EP3946210A1

EP3946210A1 - Appliance for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field

Info

Publication number: EP3946210A1
Application number: EP19787154.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mark Tobias Zegenhagen
Original assignee: Novoluto GmbH
Current assignee: Novoluto GmbH
Priority date: 2018-04-04
Filing date: 2019-09-30
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Also published as: AU2019247064B2; EP3773406B1; EP4342440A2; WO2020200339A1; US20220211570A1; CA3095965A1; CA3134908A1; WO2019192661A1; US20210038470A1; DE102018107961A1; EP3773406A1; AU2019247064A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an appliance for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field, having a housing (21) on which a grip portion and a stimulation portion are formed; a drive device (32) which is arranged in the housing (21) and is configured to repeatedly provide a driving movement; a pressure chamber (4, 16) which is arranged in the housing (21) in order to provide a variable pressure field and is at least partially enclosed by a chamber wall; a displaceable chamber wall portion (1). The latter forms a portion of the chamber wall and is coupled to the drive device (32) in such a way that the displaceable chamber wall portion (1), in reaction to the coupled driving movement, is repeatedly displaceable between different wall positions, as a result of which a chamber volume of the pressure chamber (4, 16) is repeatedly enlarged and reduced in order to generate the variable pressure field. The appliance moreover has: a housing opening (22) which is arranged in the stimulation portion and is fluidically connected to the pressure chamber (4, 16) in such a way that the variable pressure field generated by means of the pressure chamber (4, 16) can be output in the form of negative and positive pressures via the housing opening (22); a sealing device which is assigned to the housing opening (22) and arranged in the region of the stimulation portion and which is configured to seal off the pressure chamber (4, 16) from the environment during operation; and a battery device (28) which is configured to provide a driving energy for the drive device (32). In the drive device (32), a coil device through which an electric current flows during operation is arranged movably in an associated positionally fixed permanent magnetic field (3) and is coupled in order to transmit the driving movement to the displaceable chamber wall portion (1).

Description

Device for stimulating a human erogenous zone

with a variable pressure field

The invention relates to a device for stimulating a human erogenous zone with 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 an accumulator or a battery unit and a control unit, the drive train of which consists of a rotating electric motor with an eccentric shaft, a connecting rod and a piston in at least one chamber the stimulation device. By means of the control current in the form of direct current supplied to the rotating electric motor, 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 determined by the defined eccentric travel and therefore cannot be changed during operation.

In document DE 10 2016 105 019 B3, a stimulation device is described whose drive unit is intended to generate that from document DE 10 2013 110 501 A1 “simplified in structure” and “a greater variety of different vibrations”. In the drive train, there is no rotating electric motor, but 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, made up of at least two oppositely arranged permanent magnets as the secondary part. The magnetic core is mechanically connected to at least one actuation section 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 magnet 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 a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field, which device enables a device with improved operating properties. To solve this, a device for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field according to independent claim 1 is created. Refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field. The device has the following: a housing on which a grip section and a stimulation section are formed, a drive device which is arranged in the housing and is configured to repeatedly provide a drive movement, a pressure chamber which is arranged in the housing to provide a variable pressure field and is at least partially surrounded by a chamber wall, a displaceable chamber wall section which forms a section of the chamber wall and is coupled to the drive device in such a way that the displaceable chamber wall section can be repeatedly displaced between different wall positions in response to the drive movement coupled thereto, whereby a chamber volume of the Pressure chamber is repeatedly enlarged and reduced in size to generate the variable pressure field, a housing opening which is arranged in the stimulation section and is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, such that the pressure chamber The variable pressure field generated can be emitted via the housing opening in the form of positive and negative pressures, in particular to act on the clitoris, a sealing device which is assigned to the housing opening and is arranged in the area of the stimulation section and is set up to seal the pressure chamber from the environment during operation, and a battery device which is set up to provide drive energy for the 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 displaceable chamber wall section for transmitting the drive movement .

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, a negative pressure being a media pressure that 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 can be a medium which fills the pressure chamber. The medium can be a gas or a liquid. For example, the medium can be air. The pressure chamber is sealed off from the environment by means of the sealing device, be it completely or essentially completely when the housing opening is placed on a body section of an erogenous zone. The sealing device can for example have a sealing projection, for example with a sealing bead. The sealing projection can run along an edge of the housing opening. The sealing device can be formed continuously around the housing opening. The sealing device, in particular the sealing projection, can be adapted to the shape of the housing opening, for example, can be circular.

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

In the device, the fixed permanent magnetic field can be provided by means of one or more permanent magnets. In addition, one or more pole plates can be included in the arrangement with the permanent magnet or magnets. The magnetic flux can be concentrated by means of the pole plates.

In contrast to electromagnetic drives, in which permanent magnets are displaced in an electromagnetic field generated by a coil device to generate the drive movement, in the proposed device the coil device is movably arranged in the stationary magnetic field. The movably arranged coil device can be supplied with the control current from the control unit. In this case, the so-called Lorentz force can act on the current-carrying coil device, which is arranged movably in the stationary permanent magnetic field, so that the coil moves 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 to the 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 in turn determined for a given air gap by the magnetic material and the magnet volume or magnet weight. A high flux density of the magnetic field can be achieved under otherwise identical conditions by increasing the magnet volume and 1 or the magnet weight of the stationary permanent magnet, without the weight of the movable coil device increasing. As a result, the mass to be moved can be kept lower compared to the prior art. A lower mass can be moved more efficiently with comparatively better dynamics and with lower disruptive vibrations. nen in the form of structure-borne noise and a more favorable noise emission in the form of air-borne noise.

The drive device is designed as a linear drive device that generates a linear drive movement during operation, which is coupled to the displaceable chamber wall section so that the volume of the pressure chamber is repeatedly increased and decreased due to its movement, so that a pressure field is generated that is suitable for a contactless Transmission of stimulation to an erogenous zone can be applied. In contrast to stimulation devices in which a stimulation head is moved in order to transmit the stimulation waves by means of contact, it is not necessary with the proposed device to move such a mass of the forehead ulationskopfes.

The variable pressure field generated by means of the pressure chamber can act on the erogenous zone, for example 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 erogenous zone via the housing opening when the housing opening is placed on the clitoris. Here, the housing opening can cover a clitoris completely or partially. For example, the housing opening can cover the glans of the clitoris. A portion of the housing surrounding the housing opening can bear against the skin. For example, the section of the housing surrounding the housing opening can rest on the clitoris and / or on a skin area surrounding the clitoris. The housing opening can rest essentially finally. For example, the section of the housing surrounding the housing opening can bear against the skin in such a way 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 erogenous zone. Here, a low volume flow of the medium can be made possible, which does not lead to a complete pressure equalization with respect to the ambient pressure at the housing opening. For example, the section of the housing surrounding the housing opening can abut the skin with interruptions in such a way that the interruptions allow only a small volume flow of the medium, which does not lead to a complete pressure equalization against the ambient pressure at the housing opening.

A chamber volume of the pressure chamber can be approximately 0.2 l at most. The chamber volume of the pressure chamber can alternatively be at most about 0.15 l, alternatively at most about 0.1 l. The spring force on the linear motor increases by sealing the pressure chamber from the environment and enclosing a small volume of air. The spring force on the linear motor of the drive device also increases over the volume of air enclosed in the compact housing on the back of the membrane. The closed or at least largely closed volume of the housing on the rear of the drive unit can be a maximum of about 2 i, alternatively a maximum of 1 l and further alternatively a maximum of 0.5 I.

The linear motor of the drive device is set up to generate the specified frequencies and pressure differences despite the increased braking spring force through the two small volumes on the front (pressure chamber) and rear (housing) of the membrane.

A closed or at least largely closed volume area on the back of the drive device (drive unit) in the housing of the device for stimulating can amount to a maximum of about 2 l. In this or other embodiments, a volume ratio between the volume of the pressure chamber and the (rear) volume area on the rear of the drive unit in the housing can be at most about 1.5. This volume ratio can alternatively be at most approximately 1, more preferably at most approximately 0.5. This volume ratio can be at least about 0.001. The specification of the volume ratio can, in one possible embodiment, relate to the area in the housing filled with air that is not occupied by other parts or components in the housing.

The housing opening can have a diameter of at least about 5 mm and at most about 50 mm. Alternatively, the diameter can be at least about 7 mm. It can be provided that the diameter is at most about 40 mm. Other cross-sectional dimensions of non-circular openings can also be understood by diameter. In particular, the stated values apply both to a circular opening and, for example, to an oval or elliptical opening. Corresponding values are then assumed for the semi-major axis of the ellipse. The same applies to openings of any other shapes, for example other round or angular shapes, the size of an opening generally being preferably selected such that the area of the opening corresponds to the area of a circular opening in the range of the dimensions mentioned above. The drive device can be set up to generate a low-frequency pneumatic alternating pressure field with an alternating frequency of about 0.5 Hz to about 150 Hz, alternatively with an alternating frequency of about 1 Hz to about 125 Hz or about 3 Hz to about 100 Hz with the pressure chamber sealed produce. A pressure alternating field in the sense of the present disclosure is understood to mean a varying pressure field which has both negative and positive pressures with respect to the ambient pressure, for example alternating negative and positive pressure phases or in another predetermined pattern of possibly identical or different negative and positive pressures. This alternating pressure field prevails in the pressure chamber, in particular in the area of the housing opening of the pressure chamber, ie parameters such as frequency and amplitude of the alternating pressure field are to be measured at the opening. The term pressure field or pressure alternating field is therefore used to denote such a pressure alternating field.

The drive device can be set up to generate a pneumatic alternating pressure field with a pressure difference between a lowest negative pressure and a highest overpressure of about 20 mbar to about 600 mbar, alternatively from about 30 mbar to about 400 mbar from about 40 mbar to about 300, with the pressure chamber sealed mbar. The pressure difference can be formed essentially symmetrically about an ambient pressure.

The pressure chamber can be set up to increase the chamber volume from a neutral position of the displaceable chamber wall section alternately by a volume change of about 1% to about 25% and to reduce it by a volume change of about 1% to about 25%. Alternatively, the change in volume can be from about 1.1% to about 15% or from about 1.5% to about 11.5%. In this or other embodiments, the suspension or holder, which acts as a positioning or centering device for the carrier with the (oscillating) coil, is in the neutral position in a (neutral) starting or rest position in which no deflection has taken place.

The displaceable chamber wall section can have a diameter of at least about 5 mm and at most about 60 mm. Alternatively, the diameter can be at least about 7 mm. The diameter can be less than or equal to 60 mm, alternatively less than or equal to 50 mm. The battery device can be set up to provide drive energy of alternating polarity for the coil device, so that the coil device is traversed by electrical current of alternating polarity in order to move the displaceable chamber wall section around the neutral position.

Coil elements of the coil device can be arranged encompassing permanent magnets of the associated stationary permanent magnetic field.

An area diameter of an area with the permanent magnets encompassed by the coil elements of the coil device can correspond to at least one diameter of the displaceable chamber wall section.

That the area diameter and a diameter of the displaceable chamber wall section are in a ratio of at least 0.3, 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 device) to the diameter of the displaceable chamber wall section is at most 2, alternatively at most 1, 8 or 1.5.

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

The flexibly deformable membrane can have an elastic membrane section which, when the displaceable chamber wall section is repeatedly displaced, is stretched between the different wall positions and contracts again. Here, membrane sections can be elastically stretched and compressed. These elastic membrane sections can for example consist of a plastic or a rubber material.

The displaceable chamber wall section can be formed completely by the flexibly deformable membrane.

The displaceable chamber wall section can have a rigid wall section which can be repeatedly displaced between different associated wall positions in response to the coupled drive movement. The rigid wall section is relative to adjacent wall sections of the chamber wall displaceable. A combination of rigid wall section and one or more membrane sections can be provided. In order to enable the rigid wall section to be displaced, it is integrated displaceably into the chamber wall, for example in that the rigid wall section is coupled to adjacent wall sections via a bead or a spring element. Such a mounting can generally be provided for the displaceable chamber wall section.

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 can be partially or completely formed thereon. During operation, the first coil element then moves with the displaceable chamber wall section.

The first coil elements can be embedded at least in sections in a membrane material of the flexibly deformable membrane. For example, the first coil element of the coil device can be cast into the membrane material. Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that the first coil element is accommodated therein between layers of the membrane material by means of a lamination process.

The displaceable chamber wall section may have a wall section with a wave shape. The wave shape of the wall section can be elastically deformable when the displaceable chamber wall section is moved during operation. The waveform may correspond to a sine wave or a zigzag wave, for example.

At least some of the coil elements can be arranged in the area of wave troughs and / or wave crests of the wave shape.

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 can be provided in addition to or as an alternative 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 can thereby be provided. A coil winding can be arranged on a rod-shaped component body which, during operation, when the coil device is subjected to the electrical current, for generating the drive movement repeatedly dips into the fixed permanent magnetic field and is moved out of this. The drive movement thereby provided with the coupling component can be transmitted to the displaceable chamber wall section directly or via additional coupling components.

The chamber wall can have a further displaceable chamber wall section which forms a section of the chamber wall and can be displaced 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 can be arranged opposite the displaceable chamber wall section. The further displaceable chamber wall section can be moved or displaced relative to adjacent wall sections of the chamber wall. The further displaceable chamber wall section can be free from a coupling to the drive movement; it can be designed as a freely oscillating wall section and thus designed as a noise absorption component. The coupling or integration of the further displaceable chamber wall section into the chamber wall can be carried out in a manner comparable to or different from the connection of the displaceable chamber wall section, in which case, in contrast to the displaceable chamber wall section, there is no coupling to the drive device. Associated pairs of displaceable and further displaceable chamber wall sections can be provided, for example in such a way that the associated chamber wall sections are arranged opposite one another. During operation, the further displaceable chamber wall section is selectively set in vibration when the displaceable wall section is repeatedly displaced due to the drive movement.

The coil device can be arranged at least partially in an installation space between mutually opposite permanent magnets. At least in one of the operating positions in which the coil device is displaced towards the permanent magnets, the coil device can be arranged in the installation space between the mutually opposite permanent magnets. As an alternative to the formation of an installation space between opposing permanent magnets, it can be provided that the coil device is only arranged on one side opposite the permanent magnet or magnets. One or more permanent magnets, with which the associated stationary permanent magnetic field is provided, can be arranged on the chamber wall. The one or more permanent magnets can be designed to form a chamber wall section.

The pressure chamber can be formed with a plurality of partial pressure chambers in fluid communication with one another. The housing opening for the action of the variable pressure field on the clitoris for contactless stimulation can be arranged in a distal or end-side pressure sub-chamber, whereas the displaceable chamber wall section, which is repeatedly displaced during operation to generate the variable pressure field, is arranged in the area of a proximal or front-side pressure sub-chamber . A transition for the fluid connection is formed between adjacent partial pressure chambers, which can have a narrowed cross section compared to the partial pressure chambers connected to one another.

In operation, separately formed coil elements of the coil device can be operated with different electrical currents. If different electrical currents flow through separately formed coil elements, this enables the repeated displacement of the respective coil element to be designed 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 can initially be generated essentially with the aid of one of the coil elements in order to then model this pressure field with the aid of a displaceable chamber wall section which is connected to a further coil element which is repeatedly displaced during operation.

The coil device can have an upper and a lower sub-coil, which are arranged one above the other on the carrier of the coil winding. The upper and lower coil sections can have electrical connections that are separate from one another. In operation, they can optionally be supplied with different electrical currents. Here, the different electrical currents can differ with regard to one or more current parameters, for example amplitude, polarity and / or amplitude behavior over time. The upper and the lower partial coil are formed separately from the displaceable chamber section on the carrier. The upper and lower coil sections can, at least in the neutral rest position, around which permanent magnets or pole plates are then moved or swung during operation, be arranged opposite one another, whereby an embodiment can also be provided in which one of the coil sections is opposite permanent magnets, whereas the other the coil section is arranged opposite pole plates.

In the various configurations, the permanent magnets can be arranged on the inside or outside with respect 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 carrier is displaced (deflected) from a neutral rest position before the start of operation, in which the displaceable chamber wall section is displaced back and forth (or up and down) in relation to an initial position. in order to then be moved or displaced around this outsourced position during operation. During operation, the coil can be supplied with a current of non-changing polarity, which simplifies the electrical supply. Such an advance displacement or deflection can take place against a pretensioning device, which provides a pretensioning force against the deflection, for example a spring mechanism. The prestressing device providing the prestressing can have a supporting effect during operation of the displacement of the coil device and thus of the displaceable chamber wall section.

According to another aspect, a method for generating a variable pressure field is provided, which has the following steps: providing a stimulation device with a housing on which a grip section and a stimulation section are formed, repeatedly providing a drive movement by means of a drive device located in the housing is arranged, providing a variable pressure field in a pressure chamber which is 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 couples to the drive device, such that the displaceable chamber wall section as a reaction is repeatedly shifted between different wall positions on the drive movement coupled in thereupon, as a result of which a chamber volume of the pressure chamber is repeatedly increased and decreased in order to generate the variable pressure field, Action of the variable pressure field in the form of negative and positive pressures on the clitoris through a housing opening, which in the stimulation lation section is arranged and is in fluid connection with the pressure chamber, such that the variable pressure field generated by means of the pressure chamber can be emitted via the housing opening in the form of negative and positive pressures; and providing drive energy for the drive device by means of a battery device, wherein in the drive device a coil device, through which an electric current flows during operation, moves in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field and couples to the displaceable chamber wall section for transmitting the drive movement.

According to another aspect, a device for stimulating a human erogenous zone, in particular the clitoris, with a variable pressure field is created. The device has the following: a housing on which a grip section and a stimulation section are formed, a drive device which is arranged in the housing and is set up to repeatedly provide a drive movement, a pressure chamber which is arranged in the housing to provide a variable pressure field and is surrounded at least in sections by a chamber wall, a displaceable chamber wall section which forms a section of the chamber wall and couples to the drive device in such a way that the displaceable chamber wall section can be repeatedly displaced between different wall positions in response to the drive movement coupled up here, whereby a chamber volume of the Pressure chamber is repeatedly enlarged and reduced in size to generate the variable pressure field, a housing opening which is arranged in the stimulation section and is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, such that the pressure chamber The variable pressure field generated can be released via the housing opening in the form of positive and negative pressures, in particular to act on the clitoris, and a battery device which is set up to provide drive energy for the drive device, with the drive device having a coil device which is operated by a electric current flows through it, is arranged movably in an associated stationary permanent magnetic field and couples to the displaceable chamber wall section for transmitting the drive movement. A chamber volume of the pressure chamber is at most about 0.2 I.

In connection with the method for generating a variable pressure field by means of the stimulation device, the configurations explained above can be provided accordingly. During operation, the coil device is subjected to an electrical current, the frequency and / or amplitude of which are set by a control device. Description of exemplary embodiments

In the following, further exemplary embodiments are described with reference to figures a

Drawing explained in more detail. Here show:

1 a shows a schematic representation of a device for stimulating an erogenous zone with a variable pressure field in a front view;

FIG. 1 b shows the device for stimulating an erogenous zone from FIG. 1 a in cross section;

2 shows a schematic illustration of arrangements for a stimulation device with a pressure chamber which is formed with one or two partial pressure chambers;

3 shows a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device, each with two partial pressure chambers;

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 representation 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 also integrated into the displaceable chamber wall section;

8 shows a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device with a pressure chamber which has two partial pressure chambers, coil elements being 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 partial pressure chambers are connected to one another via a lateral transition;

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

11 shows a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which the pressure chamber has two pressure sub-chambers connected to one another; 12 shows a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device in which a displaceable chamber wall section is arranged between permanent magnets;

13 shows a schematic representation of arrangements for a stimulation device; wherein a displaceable chamber wall portion has a wave shape;

14 shows a schematic illustration of arrangements for a stimulation device, in which the displaceable chamber wall section has a wave shape, the pressure chamber being formed with two partial pressure chambers;

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

16 shows a schematic illustration of arrangements for a stimulation device, in which the displaceable chamber wall section has a wave shape, further displaceable chamber wall sections being provided;

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

18 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;

19 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 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 at the top;

21 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 below;

22 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which permanent magnets are arranged on the inside with respect to the voice coil;

23 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which permanent magnets are arranged on the outside of the voice coil; 24 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement for a stimulation device, in which permanent magnets are arranged below with respect to the voice coil;

25 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a stimulation device in which the voice coil has been displaced beforehand from a neutral position of rest or starting position; and

26 shows a schematic representation of a further arrangement for a forehead ulationsvor- ricniung, in which the voice coil is previously displaced from a neutral rest or starting position,

27 shows a schematic representation of another arrangement for a stimulation device in which the voice coil is displaced from a neutral rest or starting position.

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.

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

A sealing device 31 is provided which, in the embodiment shown, is formed with a sealing bead. By means of the sealing device 31, the pressure chamber 4 is sealed off from the environment during operation, or approximately sealed off. so that an alternating pressure field can be generated in the pressure chamber 4.

The housing 21 can be designed ergonomically in such a way that it can be comfortably held with one hand and it does not have any sharp or pointed edges. Next, the Ge housing 21 made of a plastic, for example polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) exist. In addition, the grip areas or also 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 can be designed to be at least water-repellent or splash-proof, for example protection class IP 24. Simulation device 20 be set up waterproof against immersion under water.

The operating element 23 or the operating elements 23 are used to set the operating mode of the device, d. H. the setting of the modulation of the variable pressure field. The operating elements 23 can for example comprise at least one push button, as at least one rotary switch, or as at least one touch-sensitive switch. The operating elements 23 can also provide optical feedback for actuation, for example by means of integrated light-emitting diodes (LED).

An optional display 24 is used to inform the user about the device status and / or the setting status. The display 24 can be designed, for example, with a single light-emitting diode, a plurality of light-emitting diodes or as an LCD display. The information displayed can be, for example, the switched-on status of the device, the charge status of the battery device 28 or the current setting of the modulation of the pressure field.

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 pushbutton which switches the stimulation device 20 on or off when pressed for a longer period of time, or a latching slide switch.

A socket 26 is used for 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 that the stimulation device 20 is splash-proof, instead of the socket 26, a magnetic-inductive transmitter can be provided which enables power to be transmitted 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, for example a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH) or a lithium battery, for wireless operation. Alternatively or additionally, a (longer) power supply cable can also be led out of the stimulation device. Alternatively or additionally, magnetic contacts can also be provided as a power supply connection. In the schematic cross section in FIG. 1 b, the housing opening 22 for placing on the clitoris 30, a pressure chamber 4, and the drive device 32 of the stimulation device 20 are shown.

A control device 29 controls the drive device 32, the operating elements 23 and the display 24. The control device 29 and the drive device 32 are supplied with power by the internal battery device 28 and / or the external power supply 27. The control device 29, which for example has a microcontroller or is hard-wired, initially controls the power supply to 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, at the choice of the user of the stimulation device 20, be controlled in its excitation via the operating elements 23 in accordance with these pre-stored stimulation patterns. The stimulation patterns of the pressure field can optionally also be individually created and saved by the user using the operating elements.

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

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

In the following, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 17, configurations for an arrangement for a stimulation device or arrangements for the drive unit 32 and the pressure chamber 4 are described, in each of which coil elements of an electromagnetic linear drive are movably or displaceably arranged in a stationary permanent magnet field. In the arrangements shown in Fig. 2, a movable wall section 1 connected to a support 5 is moved back and forth in a magnetic field 3 provided by permanent magnets with at least one vibrating or immersion coil 2 attached to it in accordance with a coil feed by means of the control current so to move the displaceable wall section 1 back and forth during operation in order to generate a variable pressure field.

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 carrier 5 (for example made of aluminum, Kapton or an aluminum-Kapton laminate). The displaceable wall section 1 can be integrated into the chamber via a bead 6, which mechanically follows the strokes of the displaceable wall section 1 mechanically as far as possible without mechanical stresses. Coil elements of a voice coil 2 are wound around the carrier 5 and are fed during operation by the control current from a control unit. The voice coil 2 consists of electrical conductors made of a material that is as electrically conductive as possible (for example copper or silver), which are insulated from one another and from the carrier 5 with an electrically insulating lacquer. The magnetic field is provided by at least one permanent magnet 7, which can have a ring shape. The magnetic flux is generated by means of pole plates 9, which have 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 an annular shape) via a Example of an annular air gap 10 led to the cylindrical pole core 11. The rear 8 and upper pole plate 9, like the pole core 11, are made from a magnetically highly permeable material (for example a soft magnetic material alloy).

The permanent magnet 7 requires the highest possible flux density to induce the air gap 10 between the upper pole plate 9a and the pole core 11, which is structurally as narrow as possible, 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 while being light.

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 holder or suspension 12 is attached to a frame 13 (for example made of plastic, aluminum or magnesium). Alternatively, the tumbling motion of the Voice coil 2 can also be prevented by means of a guide on the pole core or the permanent magnet.

To move the displaceable wall section 1, the voice coil 2 is fed with an alternating control current from a control unit. The voice coil 2 is moved up or down in the magnetic field of the air gap 10 by the Lorentz force, depending on the direction of current or current polarity. The directions of the Lorentz force, the magnetic field and the current flow are perpendicular to one another in FIG. 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 frequency of the movement of the movable wall section 1. The frequency and the stroke of the voice coil and thus the movement of the movable wall section 1 can thus be controlled relatively easily independently of one another by the current frequency and current amplitude. The changing pressure field and the resulting changing overpressure and underpressure in the erogenous body zone (clitoris) are due to the changing compression and expansion of the air by means of the movement of the movable wall section 1 (or of several movable wall sections during operation) in frequency and amplitude independently controllable.

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

According to the illustration on the right in FIG. 2, the arrangement can have a pressure chamber with several partial pressure chambers, in which a further pressure chamber 16 is provided in addition to the pressure chamber 4, so that connected partial pressure chambers are provided which are connected via a connecting channel 15. The housing opening for the effect of the variable pressure field on the erogenous zone is provided on the further pressure chamber 16. The pressure chamber 4 and the further pressure chamber 16 are also provided in the embodiment in FIG. 3.

The generation of the variable pressure field by moving the displaceable wall section 1 (and thus the positive and negative pressure) is accompanied by the generation of noises, i.e. Local pressure fluctuations in the air that propagate at the speed of sound and that are perceived by the human ear. By means of suitable absolute dimensioning of 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 coordination of the linear drive and the design of the coil elements and membrane of the movable wall section 1 to achieve a high fundamental resonance frequency during operation the generation of airborne noise is largely suppressed. The noises inherent in the movement of the displaceable wall portion 1 can moreover be absorbed by appropriate measures, i.e. the sound energy can be converted into heat.

In Fig. 3 (right) the noises are dissipated as heat in air as heat according to the absorption principle of a plate oscillator through the friction in at least one of the chamber walls 18, which is formed with another movable wall section, and through the friction of the oscillating chamber wall. The chamber wall 18, which oscillates for noise absorption, is also integrated into the chamber by a resilient spring device 17. The deformation of the spring and the resulting friction in the spring device 17 also converts sound energy into heat and dissipates it. The plate oscillator is a narrow-band resonance absorber whose mass and spring deflection are to be selected in such a way 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 movable wall section 1. Furthermore, the noise generated by the piston or diaphragm movement should be dissipated into heat in a porous structure according to the absorption principle.

The chamber walls 18 can be formed with a porous structure and, for example, integrated into the plate oscillator or alternatively applied to the plate oscillator. The noises are absorbed by means of the viscous flow rate of the air due to the friction on the porous damping material and the friction due to deformation of the material. The porous absorber is a broadband absorber Furthermore, the layer thickness and material of which are to be selected such that the characteristic absorber frequency for the highest possible degree of absorption is as close as possible to or in the frequency range of the movement of the displaceable wall section 1. The sound propagation is reduced as much as possible by absorption according to the plate oscillator principle or in a porous structure.

The drive unit is formed with a few movable components of low weight and therefore has few unbalanced, free inertia forces which excite the components or the housing of the stimulation device to oscillate or vibrate in certain movable wall sections. Due to the low weight, the highest possible basic resonance of the movable part of the drive device 32 is achieved. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the further displaceable 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 closed chamber (incomplete filling), whereby the Cooling of the 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 carrier 5 are low.

The flexibility in the embodiment of the drive enables great design freedom of the stimulation device to make the drive elongated or wide, to achieve the displacement of the basic resonance of the moving parts of the linear drive to suppress the airborne sound and also to achieve the local pressure fluctuations that propagate at the speed of sound by means of noise absorption measures in the chamber (see. Fig. 3) to decrease. In addition, measures for noise absorption can also be used in the volume of the housing 21 on the rear side of the displaceable pressure chamber wall section 1.

The drive unit or device has a comparatively low complexity due to the direct conversion of the electrical energy of the battery 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 designs - regardless of the specific drive - can be formed, for example, with a piston, a rigid wall section and / or a membrane, which at least in sections can be made of an elastic material. The direct conversion also results in potentially high efficiency, compact design and low weight. The movable wall section (s) 1 can be designed as an integral part of the chamber (pressure chamber - chamber in which the variable pressure field is generated), which ensures a good seal against compressible and incompressible media up to a certain positive and negative pressure in the chamber.

In order to keep constant or increase the area-specific force on the displaceable wall section 1 through the carrier 5 with a simultaneously wide or flat embodiment of the drive (ie with a compact voice coil 2 and the carrier 5), the movable wall section 1 can use more than one Coil 2 and more than one carrier 5, as shown in Fig. 4, are moved.

Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the flexibility of the drive is increased with a constant or ge increased specific surface force on the displaceable wall section 1. Devices based on the plate oscillator principle 17 or in the form of porous structures 18 are also provided here for absorption, for example.

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

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

At least one permanent magnet 7 is located on at least one side of the displaceable wall section 1, for example in the form of a bar magnet as shown in FIG. 6. The permanent magnet 7 requires the highest possible 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 is structurally as narrow as possible, which is why the strongest possible permanent magnets with flux densities 0.4 ... 1, 2 T (for Example neodymium-iron-boron magnets) can be used, which generate a strong magnetic field 3 with low weight. The displaceable 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 bead 6, which mechanically largely moves the displaceable wall section 1 mechanically without mechanical chanical tension follows. The electrical conductors 2 on the movable wall section 1 are made of material that is as electrically conductive as possible (for example copper or silver) and are electrically insulated from one another by being integrated in the movable wall section 1. The magnetic flux is guided over the air gap 4 by means of lateral pole plates 19 (for example in the form of a rod 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 fastened in a frame 8 (for example made of plastic, aluminum or magnesium).

To move the movable wall section 1, the thin electrical conductors 2 are fed with an alternating control current from a control unit. The electrical conductors 2 are moved up or down in the magnetic field of the air gap 4 by the Lorentz force, depending on the direction of the current or current polarity. The driving forces act evenly on the entire surface of the displaceable wall section 1. The directions of the Lorentz force, the magnetic field and the current flow are perpendicular to one another in FIG. In the variant with two permanent magnets arranged in opposite polarity in FIG. 6 (right), the electrical conductors must be fed via the two permanent magnets 7 with different polarity in each case in order to bring about the same movement.

The stroke of the deflection of the electrical conductors integrated in 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 the frequency of the movement of the movable wall section 1. The frequency and the stroke of the movable wall section 1 can thus be controlled relatively easily independently of one another by the current frequency and current amplitude. The changing pressure field and the resulting changing positive and negative pressure on the erogenous body zone (clitoris) can be controlled independently of one another in frequency and amplitude due to the changing compression and expansion of the air by means of the movement of the movable wall section 1.

Due to the direct transmission, an extended frequency range from less than 1 Hz to several hundred Hz is possible with this principle. The direct current from the accumulator only has to be converted into alternating current. Converting to an alternating current can include switching on and off and / or superimposing direct current components. sen. In this way, an alternating voltage with a direct current offset can be provided. For example, an alternating voltage can be provided which does not include a change in polarity, but only a change in the voltage level with the voltage direction (polarity) remaining the same.

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

In the case of the ring-shaped electromagnetic planar transducer, the membrane is circular. The permanent magnet 7, the electrical conductors 2, the lateral pole plate 19 and the holder are designed, for example, to be annular. In the axis of symmetry of the drive unit, a pointer 11 is provided 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.

Alternatively, at least one second chamber 11 can also be located to the side of the drive unit, as in FIG. 9.

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

The noise propagation inherent in the movement of the displaceable wall section 1 is reduced as much as possible by the noise-absorbing devices.

Alternatively, the two-chamber embodiments from FIG. 9 (right) and FIG. 10 (right) can also be designed 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 or increase the area-specific force on the displaceable wall section 1, permanent magnets 7 can alternatively be used on both sides of the displaceable wall section 1, as shown in FIG to be ordered. The design of the drive with permanent magnets 7 on both sides of the displaceable wall section 1 in FIG. 12 can be implemented with two permanent magnets with opposing polarity above and below the displaceable wall section 1 (left) or alternatively with two ring-shaped permanent magnets above and below the displaceable wall section 1 ( right).

The noises emitted on the rear side of the displaceable wall section 1 are absorbed in all versions, for example by a device based on the plate oscillator principle or in a porous structure, and are thereby reduced as much as possible (not shown).

In the electromagnetic transducer 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 that is folded in 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 requires the highest possible flux density to induce the air gap 4 between the permanent magnet 7 and the lamellar membrane with the electrical conductors 2, which is structurally as narrow as possible, 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) can be used, which generate a strong magnetic field 3 while being light. The lamellar membrane (for example made of a polymer, e.g. 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 flow of the displaceable wall section 1 mechanically as far as possible without mechanical stresses. The electrically insulated conductors 2 on the lamellar membrane are made of a material that is as electrically conductive as possible (for example copper or silver) and, for example, glued to the lamellar membrane. The magnetic flux is guided over the air gap 4 by means of lateral pole plates 19 (for example in the form of a rod 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 Stimulationsvorrich device 10, the permanent magnet 7 and the side pole plates 19 are fixed in a frame 9 (for example made of plastic, aluminum or magnesium). As shown in FIG. 13, the lamellar membrane is covered with parallel electrical conductor tracks 2 in a meandering manner. The direction of current flow must be the same for all conductor tracks, since the magnetic field 3 also has the same orientation everywhere in the air gap 4, which is to be kept as close as possible in terms of construction. The electrical conductors 2 are routed in a meandering shape on the lamellar membrane in such a way that the current flows through the adjacent lamellas in opposite directions. To move the lamellar membrane 1, the thin electrical conductors 2 are fed with an alternating control current from a control unit. Depending on the direction of current flow or the polarity, the lamellae then move towards or away from one another due to the Lorentz force and press the air out of their space or suck it in. Alternatively, the movement of the lamellar membrane can also be achieved with an alternating voltage that does not include a change in polarity, but merely a change in the voltage level with the voltage direction (polarity) remaining the same. By folding in lamellar form, a significantly larger membrane area is effective. Despite the comparatively large membrane area, the entire membrane area is driven evenly. Alternatively, several permanent magnets 7 in FIG. 13 (right) can be arranged under the lamellar membrane.

The stroke of the deflection of the electrical conductors 2 integrated in 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 the frequency of the lamellar membrane movement. The frequency and the stroke of the lamellar membrane movement can thus be controlled relatively easily independently of one another by the current frequency and current amplitude. The changing pressure field and the resulting changing overpressure and underpressure in the erogenous body zone (clitoris) can be controlled independently of one another in frequency and amplitude through the changing compression and expansion of the air by contracting and pushing apart the lamellar membrane.

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 accumulator only has to be converted into alternating current. The conversion to an alternating current can include switching on and off and / or superimposing direct current components. In this way, an alternating voltage with a direct current offset can be provided. For example, an alternating voltage can be provided which does not include a change in polarity, but only a change in the voltage level with the voltage direction (polarity) remaining the same. Alternatively, the drive unit can also be connected to the further chamber 16 via the connection channel 15, as shown in FIG. 14.

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

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

In order to generate the highest possible flux density in the air gap 14, which is structurally to be kept as narrow as possible, and thereby to keep or increase the area-specific force on the displaceable wall section 1, permanent magnets 7 can alternatively be used on both sides of the displaceable wall section 1, as shown in FIG to be ordered.

The displaceable wall section 1 is located in FIG. 17 directly between the poles of the permanent magnets 7 and can also be designed with several permanent magnets 7 next to one another.

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

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 movably or displaceably in a stationary permanent magnetic field. The same reference symbols are used for the same features as in the preceding figures.

In the embodiments in FIGS. 18 to 24, the suspension or holder 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 there is no deflection has taken place. In contrast to this, FIGS. 25 and 26 show an embodiment in which the carrier 5 with the voice coil 2 is displaced from the neutral starting or zero position (cf. FIGS. 18 to 24) down into the stationary permanent magnetic field 3. Together with the carrier 5, the displaceable chamber wall section 1 is displaced downwards. During operation, the carrier 5 with the voice coil 2 and the displaceable chamber wall section 1 then oscillate, starting from the deflected starting position shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, about the neutral rest position. In other embodiments, in particular the examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 24, starting from the neutral rest position shown in FIGS. 18 to 24, swinging takes place around this neutral starting position.

The configurations in FIGS. 25 and 26 make it possible, in particular, to apply an electric current of non-changing polarity to the voice coil 2 for operation. A current of alternating polarity, however, is provided in other designs, for example in one or more of the designs in FIGS. 18 to 24. Designs other than those shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 can also deviate from the neutral rest during operation - Or starting position differentiating, deflected position are operated around.

In the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 18 to 21, the coil 2 has an upper sub-coil 2a and a lower sub-coil 2b with separate coil windings. In the examples in FIGS. 18 and 19, the upper and lower partial coils 2a, 2b are each arranged opposite pole plates 9, the permanent magnets 7 being arranged on the outside (FIG. 18) or on the inside (FIG. 19) with respect to the coil 2 are. The internal construction supports the development of an optimized magnetic induction.

In the examples in FIGS. 20 and 21, too, the permanent magnets 7 are arranged on the outside with respect to the voice coil 2. The arrangement of the permanent magnets 7 shown there, which in comparison to the configuration in FIG. 18 are arranged instead of the upper pole cap 9a or the lower pole cap 9b, supports a flat design.

The configurations in FIGS. 22 to 24 use a one-piece coil 2 compared to the embodiments in FIGS. 18 to 21, the permanent magnets 7 also being inside and outside with respect to the coil 2 according to FIGS. 22 and 23 be arranged can. 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 9a, 9b are provided, which are arranged above and below the permanent magnets 7. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 19, the upper and lower pole caps 9a, 9b are arranged above and below a central pole cap 9c and in contact therewith.

In the configurations in FIGS. 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 deflected position of the support 5 with the voice coil 2 shown. 26 shows an alternative embodiment in which the spring 40 is omitted. A preload can be provided here by means of the suspension / holder 12.

FIG. 27 shows an embodiment in which the coil device 2, comparable to the embodiment in FIG. 22, surrounds the permanent magnets 7 on the outside, with the pole plates 9c shown optionally also being able to be omitted. In contrast to the embodiment in FIG. 22, an area diameter which the coil device 2 encompasses and in which the permanent magnets 7 are arranged is larger than the diameter of the displaceable chamber wall section 1. Alternatively, it can be provided (not shown) that the area diameter and the Diameter of the displaceable chamber wall portion are substantially the same. In this and other embodiments, the displaceable chamber wall section 1 and the coil device 2 are arranged in a common central position (centered). The configuration shown in FIG. 27 is particularly suitable due to its selected structural properties, a sufficient driving force for the displacement of the displaceable chamber wall section 3 around the (neutral) rest or starting position shown in FIG Starting position raising and lowering) so that the desired pressure alternating field can be generated in the small volumes.

The area diameter, which corresponds to the diameter of the coil device 2, can be in a ratio of at least 0.3 to the diameter of the displaceable chamber wall section 1, alternatively in a ratio of at least 0.5 or 0.7. In other embodiments, the ratio of the area diameter (diameter diameter of the coil device 2) to the diameter of the displaceable chamber wall section 1 at most 2, alternatively at most 1, 8 or 1, 5.

In the embodiment of FIG. 27, the suspension or holder 12, which acts as a positioning or centering device for the carrier 5 with the (oscillating) coil 2, is shown in a neutral starting or rest position 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 from the neutral starting or zero position (cf. FIG. 27) down into the stationary permanent magnetic field 3.

The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawing can be of importance both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the various designs.

Claims

Expectations

1. Device for stimulating a human erogenous zone with a variable pressure field, comprising:

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

- A drive device (32) which is arranged in the housing (21) and is set up to repeatedly provide a 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 section (1) which forms a section of the chamber wall and couples to the drive device (32) in such a way that the displaceable chamber wall section (1) can be repeatedly displaced between different wall positions as a reaction to the drive movement coupled thereon, whereby a chamber volume the pressure chamber (4, 16) is repeatedly enlarged and reduced in order to generate the variable pressure field;

- A housing opening (22) which is arranged in the stimulation section and is in fluid connection with the pressure chamber (4, 16), such that the variable pressure field generated by means of the pressure chamber (4, 16) via the housing opening (22) in the form of Negative and positive pressure can be delivered;

- A sealing device which is assigned to the housing opening (22) and is arranged in the region of the stimulation section and is set up to seal the pressure chamber (4, 16) from the environment during operation; and

- A battery device (28) which is set up to provide drive energy for the drive device (32);

wherein 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 is coupled to the displaceable chamber wall section (1) for transmitting the drive movement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery device (28) is designed to provide drive energy of alternating polarity for the coil device, so that the coil device is traversed by electrical current of alternating polarity in order to move the chamber wall section (1). to shift the neutral position.

9. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coil elements of the coil device are permanent magnets (7) of the associated stationary permanent magnetic field (3) are arranged encompassing.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that an area diameter of an area encompassed by the coil elements of the coil device with the permanent magnets corresponds to at least one diameter of the displaceable chamber wall section (1).

11. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area diameter, which corresponds to the diameter of the coil device (2), and a diameter of the displaceable chamber wall section (1) are in a ratio of at least 0.3.

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

13. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that first coil elements of the coil device are arranged on the displaceable chamber wall section (1).

14. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that second coil elements of the coil device are arranged on a coupling component which couples to the displaceable chamber wall section (1).

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