Valve component and breast pump

Abstract

The present application provides a valve member (41) and a breast pump (1) that are easy to clean. The valve member (41) is capable of temporarily storing milk in an internal passage (23) when the breast pump (1) is in a negative pressure state, and capable of causing the milk stored in the internal passage (23) to flow out when the breast pump (1) is in an atmospheric pressure state. The valve member (41) is provided with a cover (42) that is attached to the breast pump (1). The cover (42) is provided with a partition wall (45) that separates a first space (46) on the inflow side of the milk and a second space (47) on the outflow side of the milk. A through hole (53) connects the first space (46) and the second space (47) in the partition wall (45). A valve core (43) disposed in the second space (47) closes the through hole (53) when a negative pressure state is formed, and opens the through hole (53) when an atmospheric pressure state is formed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve member and a breast pump provided with the valve member. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Literature 1, a cap that is pressed against a breast and a bottle that stores milk are attached to a main body of a manual breast pump. The breast pump is provided with a diaphragm that generates a negative pressure in an internal passage that connects a breast cup divided by the cap and the bottle, and a handle that displaces the diaphragm by manual operation. In the breast pump, the diaphragm is displaced in a manner of being pulled up by operating the handle, and thus the volume of the internal passage is expanded. Therefore, a negative pressure is generated in the internal passage. In this way, when the negative pressure is generated, milk that is ejected from a nipple is stored in the internal passage. If the internal passage returns from the negative pressure state to an atmospheric pressure state, a valve of the internal passage opens, and the milk flows out to the bottle.

[0003] A valve member is attached to a lower end of the internal passage, and the valve member temporarily stores the milk that flows out to the bottle. The valve member is a molded body of an elastic synthetic resin such as silicone rubber. The valve member is provided with a base portion that is attached to the lower end of the internal passage, and two pieces of a flat movable portion that extend from the lower end of the base portion. The two pieces of the flat movable portion are arranged so that the distance between them gradually decreases as they go toward the front end. A slit is formed in the portion where the front ends of the two pieces of the flat movable portion abut against each other. The valve member is configured so that the slit is naturally closed by the elasticity of the flat movable portion.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-152144 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in such a breast pump, in order to maintain the cleanliness of the breast pump, the valve member that is used to cause the milk stored in the internal passage to flow out to the bottle is also required to be easily washable. However, the base portion of the valve member described in the above document has a cylindrical shape, and the portion of the valve core of the valve member has a triangular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, the inner surface of the valve member has a shape that is difficult to wash.

[0009] In addition, not only manual breast pumps, but also electric breast pumps are required to be clean. The valve member that is used for an electric breast pump is also required to be easily washable.

[0010] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0011] A valve member according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a valve member for breast pumping. The valve member is configured to temporarily store milk in an internal passage when a breast pump is in a negative pressure state, and to cause the milk stored in the internal passage to flow out when the breast pump is in an atmospheric pressure state. The valve member has a cover that is attached to the breast pump. The cover has a partition wall and a through-hole. The partition wall separates a first space on an inflow side of the milk from a second space on an outflow side of the milk. The through-hole connects the first space and the second space in the partition wall. The valve member has a valve core that is disposed in the second space. The valve core is configured to close the through-hole when the negative pressure state is formed, and to open the through-hole when the atmospheric pressure state is formed.

[0012] According to the above structure, when breast pumping, the internal passage is in the negative pressure state, whereby the valve core disposed in the second space is pulled up in the direction of the first space and comes into close contact with the partition wall, thereby blocking the through-hole. Thus, the milk is temporarily stored in the first space. If the internal passage is in the atmospheric pressure state, the valve core is separated from the partition wall, and the milk in the first space flows out to the second space through the through-hole. Such a valve member can be easily cleaned by detaching the valve core from the cover.

[0013] In the above valve member, the valve core can have a plate-shaped portion for blocking the through-hole, and an attachment protrusion that protrudes from the plate-shaped portion. The partition wall can be configured to have an attachment hole in which the attachment protrusion is engaged. According to the above structure, the detachment work and the attachment work of the valve core with respect to the cover can be performed by attaching and detaching the attachment protrusion with respect to the attachment hole, and thus the work is very easy.

[0014] In the above valve member, the cover can have an outer peripheral wall, a portion of the outer peripheral wall that divides the second space can have a thick wall portion and a thin wall portion, the thick wall portion can have a first thickness and be bulged toward the inside, and the thin wall portion can have a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness. According to the above structure, the milk that flows out from the through-hole to the second space is received by the plate-shaped portion of the valve core and then flows in the direction of the outer peripheral wall. The portion of the thin wall portion is larger than the portion of the thick wall portion with respect to the interval between the outer peripheral end of the valve core and the inside of the outer peripheral wall. Thus, the milk received by the plate-shaped portion easily flows to the receiving container at the portion of the thin wall portion. A portion of the milk is transmitted from the outer peripheral end of the valve core to the thick wall portion and the thin wall portion, and flows to the receiving container from the front end of the outer peripheral wall. In this way, a portion of the milk is rectified and flows to the receiving container from the front end of the portion of the outer peripheral wall that divides the second space. Thus, compared to a case where the milk is dropped to a bottle, for example, the dropping sound of the milk can be reduced.

[0015] In the above valve member, the portion of the outer peripheral wall that divides the second space has a high portion and a low portion, the high portion has a first height as a height from the partition wall, and the low portion has a second height lower than the first height as a height from the partition wall. The thick wall portion can be formed in the low portion, and the thin wall portion can be formed in the high portion. According to the above structure, a portion of the milk is guided from the low portion of the thick wall portion to the high portion of the thin wall portion, and flows from the front end of the high portion to the storage container.

[0016] In the above valve member, the through hole is one of a plurality of through holes arranged in the circumferential direction of the partition wall. The partition wall has a central region inside the plurality of through holes, an outer peripheral region outside the plurality of through holes, and a plurality of connecting portions connecting the central region and the outer peripheral region between adjacent through holes. The portion of the outer peripheral wall that divides the second space can have the thick wall portion formed at positions corresponding to the connecting portions and the thin wall portion formed at positions corresponding to the through holes.

[0017] According to the above structure, when the milk flowing out of the through hole to the second space flows in the direction of the outer peripheral wall after being received by the face of the valve core, it can flow in all directions equally without being biased to a particular direction. The portion of the thin wall portion formed at positions corresponding to the through holes has a larger space than the portion of the thick wall portion formed at positions corresponding to the connecting portions. Therefore, a portion of the milk flowing out of the through hole easily flows in the portion of the thin wall portion. Moreover, a portion of the milk is transmitted from the outer peripheral end of the valve core to the thick wall portion and the thin wall portion, and flows from the front end of the outer peripheral wall to the storage container.

[0018] In the above valve member, the valve core can be a molded product of an elastic synthetic resin material. According to the above structure, the valve core is tightly attached to the partition wall by the negative pressure state of the temporary storage portion, thereby reliably blocking the through hole.

[0019] In the above valve member, the valve core can have a plate-shaped portion for blocking the through hole, and the opposite face of the plate-shaped portion facing the partition wall can be subjected to a matte finish. According to the above structure, the opposite face of the plate-shaped portion facing the partition wall can be prevented from sticking to the partition wall.

[0020] The breast pump provided by the other disclosed solutions above includes: a storage container for storing breast milk; a cover for the breast to rest against; an internal channel for temporarily storing expressed breast milk and configured to connect the milk inlet divided by the cover to the storage container; and a valve component for allowing the breast milk temporarily stored in the internal channel to flow out to the storage container. The valve component has the structure described above. The breast pump also includes a negative pressure generating mechanism that alternately creates a negative pressure state and a normal pressure state in the internal channel. In the above-described breast pump, the valve component is configured such that when the breast pump is in the negative pressure state, it can temporarily store breast milk from the cover in the internal channel, and when the breast pump is in the normal pressure state, it can allow the breast milk stored in the internal channel to flow out to the storage container.

[0021] The effects of the invention

[0022] This disclosure enables easy cleaning of valve components. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 It's a 3D diagram of a breast pump.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded 3D view of a breast pump.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the valve component shown.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The image shows a bottom view of the cover.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 5-5 line section view.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the valve core shown.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The internal channel of the breast pump shown is a cross-sectional view of the breast pump under normal pressure.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The internal channel of the breast pump shown is a cross-sectional view of the valve component under normal pressure.

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The internal channel of the breast pump shown is a cross-sectional view of the valve component under negative pressure.

[0032] Figure 10is a view showing the flow of milk. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the cap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, Figures 1 to 10 The breast pump will be described.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1 , the breast pump 1 is a manual breast pump having a size that a user can operate with one hand. The breast pump 1 is provided with a main body 11, a bottle 12, a cover 13, a diaphragm 14 (see Figure 2 ), a handle 15, a handle base 16, and a lifting plate 17.

[0035] The bottle 12, which is a storage container for storing milk, is connected to the main body 11. The main body 11 is a component that mounts the cover 13 for abutting against a breast. The main body 11 is a molded product of a light and hard synthetic resin material. Specifically, the main body 11 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene or polycarbonate.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2 , the main body 11 is provided with a bottle mounting portion 21, a cover mounting portion 22, and an internal passage 23. The bottle mounting portion 21 is located on the lower side with respect to the cover mounting portion 22. The bottle 12 is a container for storing milk. The bottle 12 is provided with a bottle opening portion 12a connected to the bottle mounting portion 21. The bottle opening portion 12a can be mounted with an artificial nipple instead of the main body 11. Thus, the bottle 12 can also be used as a container for a feeding bottle. In the bottle mounting portion 21, in order to close the bottle opening portion 12a, a threaded portion provided on the outer surface of a peripheral wall that divides the bottle opening portion 12a can be fastened by screwing with a threaded portion provided on the inner surface of the bottle mounting portion 21.

[0037] The cover mounting portion 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the cover mounting portion 22 is provided with an inflow path 25 connected to the internal passage 23. The cover 13 is provided with a flared portion 13a having a dome shape or a bell shape corresponding to the shape of a breast and abutting against the breast, and a cylindrical portion 13b provided at the top of the flared portion 13a. The flared portion 13a has a breast pump port 13c on the inner side. An elastic pad or the like is fitted to the outer edge of the opening end of the flared portion 13a, and the opening end of the flared portion 13a easily adheres to the breast. The cylindrical portion 13b is inserted and fitted into the cover mounting portion 22.

[0038] An internal channel 23 is provided inside the main body 11. The internal channel 23 extends between its lower end 26a, located inside the bottle mounting section 21, and the mounting end 24 of the mounting diaphragm 14, thereby connecting the lower end 26a and the mounting end 24. Furthermore, the internal channel 23 has an outlet for an inflow path 25 between the mounting end 24 and the lower end 26a inside the bottle mounting section 21. The channel within the internal channel 23, between the outlet of the inflow path 25 and the lower end 26a inside the bottle mounting section 21, functions as a temporary storage section 26 for temporarily storing milk flowing in from the cover 13. Additionally, the channel within the internal channel 23 from the mounting end 24 to the inflow path 25 serves as a negative pressure channel for creating negative pressure.

[0039] The negative pressure generation path 27 functions. The upper end of the negative pressure generation path 27 is the mounting end 24 for mounting the diaphragm 14. The mounting end 24 has an outwardly expanding flange shape, thus increasing the opening area of ​​the internal channel 23.

[0040] The diaphragm 14 functions as a negative pressure generating component that creates negative pressure in the internal channel 23. The diaphragm 14 is a molded product made of a synthetic resin material such as silicone rubber, which possesses flexibility and elasticity. The diaphragm 14 is locked in place by sealing the mounting end 24. The lower end 26a of the temporary storage section 26 is connected to the milk inlet 13c via the inflow path 25 and the internal channel 23. When the cover 13 is pressed against the breast and the milk inlet 13c is blocked by the breast, the internal channel 23 and the inflow path 25 are blocked by the valve component 41 and the diaphragm 14, creating a substantially sealed space. A lifting plate 17 is disposed on the inner side of the diaphragm 14 as a connecting part for connection with the handle 15.

[0041] The lifting plate 17 is a molded body made of a synthetic resin material that is harder than the diaphragm 14, such as a molded article made of an elastic synthetic resin material like polycarbonate. The lifting plate 17 is a connecting part that connects to the handle 15. The lifting plate 17 includes a plate portion 31 and a connecting protrusion 32. The plate portion 31 is disposed on the inner surface of the diaphragm 14. Figure 2 (The lower surface is shown in the middle). The connecting protrusion 32 protrudes approximately from the center of the surface of the plate portion 31 opposite to the diaphragm 14. The diaphragm 14 has a through hole 14a in its center, and the connecting protrusion 32 extends outward from the diaphragm 14 through the through hole 14a. Figure 2 The middle part is the top part.

[0042] The cylindrical insertion member 30 is attached to the plate portion 31. The insertion member 30 has an insertion portion 30a that is inserted into a portion of the negative pressure generating path 27 in the internal passage 23. The insertion portion 30a reduces the volume of the negative pressure generating path 27 that is a portion of the internal passage 23. The protruding shape of the insertion portion 30a has a shape that corresponds to the internal shape of the negative pressure generating path 27 in the internal passage 23. That is, the insertion portion 30a has a cylindrical shape that is inserted into the inner side of the negative pressure generating path 27 along the inner peripheral surface of the negative pressure generating path 27. The insertion portion 30a is able to reduce the volume of the negative pressure generating path 27 by reducing the diameter of the internal space of the negative pressure generating path 27. The insertion portion 30a has a length that does not block the outlet of the inflow path 25 that is connected to the temporary storage portion 26 to the extent of the state after the diaphragm 14 is pulled up. Therefore, when a negative pressure is generated in the temporary storage portion 26, the milk is able to flow from the inflow path 25 to the temporary storage portion 26.

[0043] The handle 15 is supported by the handle base 16 so as to be able to rotate with respect to the main body 11. The handle base 16 is attached to the root portion of the attachment end 24 that has a cylindrical shape in a rotatable manner. The handle base 16 has an attachment portion 34 and a rotation support piece 35. The attachment portion 34 has a C-shaped shape, and the handle base 16 is attached so as to be able to rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the attachment end 24 by fitting the attachment portion 34 into the root portion of the attachment end 24. The rotation support piece 35 is an elongated piece that has a curved shape that extends upward from the attachment portion 34, and the front end portion of the rotation support piece 35 is disposed above the diaphragm 14. The front end portion of the rotation support piece 35 has a fulcrum portion 36 that is a rotation axis portion that rotationally supports the handle 15.

[0044] The handle 15 is supported by the handle base 16 so as to be able to rotate with respect to the main body 11. The handle base 16 is attached to the root portion of the attachment end 24 that has a cylindrical shape in a rotatable manner. The handle base 16 has an attachment portion 34 and a rotation support piece 35. The attachment portion 34 has a C-shaped shape, and the handle base 16 is attached so as to be able to rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the attachment end 24 by fitting the attachment portion 34 into the root portion of the attachment end 24. The rotation support piece 35 is an elongated piece that has a curved shape that extends upward from the attachment portion 34, and the front end portion of the rotation support piece 35 is disposed above the diaphragm 14. The front end portion of the rotation support piece 35 has a fulcrum portion 36 that is a rotation axis portion that rotationally supports the handle 15.

[0045] The handle 15 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate. The handle 15 has a lifting portion 37 and a rod portion 38. The lifting portion 37 is a portion that pulls up the diaphragm 14 via the lifting plate 17. The lifting portion 37 is engaged with the connection protrusion 32 of the lifting plate 17. Thus, the handle 15 becomes a state in which the diaphragm 14 can be pulled up.

[0046] The rod portion 38 has a function as a handle. The rod portion 38 extends from the lifting portion 37 toward the lower side of the bottle 12. The handle 15 has a bearing portion 39 in which the fulcrum portion 36 is engaged on the inner side near the boundary between the rod portion 38 and the lifting portion 37. The fulcrum portion 36 is engaged with the bearing portion 39 in a rotatable state, and thus the handle 15 is supported so as to be able to rotate with respect to the main body 11. The handle 15 reciprocates with the bearing portion 39 as a rotation fulcrum. The handle 15 rotates in the direction in which the main body 11 and the bottle 12 are approached, that is, the arrow D1 direction (see FIG. 1) by an input from the hand, and rotates in the direction in which the main body 11 and the bottle 12 are returned, that is, the arrow D2 direction (see FIG. 1) by the elastic restoring force of the diaphragm 14. Figure 1 Figure 1 The handle 15 is supported by the handle base 16 so as to be able to rotate with respect to the main body 11. The handle base 16 is attached to the root portion of the attachment end 24 that has a cylindrical shape in a rotatable manner. The handle base 16 has an attachment portion 34 and a rotation support piece 35. The attachment portion 34 has a C-shaped shape, and the handle base 16 is attached so as to be able to rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the attachment end 24 by fitting the attachment portion 34 into the root portion of the attachment end 24. The rotation support piece 35 is an elongated piece that has a curved shape that extends upward from the attachment portion 34, and the front end portion of the rotation support piece 35 is disposed above the diaphragm 14. The front end portion of the rotation support piece 35 has a fulcrum portion 36 that is a rotation axis portion that rotationally supports the handle 15.​

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, a recessed portion 40 is provided at the lower part of the cover mounting portion 22 opposite to the handle 15 in the main body 11. The recessed portion 40 engages with the base of the user's thumb. That is, in the breast pump 1, the user's fingers other than the thumb are placed on the handle portion 38, the base of the thumb engages with the recessed portion 40, and the user grips the breast pump 1 with their palm, thereby enabling the handle 15 to rotate around the pivot portion 36.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower end 26a of the internal channel 23, i.e., the lower end 26a of the temporary storage section 26, faces the bottle opening 12a when the bottle 12 is mounted on the bottle mounting section 21. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a valve component 41 for a breast pump 1 is installed at the lower end 26a of the internal channel 23. The valve component 41 is located inside the bottle opening 12a. The valve component 41 is a check valve. That is, the valve component 41 prevents the backflow of milk and air in the bottle 12 towards the main body 11. Moreover, by separating the internal channel 23 from the internal space of the bottle 12, the valve component 41 can create a negative pressure state in the internal channel 23. The diaphragm 14, the handle 15, and the lifting plate 17 constitute a negative pressure generating mechanism that alternately creates a negative pressure state and a normal pressure state in the internal channel 23.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve component 41 includes a cover 42 mounted at the lower end 26a of the internal passage 23, i.e., the lower end 26a of the temporary storage section 26, and a valve core 43 disposed within the cover 42. The cover 42 and the valve core 43 are molded products made of a flexible synthetic resin material such as silicone rubber. Figure 3 As shown, the cover 42 has an outer peripheral wall 44 with a cylindrical shape and a partition wall 45 extending inward from the outer peripheral wall 44. The partition wall 45 is located in the height direction of the outer peripheral wall 44. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The partition wall 45 divides the internal space of the outer peripheral wall 44 into an upper space and a lower space (in the vertical direction). The partition wall 45 divides the temporary storage section 26 side into a first space 46 serving as the upper space, and the bottle 12 side into a second space 47 serving as the lower space. The first space 46 is connected to the internal passage 23. The partition wall 45 divides the internal space of the cap 42 into a first space 46 on the milk inflow side and a second space 47 on the milk outflow side. The outer peripheral wall 44 has a first outer peripheral wall 71 and a second outer peripheral wall 72. The first outer peripheral wall 71 is the portion of the outer peripheral wall 44 that divides the first space 46. The second outer peripheral wall 72 is the portion of the outer peripheral wall 44 that divides the second space 47.

[0050] like Figure 3As shown, the inner diameter of the first outer peripheral wall 71 partitioning the first space 46 has a size enabling the outer peripheral wall 44 to be fitted in the cylindrical portion of the lower end 26a partitioning the internal passage 23. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral wall 44 is fitted in the cylindrical portion of the lower end 26a of the internal passage 23. Figure 5 As shown, the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 has a larger inner diameter than the first space 46, and has a shape bulging more than the first outer peripheral wall 71 partitioning the first space 46. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral wall 44 is fitted in the cylindrical portion of the lower end 26a of the internal passage 23. Figure 4 As shown, the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 is provided with a plurality of thick wall portions 48 having a first thickness T1 and a plurality of thin wall portions 49 having a second thickness T2 thinner than the first thickness T1. The thick wall portions 48 and the thin wall portions 49 face the inner peripheral surface of the second outer peripheral wall 72 in the second space 47, and are each provided with three alternately in the circumferential direction. On the inner peripheral surface of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47, the thick wall portions 48 are portions bulging relatively to the thin wall portions 49 in the radial direction, and the thin wall portions 49 are portions relatively concave to the thick wall portions 48. On the inner peripheral surface of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47, from the thinnest portion of the thin wall portions 49 to the thickest portion of the thick wall portions 48, and from the thickest portion of the thick wall portions 48 to the thinnest portion of the thin wall portions 49, are connected by a gentle curved surface.

[0051] As shown, the lower end of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 is alternately provided with a high portion 51 having a first height H1 from the partition wall 45, and a low portion 52 having a second height H2 lower than the first height H1. The high portion 51 and the low portion 52 are each provided with three alternately in the circumferential direction. Further, the highest portion (the lowermost portion of the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 44 in Figure 5 As shown, the lower end of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 is alternately provided with a high portion 51 having a first height H1 from the partition wall 45, and a low portion 52 having a second height H2 lower than the first height H1. The high portion 51 and the low portion 52 are each provided with three alternately in the circumferential direction. Further, the highest portion (the lowermost portion of the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 44 in Figure 5 As shown, the lower end of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 is alternately provided with a high portion 51 having a first height H1 from the partition wall 45, and a low portion 52 having a second height H2 lower than the first height H1. The high portion 51 and the low portion 52 are each provided with three alternately in the circumferential direction. Further, the highest portion (the lowermost portion of the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 44 in Figure 5 As shown, the lower end of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 is alternately provided with a high portion 51 having a first height H1 from the partition wall 45, and a low portion 52 having a second height H2 lower than the first height H1. The high portion 51 and the low portion 52 are each provided with three alternately in the circumferential direction. Further, the highest portion (the lowermost portion of the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 44 in

[0052] The front end (lower end) of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 is formed in a wave shape having two heights of the highest portion and the lowest portion. The high portion 51 is provided at the position of the thin wall portion 49, and the low portion 52 is provided at the position of the thick wall portion 48. The first height H1 is the height (the up-and-down direction dimension) from the face of the partition wall 45 partitioning the second space 47 to the highest portion (the lowermost portion of the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 44 in Figure 5 The front end (lower end) of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 is formed in a wave shape having two heights of the highest portion and the lowest portion. The high portion 51 is provided at the position of the thin wall portion 49, and the low portion 52 is provided at the position of the thick wall portion 48. The first height H1 is the height (the up-and-down direction dimension) from the face of the partition wall 45 partitioning the second space 47 to the highest portion (the lowermost portion of the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 44 in Figure 5 The front end (lower end) of the second outer peripheral wall 72 partitioning the second space 47 is formed in a wave shape having two heights of the highest portion and the lowest portion. The high portion 51 is provided at the position of the thin wall portion 49, and the low portion 52 is provided at the position of the thick wall portion 48. The first height H1 is the height (the up-and-down direction dimension) from the face of the partition wall 45 partitioning the second space 47 to the highest portion (the lowermost portion of the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 44 in

[0053] The area of the inner surface (a surface facing the radially inner side) of the high portion 51 that divides the second space 47 is larger than the area of the inner surface of the low portion 52. Therefore, the mounting direction display portion 50 is formed on the inner surface of the high portion 51. The mounting direction display portion 50 shows the mounting direction for the lower end 26a of the temporary storage portion 26 of the valve member 41 to be fitted to the first space 46, and shows the mounting direction for the spool 43 to be mounted to the partition wall 45. As an example, the mounting direction display portion 50 is composed of an arrow, which is provided by a protruding linear shape from the inner surface of the high portion 51.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4 , the partition wall 45 has a plurality of through holes 53 between the center and the inner peripheral surface (outer edge of the partition wall 45) of the peripheral wall 44. Here, the number of the through holes 53 is three, and the through holes 53 are provided at equal intervals. That is, the plurality of through holes 53 are arranged in the circumferential direction on the partition wall 45. Each of the through holes 53 is an elongated hole having a circular arc shape extending in the circumferential direction. When viewed from the second space 47 side (lower side), the partition wall 45 has a central region 54 on the inner side (radially inner side) of the through holes 53 and a peripheral region 55 on the outer side of the through holes 53. The peripheral region 55 is a region between each of the through holes 53 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 44. The partition wall 45 also has a plurality of connecting portions 56 between the mutually adjacent through holes 53. Each of the connecting portions 56 connects the central region 54 and the peripheral region 55. Furthermore, the thickest portion of the thick wall portion 48 and the lowest portion of the low portion 52 are provided at positions corresponding to the connecting portions 56, and the thinnest portion of the thin wall portion 49 and the highest portion of the high portion 51 are provided at positions corresponding to the through holes 53. In addition, the highest portion of the high portion 51 and the thinnest portion of the thin wall portion 49 are located between a pair of lines extending in the radial direction, each of which connects one of the ends in the length direction of the through hole 53 and the center of the partition wall 45. In addition, the center of the central region 54, that is, the center of the partition wall 45 has a mounting hole 59 for mounting the spool 43.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6 , the spool 43 has a plate-shaped portion 57 for plugging the through hole 53 and a mounting protrusion 58 protruding from the plate-shaped portion 57. The plate-shaped portion 57 has a first surface 57a facing the partition wall 45 and a second surface 57b facing the second space 47 on the side opposite to the first surface 57a.

[0056] The plate-shaped portion 57 has a size capable of being disposed on the second peripheral wall 72 that divides the second space 47, and here has a circular plate shape. As shown in Figure 8 , the size of the plate-shaped portion 57 is set in such a manner that some gaps 57c (see Figure 8 ) are divided between the outer peripheral end of the plate-shaped portion 57 and the inner surface (inner peripheral surface) 73 of the second peripheral wall 72 that divides the second space 47. The gaps 57c are gaps for the flow of milk.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6 , the first face 57a has a flat face shape, and the second face 57b has a ring-shaped protruding portion 60 (see Figure 3 ) in a manner of connecting positions corresponding to the plurality of through holes 53. The ring-shaped protruding portion 60 suppresses deformation of the plate-shaped portion 57 by increasing the thickness of the plate-shaped portion 57. The first face 57a is an opposite face to the partition wall 45. The first face 57a is subjected to a frosted finish, and a minute unevenness is formed on the surface of the first face 57a. The first face 57a is suppressed from being adhered to the partition wall 45 by the frosted finish.

[0058] The center of the first face 57a has a mounting protrusion 58. The mounting protrusion 58 has a ring-shaped bulging portion 58a at the front end, and thereby has a locking groove 58b at the root of the bulging portion 58a. If the mounting protrusion 58 is pressed from the second space 47 toward the first space 46 in the second space 47, the peripheral edge of the mounting hole 59 is locked in the locking groove 58b.

[0059] The plate-shaped portion 57 is configured to approach and separate with respect to the partition wall 45 in the second space 47. If the valve core 43 is mounted to the cover 42, in the second space 47, between the outer peripheral end of the plate-shaped portion 57 and the inner surface (inner peripheral surface) 73 of the second peripheral wall 72 that divides the second space 47, a space is divided in which the position of the thin-walled portion 49 is larger than the position of the thick-walled portion 48. That is, between the outer peripheral end of the plate-shaped portion 57 and the inner surface (inner peripheral surface) 73 of the second peripheral wall 72 that divides the second space 47, a space is divided in which the position corresponding to the through hole 53 is larger than the position corresponding to the connecting portion 56.

[0060] The operation of the breast pump 1 configured as above will be described.

[0061] The breast pump 1 in the disassembled state is assembled as follows.

[0062] First, the valve member 41 is in a state in which the cover 42 and the valve core 43 are separated from each other. When the valve member 41 is assembled, while the mounting direction display portion 50 is observed, the mounting protrusion 58 is inserted into the valve core 43 toward the partition wall 45 in the second space 47 in the cover 42. That is, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously inserting the cover 42 into the first space 46. Then, the mounting protrusion 58 is inserted into the mounting hole 59, and thereby the peripheral edge of the mounting hole 59 in the partition wall 45 is locked in the locking groove 58b. Thus, the cover 42 and the valve core 43 of the valve member 41 are integrated. Thereafter, the first space 46 of the cover 42 is fitted to the lower end 26a of the temporary storage portion 26. The cover 42 is a molded product of an elastic synthetic resin material, and thus is closely attached to the lower end 26a. At this time, the user can easily confirm the mounting direction of the valve member 41 with respect to the lower end 26a by confirming the mounting direction display portion 50.

[0063] The cover 42 is a molded product of an elastic synthetic resin material, and thus is closely attached to the lower end 26a. At this time, the user can easily confirm the mounting direction of the valve member 41 with respect to the lower end 26a by confirming the mounting direction display portion 50.

[0064] Furthermore, the lifting plate 17 and the insertion member 30 are integrally formed, and the insertion part 30a is inserted into the negative pressure generating path 27. Then, the connecting protrusion 32 is inserted through the insertion hole 14a of the diaphragm 14, and the diaphragm 14 is installed on the mounting end 24. Additionally, the handle base 16 is installed on the main body 11. Then, the connecting protrusion 32 engages with the lifting part 37 of the handle 15. Simultaneously, the support shaft part 36 of the handle base 16 engages with the bearing part 39 of the handle 15. Furthermore, the bottle 12 is installed relative to the bottle mounting part 21 of the main body 11, and the cover 13 is installed relative to the cover mounting part 22.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, when expressing milk, the breast pump 1 is held by the user, and the cover 13 is placed against the user's breast to block the milk outlet 13c. This creates a roughly enclosed space within the internal channel 23.

[0066] If the handle 15 is manually rotated in the direction of arrow D1 near the side of the bottle 12 on the rod 38, the diaphragm 14 is pulled up via the lifting plate 17. At this time, the insertion part 30a rises within the negative pressure generating path 27 due to the pulling up of the diaphragm 14. This creates a negative pressure state in the internal channel 23, allowing the expressed milk to flow from the inflow path 25 into the temporary storage part 26. When the temporary storage part 26 is under negative pressure, the valve component 41 closes the bottom of the temporary storage part 26, thereby storing the milk flowing in from the inflow path 25 in the temporary storage part 26. In other words, when the breast pump 1 is under negative pressure, the valve component 41 can temporarily store the milk in the internal channel 23 of the breast pump 1.

[0067] Specifically, the operation of valve core 43 is as follows: when handle 15 is not turned in the direction of arrow D1, internal passage 23 is under constant pressure, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the plate-shaped portion 57 of the valve component 41 is configured to approach and separate from the partition wall 45 in the second space 47. That is, it is in a state in which a gap 61 is formed between the partition wall 45 and the first surface 57a.

[0068] If handle 15 is rotated in the direction of arrow D1 and the internal channel 23 becomes negative pressure, then as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the plate-shaped portion 57 flexes, and a portion of the plate-shaped portion 57 enters the through hole 53 from the second space 47 in the direction of the first space 46, thereby reliably sealing the through hole 53. At this time, since the valve core 43 has an annular protrusion 60 at the position corresponding to the through hole 53, the strength of the valve core 43 is increased, thereby suppressing the direction towards the first space 46.

[0069] Excessive bending occurs. Furthermore, the temporary storage section 26 stores the emulsion flowing in from the inflow path 25. Both the partition wall 45 and the plate-like portion 57 are molded from elastic synthetic resin material, so that if the internal channel 23 is under negative pressure, they adhere tightly to each other. Therefore, the emulsion stored in the temporary storage section 26 is unlikely to leak from the through-hole 53.

[0070] If the user releases the grip on handle 15, the handle 15 rotates in the direction of arrow D2 due to the elastic recovery of diaphragm 14, and the internal channel 23 returns to normal pressure. Thus, as... Figure 8 As shown, the valve core 43 of valve component 41 is loose relative to the partition wall 45, and therefore is again configured to be close to and separate from the partition wall 45. Thus, as... Figure 10 As shown, the milk stored in the temporary storage section 26 flows down through the through hole 53, is received by the plate-shaped section 57, and flows into the gap 61 between the partition wall 45 and the first surface 57a of the plate-shaped section 57, and then flows radially outward toward the first surface 57a (arrow D3 direction). That is, the valve member 41 is configured to allow the milk stored in the internal channel 23 to flow out when the breast pump 1 is in a normal pressure state. Specifically, the internal channel 23 is configured to connect the milk suction port 13c divided by the cover 13 to the bottle 12. When the breast pump 1 is in a negative pressure state of the negative pressure generating mechanism, the valve member 41 can temporarily store the milk from the cover 13 in the internal channel 23. The valve member 41 is also configured to allow the milk stored in the internal channel 23 to flow out toward the bottle 12 when the breast pump 1 is in a normal pressure state.

[0071] Here, the gap 57c between the outer peripheral end of the plate-shaped portion 57 and the inner surface 73 of the second outer peripheral wall 72 dividing the second space 47 forms a larger space at the position of the thin-walled portion 49 than at the position of the thick-walled portion 48. That is, the gap 57c between the outer peripheral end of the plate-shaped portion 57 and the inner surface 73 of the second outer peripheral wall 72 dividing the second space 47 forms a larger space at the position corresponding to the connecting portion 56 than at the position corresponding to the through hole 53. Therefore, a portion of the milk flowing down from the through hole 53 and received by the plate-shaped portion 57 flows smoothly toward the thin-walled portion 49 at the position of the through hole 53. In addition, the remaining portion of the milk flows toward the thick-walled portion 48. Then, the milk flowing along the thin-walled portion 49 flows toward the front end (lower end) of the high portion 51. In addition, the milk flowing along the thick-walled portion 48 flows from the thick-walled portion 48 toward the thin-walled portion 49. Then, a large amount of milk drips from the front end (lower end) of the high part 51 where the thin-walled part 49 is located onto the bottle 12. In addition, a portion of milk drips directly onto the bottle 12 from the outer peripheral end of the plate-shaped part 57.

[0072] Milk is expressed by repeatedly reciprocating the handle 15, and correspondingly, the insertion part 30a also reciprocates within the negative pressure generation path 27. This repeatedly creates a normal pressure state and a negative pressure state within the internal channel 23. Therefore, milk...

[0073] The milk is stored sequentially in the temporary storage section 26, and the milk stored in the temporary storage section 26 drips into the bottle 12.

[0074] For cleaning, after use, breast pump 1, as shown... Figure 2 The breast pump 1 is disassembled as shown. Specifically, the bottle 12, cover 13, handle 15, handle base 16, diaphragm 14, and lifting plate 17 with insertion part 30a are removed from the main body 11. Then, the valve component 41 is also removed from the main body 11. The valve core 43 is separated from the cover 42 of the valve component 41. In this way, the breast pump 1 can be easily assembled and disassembled, and can be easily cleaned using fingers or a brush. In the valve component 41, by separating the cover 42 from the valve core 43, the various parts of the valve component 41 can also be easily cleaned using fingers or a brush. Since the cover 42 does not have small through holes, deep holes, or other tiny recesses, the first space 46, the second space 47, and the through hole 53 can be easily cleaned. Since the valve core 43 does not have any tiny recesses, it can also be easily cleaned. After cleaning, the breast pump 1 is assembled as described above.

[0075] Based on the above breast pump 1, the effects listed below are obtained.

[0076] (1) The valve component 41 can be easily cleaned by removing the valve core 43 from the cover 42 of the valve component 41. Therefore, the breast pump 1 can be kept clean.

[0077] (2) Since the valve core 43 can be disassembled and installed relative to the cover 42, it is very easy to install and remove the protrusion 58 relative to the mounting hole 59.

[0078] (3) The milk flowing from the through hole 53 into the second space 47 is received by the plate-shaped portion 57 of the valve member 41 and then flows towards the outer peripheral wall 44. In the space inside the outer peripheral wall 44, which is continuous with the through hole 53, the portion of the thin-walled portion 49 is larger than the portion of the thick-walled portion 48. Therefore, the milk flowing out of the through hole 53 and received by the plate-shaped portion 57 easily flows towards the outer peripheral wall 44 in the portion of the thin-walled portion 49. A portion of the milk is transferred from the outer peripheral end of the valve core 43 to the thick-walled portion 48 and the thin-walled portion 49, and flows towards the bottle 12 from the front end of the outer peripheral wall 44. In this way, a portion of the milk is rectified and flows from the front end (lower end) of the second outer peripheral wall 72 that divides the second space 47 to the bottle 12. Therefore, compared to, for example, the case where the milk drips into the bottle in a scattered manner, the dripping sound can be reduced.

[0079] (4) A portion of the milk flowing out from the through-hole 53 and received by the plate-shaped portion 57 to flow toward the outer peripheral wall 44 is guided from the low portion 52 of the thick wall portion 48 to the high portion 51 of the thin wall portion 49. Then, it is easy to flow from the front end portion of the high portion 51 to the bottle 12. The distance from the high portion 51 to the liquid surface in the bottle 12 is shorter than the distance from the low portion 52 to the liquid surface in the bottle 12, and thus the more the milk drips from the high portion 51, the more it is possible to reduce the dripping sound.

[0080] (5) The portion of the outer peripheral wall 44 that divides the second space 47 is provided with the low portion 52 of the second height H2. Thus, compared to a case where the outer peripheral wall is constituted by the high portion 51 that is uniform in height and coincides with the first height Hl, it is possible to reduce the amount of the synthetic resin material having elasticity used in the outer peripheral wall 44 by providing the low portion 52 of the second height H2.

[0081] (6) In the portion of the thin wall portion 49 constituted between the inner surface 73 of the outer peripheral wall 44 and the valve core 43 at a position corresponding to the through-hole 53, there is a larger space than in the portion of the thick wall portion 48 constituted at a position corresponding to the connecting portion 56. Thus, a portion of the milk flowing out from the through-hole 53 easily flows in the portion of the thin wall portion 49. Also, a portion of the milk is transmitted from the outer peripheral end of the valve core 43 to the thick wall portion 48 and the thin wall portion 49, and a large amount of the milk flows from the front end portion of the outer peripheral wall 44 to the bottle 12.

[0082] (7) By the negative pressure state of the temporary storage portion 26, the valve core 43 is in close contact with the partition wall 45, and thus it is possible to reliably block the through-hole 53.

[0083] (8) The first face 57a, which is the opposing face to the partition wall 45, is subjected to the matte finish, and thus it is possible to suppress adhesion to the partition wall 45.

[0084] In addition, the above-described embodiment can be changed as follows.

[0085] • In the first face 57a of the plate-shaped portion 57, the matte finish suppresses adhesion of the first face 57a to the partition wall 45. The matte finish does not necessarily need to be provided on the surface of the mounting protrusion 58. The matte finish only needs to be provided at least at a position in the first face 57a that opposes the connecting portion 56 of the partition wall 45.

[0086] • In the valve member 41, the valve core 43 is only required to be a molded product of a synthetic resin material having elasticity. The valve core 43 is not limited to a synthetic resin material having the same elasticity as the cap 42. In addition, the cap 42 can also be a molded product of a synthetic resin material having rigidity with respect to the valve core 43. This is because the valve core 43 only needs to be able to block the through-hole 53.

[0087] • The number of the through holes 53 can be one, two, or more than four. As an example, the through holes 53, which are a part of a circle or a part of an elliptical shape, can also be provided in a plurality of scattered points around the mounting hole 59. In addition, the shape of the through hole is not limited to a long hole having a circular arc shape. As an example, the through hole 53 can also be a long hole of a straight line shape extending in a radial direction.

[0088] • A thick wall portion 48 can also be provided at the position of the through hole 53, and a thin wall portion 49 can also be provided at the position of the connecting portion 56.

[0089] • In the second outer peripheral wall 72 that divides the second space 47, both the high portion 51 and the low portion 52 can also not be provided. As an example, the second outer peripheral wall 72 can also be made to have a uniform height from the partition wall 45 and to coincide with the first height H1 that is the height of the high portion 51. Thereby, the drop sound can be reduced. In contrast, the height of the second outer peripheral wall 72 from the partition wall 45 can also be made to coincide with the second height H2 of the low portion 52. Thereby, the synthetic resin material used can be reduced. By making the height of the second outer peripheral wall 72 that divides the second space 47 uniform, the configuration of the outer peripheral wall 44 can be simplified.

[0090] • The outer peripheral wall 44 can also not be provided with the thick wall portion 48 and the thin wall portion 49, but can be configured to have the same thickness. For example, the thickness of the outer peripheral wall 44 can also be made to coincide with the second thickness T2 of the thin wall portion 49, as long as the strength of the outer peripheral wall 44 can be ensured. Thereby, the synthetic resin material used can be reduced. In contrast, the thickness of the outer peripheral wall 44 can also be made to coincide with the first thickness T1 of the thick wall portion 48.

[0091] • The mounting configuration of the valve element 43 with respect to the cover 42 is not limited to the above-described example. As an example, a mounting hole can also be provided at the center of the valve element 43, and a mounting protrusion 58 can also be provided at the center of the face of the partition wall 45 that faces the second space 47. In addition, one of the mounting protrusion 58 and the mounting hole 59 can also be provided at the outer peripheral portion of the face of the partition wall 45 that faces the second space 47 at equal intervals. The other of the mounting protrusion 58 and the mounting hole 59 can also be provided at the opposite side with respect to the partition wall 45 in the valve element 43.

[0092] • The lift plate 17 and the insertion member 30 can also be configured by one member that is integrally formed in order to reduce the number of components. In addition, the insertion member 30 can also be omitted on the basis of ensuring the negative pressure generation mechanism using the diaphragm 14. In addition, the lift plate 17 can also be omitted, and a connection protrusion 32, which is a connecting portion that connects with the lifting portion 37 of the handle 15, can also be provided to the outer surface of the diaphragm 14.

[0093] • The handle 15 can also be directly rotationally supported by the main body 11 without the handle base 16. In this case, the rotational support piece 35 and the shaft portion 36 are integrally provided to the main body 11.

[0094] • The bottle 12 can also be formed integrally with the bottle mounting portion 21 so as to be non-detachable therefrom. Also, the cover 13 can be formed integrally with the cover mounting portion 22 so as to be non-detachable therefrom. The storage container can also be replaced by a bag body having flexibility instead of the bottle 12.

[0095] • The breast pump 1 using the valve member 41 is not limited to the above-described manual structure. The valve member 41 can also be used in an electric breast pump.

[0096] • The breast pump 1 using the valve member 41 is not limited to the above-described manual structure. The valve member 41 can also be used in an electric breast pump.

[0097] It should be understood that the description "at least one of A and B" in the present specification means "only A", "only B", or "both A and B".

Claims

1. A valve member for a breast pump, wherein the valve member is configured to temporarily store milk in an internal passage when the breast pump is in a negative pressure state, and to cause the milk stored in the internal passage to flow out when the breast pump is in an atmospheric pressure state, the valve member includes: a cap attached to the breast pump, the cap including a partition wall that separates a first space on an inflow side of the milk and a second space on an outflow side of the milk, and a through-hole that connects the first space and the second space in the partition wall; and a valve core disposed in the second space, the valve core being configured to close the through-hole when the negative pressure state is formed, and to open the through-hole when the atmospheric pressure state is formed, the cap includes an outer peripheral wall, a portion of the outer peripheral wall that separates the second space includes a thick wall portion having a first thickness and bulging toward an inner side, and a thin wall portion having a second thickness that is thinner than the thick wall portion, the through-hole is one of a plurality of through-holes arranged in the partition wall in a circumferential direction, the partition wall includes a central region that is inward of the plurality of through-holes, an outer peripheral region that is outward of the plurality of through-holes in a radial direction, and a plurality of connecting portions that connect the central region and the outer peripheral region to each other between adjacent through-holes, in the portion of the outer peripheral wall that separates the second space, the thick wall portion is formed at a position corresponding to the connecting portions, and the thin wall portion is formed at a position corresponding to the through-holes.

2. The valve member according to claim 1, wherein the valve core includes a plate-shaped portion that blocks the through-hole, and an attachment protrusion that protrudes from the plate-shaped portion, the partition wall includes an attachment hole into which the attachment protrusion is engaged.

3. The valve member according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the outer peripheral wall that separates the second space includes a high portion having a first height as a height from the partition wall, and a low portion having a second height that is lower than the first height as a height from the partition wall, the thick wall portion is formed in the low portion, and the thin wall portion is formed in the high portion.

4. The valve member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve core is a molded product of an elastic synthetic resin material.

5. The valve member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve core includes a plate-shaped portion that blocks the through-hole, a surface of the plate-shaped portion that faces the partition wall is subjected to a matte finish.

6. A breast pump including: a storage container that stores milk; a breast cup against which a breast is pressed; an internal passage that temporarily stores milk that is pumped out, and that connects a breast cup opening defined by the breast cup to the storage container; a valve member that causes the milk temporarily stored in the internal passage to flow out to the storage container; and a negative pressure generating mechanism that alternately forms a negative pressure state and an atmospheric pressure state in the internal passage, in the breast pump, the valve member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is included. ​ ​ The valve member is configured to temporarily store milk from the shield in the internal passage when the breast pump is in the negative pressure state, and to allow the milk stored in the internal passage to flow to the storage container when the breast pump is in the normal pressure state.

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