Method for operating breast pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a breast pump (1) for sucking breast milk, said breast pump (1) being operated alternately in a negative pressure phase (PHU) and a subsequent ventilation phase (PHB); a negative pressure phase (PHU) in which at least one motor (2) of the breast pump (1) drives a negative pressure unit (3) of the breast pump (1) to generate a negative pressure between the mother's breast and a breast shield (4) of the breast pump (1), the breast shield (4) abutting against the mother's breast; and in the ventilation phase (PHB), the negative pressure is reduced; wherein the at least one electric machine (2) is operated at a starting power (PS) at the beginning of the negative pressure phase (PHU) and at a final power (PE) at the end of the negative pressure phase (PHU), and wherein, in a low-noise operating mode, the electric machine power (P) between defined consecutive time intervals (TI) which coextend over the entire negative pressure phase (PHU), gradually increasing from the starting power (PS) to the final power (PE).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a breast pump to express breast milk, the breast pump operating alternately in a vacuum phase and a subsequent venting phase; in the vacuum phase, at least one motor of the breast pump drives the vacuum unit of the breast pump to create a vacuum between the mother's breast and the breast shield of the breast pump, the breast shield resting against the mother's breast; in the venting phase, the vacuum level is reduced; wherein at least one motor operates at initial power at the beginning of the vacuum phase and at final power at the end of the vacuum phase.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for adjusting a breast pump, wherein the method is used to perform a method for operating the breast pump.

[0003] Finally, the present invention relates to a breast pump for expressing breast milk, comprising: a breast shield for pressing against the mother's breast, a vacuum unit for creating a vacuum between the mother's breast and the breast shield pressing against the mother's breast during a vacuum phase, at least one motor for operating the vacuum unit, a drive unit for said at least one motor, and a venting device for reducing the vacuum level during a venting phase following the vacuum phase, wherein an initial power of said at least one motor is provided at the beginning of the vacuum phase, and a final power of said at least one motor is provided at the end of the vacuum phase. Background Technology

[0004] It is well known to operate a breast pump alternately during vacuum and subsequent ventilation phases to express breast milk. During the vacuum phase, a vacuum is created between the mother's breast and the breast shield (e.g., the pump's funnel) against her breast; this vacuum is reduced again during the ventilation phase. Breast pumps equipped with motors that drive the vacuum unit, which generates the vacuum required for the pumping process, are particularly convenient for breastfeeding mothers. However, the advantage of not having to manually perform the pumping process with a manual pump is offset by the disadvantage of motor noise generated during operation. The magnitude of motor noise is particularly dependent on the motor speed; in known breast pumps, the motor speed is quite high, especially at the beginning of vacuum establishment, because at this time a significant vacuum has not yet been established between the mother's breast and the breast shield, and the motor only needs to operate under very low load. The motor noise is relatively loud at the beginning of each vacuum phase and during the vacuum phase itself, which mothers using the breast pump may perceive as a disturbance.

[0005] In the prior art, it is known that breast pumps begin the vacuum phase at a reduced motor speed to avoid excessive motor noise.

[0006] EP 2 897 664 B1 relates to a breast pump system having a vacuum pump driven by an electric motor and a controller that drives the electric motor at a first speed when the vacuum pump is turned on, and at a higher second speed after the load on the motor reaches a predetermined value. The first and second speeds can be achieved by applying a first voltage to the electric motor for the first speed, and by applying a higher second voltage to the electric motor for the second speed. The transition curve from the first voltage to the second voltage can be abrupt, or the first voltage can gradually increase (particularly linearly) to the second voltage over a defined time interval, thus accelerating the motor uniformly.

[0007] Publication EP 3 735 994 A1 discloses a breast pump comprising a controller and a vacuum pump operated by a motor. The controller controls the motor in an extraction mode following a stimulation mode, in which each suction cycle has a suction cycle PP and a ventilation cycle AP. During the suction cycle, the controller controls the motor's power supply voltage in five stages, in two of which the motor's power supply voltage increases at different gradients. This allows the motor to accelerate rapidly. Because the current in the motor remains below a threshold, the lifespan of the motor is improved.

[0008] However, a drawback of existing breast pumps is that the noise they generate is still considered unpleasant. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of this invention is to provide a method for operating a breast pump, a method for adjusting a breast pump, and to develop a breast pump of the type mentioned above, avoiding or at least reducing the disadvantages known in the prior art. The method and breast pump should ensure that the breast pump operates as quietly as possible, i.e., quietly and reliably.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for operating a breast pump as defined in claim 1, a method for adjusting a breast pump as defined in claim 8, and a breast pump for expressing breast milk as defined in claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and advancements are described in detail in the dependent claims.

[0011] Regarding the method for operating a breast pump according to the invention, in a low-noise operating mode, the motor power is gradually increased from an initial power to a final power between defined continuous time intervals, these time intervals collectively extending throughout the vacuum phase. According to this method, the breast pump thus operates alternately in a vacuum phase and a subsequent venting phase until the breast milk extraction process is terminated by the mother or the breast pump itself. In the vacuum phase, at least one motor of the breast pump drives the vacuum unit of the breast pump to create a vacuum between the mother's breast and the breast shield while the breast pump is in use, wherein the breast shield (e.g., the funnel of the breast pump) rests against the mother's breast, particularly receiving a portion of the mother's breast. In this context, vacuum is understood to represent a pressure lower than the air pressure surrounding the breast pump. In the venting phase, the vacuum level established in the vacuum phase is at least partially reduced again, such that at the end of the venting phase, the pressure between the breast shield and the mother's breast substantially or approximately corresponds to the air pressure surrounding the breast pump, for example, a value between ambient air pressure and 30 millibars. For example, a venting valve that can be opened after the vacuum phase can be provided to reduce the vacuum level. To establish a vacuum, electrical energy is supplied to the motor (i.e., the at least one motor), which operates at initial power at the start of the vacuum phase and at final power at the end of the vacuum phase. Between the start and end of the vacuum phase, the motor power transitions from initial power to final power.

[0012] To enable the breast pump to operate as quietly as possible, especially at the lowest possible speed, the breast pump features a low-noise operating mode. In low-noise operating mode, the motor power gradually increases from an initial power to a final power over defined consecutive time intervals that extend across the entire vacuum phase. Therefore, multiple consecutive time intervals are defined, namely the first time interval and multiple subsequent time intervals, which continuously extend across the entire vacuum phase. Between each two consecutive time intervals, the motor power increases gradually, i.e., in a stepwise manner. This gradual increase can essentially be a sudden increase. However, this specification also covers slight deviations from a completely sudden increase in motor power, i.e., the motor power can increase rapidly and continuously within a limited area between two consecutive time intervals, for example, within a maximum of one-third or one-fifth of the time interval, preferably within a maximum of one-tenth of the time interval. For example, an imprecise sudden increase in motor power may be a result of inexpensive components, or is often a result of the inexpensive design of the breast pump. In any case, through repeated gradual increases, the motor power gradually adapts to the increase in instantaneous load caused by vacuum establishment. This also keeps the motor speed within a suitable speed range, thereby limiting the noise generated by the motor. At the beginning of the vacuum phase, when no vacuum has yet been created, the motor operates at a relatively low initial power and low speed, sufficient to create a low vacuum until the end of the first time interval. As a result, the motor power increases to prevent the motor from standing still due to the increased vacuum level, thus creating a slightly higher vacuum. However, the motor speed remains low due to the increased current load. This process continues until the motor power reaches its final power in the last time interval of the vacuum phase and the vacuum is fully established. Even before the end of the vacuum phase, the motor speed remains low due to the relatively high final load. Therefore, the motor power increases sufficiently before each time interval to prevent the motor from stopping due to the increased load on the motor during that time interval. However, the motor power only increases to such an extent before each time interval that the motor can operate at the lowest possible speed, thus operating as quietly as possible. Because the motor power increases gradually and repeatedly throughout the vacuum phase, the motor speed and the noise development throughout the vacuum phase process also remain low. The motor power can vary between gradual increments, i.e., within each time interval. In this case, the average motor power within one time interval is less than the average motor power within subsequent time intervals. This means that, between defined consecutive time intervals, the average motor power gradually increases from the initial power to the final power, and these time intervals together extend throughout the entire vacuum phase. The duration of the time intervals can be, for example, between 10 ns and 500 ms, preferably between 1 ms and 100 ms.

[0013] When this instruction manual refers to position and orientation indicators such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," or "side," these indicators should be understood as referring to the use position of the breast pump on the mother's breast while she is upright. The term "vertical" refers to the direction of gravity, from "top" to "bottom," and vice versa. Of course, the breast pump can also be used in other positions, in which case the position and orientation information must be changed accordingly. Furthermore, the term "motor" should be understood to refer to at least one motor.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least four, preferably at least ten, defined consecutive time intervals are provided, which together extend over the entire vacuum phase. Thus, between the consecutive time intervals, the motor power is gradually increased at least three times, preferably at least nine times, increasing once in each case. Because the motor power increases frequently in correspondingly small power steps, the motor power can be adapted particularly precisely to the instantaneous load applied to the motor due to the gradually established vacuum. Therefore, the motor speed and the associated volume of the breast pump can also be kept as low as possible, with low fluctuations during the vacuum phase. It is particularly advantageous if the time intervals are equal.

[0015] This method can be implemented in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner if the motor power is increased by a fixed value between time intervals via a controller for the at least one motor. This allows the motor speed to be maintained within a suitable range that allows the breast pump to operate quietly. The breast pump is preferably configured using these fixed values ​​before use. Particularly preferably, according to this control method, the fixed value of the motor power increase between time intervals during the vacuum phase is equal. Alternatively, if a non-uniform increase in power can achieve particularly quiet operation due to the special characteristics of the breast pump, a separate motor power increment, i.e., a separate power increment, can be allocated to each time interval.

[0016] To generate lower noise during breast pump operation, the following setup can be implemented: The instantaneous speed of the at least one motor is detected, compared to a predetermined target speed, particularly a target speed stored in the breast pump, and the motor power is increased by a value between time intervals via a control device for the at least one motor, adjusting the instantaneous motor speed to the target speed. Preferably, the instantaneous motor speed is detected in each time interval and compared to the target speed, which may be equal or slightly different for each time interval. Adjusting the instantaneous motor speed to the target speed may include a slight deviation from the target speed, for example, to enable cost-effective production of the breast pump, as long as the deviation does not significantly affect noise development. Therefore, with this control method, the motor power can be increased in steps of appropriate magnitude between defined consecutive time intervals to maintain the speed under increased load due to vacuum establishment, particularly keeping it as constant as possible and at a low target value. The increment height, i.e., the height of the step, is determined by the control device. Thus, speed fluctuations and associated noise fluctuations can be largely avoided. Instantaneous speed can be measured, for example, by using a light barrier, by measuring the angle at fixed time intervals, by electromagnetic induction, or by using a Hall sensor.

[0017] If the operating voltage of the at least one motor is increased to increase motor power, the breast pump can be operated in a particularly simple manner. Therefore, in low-noise operation mode, the operating voltage applied to the motor can be gradually increased between defined consecutive time intervals, i.e., a step-like increase, which together extend over the entire vacuum phase. For example, the operating voltage in each time interval could be a DC voltage, increasing from one time interval to the next.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous to drive the at least one motor with a pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltage signal, especially a rectified PWM voltage signal, and to increase the pulse duration of the PWM voltage signal to increase the motor power. In this way, the voltage applied to the motor, i.e., the voltage signal applied to the motor, can be easily and cost-effectively adjusted at a suitable high resolution, which is predetermined by the number of time intervals. If the voltage signal is PWM-modulated and not rectified, the voltage signal is applied to the motor essentially as a set of rectangular wave signals in each time interval, these rectangular wave signals having a defined amplitude height, an adjustable pulse width, and a voltage-free portion in between. The larger the pulse width (and therefore the shorter the voltage-free portion), the more energy is supplied to the motor. On the other hand, if the voltage signal is PWM-modulated and also rectified, for example, by an electronic capacitor, the voltage signal is applied to the motor essentially as a rectified AC voltage signal in each time interval, without a voltage-free portion, but with a wavy amplitude curve. The advantage of a rectified PWM voltage signal is that the motor is more protected, because in the opposite case of an unrectified PWM voltage signal, the motor would be subject to greater amplitude fluctuations. Before any rectification, the pulse width modulated voltage signal preferably includes a frequency in the range of 50 Hz to 200 kHz, particularly preferably between 10 kHz and 30 kHz, especially about 20 kHz.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the method, the breast pump can be configured as follows: the breast pump operates in a low-noise operation mode or another operation mode; in the low-noise operation mode, a vacuum phase is performed during a first time span, with the at least one motor operating at an initial power equal to a first initial value and a final power equal to a first final value; in the other operation mode, the vacuum phase is performed during a second time span, with the at least one motor operating at an initial power equal to a second initial value and a final power equal to a second final value; wherein the first final value is greater than the first initial value, the first time span is greater than the second time span, the first initial value is less than the second initial value, and the first final value is less than or equal to the second final value. Therefore, in the low-noise operation mode, the vacuum phase extends for a longer period than in the other operation mode. Furthermore, since the motor power in the low-noise operation mode is lower than in the other operation mode, the motor speed and volume can remain lower compared to the other operation mode, although a vacuum level of substantially the same magnitude is produced at the end of the vacuum phase as in the other operation mode. Therefore, the breast pump requires more time to pump breast milk in the low-noise operation mode but operates more quietly than in the other operation mode. The duration of the first time span is preferably 1.3 to 2.5 times, particularly 2 times, the duration of the second time span. For example, the first time span lasts 2 seconds, and the second time span lasts 1 second. The first starting value can preferably be between 10% and 30% of the second starting value. The first ending value can preferably be between 40% and 100% of the second ending value. Preferably, the motor speed in the low-noise operation mode can be in the range of 500 rpm to 1500 rpm, particularly between 700 rpm and 1300 rpm, while the motor speed in the other operation mode can be between 1000 rpm and 4000 rpm, particularly between 1400 rpm and 3600 rpm. Preferably, the breast pump is manually switched between the low-noise operation mode and the other operation mode by the user. Similarly, the breast pump can automatically select the low-noise operation mode when a predetermined event occurs, for example, according to the time of day, so as to pump milk quietly at night.

[0020] As stated at the outset, the present invention also relates to a method for adjusting a breast pump, which performs a method of increasing the motor power by a fixed value between time intervals via a controller for the at least one motor. Regarding the method for adjusting the breast pump, according to the arrangement of the invention, in a low-noise operating mode, the duration of the time interval and the value of the gradual increase in motor power are defined and stored in the breast pump in such a way that the speed of the at least one motor varies at most within a range of 0.3 to 1.7 times the speed value at the start of the vacuum phase during the vacuum phase. Preferably, in the low-noise operating mode, the motor speed can be in the range of 500 rpm and 1500 rpm, particularly between 700 rpm and 1300 rpm. Therefore, before using the breast pump to express breast milk, the duration of the time interval and the value of the gradual increase in motor power are predetermined (particularly determined at the factory), and the breast pump is configured accordingly. In order to operate different types of breast pumps as quietly as possible, it is preferable to determine the duration of the time interval and the value of the gradual increase in motor power individually for each design of the breast pump, for example, through a test sequence. These values ​​are determined in such a way that the speed can be kept low, and although the motor load increases due to the establishment of the vacuum, the speed changes only slightly. Fluctuations in motor speed during the vacuum phase should be at most within the range of 0.3 to 1.7 times the speed value at the start of the vacuum phase. Therefore, the values ​​determined before using the breast pump are stored in the breast pump. It should be noted that in low-noise operation mode, the breast pump can optionally operate at multiple adjustable power levels, each of which can be associated with either the initial or final power in the low-noise operation mode. Therefore, in the case of several power levels, a separate test sequence can be performed for each power level, and for each adjustable power level, the duration of the time interval and the value of the gradual increase in motor power can be stored in the breast pump.

[0021] In the case where the motor power is increased by a fixed value between time intervals via a controller for the at least one motor, it is also advantageous if, in low-noise operation mode, the duration of the time interval and the value of the gradual increase in motor power are defined and stored in the breast pump in such a way that the final power is at least 50% greater than the initial power. This allows for a relatively low initial power, and the motor can already operate quietly at low power and low speed at the start of the vacuum phase.

[0022] As stated initially, the present invention also relates to a breast pump for expressing breast milk. Regarding the breast pump, according to the present invention, a low-noise operating mode is provided, wherein the change in motor power from an initial power to a final power comprises a gradual increase between defined consecutive time intervals that collectively extend throughout the vacuum phase. The breast pump includes: a breast shield, such as a funnel for pressing against the mother's breast; a vacuum unit for creating a vacuum between the mother's breast and the breast shield pressing against the mother's breast during the vacuum phase; at least one motor for operating said vacuum unit; a drive unit for said at least one motor; and a venting device for reducing the vacuum level during a venting phase following the vacuum phase. To establish a vacuum, the motor includes an initial power at the beginning of the vacuum phase and a final power at the end of the vacuum phase. To enable the breast pump to operate as quietly as possible, the breast pump includes a low-noise operating mode in which the change in motor power from an initial power to a final power comprises a gradual increase between defined consecutive time intervals that collectively extend throughout the vacuum phase. As described above for this method, the process of gradually increasing motor power allows the motor power to gradually adapt to the increasing load on the motor. This is why the motor can operate at low power, low speed, and therefore low noise at the beginning of the vacuum phase. Gradually, the motor power increases to overcome the increased load, and the speed fluctuation is smaller due to the increased motor load, compared to the assumption that the motor is already operating at higher power at the beginning of the vacuum phase and initially idling at high speed. Regarding the characteristics of the breast pump, reference is also made to the preceding description of the method, as long as this contributes to the understanding of the breast pump and as long as the characteristics of the breast pump can be derived from this description of the method. Similarly, the characteristics of these methods are also referenced to the description of the breast pump.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the breast pump, at least four, preferably at least ten, defined continuous time intervals can be set, which together extend throughout the entire vacuum phase. Therefore, the change in motor power includes at least three gradual increases, preferably at least nine. In particular, the high number of at least ten continuous time intervals allows the motor to operate at a low speed at the beginning of the vacuum phase. The power level, i.e., the amount of increase, can have a spontaneous or rapidly continuous increase. Furthermore, the power level can have a substantially constant or fluctuating value during each time interval.

[0024] To produce breast pumps particularly cost-effectively and efficiently, the following configuration can be used: the drive unit for the at least one motor includes a controller designed to increase the motor power by a fixed value between time intervals. This fixed value is preferably stored in the breast pump's memory and determined before user use, particularly by the manufacturer. Preferably, the duration of the time interval is also stored in the breast pump's memory. The controller may include a processing unit, such as a microprocessor.

[0025] To achieve a particularly low and precise speed with low fluctuations for the at least one motor, preferably, the drive unit for the at least one motor includes a control device designed to detect the instantaneous speed of the at least one motor, compare it with a predetermined target speed, particularly a target speed stored in the breast pump, and increase the motor power by a value between time intervals, adjusting the instantaneous motor speed to the target speed. Preferably, the control device is configured to detect the instantaneous speed of the motor in each time interval, compare it with the target speed assigned to each time interval, and increase the motor power accordingly between time intervals. The control device may include a processing unit, such as a microprocessor.

[0026] If the drive unit for the at least one motor includes an operating voltage source for driving the at least one motor, the motor power can be changed particularly easily. This operating voltage source is designed to gradually increase the operating voltage of the at least one motor to increase the motor power. The operating voltage source can also be configured to keep the motor's operating voltage constant between increases.

[0027] If the drive unit for the at least one motor includes a power supply for a pulse-width modulated voltage signal, particularly for rectifying the pulse-width modulated voltage signal, the motor power can be adjusted economically and efficiently in very small steps. This power supply is designed to gradually increase the pulse duration of the pulse-width modulated voltage signal to increase the motor power. Therefore, a pulse-width modulated voltage signal can be supplied to the motor. To rectify the pulse-width modulated voltage signal, i.e., to substantially smooth it, the power supply may include electronic capacitors.

[0028] Furthermore, the breast pump can be configured as follows: it can switch between a low-noise operating mode and another operating mode; in the low-noise operating mode, the vacuum phase extends over a first time span, the initial power of the at least one motor includes a first initial value, and the final power of the at least one motor includes a first final value; in the other operating mode, the vacuum phase extends over a second time span, the initial power of the at least one motor includes a second initial value, and the final power of the at least one motor includes a second final value; wherein the first final value is greater than the first initial value, the first time span is greater than the second time span, the first initial value is less than the second initial value, and the first final value is less than or equal to the second final value. Therefore, in the low-noise operating mode, the breast pump requires more time to establish a vacuum, for example, twice as long, and may require more time to pump breast milk, but compared to the other operating mode, it operates at a lower speed and therefore a lower volume due to the lower power. Preferred values ​​and ratios of the first and second time spans, the first and second initial values, and the first and second final values ​​have been indicated in the previous description of the method. To allow the user to switch between the low-noise operating mode and the other operating mode, the breast pump may include an input device, such as a button, switch, or touchscreen. In another example, a software application, such as on a smartphone, can be set up to control the breast pump, specifically for switching between a low-noise operating mode and the other operating mode.

[0029] If the maximum speed of the at least one motor in the low-noise operating mode is between 20% and 70% of the maximum speed of the motor in the other operating mode, preferably between 25% and 50%, then the at least one motor of the breast pump can operate particularly quietly. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be described in more detail based on preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1A A simplified illustration shows the gradual increase of the motor power of a breast pump in a low-noise operation mode according to the method of the present invention; Figure 1B A simplified diagram showing the gradual increase of the operating voltage of the breast pump in low-noise operation mode; Figure 1C A simplified diagram showing the speed (i.e., rotational speed) of the breast pump in low-noise operation mode; Figure 1D A simplified diagram showing the motor power of the breast pump in another operating mode is displayed; Figure 1E A simplified diagram showing the operating voltage of the breast pump in another operating mode is displayed; Figure 1FA simplified diagram showing the speed of the breast pump in another operating mode; Figure 2A The pulse width modulation voltage signal and the rectified pulse width modulation voltage signal are displayed. These signals can be used to drive the motor with a shorter pulse duration. Figure 2B The pulse width modulation voltage signal and the rectified pulse width modulation voltage signal are displayed. These signals can be used to drive the motor with a longer pulse duration. Figure 3 This shows an example of a smooth, gradual increase in motor power; and Figure 4 A simplified block diagram of a breast pump according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that the various figures are not necessarily shown to scale. Furthermore, methods or portions of the breast pump that are identifiable in other figures may be omitted in separate figures, provided that such omissions are not essential to the description of the individual figure.

[0032] Figure 1A An exemplary process is shown for the motor power P of breast pump 1 in a low-noise operation mode, expressed as a function of time t, in which breast pump 1 operates according to a method for operating breast pump 1 to express breast milk. The process clearly shows that breast pump 1 operates alternately in a vacuum stage (PHU) and a subsequent ventilation stage (PHB). In the vacuum stage (PHU), at least one motor 2 of breast pump 1 drives the vacuum unit 3 of breast pump 1 to create a vacuum between the mother's breast (not shown) and the breast shield 4 of breast pump 1, which may be a funnel, against the mother's breast. See also... Figure 4 In contrast, during the ventilation phase (PHB), the vacuum is reduced at least to a large extent, for example, completely, again. Breast milk is pumped by alternating operation of the breast pump 1 during the vacuum phase (PHU) and the ventilation phase (PHB). To establish a vacuum between the mother's breast and the breast shield 4, the motor 2 operates at an initial power PS at the beginning of the vacuum phase (PHU) and at a final power PE at the end of the vacuum phase (PHU). Conversely, if the motor 2 operates at a high initial power PS, approximately the same as the final power PE, the motor 2 will operate at a correspondingly high initial speed because a vacuum capable of applying a load to the motor 2 has not yet been established. Therefore, the noise generated by the motor 2 will also be high. Due to the increase in vacuum, the motor speed N and therefore the volume emitted by the motor 2 will only gradually decrease. It should be noted that the description in the figures is for the case of a single motor 2. If the breast pump 1 comprises multiple motors 2, these motors can be considered as a single motor 2.

[0033] To ensure the quietest possible operation of the breast pump 1, especially the motor 2, the breast pump 1 operates in a low-noise mode. For example... Figure 1A It is clearly shown that, in low-noise operating mode, the motor power P repeatedly and gradually increases from the initial power PS to the final power PE within defined continuous time intervals TI, i.e., a step increase, and these time intervals together extend across the entire vacuum phase PHU. This power increment, i.e., the power step, in Figure 1A The value is denoted as PL. Therefore, motor 2 starts with a low power P, resulting in a lower speed N and a lower volume. During the transition from the initial power PS to the final power PE, the motor power P increases, but the vacuum built up also becomes stronger, which is why the speed N and volume of motor 2 remain low.

[0034] According to Figure 1A In the example shown, only two vacuum phases PHU and one ventilation phase PHB are shown. Of course, the method for operating the breast pump 1 to express breast milk can have substantially more than two vacuum phases PHU. In the example shown, the vacuum phases PHU are divided into ten, specifically equal time intervals TI1 to TI10. Therefore, the motor power P increases progressively nine times from the initial power PS to the final power PE. The vacuum phases PHU last, for example, more than 2 seconds, and the ventilation phase PHB lasts, for example, more than 0.2 seconds. According to this example, during the vacuum phases PHU, the motor power P increases once every 0.2 seconds. In other examples, the vacuum phases PHU can last between 0.7 seconds and 3 seconds, and the ventilation phase PHB can last between 0.1 seconds and 0.5 seconds. Furthermore, according to examples not shown, the vacuum phases PHU can be divided into fewer than ten time intervals TI, such as 4 or 5 time intervals, or more than ten time intervals TI, such as 20, 50, or 100 time intervals. The time intervals TI can also have different sizes. For clarity, in Figures 1B to 1F The figure only provides reference numerals for a single time interval TI.

[0035] exist Figure 1A In the simplified representation, the power progression is shown with the motor power P increasing abruptly and remaining constant throughout the various time intervals TI. However, within the scope of this invention, the gradual increase in motor power P can also occur continuously between defined consecutive time intervals TI, such that the rising edge of the power step PL is not perpendicular to the time axis but forms an angle of less than 90° with the time axis. Similarly, the motor power P can vary during each time interval TI.

[0036] Figure 3An example of the gradual increase in motor power P is illustrated with a magnified diagram. Starting with the initial power PS at the beginning of the first time interval TI1, the motor power P decreases slightly by a difference DP due to the establishment of the vacuum. At the boundary between the first time interval TI1 and the second time interval TI2, the motor power P gradually increases, where the increase does not occur abruptly but continuously during the time interval TB, which, for example, reaches 1% to 10% of the time interval TI. As a result, the motor power P decreases slightly again, and so on. The difference DP is less than the power step PL between consecutive time intervals TI (i.e., less than the gradual increase in power).

[0037] Figure 1B This demonstrates that during the vacuum phase PHU of the low-noise operation mode, the operating voltage U of motor 2 is gradually increased to gradually increase the motor power P.

[0038] Figure 1C A simplified diagram of the rotational speed N of the breast pump 1 in low-noise operation mode is shown. The speed N is displayed as constant during the vacuum phase PHU. This is achieved by detecting the instantaneous speed N of the motor 2, comparing it to a predetermined target speed Ntarget stored specifically in the breast pump 1, and increasing the motor power P by a value between time intervals TI via the control device 5 for the motor 2, which adjusts the instantaneous motor speed N to the target speed Ntarget. On the other hand, if the motor power P is increased by a fixed value (power step PL) between time intervals TI via the controller 6 for the motor 2, the motor speed N may fluctuate slightly.

[0039] Figure 2A and 2B Examples of pulse width modulated voltage signals UPW and rectified pulse width modulated voltage signals UPWG, represented in simplified form by dashed lines, are shown. These signals can be used to drive motor 2. Figure 2A The voltage signal shown, for example, for time interval TI2, has a comparison with Figure 2B The example shown is a smaller pulse width PW for the voltage signal used in time interval TI8. Therefore, the motor power P is smaller in time interval TI2 compared to time interval TI8. It can be seen that the pulse duration PW of the pulse-width modulated voltage signal is increased to increase the motor power P. According to... Figure 2A and 2B In the example shown, the frequency of the pulse-width modulated voltage signal is 20 kHz.

[0040] Figure 1D An exemplary process of the motor power P of breast pump 1 in another operating mode is shown, expressed as a function of time t, in which breast pump 1 can be operated according to a method for operating breast pump 1 to express breast milk. Figures 1A to 1C In the low-noise operating mode shown, the vacuum phase PHU is executed during the first time span TUG, motor 2 operates at an initial power PS equal to the first initial value SW1, and motor 2 operates at a final power PE equal to the first final value EW1. And... Figures 1D to 1F In another operating mode shown, the vacuum phase PHU is performed during the second time span TUW, motor 2 operates at a starting power PS equal to the second starting value SW2, and motor 2 operates at a final power PE equal to the second final value EW2. In the example shown, the first final value EW1 is greater than the first starting value SW1, the first time span TUG is greater than the second time span TUW, the first starting value SW1 is less than the second starting value SW2, and the first final value EW1 is slightly less than the second final value EW2. For example, the first time span TUG is 2 seconds, the second time span TUW is 1 second, the first starting value SW1 is 0.56W, the first final value EW1 is 1.14W, the second starting value SW2 is 1.5W, the second final value EW2 is 1.8W, the motor speed N in the low-noise operating mode is 780rpm to 1200rpm, the motor speed N in the other operating mode is 1400rpm to 3600rpm, and / or the vacuum generated in both the low-noise operating mode and the other operating mode is 150mbar.

[0041] In another exemplary operating mode, motor 2 is supplied with a constant voltage U in the vacuum stage PHU, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1E This is why the initial speed N of the PHU during the vacuum phase is higher than that in low-noise operation mode, and why the initial speed N of the PHU during the vacuum phase decreases more and more due to the increased load caused by the vacuum. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1F .

[0042] If the breast pump 1 includes a controller 6 for the motor 2, the breast pump is configured before use by setting the duration of the time interval TI and the value of the gradual increase of the motor power P in the low-noise operation mode, and storing these settings in the breast pump 1. This ensures that the speed N of the motor 2 during the vacuum phase PHU fluctuates at most within the range of 0.3 to 1.7 times the speed N value at the beginning of the vacuum phase PHU. Specifically, the breast pump 1 can be configured before use such that, in the low-noise operation mode, the speed N of the motor 2 remains as constant as possible from one time interval TI to the next, particularly in the low-noise operation mode, the change in the speed N of the motor 2 from one time interval TI to the next does not exceed 20%, preferably not more than 10%, and particularly preferably not more than 5%. Furthermore, the breast pump 1 can be configured such that the duration of the time interval TI and the value of the gradual increase of the motor power P in the low-noise operation mode are set and stored in the breast pump 1, such that the final power PE is at least 50% greater than the initial power PS.

[0043] Figure 4 A simplified block diagram of a breast pump 1 according to the present invention is shown. The breast pump 1 includes: a breast shield 4 for contact with the mother's breast; a vacuum unit 3 connected to the breast shield 4 for generating a vacuum between the mother's breast and the breast shield 4 in a vacuum phase; a motor 2, particularly an electric motor, connected to the vacuum unit 3 for operating the vacuum unit 3; a drive unit 7 connected to the motor 2 for the motor 2; and a ventilation device 8 connected to the vacuum unit 3 for reducing the vacuum in a ventilation phase PHB following the vacuum phase PHU. The drive unit 7 includes a controller 6 for the motor 2 and / or a control device 5 for the motor 2. Furthermore, the drive unit 7 includes a working voltage source 9 connected to the controller 6 or the control device 5, and / or a power supply 10 connected to or included in the controller 6 and the control device 5, the power supply 10 for a pulse width modulated voltage signal UPW, particularly a rectified pulse width modulated voltage signal UPWG. To generate the rectified pulse width modulated voltage signal UPWG, the drive unit 7 may include an electronic capacitor 11 connected to the power supply 10. The controller 6 or control device 5 can control the motor 2, specifically the operating voltage source 9 or power supply 10, such that, in a low-noise operating mode, the motor power P gradually increases from the initial power PS to the final power PE between defined continuous time intervals TI that extend across the entire vacuum stage PHU. The breast pump 1 may also include a memory 12 storing a number 13 of continuous time intervals TI of the vacuum stage PHU, which is specified during the adjustment of the breast pump. Furthermore, a step height 14 specified during the adjustment of the breast pump 1 can be stored in the memory 12, and the controller 6 increases the motor power P by this step height 14 between time intervals TI. Additionally, a target speed Ntarget defined for the control device 5 during the adjustment of the breast pump 1 can be stored in the memory 12. To detect the instantaneous speed N of the motor 2, the drive unit 7 may include a tachometer 15. The instantaneous speed N can be compared with the predetermined target speed Ntarget, and the control device 5 can increase the motor power P by a value between time intervals TI, which adjusts the instantaneous motor speed N to the target speed Ntarget. In order to switch between a low-noise operating mode and the other operating mode, the breast pump 1 may include an input device 16, such as a button, switch, touch screen or software application on a smartphone.

Claims

1. A method for operating a breast pump (1) for pumping breast milk, the breast pump (1) being alternately operated in a vacuum phase (PHU) and a subsequent ventilation phase (PHB); in the vacuum phase (PHU) at least one electric motor (2) of the breast pump (1) drives a vacuum unit (3) of the breast pump (1) to generate a vacuum between a mother's breast and a breast shield (4) of the breast pump (1), the breast shield (4) abutting against the mother's breast; and in the ventilation phase (PHB) the vacuum is reduced; wherein, Said at least one electric motor (2) operates with a starting power (PS) at the beginning of said vacuum phase (PHU) and with an end power (PE) at the end of said vacuum phase (PHU), characterized in that, in a low-noise operating mode, the electric motor power (P) is gradually increased from said starting power (PS) to said end power (PE) between defined consecutive time intervals (TI) which jointly extend over the whole of said vacuum phase (PHU).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, At least four, preferably at least ten, defined consecutive time intervals (TI) are provided which jointly extend over the whole of said vacuum phase (PHU).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electric motor power (P) is increased by a fixed value between said time intervals (TI) by means of a controller (6) for said at least one electric motor (2).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The instantaneous speed (N) of said at least one electric motor (2) is detected, said instantaneous speed is compared with a predetermined target speed (Ntarget) which is in particular stored in said breast pump (1), and the electric motor power (P) is increased by a value which adjusts the instantaneous electric motor speed (N) to said target speed (Ntarget) between said time intervals (TI) by means of a control device (5) for said at least one electric motor (2).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The operating voltage (U) of said at least one electric motor (2) is increased in order to increase the electric motor power (P).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Said at least one electric motor (2) is driven by means of a pulse width modulated voltage signal (UPW), in particular a rectified pulse width modulated voltage signal (UPWG), and the pulse duration (PW) of said pulse width modulated voltage signal (UPW) is increased in order to increase the electric motor power (P).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Said breast pump (1) is operated in said low-noise operating mode or in another operating mode; in said low-noise operating mode, said vacuum phase (PHU) is carried out during a first time span (TUG), said at least one electric motor (2) operating with a starting power (PS) which is equal to a first starting value (SW1) and with an end power (PE) which is equal to a first end value (EW1); in said another operating mode, said vacuum phase (PHU) is carried out during a second time span (TUW), said at least one electric motor (2) operating with a starting power (PS) which is equal to a second starting value (SW2) and with an end power (PE) which is equal to a second end value (EW2); wherein said first end value (EW1) is greater than said first starting value (SW1), said first time span (TUG) is greater than said second time span (TUW), said first starting value (SW1) is smaller than said second starting value (SW2), and said first end value (EW1) is smaller than or equal to said second end value (EW2).

8. A method for adjusting a breast pump (1), the method according to claim 3 being performed with the breast pump (1), characterized in that, In the low-noise operating mode, the duration of the time intervals (TI) and the values of the stepwise increase of the motor power (P) are defined and stored in the breast pump (1) in such a way that, during the vacuum phase (PHU), the speed (N) of the at least one motor (2) varies at most in the range of 0.3 to 1.7 times the speed value (N) at the beginning of the vacuum phase (PHU).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, In the low-noise operating mode, the duration of the time intervals (TI) and the values of the stepwise increase of the motor power (P) are defined and stored in the breast pump (1) in such a way that the final power (PE) is at least 50% greater than the starting power (PS).

10. A breast pump (1) for pumping breast milk, comprising: A breast shield (4) for abutment against the mother's breast; a vacuum unit (3) for generating a vacuum between the mother's breast and the breast shield (4) abutting against the mother's breast in a vacuum phase (PHU); at least one motor (2) for operating the vacuum unit (3); a drive unit (7) for the at least one motor (2); and a venting device (8) for reducing the vacuum after the vacuum phase (PHU) in a venting phase (PHB); wherein the at least one motor (2) has a starting power (PS) at the beginning of the vacuum phase (PHU) and a final power (PE) at the end of the vacuum phase (PHU), characterized in that a low-noise operating mode is provided, in which the change of the motor power (P) from the starting power (PS) to the final power (PE) comprises a stepwise increase between defined, consecutive time intervals (TI) which jointly extend over the entire vacuum phase (PHU).

11. Breast pump (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that At least four, preferably at least ten, defined, consecutive time intervals (TI) are provided which jointly extend over the entire vacuum phase (PHU).

12. Breast pump (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The drive unit (7) for the at least one motor (2) comprises a controller (6) which is designed to increase the motor power (P) by a fixed value between the time intervals (TI).

13. Breast pump (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The drive unit (7) for the at least one motor (2) comprises a control device (5) which is designed to detect the instantaneous speed (N) of the at least one motor (2) and to compare it with a predetermined target speed (Ntarget) which is stored in particular in the breast pump (1) and to increase the motor power (P) by a value which adjusts the instantaneous motor speed (N) to the target speed (Ntarget) between the time intervals (TI).

14. Breast pump (1 ) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that The drive unit (7) for the at least one motor (2) comprises a working voltage source (9) for driving the at least one motor (2), which is designed to stepwise increase the working voltage (U) of the at least one motor (2) in order to increase the motor power (P).

15. Breast pump (1 ) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that The drive unit (7) for the at least one electric motor (2) comprises a power supply (10) for a pulse width modulated voltage signal (UPW), in particular a rectified pulse width modulated voltage signal (UPWG), which is designed to increase the pulse duration (PW) of the pulse width modulated voltage signal (UPW) stepwise in order to increase the motor power (P).

16. Breast pump (1 ) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that The breast pump (1) is switchable between the low-noise operating mode and another operating mode; in the low-noise operating mode, the vacuum phase (PHU) extends over a first time span (TUG), the starting power (PS) of the at least one electric motor (2) comprises a first starting value (SW1), and the end power (PE) of the at least one electric motor (2) comprises a first end value (EW1); in the other operating mode, the vacuum phase (PHU) extends over a second time span (TUW), the starting power (PS) of the at least one electric motor (2) comprises a second starting value (SW2), and the end power (PE) of the at least one electric motor (2) comprises a second end value (EW2); wherein the first end value (EW1) is greater than the first starting value (SW1), the first time span (TUG) is greater than the second time span (TUW), the first starting value (SW1) is smaller than the second starting value (SW2), and the first end value (EW1) is smaller than or equal to the second end value (EW2).

17. Breast pump (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that The maximum speed (N) of the at least one electric motor (2) in the low-noise operating mode is 20% to 70%, preferably 25% to 50%, of the maximum speed (N) of the at least one electric motor (2) in the other operating mode.

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