EP3773406A1

EP3773406A1 - Device for stimulating the clitoris with a variable pressure field, and method for generating a variable pressure field

Info

Publication number: EP3773406A1
Application number: EP19723636.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mark Tobias Zegenhagen
Original assignee: Novoluto GmbH
Current assignee: Novoluto GmbH
Priority date: 2018-04-04
Filing date: 2019-04-04
Publication date: 2021-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-04
Also published as: AU2019247064B2; WO2020200339A1; US20210038470A1; EP3773406B1; CA3095965A1; CA3134908A1; EP3946210A1; US20220211570A1; WO2019192661A1; DE102018107961A1; AU2019247064A1; EP4342440A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for stimulating the clitoris using a variable pressure field, comprising a housing (21) equipped with a handle section and a stimulation section; a drive device (32) which is arranged in the housing (21) and is designed to repeatedly provide a drive movement; a pressure chamber (4) which is arranged in the housing (21) in order to provide a variable pressure field and which is at least partly surrounded by a chamber wall; a movable chamber wall section which forms a section of the chamber wall and is coupled to the drive device (32) such that the movable chamber wall section can be moved repeatedly between different wall positions in response to the drive movement coupled to the chamber wall section, whereby a chamber volume of the pressure chamber (4) is repeatedly increased and decreased in order to generate the variable pressure field; a housing opening (22) which is arranged in the stimulation section and is fluidically connected to the pressure chamber (4) such that the variable pressure field generated by the pressure chamber (4) can be dispensed via the housing opening (22) in the form of negative and positive pressure; and a battery device (28) which is designed to provide drive energy to the drive device (32). In the drive device (32), a coil device through which electric power flows during operation is movably arranged in a paired stationary permanent magnetic field and is coupled to the movable chamber wall section in order to transmit the drive movement. The invention additionally relates to a method for generating a variable pressure field.

Description

Apparatus for stimulating the clitoris with a variable pressure field and method for generating a variable pressure field

The invention relates to a device for stimulating the clitoris with a variable pressure field and to a method for generating a variable pressure field.

background

Document DE 10 2013 110 501 A1 describes a stimulation device with a drive train, an electrochemical energy store in the form of a rechargeable battery or a battery unit and a control unit whose drive train consists of a rotating electric motor with an eccentric shaft, a connecting rod and a piston in at least one chamber the stimulation device consists. By the rotating electric motor supplied control current in the form of direct current, the speed of the electric motor and thus ultimately the frequency of the piston movement is varied or controlled. The stroke of the piston is defined by the defined Exzenterweg and thus not changeable during operation.

The document DE 10 2016 105 019 B3 describes a stimulation device whose drive unit is intended to "simplify the structure" of the document DE 10 2013 1 10 501 A1 and to generate a "higher variety of different oscillations". In the drive train here is no rotating electric motor, but an electric linear motor with coil elements in the primary part and at least one arranged parallel to the coil element axially displaceably guided magnetic core of at least two oppositely disposed permanent magnets provided as a secondary part. The magnetic core is mechanically connected to at least one operating portion of the first chamber wall of the stimulation device. By feeding the coils or the winding of the electric linear motor or the coil elements by means of the supplied control current, the rotor-side magnetic core is moved axially back and forth. The maximum axial displacement of the magnetic core is determined by the number, structure, arrangement and circuit of the coils.

Summary

The object of the invention is to provide a device for stimulating the clitoris with a variable pressure field and a method for generating a variable pressure field, which allow a device with improved operating characteristics. To solve a device for stimulating the clitoris with a variable pressure field and a method for generating a variable pressure field according to the independent claims 1 and 16 are provided. Embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

In one aspect, an apparatus for stimulating the clitoris with a variable pressure field is provided. The apparatus comprises: a housing having a grip portion and a stimulation portion formed thereon, drive means disposed in the housing and configured to repeatedly provide drive movement, a pressure chamber arranged to provide a variable pressure field in the housing, and at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall, a displaceable chamber wall portion which forms a portion of the chamber wall and coupled to the drive means, such that the displaceable chamber wall portion in response to the coupled thereto drive movement repeatedly between different wall positions is displaced, whereby a chamber volume of the pressure chamber for Generating the variable pressure field is repeatedly increased and decreased, a housing opening, which is arranged in the stimulation section and is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, such that the means of the Druc kkammer generated variable pressure field can be discharged through the housing opening in the form of positive and negative pressure, in particular for acting on the clitoris, and a battery device which is adapted to provide a drive energy for drive means, wherein the drive means a coil means which in the operation of an electric current is flowed through, movably arranged in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field and coupled to transmit the drive movement to the displaceable chamber wall section.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of generating a variable pressure field comprising the steps of providing a stimulation device having a housing on which a grip portion and a stimulation portion are formed, repeatedly providing drive motion by means of drive means disposed in the housing by providing a variable pressure field in a pressure chamber disposed in the housing and at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall, displacing a displaceable chamber wall portion which forms a portion of the chamber wall and couples to the drive means such that the displaceable chamber wall portion in response to the associated pelte drive movement is repeatedly displaced between different wall positions, whereby a chamber volume of the pressure chamber for generating the variable pressure field is repeatedly increased and decreased, acting of the variable pressure field in the form of under- and overpressures on the clitoris through a housing opening, which is arranged in the stimulation section and with the pressure chamber is in fluid communication, such that the variable Druckfeid generated by the pressure chamber can be discharged via the Gehäusöff voltage in the form of underpressure and overpressures; and providing a drive energy for the drive means by means of a battery device, wherein in the drive means a coil means, which is traversed by an electric current in operation, moves in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field and coupled to transmit the drive movement to the displaceable chamber wall portion.

A variable pressure field in the sense of the disclosure is a temporally and spatially changing field of media pressures which has positive and negative pressures, wherein a negative pressure is a medium pressure which is below a reference pressure, for example the ambient pressure, and an overpressure is a media pressure that is above the reference pressure. The medium may be a medium filling the pressure chamber. The medium may be a gas or a liquid. For example, the medium may be air.

The battery device may comprise a non-rechargeable and / or a rechargeable energy store. For example, the battery device may comprise an accumulator.

In the apparatus, the stationary permanent magnetic field may be provided by means of one or more permanent magnets. In addition, one or more pole plates may be included in the arrangement with the permanent magnet (s). By means of the pole plates, the magnetic flux can be concentrated.

In contrast to electromagnetic drives in which permanent magnets are displaced in an electromagnetic field generated by a coil device for generating the drive movement, in the proposed device, the coil device is arranged movably in the stationary magnetic field. The movably arranged coil device can be acted upon by the control current from the control unit. In this case, on the movably arranged in the stationary permanent magnetic field, current-carrying The so-called Lorentz force acting coil device, so that the coil moves when energized accordingly. The strength of the Lorentz force depends on the amplitude of the control current, the length of the coil, the arrangement of coil to magnetic field and the flux density of the magnetic field in the air gap. The flux density of the magnetic field in the air gap is again determined at a given air gap by the magnetic material and the magnetic volume or magnetic weight. A high flux density of the magnetic field can be achieved under otherwise identical conditions by increasing the magnetic volume and / or the magnetic weight of the stationary permanent magnet, without the weight of the movable coil device increases. As a result, the mass to be moved can be kept lower compared to the prior art. A smaller mass can be moved more efficiently with comparatively better dynamics and with less disturbing vibrations and a better noise emission.

The drive device is designed as a linear drive device, which generates a linear drive movement during operation, which is coupled to the displaceable chamber wall section, so that due to its movement, the volume of the pressure chamber is repeatedly increased and decreased, so that a pressure field is generated, which is for a non-contact Stimulation of the clitoris can be applied. Unlike stimulation devices in which a stimulation head is moved to transmit by touch the stimulation waves, it is not necessary in the proposed device to move such a mass of the stimulation head.

The variable pressure field generated by means of the pressure chamber can act on the clitoris via the housing opening in the form of positive and negative pressures. For example, the variable pressure field generated by means of the pressure chamber acts on the clitoris via the housing opening when the housing opening is placed on the clitoris. In this case, the housing opening can cover the clitoris completely or partially. For example, the housing opening may cover the clitoris. A portion of the housing surrounding the housing opening can rest against the skin. For example, the portion of the housing surrounding the housing opening may rest on the clitoris and / or on a skin area surrounding the clitoris. The housing opening can essentially rest on the clitoris. For example, the portion of the housing surrounding the housing opening can rest against the skin such that media movement through the housing opening is hindered. The pressure applied to the housing opening in the variable pressure field can then act on the clitoris. This can be a small volume flow of the medium be possible, which does not lead to a complete pressure equalization with respect to the ambient pressure at the housing opening. For example, the portion of the housing surrounding the housing opening may abut the skin with interruptions, such that only a small volume flow of the medium is allowed by the interruptions, which does not lead to a complete pressure equalization with respect to the ambient pressure at the housing opening.

The displaceable chamber wall section may have a flexibly deformable membrane. In this or other embodiments, the membrane may be formed of a plastic material.

The flexibly deformable membrane can have an elastic membrane section, which is stretched and contracts again during repeated displacement of the displaceable chamber wall section between the various wall positions. In this case, membrane sections can be elastically stretched and compressed. These elastic membrane sections may for example consist of a plastic or a rubber material.

The displaceable chamber wall section may be formed entirely by the flexibly deformable membrane.

The displaceable chamber wall portion may have a rigid wall portion, which is repeatedly displaceable in response to the coupled drive movement between different associated wall positions. The rigid wall section is displaceable relative to adjacent wall sections of the chamber wall. It may be provided a combination of rigid wall section and one or more membrane sections. In order to enable a displaceability of the rigid wall section, this is displaceable integrated into the chamber wall, for example, characterized in that the rigid wall portion via a bead or a spring element coupled to adjacent wall sections. Such storage may be provided generally for the displaceable chamber wall portion.

First coil elements of the coil device can be arranged on the displaceable chamber wall section. The first coil element can be arranged on the flexibly deformable membrane and / or the rigid wall section. The first coil element may be partially or wholly formed thereon. In operation, the first spool element then moves with the displaceable chamber wall section.

The first coil elements can be at least partially embedded in a membrane material of the flexibly deformable membrane. For example, the first Spulenele element of the coil means may be poured into the membrane material. Alternatively or in addition, it may be provided for the first coil element to be accommodated between layers of the membrane material by means of a laminating process.

The displaceable chamber wall portion may have a wall portion having a waveform. The wave form of the wall portion may be elastically deformable when the displaceable chamber wall portion is moved during operation. The waveform can example, a sine wave or a zigzag wave correspond.

At least a part of the coil elements can be arranged in the region of wave troughs and / or Wel lenbergen the waveform.

Second coil elements of the coil device can be arranged on a coupling component, which couples to the displaceable chamber wall section. The second coil elements may be provided in addition to or alternatively to the first coil elements. The second coil elements can be arranged exclusively and completely on the coupling component, for example as a wire winding on a component body. For example, a plunger coil construction may be provided thereby. A coil winding may be arranged on a rod-shaped component body, which in operation, when the coil device is acted upon by the electrical current, repeatedly dips into and out of the stationary permanent magnetic field for generating the drive movement. The drive movement provided thereby with the coupling component can be transferred directly or via further coupling components to the displaceable chamber wall section.

The chamber wall may have a further displaceable chamber wall portion, which forms a portion of the chamber wall and is displaceable between different wall or displacement positions. The further displaceable chamber wall section is formed separately from the displaceable chamber wall section in the region of the chamber wall. For example, it may be opposite the displaceable chamber wall section be arranged. The further displaceable chamber wall section is movable or displaceable relative to adjacent wall sections of the chamber wall. The further displaceable chamber wall portion may be free of a coupling to the drive movement, it may be formed as a free-swinging wall portion and be designed as a noise absorption component. The coupling or integration of the further displaceable chamber wall portion in the chamber wall may be made comparable or different from the connection of the displaceable chamber wall portion, wherein it lacks a coupling to the drive device, in contrast to the displaceable chamber wall portion. It is possible for mutually associated pairs of displaceable and further displaceable chamber wall sections to be provided, for example such that the assigned chamber wall sections are arranged opposite one another. During operation, the further displaceable chamber wall section is optionally set in vibration when the displaceable wall section is repeatedly displaced due to the drive movement.

The coil means may be at least partially disposed in a space between each other ge opposite permanent magnets. At least in one of the operating positions in which the coil device is displaced toward the permanent magnets, the coil device can be arranged in the installation space between the mutually opposite permanent magnets. Alternatively to the formation of a space between opposing permanent magnets can be provided that the coil means is arranged only on one side opposite to the one or more permanent magnets.

One or more permanent magnets, with which the associated stationary permanent magnetic field is provided, may be arranged on the chamber wall. The one or more permanent magnets may be configured to form a chamber wall portion. The pressure chamber may be formed with a plurality of mutually in fluid communication pressure sub-chambers. The housing opening for acting on the variable pressure pad on the non-contact stimulation clitoris may be disposed in a distal or end pressure chamber, whereas the displaceable chamber wall portion, which is repeatedly displaced to produce the variable pressure field during operation, is located in the region of a proximal or front pressure chamber , Between adjacent pressure-part chambers, a transition is formed for the fluid connection, which can have a narrowed cross-section compared to the interconnected pressure-part chambers. In operation, separately formed coil elements of the coil device can be operated with different electrical currents. If coil elements formed separately from one another flow through different electrical currents, this makes it possible to design the repeated displacement of the respective coil element individually during operation, 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 may initially be generated substantially by means of one of the coil elements in order then to model this pressure field by means of a displaceable chamber wall section, which is connected to a further coil element repeatedly displaced during operation.

The coil device can have an upper and a lower partial coil, which are arranged one above the other on the carrier of the coil winding. The upper and lower subspuns may have separate electrical connections in operation, they may optionally be subjected to different electrical currents. In this case, the different electrical currents may differ with regard to one or more current parameters, for example amplitude, polarity and / or temporal amplitude behavior. The upper and lower part coils are formed separately from the displaceable chamber portion on the carrier.

The upper and the lower part coil can be arranged opposite at least in the neutral rest position to which is then shifted or swung in operation, permanent magnets or pole plates, wherein also an embodiment may be provided, in which one of the coil sections opposite permanent magnets, whereas the other Part coils pole plates is arranged opposite one another.

In the various embodiments, the permanent magnets may be disposed inboard or outboard relative to the coil windings. An arrangement of the permanent magnets below the coil winding (s) can also be provided.

It can be provided that the coil winding (s) arranged on the support are displaced from a neutral rest position before the start of the operation in which the displaceable chamber wall section is displaced back and forth (or up and down) relative to a starting position ( is deflected) to then in operation at this outsourced position to be moved or relocated around. In operation, the coil can be supplied with a current of non-alternating polarity, which simplifies the electrical supply. Such advance displacement or deflection may be against a biasing device that provides a biasing force against the deflection, such as a spring mechanism. During operation, the pretensioning device providing the biasing can support the displacement of the coil device and thus of the displaceable chamber wall section.

In connection with the method for generating a variable pressure field by means of the stimulation device, the embodiments explained above can be provided accordingly.

In operation, the coil device is subjected to an electrical current whose frequency and / or amplitude are set by a control device.

Description of exemplary cases

In the following, further embodiments with reference to figures of

Drawing explained in more detail. Hereby show:

1a is a schematic representation of a device for stimulating a clitoris with a variable pressure field in front view;

FIG. 1b shows the device for stimulating a clitoris from FIG. 1a in cross-section; FIG.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device having a pressure chamber formed with one or two pressure subchambers;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of arrangements for a stimulation device, each having two pressure part chambers; FIG.

4 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which a double drive is provided;

5 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which two actively displaceable chamber wall sections are provided in the region of the pressure chamber;

6 shows a schematic illustration of arrangements for a stimulation device in which coil elements are integrated in a displaceable chamber wall section; 7 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which coil elements are likewise integrated into the displaceable chamber wall section;

8 shows a schematic illustration of arrangements for a stimulation device with a pressure chamber, which has two pressure-part chambers, wherein coil elements are integrated into a displaceable chamber wall section;

9 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which, in contrast to the embodiment in FIG. 9, the pressure part chambers are connected to one another via a lateral transition;

10 shows a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device, wherein one or two further displaceable chamber wall sections are provided;

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which the pressure chamber has two interconnected pressure sub-chambers.

12 shows a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which a displaceable chamber wall section is arranged between permanent magnets;

Fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of arrangements for a stimulation device; wherein a displaceable chamber wall portion has a waveform;

Figure 14 is a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which the displaceable chamber wall portion has a waveform, the pressure chamber being formed with two pressure part chambers;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which two partial pressure chambers are connected to one another via a lateral transition, in contrast to the embodiment in FIG. 15; FIG.

16 is a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which the displaceable chamber wall portion has a waveform, with further displaceable chamber wall portions being provided;

17 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement for a stimulation device, wherein a displaceable chamber wall section with a wave form between permanent magnets is arranged;

18 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which the coil device has separate coil windings and permanent magnets are arranged on the outside; 19 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which the coil device has separate coil windings and permanent magnets are arranged on the inside;

20 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which the coil device has separate coil windings and permanent magnets are arranged on the outside;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which the coil device has separate coil windings and permanent magnets are arranged outside at the bottom; FIG.

Fig. 22 is a schematic illustration of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which permanent magnets are disposed inwardly of the voice coil;

FIG. 23 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which permanent magnets are arranged externally with respect to the voice coil; FIG.

Fig. 24 is a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which permanent magnets are arranged below the voice coil with respect to the voice coil;

FIG. 25 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which the voice coil is displaced in advance from a neutral rest or initial position; FIG. and

26 shows a schematic illustration of a further arrangement for a stimulation device, in which the voice coil is displaced in advance from a neutral rest or initial position.

Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of a device for stimulating (stimulation device) of the clitoris with a variable pressure field in the front view, Fig. 1b shows the stimulation device in cross section.

The stimulation device 20 is a, for example, portable, electrical or small appliance, which housing 21, a housing opening 22 for placing on the clitoris 30, controls 23, a display 24, an on / off switch 25, an optional socket 26 and a Battery device 28, for example with an accumulator having. The housing 21 can be embodied so ergonomically that it can be held comfortably with one hand and it has no sharp or pointed edges. Furthermore, the housing 21 may consist of a plastic, for example polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). In addition, the grip areas or even the entire housing 21 can be supplemented or configured with a haptically advantageous silicone, for example in the form of a silicone coating. The housing 21 may be designed to be at least water-repellent or splash-proof, for example, protection class IP 24. Furthermore, the stimulation device 20 may be designed to be watertight with respect to submersion under water.

The operating element 23 or the operating elements 23 are used to set the operating mode of the device, d. H. the modulation of the variable pressure field. The operating elements 23 may comprise, for example, at least one pushbutton, as at least one rotary switch, or as at least one touch-sensitive switch. Furthermore, the operating elements 23 can emit an optical feedback for the actuation, for example by means of integrated light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

An optional display 24 serves to inform the user of the device status and / or the setting state. The display 24 may be configured, for example, with a single light-emitting diode, a plurality of light-emitting diodes or as an LCD display. The information displayed could be, for example, the on state of the device, the state of charge of the battery device 28, or the current setting of the modulation of the pressure field.

The on / off switch 25 serves to activate and deactivate the stimulation device 20. This on / off switch 25 can be, for example, a pushbutton which switches the stimulation device 20 on or off with prolonged pressing, or a latching slide age be.

A socket 26 serves the external power supply of the stimulation device 20 via an external plug 27, which is connected, for example, to an external power adapter. In order to ensure the splash-water resistance of the stimulation device 20, instead of the bushing 26, a magneto-inductive transmitter may be provided, which enables a power transmission into the stimulation device 20 without an electrically conductive contact. The stimulation device 20 also has a battery device 28, For example, with an accumulator, such as a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium battery, for wireless operation. Alternatively or additionally, a (longer) power supply cable can be led out of the stimulation device. Likewise alternatively or additionally, magnetic contacts can be provided as a power supply connection.

In the schematic cross section in Fig. 1 b, the housing opening 22 for placement on the clitoris 30, a pressure chamber 4, and the drive means 32 of the stimulation device 20 is shown.

A control device 29 controls the drive device 32, the operating elements 23 and the display 24. At this time, the controller 29 and the driver 32 are powered by the internal battery device 28 and / or the external power supply 27. The control device 29, which has, for example, a microcontroller or is hard-wired, first controls the power supply of all consumers of the stimulation device 20, and optionally a charging and discharging process of the battery device 28 and / or a battery management. In particular, the control device 29 controls the drive unit 32, for example the modulation of the pressure field, etc. Furthermore, the control device 29 can have a memory in which at least one modulation or stimulation pattern is stored. The drive device 32 can now be driven by the user of the stimulation device 20 via the control elements 23 in accordance with this pre-stored stimulation pattern in its excitation. The stimulation patterns of the pressure field can optionally also be individually created and stored by the user via the control elements.

Embodiments for an arrangement for a stimulation device or arrangements for the drive unit 32 and the pressure chamber 4 are described below, in which respective coil elements of an electromagnetic linear drive are arranged movable or displaceable in a stationary permanent magnetic field.

In the arrangements shown in FIG. 2, a displaceable wall section 1 is connected to a carrier 5 through at least one oscillating or immersion coil 2 attached thereto in accordance with a coil feed by means of the control current in a magnetic field 3 provided by permanent magnets and moved around so the relocatable Wall section 1 during operation to shift back and forth, so as to produce a variable Druckfeld_.

The displaceable wall section 1 (for example made of a polymer or paper) as part of a pressure chamber 4 of the stimulation device is fastened to a support 5 (for example made of aluminum, Kapton or an aluminum Kapton laminate). The displaceable wall portion 1 can be integrated via a bead 6 in the chamber, which follows the strokes of the displaceable wall portion 1 mechanically largely without mechanical stresses. To the carrier 5 coil elements of a voice coil 2 are wound, which are fed in operation by the control current from a control unit. The voice coil 2 consists of electrical conductors made of an electrically conductive material (for example, copper or silver), which are insulated with an electrically insulating paint against each other and against the carrier 5. The magnetic field is provided by at least one permanent magnet 7, which may have a ring shape. The magnetic flux is transmitted through pole plates 9 having a rear pole plate 8 (for example, as in FIG. 2, having a cylindrical shape) and an upper pole plate 9a (for example, as in FIG Example, annular air gap 10 to the cylindrical pole core 1 1 out. Rear 8 and upper pole plate 9 are as well as the pole core 1 1 of magnetically highly permeable material (for example, a soft magnetic material alloy).

The permanent magnet 7 needed to induce the structurally narrow as possible air gap 10 between the upper pole plate 9a and pole core 11 as high flux density, which is why the strongest possible permanent magnets with flux densities of about 0.5 to about 1, 2T (for example, neodymium-iron-boron Magnets) are used, which generate strong magnetic fields at low weight.

The carrier 5 with the voice coil 2 is structurally centered and guided in the air gap 10 by at least one holder or suspension 12 (for example made of plastic, textile fabric or paper) in order to prevent wobbling movements of the voice coil 2. The support or suspension 12 is attached to a frame 13 (for example made of plastic, aluminum or magnesium).

For moving the displaceable wall section 1, the voice coil 2 is fed with a control alternating current from a control unit. The voice coil 2 is depending on the current direction or current polarity in the magnetic field of the air gap 10 by the Lorentz force moved up or down. The directions of the Lorentz force, the magnetic field and the current flow are perpendicular to each other in Fig. 2. The stroke of the deflection 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 the Fre quenz the movement of the movable wall portion 1. The frequency and the stroke of the voice coil and thus the movement of the displaceable wall portion 1 can thus comparatively easily independent of each other by the current frequency and current amplitude become. The changing pressure field and the resulting alternating overpressure and depression on the erogenous body zone (clitoris) are thus due to the changing compression and expansion of the air by means of the movement of the displaceable wall section 1 (or of several displaceable wall sections in operation) in frequency and Amplitude independently controllable.

Due to the direct transmission, an extended frequency range with this principle from less than 1 Hz up to several hundred Hz is easily possible. The direct current from the accumulator only has to be converted to alternating current. The conversion to an alternating current may include the switching on and off and / or the superposition of DC components. As a result, an alternating voltage with a direct current offset can be provided. For example, it is possible to provide an alternating voltage which does not include a polarity change but only a change in the voltage level with the voltage direction (polarity) remaining the same.

The arrangement can, according to the right-hand illustration in FIG. 2, have a pressure chamber with a plurality of pressure sub-chambers, in which a further pressure chamber 16 is provided in addition to the pressure chamber 4, so that connected pressure sub-chambers are provided, which are connected via a connecting channel 15. The housing opening for acting on the variable pressure field on the clitoris is provided on the further pressure chamber 16.

Also in the embodiment in Fig. 3, the pressure chamber 4 and the further pressure chamber 16 are provided.

The generation of the variable pressure field by moving the displaceable wall portion 1 (and thus the positive and negative pressure) is accompanied by a generation of noise, ie propagating with sound velocity, local pressure fluctuations in the air, which are perceived by the human ear. The movement of the (Agerbaren wall section 1 inherent noise can be absorbed by appropriate measures, ie the sound energy can be converted into heat.

In Fig. 3 (right), the noise according to the principle of absorption of a plate vibrator by friction in at least one of the chamber walls 18, which is formed with another displaceable wall portion, and by the friction of the oscillating chamber wall in air as heat dissipated as heat. The chamber wall 18, which oscillates for absorbing noise, is also integrated into the chamber by means of a resilient spring device 17. Also, by the deformation of the spring and the friction generated thereby in the spring device 17 sound energy is ultimately converted into heat and dissipated. The plate oscillator is a narrow-band resonance absorber whose mass and spring travel are to be selected such that the characteristic absorber frequency for the highest possible degree of noise absorption as a function of the sound frequency is as close as possible or in the frequency range of the movement of the displaceable wall section 1. Furthermore, the noise resulting from the piston or diaphragm movement should be dissipated into heat in a porous structure according to the absorption principle.

The chamber walls 18 may be formed with a porous structure and integrated, for example, in the plate vibrator or alternatively applied to the plate vibrator. By means of the viscous flow losses of the air due to the friction on the porous damping material and the friction due to deformation of the material, the noises are absorbed. The porous absorber is a broadband absorber whose layer thickness and material are to be selected in such a way that the characteristic absorber frequency is as close as possible or in the frequency range of the movement of the displaceable wall section 1 for the highest possible degree of absorption. The absorption according to the plate-vibrating principle or in a porous structure reduces the noise propagation as much as possible.

The drive unit is formed with few moving components of light weight and thus has little unbalanced, free mass forces, the components or the housing of the stimulation device at certain displaceable wall sections to vibrate or vibrate. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 3, the further displaceable wall portion of the chamber wall 18 may optionally be implemented with a ferrofluid 14 for damping the resonances of the voice coil 2 and a frame 13 or a sealed chamber (not complete filling), thereby also the Küh- tion of voice coil 2 and carrier 5 is improved by the increased heat conduction compared to air. The heat capacity of the consciously lightweight voice coil 2 and 5 carrier are low.

The flexibility in the embodiment of the drive allows great freedom of design of the stimulation device to make the drive elongate or wide, and also to reduce the localized pressure fluctuations propagating with sound velocity through measures of noise absorption in the chamber (see Fig. 3).

The drive unit or device has a comparatively low complexity due to the direct conversion of the electrical energy of the battey unit 28, for example from the accumulator, into a translational movement of a simple voice coil coupled to the displaceable wall section 1, which in the various embodiments - regardless of the concrete drive - may be formed for example with a piston, a rigid wall portion and / or a membrane, which may be at least partially made of an elastic material. The direct conversion also results in a potentially high efficiency, compact construction and low weight.

The one or more displaceable wall sections 1 can be designed as an integral part of the chamber (pressure chamber - chamber in which the variable pressure field is generated), whereby a good seal against compressible and incompressible media is guaranteed up to a certain overpressure and depression of the chamber.

In order to keep the surface-specific force on the displaceable wall section 1 by the support 5 at the same time wide or flat embodiment of the drive (ie compact voice coil 2 and the carrier 5) constant or increase, the movable wall portion 1 by means of more than one coil 2 and more than a carrier 5, as shown in Fig. 4, are moved.

Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the flexibility of the drive is increased with constant or increased specific surface force on the displaceable wall portion 1. For absorption, devices according to the plate-vibrating principle 17 or in the form of porous structures 18 are likewise provided here, for example. The noises radiated on the rear side of the displaceable wall section 1 are absorbed in all embodiments, for example by a device according to the plate-vibrating principle or in a porous structure, and thereby reduced as far as possible (not shown).

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, current-carrying fine conductors of the coil 2 are located directly on at least one displaceable wall section 1.

At least one permanent magnet 7, for example in the form of a bar magnet as shown in FIG. 6, is located on at least one side of the displaceable wall section 1. The permanent magnet 7 requires the highest possible flux density to induce the structurally as narrow as possible air gap 4 between permanent magnet 7 and displaceable wall portion 1 with the electrical conductors 2, which is why the strongest possible permanent magnets with flux densities 0.5... 1, 2T (For example, neodymium-iron-boron magnets) are used, which generate a strong magnetic field 3 at low weight. The displaceable wall portion 1 (for example, a polymer or paper) as part of a first chamber of the stimulation device 9 can be integrated via a bead 6 in the chamber, which follows the strokes of the displaceable wall portion 1 mechanically largely without mechanical stresses. The electrical conductors 2 on the displaceable wall portion 1 are electrically insulated from each other as electrically conductive material (for example, copper or silver) and by the integration in the displaceable wall portion 1. The magnetic flux is guided via the air gap 4 by means of lateral pole plates 19 (for example in rod form as in FIG. 6). The lateral pole plates 19 are made of magnetically highly permeable material (for example, a soft magnetic material 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).

To move the displaceable wall portion 1, the thin electrical conductors 2 are fed with a control alternating current from a control unit. The electrical conductors 2 are moved depending on the current direction or current polarity in the magnetic field of the air gap 4 by the Lorentz force up or down. The driving forces engage uniformly over the entire surface of the displaceable wall portion 1. The directions of the Lorentz force, the magnetic field and the current flow are perpendicular to each other in Fig. 8. In the variant with two opposite polarity arranged permanent magnet in Fig. 6 (right) must the electrical conductors are fed via the two permanent magnets 7, each having a different polarity, to effect the same movement.

The stroke of the deflection of the electrical conductor integrated in the displaceable 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 the frequency of the movement of the displaceable wall section 1. The frequency and the stroke of the displaceable wall section 1 can thus be controlled comparatively easily by the current frequency and current amplitude independently. The changing pressure field and the resulting alternating overpressure and depression on the erogenous body zone (clitoris) can thus be controlled independently of one another by the alternating compression and expansion of the air by means of the movement of the displaceable wall section 1 in frequency and amplitude.

Due to the direct transmission an extended frequency range with this principle from below 1Hz to several hundred Hz is easily possible. The direct current from the accumulator only has to be converted to alternating current. The conversion to an alternating current may include the switching on and off and / or the superposition of DC components. As a result, an alternating voltage with a direct current offset can be provided. For example, it is possible to provide an alternating voltage which does not include a polarity change, but merely a change in the voltage level with the voltage direction (polarity) remaining the same.

Alternatively, the drive unit can also be designed in ring form as shown in FIG.

In the electromagnetic planar transducer in ring form, the membrane is circular. The permanent magnet 7, the electrical conductor 2, the lateral pole plate 19 and the holder are made, for example, annular. In the symmetry axis of the drive unit, a pole core 11 is provided for improved guidance of the magnetic field. Alternatively, the drive unit can also be connected via a connecting channel 10 with a second chamber 11 as shown in Fig. 8.

Alternatively, at least one second chamber 11 may also be located laterally to the drive unit as in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, with a second chamber 11 laterally (left) or opposite (right) of the displaceable wall portion 1, noise-absorbing devices according to the plate-vibrating principle or in a porous structure as in FIG. 10 can be provided.

By the sound absorbing devices, the noise propagation inherent in the movement of the displaceable wall portion 1 is reduced as much as possible.

Alternatively, the two-chamber embodiments of Fig. 9 (right) and Fig. 10 (right) may also be made in a ring shape.

In order to generate the highest possible flux density in the air gap 4 which is structurally as narrow as possible and thereby to keep the area-specific force constant or to increase the displaceable wall section 1, permanent magnets 7 can alternatively be shown on both sides of the displaceable wall section 1 as in FIG to be ordered.

The embodiment of the drive with permanent magnets 7 on both sides of the displaceable wall section 1 in FIG. 12 can be realized with two permanent magnets with opposite polarity, respectively above and below the displaceable wall section 1 (left) or alternatively with two annular permanent magnets above and below the displaceable wall section 1 (FIG. right).

The noise emitted on the rear side of the displaceable wall section 1 is absorbed in all embodiments, for example by a device according to the plate-vibrating principle or in a porous structure, and thereby reduced as far as possible (not shown).

In the case of the electromagnetic converter shown in FIG. 13, the fine conductors 2, through which current flows, are located directly on the displaceable wall section 1, which has at least one thin membrane which is folded in a lamellar form (lamellar membrane).

At least one permanent magnet 7 (left), for example in the form of a bar magnet as shown in FIG. 13, is located on at least one side of the lamellar membrane. The permanent magnet 7 is required for induction of the constructively as narrow as possible air gap 4 between permanent magnet 7 and lamellar membrane with the electrical conductors 2 as high a flux density, which is why the strongest possible permanent magnets with flux densities of about 0.5 to about 1, 2T (for example, neodymium-iron-boron magnets) are used at low Weight generate a strong magnetic field 3. The lamella membrane (for example made of a polymer, for example polyamide, polyester or polyimide) as part of a first chamber of the stimulation device 10 can be integrated into the chamber via a bead 6, which follows the strokes of the displaceable wall section 1 largely mechanically without mechanical stresses , The electrically insulated conductors 2 on the lamellar membrane are made of electrically conductive material as possible (for example, copper or silver) and glued, for example, on the lamellar membrane. The magnetic flux is passed over the air gap 4 by means of lateral pole plates 19 (for example in rod form as in FIG. 13). The lateral pole plates 19 are made of magnetically highly permeable material (for example, a soft magnetic material 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).

As shown in FIG. 13, the lamella membrane is meandered with parallel electrical conductor tracks 2. The current flow direction must be the same for all printed conductors, since the magnetic field 3 has the same orientation throughout the constructively narrow gap 4 to be maintained. The electrical conductors 2 are guided meander-shaped on the lamellar membrane in such a way that current flows through the adjacent lamellae in opposite directions. To move the lamellar membrane 1, the thin electrical conductors 2 are fed with a control alternating current from a control unit. Depending on the direction of current flow or the polarity, the louvres then move towards or away from each other by the Lorentz force and squeeze or suck the air out of their interspace. Alternatively, the movement of the lamellae membrane can also be achieved with an alternating voltage which does not involve any polarity change but only a change in the voltage level with the voltage direction (polarity) remaining the same. By folding in a lamellar shape, a significantly enlarged membrane surface becomes effective. Despite the comparatively large membrane area, the entire membrane surface is driven evenly. Alternatively, a plurality of permanent magnets 7 in Fig. 13 (right) can be arranged under the lamellar membrane.

The stroke of the deflection of the electrical conductor 2 integrated in the lamella membrane is determined by the amplitude of the control current. The frequency of the alternating current speaks the frequency of the conductor movement and thus the frequency of the lamella membrane movement. The frequency and the stroke of the lamella membrane movement can thus be controlled comparatively easily independently of one another by the current frequency and current amplitude. The changing pressure field and the resulting alternating overpressure and depression on the erogenous body zone (clitoris) are thus independently controllable in frequency and amplitude by the alternating compression and expansion of the air by means of contraction and sliding apart of the lamellar membrane.

Due to the direct transmission, an extended frequency range with this principle from less than 1 Hz up to several hundred Hz is easily possible. The direct current from the accumulator only has to be converted to alternating current. The conversion to an alternating current may include the switching on and off and / or the superposition of DC components. As a result, an AC voltage with a DC offset can be made available be. For example, it is possible to provide an alternating voltage which does not include a polarity change but only a change in the voltage level with the voltage direction (polarity) remaining the same.

Alternatively, the drive unit can also be connected via the connecting channel 15 with the further chamber 16 as shown in Fig. 14.

Alternatively, at least one second chamber 11 can also be located laterally to the drive unit as in FIG. 15.

In one embodiment, with a second chamber 11 laterally (left) or opposite (right) of the displaceable wall portion 1, noise-absorbing devices can be provided according to the plate-vibrating principle or in a porous structure as in FIG. 16.

In order to generate the highest possible flux density in the air gap 14, which is structurally as narrow as possible, and thereby keep the area-specific force constant on the displaceable wall section 1, it is alternatively possible for permanent magnets 7 to be provided on both sides of the displaceable wall section 1, as shown in FIG. 17 to be ordered. The displaceable wall portion 1 is located in Fig. 17 directly between poles of the permanent magnets 7 and can also be performed with multiple permanent magnets 7 side by side.

The noise radiated on the back of the lamellar membrane is absorbed in all embodiments, for example by a device according to the plate-vibrating principle or in a porous structure and thereby reduced as far as possible (not shown).

FIGS. 18 to 24 show further exemplary embodiments of an arrangement for a stimulation device or 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 in a stationary permanent magnetic field. For the same features, the same reference numerals are used as in the preceding figures.

In the embodiments in FIGS. 18 to 24, the suspension or support 12, which acts as a positioning or centering device for the carrier 5 with the (oscillating) coil 2, is shown in a neutral initial state, in which no deflection takes place Has. In contrast to this, FIGS 25 and 26 show an embodiment in which the carrier 5 with the voice coil 2 is displaced downwards into the stationary permanent magnetic field 3 from the neutral output or zero position (compare FIGS. 18 to 24). Together with the carrier 5 in this case the displaceable chamber wall portion 1 is displaced downwards. In operation, the carrier 5 with the voice coil 2 and the displaceable chamber wall section 1 then oscillate about the neutral rest position, starting from the deflected starting position shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. In other embodiments, in particular the examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 24, is swung around this neutral starting position, starting from the neutral rest position shown in FIGS. 18 to 24.

The embodiments in FIGS. 25 and 26 make it possible, in particular, to apply an electrical current of non-alternating polarity to the operation of the voice coil 2. A current of alternating polarity, on the other hand, is provided in other embodiments, for example in one or more of the embodiments of Figs. 18 to 24. Also, other configurations than those shown in Figs. 25 and 26 may be operative in neutral operation - or starting position distinctive, deflected position operated around. In the embodiments in FIGS. 18 to 21, the coil 2 has an upper part coil 2a and a lower part coil 2b with separate coil windings. In the examples in FIGS. 18 and 19, the upper and lower sub-coils 2a, 2b are respectively disposed opposite pole plates 9, the permanent magnets 7 being outboard (FIG. 18) or inboard (FIG. 19) with respect to the spool 2 are arranged. The internal construction supports the formation of an optimized magnetic induction.

Also in the examples in 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 are arranged in place of the embodiment in FIG. 18 instead of the upper pole cap 9a or the lower pole cap 9b, supports a flat construction.

The embodiments in FIGS. 22 to 24 use a coil 2 which is integral in comparison with the embodiments in FIGS. 18 to 21, the permanent magnets 7 also being located inside and outside with respect to the coil 2 according to FIGS. 22 and 23 can be arranged. In the embodiment in FIG. 24, the permanent magnets 7 are arranged below the voice coil 2.

In the example in FIG. 18, upper and lower pole caps 9 a, 9 b are provided, which are arranged above and below the permanent magnets 7. In the embodiment in FIG. 19, the upper and lower pole caps 9a, 9b are disposed above and below a middle pole cap 9c and in contact therewith.

In the embodiments in Figs. 25 and 26, the permanent magnets 7 are arranged between the upper pole plate 9a and the rear pole plate 8 and with these in contact. According to FIG. 25, a spring 40 is provided, which provides a spring preload against the illustrated deflected position of the carrier 5 with the voice coil 2. Fig. 26 shows an alternative embodiment in which the spring 40 is omitted. A bias may be provided here by means of the suspension / bracket 12.

The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawings may be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the various embodiments.

Claims

claims

A device for stimulating the clitoris with a variable pressure field, comprising:

- A housing (21) on which a handle portion and a stimulation section are formed;

a drive means (32) disposed in the housing (21) and arranged to repeatedly provide drive movement;

- A pressure chamber (4, 16) which is arranged to provide a variable pressure field in the housing (21) and at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall;

- A displaceable chamber wall portion (1), which forms a portion of the chamber wall and to the drive means (32) coupled such that the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) in response to the coupled thereto drive movement repeatedly between different wall positions is displaced, whereby a chamber volume of Pressure chamber (4, 16) for generating the variable pressure field is repeatedly enlarged and reduced;

- A housing opening (22) which is arranged in the stimulation section and in communication with the pressure chamber (4, 16) in fluid, such that the means of the pressure chamber (4, 16) generated variable pressure field over the housing opening (22) in Form of under- and overpressures can be delivered; and

- A battery device (28) which is adapted to provide a drive power for drive means (32);

wherein in the drive device (32) a coil device, which is traversed by an electric current in operation, movably arranged in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field (3) and for transmitting the drive movement to the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) coupled.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it e e n e c e s e s that the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) has a flexible deformable membrane.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the flexibly deformable membrane has an elastic membrane portion which is stretched during repeated displacement of the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) between the different wall positions and contracts again.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) is completely formed by the flexibly deformable membrane.

5 A device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) has a rigid wall portion, which repeatedly in response to the coupled drive movement between different associated wall positions is displaced.

6. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that first coil elements of the coil means are arranged on the displaceable ble chamber wall portion (1).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first coil elements are at least partially embedded in a membrane material of the flexible deformable membrane.

8. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) has a wall portion having a waveform.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 and claim 6 or 7, characterized in that at least a part of the coil elements in the region of wave troughs and / or wave crests of the waveform are arranged.

10. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that second coil elements of the coil means are arranged on a coupling-Lungsbauteil which couples to the displaceable chamber wall portion (1). 1. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized g & - indicates that the chamber wall has a further displaceable chamber wall portion, which forms a portion of Kammeiwand and is displaceable between different wall positions.

12. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the coil device is at least partially disposed in a space between opposing Perm anentm ag Neten (7).

13. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more permanent magnets (7), with which the associated stationary permanent magnetic field (3) is provided, are arranged on the chamber wall.

14. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure chamber (4, 16) with a plurality of mutually in fluid communication pressure part chambers (4, 16) is formed.

15. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in operation separately formed coil elements of the coil means are operable with different electrical currents.

16. A method of generating a variable pressure field, comprising:

- Providing a stimulation device with a housing (21) on which a handle portion and a stimulation section are formed;

- repeatedly providing a drive movement by means of a drive means (32) which is arranged in the housing (21);

- Providing a variable pressure field in a pressure chamber (4, 16) which is arranged in the housing (21) and at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall;

- Relocating a displaceable chamber wall portion (1), which forms a portion of the chamber wall and to the drive means (32) coupled such that the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) is repeatedly displaced in response to the coupled thereto drive movement between different wall positions, whereby a chamber volume the pressure chamber (4, 16) for generating the variable pressure field is enlarged and reduced;

Acting of the variable pressure field in the form of under- and overpressures on the clitoris by a housing opening (22) which is arranged in the stimulation section and in fluid communication with the pressure chamber (4, 16), such that the means the variable pressure field generated by the pressure chamber (4, 16) can be discharged via the housing opening (22) in the form of underpressure and overpressure; and

- Providing a drive energy for the drive means (32) by means of a Batte- rieeinrichtung (28);

wherein in the drive device (32) a coil device, which is traversed by an electric current in operation, in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field (3) moves and for transmitting the drive movement to the displaceable chamber wall portion (1) coupled.