the cooling of the voice coil 2 and support 5 due to the increased heat conduction compared to air. The heat capacity of the deliberately lightweight voice coil 2 and support 5 is low.

[0075] The flexibility in the design of the drive allows for a great deal of design freedom for the stimulation device, enabling the drive to be elongated or wide, the shifting of the fundamental resonance of the moving parts of the linear drive to suppress airborne noise, and also the local pressure fluctuations propagating at the speed of sound through noise absorption measures in the chamber (cf. Fig. 3 ) to reduce. In addition, analogous noise absorption measures can also be used in the volume of the housing 21 on the rear side of the movable pressure chamber wall section 1.

[0076] The drive unit or device is comparatively simple due to the direct conversion of electrical energy from the battery unit 28, for example from the accumulator, into a translational movement of a simple voice coil coupled to the movable wall section 1. This wall section, in its various configurations—independent of the specific drive—can be formed, for example, by a piston, a rigid wall section, and / or a diaphragm, which can be made, at least partially, of an elastic material. This direct conversion also results in potentially high efficiency, a compact design, and low weight.

[0077] The movable wall section(s) 1 can be designed as an integral part of the chamber (pressure chamber - chamber in which the changing pressure field is generated), thereby ensuring a good seal against compressible and incompressible media up to a certain overpressure and underpressure of the chamber.

[0078] In order to keep constant or increase the area-specific force exerted by the support 5 on the movable wall section 1 with a simultaneously wide or flat design of the drive (i.e., with a compact voice coil 2 and the support 5), the movable wall section 1 can be supported by more than one coil 2 and more than one support 5, as shown in Fig. 4 can be displayed and moved.

[0079] Even when executed from Fig. 5The flexibility of the drive is increased with constant or increased specific surface force on the movable wall section 1. For absorption, devices based on the plate resonator principle 17 or in the form of porous structures 18 are also provided here, for example.

[0080] The noises emitted on the back of the movable wall section 1 are absorbed in all versions, for example by a device based on the plate resonator principle or in a porous structure, and thereby reduced as much as possible (not shown).

[0081] At the in Fig. 6 In the arrangement shown, current-carrying, fine conductors of the coil 2 are located directly on at least one movable wall section 1.

[0082] On at least one side of the movable wall section 1 there is at least one permanent magnet 7, for example in the form of a bar magnet as in Fig. 6The permanent magnet 7 requires a high magnetic flux density to induce the air gap 4 between the permanent magnet 7 and the movable wall section 1 with the electrical conductors 2, which should be kept as narrow as possible for structural reasons. Therefore, strong permanent magnets with flux densities of 0.4 ... 1.2 T (for example, neodymium-iron-boron magnets) are used, which generate a strong magnetic field 3 at a low weight. The movable wall section 1 (for example, made of a polymer or paper), as part of a first chamber of the stimulation device 9, can be integrated into the chamber via a groove 6, which mechanically follows the movements of the movable wall section 1 largely without mechanical stress. The electrical conductors 2 on the movable wall section 1 are made of a material with the highest possible electrical conductivity (for example, copper or silver) and are electrically insulated from each other by their integration into the movable wall section 1.The magnetic flux is controlled by means of lateral pole plates 19 (for example as in . Fig. 6 (in rod form) across the air gap 4. The lateral pole plates 19 are made of a highly magnetically permeable material (for example, a soft magnetic alloy). The chamber of the stimulation device 9, the permanent magnet 7, and the lateral pole plates 19 are mounted in a frame 8 (for example, made of plastic, aluminum, or magnesium).

[0083] To move the movable wall section 1, the thin electrical conductors 2 are supplied with an alternating control current from a control unit. Depending on the current direction or polarity, the electrical conductors 2 are moved upwards or downwards in the magnetic field of the air gap 4 by the Lorentz force. The driving forces act uniformly over the entire surface of the movable wall section 1. The directions of the Lorentz force, the magnetic field, and the current flow are in Fig. 6perpendicular to each other. In the variant with two permanently magnets arranged with opposite poles in Fig. 6 (right) the electrical conductors over the two permanent magnets 7 must be supplied with different polarities in order to produce the same movement.

[0084] The displacement of the electrical conductors integrated into the movable wall section 1 is determined by the amplitude of the control current. The frequency of the alternating current corresponds to the frequency of the conductor movement and thus to the frequency of the movement of the movable wall section 1. The frequency and displacement of the movable wall section 1 can therefore be controlled relatively easily and independently of each other by the current frequency and amplitude. The changing pressure field and the resulting alternating overpressure and underpressure at the erogenous zone (clitoris) can thus be controlled independently of each other in frequency and amplitude by the alternating compression and expansion of the air via the movement of the movable wall section 1.

[0085] Due to the direct transmission, an extended frequency range from below 1 Hz to several hundred Hz is possible with this principle. The direct current from the battery simply needs to be converted into alternating current. This conversion can involve switching on and off and / or superimposing direct current components. This allows for the provision of an alternating voltage with a direct current offset. For example, an alternating voltage can be provided that does not involve a polarity reversal, but only a change in voltage amplitude while maintaining the same voltage direction (polarity).

[0086] Alternatively, the drive unit can also be in a ring shape as in Fig. 7 The presentation will be executed.

[0087] In the ring-shaped electromagnetic planar transducer, the diaphragm is circular. The permanent magnet 7, the electrical conductors 2, the lateral pole plate 19, and the mounting are, for example, also ring-shaped. A pole core 11 is provided in the axis of symmetry of the drive unit for improved guidance of the magnetic field. Alternatively, the drive unit can also be connected to a second chamber 11 via a connecting channel 10, as shown in Fig. 8 depicted.

[0088] Alternatively, at least one second chamber 11 can also be configured as in Fig. 9 located to the side of the drive unit.

[0089] In an embodiment with a second chamber 11 laterally (left) or opposite (right) the movable wall section 1, noise-absorbing devices can be arranged according to the plate resonator principle or in a porous structure as in Fig. 10 be provided for.

[0090] The noise-absorbing devices reduce the noise propagation inherent in the movement of the movable wall section 1 as much as possible.

[0091] Alternatively, the two-chamber versions can be made from Fig. 9 (right) and Fig. 10 (right) can also be produced in ring form.

[0092] To generate the highest possible flux density in the air gap 4, which should be kept as narrow as possible in the design, and thereby keep the area-specific force on the movable wall section 1 constant or increase it, permanent magnets 7 can alternatively be placed on both sides of the movable wall section 1 as shown in Fig. 12 The images will be arranged.

[0093] The design of the drive with permanent magnets 7 on both sides of the movable wall section 1 in Fig. 12can be designed with two permanent magnets with opposite polarity arrangement above and below the movable wall section 1 (left) or alternatively with two ring-shaped permanent magnets above and below the movable wall section 1 (right).

[0094] The noises emitted on the back of the movable wall section 1 are absorbed in all versions, for example by a device based on the plate resonator principle or in a porous structure, and thereby reduced as much as possible (not shown).

[0095] At the in Fig. 13 In the depicted electromagnetic transducer, the current-carrying, fine conductors 2 are located directly on the movable wall section 1, which has at least one thin membrane that is folded in a lamellar shape (lamellar membrane).

[0096] On at least one side of the lamellar membrane there is at least one permanent magnet 7 (left), for example in the form of a bar magnet as in Fig. 13The permanent magnet 7 requires a high magnetic flux density to induce the narrow air gap 4 between the permanent magnet 7 and the lamellar membrane containing the electrical conductors 2. Therefore, strong permanent magnets with flux densities of approximately 0.4 to 1.2 T (e.g., neodymium-iron-boron magnets) are used, which generate a strong magnetic field 3 while maintaining low weight. The lamellar membrane (e.g., made of a polymer such as polyamide, polyester, or polyimide), as part of a first chamber of the stimulation device 10, can be integrated into the chamber via a groove 6 that largely follows the movements of the movable wall section 1 without mechanical stress. The electrically insulated conductors 2 on the lamellar membrane are made of a highly conductive material (e.g., copper or silver) and are, for example, bonded to the lamellar membrane.The magnetic flux is controlled by means of lateral pole plates 19 (for example as in . Fig. 13 (in rod form) across the air gap 4. The lateral pole plates 19 are made of a highly magnetically permeable material (for example, a soft magnetic alloy). The chamber of the stimulation device 10, the permanent magnet 7, and the lateral pole plates 19 are mounted in a frame 9 (for example, made of plastic, aluminum, or magnesium).

[0097] The lamellar membrane is constructed as in Fig. 13The diagram shows parallel electrical conductors 2 arranged in a meandering pattern. The current flow direction must be the same for all conductors, as the magnetic field 3 also has the same orientation throughout the air gap 4, which should be kept as narrow as possible for structural reasons. On the lamellar membrane, the electrical conductors 2 are arranged in a meandering pattern such that the current flows through the adjacent lamellae in opposite directions. To move the lamellar membrane 1, the thin electrical conductors 2 are supplied with an alternating control current from a control unit. Depending on the current flow direction or polarity, the lamellae then move towards or away from each other due to the Lorentz force, forcing the air out of or drawing it in.Alternatively, the movement of the lamellar membrane can also be achieved with an alternating voltage that does not involve a change in polarity, but merely a change in voltage amplitude while maintaining the same voltage direction (polarity). Folding the membrane into a lamellar shape results in a significantly larger effective membrane area. Despite the comparatively large membrane area, the entire membrane surface is driven uniformly. Alternatively, several permanent magnets 7 in can also be used. Fig. 13 (right) are arranged under the lamellar membrane.

[0098] The displacement of the electrical conductors 2 integrated into the lamellar membrane is determined by the amplitude of the control current. The frequency of the alternating current corresponds to the frequency of the conductor movement and thus to the frequency of the lamellar membrane movement. The frequency and displacement of the lamellar membrane movement can therefore be controlled relatively easily and independently of each other by the current frequency and amplitude. The changing pressure field and the resulting alternating overpressure and underpressure at the erogenous zone (clitoris) can thus be controlled independently in frequency and amplitude by the alternating compression and expansion of the air through the contraction and expansion of the lamellar membrane.

[0099] Due to the direct transmission, an extended frequency range from below 1 Hz to several hundred Hz is possible with this principle. The direct current from the battery simply needs to be converted into alternating current. This conversion can involve switching on and off and / or superimposing direct current components. This allows for the provision of an alternating voltage with a direct current offset. For example, an alternating voltage can be provided that does not involve a polarity reversal, but only a change in voltage amplitude while maintaining the same voltage direction (polarity).

[0100] Alternatively, the drive unit can also be connected to the further chamber 16 via the connecting channel 15 as shown in Fig. 14 depicted.

[0101] Alternatively, at least one second chamber 11 can also be configured as in Fig. 15 located to the side of the drive unit.

[0102] In an embodiment with a second chamber 11 laterally (left) or opposite (right) the movable wall section 1, noise-absorbing devices can be arranged according to the plate resonator principle or in a porous structure as in Fig. 16 be provided for.

[0103] To generate the highest possible flux density in the air gap 14, which should be kept as narrow as possible in the design, and thereby keep the area-specific force on the movable wall section 1 constant or increase it, permanent magnets 7 can alternatively be placed on both sides of the movable wall section 1 as shown in Fig. 17 The images will be arranged.

[0104] The movable wall section 1 is located in Fig. 17 directly between the poles of the permanent magnets 7 and can also be implemented with several permanent magnets 7 next to each other.

[0105] The noises emitted on the back of the lamellar membrane are absorbed in all versions, for example by a device based on the plate resonator principle or in a porous structure, and thereby reduced as much as possible (not shown).

[0106] The Figs. 18 to 24 Figure 1 shows further embodiments of an arrangement for a stimulation device and arrangements for the drive unit 32 and the pressure chamber 4. In each case, coil elements of an electromagnetic linear drive are arranged to be movable or displaceable within a stationary permanent magnetic field. The same reference numerals are used for identical features as in the preceding figures.

[0107] In the embodiments in the Figs. 18 to 24The suspension or mounting 12, which acts as a positioning or centering device for the carrier 5 with the (vibrating) coil 2, is shown in a neutral initial state in which no deflection has taken place. In contrast, the Fig. 25 and 26 a configuration in which carrier 5 with the voice coil 2 from the neutral starting or zero position (cf. Figs. 18 to 24 ) downwards into the stationary permanent magnetic field 3. Together with the support 5, the movable chamber wall section 1 is thereby displaced downwards. During operation, the support 5 with the voice coil 2 and the movable chamber wall section 1 then oscillate, starting from the point in the Fig. 25 and 26 The deflected initial position shown is used to return to the neutral rest position. In other embodiments, particularly those described in the Figs. 18 to 24 The examples shown, starting from the one in the Figs. 18 to 24The neutral resting position shown is swung around this neutral starting position.

[0108] The designs in the Fig. 25 and 26 In particular, this allows the voice coil 2 to be supplied with a non-alternating polarity electric current for operation. In contrast, an alternating polarity current is provided for in other designs, for example in one or more of the configurations in the Figs. 18 to 24 Others besides those in the Fig. 25 and 26 The configurations shown can be operated in operation around a deflected position that differs from the neutral rest or starting position.

[0109] In the exemplary embodiments in the Figs. 18 to 21 Coil 2 has an upper sub-coil 2a and a lower sub-coil 2b with separate coil windings. In the examples in the Figs. 18 and 19The upper and lower partial coils 2a, 2b are arranged opposite pole plates 9, with the permanent magnets 7 located on the outside ( Fig. 18 ) or internal ( Fig. 19 ) are arranged in relation to coil 2. The internal design supports the formation of an optimized magnetic induction.

[0110] Even in the examples in the Figs. 20 and 21 The permanent magnets 7 are arranged externally with respect to the voice coil 2. The arrangement of the permanent magnets 7 shown there, which in comparison to the embodiment in the Fig. 18 a flat design is supported when they are arranged in place of the upper polar cap 9a or the lower polar cap 9b.

[0111] The designs in the Figs. 22 to 24 utilize a design that is different from the designs in the Figs. 18 to 21 one-piece coil 2, wherein the permanent magnets 7 are also in relation to the coil 2 according to the Figs. 22 and 23They can be arranged internally or externally. In the version in Fig. 24 The permanent magnets 7 are arranged below the voice coil 2.

[0112] In the example in Fig. 18 Upper and lower polar caps 9a, 9b are provided, arranged above and below the permanent magnets 7. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 19 The upper and lower polar caps 9a, 9b are arranged above and below a middle polar cap 9c and in contact with it.

[0113] In the details of the Fig. 25 and 26 The permanent magnets 7 are arranged between the upper pole plate 9a and the rear pole plate 8 and are in contact with them. According to Fig. 25 A spring 40 is provided which provides a spring preload against the shown deflected position of the carrier 5 with the voice coil 2. Fig. 26Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment in which spring 40 is omitted. Preload can be provided here by means of the suspension / mount 12.

[0114] Fig. 27 shows an embodiment in which the coil assembly 2 is comparable to the embodiment in Fig. 22 the permanent magnets 7 surround on the outside, whereby the pole plates 9c shown can optionally be omitted. In contrast to the design in Fig. 22The diameter of the area encompassed by the coil assembly 2, in which the permanent magnets 7 are arranged, is larger than the diameter of the movable chamber wall section 1. Alternatively, it can be provided (not shown) that the diameter of the area and the diameter of the movable chamber wall section are essentially the same. In this and other embodiments, the movable chamber wall section 1 and the coil assembly 2 are arranged in a common central position. The Fig. 27 The embodiment shown is particularly suitable, due to its chosen structural properties, to provide sufficient driving force for the displacement of the movable chamber wall section 3 by the dimension shown. Fig. 27 to perform the shown (neutral) rest or starting position around (i.e., raising and lowering relative to the rest and starting position) so that the desired pressure change field can be generated in the small volumes.

[0115] The diameter of the area, which corresponds to the diameter of the coil assembly 2, can be in a ratio of at least 0.3, or alternatively in a ratio of at least 0.5 or 0.7, to the diameter of the movable chamber wall section 1. In other embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the area (diameter of the coil assembly 2) to the diameter of the movable chamber wall section 1 is at most 2, or alternatively at most 1.8 or 1.5.

[0116] In the embodiment Fig. 27 The suspension or bracket 12, which acts as a positioning or centering device for the carrier 5 with the (vibrating) coil 2, is shown in a neutral initial or rest position in which no deflection has taken place. In contrast, the Fig. 25 and 26 a configuration in which carrier 5 with the voice coil 2 from the neutral starting or zero position (cf. Fig. 27) shifted downwards into the stationary permanent magnetic field 3.

[0117] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawing can be important for the realization of the various embodiments, both individually and in any combination.

Claims

1. Device for stimulating a human clitoris with a variable pressure field, comprising: - a housing (21) in which a handle section and a stimulation section are formed; - a drive unit (32) arranged in the housing (21) and configured to repeatedly provide a drive movement; - a pressure chamber (4, 16) arranged in the housing (21) to provide a variable pressure field and at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall;- a movable chamber wall section (1), which forms a section of the chamber wall and is coupled to the drive unit (32), such that the movable chamber wall section (1) can be repeatedly moved between different wall positions in response to the drive movement coupled thereto, thereby repeatedly increasing and decreasing the chamber volume of the pressure chamber (4, 16) to generate the variable pressure field with alternating overpressures and underpressures relative to an ambient pressure; - a housing opening (22), which is arranged in the stimulation section and is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber (4, 16), such that the variable pressure field generated by means of the pressure chamber (4, 16) can be released via the housing opening (22) in the form of underpressures and overpressures;- a sealing device, which is associated with the housing opening (22) and is arranged and configured in the area of ​​the stimulation section to seal the pressure chamber (4, 16) from the environment during operation; and - a battery device (28) which is configured to provide drive energy for drive device (32); wherein, in the drive device (32), a coil device, which is traversed by an electric current during operation, is movably arranged in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field (3) and couples to the movable chamber wall section (1) for transmitting the drive movement.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a chamber volume of the pressure chamber (4, 16) is at most about 0.2 I.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the housing opening (22) has a diameter of at least about 5 mm and at most about 50 mm.

4. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the drive device (32) is set up to generate a low-frequency pneumatic pressure alternating field with an alternating frequency of about 0.5 Hz to about 150 Hz in a sealed pressure chamber (4, 16).

5. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the drive device (32) is set up to generate a pneumatic pressure fluctuation field with a pressure difference between a lowest negative pressure and a highest positive pressure of about 20 mbar to about 600 mbar in a sealed pressure chamber (4, 16).

6. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the pressure chamber (4, 16) is set up to increase the chamber volume from a neutral position of the movable chamber wall section (1) by a volume change of about 1% to about 25% and to decrease it by a volume change of about 1% to about 25%.

7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the movable chamber wall section (1) has a diameter of at least about 5 mm and at most about 60 mm.

8. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the battery device (28) is configured to provide a driving energy of alternating polarity to the coil device, so that the coil device is supplied with an electric current of alternating polarity to move the movable chamber wall section (1) around the neutral position.

9. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The coil elements of the coil assembly are arranged to encompass the permanent magnets (7) of the associated stationary permanent magnetic field (3).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized by the fact thata region diameter of a region encompassed by the coil elements of the coil device with the permanent magnets corresponds to at least one diameter of the movable chamber wall section (1).

11. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the diameter of the area, which corresponds to the diameter of the coil assembly (2), and the diameter of the movable chamber wall section (1) are in a ratio of at least 0.

3.

12. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the area diameter, which corresponds to the diameter of the coil assembly (2), and a diameter of the movable chamber wall section (1) are in a ratio of at most 2.

13. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that first coil elements of the coil assembly are arranged on the movable chamber wall section (1).

14. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that second coil elements of the coil assembly are arranged on a coupling component which couples to the movable chamber wall section (1).

15. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the sealing device is circular in design and adapted to the shape of the housing opening (22).

Images