Bilateral breast pump control method
By combining the steering valve and the power unit, the structure of the double breast pump is simplified, energy consumption is reduced, the problems of complex structure and high power consumption of existing double breast pumps are solved, and the battery life of the breast pump is extended.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHAN RUNYI ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing double breast pumps suffer from complex structures, high power consumption, and high costs due to the use of two two-position three-way solenoid valves.
By using a directional valve and a power unit, the switching between the air pump and the milk suction unit is achieved through the movement of the valve core, simplifying the structure and reducing energy consumption.
This results in a breast pump with a simple structure, low cost, and reduced energy consumption, extending the usage time on a single charge.
Smart Images

Figure CN117100931B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to breast pumps, and more particularly to a control method for a bilateral breast pump. Background Technology
[0002] Existing double breast pumps use two two-position three-way solenoid valves. The longest pumping cycle is about 4 seconds. The vacuum pump works for 4 seconds, one solenoid valve works for 2 seconds, and the other solenoid valve works for 2 seconds. This causes the two solenoid valves to switch continuously, which is not only complex in structure and costly, but also consumes a lot of electricity. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method for a double-sided breast pump, which solves the problem that the existing breast pumps have frequent switching between dual solenoid valves during the pumping process, resulting in a complex structure and high power consumption.
[0004] This invention is implemented as follows:
[0005] This invention provides a method for controlling a bilateral breast pump, within one pumping cycle:
[0006] The power unit drives the valve core of the steering valve to move so that the negative pressure port of the air pump is connected to the first milk pumping unit, and the first milk pumping unit is in a negative pressure state; at the same time, the second milk pumping unit is connected to the ambient air, and the second milk pumping unit is in a normal pressure state.
[0007] The power unit drives the valve core of the steering valve to move again, so that the negative pressure port of the air pump is connected to the second milk pumping unit. The inside of the second milk pumping unit changes from normal pressure to negative pressure, and at this time, the second milk pumping unit is switched to working state. At the same time, the first milk pumping unit is connected to the ambient air, and the inside of the first milk pumping unit changes to normal pressure.
[0008] Furthermore, the steering valve includes a first channel, two second channels, and a valve core driven by the power unit. The first channel is connected to the negative pressure port of the air pump, the first milk pumping unit is connected to one of the second channels, and the second milk pumping unit is connected to the other second channel.
[0009] When the valve core moves to one side, the valve core connects the first channel with the second channel corresponding to the first milk suction unit;
[0010] When the valve core moves to the other side, the valve core connects the first channel with the second channel corresponding to the second milk suction unit.
[0011] Furthermore, the valve core includes a first sealing assembly, and both second channels have a first port that can communicate with ambient air. The first sealing assembly includes a first plug. The power unit drives the first plug to move between the two first ports, and when the first plug moves to one of the first ports, the first plug prevents that first port from being directly connected to the ambient air.
[0012] Furthermore, the valve core includes two sets of second sealing assemblies corresponding one-to-one with the two second channels. Each of the two second channels has a second port between it and the first channel. The second sealing assembly includes an elastic element and a second plug.
[0013] When the first plug moves away from one of the first ports, the elastic element causes the corresponding second plug to block the corresponding second port. When the first plug moves closer to one of the first ports, the elastic element contracts under force, and the corresponding second plug opens the corresponding second port.
[0014] Furthermore, when the first plug moves to one side, the first plug pushes the second plug on the corresponding side to move in the same direction, and when the elastic element is compressed, the second port on that side opens.
[0015] Furthermore, a magnetic field is generated by the cooperation of the moving iron core and the conductive coil. Under the action of magnetic force, the moving iron core moves along the axial direction of the conductive coil to drive the valve core to move synchronously. When the moving iron core moves to the target position, the conductive coil stops being energized, and the moving iron core is in the target position by the position holding device.
[0016] Furthermore, the position holding device includes a deformation element and / or a permanent magnet. When the moving iron core moves to the target position, the conductive coil stops being energized, and the deformation element and / or the permanent magnet keeps the moving iron core in the target position.
[0017] Furthermore, when the position holding device includes a deformation element and a permanent magnet, by changing the current direction of the conductive coil, an attractive or repulsive force is generated between the moving iron core and the permanent magnet, thereby controlling the moving direction of the moving iron core; when the conductive coil is de-energized, the force generated by the deformation element on the moving iron core and the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet on the moving iron core keep the moving iron core in the target position.
[0018] Furthermore, when the position holding device includes a deformable element, there are two conductive coils, and the two conductive coils are arranged sequentially along the axial direction, with the moving iron core passing through the two conductive coils sequentially.
[0019] By individually energizing the two conductive coils, the moving iron core is driven to move in the corresponding direction, and when the conductive coils are de-energized, the moving iron core is controlled to be in the target position by the deformation element.
[0020] Furthermore, in the bilateral mode, the air pump operates continuously during one milk pumping cycle; the power unit is energized to control the movement of the valve core, the first milk pumping unit and the second milk pumping unit switch operation, and the power unit stops being energized when the switching is completed;
[0021] In single-sided mode, during one milk pumping cycle, when the air pump is connected to the first milk pumping unit, the air pump operates, and the first milk pumping unit is in working state; when the air pump is connected to the second milk pumping unit, the air pump stops operating, and the first milk pumping unit is in a stopped operating state; the power unit is energized to control the valve core to move, causing the first milk pumping unit to switch to working state or stopped operating state, and the power unit stops energizing when the switching is completed.
[0022] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0023] In this invention, a diversion valve is provided, through which the air pump is connected to the milk pumping unit. Under the action of the power unit, the valve core of the diversion valve is activated to switch the connection between the air pump and the milk pumping unit. While ensuring that the air pump is connected to one of the milk pumping units, the other milk pumping unit is connected to the ambient air. Thus, by cooperating with the power unit, the two milk pumping units can be switched to work, which is not only convenient to control, but also reduces the cost of the corresponding breast pump. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bilateral breast pump provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Embodiment 1 where one of the second channels is connected to the first channel;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another second channel connected to the first channel in Embodiment 1;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Embodiment 2 where the first channel is connected to the second channel;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another second channel connected to the first channel in Embodiment 2;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power unit in Embodiment 3;
[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the power unit in Embodiment 4;
[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply to the air pump and power unit in the dual-side mode of the breast pump in Example 3;
[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply for the air pump and power unit in the dual-side mode of the breast pump in Example 4;
[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply to the air pump and power unit in the single-sided mode of the breast pump in Example 3;
[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply to the air pump and power unit in the single-sided mode of the breast pump in Example 4. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0037] See Figure 1 This invention provides a control method for a dual-sided breast pump, primarily for breast pumps with dual pumping units, within one pumping cycle:
[0038] The power unit 4 drives the valve core 33 of the steering valve 3 to move so that the negative pressure port of the air pump 1 is connected to the first milk suction unit 21, and the inside of the first milk suction unit 21 is in a negative pressure state; at the same time, the second milk suction unit 22 is connected to the ambient air, and the inside of the second milk suction unit 22 is in a normal pressure state.
[0039] The power unit 4 drives the valve core 33 of the steering valve 3 to move again, so that the negative pressure port of the air pump 1 is connected to the second milk suction unit 22, and the inside of the second milk suction unit 22 changes from normal pressure to negative pressure; at the same time, the first milk suction unit 21 is connected to the ambient air, and the inside of the first milk suction unit 21 changes to normal pressure; at this time, the breast pump switches to the working state of the second milk suction unit 22.
[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, the switching between the first milk suction unit 21 and the second milk suction unit 22 can be achieved by the cooperation of the diverting valve 3 and the power unit 4. Compared with the traditional double-sided breast pump, it is not only simple in structure but also has a lower cost. In addition, it can reduce the energy consumption of the breast pump to a certain extent, extend the usage time of a single charging cycle, and ensure the battery life of the breast pump.
[0041] In the optimized embodiment, the steering valve 3 includes a first channel 31, two second channels 32, and a valve core 33. The first channel 31 is connected to the negative pressure port of the air pump 1, while the two second channels 32 are connected to the first milk suction unit 21 and the second milk suction unit 22 respectively. The valve core 33 can control the flow path between the first channel 31 and one of the second channels 32 under the action of the power unit 4. The power unit 4 includes a drive member 47, which drives the valve core 33 to move within the steering valve 3, so that the first channel 31 is connected to one of the second channels 32, while the other second channel 32 is connected to the ambient air. When the first channel 31 is connected to the corresponding second channel 32, it indicates that the air pump 1 can draw air from the first milk suction unit 21 corresponding to the second channel 32, so that the inside of the first milk suction unit 21 is in a negative pressure state. At this time, since the other second channel 32 is connected to the ambient air, the second milk suction unit 22 corresponding to the second channel 32 is in a normal pressure state.
[0042] Specifically, the steering valve 3 includes a valve body 37, with two second channels 32 located on the valve body 37, and a valve core 33 located inside the valve body 37. In this embodiment, the valve body 37 serves as the carrier of the steering valve 3. The first channel 31 and the second channel 32 are connected through the internal space of the valve body 37, and the valve core 33 is controlled to move within the valve body 37 by a drive component 47, thereby switching the connection between the first channel 31 and the second channel 32.
[0043] The above embodiment is optimized and the structure of valve core 33 is refined. It includes a first sealing component. The driving component 47 acts on the first sealing component. Specifically, the first sealing component includes a first plug 34. Both second channels 32 have a first port 321 that can communicate with ambient air. The first plug 34 is located between the two first ports 321, and the first port 321 is located on the movement path of the first plug 34. In this embodiment, the driving component 47 drives the first plug 34 to move linearly, specifically between the two first ports 321. When the first plug 34 moves to one of the first ports 321, it blocks that port 321 and stops moving. The corresponding second channel 32 is then not directly connected to the ambient air (the second channel 32 can be connected to the ambient air through the first channel 31), and at this time, the first channel 31 is connected to the second channel 32. Since the first plug 34 is now away from the other first port 321, the corresponding second channel 32 is connected to the ambient air and not connected to the first channel 31 because the first port 321 is not blocked by the first plug 34. Additionally, a through hole is provided on the valve body 37, connecting the internal space of the valve body 37 to the ambient air, to ensure a normal pressure environment in a portion of the internal space of the valve body 37. Therefore, the first port 321 of the second channel 32 is also located inside the valve body 37, ensuring the required normal pressure environment. In a preferred embodiment, an annular seal 371 is provided on the inner wall of the valve body 37. Two sets of annular seals 371 can be provided, each corresponding to one of the two first ports 321. Each first port 321 is located inside the corresponding annular seal 371, and the annular seal 371 is located at the end of the movement path of the first plug 34. Specifically, the inner opening of the annular seal 371 corresponds to the first port 321. The second channel 32 has a port located inside the valve body 37, which is inside the corresponding annular seal 371. When the first plug 34 moves to the annular seal 371, the first plug 34 presses against the annular seal 371 and stops moving. The annular seal 371 can form a better sealing effect when pressed by the first plug 34, and it can also limit the movement distance of the first plug 34.
[0044] To optimize the control method described above, the valve core 33 includes two sets of second sealing components 35, each corresponding to one of the two second channels 32. Each second sealing component 35 includes a second plug 351 and an elastic element 352, which can be a spring structure. Each of the two second channels 32 has a second port 322 between itself and the first channel 31. The second plug 351 can be used to block the corresponding second port 322, thus isolating the flow path between the first channel 31 and the corresponding second channel 32. The elastic element 352, in conjunction with the corresponding second plug 351, can push the second plug 351 to block the second port 322. Under the action of the driving element 47, the elastic element 352 can be compressed, opening the second port 322, thus connecting the first channel 31 with the corresponding second channel 32. In this embodiment, when the driving element 47 compresses one of the elastic elements 352, the corresponding second port 322 is opened, while the other second port 322 remains blocked. The second plug 351 can move linearly, and its direction of movement is the same as the extension and retraction direction of the corresponding elastic element 352. Another annular seal 353 is also provided on the second plug 351. The annular seal 353 forms a seal with the edge of the second port 322, thereby enhancing the sealing effect of the second plug 351.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit 47 can simultaneously drive the first plug 34 and the second plug 351, thereby simplifying the coordination between the steering valve 3 and the power unit 4. The drive unit 47 only needs one action to achieve the switching connection between the first channel 31 and the second channel 32, while ensuring that the unconnected second channel 32 is connected to the ambient air. Specifically, the following two embodiments can be adopted:
[0046] Example 1
[0047] See Figure 1-3 The first channel 31 is located on the valve body 37, and the two second plugs 351 are located at the two ends of the moving path of the first plug 34. One end of the elastic element 352 abuts against the inner wall of the valve body 37, and the other end abuts against the second plug 351. In this embodiment, both the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 are located on the valve body 37. The valve body 37 also includes a core seat 36, on which two flow channels 361 are provided. Both flow channels 361 can connect to the internal space of the valve body 37. The aforementioned second port 322 is the port of the flow channel 361, and its orientation is the same as that of the first port 321. The extension direction of the flow channel 361, the moving direction of the first plug 34, the moving direction of the second plug 351, and the extension and retraction direction of the elastic element 352 are all the same.
[0048] See Figures 1-3The second plug 351 is respectively disposed in the two flow channels 361, and part of the structure extends out of the corresponding flow channel 361, with the extended part close to the first plug 34. When the driving member 47 drives the first plug 34 to move linearly in one direction, during the movement, the first plug 34 first contacts the second plug 351 in that direction, thereby pushing the second plug 351 to move in the same direction, and the elastic member 352 in that direction is compressed, the corresponding second port 322 is opened, the first channel 31 is connected to the second channel 32 in that direction, and the first plug 34 continues to move to the corresponding first port 321, and when it contacts the annular seal 371 at the first port 321, the annular seal 371... On the one hand, it can form a good sealing effect when pressed by the first plug 34. On the other hand, it can limit the movement distance of the first plug 34. When the air pump 1 is working, the first milk suction unit 21 connected to the second channel 32 is in a negative pressure state. Since the first plug 34 will not exert force on the second plug 351 (on one side of the second milk suction unit 22) in the other direction during the movement, the second port 322 on that side is not opened. The second channel 32 on that side is connected to the ambient air, and the corresponding second milk suction unit 22 is in a normal pressure state.
[0049] See Figures 1-3 When the drive component 47 controls the first plug 34 to move in the reverse direction, the blocked first port 321 is opened, and the corresponding first milk suction unit 21 quickly reaches a normal pressure state. The compressed elastic element 352 gradually returns to its original length, thereby pushing the second plug 351 to block the corresponding second port 322. When the first plug 34 disengages from the second plug 351 corresponding to the first milk suction unit 21, the corresponding second port 322 is completely blocked, and the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 on this side are isolated. After the first plug 34 continues to move in the reverse direction, the second port 322 corresponding to the second milk suction unit 22 is opened, and the second milk suction unit 22 is in a negative pressure state. Based on the above working process, by switching the moving direction of the first plug 34, the first milk suction unit 21 and the second milk suction unit 22 of the breast pump can be switched to work, which is very convenient.
[0050] Example 2
[0051] See Figure 1 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5In this embodiment, the first channel 31 is connected to the internal space of the first plug 34. The first channel 31 is not directly connected to the valve body 37. When the driving member 47 drives the first plug 34 to move, the first channel 31 also moves synchronously. In addition, unlike the first embodiment, this embodiment has two flow channels 341 in the first plug 34. Both flow channels 341 are connected to the first channel 31. The second port 322 is located at the port of the corresponding flow channel 341. The extension direction of the flow channel 341 is the same as the moving direction of the first plug 34. In the preferred embodiment, the first port 321 is directly opposite the second port 322 on the same side.
[0052] The second plug 351 is located within the corresponding flow channel 341 and at least partially extends beyond the outer surface of the first plug 34. Furthermore, the extension direction of the second plug 351 is parallel to the movement direction of the first plug 34, and the extension directions of the two second plugs 351 are opposite. In a preferred embodiment, the two flow channels 341 and the two second plugs 351 are all located on the same straight line. One end of the elastic member 352 abuts against the inner wall of the first plug 34, and the other end abuts against the corresponding second plug 351. Due to its elastic force, the elastic member 352 can compress the corresponding second plug 351 to seal the second port 322.
[0053] See Figure 1 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 When the driving component 47 drives the first plug 34 to move linearly to one side, for example, towards the first milk pumping unit 21, specifically towards the inner wall of the valve body 37, since the protruding part of the second plug 351 on this side protrudes from the outer surface of the first plug 34, the second plug 351 first contacts the inner wall of the valve body 37. Under the pressure of the inner wall of the valve body 37, the second plug 351 compresses the corresponding elastic element 352, and the second port 322 corresponding to the second plug 351 is opened, that is, the first channel 31 is connected to the second channel 32 on this side; the first plug 34 continues to move in this direction until the outer surface of the first plug 34 contacts the annular seal 371 on this side, that is, the first channel 31 is connected to the second channel 32 on this side; that is, the first port 321 on this side is blocked, but the connection between the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 is not affected. When the air pump 1 is working, the first milk pumping unit 21 is in a negative pressure state. During this process, the second plug 351 on the other side (on one side of the second milk pumping unit 22) is away from the inner wall of the valve body 37 on the corresponding side. Due to the elastic force of the elastic element 352, the first channel 31 is not connected to the second channel 32 on this side. The second channel 32 on this side is connected to the ambient air, and the second milk pumping unit 22 is in a normal pressure state.
[0054] See Figure 1 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5When the drive unit 47 controls the first plug 34 to move in the reverse direction, i.e., on the side of the second milk pumping unit 22, the blocked first port 321 is opened, and the first milk pumping unit 21 quickly reaches a normal pressure state. The compressed elastic element 352 gradually returns to its original length, thereby pushing the second plug 351 to block the corresponding second port 322. When the second plug 351 on this side disengages from the inner wall of the valve body 37, the corresponding second port 322 is completely blocked, and the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 on this side are isolated. After the first plug 34 continues to move in the reverse direction, the corresponding second port 322 of the second milk pumping unit 22 is opened, and the second milk pumping unit 22 is in a negative pressure state. Based on the above working process, by switching the moving direction of the first plug 34, the first milk pumping unit 21 and the second milk pumping unit 22 can also be switched to work, which is very convenient.
[0055] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7The present invention also provides a power unit 4, which is applied in the above-mentioned breast pump. The power unit 4 further includes a housing 41, in which a moving iron core 42 and a conductive coil 43 are disposed. The moving iron core 42 is connected to the above-mentioned driving member 47. The moving iron core 42 is at least partially located in the conductive coil 43. When the conductive coil 43 is energized, the moving iron core 42 can generate a magnetic field, and the moving iron core 42 can move along the axial direction of the conductive coil 43. A magnetic suction member 44 is installed on the housing 41. The position of the magnetic suction member 44 is fixed. When the moving iron core 42 generates a magnetic field, a magnetic force is generated between the magnetic suction member 44 and the moving iron core 42. The moving iron core 42 can move along the axial direction of the conductive coil 43. The axial movement direction is the same as the movement direction of the first plug 34. That is, when the moving iron core 42 moves linearly under the action of magnetic force, the first plug 34 can move linearly synchronously. In a preferred embodiment, the power unit 4 is provided with a position holding device. When the conductive coil 43 is not energized, the position holding device can keep the moving iron core 42 in the current position. For example, when the moving iron core 42 moves to the target position, the conductive coil 43 is not energized. At this time, the moving iron core 42 is still in the target position. The so-called target position generally refers to the two ends of the moving trajectory of the moving iron core 42. When the moving iron core 42 is in one of the target positions, it can drive the first plug 34 to press the annular seal 371. The position holding device includes a deformable element 45 or a permanent magnet 441 mounted on the housing 41. Alternatively, the deformable element 45 and the permanent magnet 441 can work together to achieve the position holding function. When the conductive coil 43 has no magnetic field (no energization), the deformable element 45 can hold the moving iron core 42 in the target position, or the moving iron core 42 can be held in the target position through the cooperation of two sets of permanent magnets 441, or the moving iron core 42 can be held in the target position through the cooperation of the deformable element 45 and the permanent magnet 441. In this embodiment, during the movement of the moving iron core 42, the deformable element 45 deforms itself, thereby exerting a force on the moving iron core 42. Under this force, the position of the moving iron core 42 remains stable after movement. Alternatively, the permanent magnet 441 can generate a magnetic force on the moving iron core 42 to ensure that the position of the moving iron core 42 remains stable after movement.Therefore, when the breast pump starts working, within one pumping cycle of 4 seconds, the conductive coil 43 is energized, which drives the moving iron core 42 to move in one direction. This drives the first plug 34 to move in the same direction and press against the annular seal 371. At this time, the conductive coil 43 stops being energized. This process does not exceed 100ms. Due to the action of the deformation element 45, the moving iron core 42 maintains the target position, so that the first plug 34 is still pressing against the annular seal 371. The air pump 1 can continuously pump the milk pumping unit 2 on this side. When the time reaches 2 seconds, the conductive coil 43 is energized again. The magnetic field generated at this time can drive the moving iron core 42 to move in the opposite direction until the first plug 34 presses against the annular seal 371 on the other side. The conductive coil 43 stops being energized again. This process also does not exceed 100ms. At the same time, the deformation element 45 controls the moving iron core 42 to maintain the target position. The air pump 1 can continuously pump the milk pumping unit 2 on this side for 2 seconds, and the breast pump completes one pumping cycle.
[0056] During the above process, the conductive coil 43 is not continuously energized. It is only energized when the milk pumping unit 2 switches to work to change the magnetic field between the conductive coil 43 and the moving iron core 42, thereby controlling the moving direction of the moving iron core 42. After the moving iron core 42 is adjusted to the target position, the conductive coil 43 stops being energized. The energizing time of the conductive coil 43 is very short, specifically only twice in one milk pumping cycle, and each energizing time does not exceed 100ms, usually only 20-30ms. The power supply method of the conductive coil is similar to pulse power supply, which greatly reduces the power consumption of the power unit 4 and effectively ensures the battery life of the breast pump.
[0057] The following describes the cooperation method between the deformable part 45 and the magnetic part 44 in conjunction with two embodiments:
[0058] Example 3
[0059] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 8The magnetic suction element 44 can be the permanent magnet 441 mentioned above. Of course, the permanent magnet 441 is also part of the position holding device. The position holding device also includes a deformation element 45. The permanent magnet 441 and the moving iron core 42 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the conductive coil 43. The deformation element 45 can generate force through compression deformation. In this embodiment, the deformation element 45 can be a spring. Specifically, one end of the deformation element 45 abuts against the moving iron core 42, and the other end abuts against the permanent magnet 441. The extension and retraction direction of the deformation element 45 is the same as the movement direction of the moving iron core 42. In this embodiment, when the conductive coil 43 is forward-energized, the attractive force between the permanent magnet 441 and the moving iron core 42 increases, and this attractive force is greater than the elastic force of the deformation element 45. This forces the moving iron core 42 to move closer to the permanent magnet 441. When it moves to the point where the first plug 34 presses against the annular seal 371 and the conductive coil 43 stops being energized, the energizing process takes less than 100ms. At this time, the attractive force between the permanent magnet 441 and the moving iron core 42 is greater than the elastic force of the deformation element 45. The attractive force between the permanent magnet 441 and the moving iron core 42 keeps the position of the moving iron core 42 relative to the first plug 34 stable. After 2 seconds, the conductive coil 43 is reverse-energized, generating a repulsive force between the permanent magnet 441 and the moving iron core 42. Under the combined action of this repulsive force and the elastic force of the deformation element 45, the moving iron core 42 is driven to move away from the permanent magnet 441 until the first plug 34 presses against the annular seal 371 on the other side. The conductive coil 43 then stops being energized. This energizing process does not exceed 100ms. At this time, the force exerted by the deformation element 45 on the moving iron core 42 is greater than the magnetic force exerted by the permanent magnet 441 on the moving iron core 42. The force exerted by the deformation element 45 on the moving iron core 42 keeps the moving iron core 42 in the target position. In a preferred embodiment, a stationary iron core 46 is also added between the permanent magnet 441 and the moving iron core 42, with the other end of the deformation element 45 abutting against the stationary iron core 46. In this embodiment, the stationary iron core 46 is magnetically guided by the permanent magnet 441, so that even when no energization is applied, there is still an attractive force between the moving iron core 42 and the stationary iron core 46.
[0060] Example 4
[0061] See Figure 1 as well as Figure 7Two conductive coils 43 are provided, and the two conductive coils 43 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction inside the housing 41, and the moving iron core 42 passes through the two conductive coils 43 in sequence; for the magnetic suction component 44, there are two metal blocks 442, and the two conductive coils 43 are located between the two metal blocks 442, and the end of one conductive coil 43a is close to one of the metal blocks 442, and the end of the other conductive coil 43b is close to the other metal block 442. For example, one metal block 442 is set at the bottom of the housing 41, and the other metal block 442 is set at the top of the housing 41, and the two conductive coils 43 are arranged sequentially along the direction from the bottom to the top of the housing 41. One end of the deformable element 45 is connected to the housing 41, and the other end is connected to the moving iron core 42. The deformable element 45 is arranged perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving iron core 42. For example, the deformable element 45 can be a spring. Assuming that the conductive coil 43 is cylindrical, the deformable element 45 is arranged radially. When the moving iron core 42 moves, the deformable element 45 will bend and deform, thereby generating a force on the moving iron core 42 in the bending direction. In a preferred embodiment, at least two deformable elements 45 are provided. The deformable elements 45 are distributed sequentially and spaced apart around the circumference of the moving iron core 42. Usually, the moving iron core 42 is a cylindrical structure. Then, the connection points of each deformable element 45 and the moving iron core 42 are located on the same circumference and are evenly spaced. For example, assuming there are two deformable elements 45, the two deformable elements 45 are symmetrically arranged.
[0062] When the conductive coil 43a near the top of the housing 41 is energized, the magnetic field of the moving iron core 42 near the top of the housing 41 is significantly greater than that near the bottom. As a result, the attraction of the metal block 442 at the top to the moving iron core 42 is greater than that of the metal block at the bottom, causing the moving iron core 42 to move towards the top of the housing 41. During the movement of the moving iron core 42, the end of the deformable element 45 connected to the housing 41 is positioned, while the end connected to the moving iron core 42 moves synchronously with the moving iron core 42. After the moving iron core 42 finishes moving, the deformation member 45 exerts a force on the moving iron core 42, and the direction of this force is the direction of movement of the moving iron core 42 (the direction of attraction). When the first plug 34 presses against the corresponding annular seal 371, the conductive coil 43a stops being energized. Although the attraction between the moving iron core 42 and the metal block 442 is released, the force exerted by the deformation member 45 on the moving iron core 42 is not released. The moving iron core 42 remains in its current position, and the first plug 34 continues to press against the annular seal 371.
[0063] When the conductive coil 43b near the bottom of the housing 41 is energized, the magnetic field of the moving iron core 42 near the bottom of the housing 41 is significantly greater than that near the top. As a result, the attraction of the metal block 442 at the bottom to the moving iron core 42 is greater than that of the metal block at the top to the moving iron core 42, and this attraction is greater than the force exerted by the deformation member 45 on the moving iron core 42. Therefore, the moving iron core 42 moves towards the bottom of the housing 41. After the moving iron core 42 has finished moving, the direction of the force exerted by the deformation member 45 on the moving iron core 42 is the same as the direction of movement of the moving iron core 42 (the direction of attraction). When the first plug 34 presses the annular seal 371 on the other side, the conductive coil 43b stops being energized. Although the attraction between the moving iron core 42 and the metal block 442 at the bottom of the housing 41 is released, the force exerted by the deformation member 45 on the moving iron core 42 is not released. The moving iron core 42 remains in its current position, and the first plug 34 continues to press the annular seal 371 on the other side.
[0064] See Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 Based on the above working process, by setting two conductive coils 43, and energizing only one of the conductive coils 43 each time, the magnetic field strength at both ends of the moving iron core 42 can be changed. Under the action of this asymmetrical magnetic force, the moving iron core 42 can move linearly along the axis of the conductive coil 43. Specifically, in one milking cycle, one conductive coil 43a is energized first. When the moving iron core 42 moves to one side to the designated position, the energization of the conductive coil 43a is stopped. The energization time of the conductive coil 43a does not exceed 100ms. Subsequently, the force exerted on the moving iron core 42 by the deformation element 45 keeps the moving iron core 42 in its current position. After this time reaches 2s, the other conductive coil 43b is energized. After the moving iron core 42 moves in the opposite direction to the designated position, the energization of the conductive coil 43b is also stopped. Its energization time also does not exceed 100ms. At this time, the deformation element 45 also exerts a force on the moving iron core 42 to keep the moving iron core 42 in its current position. This time lasts for 2s. In the next pumping cycle, the conductive coil 43a is switched on, and this cycle continues. Each conductive coil 43 is energized only once in each pumping cycle, and the energizing time does not exceed 100ms, resulting in very low power consumption of the conductive coil 43.
[0065] See Figure 1 as well as Figure 6-11The bilateral breast pump provided in this embodiment of the invention can switch between bilateral operation as needed, or it can operate on one side only, i.e., only one of the breast pumping units 21 is used. Specifically, when the breast pump is in double-sided mode, the air pump 1 works continuously during one pumping cycle. However, for the diverting valve 3, it is only necessary to briefly energize the conductive coil 43 of the power unit 4 during switching. For example, when the conductive coil 43 is energized, the conductive coil 43 stops energizing after the valve core 33 moves into place (the moving iron core 42 moves to the target position), and the first pumping unit 21 and the second pumping unit 22 switch to work. However, according to Embodiments 3 and 4, the energizing method of the conductive coil 43 is somewhat different. In single-sided working mode, the working method of the diverting valve 3 is the same as in the double-sided mode. That is, during one pumping cycle, the conductive coil 43 also needs to be energized to switch the diverting valve 3. However, the air pump 1 works intermittently. That is, the air pump 1 only works when the diverting valve 3 switches to the first pumping unit 21 that needs to work. Otherwise, the air pump 1 stops working. For example, during one pumping cycle, the air pump 1 works for 2 seconds and stops working for another 2 seconds.
[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for controlling a bilateral breast pump, characterized in that, Within one breastfeeding cycle: The power unit drives the valve core of the steering valve to move so that the negative pressure port of the air pump is connected to the first milk pumping unit, and the first milk pumping unit is in a negative pressure state; at the same time, the second milk pumping unit is connected to the ambient air, and the second milk pumping unit is in a normal pressure state. The power unit drives the valve core of the steering valve to move again, so that the negative pressure port of the air pump is connected to the second milk pumping unit, and the inside of the second milk pumping unit changes from normal pressure to negative pressure. At this time, the second milk pumping unit is switched to working state; at the same time, the first milk pumping unit is connected to the ambient air, and the inside of the first milk pumping unit changes to normal pressure. Furthermore, the power unit stops being powered when the switching between the working states of the first and second milk pumping units is completed; A magnetic field is generated by the cooperation of the moving iron core and the conductive coil. The moving iron core moves along the axial direction of the conductive coil under the action of magnetic force to drive the valve core to move synchronously. When the moving iron core moves to the target position, the conductive coil stops being energized, and the moving iron core is in the target position by the position holding device. The conductive coil is powered by pulse power supply, and each power supply time does not exceed 100ms.
2. The bilateral breast pump control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steering valve includes a first channel, two second channels, and a valve core driven by the power unit. The first channel is connected to the negative pressure port of the air pump, the first milk pumping unit is connected to one of the second channels, and the second milk pumping unit is connected to the other second channel. When the valve core moves to one side, the valve core connects the first channel with the second channel corresponding to the first milk suction unit; When the valve core moves to the other side, the valve core connects the first channel with the second channel corresponding to the second milk suction unit.
3. The bilateral breast pump control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The valve core includes a first sealing assembly, and both second channels have a first port that can communicate with ambient air. The first sealing assembly includes a first plug. The power unit drives the first plug to move between the two first ports, and when the first plug moves to one of the first ports, the first plug prevents that first port from being directly connected to the ambient air.
4. The bilateral breast pump control method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The valve core includes two sets of second blocking assemblies that correspond one-to-one with the two second channels. Each of the two second channels has a second port between it and the first channel. The second blocking assembly includes an elastic element and a second plug. When the first plug moves away from one of the first ports, the elastic element causes the corresponding second plug to block the corresponding second port. When the first plug moves closer to one of the first ports, the elastic element contracts under force, and the corresponding second plug opens the corresponding second port.
5. The bilateral breast pump control method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the first plug moves to one side, it pushes the second plug on the corresponding side to move in the same direction, and when the elastic element is compressed, the second port on that side opens.
6. The bilateral breast pump control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The position holding device includes a deformation element and / or a permanent magnet. When the moving iron core moves to the target position, the conductive coil stops being energized, and the deformation element and / or the permanent magnet keeps the moving iron core in the target position.
7. The bilateral breast pump control method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the position holding device includes a deformable element and a permanent magnet, by changing the current direction of the conductive coil, an attractive or repulsive force is generated between the moving iron core and the permanent magnet, thereby controlling the moving direction of the moving iron core; when the conductive coil is de-energized, the force generated by the deformable element on the moving iron core and the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet on the moving iron core keep the moving iron core in the target position.
8. The bilateral breast pump control method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the position holding device includes a deformable element, there are two conductive coils, and the two conductive coils are arranged sequentially along the axial direction, with the moving iron core passing through the two conductive coils sequentially. By individually energizing the two conductive coils, the moving iron core is driven to move in the corresponding direction, and when the conductive coils are de-energized, the moving iron core is controlled to be in the target position by the deformation element.
9. The bilateral breast pump control method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, In dual-side mode, the air pump operates continuously during one milk pumping cycle; the power unit is energized to control the valve core to move, the first milk pumping unit and the second milk pumping unit switch to work, and the power unit stops being energized when the switching is completed; In single-sided mode, during one milk pumping cycle, when the air pump is connected to the first milk pumping unit, the air pump operates, and the first milk pumping unit is in working state; when the air pump is connected to the second milk pumping unit, the air pump stops operating, and the first milk pumping unit is in a stopped operating state; the power unit is energized to control the valve core to move, causing the first milk pumping unit to switch to working state or stopped operating state, and the power unit stops energizing when the switching is completed.