Breast pump

Abstract

A breast pump comprises: a main body having an internal passage and a negative pressure generating mechanism configured to generate negative pressure in the internal passage to facilitate milk extraction; a cup mounting portion at the front for mounting a cup that fits the breast, and a bottle mounting portion at the bottom for mounting a bottle for storing milk; and a handle rotatable relative to the main body, connected to the negative pressure generating mechanism at a base end near a pivot point relative to the main body. The handle has a finger hook at its front end, extending forward from the pivot point on the side of the main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a breast pump for manually expressing breast milk. Background Art

[0002] As shown in, for example, Patent Document 1, a breast pump includes: a main body portion equipped with a cup that fits the breast and a bottle for storing breast milk; and a manual handle rotatably attached to the main body portion. The main body portion includes: an internal passage connecting a milk suction port and the bottle; and a diaphragm for generating negative pressure in the internal passage. The handle is rotatably supported on the upper part of the main body portion and extends downward toward the bottle. Then, the cup is attached to the breast, the four fingers other than the thumb are placed on the handle, and the thumb is placed on the main body portion, and the handle is rotated so as to approach the main body portion. As a result, by deforming in such a way that the diaphragm is lifted, negative pressure is generated in the internal passage, and the breast milk squeezed out from the nipple flows into the internal passage.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-10350 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The milk suction operation sometimes continues for about 10 minutes, and it is desired to reduce the muscle burden on the forearm and hand.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a breast pump capable of reducing the muscle burden on the forearm and hand during milk suction.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] A breast pump for solving the above-described problem includes: a main body portion having an internal passage and a negative pressure generating mechanism configured to generate negative pressure in the internal passage for milk suction, having a cup attachment portion for attaching a cup that fits the breast in the front, and having a bottle attachment portion for attaching a bottle for storing breast milk in the lower part; and a handle rotatable relative to the main body portion, the base end portion on the side closer to the rotation fulcrum relative to the main body portion being connected to the negative pressure generating mechanism, the handle having a finger hook portion on the front end side and extending forward from the rotation fulcrum on the side of the main body portion. According to the above structure, the milk suction operation can be performed in a supinated state, and the muscle burden on the forearm such as the extensor carpi radialis longus can be reduced. In addition, the forearm can be brought into contact with the trunk under the breast, and it is easy to maintain the posture of the forearm.

[0010] In the above breast pump, it may also have the following structure: The handle has a finger restricting portion at a position adjacent to the side of the finger hook portion on the side of the rotation fulcrum. According to the above structure, the user can operate the handle with the four fingers other than the thumb, and the side (finger root) of the index finger can be restricted from abutting against the main body portion by the finger restricting portion.

[0011] In the breast pump, it may also have the following structure: The finger hook portion is formed entirely in a straight line shape or has a portion that bends at least toward the direction of the cup. According to the above structure, when the finger hook portion particularly has a portion that bends toward the cup, the handle can be operated with the little finger close to the thenar eminence.

[0012] In the above breast pump, it may also have the following structure: The main body portion has a support portion disposed below the cup. According to the above structure, the area of the user's thenar muscle can be placed on the support portion, and the burden on the thenar muscle can be reduced.

[0013] In the above breast pump, it may also have the following structure: The support portion is a restricting portion configured to restrict the rotation range of the handle. According to the above structure, excessive rotation of the handle can be prevented.

[0014] In the above breast pump, it may also have the following structure: The main body portion has a concave portion formed between the bottle assembly portion and the support portion. According to the above structure, the finger root of the index finger can be prevented from colliding with the main body portion. In addition, the posture of the breast pump during milk extraction can be easily stabilized.

[0015] In the above breast pump, it may also have the following structure: The negative pressure generating mechanism includes: a diaphragm that closes the end of the internal passage, is configured to be connected to the handle, and generates negative pressure in the internal passage; and an insertion portion that is inserted into the internal passage and is connected to the diaphragm. According to the above structure, since the posture of the insertion portion in the internal passage is restricted, the posture of the rotating handle can be assisted.

[0016] Advantages of the Invention

[0017] The present invention can reduce the burden on the muscles in the forearm and hand during milk extraction. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the breast pump.

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the breast pump.

[0020] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing the state when the internal passage of the breast pump is in an atmospheric pressure state. Figure 1 of

[0021] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a breast pump when the internal channel is in a negative pressure state.

[0022] Figure 5 It shows that it is rotating Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the state of the handle of the breast pump.

[0023] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing the forearm postures of a conventional breast pump used in a pronated state and a breast pump of the present invention used in a supinated state, and (b) is a diagram for explaining supination and pronation.

[0024] Figure 7 Graphs showing the myoelectric potential of the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle in a conventional breast pump used in a pronated state and a breast pump according to the present invention used in a supinated state.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the myoelectric potential of the thumb ball muscle in a conventional breast pump used in a pronated state and a breast pump according to the present invention used in a supinated state.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Top view of a breast pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 5 , explain the breast pump.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the breast pump 1 is a manual breast pump of a size that can be operated by a user with one hand, and is used in a supinated state with the palm of the user facing upward. This breast pump 1 includes a main body 11, a bottle 12, a cover 13, a handle 14, and a handle base 15. Here, the direction in which the cover 13 is arranged with respect to the main body 11 is defined as the front, and the direction of the rotation fulcrum of the handle 14 relative to the main body 11 is defined as the rear. In addition, the direction in which the bottle 12 is mounted with respect to the main body 11 is defined as the bottom, and the direction opposite to the bottle 12 is defined as the top. Furthermore, the direction in which the handle 14 is arranged with respect to the main body 11 and the direction opposite thereto are defined as the side.

[0029] The main body 11 is connected to a bottle 12 storing milk and is equipped with a cover 13. The main body 11 is a molded product of a lightweight and hard synthetic resin material. Specifically, the main body 11 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polycycloolefin, polyethersulfone, and polyphenylsulfone.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, the main body portion 11 includes a bottle assembly portion 21, a cover assembly portion 22, and an internal passage 23. The bottle assembly portion 21 is located below the main body portion 11. The bottle 12 is a container for storing breast milk and has a bottle opening portion 12a. The bottle opening portion 12a has an external thread portion 12b on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall forming the opening. Regarding the bottle opening portion 12a, by replacing the main body portion 11 with a nipple, it can also be used as a baby bottle. The bottle assembly portion 21 has a recess into which the bottle opening portion 12a can be screwed, and has an internal thread portion 21a on the inner peripheral surface for tightening the external thread portion 12b.

[0031] The cover assembly portion 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is located obliquely above the bottle assembly portion 21. The cover 13 has a dome shape or a horn shape corresponding to the shape of the breast, and has a diameter-expanded portion 13a that fits the breast and a cylindrical portion 13b provided at the top of the diameter-expanded portion 13a. The diameter-expanded portion 13a has a milk suction port 13c on the inside. In the diameter-expanded portion 13a, an elastic pad or the like is installed at the outer edge as its opening end, and it is easily sealed to the breast. The cylindrical portion 13b is inserted into and fitted into the cover assembly portion 22.

[0032] As Figure 3 shown, the internal passage 23 is provided inside the main body portion 11, extends between the bottle assembly portion 21 and the cover assembly portion 22 and connects them to each other, and extends toward the assembly end portion 24 where the diaphragm 17 is assembled. In other words, the internal passage 23 extends between the bottle assembly portion 21, the cover assembly portion 22, and the assembly end portion 24 and connects them. The internal passage 23 includes an inflow path 25, a temporary storage portion 26, and a negative pressure generation path 27.

[0033] The inflow path 25 is a flow path that connects the cover assembly portion 22 and the temporary storage portion 26 and descends toward the temporary storage portion 26. The temporary storage portion 26 is a space portion that temporarily stores the breast milk flowing in from the inflow path 25 when negative pressure is generated, extends downward, and is located inside the bottle assembly portion 21.

[0034] A valve member 28 is assembled to the lower end portion of the temporary storage portion 26 and is located inside the bottle opening portion 12a. The valve member 28 is a backflow prevention valve, such as a duckbill valve. The valve member 28 inhibits the backflow of the breast milk and air in the bottle 12 toward the main body portion 11 side, and separates the internal passage 23 from the internal space of the bottle 12 to make the internal passage 23 in a negative pressure state. The valve member 28 is formed of a synthetic resin material having flexibility, elasticity, etc., and is formed of a synthetic resin material such as silicone rubber, elastomer, natural rubber, etc.

[0035] The valve member 28 has a pair of flexible tongue pieces, and a gap is formed between the tongue pieces. Regarding the valve member 28, when the internal passage 23 is in a negative pressure state, the tongue pieces are brought into close contact with each other to close the gap. Thereby, the lower end portion of the temporary storage portion 26 is closed, and the milk flowing in from the inflow path 25 is temporarily stored. And when the internal passage 23 becomes normal pressure, the tongue pieces are separated from each other and the gap is opened. Thereby, the temporary storage portion 26 communicates with the inside of the bottle 12, and the milk stored in the temporary storage portion 26 flows into the bottle 12.

[0036] The negative pressure generation path 27 is a passage different from the inflow path 25 that branches from the temporary storage portion 26. Specifically, the negative pressure generation path 27 is a flow path that extends obliquely upward in a direction opposite to the inflow path 25 from the upper end portion of the temporary storage portion 26 or the connection portion of the inflow path 25 with the temporary storage portion 26. The negative pressure generation path 27 is a flow path thicker than the inflow path 25. In addition, the negative pressure generation path 27 is a flow path thicker than the temporary storage portion 26. The negative pressure generation path 27 has a thickness such that, for example, a user's finger can be inserted. The upper end portion of the negative pressure generation path 27 is the fitting end portion 24 to which the diaphragm 17 is fitted. The fitting end portion 24 has a flange shape that expands outward, increasing the opening area.

[0037] In the internal passage 23 configured as described above, a negative pressure generation mechanism 16 for generating a negative pressure in the internal passage 23 is provided. The negative pressure generation mechanism 16 includes a diaphragm 17, an upper pull plate 18, and an insertion member 19.

[0038] The diaphragm 17 is a negative pressure generation member that generates a negative pressure in the internal passage 23. The diaphragm 17 is formed of a synthetic resin material having flexibility, elasticity, etc., and is formed of a synthetic resin material such as silicone rubber, an elastomer, or natural rubber. The diaphragm 17 is fitted to block the fitting end portion 24. The internal passage 23 has three end portions: the end portion of the inflow path 25 where the fitting cover 13 is fitted, the lower end portion of the temporary storage portion 26 where the valve member 28 is fitted, and the fitting end portion 24 where the diaphragm 17 is fitted. When the cover 13 is attached to the breast and the milk suction port 13c is blocked, that is, when the end portion of the inflow path 25 is blocked, the lower end portion of the temporary storage portion 26 and the fitting end portion 24, which are the remaining end portions of the internal passage 23, are blocked by the valve member 28 and the diaphragm 17, so that the internal passage 23 forms an almost airtight space. An upper pull plate 18, which is a connecting portion for connecting to the handle 14, is disposed on the diaphragm 17.

[0039] The upper pull plate 18 is a formed body of a synthetic resin material harder than the diaphragm 17, and is formed of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate, polycycloolefin, polyethersulfone, or polysulfone. The upper pull plate 18 is a connecting portion with the handle 14, and includes a plate portion 31 and a connecting protrusion 32. The plate portion 31 is disposed on the inner surface of the diaphragm 17. The connecting protrusion 32 protrudes from a substantially central portion of the surface of the plate portion 31 facing the diaphragm 17. The diaphragm 17 has a through hole 17a in the central portion, and the connecting protrusion 32 passes through the through hole 17a and protrudes to the outside of the diaphragm 17. The front end portion of the connecting protrusion 32 is spherical, and a fitting groove 32a is provided at the lower end portion of the spherical shape.

[0040] An insertion member 19 is assembled to the plate portion 31. The insertion member 19 includes an insertion portion 19a and a fitting flange 19b. The fitting flange 19b is assembled to overlap with the plate portion 31. As an example, the fitting flange 19b may be fixed to the plate portion 31 with an adhesive or the like, and the outer peripheral portion may also be locked to a locking piece provided on the plate portion 31. In addition, the fitting flange 19b may be integrated with the plate portion 31 by a welding method such as ultrasonic welding or thermal welding.

[0041] The insertion portion 19a is a cylindrical portion protruding from the fitting flange 19b. The insertion portion 19a is inserted into the negative pressure generation path 27 and functions as a volume reduction portion for reducing the volume of the negative pressure generation path 27. The insertion portion 19a has a thickness such that a slight clearance is formed between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generation path 27. The insertion portion 19a is a protruding portion protruding from the fitting flange 19b and is inserted into the negative pressure generation path 27 having an internal space. The protruding shape of the insertion portion 19a has a shape corresponding to the internal shape of the inserted negative pressure generation path 27. As an example, the insertion portion 19a is a protruding portion having a cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape with one end blocked. In contrast, as an example, the negative pressure generation path 27 has a hollow cylindrical shape and has an internal space. The insertion portion 19a is set to have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the negative pressure generation path 27.

[0042] When the insertion portion 19a is inserted into the negative pressure generation path 27, by providing a clearance, it can move up and down smoothly even if it is slightly inclined with respect to the negative pressure generation path 27. In addition, the insertion portion 19a has a length such that it does not block the outlet of the inflow path 25 to the temporary storage portion 26 in a state where the diaphragm 17 is lifted, and when negative pressure is generated, milk can flow from the inflow path 25 into the temporary storage portion 26. Here, the insertion portion 19a has a length such that it is located at the outlet of the inflow path 25 or the upper end portion of the temporary storage portion 26 in a state where the diaphragm 17 is not deformed. In addition, the front end portion of the insertion portion 19a has a protruding triangular shape and forms a shape that can almost block the outlet of the inflow path 25.

[0043] The handle 14 is rotatably supported on the main body portion 11 via the handle base 15. The handle base 15 is rotatably assembled to the cylindrical root portion of the fitting end portion 24 of the diaphragm 17. The handle base 15 includes a fitting portion 34 and a rotation support piece 35. The fitting portion 34 has a C-shaped configuration. At the root portion of the fitting end portion 24, a guide portion 33 having a groove shape is provided in the circumferential direction. The fitting portion 34 is assembled to be rotatable in the circumferential direction by being fitted into the guide portion 33. Thus, the position of the handle 14 relative to the main body portion 11 can be adjusted according to the body shape of the user, the size of the hand, the length of the forearm, etc. The rotation support piece 35 is an extension piece having a C-shaped configuration that is provided to extend upward from the fitting portion 34 toward the diaphragm 17. The front end portion of the rotation support piece 35 is provided with a support shaft portion 36 that serves as a rotation shaft for rotatably supporting the handle 14.

[0044] The handle 14 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate, polycycloolefin, polyethersulfone, or polysulfone. The handle 14 includes a lifting portion 37 and a lever portion 38. The lifting portion 37 is a portion that lifts the diaphragm 17 by the upper pull plate 18, and includes a concave portion 37a. The bottom surface of the concave portion 37a is provided with a fitting hole 37b. The connecting protrusion 32 of the upper pull plate 18 is inserted into the fitting hole 37b, and the peripheral portion of the fitting hole 37b is engaged with the engaging groove 32a. Thus, the handle 14 is connected to the diaphragm 17 via the upper pull plate 18 and is in a state where the diaphragm 17 can be lifted. In addition, the handle 14 can also rotate relative to the connecting protrusion 32.

[0045] The lever portion 38 has a function as a handle and extends forward in the same manner as the cover 13. Among them, the cover 13 extends obliquely upward toward the main body portion 11, and the lever portion 38 extends obliquely downward in the lateral direction of the main body portion 11. The outer surface of the handle 14 is formed of a curved surface to provide a good feel and is an area where the user places fingers other than the thumb. And the lever portion 38 includes: a bent portion 38a that expands outward from the side of the lifting portion 37; and a finger hook portion 38b that follows the bent portion 38a. A finger restricting portion 38c is provided between the bent portion 38a and the finger hook portion 38b. The finger hook portion 38b has a linear shape and has a length that can accommodate at least four fingers other than the thumb. The finger restricting portion 38c is a portion that is provided adjacent to the rotation fulcrum side of the finger hook portion 38b and forms a step difference, and the side surface of the index finger abuts against this portion. Thus, the handle of the finger hook portion 38b can be operated by four fingers other than the thumb.

[0046] The inner side of the bent portion 38a is a portion for avoiding the diaphragm 17 and the fitting end portion 24. Near the boundary between the lever portion 38 and the lifting portion 37, on the inner side thereof, there is a bearing portion 39 with which the support shaft portion 36 is engaged. The support shaft portion 36 is engaged with the bearing portion 39 in a rotatable state, so that the handle 14 is rotatably supported by the main body portion 11, and this portion becomes the rotation fulcrum of the handle 14. The handle 14 reciprocates with this portion as the rotation fulcrum. The handle 14 rotates in the direction of arrow D1 as the rotation operation direction by the input from the hand, and rotates in the direction of arrow D2 as the restoration direction by the elastic restoring force of the diaphragm 17.

[0047] In the main body portion 11, a support portion 40 is provided below the cover 13. The support portion 40 is integrated with the cover fitting portion 22 and is an expanded portion that expands from the cover fitting portion 22. The support portion 40 includes: a pair of vertical wall portions 40a, 40b that extend downward from the cover fitting portion 22; and a horizontal wall portion 40c that connects the lower end portions of the pair of vertical wall portions 40a, 40b. The pair of vertical wall portions 40a, 40b are formed of, for example, flat plates, and the horizontal wall portion 40c is formed of an arc wall that bulges outward. During operation, the thenar region 2 of the user is placed on the vertical wall portion 40a and the horizontal wall portion 40c on the side opposite to the handle 14. In addition, the vertical wall portion 40b closer to the handle 14 is a restricting portion that abuts when the handle 14 rotates, restricting the excessive rotation of the handle 14.

[0048] In the main body portion 11, a concave portion 41 is formed between the bottle fitting portion 21 and the support portion 40. Specifically, the concave portion 41 is formed to be inclined such that the horizontal wall portion 40c gradually approaches the bottle fitting portion 21. The root of the index finger of the user is placed in the concave portion 41.

[0049] The operation of the breast pump 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0050] As Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, regarding the breast pump 1, when performing the milk suction operation, the cover 13 is directed toward the user's breast, and the fingers other than the thumb are placed on the handle 14 from below. During operation, the thenar region 2 of the user is placed on the vertical wall portion 40a and the horizontal wall portion 40c on the side opposite to the handle 14 of the support portion 40. Moreover, the root of the index finger is placed in the concave portion 41, and the thumb is placed on the upper side of the cover fitting portion 22. Thus, the user holds the breast pump 1 in the supinated state. When the cover 13 adheres to the user's breast to block the milk suction port 13c, the internal passage 23 forms an almost airtight space. At this time, regarding the handle 14, due to individual differences such as the user's body shape, with the connection protrusion 32 as the center, the handle base 15 is further guided by the guiding portion 33, so as to rotate relative to the main body portion 11, becoming a state in which the user can easily operate the handle.

[0051] As Figure 4 shown, when the handle 14 is rotationally operated in the direction of arrow D1, the diaphragm 17 is lifted by the upper pull plate 18. Then, the internal passage 23 becomes a negative pressure state, and the milk to be sucked flows from the inflow path 25 into the temporary storage portion 26. In the negative pressure state, the valve member 28 closes the bottom of the temporary storage portion 26, so the milk flowing in from the inflow path 25 is stored in the temporary storage portion 26. As Figure 5 shown, the handle 14 rotates until it abuts against the vertical wall portion 40b of the support portion 40.

[0052] When the user releases the gripping force, due to the elastic restoring action of the diaphragm 17, the handle 14 rotates in the direction of arrow D2, and the internal passage 23 returns to the normal pressure. Thereby, the valve member 28 of the temporary storage portion 26 opens, and the milk flows into the bottle 12. The milk sucking operation is performed by repeatedly reciprocating the handle 14. At this time, the insertion portion 19a also reciprocates within the negative pressure generating path 27. The insertion portion 19a reduces the volume of the negative pressure generating path 27. Therefore, the pressure change accompanied by the deformation of the diaphragm 17 is suppressed from becoming small.

[0053] A clearance portion is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 19a and the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generating path 27, so that the reciprocating movement can be smoothly performed. Place the four fingers other than the thumb on the lower side of the handle 14 and grip the handle 14 to perform the rotational operation. Therefore, a force for lowering the lever portion 38 is applied to the handle 14. On the other hand, the handle 14 is connected to the insertion member 19 via the upper pull plate 18, and the insertion member 19 is supported on the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generating path 27 through a minute clearance portion between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 19a and the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generating path 27. Therefore, the insertion member 19 is supported on the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generating path 27, and its posture is stable. Thereby, through the insertion member 19 supported by the negative pressure generating path 27, the periphery of the rotation fulcrum is also supported, and the handle 14 can be rotated stably. That is, the load on the connection portion between the connection protrusion 32 connecting the handle 14 and the upper pull plate 18 and the engagement hole 37b can be reduced.

[0054] In addition, the inventor confirmed the effects of the breast pump 1 as follows. Here, the forearm posture and muscle potential of the right upper limb were measured using the breast pump 1 of the present invention and a conventional breast pump. As Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) show, the breast pump 1 of the present invention is a supinated grip model, while the conventional breast pump is a pronated grip model. Figure 7It is a diagram showing the muscle potential of the extensor carpi radialis longus in a conventional breast pump used in the pronated state and the breast pump 1 of the present invention used in the supinated state. Regarding the extensor carpi radialis located in the forearm and functioning to radially bend the wrist joint, in the breast pump 1 of the present invention, a reduction in muscle activity during use can be confirmed. Additionally, Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the muscle potential of the thenar muscle in a conventional breast pump used in the pronated state and the breast pump 1 of the present invention used in the supinated state. Regarding the thenar muscle located in the palm and functioning to bend the thumb and perform the grasping function based on the palm, in the breast pump 1 of the present invention, a reduction in muscle activity during use can be confirmed.

[0055] According to the breast pump 1 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0056] (1) The breast pump 1 can perform the milk suction operation when the user's forearm is in the supinated state. Therefore, the muscle burden on the forearm can be reduced.

[0057] (2) The handle 14 is provided with a finger restricting portion 38c at a position adjacent to the rotation fulcrum side of the finger hook portion 38b, so that it can be operated by the four fingers other than the thumb. Additionally, the side (base of the finger) of the index finger can be prevented from contacting the main body portion by the finger restricting portion 38c.

[0058] (3) The thenar muscle region 2 of the user can be placed on the support portion 40, and the burden on the thenar muscle of the user can be reduced.

[0059] (4) Regarding the handle 14, the rotation range can be restricted by abutting against the longitudinal wall portion 40b of the support portion 40.

[0060] (5) The base of the index finger can be engaged with the recess 41. Therefore, when holding the breast pump 1 in the supinated state, the posture of the breast pump 1 can be stabilized.

[0061] (6) Since the insertion portion 19a is supported within the negative pressure generation path 27, the load on the handle 14 on the rotation fulcrum during the repeated rotation of the handle 14 can be reduced.

[0062] (7) Even if the negative pressure generation path 27 is thickened for easy cleaning of the internal passage 23, since the insertion portion 19a is inserted into the thickened negative pressure generation path 27, an increase in the volume of the internal passage 23 can be suppressed. As a result, a situation where the pressure change in the internal passage 23 becomes small can be suppressed, and thus a reduction in milk suction efficiency can be suppressed.

[0063] (8) Since the insertion member 19 is fixed integrally with the upper pull plate, it can be operated integrally with the upper pull plate 18. Therefore, the complication of the cleaning operation and the disassembly and assembly operation can be suppressed.

[0064] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be modified as follows.

[0065] · The negative pressure generation path 27 can also be inclined in the rotational direction of the handle 14 with respect to the central axis extending in the direction of the support portion 40 or the fitting end portion 24 of the cover 13. The direction in which the handle 14 rotates in the direction of arrow D1 lifts the diaphragm 17 by the upper pull plate 18 is not perpendicular to the main surface of the diaphragm 17, but intersects it. According to the lifting direction of the diaphragm 17, the reciprocating movement direction of the insertion member 19 also inclines in the same direction. Therefore, the negative pressure generation path 27 into which the insertion portion 19a is inserted also inclines in the same direction, making it easier to rotate the handle 14. In addition, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 19a and the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generation path 27 can be further reduced. Therefore, the situation where the volume of the internal passage 23 becomes large is suppressed.

[0066] · The pull plate 18 and the insertion member 19 can also be integrally formed as one component. Thereby, the number of components can be reduced.

[0067] · The upper pull plate 18 can also be fixed to the outer surface of the diaphragm 17 by adhesion or the like. At this time, the insertion portion 19a is integrally provided on the inner surface of the diaphragm 17.

[0068] · The upper pull plate 18 can also be omitted, and the connection protrusion 32, which is a connection portion connected to the engagement hole 37b of the handle 14, can be provided on the outer surface of the diaphragm 17.

[0069] · The insertion portion 19a can also be separated from the diaphragm 17. In this case, as an example, the insertion portion 19a is connected by a spacer that maintains a constant interval from the fitting flange 19b. Alternatively, the insertion portion 19a is connected to the plate portion 31 of the upper pull plate 18 by a spacer. As an example, the spacer can be constituted by one or more linear members or shaft members that connect the insertion portion 19a to the fitting flange 19b or the plate portion 31.

[0070] · The fitting flange 19b can also be omitted, and the insertion portion 19a can be integrally provided on the diaphragm 17 as one component. With the above-described structure, the number of components can also be reduced.

[0071] · The shape of the front end surface of the insertion portion 19a does not need to be particularly limited. In addition to the protruding triangular shape, it can also be a flat surface or a concave shape.

[0072] · Regarding the insertion portion 19a, as long as the volume of the negative pressure generation path 27 can be reduced, the shape of its outer peripheral surface is not particularly limited. For example, in a side view, it can also be a wave shape, a concave shape, a convex shape, etc.

[0073] · The protruding shape of the insertion part 19a may also have a shape corresponding to the internal shape of the negative pressure generation path 27 to be inserted. For example, with respect to the negative pressure generation path 27 having an internal space with a hollow cylindrical shape, the insertion part 19a may also have a protruding shape (outer shape) of a polygonal prism such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or a hexagonal prism. On the contrary, with respect to the negative pressure generation path 27 having an internal shape of a polygonal prism such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or a hexagonal prism, the insertion part 19a may also have a protruding shape of a cylindrical or cylindrical shape.

[0074] · It is also possible to omit the structure of the insertion member 19. When the insertion member 19 is omitted, it is not necessary to make the negative pressure generation path 27 thick corresponding to the insertion part 19a, and the internal passage 23 can be made thinner to suppress the volume increase.

[0075] · The structure of the internal passage 23 is not particularly limited, and for example, the structure of the temporary storage part 26 may be omitted. In this case, the valve member 28 may also be omitted.

[0076] · The main body part 11 may also be a structure in which the concave part 41 is omitted. In this case, as long as other stable support means are provided, the breast pump 1 can be stably held in the supinated state.

[0077] · The vertical wall part 40b of the support part 40 may not function as a restricting part for restricting the rotation range of the handle 14. For example, as long as a protrusion for restricting the rotation range is provided near the support shaft part 36 of the handle base 15 or the bearing part 39 of the handle 14.

[0078] · The main body part 11 may not have a support part 40 extending straight downward below the cover 13. For example, the support part 40 may be inclined toward the handle 14 side, or may be inclined toward the side opposite to the handle 14. In addition, the support part 40 may be omitted.

[0079] · The insertion part 19a may also be configured such that instead of providing a gap part between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generation path 27, a rubber piston that is in close contact with the inner surface of the negative pressure generation path 27 is provided at the front end part of the insertion part 19a, and a negative pressure is generated in the internal passage 23.

[0080] · The handle 14 may be directly rotatably supported on the main body part 11 without passing through the handle base 15. At this time, the rotation support piece 35 and the support shaft part 36 are integrally provided with the main body part 11.

[0081] In the above example, although the entire finger hook part 38b of the handle 14 has a straight shape, it may also be as Figure 9As shown in the figure, the front end portion 38x of the finger hook portion 38b has a structure (dotted line portion) that is bent in a direction close to the center line 13x of the cover 13. As a result, the handle can be operated with the little finger located at the front end side of the finger hook portion 38b close to the ball of the thumb. Alternatively, the finger hook portion 38b may be bent in a direction close to the center line 13x of the cover 13 as a whole.

[0082] In the above example, although the breast pump 1 is described for right-handed people, in the case of left-handed people, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the handle 14 only needs to be extended to the side opposite to the main body 11 .

[0083] The directions in which the handle 14 and the cover 13 extend may be completely consistent. In addition, the handle 14 may extend obliquely upward instead of obliquely downward relative to the main body 11 .

[0084] The bottle 12 may not be attached to or detached from the bottle mounting portion 21 but may be integral with the bottle mounting portion 21. In addition, the cover 13 may not be attached to or detached from the cover mounting portion 22 but may be integral with the cover mounting portion 22.

[0085] The inflow path 25 and the temporary storage portion 26 may be configured to have a thickness that allows a user's finger to be inserted, for example.

[0086] Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1…breast pump, 2…thumb ball muscle region, 11…main body, 12…bottle, 12a…bottle opening, 12b…external thread, 13…cover, 13a…enlarged diameter portion, 13b…cylindrical portion, 13c…milk suction port, 13x…center line, 14…handle, 15…handle seat, 16…negative pressure generating mechanism, 17…diaphragm, 17a…through hole, 18…pull-up plate, 19…insertion member, 19a…insertion portion, 19b…assembly flange, 21…bottle assembly portion, 21a…internal thread, 22…cover assembly portion, 23…internal channel, 24…assembly end, 2 5…inflow path, 26…temporary storage portion, 27…negative pressure generating path, 28…valve member, 31…plate portion, 32…connecting protrusion, 32a…engaging groove, 33…guide portion, 34…assembly portion, 35…rotation support piece, 36…support shaft portion, 37…lifting portion, 37a…recessed portion, 37b…engaging hole, 38…lever portion, 38a…bending portion, 38b…finger hook portion, 38c…finger limiting portion, 38x…front end portion, 39…bearing portion, 40…support portion, 40a…vertical wall portion, 40b…vertical wall portion, 40c…lateral wall portion, 41…recessed portion.

Claims

1. A breast pump, comprising: a main body having an internal passage and a negative pressure generating mechanism configured to generate negative pressure in the internal passage for milk extraction, the main body having a cover mounting portion on the front to which a cover fitting a breast is mounted, and a bottle mounting portion on the bottom to which a bottle for storing milk is mounted; and a handle which is rotatable relative to the main body and is connected to the negative pressure generating mechanism at a base end portion on a side close to a rotation fulcrum relative to the main body, The handle includes a finger hook portion at the front end side, and extends forward from the rotation fulcrum on the side of the main body.

2. The breast pump according to claim 1, in, The handle includes a finger restricting portion at a position adjacent to the finger hook portion on the side of the rotation fulcrum.

3. A breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, in, The finger hook portion includes a portion that is entirely linear or at least curved toward the cover.

4. A breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, in, The main body includes a support portion disposed below the cover.

5. The breast pump according to claim 4, in, The support portion is a restriction portion configured to restrict a rotation range of the handle.

6. The breast pump according to claim 4, in, The main body portion includes a recessed portion formed between the bottle mounting portion and the support portion.

7. The breast pump according to claim 5, in, The main body portion includes a recessed portion formed between the bottle mounting portion and the support portion.

8. The breast pump according to claim 1, in, The negative pressure generating mechanism comprises: a diaphragm blocking an end of the internal passage and configured to be connected to the handle and to generate negative pressure in the internal passage; and The inserting part is inserted into the internal channel and connected with the diaphragm.

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