Breast pump

Abstract

The breast pump has: a main body portion having a cap assembly portion, a bottle assembly portion, and an internal passage, a cap is assembled to the cap assembly portion, the cap is attached to a breast and has a breast suction port, a bottle for storing milk is assembled to the bottle assembly portion, and the internal passage extends between the cap assembly portion and the bottle assembly portion; a diaphragm configured to generate a negative pressure in the internal passage; a handle configured to reciprocate by manual operation, and configured to change the internal passage from a normal pressure state to a negative pressure state by displacing the diaphragm in a lifting direction; and a link mechanism configured to support the handle so as to be able to reciprocate with respect to the main body portion, the link mechanism being configured such that, in a case where the handle is moved in an operation direction in which the handle is changed from the normal pressure state to the negative pressure state, an operation force of the handle is applied to the handle in a manner that becomes the highest in the middle of the movement.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a breast pump comprises a main body equipped with a cup that fits against the breast and a bottle for storing milk, and a manual handle rotatably mounted to the main body. The main body comprises an internal channel connecting the milking port and the bottle, and a diaphragm that creates negative pressure in the internal channel. The handle is rotatably supported on the upper portion of the main body and extends downwardly toward where the bottle is located. The cup is placed against the breast, four fingers other than the thumb are placed on the handle, the thumb is placed on the main body, and the handle is rotated so as to approach the main body. As the handle is rotated, the diaphragm is deformed and lifted, thereby creating negative pressure in the internal channel, allowing milk expressed from the nipple to flow into the internal channel.

[0003] The operating force of the handle gradually increases until the handle reaches the maximum rotation position. The state where the handle is rotated to the maximum rotation position is the state where the operating force is the largest. In addition, when the diaphragm is most lifted, the negative pressure is the largest.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-10350 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, breast pumps are sometimes used to maintain a negative pressure state for a predetermined period of time in order to stimulate the nipple and breast. In such usage, the handle is kept in a state of maximum rotation or close to maximum rotation for a predetermined period of time. This also means that the handle operating force is maintained in a state of maximum or close to maximum rotation for a predetermined period of time, which can easily increase the strain on the user's hand and forearm muscles.

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a breast pump that can reduce the burden on the user's hands and forearms.

[0010] Solutions to Problems

[0011] A breast pump that solves the above problems has a main body portion that has a cap assembly portion to which a cap is attached, the cap being attached to a breast and having a breast pump opening, a bottle assembly portion to which a bottle that stores milk is attached, and an internal passage that extends between the cap assembly portion and the bottle assembly portion; a diaphragm that creates a negative pressure in the internal passage; a handle that is reciprocated by manual operation, the handle being configured to change the internal passage from a normal pressure state to a negative pressure state by displacing the diaphragm in a lifting direction; and a link mechanism that supports the handle so as to be reciprocable with respect to the main body portion. The link mechanism is configured to, when the handle is moved in an operation direction from the normal pressure state to the negative pressure state, apply an operation force to the handle in a manner that the operation force becomes the highest in the middle of the movement. According to the above configuration, the operation force of the handle in a state in which the handle is moved to a maximum movement position or a vicinity thereof can be reduced. Therefore, a muscle burden on a hand and a forearm of a user can be reduced.

[0012] In the above breast pump, the link mechanism can have a link member that is disposed between the handle and the main body portion and has a base end portion configured to rotate with respect to the handle and a top end portion configured to rotate with respect to the main body portion. In this case, the link member and the handle can be configured such that, when the handle is moved in the operation direction, a first rotation support point between the link member and the handle approaches a straight line that connects a second rotation support point between the main body portion and the link member and an action point at which the handle lifts the diaphragm. According to the above configuration, a toggle mechanism can be realized with a simplified structure in which the link member is sandwiched between the main body portion and the handle.

[0013] In the above breast pump, the link mechanism can further have a support member that is rotatably attached to the main body portion in a surrounding direction. In this case, the link member can be attached to the main body portion via the support member, and the handle can be rotatable with respect to the main body portion in the surrounding direction at the action point. According to the above configuration, the handle can be rotatable in the surrounding direction with respect to the main body portion in a state in which the handle is supported with respect to the action point of the diaphragm and the support member, and a position of the handle can be adjusted to a position at which the handle is easily operated by a user.

[0014] In the breast pump described above, the link member can be configured to include a pair of arm portions having top end portions connected to the support member, and a link portion connecting base end portions of the pair of arm portions to each other, the handle can be configured to include a rod portion, an attachment portion extending from a top end portion of the rod portion and connected to the diaphragm in a manner to lift the diaphragm, and a pair of link pieces extending from the rod portion and connected to base end portions of the pair of arm portions, the first turning support point can be a shaft engaged with a shaft hole provided in one of the arm portions and the link pieces and provided in the other of the arm portions, and the second turning support point can be a support shaft portion engaged with a bearing portion provided in one of the arm portions and the support member and provided in the other of the arm portions. With the above configuration, the toggle mechanism can be implemented with a simplified structure.

[0015] In the breast pump described above, the link member can be configured to include a pair of arm portions having top end portions connected to the support member, and a link portion connecting base end portions of the pair of arm portions to each other, the handle can be configured to include a rod portion, an attachment portion extending from a top end portion of the rod portion and connected to the diaphragm in a manner to lift the diaphragm, and a pair of link pieces extending from the rod portion and connected to base end portions of the pair of arm portions, the first turning support point can be a shaft engaged with a shaft hole provided in one of the arm portions and the link pieces and provided in the other of the arm portions, and the second turning support point can be a support shaft portion engaged with a bearing portion provided in one of the arm portions and the support member and provided in the other of the arm portions. With the above configuration, the toggle mechanism can be implemented with a simplified structure.

[0016] In the breast pump described above, the link member can be configured to include a pair of arm portions having top end portions connected to the support member, and a link portion connecting base end portions of the pair of arm portions to each other, the handle can be configured to include a rod portion, an attachment portion extending from a top end portion of the rod portion and connected to the diaphragm in a manner to lift the diaphragm, and a pair of link pieces extending from the rod portion and connected to base end portions of the pair of arm portions, the first turning support point can be a shaft engaged with a shaft hole provided in one of the arm portions and the link pieces and provided in the other of the arm portions, and the second turning support point can be a support shaft portion engaged with a bearing portion provided in one of the arm portions and the support member and provided in the other of the arm portions. With the above configuration, the toggle mechanism can be implemented with a simplified structure.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] The present invention can reduce the muscle burden on the user's hand and forearm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a breast pump.

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the breast pump of

[0021] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing a state in which the internal passage of the breast pump of Figure 1 is a sectional view showing a state in which the internal passage of the breast pump of

[0022] Figure 4 is a sectional view showing a state in which the internal passage of the breast pump of Figure 1A side view of the connecting rod mechanism when the internal channel of the breast pump is at normal pressure.

[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a breast pump when the internal channel is in a negative pressure state.

[0024] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the connecting rod mechanism when the internal channel of the breast pump is in a negative pressure state.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amount of movement of the handle and the input and output of the handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 7 Explain the breast pump.

[0027] 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. The breast pump 1 includes a main body 11 , a bottle 12 , a cover 13 , a diaphragm 14 , a handle 15 , a link mechanism 16 , and a lifting member 17 .

[0028] The main body 11 is connected to a bottle 12 for storing breast milk and is fitted with a hood 13 that conforms to the breast. The main body 11 is a lightweight, rigid synthetic resin molded product. Specifically, the main body 11 is formed from a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polycycloolefin, polyethersulfone, or polyphenylsulfone.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 11 includes a bottle mounting portion 21, a cover mounting portion 22, and an internal passage 23. The bottle mounting portion 21 is located below the cover mounting portion 22. The bottle 12 is a container for storing milk and includes a bottle opening 12a connected to the bottle mounting portion 21. The bottle opening 12a includes an external thread 12b on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall forming the opening. The bottle opening 12a can be used as a feeding bottle by mounting an artificial nipple instead of the main body 11. The bottle mounting portion 21 has a recessed portion on its inner side into which the bottle opening 12a can be screwed. The inner peripheral surface of the bottle mounting portion 21, which forms the recessed portion, includes a female threaded portion 21a into which the external threaded portion 12b can be screwed.

[0030] The mask mounting portion 22 is cylindrical. The mask 13 has a dome or trumpet shape that matches the shape of the breast. It includes an expanded portion 13a that fits snugly against the breast and a cylindrical portion 13b located at the top of the expanded portion 13a. The expanded portion 13a defines a milking port 13c on its inner side. An elastic pad or the like is attached to the outer edge of the expanded portion 13a, which serves as the open end, to facilitate close contact with the breast. The cylindrical portion 13b is cylindrical and fits snugly into the mask mounting portion 22.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, internal channel 23 is provided within main body 11, extending between bottle mounting portion 21 and cover mounting portion 22, connecting them to each other, and extending between bottle mounting portion 21 and cover mounting portion 22 and mounting end portion 24 to which diaphragm 14 is mounted, connecting these. Internal channel 23 includes an inflow path 25, a temporary storage portion 26, and a negative pressure generating path 27.

[0032] The inflow path 25 connects the cap mounting portion 22 and the temporary reservoir 26 and descends toward the temporary reservoir 26. It is located inside the cap mounting portion 22. The temporary reservoir 26 is a space that temporarily stores milk flowing in through the inflow path 25 when negative pressure is generated. It extends downward and is located inside the bottle mounting portion 21. For example, the temporary reservoir 26 is located on the bottle axis 12x, which is parallel to the vertical center axis of the bottle 12 mounted in the bottle mounting portion 21. As an example, the centerline of the temporary reservoir 26 coincides with the bottle axis 12x. When the bottle 12 is mounted in the bottle mounting portion 21, the lower end of the temporary reservoir 26 faces the bottle opening 12a. Furthermore, the angle of the inflow path 25 relative to the temporary reservoir 26, that is, the angle θ1 between the centerline 25x of the inflow path 25 and the bottle axis 12x passing through the temporary reservoir 26, is set, for example, between 90° and 180°, preferably between 90° and 135°.

[0033] A valve member 28 is mounted at the lower end of the temporary storage portion 26 and positioned within the bottle opening 12a. Valve member 28 is a backflow prevention valve, such as a duckbill valve. Valve member 28 prevents milk and air from flowing back into the main body 11 from within the bottle 12. It also separates the internal passage 23 from the interior space of the bottle 12, creating a negative pressure state within the internal passage 23. Valve member 28 is formed from a flexible and elastic synthetic resin material, such as silicone rubber, elastomer, or natural rubber.

[0034] The valve member 28 includes a pair of flexible tongues with a slit formed between them. When the internal passage 23 is under negative pressure, the tongues of the valve member 28 come into close contact, closing the slit. This closes the lower end of the temporary reservoir 26, temporarily storing the milk flowing in from the inlet 25. When the internal passage 23 returns to normal pressure, the tongues separate, opening the slit. This allows the temporary reservoir 26 to communicate with the interior of the bottle 12, allowing the milk stored in the temporary reservoir 26 to flow into the bottle 12.

[0035] The negative pressure generating path 27 is a passage separating the temporary reservoir 26 from the inflow path 25. Specifically, the negative pressure generating path 27 extends from the upper end of the temporary reservoir 26 or the outlet of the inflow path 25 leading to the temporary reservoir 26 to the upper side. Furthermore, the negative pressure generating path 27 is thicker than both the inflow path 25 and the temporary reservoir 26. For example, the negative pressure generating path 27 is thick enough to allow a user's finger to be inserted. Furthermore, like the temporary reservoir 26, the negative pressure generating path 27 is located on the bottle axis 12x. As an example, the centerline of the negative pressure generating path 27 is aligned with the bottle axis 12x.

[0036] The upper end of the negative pressure generating path 27 is a mounting end 24 to which the diaphragm 14 is mounted. The mounting end 24 has a flange shape that expands outward to increase the opening area. The mounting end 24 is covered by the diaphragm 14.

[0037] The diaphragm 14 is a negative pressure generating member that generates negative pressure in the internal channel 23. The diaphragm 14 is formed from a synthetic resin material having flexibility and elasticity, and may be formed from a synthetic resin material such as silicone rubber, elastomer, or natural rubber. The diaphragm 14 is locked in place to seal the assembly end 24. The internal channel 23 has three ends: an end of the inflow path 25 to which the cover 13 is attached, a lower end of the temporary storage portion 26 to which the valve member 28 is attached, and the assembly end 24. When the cover 13 is attached to the breast and the milking port 13c is closed, that is, when the end of the inflow path 25 is closed, the internal channel 23 is sealed by the valve member 28 and the diaphragm 14, with the lower end of the temporary storage portion 26 and the assembly end 24 as the remaining ends, thereby forming a nearly sealed space. A lifting member 17 is arranged on the inner side of the diaphragm 14 as a connection portion for connecting to the handle 15.

[0038] The lifting member 17 is a molded body made of a synthetic resin material harder than the diaphragm 14 , such as polycarbonate, polycycloolefin, polyethersulfone, or polyphenylsulfone. The lifting member 17 connects to the handle 15 and includes a plate portion 31 , a connecting protrusion 32 , and an insertion portion 30 .

[0039] The plate portion 31 is disposed on the inner surface of the diaphragm 14. A connecting protrusion 32 protrudes from the approximate center of the surface of the plate portion 31 that faces the diaphragm 14. The diaphragm 14 has a through-hole 14a in its center, and the connecting protrusion 32 protrudes outward from the diaphragm 14 through the through-hole 14a. The top end of the connecting protrusion 32 is spherical, and the lower end of the spherical shape has an engaging groove 32a.

[0040] An insertion portion 30 that is inserted into the negative pressure generation path 27 is provided to the plate portion 31. The insertion portion 30 is a portion having a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the plate portion 31, and reduces the volume of the negative pressure generation path 27. The insertion portion 30 has a thickness that forms a gap portion 30a between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generation path 27 to the extent. The insertion portion 30 is a protruding portion that protrudes from the plate portion 31 and is inserted into the negative pressure generation path 27 having an internal space. The protruding shape of the insertion portion 30 has a shape corresponding to the internal shape of the negative pressure generation path 27 into which it is inserted. As an example, the insertion portion 30 is a protruding portion having a cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape with one end closed. In contrast, as an example, the negative pressure generation path 27 has a hollow cylindrical shape and has an internal space. The insertion portion 30 is configured to have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the negative pressure generation path 27.

[0041] The insertion portion 30, when inserted into the negative pressure generation path 27, forms the gap portion 30a, so that it can smoothly move up and down even if it is inclined somewhat with respect to the negative pressure generation path 27. In addition, the insertion portion 30 has a length that closes the outlet of the inflow path 25 to the temporary storage portion 26 to the extent that the diaphragm 14 is lifted, and when negative pressure is generated, it enables the milk to flow from the inflow path 25 to the temporary storage portion 26. Here, the insertion portion 30 has a length that is located at the outlet of the inflow path 25 or the upper end portion of the temporary storage portion 26 to the extent that the diaphragm 14 is not deformed.

[0042] The handle 15 is rotatably supported to the main body portion 11 by the link mechanism 16. The handle 15 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate, polyolefin, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone, or the like. The handle 15 has a rod portion 33 and a fitting portion 34, and has an overall L-shaped shape. The rod portion 33 has a function as a grip and is a piece extending toward the lower side of the bottle 12. The outer surface of the handle 15 is composed of a curved surface so that the hand feeling becomes good, and is a region where the user places the fingers other than the thumb. Also, the rod portion 33 has a shape that gradually curves toward the outside.

[0043] The fitting portion 34 is a piece that extends over the diaphragm 14. The fitting portion 34 is a portion that lifts the diaphragm 14 via the lifting member 17, and has a recessed portion 34a. The bottom surface of the recessed portion 34a has an engagement hole 34b. The connection protrusion 32 of the lifting member 17 is inserted into the engagement hole 34b, and the peripheral edge portion of the engagement hole 34b is engaged with the engagement groove 32a, and the portion where the engagement hole 34b and the connection protrusion 32 are engaged becomes the action point with respect to the diaphragm 14. The connection protrusion 32 is located on the bottle axis 12x. Thus, the handle 15 is connected to the diaphragm 14 via the lifting member 17, and becomes a state where the diaphragm 14 can be lifted along the bottle axis 12x by the lifting member 17. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the gap portion 30a between the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generation path 27 and the insertion portion 30, and to suppress the volume of the internal passage 23 from becoming large. In addition, the handle 15 can also rotate with respect to the connection protrusion 32.

[0044] The handle 15 includes a pair of link pieces 35 for connecting to the link mechanism 16 near the boundary between the rod 33 and the mounting portion 34. Each link piece 35 extends substantially parallel to the rod 33 and the mounting portion 34 and includes a handle shaft 35a at its tip as a first rotation fulcrum.

[0045] The link mechanism 16 includes a support member 36 and a link member 37. The support member 36 is mounted to the base of the mounting end portion 24 so as to be rotatable in a direction surrounding the base of the mounting end portion 24. The range of rotation of the support member 36 is the range around the base of the mounting end portion 24, excluding the area where the cover 13 is arranged.

[0046] The support member 36 has a C-shaped base. The base of the mounting end 24 is cylindrical and includes a guide portion 38 having a groove extending in the circumferential direction. The support member 36 is fitted with the guide portion 38, allowing it to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The support member 36 has a support shaft portion 36a on its outer surface near each end, serving as a second pivot point. The support shaft portion 36a is located on the bottle axis 12x in a side view.

[0047] The link member 37 includes a pair of arms 37a and a connecting portion 37b connecting the pair of arms 37a. Each arm 37a has an axial hole 37c at its base end, and the handle shaft 35a engages with the axial hole 37c. Furthermore, each arm 37a has a bearing portion 37d at its tip end, which has a bifurcated shape. The support shaft 36a engages with the bearing portion 37d. The connecting portion 37b extends between the axial holes 37c of the pair of arms 37a, connecting the pair of arms 37a at its base end. The connecting portion 37b has a curved shape that does not interfere with the base of the mounting end 24 of the main body 11. When the handle 15 is not being operated, a straight line 39 connecting the point of engagement between the connecting protrusion 32 and the engaging hole 34b and the support shaft portion 36a, which serves as the second pivot point, coincides with the bottle axis 12x when viewed from the side. When the handle 15 is operated in the direction of arrow D1, the handle shaft 35a serving as the first rotation fulcrum moves in a direction approaching the straight line 39. Here, the handle shaft 35a moves to a position overlapping the straight line 39 at the maximum operation position of the handle 15.

[0048] As described above, by including the support member 36 and the link member 37 in the link mechanism 16, a toggle mechanism is formed between the handle 15 and the link mechanism 16, the point of action, the first pivot point, and the second pivot point. Therefore, when the user operates the handle 15 in the direction indicated by arrow D1, the operating force of the handle 15 gradually increases until it exceeds any position within the operating range. At this position, the operating force reaches its maximum, and then gradually decreases after exceeding this position.

[0049] In the main body 11, a recessed portion 40 is provided on the lower side of the cover mounting portion 22, which faces the handle 15. The base of the user's thumb engages with the recessed portion 40. Specifically, the breast pump 1 can be moved via the link mechanism 16 by placing a finger other than the user's thumb on the rod 33, engaging the base of the thumb with the recessed portion 40, and then grasping the handle 15 with the user's hand.

[0050] The operation of the breast pump 1 constructed as described above will be described.

[0051] When expressing milk, the user places a finger other than the thumb on the handle 15 and grasps the breast pump 1 by engaging the base of the thumb with the recessed portion 40 of the main body 11. The cover 13 fits against the user's breast, closing the milking port 13c. Thus, the internal channel 23 forms a nearly sealed space. At this time, the handle 15 rotates relative to the main body 11 with the connecting protrusion 32 as the center, and the support member 36 is guided by the guide portion 38, according to individual differences such as the user's body shape, so that the user can easily operate the handle. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the link member 37 rotates about the support shaft portion 36 a in the direction of arrow D4 in which the connecting portion 37 b separates from the main body portion 11 .

[0052] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the handle 15 is manually operated in the direction indicated by arrow D1, where the rod portion 33 approaches the side of the bottle 12, the diaphragm 14 is lifted via the lifting member 17. Specifically, when the user's operating force is input to the handle 15, the link member 37 is pressed by the handle shaft 35a, causing the link member 37 to rotate about the support shaft portion 36a in the direction indicated by arrow D3, where the connecting portion 37b approaches the main body 11. Thus, the user's operating force required to move the handle 15 in the direction indicated by arrow D1 gradually increases from the start of operation, then gradually decreases before reaching the maximum operating position after exceeding any position during operation. Meanwhile, the force applied by the handle 15 to the diaphragm 14 to lift the diaphragm 14 (the force exerted by the handle 15 to lift the diaphragm 14) in response to such user operation of the handle 15 gradually increases as the diaphragm 14 is lifted, reaching its maximum at the maximum operating position of the handle 15.

[0053] Then, the internal passage 23 becomes under negative pressure, and the expressed milk flows from the inflow passage 25 into the temporary reservoir 26. In the negative pressure state, the valve member 28 closes the bottom of the temporary reservoir 26, so the milk flowing from the inflow passage 25 is stored in the temporary reservoir 26.

[0054] When the user relaxes their grip, the elastic recovery of the diaphragm 14 causes the handle 15 to rotate in the direction of arrow D2, returning the internal passage 23 to normal pressure. This opens the valve member 28 of the temporary reservoir 26, allowing milk to flow into the bottle 12. At this point, the link member 37 rotates about the support shaft 36a in the direction of arrow D4, separating the connecting portion 37b from the main body 11. Milking is performed by repeatedly reciprocating the handle 15. At this time, the insertion portion 30 also reciprocates within the negative pressure generating path 27. Since the insertion portion 30 moves along the bottle axis 12x within the negative pressure generating path 27, its vertical movement is smooth.

[0055] However, in order to stimulate the nipple and breast, a breast pump is sometimes used in a manner that a negative pressure state is maintained for a predetermined time. In such a method of use, the user operates the handle 15 to a state in which it is moved to the maximum in the operation direction or to a state close thereto, and maintains this state for a predetermined period. Figure 7 As shown, in a breast pump equipped with a toggle mechanism, the operating force input by the user to handle 15 gradually increases from the start of operation to an arbitrary position (a transition point) beyond the midpoint of the operation, but then gradually decreases beyond this point (see line 51). Meanwhile, the output (lifting force) for lifting diaphragm 14 reaches its highest point at the maximum operation position, enabling reliable lifting of diaphragm 14 (see line 52). In contrast, in a breast pump without a toggle mechanism, both the operating force input by the user to handle 15 and the lifting force output by handle 15 to lift diaphragm 14 gradually increase before reaching the maximum operation position (line 53). Furthermore, even in a breast pump without a toggle mechanism, the output (lifting force) for handle 15 to lift diaphragm 14 reaches its highest point at the maximum operation position (see line 54).

[0056] Therefore, a user of the breast pump 1 having the toggle mechanism can maintain the handle in a state of being fully rotated in the rotational operation direction or a state close thereto for a predetermined period with a small operating force, thereby stably stimulating the nipple and breast with negative pressure.

[0057] According to the breast pump 1 as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0058] (1) The link mechanism 16 can reduce the input to the handle when the handle is moved to or near the maximum movement position, that is, the user's operating force. This can reduce the muscle burden on the user's hand and forearm.

[0059] (2) The output when the handle is moved to the maximum movement position or near the maximum movement position, that is, the force pulling the diaphragm 14 can be made equivalent to that when the toggle mechanism is not used.

[0060] (3) A simple toggle mechanism composed of the support member 36 and the link member 37 can be realized as the link mechanism 16 between the main body 11 and the handle 15 .

[0061] (4) The handle 15 rotates relative to the main body 11 around the connecting protrusion 32 and the support member 36 is guided by the guide portion 38. Thus, the user can position the handle 15 relative to the main body 11 to a position where the user can easily operate the handle.

[0062] (5) Even if the negative pressure generating path 27 is thickened for easy cleaning, the insertion portion 30 is inserted into the thickened portion, thereby preventing the volume of the negative pressure generating path 27 from increasing and preventing a decrease in milk suction efficiency.

[0063] (6) The diaphragm 14 can be lifted so that the insertion portion 30 can move along the negative pressure generating path 27. Therefore, the insertion portion 30 can smoothly move up and down in the negative pressure generating path 27, and the movement of the handle 15 can be less likely to be hindered.

[0064] Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0065] The central axis of the negative pressure generating path 27 may be inclined relative to the bottle axis 12 x , for example, in the direction of the handle 15 .

[0066] The lifting member 17 may be omitted, and the connecting protrusion 32 serving as a connection portion to the engaging hole 34b of the handle 15 may be provided on the outer surface of the diaphragm 14. In this case, the insertion portion 30 may be omitted and fixed to the inner surface of the diaphragm 14 with adhesive or the like.

[0067] In the lifting member 17 , the insertion portion 30 may be a separate body. That is, the lifting member 17 may be composed of the plate portion 31 and the connecting protrusion 32 , and the insertion portion 30 as another member may be fixed to the plate portion 31 by adhesive, caulking, or the like.

[0068] The insertion portion 30 may be separated from the diaphragm 14. In this case, as an example, the insertion portion 30 is connected to the plate portion 31 by a spacer that maintains a constant distance therebetween. As an example, the spacer may be composed of one or more linear members or shaft members that connect the insertion portion 30 and the plate portion 31.

[0069] The shape of the distal end surface of the insertion portion 30 is not particularly limited, and may be a flat surface, an arcuate concave shape, or the like, in addition to an arcuate protruding shape.

[0070] The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can reduce the volume of the negative pressure generating path 27 , and may be, for example, a corrugated shape, a concave shape, a convex shape, etc. in a side view.

[0071] The protruding shape of the insertion portion 30 does not need to correspond to the internal shape of the negative pressure generating path 27 into which it is inserted. For example, for a negative pressure generating path 27 having a hollow cylindrical interior, the insertion portion 30 may have a protruding shape (external shape) that is a polygonal prism, such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or a hexagonal prism. Conversely, for a negative pressure generating path 27 having a polygonal prism, such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or a hexagonal prism, the insertion portion 30 may have a cylindrical or cylindrical protruding shape.

[0072] The insertion portion 30 may be omitted from the lifting member 17. In this case, the negative pressure generating path 27 is further narrowed, and the volume of the internal passage 23 can be reduced. In addition, the structure of the lifting member 17 can be simplified.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the handle 15 is rotatable relative to the main body 11 about the connecting protrusion 32 by the support member 36 of the link mechanism 16 rotating along the guide portion 38. However, the handle 15 may also be non-rotatable relative to the main body 11. In this case, for example, a configuration can be adopted in which the guide portion 38 of the mounting end portion 24 is omitted and the support member 36 is fixed to the main body 11 in a non-rotatable state. Alternatively, a configuration can be adopted in which the support member 36 is omitted and the support shaft portion 36a, which engages with the bearing portion 37d of the link mechanism 16, is directly provided on the main body 11. Directly providing the support shaft portion 36a on the main body 11 can reduce the number of components of the link mechanism 16.

[0074] When the handle 15 is in the maximum operating position in the direction indicated by arrow D1, the handle shaft 35a may be positioned before or beyond the straight line 39 connecting the point of engagement between the connecting protrusion 32 and the engaging hole 34b and the support shaft portion 36a. The amount of movement of the handle shaft 35a depends on factors such as the length of the arm portion 37a. The amount of movement of the handle shaft 35a can be set based on, for example, the amount of lift of the diaphragm 14.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the first rotation fulcrum is formed by the engagement of the shaft hole 37c provided in the link member 37 and the handle shaft 35a provided in the link piece 35. Conversely, the first rotation fulcrum may be formed by the engagement of the shaft hole 37c provided in the link piece 35 and the handle shaft 35a provided in the link member 37.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the second rotation fulcrum is formed by the engagement of the bearing portion 37d provided on the link member 37 and the support shaft portion 36a provided on the support member 36. Conversely, the second rotation fulcrum may be formed by the engagement of the bearing portion 37d provided on the support member 36 and the support shaft portion 36a provided on the link member 37.

[0077] The structure of the internal passage 23 is not particularly limited, and for example, the temporary storage portion 26 may be omitted. In this case, the valve member 28 may also be omitted.

[0078] The specific structure of the link mechanism 16 is not particularly limited, as long as it is configured such that, when the user moves the handle 15 in the operating direction to change the internal passage 23 from a normal pressure state to a negative pressure state, the operating force exerted on the handle 15 by the user reaches its maximum during the movement operation. Furthermore, the specific structure of the toggle mechanism is also not particularly limited. For example, the number of link members 37 disposed between the main body 11 and the handle 15 may be two or more.

[0079] The handle 15 may extend toward the user who is placing the cover 13, rather than downwardly where the bottle 12 is placed. In this case, the user can rotate the handle 15 with their palm in an outwardly rotated position facing upward.

[0080] The bottle 12 may be integrally connected to the bottle mounting portion 21 and cannot be attached or detached. The cover 13 may be integrally connected to the cover mounting portion 22 and cannot be attached or detached.

[0081] Description of Reference Numerals

[0082] 1: Breast pump; 11: Main body; 12: Bottle; 12a: Bottle opening; 12b: External thread; 12x: Bottle axis; 13: Cover; 13a: Expanded diameter portion; 13b: Cylindrical portion; 13c: Suction port; 14: Diaphragm; 14a: Through hole; 15: Handle; 16: Link mechanism; 17: Lifting member; 21: Bottle assembly; 21a: Internal thread; 22: Cover assembly; 23: Internal passage; 24: Assembly end; 25: Inflow path; 25x: Centerline; 26: Temporary storage unit ; 27: Negative pressure generating path; 28: Valve member; 30: Insertion portion; 30a: Gap portion; 31: Plate portion; 32: Connecting protrusion; 32a: Engaging groove; 33: Rod portion; 34: Assembly portion; 34a: Recess; 34b: Engaging hole; 35: Connecting rod piece; 35a: Handle shaft; 36: Supporting member; 36a: Supporting shaft portion; 37: Connecting rod member; 37a: Arm portion; 37b: Connecting portion; 37c: Shaft hole; 37d: Bearing portion; 38: Guide portion; 39: Straight line; 40: Recessed portion.

Claims

1. A breast pump comprising: The main body comprises a cover mounting portion, a bottle mounting portion, and an internal passage, wherein a cover is mounted on the cover mounting portion, the cover being adapted to fit the breast and having a milk suction port, the bottle mounting portion being mounted on the bottle mounting portion, and the internal passage extending between the cover mounting portion and the bottle mounting portion; a diaphragm configured to generate negative pressure in the internal passage; a handle that reciprocates by manual operation, the handle being configured to shift the diaphragm in a lifting direction, thereby changing the internal passage from a normal pressure state to a negative pressure state; and A link mechanism is configured to support the handle on the main body so as to enable reciprocating movement. The link mechanism is configured such that when the handle is moved in the operation direction from the normal pressure state to the negative pressure state, the operation force on the handle acts on the handle in a manner that becomes maximum during the movement. The link mechanism includes a link member, The link member is disposed between the handle and the main body and includes a base end portion and a tip end portion. The base end portion is configured to rotate relative to the handle, and the tip end portion is configured to rotate relative to the main body. The link mechanism is configured such that when the handle moves in the operating direction, the first rotation fulcrum between the link member and the handle approaches a straight line connecting a second rotation fulcrum between the main body and the link member and a point of action at which the handle lifts the diaphragm. The link mechanism further includes a support member mounted on the main body so as to be rotatable in a circumferential direction. The link member is mounted on the main body via the support member. The handle can rotate in the surrounding direction of the main body at the action point. The link member includes: a pair of arm portions having a distal end portion connected to the support member; and a connecting portion connecting the base ends of the pair of arm portions to each other. The handle comprises: a rod; a mounting portion extending from a top end portion of the rod and connected to the diaphragm in a manner to lift the diaphragm; and a pair of link pieces extending from the rod and connected to base ends of the pair of arm portions. The first rotation fulcrum is a shaft that engages with a shaft hole provided in one of the arm and the link piece and is provided in the other of the arm and the link piece. The second rotation fulcrum is a support shaft portion that engages with a bearing portion provided on one of the arm portion and the support member and is provided on the other of the arm portion and the support member.

2. The breast pump according to claim 1, wherein: An insertion portion inserted into the internal channel is further provided.

3. The breast pump according to claim 2, wherein: further comprising an insertion portion inserted into the internal channel, The internal channel includes a negative pressure generating path closed by the diaphragm, wherein the negative pressure generating path is arranged so that its central axis coincides with the bottle axis, and the bottle axis is parallel to the central axis of the bottle extending in the height direction. The insertion portion is inserted into the negative pressure generating path, The second rotation fulcrum and the action point are located on the bottle axis.

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