Breast pump

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of mother and baby products, in particular to a breast pump. The breast pump comprises a milk storage container and three differential capacitance sensor assemblies. The first differential capacitance sensor assembly comprises a first detection electrode assembly, and the first detection electrode assembly is arranged at the bottom in the rising direction of the milk liquid level; the second differential capacitance sensor assembly comprises a second detection electrode assembly, and the second detection electrode assembly is arranged at the top in the rising direction of the milk liquid level; the third differential capacitance sensor assembly comprises a third detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly is arranged between the first detection electrode assembly and the second detection electrode assembly in the milk liquid level rising direction. According to the breast pump, the milk storage container is detected through the three differential capacitance sensor assemblies, the state of the milk storage container can be comprehensively determined in detail, the intelligent degree of the breast pump can be improved, interference can be effectively resisted through the differential capacitance sensor assemblies, and the detection accuracy is guaranteed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of maternal and child products, and particularly relates to a breast pump. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, the milk volume and fullness detection technology of the breast pump has always been an industry problem. Common detection sensor methods include optical, capacitive and other sensor technologies. The capacitive sensor currently used is usually an inductive capacitive sensor, which is usually used to detect the liquid level of the milk storage container. The detection accuracy is relatively low, and is easily disturbed by external interference to cause false triggering of the breast pump or a large deviation in the detection result.

[0003] The inductive capacitive sensor has only one plate for detecting the capacitance between the plate and the ground. It can only output a high-level signal and a low-level signal. The high-level signal reflects that the capacitance change is greater than the preset threshold, and it is considered that the liquid level reaches the liquid level corresponding to the inductive capacitive sensor. The low-level signal reflects that the capacitance change is less than the preset threshold, and it is considered that the liquid level does not reach the liquid level corresponding to the inductive capacitive sensor.

[0004] However, in actual application, the inductive capacitive sensor is easily disturbed by various disturbances, such as milk wall hanging, dielectric constant difference of milk of different mothers, manufacturing error of the breast pump, human body contact and the like. These will interfere with the milk volume detection of the inductive capacitive sensor and affect the accuracy of milk volume or fullness detection.

[0005] For example, the interference of milk wall hanging of the milk storage container on the milk volume or fullness detection of the breast pump is particularly prominent. Milk wall hanging refers to the phenomenon that milk is "stuck" on the wall of the milk storage container due to surface tension. At this time, if the milk hanging on the wall is "stuck" in the detection area of the inductive capacitive sensor, the inductive capacitive sensor may output a high-level signal, causing the milk volume detection to be incorrect.

[0006] In addition, the prior art does not have a good detection method for milk ejection reflex or the critical state of emptying the milk storage container to the milk discharge. The detection of this critical state is crucial for mode switching or automatic start operation.

[0007] To solve any one of the above technical problems, the present application is proposed. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0008] The breast pump provided by the present application aims to solve the technical problems in the prior art that the state of the milk storage container cannot be comprehensively detected and the inductive capacitive sensor is easily disturbed during detection, causing detection errors.

[0009] The application provides a breast pump, comprising a milk storage container and three sets of differential capacitive sensor assemblies; the first set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a first detection electrode assembly, which is arranged at a bottom region in a rising direction of a milk liquid level in the milk storage container; the second set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a second detection electrode assembly, which is arranged at a top region in the rising direction of the milk liquid level in the milk storage container; and the third set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a third detection electrode assembly, which extends from the bottom region to the top region in the rising direction of the milk liquid level in the milk storage container.

[0010] In the technical solution, on one hand, the differential capacitive sensor assemblies can quantitatively detect state parameters such as milk liquid or liquid level height, and will not substantially affect the detection results when milk liquid wall-hanging or other phenomena occur, and have strong anti-interference ability. On the other hand, the differential capacitive sensor assemblies can be used to detect the critical state of the empty milk storage container to milk discharge, thereby optimizing the use experience of the breast pump. On the other hand, the milk storage container is detected by the three sets of differential capacitive sensors, which can comprehensively and in detail determine the state of the milk storage container, and is beneficial to improve the intelligent degree of the breast pump.

[0011] In a possible implementation, in the rising direction of the milk liquid level in the milk storage container, the height of the bottom of the third detection electrode assembly is lower than or equal to the height of the top of the first detection electrode assembly, and the height of the top of the third detection electrode assembly is higher than or equal to the height of the bottom of the second detection electrode assembly.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the milk storage container comprises a milk storage container shell, the milk storage container shell comprises an inner side surface in contact with the milk liquid and an outer side surface not in contact with the milk liquid; the first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly and the third detection electrode assembly are arranged on the outer side surface or the outer side close to the outer side surface.

[0013] In the implementation, non-contact measurement can ensure the cleanliness of the milk liquid.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are used to detect the milk full state of the milk storage container; the second set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are used to detect at least one of the empty milk state of the milk storage container and the unit height milk liquid detection value; and the third set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are used to detect the milk amount in the milk storage container or the liquid level height in the milk storage container.

[0015] In the implementation, the empty milk state is detected, and the critical state of the mother with milk discharge can be accurately measured, thereby facilitating intelligent milk pumping of the breast pump.

[0016] In the above implementation, the milk quantity in the milk storage container and the liquid level in the milk storage container are detected, so that the user can know whether the stored milk quantity is sufficient.

[0017] In the above implementation, the milk full state is detected, so that the milk suction can be stopped in time to prevent the milk storage container from overflowing.

[0018] In the above implementation, the unit height milk liquid detection value is detected, so that the influence of different dielectric constants of milk liquids of different mothers, human touch interference, and process errors of the breast pump in the factory state due to manufacturing and assembly can be reduced or eliminated, the influence on the liquid level or milk quantity detection is reduced, and the liquid level or milk quantity detection accuracy is improved.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the differential capacitive sensor assembly includes a detection electrode assembly and a control circuit; the detection electrode assembly includes at least a set of oppositely arranged parallel capacitors, and each parallel capacitor includes a first electrode and a second electrode; and the control circuit is configured to at least charge the detection electrode assembly and detect a capacitance value of the detection electrode assembly.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the first electrode and the second electrode are parallel plate electrodes.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the breast pump further includes a processing unit, the control circuit includes a conversion unit, and the conversion unit includes an excitation module, a sampling module, and a conversion module; the excitation module generates a charging signal for charging the detection electrode assembly, the charge on the detection electrode assembly is transmitted to the conversion module through the sampling module, and the conversion module converts an analog voltage into a digital signal; and the processing unit is configured to calculate a state parameter of the milk storage container corresponding to the differential capacitive sensor assembly according to the digital signal.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the breast pump further includes a host, and the first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are arranged in the host.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the host includes a host shell, the first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are arranged on the host shell, the host shell is mounted on an outer side of the milk storage container shell or at least partially contacts the outer side of the milk storage container shell, and the first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are close to or contact the outer side of the milk storage container shell.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the host further includes a component arrangement layer and a sensor arrangement layer, the sensor arrangement layer is arranged between the component arrangement layer and the host shell, and the first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are arranged in the sensor arrangement layer.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the breast pump further includes: a breast shield and a main unit, the breast shield including a flange for fitting against the breast; a milk storage container for receiving and storing breast milk collected by the breast shield, the milk storage container being connected to the breast shield; the main unit including a negative pressure mechanism, the negative pressure mechanism being used to directly or indirectly apply negative pressure to the breast shield to pump the breast milk into the milk storage container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a parallel plate capacitor provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a detection principle diagram of the differential capacitance sensor assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the liquid level detection principle of the differential capacitance sensor assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a first stereoscopic view of the first type of breast pump provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a first exploded view of the first type of breast pump provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a second exploded view of the first type of breast pump provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the main unit of the first type of breast pump provided by an embodiment of the present application, which is hidden behind the shell.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the first setting of a differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring liquid level or milk volume on a host housing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a second schematic diagram of the setting of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the liquid level or milk volume provided in an embodiment of the present application on the host housing.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a third schematic diagram of the setting of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the liquid level or milk volume provided in an embodiment of the present application on the host housing.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a fourth schematic diagram of the setting of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the liquid level or milk volume provided in an embodiment of the present application on the host housing.

[0037] Figure 12is a fifth setting schematic diagram of a differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring liquid level or milk volume provided by the embodiment of the present application on the main shell.

[0038] Figure 13 is a first setting schematic diagram of a differential capacitive sensor assembly in a sensor setting layer provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 14 is a second setting schematic diagram of a differential capacitive sensor assembly in a sensor setting layer provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 15 is a third setting schematic diagram of a differential capacitive sensor assembly in a sensor setting layer provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 16 is a supplementary schematic diagram of a differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring empty milk state provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 17 is a detection principle diagram of a differential capacitive sensor assembly for simultaneously detecting empty milk state and unit height milk liquid detection value provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 18 is a first combined setting mode schematic diagram of a plurality of differential capacitive sensor assemblies provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Figure 19 is a second combined setting mode schematic diagram of a plurality of differential capacitive sensor assemblies provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Figure 20 is a third combined setting mode schematic diagram of a plurality of differential capacitive sensor assemblies provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 21 is a fourth combined setting mode schematic diagram of a plurality of differential capacitive sensor assemblies provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Figure 22 is a fifth combined setting mode schematic diagram of a plurality of differential capacitive sensor assemblies provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0048] Figure 23 is a first perspective view of a second type of breast pump provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Figure 24 is a first exploded view of a second type of breast pump provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 25is a schematic diagram of a host of a second type of breast pump provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 26 is a first schematic diagram of a milk storage container of the second type of breast pump provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Figure 27 is a second schematic diagram of a milk storage container of the second type of breast pump provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of a milk full state detection method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0054] Figure 29 is a first setting schematic diagram of a photoelectric sensor provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Figure 30 is a second setting schematic diagram of a photoelectric sensor provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Figure 31 is a flow schematic diagram of a control method of a breast pump provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figure 32 is a structural schematic diagram of a third type of breast pump provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application is further described in detail below by combining with the drawings and embodiments. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference signs represent the same or similar units or units with the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and cannot be used to limit the present application.

[0059] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "horizontal", "top", "bottom" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only used to facilitate the description of the present application and simplify the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the devices or units referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0060] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for descriptive purposes and do not connote or imply relative importance or an ordering between or among the indicated features. Thus, features defined with "first", "second" etc. can include one or more of the features so described. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise.

[0061] In the description of the present application, it should be explained that, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "connection" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integrally connected; it can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection or can communicate with each other; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through intermediate medium, or the communication between two units or the interaction relationship between two units. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] In the present application, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the "upper" or "lower" of the first feature to the second feature can include the direct contact of the first and second features, or can include the contact of the first and second features through another feature between them. Moreover, the "upper", "upper" and "upper" of the first feature to the second feature include the first feature above and oblique above the second feature, or only indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The "below", "below" and "below" of the first feature to the second feature include the first feature below and oblique below the second feature, or only indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0063] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present application. In addition, the present application can repeatedly refer to numbers and / or letters in different examples, and such repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, which itself does not indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present application provides various specific examples of processes and materials, but those skilled in the art can realize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0064] Specifically, the capacitive sensor is a conversion device that converts a measured physical quantity or mechanical quantity into a change in the capacitance, and is actually a capacitor with a variable parameter. When the capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes, the amount of charge on the electrode plate changes, thereby establishing a correspondence between the amount of charge change and the measured physical quantity or mechanical quantity, and realizing the identification of the measured physical quantity or mechanical quantity.

[0065] Next, the basic principle of the parallel plate capacitor is introduced, which is the basis for building a capacitive sensor. Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the parallel plate capacitor provided in the embodiment of the application.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1 , the first electrode and the second electrode are mutually parallel metal conductors, also known as electrode plates or electrodes. There is a uniform electric field distribution between the two electrodes. Due to the edge effect, the electric field lines at the edge of the capacitor are curved and divergent.

[0067] The capacitance calculation formula of the parallel plate capacitor is as follows:

[0068]

[0069] Among them, is the dielectric constant of the material between the plates, S is the opposite area of the two electrodes of the capacitor, is the dielectric constant of free space (8.85 x F / m), and d is the distance between the two electrodes of the capacitor.

[0070] Figure 1 S is equal to W times L in the formula.

[0071] In the related art, an inductive capacitive sensor is used on the breast pump to detect some parameters of the milk storage container of the breast pump. For example, multiple inductive capacitive sensors are used to detect the liquid level of the milk liquid in the milk storage container, so as to calculate the volume of the milk liquid in the current milk storage container according to the liquid level of the milk liquid.

[0072] Specifically, the inductive capacitive sensor can only output a high level signal and a low level signal. The high level signal reflects that the capacitance change is greater than a preset threshold, and it is considered that the liquid level reaches the liquid level corresponding to the inductive capacitive sensor. The low level signal reflects that the capacitance change is less than the preset threshold, and it is considered that the liquid level does not reach the liquid level corresponding to the inductive capacitive sensor.

[0073] For example, a first inductive capacitive sensor is arranged at a first height on the container wall of the milk storage container, and a second inductive capacitive sensor is arranged at a second height. If the first inductive capacitive sensor outputs a high level signal, it is considered that the liquid level of the milk storage container has reached the first liquid level height corresponding to the first inductive capacitive sensor. If the detection value of the second inductive capacitive sensor outputs a high level signal, it is considered that the liquid level of the milk storage container has reached the second liquid level height corresponding to the second inductive capacitive sensor.

[0074] However, when the milk storage container is hung on the wall, which means that the milk liquid is "stuck" on the container wall due to surface tension. At this time, if the milk liquid is "stuck" in the detection area of the inductive capacitive sensor, it is likely to cause the inductive capacitive sensor to output a high level signal, resulting in incorrect milk quantity detection.

[0075] For example, when the liquid level in the milk storage container is tilted, if the milk liquid covers the detection area of the inductive capacitive sensor, it will also cause the detection value of the inductive capacitive sensor to output a high level signal, resulting in incorrect milk quantity detection.

[0076] Therefore, the inductive capacitive sensor is easily affected by the hanging of the milk liquid, the shaking of the liquid level, the tilting of the liquid level, the error of the factory machine parameters, the contact of the human body, the difference of the dielectric constant of the milk liquid of different mothers, or other interference contacts, etc., resulting in poor effect of using the inductive capacitive sensor to detect the milk quantity of the milk storage container.

[0077] Specifically, the conventional inductive capacitive sensor is used to detect self-capacitance, which is the capacitance between the pole of the capacitive sensor and the ground. This type of sensor does not require two pole plates, but relies on the change of the capacitance when the target object approaches the sensor for detection.

[0078] As shown in Figures 2-3 As an embodiment of the present application, the basic principle of detecting the liquid level of the differential capacitive sensor is adopted to solve the problems of the inductive capacitive sensor. The differential capacitive sensor assembly is used as a sensor for detecting the state parameters of the milk storage container in the breast pump. The differential capacitive sensor assembly includes a detection electrode assembly, which is composed of two electrodes arranged in parallel and opposite to each other. The differential capacitive sensor assembly is used to detect the mutual capacitance between the two electrodes of the capacitor. The output result is no longer a high-low level signal, but a capacitance change value between the two electrodes or a digital signal converted from the capacitance change value.

[0079] For convenience of description, the capacitor composed of two electrodes arranged in parallel and opposite to each other in the differential capacitive sensor assembly is referred to as a parallel capacitor group. In a possible embodiment, the parallel capacitor group is a standard parallel plate capacitor as shown in Figure 3 Figure 3 ​The parallel capacitor group in the detection electrode assembly includes a first electrode 1000 and a second electrode 2000, and the facing planes of the two electrodes are completely aligned. In another possible implementation, the facing planes of the two electrodes of the parallel capacitor group are only partially aligned, and the partial areas of the first electrode and the second electrode are staggered.

[0080] In addition, the differential capacitor sensor assembly in the present application includes a control circuit connected to the parallel capacitor group, as shown in Figure 2 The control circuit is configured to charge the parallel capacitor group and collect the electric charge on the parallel capacitor group after a preset time, and determine the capacitance value of the parallel capacitor group according to the change speed and / or the change amount of the electric charge.

[0081] The control circuit includes a conversion unit, and the conversion unit includes an excitation module, a sampling module and a conversion module.

[0082] The excitation module generates a charging signal for charging the differential capacitor sensor assembly, and the electric charge on the differential capacitor sensor assembly is transmitted to the conversion module through the sampling module, and the conversion module converts the analog voltage into a digital signal.

[0083] The conversion module is connected to a processing unit, and the processing unit is configured to calculate a state parameter of the milk storage container corresponding to the differential capacitor sensor assembly according to the digital signal.

[0084] Optionally, the conversion unit is a capacitance-to-digital converter, and the conversion module is an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0085] The conversion unit will be further described below, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a detection principle diagram of the differential capacitor sensor assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2 The detection electrode assembly is connected to a conversion unit, Figure 2 The sampling module in the control circuit includes a switched capacitor circuit and a sample-and-hold circuit.

[0086] The excitation module is configured to generate an excitation signal, and the excitation signal is configured to charge the parallel capacitor group in the detection electrode assembly. In some cases, the excitation signal is generated by an oscillator in the excitation module. In other cases, the excitation signal is generated by a clock signal received by the excitation module. The present application does not make any limitation.

[0087] The switched capacitor circuit is configured to close the switch at an appropriate time to transfer the electric charge on the parallel capacitor group to the input end of the ADC.

[0088] The sample-and-hold circuit is used to keep the voltage on the parallel capacitor group stable before the conversion module performs conversion, ensuring that the analog-to-digital converter reads a stable voltage value during the conversion process.

[0089] The conversion module is used to convert the analog voltage into a digital signal and input the digital signal into the processing unit ( Figure 2 (not shown). In some cases, the conversion module may also perform digital filtering during the conversion process to improve conversion accuracy.

[0090] The processing unit is used to determine the state parameter of the milk storage container corresponding to the differential capacitance sensor assembly according to the digital signal and the preset mapping relationship.

[0091] The structure of the control circuit described above is for illustration only. In some embodiments, the control circuit may include more or fewer components than shown, or may combine or split certain components, or may have different component arrangements. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, some or all of the functions of the conversion unit may be integrated into the processing unit to save space, or a processing unit may be added to the conversion unit, without limitation in this application.

[0092] An implementation of a differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting liquid level will be described below.

[0093] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the liquid level detection principle of the differential capacitance sensor assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The control circuit is not shown.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The electric field lines include straight lines from the plane facing the first electrode 1000 to the plane facing the second electrode 2000, and curved lines from the side of the first electrode 1000 to the side of the second electrode 2000. The curved electric field lines pass through the liquid storage space of the container. Because the dielectric constant of the liquid is much larger than that of the air, the dielectric constant between the two electrodes gradually increases as the liquid level rises, thereby increasing the capacitance value of the parallel capacitor group.

[0095] It is understandable that Figure 3 Only some of the electric field lines of the parallel capacitor group are shown.

[0096] Figure 3The capacitance change of the differential capacitive sensor assembly is proportional to the change of the liquid level, so after converting the capacitance change into a specific digital signal change, the specific change of the liquid level can be calculated according to the digital signal change. The capacitance change of the inductive capacitive sensor is not proportional to the change of the liquid level, and the processing unit can only determine whether the liquid level reaches the corresponding height of the inductive capacitive sensor through the high-level signal or low-level signal output by the inductive capacitive sensor.

[0097] Compared with the prior art in which one inductive capacitive sensor corresponds to the measurement of one liquid level, Figure 3 The differential capacitive sensor assembly in the container is arranged along the rising direction of the liquid level of the container, so that Figure 3 All changes of the liquid level in the process from empty milk to full milk of the container can be measured by one differential capacitive sensor assembly, realizing the measurement of all liquid levels by one sensor.

[0098] Optionally, the first electrode and the second electrode are further provided with a shielding layer 3000 away from one side of the container, so as to reduce external interference. It is defined that the first electrode and the second electrode detect the liquid level of the container through the electric field lines of the first side, and the above case can also be understood as that a sensor setting layer is arranged near the second side opposite to the first side, which blocks the electric field lines of the second side, so as to reduce external interference.

[0099] Figure 3 In the container, d1 is the distance between the two opposite planes of the first electrode and the second electrode, and d2 is the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode and the liquid storage space of the container. The distance d1 between the two opposite planes of the first electrode and the second electrode of the parallel capacitive group is called the spacing of the differential capacitive sensor assembly. The spacing d1 of the parallel capacitive group is proportional to the detection distance. In order to ensure that the differential capacitive sensor assembly can detect the change of the liquid level of the liquid storage space, it is necessary to ensure that d1 is greater than or equal to d2.

[0100] Exemplarily, it is assumed that Figure 3 In the container, the maximum detection distance of the parallel capacitive group is d2. When the container is away from the differential capacitive sensor assembly, so that the distance between the container and the differential capacitive sensor assembly is greater than d2, the spacing d1 can be increased, so as to increase the detection range of the parallel capacitive group.

[0101] However, the embodiments shown in the present application are not limited to Figure 3 the embodiments shown in the present application.

[0102] In another possible embodiment, the electric field lines between the opposite plane of the first electrode and the opposite plane of the second electrode in the differential capacitive sensor assembly pass through at least part of the milk storage space in the milk storage container, and the liquid level is detected through the electric field lines between the opposite planes.

[0103] In yet some possible implementation manners, the application can also be configured to set multiple differential capacitive sensor assemblies to detect the liquid level change. In one possible implementation manner, each differential capacitive sensor assembly is used to measure different range of liquid level, so as to improve the measurement accuracy. In another possible implementation manner, each differential capacitive sensor assembly is used to detect the same range of liquid level, and the validity of the measurement result is ensured by processing the detection result.

[0104] In the application, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is used to measure the state parameter of the milk storage container in the breast pump. The state parameter of the milk storage container is described as follows.

[0105] The state parameter of the milk storage container includes at least one of the milk amount in the milk storage container, the liquid level in the milk storage container, the empty milk state, the full milk state, and the milk detection value per unit height.

[0106] The milk amount in the milk storage space and the liquid level in the milk storage space are associated parameters, because in the case of fixed structure of the milk storage container, the liquid level and the milk amount can establish a clear corresponding relationship. When the milk amount is determined according to the detection value of the differential capacitive sensor assembly, the milk amount can be directly determined according to the mapping relationship between the detection value and the milk amount, or the liquid level can be determined according to the detection value first, and then the milk amount can be determined according to the liquid level. The application does not make any limitation.

[0107] The milk amount in the milk storage space can be in any one or more of the following forms: milk amount proportion value, milk amount volume value, milk amount weight value, and milk amount degree value, or in other forms. The milk amount proportion value is, for example, 50%, which represents that the current milk amount is 50% of the maximum storage milk amount of the milk storage container. The milk amount volume value is, for example, 50 mL. The milk amount weight value is, for example, 10 g. The milk amount degree value is, for example, empty, low, medium, high, full, etc. The above examples are only used for illustration, and do not constitute any limitation on the form of the milk amount in the milk storage space.

[0108] The liquid level in the milk storage space can be in any one or more of the following forms: liquid level proportion value, liquid level specific value, and liquid level degree value, or in other forms. The liquid level proportion value is, for example, 50%. The liquid level specific value is, for example, 5 cm. The liquid level degree value is, for example, empty, low, medium, high, full, etc. The above examples are only used for illustration, and do not constitute any limitation on the form of the milk amount in the milk storage space.

[0109] The empty milk state in the state parameter of the milk storage container includes an empty milk condition and a non-empty milk condition. The empty milk condition refers to that no milk is stored in the milk storage container or the amount of stored milk does not reach an empty milk preset value. The non-empty milk condition refers to that milk is stored in the milk storage container or the amount of stored milk reaches the empty milk preset value. The specific value of the empty milk preset value can be set by the user as needed, and the application does not make any limitation. The detection of the empty milk state of the milk storage container is beneficial to the monitoring of the state change from the empty milk state to the non-empty milk state, so as to facilitate the breast pump to make a prompt or intelligent control based on the state change. The detection of the empty milk state of the milk storage container is also beneficial to identifying the basic interference caused by the capacitance difference due to the process error of the manufacturing and assembly of the breast pump out-of-factory state, thereby improving the accuracy of the milk amount detection or the full milk detection.

[0110] The full milk state in the state parameter of the milk storage container includes a full milk condition and a non-full milk condition. The full milk condition refers to that the amount of stored milk in the milk storage container reaches a full milk preset value. The full milk preset value can be a condition that the milk storage container is completely filled, or a preset threshold value close to the full milk state, and more preferably, a certain distance from the full milk state to reserve the milk inertia to cause the milk overflow phenomenon, or other reasonable threshold value close to the full milk. The non-full milk condition refers to that the amount of stored milk in the milk storage container does not reach the full milk preset value. The specific value of the full milk preset value can be set by the user as needed, and the application does not make any limitation.

[0111] The milk state in the state parameter of the milk storage container includes a milk condition and a non-milk condition. Alternatively, the milk amount reaching a milk preset value is the milk condition, and the milk amount not reaching the milk preset value is the non-milk condition. The milk preset value can be located between the empty milk preset value and the full milk preset value, and is used to accurately determine whether the milk storage container stores milk.

[0112] The unit height milk detection value in the state parameter of the milk storage container can be the detection value of the differential capacitive sensor assembly as the reference sensor, which is used to quantify the interference received by the differential capacitive sensor assembly as the working sensor in the milk storage container, such as the interference caused by the different dielectric constants of milk from different mothers, human touch interference, the basic interference caused by the capacitance difference due to the process error of the manufacturing and assembly of the breast pump out-of-factory state, temperature change interference, etc. The specific will be described in the subsequent part of the description, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] The detection of the empty milk state can accurately measure the critical state of the mother's milk discharge, thereby facilitating the intelligent milk pumping of the breast pump.

[0114] The detection of the amount of milk in the milk storage container and the liquid level in the milk storage container can help the user to know whether the amount of stored milk is sufficient.

[0115] The detection of the full milk state can stop the milk pumping in time to prevent the milk overflow of the milk storage container.

[0116] Detecting the unit height milk detection value can reduce or eliminate the influence of different dielectric constants of milk from different mothers, human touch interference, and process errors of the breast pump due to manufacturing and assembly, etc. The influence on the liquid level or milk volume detection is reduced, and the liquid level or milk volume detection accuracy is improved.

[0117] Optionally, the working sensor is a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the state parameter of any remaining milk storage container.

[0118] It is worth mentioning that the inductive capacitive sensor in the background art can only output 0, 1 signals, so the inductive capacitive sensor cannot be used to detect the unit height milk detection value.

[0119] Further, in order to detect the change of the state parameter of the milk storage container, the electric field lines of the differential capacitive sensor assembly usually need to at least partially pass through the milk storage space of the milk storage container. More specifically, in order to ensure that the differential capacitive sensor assembly can detect the change of the state parameter of the milk storage container, the distance between the two electrodes of the parallel capacitor group is greater than the distance between the differential capacitive sensor assembly and the inner side of the milk storage container shell.

[0120] As another exception, the differential capacitive sensor assembly can not measure the milk storage container, but determine the state parameter of the milk storage container by measuring other components, such as determining whether the milk storage container is empty by measuring whether milk flows into the breast shield 10 in the mounting hole 32 in the subsequent embodiments. Details will be described in the subsequent part of the specification, and will not be described here.

[0121] The dielectric constant of the liquid is usually much larger than that of the air, for example, the dielectric constant of the air is close to 1, and the dielectric constant of the water is generally 80-81. The composition of milk, as a complex biological liquid, mainly includes water, fat, protein, sugar, etc. The dielectric properties of these components are different, but the dielectric constant of milk is much larger than that of air, so when the milk storage space is empty, the dielectric constant in the parallel plate capacitor formula is small, and when the milk storage space stores milk, the dielectric constant in the parallel plate capacitor formula increases, resulting in a change in the capacitance of the parallel capacitor group in the differential capacitive sensor assembly.

[0122] The application provides a breast pump, which comprises a milk storage container for storing milk and a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the state parameter of the milk storage container. The milk storage container comprises a milk storage container shell, and the milk storage container shell comprises an inner side in contact with the milk and an outer side not in contact with the milk.

[0123] The differential capacitive sensor assembly comprises a detection electrode assembly arranged on or close to an outer side of the differential capacitive sensor assembly, wherein the outer side is used to indicate that the differential capacitive sensor assembly is not located inside the milk storage container.

[0124] The specific structure of different types of breast pumps will be introduced below, and how to set the differential capacitive sensor assembly on the breast pump of this structure to detect the state parameters of different milk storage containers will be explained.

[0125] The first type of breast pump will be introduced below.

[0126] As shown in Figures 4-6 , it is another embodiment of the present application, wherein Figure 4 is the first perspective view of the first type of breast pump, Figure 5 is the first exploded view of the first type of breast pump. Figure 6 is the second exploded view of the first type of breast pump.

[0127] As shown in Figures 4 to 6 , the breast pump 1 comprises a breast shield 10, a milk storage container 20 and a main machine 30.

[0128] The breast shield 10 is used to cover the human breast and fit the breast. The breast shield 10 is a flange shaped like a horn for fitting the breast, and the milk storage container 20 comprises a nipple receiving portion 22 for receiving the nipple.

[0129] The milk storage container 20 is used to receive and store the breast milk collected by the breast shield 10, and the milk storage container 20 is in communication with the breast shield 10.

[0130] Optionally, the milk storage container 20 can be in the form of a milk cover, a milk bowl, a milk bottle, etc., which is not limited by the present application.

[0131] The main machine 30 is also provided with a negative pressure mechanism, which can directly or indirectly apply negative pressure to the breast shield 10 to suck the breast milk into the milk storage container 20.

[0132] The negative pressure mechanism includes but is not limited to a piezoelectric pump, a diaphragm pump, a hydraulic pump, a mechanical pump, etc.

[0133] Optionally, the main machine 30 can also include one or more of the following components: an energy supply module, a negative pressure gas circuit, a control circuit board, a solenoid valve, etc.

[0134] The energy supply module is used to provide energy for the negative pressure mechanism to support the work of the negative pressure mechanism. Specifically, the energy supply module can be a storage battery, a dry battery, or it can be directly connected to an external power supply through a power cord.

[0135] The host 30 is also provided with a mounting hole 32, and the breast shield 10 is arranged in the host through the mounting hole 32 and is in liquid communication with the milk storage container 20, and the breast milk sucked by the breast shield 10 flows into the milk storage container 20 through the one-way valve assembly 24.

[0136] The milk storage container 20 comprises a milk storage container shell 21, a nipple channel 22, a negative pressure cabin 23, a one-way valve assembly 24, a diaphragm cover 25 and an air hole 26.

[0137] The milk storage container shell 21 comprises a first shell 211 and a second shell 212, and the second shell 212 is attached to or close to the host 30. The first shell 211 can be integrally formed with the second shell 212, or can be detachably mounted with the second shell 212. The mounting edges of the first shell 211 and the second shell 212 are provided with sealing rings or other sealing mechanisms to ensure that the milk liquid does not leak from the mounting edges.

[0138] The negative pressure cabin 23 comprises a diaphragm (not shown in the figure), and the diaphragm cover 25 is fixedly installed on the negative pressure cabin 23 and seals the diaphragm. The diaphragm cover 25 is also provided with the air hole 26, and the host 30 is also provided with a negative pressure socket 34 which is inserted into the air hole 26, so as to indirectly apply negative pressure to the negative pressure cabin 23 through the diaphragm, so that the user produces milk liquid which is collected by the breast shield 10.

[0139] The milk liquid collected by the breast shield 10 enters the milk storage space through the one-way valve assembly 24. The breast pump 1 works in a cycle of milk sucking and air intake. When the breast pump 1 works in milk sucking, the valve of the one-way valve assembly 24 is closed, and when the breast pump 1 works in air intake, the valve of the one-way valve assembly 24 is opened.

[0140] Optionally, the part of the host shell which is attached to and / or close to the milk storage container is the host shell 31; preferably, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is arranged inside the host shell to better protect the sensor, wherein the parallel capacitive group is fixedly arranged on the side of the host shell 31 to be as close as possible to one side of the milk storage container to reduce the distance between the parallel capacitive group and the detection liquid surface as much as possible.

[0141] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is a schematic diagram of the host of the first type of breast pump provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0142] Optionally, the host 30 further comprises a component arrangement layer 36 and a sensor arrangement layer 37, and the sensor arrangement layer 37 is arranged between the component arrangement layer 36 and the host shell 31.

[0143] The component setting layer 36 is used to set the rest of the electronic components in the host 30 except the differential capacitive sensor assembly, such as the negative pressure pump, the processing unit, etc. In some cases, the control circuit in the differential capacitive sensor assembly is set in the component setting layer 36, and the parallel capacitor group is set in the sensor setting layer 37 and connected with the control circuit in the component setting layer 36 through the conductive wire.

[0144] Optionally, the sensor setting layer 37 has the electric shielding effect, so that the sensor setting layer 37 can shield the influence of the electronic components on the host on the differential capacitive sensor assembly, and improve the detection effect of the differential capacitive sensor assembly.

[0145] In some cases, the sensor setting layer 37 is composed of one or more metal materials such as iron, copper, aluminum, silver, etc. to have the electric shielding effect. In other cases, the inner side of the sensor setting layer 37 close to the component setting layer 36 is coated with a conductive coating to have the electric shielding effect. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and the above cases are only used for illustration.

[0146] In some embodiments, the host 30 includes the main body 33 extending along the rising direction of the milk liquid surface and the base 34, and the milk storage container 20 is installed above the base 34, the milk storage container includes the side wall (not shown in the figure) extending along the rising direction of the milk liquid surface and the bottom wall (not shown in the figure) connecting the side wall, the main body 33 contacts or is close to the side wall, and the base 34 contacts or is close to the bottom wall.

[0147] In other embodiments, the host 30 includes the main body 33 extending along the rising direction of the milk liquid surface and the top seat 35, and the milk storage container 20 is installed below the top seat 35 (see Figure 15 ), the milk storage container 20 includes the side wall (not shown in the figure) extending along the rising direction of the milk liquid surface and the top wall (not shown in the figure) connecting the side wall; the main body 33 contacts or is close to the side wall, and the top seat 35 contacts or is close to the top wall.

[0148] Optionally, when the host 30 includes the base 34, at least one of the first shell 211 or the second shell 212 has a portion abutting the base 34 in the host 30, and the parallel capacitor group is arranged in the shell of the milk storage container 20 close to the base 34. Optionally, when the host 30 includes the top seat 35, at least one of the first shell 211 or the second shell 212 abuts the top seat 35 in the host 30, and the parallel capacitor group is arranged in the shell of the milk storage container 20 close to the top seat 35.

[0149] Optionally, when the breast pump 1 includes the base 34, the sensor setting layer 37 extends from the main body 33 to the base 34. Optionally, when the breast pump 1 includes the top seat 35, the sensor setting layer 37 extends from the main body 33 to the top seat 35.

[0150] Optionally, when the breast pump 1 comprises the base 34, the main housing 31 extends from the main body 33 to the base 34. Optionally, when the breast pump 1 comprises the top base 35, the main housing 31 extends from the main body 33 to the top base 35.

[0151] The following describes optional setting areas of the differential capacitive sensor assembly. The following listed optional setting areas do not limit the function of the differential capacitive sensor assembly, for example, the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the milk volume in the breast milk storage container or the liquid level in the breast milk storage container or the empty milk state or the full milk state or the unit height milk liquid detection value can be arranged in the following optional setting areas.

[0152] In some embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is arranged on the outer side of the breast milk storage container shell which does not contact the milk liquid. In other embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is arranged on the outer side close to the outer side.

[0153] As an example, in the first type of breast pump 1, the areas where the differential capacitive sensor assembly can be arranged include but are not limited to:

[0154] 1. The outer side of the second shell 212 which does not contact the milk liquid.

[0155] 2. The outer side of the first shell 211 which does not contact the milk liquid.

[0156] 3. The main housing 31 in the main body 30 close to the outer side of the breast milk storage container 20 or away from the inner side of the breast milk storage container 20.

[0157] 4. The sensor setting layer 37 close to the outer side of the breast milk storage container 20 or away from the inner side of the breast milk storage container 20. Preferably, if the sensor setting layer 37 has an electric shielding effect, it is arranged close to the outer side of the breast milk storage container 20.

[0158] It can be understood that when the structure of the breast pump changes, the optional setting areas will also change accordingly, and the above listed optional setting areas should not be understood as a limitation of the embodiments of the present application.

[0159] In some cases, two or more parallel capacitive groups are arranged in different setting areas. For example, a first parallel capacitive group for detecting the liquid level is arranged on the outer side of the second shell 212 which does not contact the milk liquid, and a second parallel capacitive group for detecting the liquid level is arranged on the outer side of the first shell 211 which does not contact the milk liquid. In other cases, two or more parallel capacitive groups are arranged in the same setting area, thereby facilitating wiring and layout.

[0160] In some cases, the differential capacitive sensor assembly further comprises a wireless communication module, and the differential capacitive sensor assembly remotely transmits the detection data to the processing unit through the wireless communication module. In other cases, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is connected to the processing unit through a connecting line, and the transmission of the detection data is performed through the connecting line.

[0161] Before the scheme of the present application is specifically described through embodiments, it needs to be explained that only the specific arrangement mode of the parallel capacitive group in the differential capacitive sensor assembly is shown in all subsequent drawings of the present application, and the control circuit is not shown. However, this does not mean that the differential capacitive sensor assembly does not need the control circuit, nor does it mean that the control circuit is not arranged in the drawings of the present application. The drawings of the present application are only examples and should not constitute any limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0162] And the description of the arrangement mode and the arrangement position of the differential capacitive sensor assembly arranged on the top of the milk storage container or the bottom of the milk storage container and the like in the subsequent content of the present application are all directed to the parallel capacitive group in the differential capacitive sensor assembly, and should not be understood as a limitation on the arrangement position of the control circuit.

[0163] It also needs to be explained that when the bottom of the milk storage container and the top of the milk storage container are described in the subsequent embodiments of the present application, the bottom and the top described are in the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface, and the milk liquid stored in the milk storage container rises from the bottom of the milk storage container to the top of the milk storage container along the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface.

[0164] The arrangement mode of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the liquid level or the milk amount is introduced below.

[0165] When the differential capacitive sensor assembly is used to measure the liquid level or the milk amount, it is arranged in the setting area along the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface in the milk storage container.

[0166] For example, the parallel capacitive group in the differential capacitive sensor assembly comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion is below the first end portion in the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface, the second electrode comprises a third end portion and a fourth end portion, the fourth end portion is below the third end portion in the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface.

[0167] Then the arrangement of the differential capacitive sensor assembly along the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface in the milk storage container means that the direction in which the second end portion points to the first end portion is the same as the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface or the included angle between the direction in which the second end portion points to the first end portion and the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface is less than a preset angle, and the direction in which the fourth end portion points to the third end portion is the same as the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface or the included angle between the direction in which the fourth end portion points to the third end portion and the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface is less than a preset angle.

[0168] It should be noted that the preset angle is affected by the capacitor specification, the breast pump structure and other factors, and needs to be selected according to the actual situation, but in general, the angle between the direction from the lower end to the upper end and the rising direction of the milk liquid surface is less than 90°.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the first electrode and the second electrode are both in a straight line shape, so as to facilitate production and manufacturing. In another possible implementation, the first electrode and the second electrode are both in a curve shape or even an irregular shape, so as to adapt to a more complex installation space. The present application does not make any limitation.

[0170] In addition, the range of the liquid level height that can be measured by the differential capacitive sensor assembly is determined by the lowest point and the highest point of the first electrode and the second electrode in the rising direction of the milk liquid surface. For example, the milk liquid in the milk storage container rises up to 10 cm in the rising direction of the milk liquid surface, if the lowest point of the first electrode and the second electrode is set at 1 cm, and the highest point of the first electrode and the second electrode is set at 8 cm, then the range of the liquid level height that can be detected by the differential capacitive sensor assembly is approximately 1 cm to 8 cm.

[0171] Therefore, when it is necessary to increase the range of the differential capacitive sensor assembly, the length of the differential capacitive sensor assembly in the rising direction of the milk liquid surface can be increased. For example, when it is desired to measure the complete range of the liquid level height, in the rising direction of the milk liquid surface, the lowest point of the first electrode and the second electrode can be set at or below the bottom of the milk storage space, and the highest point of the first electrode and the second electrode can be set at or above the top of the milk storage space.

[0172] Optionally, the rising direction of the milk liquid surface is the rising direction of the milk liquid surface when the breast pump is correctly worn on the breast of the user. Optionally, the rising direction of the milk liquid surface is the rising direction of the milk liquid surface when the breast pump is placed stably.

[0173] The arrangement of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the liquid level height or the milk volume will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0174] In some embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the liquid level height or the milk volume is arranged in the host shell 31 of the host 30, please refer to Figures 8 to 12 , Figures 8 to 12 is a schematic diagram of different arrangements of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the liquid level height or the milk volume on the host shell provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0175] Figures 8 to 12 , and the rising direction of the milk liquid surface when the breast pump is correctly worn is schematically shown by the dotted line in the figure, that is, the X direction in the figure.

[0176] Figures 8 to 12The differential capacitance sensor assembly in the figure can be understood as being arranged on the outer side of the host housing 31 , or can be understood as being arranged on the inner side of the host housing 31 .

[0177] In one possible implementation, Figure 8 As shown, the first electrode 411A and the second electrode 412A of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41A are respectively arranged on both sides of the mounting hole 32, and the arrangement direction of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41A is the same as the rising direction of the milk liquid level.

[0178] In another possible implementation, Figure 9 As shown, the first electrode 411B and the second electrode 412B of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41B are respectively disposed on either side of the mounting hole 32. The orientation of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41B forms a certain angle with the direction of the rising milk level. Optionally, the first electrode and the second electrode may extend parallel to each other in a curved line.

[0179] In another possible implementation, Figure 10 As shown, the first electrode 411C and the second electrode 412C of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41C are disposed on the same side of the mounting hole 32 .

[0180] In another possible implementation, Figure 11 As shown, the differential capacitance sensor assembly includes a differential capacitance sensor assembly 41D and a differential capacitance sensor assembly 41E, so that the detection value of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41D and the detection value of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41E can be obtained respectively, and the measurement accuracy can be improved by taking an average value, etc. In addition, when one differential capacitance sensor assembly fails, the other can still work normally, thereby improving the durability of the breast pump.

[0181] In another possible implementation, Figure 12 As shown, the differential capacitance sensor assembly includes a differential capacitance sensor assembly 41F and a differential capacitance sensor assembly 41G. Differential capacitance sensor assembly 41F and differential capacitance sensor assembly 41G are respectively used to detect liquid levels within different ranges. For example, differential capacitance sensor assembly 41G is used to detect liquid levels within a range of 0-5 cm, while differential capacitance sensor assembly 41F is used to detect liquid levels within a range of 5-10 cm. Each differential capacitance sensor assembly is responsible for a different liquid level detection range, thereby improving liquid level detection accuracy.

[0182] It is understandable that Figures 8 to 12The setting mode in the first to third setting diagrams is not limited to the main shell 31, and can also be applied to the remaining setting areas, such as the outer side of the first shell 211, the outer side of the second shell 212, or the sensor setting layer 37.

[0183] In some other embodiments, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the liquid level or milk amount is arranged in the sensor setting layer 37 of the main machine 30, please refer to Figures 13 to 15 , Figures 13 to 15 FIGS. 1 to 3 are first to third setting diagrams of the differential capacitance sensor assembly in the sensor setting layer according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0184] Figures 13 to 15 The differential capacitance sensor assembly 41 for measuring the liquid level or milk amount includes electrodes 411 and 412, and is arranged in the outer side of the sensor setting layer 37 of the main machine 30 away from the component setting layer 36, and along the rising direction X of the milk liquid level.

[0185] It should be noted that, Figures 13 to 15 More differential capacitance sensor assemblies can also be arranged in the main machine 30 to detect more liquid level ranges or milk amount measurement ranges, or the length of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41 in the milk liquid direction can be increased to increase the liquid level or milk amount measurement range, for example, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 41 can extend in a curved form like the sensor setting layer 37, thereby increasing the liquid level or milk amount measurement range, Figures 13 to 15 The setting mode is only illustrative and should not be understood as any limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0186] As Figures 8 to 15 The differential capacitance sensor assembly according to any of the implementation manners can measure the change of the liquid level according to the change of the capacitance value, so when the milk liquid wall-hanging phenomenon occurs, compared with the capacitance change amount caused by the entire liquid level rising on the differential capacitance sensor assembly, the influence of the milk liquid wall-hanging phenomenon on the capacitance value change amount of the differential capacitance sensor assembly is very small, so the differential capacitance sensor assembly will not incorrectly determine the position of the wall-hanging milk liquid as the current liquid level like the inductive capacitance sensor, because it measures the total amount of the capacitance value corresponding to the milk liquid in the entire measurement range, thereby solving the technical problem of detection error caused by the milk liquid wall-hanging in the prior art.

[0187] The setting mode of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the empty milk state is introduced below.

[0188] In some embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the empty milk state is arranged in the arrangement area close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20, so as to determine whether the milk storage container 20 is in the empty milk state or the non-empty milk state by detecting whether there is milk at the bottom of the milk storage container 20. In other embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the empty milk state is arranged in the arrangement area close to the mounting hole 32, because the breast shield 10 is arranged in the main machine through the mounting hole 32, so the inside of the mounting hole 32 is the inside of the breast shield 10, and thus whether the milk storage container 20 is in the empty milk state or the non-empty milk state can be determined by detecting whether milk flows through the breast shield 10.

[0189] Preferably, if milk in the breast pump flows into the milk storage container through the milk inlet, the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the empty milk state is at least partially arranged below the milk inlet in the direction in which the milk level rises, because the position below the milk inlet is the fastest position to detect whether milk enters the milk storage container, and thus the at least partial arrangement below the milk inlet can detect the fastest whether the milk storage container changes from the empty milk state to the non-empty milk state. In some cases, if the breast pump has a one-way valve, the milk inlet can be the valve of the one-way valve.

[0190] The arrangement of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the empty milk state will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0191] In some embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly for measuring the empty milk state is arranged in the sensor arrangement layer 37 of the breast pump 1.

[0192] In one possible implementation, please refer to Figure 14 , Figure 14 The differential capacitive sensor assembly 42B for measuring the empty milk state is included in the main body 33 of the main machine 30, and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 42B includes first electrodes 421B and 422B.

[0193] In one description, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 42B is arranged on the main body 33 of the main machine 30 close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20, specifically in the sensor arrangement layer 37 in the main body 33 close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20, for detecting whether there is milk at the bottom of the milk storage container 20 to determine whether the milk storage container 20 is in the empty milk state or the non-empty milk state. In another description, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 42B is arranged on the side of the mounting hole 32 close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20, specifically in the sensor arrangement layer 37 in the side of the mounting hole 32 close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20.

[0194] In another possible implementation, please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 15 , Figure 13 and Figure 15The differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A for measuring the empty milk state includes first electrodes 421A and 422A. The differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A is arranged in the base 34 of the main machine 30. Specifically, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A is arranged in the sensor arrangement layer 37 in the base 34, and is used to detect whether there is milk at the bottom of the milk storage container 20, so as to determine whether the milk storage container 20 is in the empty milk state or the non-empty milk state. Preferably, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A is arranged below the position corresponding to the one-way valve, so that as soon as milk flows out of the one-way valve, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A can immediately detect the milk flow-out state, and thus can immediately feed a signal to the control circuit, so as to facilitate subsequent mode switching or starting of the negative pressure system and other control operations.

[0195] In another possible implementation, please refer to Figure 16 , Figure 16 is a supplementary schematic view of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the empty milk state provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 16 , Figure 16 The differential capacitance sensor assembly 53 for measuring the empty milk state includes electrodes 531 and 532. The differential capacitance sensor assembly 53 is arranged in the main body 33 of the main machine 30, close to the mounting hole 32. Specifically, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 53 is arranged in the sensor arrangement layer 37 in the main body 33, close to the mounting hole 32, and is used to detect whether milk flows into the milk storage container 20, so as to determine whether the milk storage container 20 is in the empty milk state or the non-empty milk state.

[0196] It should be noted that the differential capacitance sensor assemblies in the above-mentioned figures are all arranged in the sensor arrangement layer 37, but this should not be understood as a limitation of the present application. In other embodiments, the differential capacitance sensor assemblies can also be arranged in other arrangement regions in the same or similar manner.

[0197] The differential capacitance sensor assembly is used to detect the empty milk state of the milk storage container, and no contact with milk is required during the detection process, which is highly practical.

[0198] The arrangement manner of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the full milk state will be introduced below.

[0199] In some embodiments, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the full milk state is arranged in the arrangement region close to the top of the milk storage container 20, so as to determine whether the milk storage container 20 is in the full milk state or the non-full milk state by detecting whether there is milk at the top of the milk storage container 20. It should be noted that the full milk state mentioned herein can be a state in which the milk completely fills the container, but more preferably, it is a state in which the milk does not reach the full state but is close to a preset position close to the full state, so as to prevent the overflow of milk caused by the inertia of the milk.

[0200] The arrangement of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the fullness state of milk will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0201] In some embodiments, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the fullness state of milk is arranged in the sensor arrangement layer 37 of the breast pump 1.

[0202] In one possible implementation, please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 include the differential capacitance sensor assembly 43 for measuring the fullness state of milk, which includes the electrode 431 and the electrode 432.

[0203] In one description, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 43 is arranged on the main body 33 of the host 30 close to the top of the milk storage container 20. Specifically, it is arranged in the sensor arrangement layer 37 in the main body 33 close to the top of the milk storage container 20, for detecting whether there is milk on the top of the milk storage container 20 to determine whether the milk storage container 20 is full or not. In another description, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 43 is arranged in the sensor arrangement layer 37 on one side of the mounting hole 32 close to the top of the milk storage container 20.

[0204] In another possible implementation, please refer to Figure 15 , Figure 15 include the differential capacitance sensor assembly 44 for measuring the fullness state of milk, which includes the electrode 441 and the electrode 442. The differential capacitance sensor assembly 44 is arranged in the top seat 35 of the host 30, for detecting whether there is milk on the top of the milk storage container 20 to determine whether the milk storage container 20 is full or not.

[0205] In some cases, as shown in Figure 15 , the differential capacitance sensor assembly 44 is arranged on the upper side of the sensor arrangement layer 37 in the top seat 35. In other cases, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 44 is arranged on the lower side of the sensor arrangement layer 37 in the top seat 35. It can be selected according to the actual situation, and the present application does not make any limitation.

[0206] It should be noted that the differential capacitance sensor assemblies in the above-mentioned figures are all arranged in the sensor arrangement layer 37, but this should not be understood as a limitation of the present application. In other embodiments, the differential capacitance sensor assemblies can also be arranged in the remaining arrangement areas in the same or similar arrangement manner.

[0207] The differential capacitance sensor assembly detects the milk full state of the milk storage container, and is not easily affected by milk wall sticking, liquid level fluctuation and the like, and has high detection accuracy.

[0208] The following describes a setting mode of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring unit height milk detection values.

[0209] As an example, the capacitance value of the capacitance sensor is proportional to the dielectric constant of the medium, and the dielectric constant can change with temperature. Therefore, when the ambient temperature changes, the capacitance value of the sensor also changes accordingly, resulting in measurement errors.

[0210] As another example, when a human body approaches or contacts the capacitance sensor, the human body itself can be regarded as a conductor and has a certain dielectric constant. The presence of the human body changes the space dielectric properties around the capacitance sensor, resulting in a change in the actual dielectric constant. At the same time, the human body can also increase the effective plate area of the sensor or reduce the equivalent plate distance, thereby changing the detection value of the capacitance sensor.

[0211] As yet another example, since the dielectric constant of the milk of each mother is different, when mother A uses a breast pump, the liquid level of the milk in the breast pump rises by 1 cm, and the detection value of the differential capacitance sensor assembly changes by 1 unit of capacitance value. However, if the dielectric constant of the milk of mother B is greater than that of mother A, when mother B uses the same structure of breast pump, if the liquid level of the milk in the breast pump rises by 1 cm, the detection value of the differential capacitance sensor assembly changes by 1.1 units of capacitance value. At present, the breast pump generally calculates the milk volume according to the preset mapping relationship according to the detection value, so if the preset mapping relationship is that the detection value changes by 1 unit of capacitance value corresponding to the liquid level change by 1 cm, then for mother B, the liquid level measured by the breast pump will always be higher than the true height.

[0212] Therefore, it is necessary to detect the unit height milk detection value, so as to exclude the interference of the above interference factors on the milk volume or liquid level measurement.

[0213] Therefore, in order to ensure the detection accuracy, it is necessary to detect the unit height milk detection value.

[0214] In some embodiments, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value is arranged in the setting area close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20.

[0215] In other embodiments, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value is arranged in the setting area close to the top of the milk storage container 20.

[0216] In the case that the liquid level height is not in the detection range of the differential capacitance sensor assembly, the differential capacitance sensor assembly is almost not affected by the change of the liquid level height, and the detection value of the differential capacitance sensor assembly can be used as the unit height milk detection value. Therefore, the differential capacitance sensor assembly arranged at the position close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20 in the arrangement area can play the function of detecting the unit height milk detection value faster than the differential capacitance sensor assembly arranged at other positions.

[0217] However, if the differential capacitance sensor assembly arranged at the position close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20 and the differential capacitance sensor assembly arranged at the position close to the top of the milk storage container 20 are arranged in the arrangement area at the same time, the differential capacitance sensor assembly arranged at the position close to the top of the milk storage container 20 can verify the unit height milk detection value with the differential capacitance sensor assembly arranged at the position close to the bottom of the milk storage container 20, so as to improve the detection accuracy.

[0218] Further, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value in the present application can also be arranged at the position close to the middle of the milk storage container in the detection area. When arranged at the position close to the middle of the milk storage container, the differential capacitance sensor assembly can still be used for detecting the unit height milk detection value.

[0219] Further, it can be seen that the arrangement mode of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the unit height milk detection value is the same as that of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the empty milk state and the full milk state. Therefore, in some cases, one differential capacitance sensor assembly can be used to detect the empty milk state and the unit height milk detection value at the same time in the present application. In other cases, one differential capacitance sensor assembly can be used to detect the full milk state and the unit height milk detection value at the same time in the present application.

[0220] Please refer to Figure 17 , Figure 17 It is the detection principle diagram of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the empty milk state and the unit height milk detection value provided by the embodiment of the present application. Hereinafter, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value is referred to as the reference sensor.

[0221] As shown in Figure 13 and Figure 17 , the second differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A includes a first electrode 421A and a second electrode 422A, and the liquid level detection range of the second differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A only covers part of the area at the bottom of the milk storage space.

[0222] Therefore, when there is no milk in the milk storage space, the detection value of the differential capacitor sensor assembly 42A will change as milk enters, but once the liquid level is higher than the maximum height of the liquid level detection range, the change in the liquid level will not cause the detection value of the differential capacitor sensor assembly 42A to change significantly. It can be considered that when the liquid level is higher than the liquid level detection range of the differential capacitor sensor assembly 42A, the change in the liquid level cannot affect the capacitance value of the differential capacitor sensor assembly 42A.

[0223] Furthermore, because the liquid level detection range that can be detected by the differential capacitor sensor assembly 42A is known, when the liquid level is higher than the liquid level detection range of the differential capacitor sensor assembly 42A, the unit height milk detection value can be obtained by dividing the detection value by the size of the liquid level detection range. For example, if the liquid level detection range is 0-0.5 cm and the detection value is 3 mF, then the unit height milk detection value = 3 mF / 0.5 cm = 6 mF / cm.

[0224] As a further example, if the working sensor and the reference sensor detect the same liquid with the same dielectric constant at the same height, the detection values are the same,

[0225] Therefore, as long as the relative relationship between the detection values of the working sensor (the working sensor is, for example, Figure 13 the differential capacitor sensor assembly 41 for detecting milk volume or liquid level) and the reference sensor when detecting the same liquid with the same dielectric constant at the same height is calibrated, the detection value of the working sensor can be calibrated according to the detection value of the reference sensor, thereby eliminating the interference during the measurement of milk volume or liquid level, as well as the interference of different dielectric constants of mother's milk and factory errors, and improving the measurement accuracy.

[0226] It can be understood that the working sensor is not limited to the differential capacitor sensor assembly 41 for detecting milk volume or liquid level. Any sensor that is subject to the same interference as the reference sensor can be the working sensor.

[0227] It can be understood that when the liquid level changes within the liquid level detection range of the differential capacitor sensor assembly 42A in the reference sensor, for example, Figure 17 at the differential capacitor sensor assembly 42A, at this time, because of the uncertainty of the dielectric constant, the unit height milk detection value cannot be determined according to the detection value of the differential capacitor sensor assembly, and the liquid level needs to be raised to be higher than or equal to the liquid level detection range.

[0228] Therefore, the differential capacitor sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value is set to have a smaller detectable liquid level detection range.

[0229] Furthermore, the liquid level detection range of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the first electrode 421A and the second electrode 422A, or the distance between the first electrode 421A and the second electrode 422A and the bottom of the milk storage container 20 .

[0230] The following will describe in detail the configuration of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the unit height milk detection value with reference to an embodiment.

[0231] In some embodiments, as Figure 14 As shown, the differential capacitance sensor assembly used to measure the milk level per unit height is differential capacitance sensor assembly 42B. Differential capacitance sensor assembly 42B is disposed on the main body 33 near the bottom of the milk storage container 20. The electric field lines of differential capacitance sensor assembly 42B pass through the bottom of the milk storage container. Differential capacitance sensor assembly 42B is used to detect both the empty milk state and the milk level per unit height.

[0232] In other embodiments, Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the differential capacitance sensor assembly used to measure the milk level per unit height is a differential capacitance sensor assembly 43, which is disposed on the main body 33 near the top of the milk storage container 20. The electric field lines of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 43 pass through the top of the milk storage container 20. The differential capacitance sensor assembly 43 can be used to detect both the milk fullness status and the milk level per unit height.

[0233] In some other embodiments, Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the milk level per unit height is a differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A, which is disposed in the base 34. The electric field lines of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A pass through the bottom of the milk storage container 20. The differential capacitance sensor assembly 42A can be used to detect both the empty milk state and the milk level per unit height.

[0234] In some other embodiments, Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for measuring the milk level per unit height is a differential capacitance sensor assembly 44, which is disposed in the top seat 35. The electric field lines of the differential capacitance sensor assembly 44 pass through the top of the milk storage container 20. The differential capacitance sensor assembly 44 can be used to detect both the milk fullness status and the milk level per unit height.

[0235] The conventional inductive capacitive sensor is susceptible to external interference, and a common case is that the mother's hand touches the breast pump during breast pumping, causing a change in capacitance, resulting in the inductive capacitive sensor incorrectly outputting a high-level signal. The differential capacitive sensor assembly in the present application can be used to detect the unit height milk detection value, calibrate the detection value of the working sensor, increase the detection accuracy compared with the prior art, and greatly prevent false judgments caused by various interferences, so that the capacitive sensing method has more practical value in the breast pump.

[0236] The above introduces the setting area, setting method and embodiment of the differential capacitive sensor assembly with different functions. The combined setting method of multiple differential capacitive sensor assemblies for detecting different state parameters will be introduced below.

[0237] Optionally, the breast pump comprises at least one of the following differential capacitive sensor assemblies: a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the amount of milk in the milk storage container, a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the liquid level in the milk storage container, a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the empty milk state, a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the full milk state, and a capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value, and the number of each differential capacitive sensor assembly is at least one.

[0238] The combined setting method of multiple differential capacitive sensor assemblies for detecting different state parameters will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments. Please refer to Figures 18 to 22 , Figures 18 to 22 is a different combined setting method of multiple differential capacitive sensor assemblies provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0239] Figure 18 and Figure 22 are all illustrated by taking the main housing 31 as an example, but the present application is not limited thereto. In some cases, the same setting method can be set in different setting areas. In other cases, multiple differential capacitive sensor assemblies are respectively set in different setting areas, but only after projecting all differential capacitive sensor assemblies to the main housing 31, the combined setting method shown in Figures 18 to 22 should not be understood as limiting the differential capacitive sensor assembly to being set in the main housing 31. Figures 18 to 22

[0240] Figures 18 to 22 In, the main housing 31 is divided into three areas along the rising direction of the milk liquid level, which are the bottom area C, the middle area B and the top area A. The above division method can be applied to the remaining setting areas.

[0241] In some cases, the maximum height of the bottom region C is less than or equal to a preset percentage of the maximum liquid level height, and the minimum height of the top region A is greater than or equal to a preset percentage of the maximum liquid level height. As an example, the preset percentage can be 30%, 25%, etc., without limitation.

[0242] In some other cases, the maximum height of the bottom region C is less than or equal to a first preset height, and the minimum height of the top region A is greater than or equal to a second preset height. As an example, the first preset height and the second preset height can both be 5 cm, 6 cm, etc., without limitation.

[0243] As an optional way, the detection electrode assembly of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the milk full state is arranged in the top region A. As another optional way, the detection electrode assembly of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the empty milk state is arranged in the bottom region C. As yet another optional way, the detection electrode assembly of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the milk amount or the liquid level height range is arranged in at least two regions of the bottom region C, the top region A and the middle region B. As still another optional way, the detection electrode assembly of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk liquid detection value is arranged in one of the bottom region C, the top region A and the middle region B.

[0244] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 4A, the milk tank 40A includes: a differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A, a differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A, and a differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A. The differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A includes an electrode 451A and an electrode 452A, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A includes an electrode 461A and an electrode 462A, and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A includes an electrode 471A and an electrode 472A. Figure 18 Figure 18 In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 4A, the milk tank 40A includes: a differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A, a differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A, and a differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A. The differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A includes an electrode 451A and an electrode 452A, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A includes an electrode 461A and an electrode 462A, and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A includes an electrode 471A and an electrode 472A.

[0245] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A is used for detecting the liquid level height or the milk amount. Alternatively, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A is also used for detecting the empty milk state. Alternatively, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A is also used for detecting the milk full state.

[0246] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A is used for detecting at least one of the unit height milk liquid detection value and the empty milk state.

[0247] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A is used for detecting at least one of the unit height milk liquid detection value and the milk full state.

[0248] Defining the milk liquid level rising direction as the vertical direction, in the horizontal direction, Figure 18 ​The middle electrode 461A and the electrode 462A are arranged between the electrode 451A and the electrode 452A. The electrode 471A and the electrode 472A are arranged between the electrode 451A and the electrode 452A. At this time, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A can completely detect the change of the liquid level from empty milk to full milk.

[0249] And when the breast pump changes from the empty milk condition to the non-empty milk condition, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A simultaneously detect the change of the capacitance, and the two differential capacitive sensor assemblies can detect the empty milk state. Similarly, when the breast pump changes from the non-full milk condition to the full milk condition, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A simultaneously detect the change of the capacitance, and the two differential capacitive sensor assemblies can detect the full milk state. In this way, the detection accuracy of the empty milk or full milk can be improved.

[0250] In another possible implementation, as shown in Figure 19 , Figure 19 comprises: a differential capacitive sensor assembly 45B, a differential capacitive sensor assembly 46B, and a differential capacitive sensor assembly 47B. The differential capacitive sensor assembly 45B comprises an electrode 451B and an electrode 452B, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46B comprises an electrode 461B and an electrode 462B, and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47B comprises an electrode 471B and an electrode 472B.

[0251] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 45B is used to detect the liquid level or the milk volume.

[0252] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 46B is used to detect at least one of the unit height milk detection value and the empty milk state.

[0253] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 47B is used to detect at least one of the unit height milk detection value and the full milk state.

[0254] In the rising direction of the milk liquid level, Figure 19 The middle electrode 451B is arranged between the electrode 461B and the electrode 471B, and the electrode 452B is arranged between the electrode 462B and the electrode 472B.

[0255] Figure 19 In the arrangement mode in the above ,

[0256] In yet another possible implementation, as shown in Figure 20 , Figure 20The differential capacitance sensor assembly 48A comprises an electrode 481A and an electrode 482A, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 49A comprises an electrode 491A and an electrode 492A, and the differential capacitance sensor assembly 47C comprises an electrode 471C and an electrode 472C.

[0257] The differential capacitance sensor assembly 48A is configured to detect the liquid level or the milk volume. Optionally, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 48A is further configured to detect the full milk state.

[0258] The differential capacitance sensor assembly 49A is configured to detect the liquid level or the milk volume. Optionally, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 49A is further configured to detect the empty milk state.

[0259] The differential capacitance sensor assembly 47C is configured to detect at least one of the unit height milk liquid detection value and the full milk state.

[0260] Figure 20 The differential capacitance sensor assembly 48A and the differential capacitance sensor assembly 49A are used to detect the entire liquid level change, and the detection accuracy is better than that of using a single differential capacitance sensor assembly to detect the entire liquid level change, so that the detection accuracy is improved. In addition, the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the empty milk is no longer arranged separately, and the differential capacitance sensor assembly 49A is used to detect the empty milk state, so that the arrangement space is saved.

[0261] In yet another possible implementation, as shown in Figure 21 , Figure 21 The differential capacitance sensor assembly 48B comprises an electrode 481B and an electrode 482B, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 49B comprises an electrode 491B and an electrode 492B, and the differential capacitance sensor assembly 47D comprises an electrode 471D and an electrode 472D.

[0262] The differential capacitance sensor assembly 48B is configured to detect the liquid level or the milk volume. Optionally, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 48B is further configured to detect the full milk state.

[0263] The differential capacitance sensor assembly 49B is configured to detect the liquid level or the milk volume. Optionally, the differential capacitance sensor assembly 49B is further configured to detect the empty milk state.

[0264] The differential capacitance sensor assembly 47D is configured to detect at least one of the unit height milk liquid detection value and / or the full milk state.

[0265] Figure 21In the arrangement shown in FIG. 48, the structural design among the differential capacitive sensor assembly 48B, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 49B and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47D is more compact, and less space can be reserved in the breast pump for arrangement, which is beneficial to the structural design.

[0266] In yet another possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 48, Figure 22 Figure 22 comprises the differential capacitive sensor assembly 48C, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 49C, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47E and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46C. The differential capacitive sensor assembly 48C comprises the electrode 481C and the electrode 482C, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 49C comprises the electrode 491C and the electrode 492C, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47E comprises the electrode 471E and the electrode 472E, and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46C comprises the electrode 461C and the electrode 462C.

[0267] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 48C is configured to detect the liquid level or the milk volume. Optionally, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 48C is further configured to detect the full milk state.

[0268] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 49C is configured to detect the liquid level or the milk volume. Optionally, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 49C is further configured to detect the empty milk state.

[0269] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 47E is configured to detect the unit height milk detection value and / or the full milk state.

[0270] The differential capacitive sensor assembly 46C is configured to detect the unit height milk detection value and / or the empty milk state.

[0271] Figure 22 In the arrangement shown in FIG. 48, the structural design among the differential capacitive sensor assembly 48B, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 49B and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47D is more compact, and less space can be reserved in the breast pump for arrangement, which is beneficial to the structural design.

[0272] It can be understood that the above arrangement is only used for illustration, and the present application is not limited to the arrangement in the above implementation. The above embodiments should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0273] The second type of breast pump will be introduced below.

[0274] Please refer to Figure 23 , Figure 23 FIG. 48 is a first perspective view of the second type of breast pump provided by the embodiments of the present application, Figure 24 FIG. 48 is a first exploded view of the second type of breast pump provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0275] As Figure 23 and​Figure 24 As shown, the second breast pump 100 includes a breast shield 110, a milk storage container 120, and a main machine 130.

[0276] The breast shield 110 is used to cover the human breast and fit the breast, and the breast shield 110 includes a flange in the shape of a horn for fitting the breast and a nipple receiving portion for receiving the nipple.

[0277] The milk storage container 120 is used to receive and store the breast milk collected by the breast shield 110, and the milk storage container 120 is in communication with the breast shield 110.

[0278] Optionally, the milk storage container 120 includes a milk bowl, a milk bottle, or the like, and the present application is not limited.

[0279] The main machine 130 includes a negative pressure mechanism and a housing. The negative pressure mechanism can directly or indirectly apply negative pressure to the breast shield 110 to suck the breast milk into the milk storage container 120.

[0280] In the present application, the direct or indirect application of negative pressure to the breast shield refers to: preferably, an indirect application of negative pressure to the breast shield, which is usually used for a gas pump for generating negative pressure to be communicated to a gas-liquid separation diaphragm or air bag through a gas path, and the negative pressure is transmitted to the breast shield through the deformation of the diaphragm or air bag, so that the milk liquid can be prevented from being sucked into the negative pressure pump, the milk liquid is contaminated, and the gas pump or circuit is damaged; the direct application of negative pressure to the breast shield refers to that the gas pump is directly communicated to the breast shield through the gas path, and the negative pressure is directly applied to the inside of the breast shield through suction, which is a secondary way.

[0281] Optionally, the negative pressure mechanism includes but is not limited to a piezoelectric pump, a diaphragm pump, a hydraulic pump, a mechanical pump, and the like.

[0282] In one possible implementation, the negative pressure mechanism can be directly communicated to the breast shield 110 to cause negative pressure inside the breast shield 110. In another possible implementation, the negative pressure mechanism transmits negative pressure to a diaphragm or an air bag or the like liquid blocking member to indirectly cause negative pressure inside the breast shield 110, for example Figure 13 The negative pressure mechanism indirectly causes negative pressure inside the breast shield 110 through the diaphragm.

[0283] Optionally, the negative pressure mechanism is at least partially arranged in the housing, and the housing can further include an energy supply module, a negative pressure gas path, a control circuit board, a solenoid valve, and the like components.

[0284] Please refer to Figure 25 , Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the main machine of the second type of breast pump provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 25As shown, the housing 131 of the host 130 includes a shell 1311 abutting the milk storage container 120, and a shell 1312 abutting the milk storage container 120 and extending towards the milk storage container 120.

[0285] Figure 25 The shell 1311 can be regarded as a bottom wall of the host 130.

[0286] Figure 25 The shell 1312 only extends to a position close to the top of the milk storage container 120. In some cases, the shell 1312 can extend to a position close to the bottom of the milk storage container 120. In other cases, the shell 1312 can extend to a position abutting the bottom of the milk storage container 120.

[0287] Please refer back to Figure 26 and Figure 27 , Figure 26 is a first schematic view of a milk storage container of a second type of breast pump provided by embodiments of the present application. Figure 27 is a second schematic view of a milk storage container of a second type of breast pump provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0288] As shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27 , the housing 124 of the milk storage container 120 includes a top wall 1241, a side wall 1242, and a bottom wall 1243.

[0289] In some embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is disposed on an outer side of the milk storage container housing that does not contact the milk. In other embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is disposed on an outer side of the milk storage container housing that does not contact the milk, away from the interior of the milk storage container.

[0290] By way of example, in the second type of breast pump 100, the area where the differential capacitive sensor assembly can be disposed includes, but is not limited to:

[0291] 1. An outer side of the top wall 1241 that does not contact the milk.

[0292] 2. An outer side of the side wall 1242 that does not contact the milk.

[0293] 3. An outer side of the bottom wall 1243 that does not contact the milk.

[0294] 4. An inner side of the shell 1311 close to the milk storage container 120 or an outer side of the shell 1311 away from the milk storage container 120.

[0295] 5. An inner side of the shell 1312 close to the milk storage container 120 or an outer side of the shell 1312 away from the milk storage container 120.

[0296] It can be understood that when the structure of the breast pump changes, the optional setting area will also change accordingly, and the above-mentioned optional setting areas should not be understood as a limitation made by the embodiments of the present application. The setting principle of the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting different parameters can be referred to the description in the first type of breast pump 1, and will not be described here.

[0297] Optionally, the outer side of the top wall 1241 not in contact with the milk can be provided with a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value and / or the full milk state, for example, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 123 in the first type of breast pump 1. Figure 26 The differential capacitive sensor assembly 123 includes an electrode 1231 and an electrode 1232.

[0298] Optionally, the side wall 1242 near the top of the milk storage container 120 can be provided with a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value and / or the full milk state. The side wall 1242 near the bottom of the milk storage container 120 can be provided with a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value and / or the empty milk state. The side wall 1242 can be provided with a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the milk volume or the liquid level in the direction of the rising liquid surface, for example, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 121 in the first type of breast pump 1. Figure 27 The differential capacitive sensor assembly 121 includes an electrode 1211 and an electrode 1212.

[0299] Optionally, the outer side of the bottom wall 1243 not in contact with the milk can be provided with a differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value and / or the empty milk state, for example, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 122 in the first type of breast pump 1. Figure 27 The differential capacitive sensor assembly 122 includes an electrode 1221 and an electrode 1222.

[0300] Optionally, Figure 25 The shell 1311 in the second type of breast pump 2 is in contact with the top wall 1241 of the milk storage container 120, so the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value and / or the full milk state can be arranged in the shell 1311.

[0301] Optionally, Figure 25 The shell 1312 in the second type of breast pump 2 extends to a position near the top of the milk storage container 120, so the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value and / or the full milk state can be arranged. However, in some cases, if the shell 1312 extends to a position near the bottom of the milk storage container 120, the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the milk volume or the liquid level in the direction of the rising liquid surface can be arranged. In other cases, if the shell 1312 extends to a position in contact with the bottom of the milk storage container 120, the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value and / or the empty milk state can be arranged.

[0302] The above lists two different structures of breast pumps to introduce the setting method of the differential capacitor sensor assembly in detail, but the application is not limited to the two listed breast pump structures, and the setting idea disclosed in the application can also be used to set the differential capacitor sensor assembly on other breast pump structures, such as the breast pump structure in which the host is connected to the milk storage container through a three-way assembly.

[0303] In the application, after obtaining the detection value detected by the differential capacitor sensor assembly, i.e., the capacitance value of the parallel capacitor group in the differential capacitor sensor assembly, the state parameter of the milk storage container needs to be calculated according to the detection value through a software algorithm.

[0304] The following describes how to calculate the state parameter of the milk storage container according to the detection value through a software algorithm.

[0305] Calculation of empty milk state:

[0306] In some embodiments, when the detection value of the differential capacitor sensor assembly for detecting the empty milk state is greater than a preset empty milk value, it is considered that the milk storage container is in an empty milk state, otherwise it is considered to be in a non-empty milk state. In some cases, the preset empty milk value is the detection value measured when the milk storage container is in an empty milk state at the factory. In other cases, the preset empty milk value is the detection value measured when the milk storage container is in an empty milk state at the factory plus a preset value, so as to avoid fluctuations in the detection value caused by some interference and cause the judgment to fail. The specific value of the preset value can be selected according to the actual situation, and the application does not limit it.

[0307] In other embodiments, the processing unit can send the detection value to a server, a mobile phone or other terminal, and the server, the mobile phone or other terminal can calculate the empty milk state.

[0308] Calculation of full milk state:

[0309] In some embodiments, when the detection value of the differential capacitor sensor assembly for detecting the full milk state is greater than a preset full milk value, it is considered that the milk storage container is in a full milk state, otherwise it is considered to be in a non-full milk state. In some cases, the preset full milk value is the detection value measured when the milk storage container is in a full milk state at the factory. In other cases, the preset full milk value is the detection value measured when the milk storage container is in a full milk state at the factory plus a preset value, so as to avoid fluctuations in the detection value caused by some interference and cause the judgment to fail. The specific value of the preset value can be selected according to the actual situation, and the application does not limit it.

[0310] In other embodiments, the processing unit can send the detection value to a server, a mobile phone or other terminal, and the server, the mobile phone or other terminal can calculate the full milk state.

[0311] Calculation of milk volume or liquid level:

[0312] In some embodiments, the processing unit can call a preset mapping relationship for indicating the correspondence between the detection value and the milk volume or the liquid level, and determine the milk volume or the liquid level according to the detection value and the preset mapping relationship. The preset mapping relationship can be a data structure such as a table, an array, a queue, or a stack, and the present application does not make any limitation.

[0313] In other embodiments, the processing unit can send the detection value to a server, a mobile phone, or other terminal, and the milk volume or the liquid level can be obtained by the server, the mobile phone, or other terminal.

[0314] Regarding the calculation of the unit height milk detection value:

[0315] In some embodiments, the detection value of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value divided by the detection height is equal to the unit height milk detection value. As an example, if the differential capacitance sensor assembly can measure the liquid level change in the range of 8cm to 10cm, the detection height is 10cm-8cm=2cm.

[0316] In other embodiments, after the detection value of the differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value is divided by the detection height, it also needs to be processed by a preset method. The preset method may, for example, multiply a correction coefficient, or add or subtract a preset correction value.

[0317] As an example, if the liquid level detection range of the differential capacitance sensor assembly is 8-10cm, and the detection value of the differential capacitance sensor assembly will be slightly disturbed by the change of the liquid level when the liquid level is higher than 10cm or the liquid level is lower than 8cm, the correction coefficient or the preset correction value can be calculated according to the above disturbance,

[0318] Regarding the application of the unit height milk detection value:

[0319] The differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value is defined as a reference sensor. The working sensor is defined as a differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the state parameters of the remaining milk storage container, such as a differential capacitance sensor assembly for detecting the full milk state or the empty milk state or the milk volume or the liquid level.

[0320] In some embodiments, the real detection value of the working sensor = the detection value of the working sensor / unit height milk detection value.

[0321] In other embodiments, the real detection value of the working sensor = f(detection value of the working sensor, unit height milk detection value), and f(x) is a preset mapping function. The specific form of f(x) can be measured according to the actual product, and the present application does not make any limitation.

[0322] The following will describe in detail how to calculate the state parameter of the milk storage container according to the reference sensor. Take Figure 18 the embodiment shown as an example, and for the sake of brevity of description, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A in Figure 18 is referred to as the first sensor, the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A is referred to as the second sensor, and the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A is referred to as the third sensor.

[0323] Please refer to Figure 28 , Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the milk full state detection method provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 28 The third sensor is used for detecting the milk full state, the second sensor 46A is used for detecting the empty milk state and the unit height milk liquid detection value, as Figure 28 shown, the milk full state detection method 100 includes steps 110 to 190.

[0324] Step 110: Obtain the detection value of the third sensor.

[0325] Step 120: Determine whether the detection value of the third sensor is greater than a preset milk full value.

[0326] The explanation of the preset milk full value can be referred to the introduction in the above part, which will not be repeated here.

[0327] If the detection value of the third sensor is greater than the preset milk full value, step 130 is executed. If the detection value of the third sensor is less than or equal to the preset milk full value, step 110 is returned to be executed.

[0328] In one case, the reason why the detection value of the third sensor is greater than the preset milk full value is that the breast pump is indeed in the empty milk state. But in other cases, the reason why the detection value of the third sensor is greater than the preset milk full value is that it is interfered by the outside world, for example, hand touching, user movement causing liquid surface fluctuation, breast pump tilting causing liquid surface tilting, etc. Therefore, it cannot be directly considered that the milk storage container is in the milk full state when the detection value of the third sensor is greater than the preset milk full value.

[0329] In some embodiments, in order to exclude the false alarm caused by the liquid surface tilting, a tilt sensor for detecting whether the breast pump is tilted is also installed on the breast pump, and the tilt sensor is used to further improve the milk full detection accuracy. At this time, step 120 includes the following steps.

[0330] (1) Determine whether the detection value of the third sensor is greater than the preset milk full value.

[0331] (2) When the detection value of the third sensor is greater than the preset milk full value and the detection result of the tilt sensor is not tilted, step 130 is executed.

[0332] (3) when the detection value of the third sensor is greater than the preset milk full value and the detection result of the tilt sensor is tilting, performing a preset operation.

[0333] Optionally, the preset operation in step (3) includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: 1, stopping milk full detection for a preset time. 2, sending an error prompt to the display interface of the breast pump. 3, sending an error prompt to the terminal of the user.

[0334] Step 130: obtaining a detection value of the second sensor.

[0335] Step 140: judging whether the detection value of the second sensor is greater than a preset empty milk value.

[0336] The preset empty milk value can be referred to the introduction in the above part, which will not be repeated here.

[0337] The second sensor is used for both empty milk detection and unit height milk detection, and when the detection value of the second sensor is less than the preset empty milk value, it means that the milk storage container is in an empty milk state and cannot be in a milk full state.

[0338] If the detection value of the second sensor is greater than the preset empty milk value, step 150 is performed. If the detection value of the second sensor is less than or equal to the preset empty milk value, step 190 is performed.

[0339] Step 150: judging whether the difference between the current detection value and the last detection value of the second sensor is less than a preset difference value.

[0340] Because the detection value of the second sensor is greater than the preset empty milk value, the sensitivity of the second sensor to the change of the liquid level height is low at this time, so it can be considered that the detection value of the second sensor is basically changed due to external interference. Therefore, when the difference between the current detection value and the last detection value of the second sensor is less than the preset difference value, it means that the second sensor is not disturbed or is slightly disturbed by the external interference, and it can be considered that the third sensor is also not disturbed or is slightly disturbed by the external interference, and step 160 is performed. When the difference between the current detection value and the last detection value of the second sensor is greater than or equal to the preset difference value, it means that the second sensor is disturbed by a large external interference, resulting in a large fluctuation of the detection value, and it can be considered that the third sensor is also disturbed by a strong external interference, and at this time, the error between the current detection value and the true detection value of the third sensor is large, and the detection value needs to be corrected, and step 170 is performed.

[0341] Step 160: determining that the milk storage container is in a milk full state.

[0342] Step 170: calculating a unit height milk detection value.

[0343] Optionally, the unit height milk detection value is equal to the current detection value of the second sensor divided by the detection height, but the application is not limited thereto, and specific reference can be made to the description of the above part, which will not be repeated here.

[0344] Step 180: updating the detection value of the second sensor according to the unit height milk detection value.

[0345] Reference can be made to the above part of the description for the calculation method of the real detection value of the working sensor, which will not be repeated here.

[0346] Step 190: determining that the milk storage container is in a non-full state.

[0347] It can be understood that the above method flow is not limited to the third sensor, and the processing idea can be used in the working sensor for detecting the parameters of the remaining milk storage container, such as the first sensor. Through steps 140 and 150, it can also be determined whether the first sensor is disturbed by the outside world, and through steps 170 and 180, the real detection value of the first sensor can also be calculated, only by replacing the parameters of the second sensor in step 180 with the parameters of the first sensor. Therefore, the above method embodiment is only used for illustration, and should not be understood as a limitation on the application.

[0348] In the above method, the second sensor is used as a reference sensor, and the third sensor is used as a working sensor to judge the interference and correct the detection value of the third sensor, which can effectively avoid the influence of various interferences on the working sensor.

[0349] The application also provides a differential capacitive sensor assembly which can be detachably installed on the milk storage container of the breast pump and detect the state parameters of the milk storage container.

[0350] The specific structure of the differential capacitive sensor assembly can be referred to the description of any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0351] Optionally, the differential capacitive sensor assembly comprises a communication port for inserting a connection line to communicate with the breast pump.

[0352] Optionally, the differential capacitive sensor assembly comprises a wireless communication module for wireless communication with the breast pump.

[0353] In one possible implementation, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is interference fitted with the milk storage container. In another possible implementation, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is magnetically mounted with the milk storage container. In yet another possible implementation, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is snap mounted with the milk storage container. In yet another possible implementation, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is screw mounted with the milk storage container. In yet another possible implementation, an elastic member on the differential capacitive sensor assembly is inserted into a receptacle of the milk storage container, and the position of the differential capacitive sensor assembly is fixed by the elastic force generated by the deformation of the elastic member. The above examples are merely for illustration, and the present application does not limit the mounting manner of the differential capacitive sensor assembly and the milk storage container.

[0354] The present application also provides a breast pump, which comprises a milk storage container, a milk volume detection capacitive sensor, a reference capacitive sensor, and a processing unit; the milk storage container is used for storing milk; the milk volume detection capacitive sensor is used for obtaining a first detection value, which comprises a current milk volume storage container capacitive detection value; the reference capacitive sensor is used for obtaining a second detection value, which comprises a unit height milk storage container capacitive detection value; and the processing unit is used for determining the liquid level height value or the milk volume value of the milk storage container corresponding to the milk volume detection capacitive sensor according to the first detection value of the milk volume detection capacitive sensor and the second detection value of the reference capacitive sensor.

[0355] The milk volume detection capacitive sensor is a capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the liquid level height or the milk volume, such as the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the liquid level height or the milk volume in any of the above embodiments.

[0356] Optionally, the current milk volume storage container capacitive detection value is equal to the first detection value, and the first detection value is the capacitive value of the milk volume detection capacitive sensor.

[0357] The reference capacitive sensor is a capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value, such as the differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting the unit height milk detection value in any of the above embodiments.

[0358] Optionally, the unit height milk detection value is equal to the second detection value, and the second detection value is the capacitive value of the reference capacitive sensor.

[0359] As an example, referring to Figure 18 , the milk volume detection capacitive sensor can be the differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A in the above embodiments, and the reference capacitive sensor can be the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A or the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A in the above embodiments.

[0360] As another example, referring to Figure 27The milk volume detection capacitor sensor can be the differential capacitor sensor assembly 121 in the above embodiments, and the reference capacitor sensor can be the differential capacitor sensor assembly 123 or the differential capacitor sensor assembly 122 in the above embodiments.

[0361] In some cases, in the direction of the rising of the milk liquid level, the bottom of the parallel capacitor group of the milk volume detection capacitor sensor assembly and the bottom of the parallel capacitor group of the reference capacitor sensor assembly are at the same height, and the top of the parallel capacitor group of the milk volume detection capacitor sensor assembly is higher than the top of the parallel capacitor group of the reference capacitor sensor assembly. Thus, the two have the same liquid level height or milk volume detection range, and the detection values of the two can also be verified with each other when the liquid level or the milk volume is at the same liquid level or in the same milk volume detection range, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy.

[0362] In other cases, in the direction of the rising of the milk liquid level, the bottom of the parallel capacitor group of the milk volume detection capacitor sensor assembly is higher than the top of the parallel capacitor group of the reference capacitor sensor assembly. Thus, the required arrangement space is saved, and the structure is compact.

[0363] Preferably, the milk volume detection capacitor sensor assembly and the reference capacitor sensor assembly are arranged in the same arrangement area. Thus, the influence of various interferences on the detection values of the milk volume detection capacitor sensor assembly and the reference capacitor sensor assembly is as same as possible.

[0364] By arranging the reference capacitor sensor assembly, the detection value of the milk volume detection capacitor sensor assembly can be corrected, the detection accuracy of the milk volume detection capacitor sensor assembly is improved, more accurate milk volume data is output to the user, and the breast pump needs to be controlled to stop when the milk storage container is full of milk to prevent milk overflow. If there is no reference capacitor sensor assembly, the stop operation is easily triggered by external interference, which leads to poor user experience of the breast pump.

[0365] The application also provides a breast pump, which comprises a milk storage container and a non-contact empty milk detection sensor assembly; the milk storage container is used for storing milk liquid; and the empty milk detection sensor assembly is used for detecting the empty milk state of the milk storage container; wherein the empty milk state includes an empty milk condition and a non-empty milk condition.

[0366] The empty milk detection sensor assembly is used for detecting the empty milk state of the milk storage container. It can be understood that when the milk storage container changes from the empty milk condition to the non-empty milk condition, it means that milk liquid enters the milk storage container, i.e., the user starts to express milk.

[0367] Specifically, when the empty milk state is the empty milk condition, no milk liquid is stored in the milk storage container or the amount of stored milk liquid is less than a preset empty milk value; and when the empty milk state is the non-empty milk condition, milk liquid is stored in the milk storage container or the amount of stored milk liquid is greater than or equal to the preset empty milk value.

[0368] In a possible implementation, the host 30 comprises a host housing 31, the empty milk detection sensor assembly comprises a sensor unit, the sensor unit is arranged on the host housing 31, the host housing 31 is mounted on or at least partially in contact with the outer side of the milk storage container housing 21, and the sensor unit is close to or in contact with the outer side of the milk storage container housing 21.

[0369] When the empty milk detection sensor assembly is a capacitive sensor assembly, the sensor unit comprises a capacitive unit in the capacitive sensor assembly; when the capacitive sensor assembly is a differential capacitive sensor assembly, the capacitive unit comprises a detection electrode assembly of the differential capacitive sensor assembly. When the empty milk detection sensor assembly is a photoelectric sensor assembly, the sensor unit comprises a light emitter and a light receiver in the photoelectric sensor assembly. Thus, the empty milk state of the milk storage container is accurately detected by the sensor unit.

[0370] In another possible implementation, the empty milk detection sensor assembly is a capacitive sensor assembly, the host 30 comprises a main body 33 extending along the rising direction of the milk liquid surface, the milk storage container 20 comprises a side wall extending along the rising direction of the milk liquid surface, the main body 33 is in contact with or close to the side wall, and the capacitive sensor assembly is arranged in the main body.

[0371] The side wall of the milk storage container 20 extending along the rising direction of the milk liquid surface can be a second housing 212 in the milk storage container 20. Figure 5

[0372] In yet another possible implementation, the empty milk detection sensor assembly is a photoelectric sensor, and at least a partial region of the milk storage container 20 is a transparent or translucent housing. The photoelectric sensor detects the empty milk state of the milk storage container through the transparent or translucent structure on the milk storage container 20.

[0373] Further, in the possible implementation, if the photoelectric sensor is arranged inside the host 30, at least a partial region of the host housing 31 is a transparent or translucent housing, and the transparent or translucent housing in the host housing 31 corresponds to the position of the transparent or translucent housing in the milk storage container 20.

[0374] Please refer to Figures 29 to 30 , Figure 29 which is a first arrangement diagram of the photoelectric sensor provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 30 which is a second arrangement diagram of the photoelectric sensor provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 29 and Figure 30 , the empty milk detection sensor assembly can also be a photoelectric sensor 51 or a photoelectric sensor 52.

[0375] In Figure 29 ​In the embodiment shown, the photoelectric sensor 51 is arranged on the base 34 and emits detection light toward the bottom of the milk storage container 20 and receives reflected light.

[0376] In Figure 30 In the embodiment shown, the photoelectric sensor 52 is arranged on the main body 33 near the bottom of the milk storage container and emits detection light toward the bottom of the milk storage container 20 and receives reflected light.

[0377] In some cases, the photoelectric sensor can be a reflective photoelectric sensor, when the milk storage container has no liquid, the reflected light intensity is low, when the milk storage container has liquid, the reflected light intensity is high, and the empty milk state can be determined according to the intensity of the reflected light. In other cases, the photoelectric sensor can also be a transmission photoelectric sensor or a scattering photoelectric sensor, which is not limited in the present application.

[0378] In another possible implementation, the empty milk detection sensor assembly is a pressure sensor, which detects the pressure increase to determine whether the milk storage container has milk inflow.

[0379] In the use scenario of the breast pump, the mother is very concerned about whether the breast pump has pumped milk. The setting of the empty milk detection sensor assembly can determine whether the breast pump is empty or not. Non-empty milk means that milk has been pumped out, thereby reminding the mother that milk is currently being pumped out. The detection of the empty milk state is crucial for the switching of the breast pump mode or the automatic start of the breast pump.

[0380] In some cases, the milk pumped out by the breast pump flows into the milk storage container from the milk inlet. The empty milk detection sensor assembly is arranged at the milk inlet position corresponding to the milk inlet. Further, in the direction of the rising of the milk liquid surface, the empty milk detection sensor assembly is at least partially arranged below the milk inlet.

[0381] As an example, the milk inlet can be a valve of a one-way valve, or an outlet of a milk inlet channel connected to the milk storage container and the breast shield.

[0382] Since the milk usually flows into the milk storage container by gravity, arranging the empty milk detection sensor assembly at least partially below the milk inlet can detect the milk when the milk flows into the milk storage container.

[0383] Next, how to control the breast pump according to the empty milk state to improve the pumping effect will be introduced. Please refer to Figure 31 , Figure 31 is a flowchart of a control method of a breast pump provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0384] As Figure 31 shown, the control method 200 of the breast pump includes steps 210 to 220.

[0385] Step 210: obtaining a detection value of the empty milk detection sensor assembly.

[0386] In the case that the empty milk detection sensor assembly is a capacitive sensor assembly, the detection value is a capacitance value of the capacitive sensor assembly.

[0387] In the case that the empty milk detection sensor assembly is a photoelectric sensor assembly, the detection value is a high-level signal and a low-level signal, or a voltage value, or a current value.

[0388] Step 220: in the case that the detection value indicates that the breast pump is not in the empty milk state, controlling the breast pump to switch from the first working mode to the second working mode.

[0389] In one possible implementation, step 220 includes: in the case that the detection value indicates that the breast pump is not in the empty milk state, controlling the breast pump to switch from the milk secretion stimulation mode to the milk extraction mode.

[0390] In the milk secretion stimulation mode, at least one of the following functions is included: a simulated sucking function, a hot compress function, a vibration function, a massage function, and an electric stimulation function.

[0391] The simulated sucking function is to stimulate the mammary glands by simulating the frequency and rhythm of infant sucking to promote milk secretion. The hot compress function is to promote milk secretion by heating. The vibration function is to stimulate the breast by generating slight vibration. The massage function is to promote milk secretion by massage. The electric stimulation function is to stimulate the breast by weak current to promote milk secretion.

[0392] Further, the milk secretion stimulation mode can simultaneously have multiple functions, for example, simultaneously including a hot compress mode and a massage mode.

[0393] In another possible implementation, step 220 includes: in the case that the detection value indicates that the breast pump is not in the empty milk state, controlling the breast pump to switch from the first milk extraction mode to the second milk extraction mode; wherein at least one of the milk extraction frequency and the milk extraction strength in the second milk extraction mode is greater than that in the first milk extraction mode.

[0394] By monitoring the empty milk state, the milk extraction efficiency can be improved, and the pain of the breast caused by strong milk extraction when there is no milk secretion can be avoided.

[0395] The present application provides another breast pump, which includes: a milk storage container and a capacitive sensor assembly; the milk storage container is used for storing the extracted milk; the capacitive sensor assembly is used for detecting a parameter of the milk storage container; and the capacitive sensor assembly is arranged on the outside of the milk storage container and does not contact the milk.

[0396] In the capacitive sensor assembly, the differential capacitive sensor assembly in any of the above embodiments can be included.

[0397] In some embodiments, the differential capacitive sensor assembly is a first type of differential capacitive sensor assembly for detecting an empty milk state of the milk storage container and a unit height milk detection value.

[0398] One differential capacitive sensor assembly in the present application can have multiple functions, which can save the space in the breast pump and facilitate the miniaturization and refinement of the breast pump.

[0399] The present application provides another breast pump, which comprises a milk storage container and a plurality of differential capacitive sensor assemblies; the milk storage container comprises a milk storage container shell, which comprises an inner side in contact with milk and an outer side not in contact with milk; each differential capacitive sensor assembly comprises a detection electrode assembly, and each detection electrode assembly is arranged on or near the outer side. The plurality of differential capacitive sensor assemblies detect different state parameters of the milk storage container.

[0400] The capacitive sensor assembly can comprise the differential capacitive sensor assembly in any of the above embodiments.

[0401] By arranging a plurality of differential capacitive sensor assemblies, the parameters of the milk storage container can be comprehensively detected, and the user experience and the intelligentization of the breast pump can be improved.

[0402] The present application provides another breast pump, which comprises a milk storage container and three differential capacitive sensor assemblies; the first differential capacitive sensor assembly comprises a first detection electrode assembly, which is arranged in a bottom region in the milk level rising direction of the milk storage container; the second differential capacitive sensor assembly comprises a second detection electrode assembly, which is arranged in a top region in the milk level rising direction of the milk storage container; and the third differential capacitive sensor assembly comprises a third detection electrode assembly, which extends from the bottom region to the top region in the milk level rising direction of the milk storage container.

[0403] In the milk level rising direction of the milk storage container, the height of the bottom of the third detection electrode assembly is lower than or equal to the height of the top of the first detection electrode assembly, and the height of the top of the third detection electrode assembly is higher than or equal to the height of the bottom of the second detection electrode assembly.

[0404] The first differential capacitive sensor assembly is used for detecting a full milk state of the milk storage container; the second differential capacitive sensor assembly is used for detecting at least one of an empty milk state of the milk storage container and a unit height milk detection value; and the third differential capacitive sensor assembly is used for detecting the milk amount in the milk storage container or the liquid level height in the milk storage container.

[0405] For specific details, please refer to Figure 18The relevant descriptions in the above detailed description and in any of the embodiments, as well as any specific examples, are also applicable to this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0406] Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the first differential capacitive sensor assembly can be the differential capacitive sensor assembly 46A in Figure 18 , the second differential capacitive sensor assembly can be the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47A in Figure 18 , and the third differential capacitive sensor assembly can be the differential capacitive sensor assembly 45A in Figure 18 .

[0407] The present application provides still another breast pump, which comprises a milk storage container and three sets of differential capacitive sensor assemblies; the first set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a first detection electrode assembly, which is arranged at a top region in a milk liquid level rising direction in the milk storage container; the second set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a second detection electrode assembly, which extends from a bottom region to a middle region in the milk liquid level rising direction in the milk storage container; and the third set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a third detection electrode assembly, which extends from the middle region to the top region in the milk liquid level rising direction in the milk storage container.

[0408] In the milk liquid level rising direction, the height of the bottom of the third detection electrode assembly is higher than the height of the top of the second detection electrode assembly.

[0409] The first set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies is used for detecting a milk full state of the milk storage container; the second set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies is used for detecting a milk amount in a first milk amount range or a liquid level height in a first liquid level height range in the milk storage container; and the third set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies is used for detecting a milk amount in a second milk amount range or a liquid level height in a second liquid level height range in the milk storage container.

[0410] For specific details, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in Figure 21 and any of the embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the first differential capacitive sensor assembly can be the differential capacitive sensor assembly 47D in Figure 21 , the second differential capacitive sensor assembly can be the differential capacitive sensor assembly 48B in Figure 21 , and the third differential capacitive sensor assembly can be the capacitive sensor 49B in Figure 21 .

[0412] The application provides a breast pump, comprising a milk storage container and three sets of differential capacitive sensor assemblies; the first set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a first detection electrode assembly, which is arranged at a top region in a milk level rising direction in the milk storage container; the second set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a second detection electrode assembly, which is arranged at a bottom region in the milk level rising direction in the milk storage container; and the third set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies comprises a third detection electrode assembly, the height of the top of the third detection electrode assembly is lower than the height of the first detection electrode assembly, and the height of the bottom of the third detection electrode assembly is higher than the height of the second detection electrode assembly in the milk level rising direction in the milk storage container.

[0413] The third detection electrode assembly extends from the bottom region to the top region in the milk level rising direction.

[0414] The first set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are used for detecting a full milk state of the milk storage container; the second set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are used for detecting at least one of an empty milk state of the milk storage container and a unit height milk level detection value; and the third set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are used for detecting the milk amount in the milk storage container or the liquid level height in the milk storage container.

[0415] For specific details, refer to Figure 19 and the related descriptions in any embodiment, which are not described herein again.

[0416] Exemplarily, the first set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are the differential capacitive sensor assemblies 47B in Figure 19 , the second set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are the differential capacitive sensor assemblies 46B in Figure 19 , and the third set of differential capacitive sensor assemblies are the differential capacitive sensor assemblies 45B in Figure 19 .

[0417] The capacitive sensor assemblies in the application are not limited to the integrated breast pump in which the host and the milk bowl are integrated, but can also be implemented in the split breast pump configuration in which the host and the milk storage container are not integrated or not completely integrated. The split breast pump includes two types.

[0418] The first type is that the breast pump assembly formed by the breast shield and the milk storage container is integrated on the chest, and is connected to the host with a gas pump or a handheld host with a gas pump placed externally through a flexible air pipe; usually, the flexible air pipe is connected to the milk storage container through a connecting cover to directly or indirectly transmit negative pressure to the breast shield or the milk storage container. Preferably, the capacitive sensor assemblies or the differential capacitive sensor assemblies in the above embodiments can be integrated on the cover, or the capacitive sensor assemblies or the differential capacitive sensor assemblies are a separate detachable accessory that is detachably connected to the milk storage container and transmits signals to the host through a wire or wireless signal.

[0419] Please refer to Figure 32 , Figure 32 is a structural schematic diagram of a third type of breast pump provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 32 , Figure 32 includes: a breast pump assembly 310 and a main machine 320, the breast pump assembly 310 further includes a breast shield (not shown in the figure), a milk storage container 311 and a negative pressure cabin cover 312.

[0420] The main machine 320 and the negative pressure cabin cover 312 are connected through a flexible air pipe to directly or indirectly transmit negative pressure to the breast shield.

[0421] Further, Figure 32 further includes a three-way joint 330, the main machine 320 can connect multiple breast pump assemblies through the three-way joint 330 to simultaneously or individually provide negative pressure for the multiple breast pump assemblies.

[0422] The sensor assembly 340 in Figure 32 may be a capacitive sensor assembly or a differential capacitive sensor assembly, Figure 32 The sensor assembly 340 is integrated in the milk storage container 311, and the sensor assembly 340 is preferably detachably installed with the milk storage container 311.

[0423] But in a possible implementation, the sensor assembly 340 can also be integrated in the negative pressure cabin cover 312, and the sensor assembly 340 is preferably detachably installed with the negative pressure cabin cover 312.

[0424] Secondly, the breast pump assembly formed by the breast shield and the milk storage container is integrated on the chest, the first main machine containing the air pump is also integrated on the breast pump assembly, the first main machine directly or indirectly transmits negative pressure to the breast shield or the milk storage container, the first main machine is connected to the second main machine outside through an electric wire, and the second main machine contains a battery and a control panel; preferably, the capacitive sensor assembly or the differential capacitive sensor assembly in the above embodiment can be integrated on the first main machine, or the capacitive sensor assembly or the differential capacitive sensor assembly is a separate detachable accessory detachably connected with the milk storage container and transmits to the second main machine through an electric wire or wireless signal.

[0425] The air pump used in the present application includes but is not limited to a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, a piezoelectric pump and the like, and also includes other pumps or negative pressure driving modes that can be applied to the breast pump.

[0426] The breast pump form in the embodiment of the present application is only used for explanation and description, and the scope of protection of the present application is not limited to the breast pump form in the embodiment.

[0427] In the description of the present specification, the description referring to the terms "in some embodiments", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" and the like means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the present specification, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0428] In addition, the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement and improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A breast pump, characterized in that: The breast pump comprises: a milk storage container and three groups of differential capacitance sensor components; The first differential capacitive sensor assembly includes a first detection electrode assembly, which is arranged at the bottom area in the direction of the rising level of the milk in the milk storage container; The second differential capacitive sensor assembly includes a second detection electrode assembly, which is arranged at the top area in the direction of the rising level of the milk in the milk storage container; The third group of differential capacitive sensor assemblies includes a third detection electrode assembly. In the direction of rising milk level in the milk storage container, the third detection electrode assembly extends from the bottom area to the top area.

2. The breast pump according to claim 1, wherein: In the rising direction of the milk level in the milk storage container, the height of the bottom of the third detection electrode assembly is lower than or equal to the height of the top of the first detection electrode assembly, and the height of the top of the third detection electrode assembly is higher than or equal to the height of the bottom of the second detection electrode assembly.

3. The breast pump according to claim 1, wherein: The first group of differential capacitive sensor components is used to detect whether the milk storage container is full of milk; The second group of differential capacitance sensor components is used to detect at least one of an empty milk state and a unit height milk detection value of the milk storage container; The third group of differential capacitance sensor components is used to detect the amount of milk in the milk storage container or the height of the liquid level in the milk storage container.

4. The breast pump according to claim 1, wherein: The differential capacitance sensor assembly includes a detection electrode assembly and a control circuit; The detection electrode assembly includes at least one parallel capacitor group arranged opposite to each other, and the parallel capacitor group includes a first electrode and a second electrode; The control circuit is at least used to charge the detection electrode assembly and detect the capacitance value of the detection electrode assembly.

5. The breast pump according to claim 4, characterized in that The first electrode and the second electrode are sheet-type electrodes arranged in parallel.

6. The breast pump according to claim 4, characterized in that The breast pump further comprises a processing unit, the control circuit comprises a conversion unit, and the conversion unit comprises an excitation module, a sampling module and a conversion module; The excitation module generates a charging signal for charging the detection electrode assembly, and the charge on the detection electrode assembly is transmitted to the conversion module through the sampling module, and the conversion module converts the analog voltage into a digital signal; The processing unit is used to calculate the state parameter of the milk storage container corresponding to the differential capacitance sensor assembly according to the digital signal.

7. The breast pump according to claim 1, wherein: The milk storage container comprises a milk storage container shell, wherein the milk storage container shell comprises an inner side surface contacting the milk and an outer side surface not contacting the milk; The first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are all disposed on the outer side surface or close to the outer side of the outer side surface.

8. The breast pump according to claim 7, wherein: The breast pump further includes a host, and the first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are all arranged on the host.

9. The breast pump according to claim 8, characterized in that The host includes a host housing, the first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are arranged on the host housing, the host housing is mounted on the outer surface of the milk storage container housing or at least partially contacts the outer surface of the milk storage container housing, and the first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are close to or in contact with the outer surface of the milk storage container housing.

10. The breast pump according to claim 8, wherein: The host further comprises a component setting layer and a sensor setting layer, wherein the sensor setting layer is arranged between the component setting layer and the host housing; The first detection electrode assembly, the second detection electrode assembly, and the third detection electrode assembly are disposed on the sensor arrangement layer.

11. The breast pump according to claim 1, wherein: The breast pump further comprises: a breast shield and a main unit, wherein the breast shield comprises a flange for fitting the breast; The milk storage container is used to receive and store breast milk collected by the breast shield, and the milk storage container is in communication with the breast shield; The host comprises a negative pressure mechanism, which is used to directly or indirectly apply negative pressure to the breast shield to pump breast milk into the milk storage container.

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