Breast pump and method for operating such a pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a breast pump shaped to fit at least partially inside a bra and comprising a housing (2) comprising a set piece (4), a breast cup element (24) comprising a nipple passage adapted to receive a nipple, and a milk container (36) adapted to contain a predetermined amount of expressed milk, wherein the breast cup element (24) and the milk container (36) are detachable from the housing (2). The invention proposes a set piece (4) comprising a piston (79) adapted to reciprocate within the housing (2), the piston (79) moving a membrane (60). In this method, expressed milk flows from a nipple chamber (152) into a pumping chamber (152) through a milk outlet valve (118) and from the pumping chamber (92) into a milk chamber (46) through a container valve (122), the nipple chamber (152) being defined in the nipple passage (28) between a free end (96) of the nipple passage (28) and the breast (150) when the breast cup element (24) is placed against the breast (150).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a breast pump shaped to be at least partially fitted inside a bra. The breast pump includes a housing and a breast shield element. The breast shield element includes a nipple channel adapted to receive the nipple. The breast pump also has a rigid milk container adapted to contain a predetermined amount of expressed milk. Inside the housing, an assembly is received that provides power to generate suction pressure for expressing milk from a breastfeeding mother.

[0002] For example, a built-in bra-type breast pump is known from WO 2018 / 229504 A1. This breast pump has a hemispherical housing. The front of the housing is convex and adapted to rest against a bra, while the rear of the housing is concave and provides a receiving portion for inserting a breast shield element and its nipple channel. The bottom of the housing is flat for attaching a rigid milk container, which snaps onto the housing. The breast shield element is also secured against the housing by snapping. In use, the nipple channel is received within the housing. The breast shield element is made of a transparent material to allow confirmation of proper nipple alignment. The breast shield element protrudes beyond the bottom of the housing. The milk container provides a flat base surface suitable for supporting the breast pump in an upright position.

[0003] The breast pump known from WO 2018 / 229504 A1 provides a cup-shaped pumping chamber housing adapted to connect with a membrane element at its outer circumference. After the breast pump element is inserted into the housing, the membrane element is clamped between the breast pump element and the housing. The milk container has an opening releasably closed by a separate cap element protruding through a tube adapted to receive a valve element made of a soft, elastic material. This valve element is adapted to sealably engage with a nipple channel formed by the breast pump element to surround an outlet port formed at the circumference of the nipple channel.

[0004] The assembly described in WO 2018 / 229504 A1 is an air pump that is supplied with air, is located within a housing, and generates negative pressure within the housing. This circulating pressure is transmitted to a chamber closed by a membrane element that separates the air duct that communicates with the air pump from the duct formed by the breast shield that is in fluid communication with the nipple passage.

[0005] This existing breast pump technology has several drawbacks. The design of existing breast pumps is quite bulky. Furthermore, proper nipple alignment within the nipple canal can only be achieved by cumbersome two-handed removal of the breast shield element from the housing. This cumbersome two-handed method involves placing the breast shield on the breast, rotating the breast shield around the nipple inserted into the nipple canal, and only after the breast shield is in place on the breast and the nipple is received within the nipple canal does the housing slide onto the breast shield and latch onto it. Additionally, during use, because the milk container is located below the housing, the user cannot observe the milk flow during pumping. The device also prevents the user from detecting the amount of milk expressed within the milk container. Furthermore, proper fluid connection between the nipple canal and the milk container requires precise positioning of the breast shield element and the milk container relative to the housing, as well as proper fastening of the breast shield element to the housing and the milk container to the housing.

[0006] Another drawback of this pump is that it leaks even with a relatively small deviation from its vertical position, i.e., when the pump is tilted forward. In this prior art pump, a vent is located at the top of the milk container, which is positioned below the housing. Therefore, when the user is standing or sitting while using the pump, the joint between the housing and the milk container extends essentially in a horizontal plane, which also includes the vent.

[0007] Another disadvantage is the fact that the membrane element is positioned above the nipple channel during use. Furthermore, the membrane working chamber and the nipple channel are in direct fluid communication without a valve inserted between them. The membrane working chamber is sealed by the membrane element and arranged opposite to the working side of the membrane element, which is used to drive the membrane for pumping. Because the membrane element is positioned above the nipple channel, air is the dominant component within both the membrane working chamber and the nipple channel during pumping.

[0008] Another breast pump system is known from US 8,702,646 B2. This breast pump system includes a housing element and a breast shield element having a nipple channel. Prior art breast pumps also have a media separation element attached to the inner closed end of the nipple channel, thereby sealingly surrounding an outlet port located at the circumference of the nipple channel. The lower end of the media separation element is connected to a valve element leading to a milk compartment surrounded by the housing element. The upper end of the media separation element is adapted to connect to a hose leading to an external vacuum source, which must be inserted into an insertion hole at the outer circumference of the housing element.

[0009] EP 3 777 911 A1 discloses a breast pump having a housing element adapted for connection to a pump module, the pump module being seated on the outer periphery of the housing element. The housing surrounds a media separation element adapted for connection at its lower end to a valve element and at its upper end to a membrane element. The media separation element is adapted to be fixed to an internal closed end of a nipple passage provided by a breast shield element. The breast shield element provides closure of the housing.

[0010] WO 2017 / 139437 A1 discloses a breast pump and its operating method. In this prior art breast pump, a nipple channel is connected to a pumping chamber, which communicates with a milk container. A container valve is provided between the pumping chamber and the milk container to prevent expressed milk from flowing back from the milk container toward the pumping chamber. This container valve is a typical one-way valve, activated by a pressure difference between the pumping chamber and the pressure in the milk chamber surrounded by the milk container. An actuation valve is provided between the milk chamber and the nipple channel. The actuation valve includes two compression members that clamp and compress a flexible hose between them to close the conduit formed by the hose between the nipple channel and the pumping chamber. During a period when the pumping chamber expands, causing an increase in negative pressure, the actuation valve opens to allow milk to be drawn from the nipple channel into the pumping chamber. In the case of compression, the actuation valve closes to prevent milk from flowing back into the nipple channel while forcing milk through the container valve into the milk chamber.

[0011] Due to this construction, existing breast pumps are fluid-filled pumps. Unlike air pumps, which primarily fill the nipple passage with air during pumping (WO 2018 / 229504 A1), the nipple passage and pumping chamber are continuously filled with milk. Therefore, the disadvantages of the compressible medium air are avoided. The pumping stroke is transmitted quite directly to the nipple passage. Furthermore, the humid conditions inside the pump correspond to the natural environment of breastfeeding mothers.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a breast pump that at least partially avoids the disadvantages discussed in WO 2018 / 229504A1.

[0013] As a solution to this problem, the present invention provides a breast pump shaped to be at least partially fitted inside a bra and comprising: a housing including a collection member; a breast shield element including a nipple channel adapted to receive a nipple; and a rigid milk container adapted to contain a predetermined amount of expressed milk. The breast shield element and the milk container are separable from each other and removable from the housing. Therefore, and according to one aspect of the invention, the breast shield element can be attached to / attached to the milk container.

[0014] One advantage of this invention is that the components leading from the nipple channel to the milk container are directly connected to each other. Therefore, proper spatial arrangement of these components facilitates the connection of the breast shield element to the milk container. The connection between the breast shield element and the milk container can be any releasable connection.

[0015] On a conventional basis, the nipple channel of a breast pump element includes means for connecting the breast pump element to a milk container. This connection is typically a direct connection or attachment. In other words, a physical connection is usually provided between the nipple channels, most preferably at the end regions of the nipple channels and the milk container. In particular, the milk container and the breast pump element may include mating surfaces for a bayonet or threaded (screw-like) connection. On a conventional basis, a housing is sandwiched between the flange of the breast pump element and the milk container. This means that the housing is received between the flange of the breast pump, particularly a breast pump element suitable for connection to the breast of a lactating mother, and the milk container. Due to this construction, movement of the housing relative to the breast pump element and / or the milk container in the longitudinal direction of the nipple channel can be prevented.

[0016] The assembly provides the driving force for extruding the milk. The assembly can be a motor coupled to a membrane wetted by the extruded milk. The assembly can provide suction pressure inside or outside the housing or at the junction between the housing and the milk container. Most preferably, the assembly drives a piston, which can be mechanically coupled to the motor. The piston moves the membrane. Preferably, the membrane can follow the movement of the piston. For this purpose, the piston can be coupled to the membrane; specifically, the membrane can contact the piston.

[0017] A sealed volume between the diaphragm and the piston connects them such that the diaphragm follows the reciprocating motion of the piston. The sealed volume may contain air as a buffer between the piston and the diaphragm, transmitting the piston's reciprocating motion to the diaphragm. The amount of air in the sealed volume can be reduced so that the piston at least partially contacts the diaphragm. The seal of the volume can be adapted to allow air to be pushed out of the sealed volume when the piston advances toward the diaphragm, and to prevent air from entering the sealed volume when the piston moves in the opposite direction. Therefore, a vacuum is created within the sealed volume, and the diaphragm abuts against the drive end side of the piston.

[0018] Preferably, the membrane moves with the piston. Most preferably, the piston and the membrane move at the same frequency.

[0019] The membrane can be sandwiched between the housing and the milk container, and can be releasably secured to the milk container and / or the housing. A sealed volume can be sandwiched between the housing and the milk container. A housing bellows can be provided between the membrane and the motor, particularly between the membrane and the drive end side of the piston, which can be provided by the cap section of the piston. The housing bellows can be arranged substantially flush with the outer surface of the housing.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the piston contacts the membrane. Therefore, the driving activity or energy of the assembly is directly transferred to the membrane, thereby providing precise volume changes in the pumping chamber as it expands or contracts. In prior art WO 2018 / 229504 A1, the air pump drives the membrane using compressible air. Therefore, the movement of the membrane cannot be precisely controlled.

[0021] The membrane is preferably sandwiched between the housing and the milk container, and at least partially defines a pumping chamber, which may be defined between the wall of the nipple channel and the wall of the milk container. According to another aspect of the invention, the membrane is arranged opposite the piston. A clamping space is defined between the membrane and the piston. This clamping space is adapted to expel trapped air during the reciprocating motion of the piston. This air may be contained within the clamping space due to the assembly of the pump, thus placing the membrane against or at least adjacent to the housing. The clamping space prevents ambient air from entering the clamping space as the piston pulls the membrane toward the housing to expand the pumping chamber. In other words, after pumping begins, a vacuum seal is provided within the clamping space between the membrane and the piston, which connects the membrane to the piston. Therefore, the membrane generally follows the movement of the piston.

[0022] Preferably, the housing at least partially circumferentially surrounds the nipple channel in the radial direction. The housing may be U-shaped or V-shaped. Preferably, the housing may have a central hole through which the nipple channel protrudes. Thus, the housing is securely held in place when the breast shield element is attached to the nipple channel, which protrudes through the housing and at least partially through the milk container. The housing is preferably annular. An annular housing does not necessarily have to have a cross-sectional geometry like a geometric ring. An annular housing is annular because it has a hole that is completely surrounded circumferentially by the material of the housing. The housing is sandwiched between the flange of the breast shield element and the milk container, wherein the nipple channel protruding through the hole in the housing is adapted to hold the housing substantially in place without attaching the housing to the flange of the breast shield or the milk container. However, the housing may also be additionally or intrinsically fixed to the flange and / or the nipple channel. When the nipple channel protrudes through a hole in the housing, an alignment device can be provided between the flange and the housing and / or between the housing and the milk container to secure the breast shield and the housing and / or the milk container and the housing in a specific orientation. In other words, this will prevent the housing from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel and thus presenting an uncertain spatial relationship with the nipple channel and / or the housing.

[0023] However, it should be emphasized that even if the housing does not have an opening protruding from the nipple channel, the housing can be directly connected to the breast pump, particularly the flange of the breast pump and / or the milk container, to provide a milk pump consisting of engaged components. The connection between the housing and the breast pump or milk container is generally releasable, preferably using a mechanical connection using a press fit, friction fit, interference fit, and / or form fit.

[0024] To connect the breast pump element to the milk container, the milk container typically has a nipple channel receiving portion adapted to receive at least the front end of the nipple channel. In a side view, the housing is preferably wedge-shaped. Therefore, the lower portion of the housing is thicker than the upper portion. This wedge shape improves the visibility of the nipple within the breast pump. This wedge shape allows for the arrangement of large or heavy components, such as a rechargeable battery and / or a motor for driving the membrane, in the lower portion of the housing. The center of gravity of the pump relative to the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel can be adjusted by appropriately arranging components within the housing. When the pump is held in the correct vertical orientation relative to the horizontally extending longitudinal axis of the nipple channel, the center of gravity of the pump relative to the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel should be below, above, or on the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel. To conform to the shape of the breast and the flange of the breast pump element, the housing has a concave rear surface that at least partially corresponds to the geometry of the breast pump element, particularly the flange of the breast pump element. The surface opposite to the rear surface, i.e., the front surface of the housing, is preferably flat, i.e., substantially planar. Alternatively, the front surface may be slightly curved in a convex or concave manner. The same applies to the rear surface of the milk container. For a compact design, this rear surface typically has a mating geometry that conforms to the geometry of the housing. This configuration is intended to allow rotational movement of the milk container relative to the housing after the nipple channel has been inserted into the nipple channel receiving portion provided by the milk container.

[0025] The nipple channel receiving portion is typically configured to extend into the milk container. This configuration allows extruded milk to be delivered into the milk chamber, usually via a container valve connected to the nipple channel receiving portion and adapted to open and close the milk path surrounding the nipple channel receiving portion.

[0026] The nipple channel receiving portion typically features a retaining element, such as a thread or protrusion, that engages with a mating thread or protrusion on the outer circumference of the nipple channel to releasably secure the breast shield element against the milk container. When connected to the nipple channel receiving portion, the annular milk path is typically arranged circumferentially around the nipple channel, i.e., circumferentially between the outer circumferential surfaces of the nipple channel, particularly only between the front end of the nipple channel and the inner circumferential surface of the nipple channel receiving portion. This configuration has been shown to improve pumping performance and efficiently extract squeezed milk from the nipple channel along the direction of the milk container. The annular milk path is typically directly connected to or formed as part of a pumping chamber equipped with a membrane, which is driven by an assembly housed within the housing.

[0027] The aforementioned nipple channel receiving portion is typically formed as part of the cap element of the milk container, which is adapted to seal the container shell element. Preferably, the cap element, and most preferably the channel receiving portion, is also adapted to sealably receive the breast pump, particularly the nipple channel. Because the milk container provides the front end of the breast pump of the present invention when the user is standing or sitting, the container shell element is preferably spherical.

[0028] In the upright position, the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel extends generally vertically. The corresponding upright position of the device, for example when the milk container is empty, is typically supported by the center of gravity of the breast pump. This center of gravity ensures the proper resting position of the breast pump on the milk container. In this position, the milk container is the lowest component, followed by the housing, which is at least sandwiched between the milk container and the flange of the breast shield element. The center of gravity of the breast pump preferably coincides with this description at any stage of filling the milk container—full, half-full, or empty.

[0029] The spherical container shell element can cover the entire front of the milk pump. Therefore, a considerable amount of expressed milk can be collected within the milk container, i.e., between the spherical container shell element and the cap element. The cap element can be detachably secured against the spherical container shell element. The cap element removed from the milk container can still be reattached to the milk container, for example, via a movable hinge. Preferably, one of the container shell element or the cap element is provided with a container seal made of a soft, elastic material. This seal is typically attached to at least one of the shell element or cap element, preferably made of a hard plastic material, by injection molding a soft, elastic material, such as TPE, around the cap element and / or shell element. The seal can alternatively be formed as a separate component and can be permanently or releasably secured to the cap element or shell element. The seal can be made of silicone.

[0030] To mechanically secure the lid element against the shell element, both elements are typically provided with hinges that allow rotational movement of the lid element relative to the shell element. The hinges are releasable articulated connections. Therefore, the lid and shell elements can be completely disengaged individually by disengaging their mating hinges. Alternatively, the container shell and lid elements can be inseparable, for example, connected by a movable hinge that engages the two components when they are not joined to form a milk chamber.

[0031] Opposite to the hinge, the cap element typically has a nozzle suitable for pouring the squeezed milk out of the milk container after using the pump. In the use position, the nozzle is at the highest point of the milk container, and the user uses the pump while sitting or standing. To close the nozzle, the cap element preferably holds a nozzle closure element. This nozzle closure element is movably held by the cap element. Typically, the nozzle closure element is slidable relative to the cap element and is adapted to present at least three positions. In the fixed position, the nozzle closure element holds the cap element against the container shell element. In the removal position, where the nozzle closure element moves inward, the cap element can be removed from the container shell element. For this purpose, the cap element typically pivots about the hinge and eventually separates from the container shell element. The nozzle closure element is also adapted to present an intermediate position between the fixed and removal positions. This intermediate position is the pouring position, in which the cap element no longer closes the nozzle located between the cap element and the container shell element. Therefore, in the pouring position, the squeezed milk can be poured out of the milk container. However, in the pouring position, the nozzle sealing element will still hold the cap element against the container shell element. Therefore, the extruded milk collected in the milk container can be poured out while the cap element remains in place and maintains a secure seal on the milk chamber within the milk container. Because the milk container itself can be sealed by the nozzle sealing element, it will be able to store the extruded milk for a longer period without compromising its quality. However, in the fixed position, the cap element will still allow venting from the milk chamber while still sealing it, to prevent milk spillage.

[0032] The milk container preferably has a front section arranged in a longitudinal extension along the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel, corresponding to a longitudinal extension of the nipple channel receiving portion. This front section preferably has a flat support section to allow stable support of the milk container on a flat surface. Opposite to the flat support surface, the milk container has a nozzle disposed on a generally flat rear surface. The flat support surface is arranged such that the nozzle is located at the highest point of the milk container, which is supported on a horizontal plane by means of the flat support surface.

[0033] To allow venting of the milk container as it is pumped into the milk container, the milk container preferably includes a milk container vent valve. This vent valve can be either active or passive. Milk container vent valves typically have a flexible valve element that mates with the surface of the milk container. A passive milk container vent valve vents the milk container due to a pressure differential. In other words, a passive milk container vent valve opens to vent the milk container at a threshold pressure within the milk chamber that is higher than the atmospheric pressure surrounding the milk pump during use. An active milk container vent valve is activated by a milk container vent valve actuator to control the activity of the vent valve. This actuator can open the milk container vent valve based on a pressure differential, which is the difference between the pressure within the milk chamber and atmospheric pressure. The actuator can also open the milk container vent valve based on the time elapsed since the start of pumping and / or the last operation of the vent valve. The milk container vent valve actuator can be formed by any suitable actuator. Specifically, a piezoelectric actuator can control the operation of the vent valve.

[0034] To properly control the suction pressure within the nipple channel, this invention proposes a two-way valve inserted between the free end of the nipple channel and a portion of a milk container, typically provided by the closed end of the nipple channel receiving portion. The two-way valve element includes a milk outlet valve that mates with the nipple channel to allow extruded milk to be drawn from the nipple channel into the milk container at a predetermined suction pressure. The two-way valve element also includes a reflux valve that mates with the milk container to allow control of the suction pressure within the nipple channel and to prevent excessive negative pressure within the nipple channel. The reflux valve allows milk to flow back from the pump chamber into the nipple channel, reducing the negative pressure within the nipple channel to a maximum of 20 mmHg. Therefore, the negative pressure within the nipple channel will not exceed a baseline vacuum of 20 mmHg. Thus, the two-way valve element can also be considered to include a baseline valve element.

[0035] The engagement of the two-way valve element with the nipple channel and milk container typically results in the milk outlet valve being closed due to the valve element abutting against the wall of the nipple channel. Under suction pressure, the two-way valve element elastically deforms away from the nipple channel, thereby opening the milk outlet valve to allow extruded milk to be drawn from the nipple channel toward the milk container due to the increased volume within the pumping chamber. In cases of excessive negative pressure within the nipple channel, the two-way valve element reverses its movement to open the reflux valve, which typically closes by abutting against the milk container and as the volume of the pumping chamber decreases. Preferably, the nipple channel receiving portion of the milk container has a protrusion extending into the milk path and a flat, closed surface that contacts the two-way valve or at least the reflux valve of the two-way valve, thereby closing the reflux valve under normal pressure conditions, while the two-way valve element bends toward the nipple channel and thus rises from the closed surface to open the vent valve.

[0036] In the embodiment described above, the breast pump preferably has three chambers, which are in fluid communication with each other and separated by valves. The first chamber, the nipple chamber, is provided by a nipple channel, and the remaining volume between the front end of the nipple channel and the breast is at least partially received in and / or protrudes into the nipple channel. The third chamber is a milk container. The second chamber is a pumping chamber located between the nipple chamber and the milk chamber. Expressed milk is conveyed from the nipple channel to the pumping chamber and from the pumping chamber to the milk container. The valve guides the flow and, to some extent, prevents milk backflow. The volume of the pumping chamber changes due to the movement of a membrane element driven by an assembly. A backflow valve allows milk to flow back from the pumping chamber into the nipple chamber.

[0037] During operation, by varying the volume of the pumping chamber, the breast pump provides a pressure between -300 mmHg and -20 mmHg within the nipple channel, thereby maintaining the latch between the breast and the breast shield. As the volume of the pumping chamber increases, the reflux valve cannot move with the increase in the sealing force around it due to the increased vacuum inside the pumping chamber as it expands. The maximum vacuum inside the nipple channel is limited by the volume to which the pumping chamber can expand. The reflux valve functions when the pumping chamber contracts. The increased pressure inside the pumping chamber then opens the reflux valve, causing the pressure inside the nipple channel to increase, closing the milk outlet valve and opening the container valve, thus allowing milk to transfer to the container. The resistance of the reflux valve will prevent the pressure inside the nipple channel from increasing to atmospheric pressure, thus leaving -20 mmHg. At -20 mmHg, the reflux valve reverses its movement, closing the reflux valve. The only valve that remains open is the container valve, because in the minimum volume at the end of the pump chamber's contraction, the pressure inside the pump chamber is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure, thus forcing the milk valve to open or remain open.

[0038] As mentioned above, the nipple channel is preferably a generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross-sectional surface. Preferably, the nipple channel receiving portion is also generally cylindrical with a circular cross-sectional area. This configuration allows the nipple channel to be threaded into the nipple channel receiving portion. This configuration will result in the annular milk path having a substantially uniform thickness in the circumferential direction. The corresponding milk path is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber and is generally formed as part of the pumping chamber. The pumping chamber is generally at least partially disposed between the rigid wall of the milk container, preferably provided by the cap element of the milk container, and the membrane element. The membrane element is generally releasably held between the milk container and the housing. In fact, the membrane is generally sandwiched between the milk container and the housing, and thus sealed between the two components.

[0039] The threaded or bayonet connection between the breast pump element and the milk container typically abuts against an annular milk path seal. Therefore, the threads arranged outside the pump chamber do not completely circumferentially surround the nipple channel and / or the nipple channel receiving portion. Instead, multiple independent threads are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Due to the overall rotational movement between the milk container and the breast pump between 40° and 100°, preferably between 50° and 70°, the threads will generally provide sufficient mechanical connection. The housing and the milk container are preferably provided with a mating shape fitting device, such as a matching recess for a protrusion and a receiving protrusion, to prevent rotational movement between the housing and the milk container.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned pumping chamber is defined between the nipple chamber and the milk chamber. A milk outlet valve and a reflux valve are provided between the pumping chamber and the nipple channel. The milk outlet valve is adapted to allow extruded milk to be drawn from the nipple channel into the pumping chamber. The reflux valve allows milk to flow back from the pumping chamber into the nipple channel. A container valve is provided between the pumping chamber and the milk chamber to allow milk to flow from the pumping chamber into the milk chamber. The milk outlet valve, reflux valve, and container valve are typically each activated only by a pressure difference, which is the difference in pressure within the pumping chamber and the milk chamber, respectively. In other words, and unlike prior art WO 2017 / 139437 A1, an actuator for driving at least one valve is unnecessary.

[0041] As mentioned above, the reflux valve is designed to allow milk backflow until a reduced threshold suction pressure is reached in the nipple channel. This reduced threshold suction pressure is typically around 20 mmHg negative pressure. Due to the pumping activity of the assembly, higher threshold suction pressures can exist in the nipple channel, ranging from 250 mmHg to 300 mmHg negative pressure.

[0042] During expansion, the pressure inside the pump chamber increases. The reflux valve opens to allow milk to enter the milk channel until a reduced threshold suction pressure is reached. Under the pressure-reducing action of the manifold, the pressure inside the pump chamber decreases. Therefore, the reflux valve closes, and the milk outlet valve opens to draw milk from the nipple channel into the pump chamber. The container valve, acting as a one-way valve, closes to prevent milk from flowing back from the milk chamber into the pump chamber.

[0043] Therefore, the milk collected in the pumping chamber will exit the pumping chamber during the next expansion cycle of the assembly. Normally, the pumping chamber is completely filled with milk. Thus, the amount of milk squeezed out in one pumping cycle will be completely propelled into the milk chamber in the next pumping cycle. The reflux valve will maintain a reduced threshold suction pressure and will also ensure a moist environment for the nipple received within the nipple channel.

[0044] This aspect can be a separate aspect of the invention and can form part of a separate, independent invention. For this invention to be implemented, the breast shield does not necessarily need to be directly connected to the milk container. Furthermore, the housing does not necessarily need to have any air pump or assembly housed therein. The pump can be an external pump. For this separate aspect of the invention, the milk outlet valve and the reflux valve do not necessarily need to be provided by the single bidirectional valve element mentioned above. Instead, each valve in the system can be formed by a separate valve element, typically made of a soft, elastic material.

[0045] In the case of such a two-way valve element, the corresponding valve element preferably provides an external seal that abuts against the outer circumference of the nipple channel and / or the nipple channel receiving portion to seal the pumping chamber. Therefore, the annular milk path is confined to the front end of the nipple channel.

[0046] According to a parallel aspect, the breast pump of the present invention allows at least one element of the breast pump to be partially separated from at least another element, which remains within the bra. Regardless of how the different elements of the breast pump are connected, the breast pump includes at least a milk container, a breast shield element, and a housing, which does not necessarily have to include an assembly, but may include such an assembly. If the assembly is not included within the housing, the housing provides an interface for an external suction source. According to this parallel aspect, an angular gap is provided between the housing and the breast shield element or the milk container, and this angular gap is adapted to receive a portion of the bra. Thus, the bra is sandwiched between at least two elements of the breast pump of the present invention. The annular gap does not necessarily extend entirely circumferentially around the nipple channel or the nipple channel receiving portion. On a conventional basis, the gap is provided between the rear end of the breast shield element, i.e., the flange, and the free end of the nipple channel. The gap may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel. The annular gap may be slightly inclined relative to said longitudinal axis of the nipple channel. In a side view of a breast pump in use, the annular gap may be tilted no more than 30°, preferably no more than 20°, relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nipple canal. The annular gap is preferably tilted towards the user's head. In other words, the upper portion of the annular gap points towards the rear surface of the breast pump. Therefore, the upper end of the annular gap has a smaller distance from the rear surface of the breast pump compared to the lower end of the gap. The size of the gap, i.e., the thickness of the annular gap, is preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. This size of the gap allows the ordinary textile material of the bra to be accommodated within the annular gap. With a gap between the housing and the milk container, the milk container can be placed outside the bra. Therefore, the breast pump and housing can remain in place inside the bra when the milk container can be removed and, for example, replaced with an empty milk container. Therefore, after a single milk container is filled, it is not necessary to completely remove the pump from the bra.

[0047] The breast pump of the present invention preferably has means for monitoring milk flow and / or pumping performance, including proper nipple alignment within the nipple canal. For example, a camera can be integrated into the breast pump, preferably within the housing, and this camera can be connected to a mobile device such as a mobile phone to allow visual monitoring via the screen of a handheld device / mobile phone. The breast pump can, for example, incorporate sensors as described in EP 3 373 997 B1, WO 2019 / 145163 A1, or WO 2018 / 210685A1. The aforementioned camera is preferably housed within the housing. The camera should be adapted to observe at least a portion of the nipple canal, which is essential for checking proper nipple alignment within the nipple canal and / or checking milk flow through or out of the nipple canal.

[0048] The pump of the present invention may have a fill sensor that monitors the liquid level in the milk container, which can also detect movement or high liquid levels caused by improper orientation of the milk pump during pumping, such as the user tilting the pump forward. Such events can be recorded by comparing the normal milk production during the pumping section. In the event that the measured fill level of the milk in the milk container does not match the expected level, the pump control can infer the improper orientation or excessive level of movement and can pause the assembly to maintain a baseline vacuum but no longer draw milk from the user's breast. In the event that the fill sensor detects that the pump has adopted an appropriate orientation and / or a smaller degree of movement by detecting a lower fill level in the milk container, the controller can command the assembly to resume pumping activity. With this configuration, any additional sensors for detecting potential spillage of milk in the milk container can be avoided. Furthermore, since the nozzle is arranged at the uppermost end of the milk container, and the milk container extends substantially entirely vertically in the pump direction when used with the user in a sitting or standing orientation, milk in the milk container will not spill due to high movement or tilting.

[0049] To allow for visual control of conditions within the nipple canal, the nipple canal and / or milk container are at least partially made of a transparent material, allowing the user to visually check for proper nipple alignment within the nipple canal or to visually check milk flow. Additionally, the housing may be at least partially made of a transparent material or include a window, which allows monitoring of nipple alignment and / or milk flow in the use position where the pump is positioned against the user's breast. This transparent portion of the housing or milk container is typically aligned with elements of the user interface. When using a breast pump, these elements of the user interface are preferably mounted on the peripheral portion of the housing facing the user's face. Therefore, the elements of the user interface, as well as the actual conditions within the nipple canal, can be visually monitored by the user during use.

[0050] To allow for such visual control at night, the breast pump preferably has at least one light source housed within a housing and adapted to illuminate at least one element of the user interface or at least one optical indicator disposed on the housing. This optical indicator may indicate the electrical status of a battery housed within the housing or the critical fill status of the milk container. To avoid scattering of light emitted by the light source, a light guiding element adapted to focus the light emitted from the light source onto the icons or optical indicators of the user interface is preferably provided. Preferably, a light guiding element is provided for each icon and each indicator. Thus, the icons or optical indicators are illuminated in a focused manner, thereby avoiding light interference that could illuminate the environment and be detrimental when using the breast pump at night. The light guiding element may be formed of a fiberglass element. Multiple light guiding elements may be assigned to a single light source to focus the light emitted from the light source onto multiple icons and / or optical indicators of the user interface.

[0051] The light source, or additional light source, can typically be housed within the housing and adapted to direct the light beam onto the nipple channel. At least one light source can be directed towards the nipple channel and arranged radially along the nipple channel. This light source can be positioned below the nipple channel, i.e., below the longitudinal axis in the gravitational field when the pump is used while seated or standing. Alternatively or additionally, at least one light source can be arranged in the front surface of the housing and directed towards the milk container.

[0052] Therefore, if the nipple canal and milk container are at least partially made of transparent material, the condition within the nipple canal can be visually inspected in the dark / at night. As previously mentioned, and to avoid scattered light used in this embodiment, the beams of the various light sources are focused onto the nipple canal. For visual inspection of pumping status and / or nipple alignment, the present invention proposes that the nipple canal and the nipple canal receiving portion of the milk container be at least partially made of transparent material. The nipple canal receiving portion and / or the nipple canal are provided with at least one optical mark. The optical mark may be a guide line indicating the correct positioning of the nipple within the nipple canal. The optical mark may be a pattern extending along the axial and circumferential directions of the nipple canal and covering only a portion of the nipple canal. This pattern has an optical quality different from the transparent material of the nipple canal and the nipple canal receiving portion. The beam of light may be directed towards the nipple canal instead of the mark to provide a light guide for correct nipple alignment and / or selection of a suitable size breast pump. This beam of light may be a white light beam or a colored light beam and projected onto the breast pump element or milk container. In this implementation, the nipple canal is visible through the transparent portions of the housing and / or milk container and / or breast shield. These transparent portions are positioned between the user's eyes and the nipple canal in the breast pump's usage position. To correctly select the breast shield size, a beam of light can be projected onto the nipple canal, thereby proportionally distributing the nipple canal to the breast received within the breast shield.

[0053] The breast pump element and / or milk container and / or housing are at least partially made of a transparent material, thus allowing visual inspection of the nipple canal in the dark / at night. Furthermore, any transparent component or portion of the breast pump can function as a light guide by introducing light into the element, which is directed through the respective element or portion and can illuminate the respective portion and / or at least one guide and / or at least one user interface. Decoupling of light from the light guide can be achieved by frosting the transparent material and / or by providing one or more mirrors, typically formed during injection molding of the respective element or portion.

[0054] Any transparent material used to at least partially manufacture the pump may have optical properties that vary depending on the angle of incident light and / or viewing angle, in order to, for example, protect the breast from being seen from the outside by an unauthorized person. The transparent material may have privacy filter properties, allowing the user to view the nipple canal only along the user's optical axis. The transparency properties can be modified by applying electricity and / or heat. The transparent material may be a thermochromic material and / or an electrochromic material.

[0055] In the context of this invention, transparency should be considered as a material quality that allows for a clear view through the material, or a frosted transparent quality that allows for a smaller degree of visibility but is still sufficient, for example, to check the correct position of the nipple within the nipple canal and / or the flow of milk within the milk chamber or the amount of milk squeezed out. The pattern can be frosted transparent on a completely clear transparent material, or it can be opaque on either a completely clear transparent material or a frosted transparent material. The pattern is typically located on the top section of the nipple canal or the nipple canal receiving portion. The pattern typically has dimensions suitable for covering the volume of residual air that cannot be completely expelled during pumping operation. This residual air remains above the milk within the nipple canal. The size of the residual air within the nipple canal is an indicator of proper nipple alignment and / or pumping performance. The pattern is designed to cover the volume of residual air within the nipple canal under good or optimal pumping conditions. In other words, if the pattern completely covers the residual air, the user confirms optimal pumping conditions and / or nipple alignment, while air extending beyond the pattern within the nipple canal visually indicates pumping conditions that can be improved, thus encouraging the user to adjust the pump.

[0056] The breast pump preferably has a sensor that determines the amount of milk expressed from within the milk container. This sensor can, for example, monitor milk flow and the count and / or volume of expressed milk as it is being pumped into the milk container. The sensor can measure the liquid level within the milk container optically or inductively. The sensor can employ any technique known in the art for use with a breast pump to monitor the amount of milk expressed from within the milk container. The sensor is coupled to a controller that processes the sensor signal to infer the amount of air expressed from within the milk container. The controller is also assigned to an indicator indicating the filling status of the milk container. This indicator is typically an icon positioned within an interface, which is preferably illuminated as described above.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly includes an electric motor driven by a reciprocating actuator, as commonly known from WO 2019 / 080995 A1, which describes a gear system that converts the rotational motion of the motor into the reciprocating linear motion of the membrane via a screw-nut-gear system. Alternatively, pinions and racks can be provided. The drive member is preferably an elongated element in the form of a spindle or rod, connected to a bellows that abuts against a housing seal. The housing bellows is operatively coupled to the assembly. The housing bellows prevents contaminants from reaching the assembly inside the housing. The piston reciprocates within a working space disposed within the housing. The housing bellows is typically coupled to the free end or drive end side of the piston and also connected to and sealed by the housing at the edge of the piston's working space. The housing bellows is preferably covered by a membrane that at least partially defines the pumping chamber. During operation, the membrane is typically wetted by the extruded milk. During operation, the housing bellows will not come into contact with the milk within the pumping chamber. Typically, the membrane is positioned between the pumping chamber and the housing bellows. The drive component can be a brushless motor or a coreless motor. The drive component can be directly mounted on a PCB or chip. In this case, the PCB serves as the mechanical base and functions as the housing in a standard motor. The drive component may include a pulley drive. The shaft of the drive component can be coaxially aligned with a longitudinal extension of a main shaft or rod connected to the housing bellows.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment where economical assembly is possible, the housing bellows is sandwiched between the housing and the drive housing. The drive housing is a component of the drive unit that solely supports the gears or gears and the electric motor or motor.

[0059] As is evident from the above description, as taught by WO 2018 / 229504 A1, the pump of the breast pump of the present invention is generally not housed within a housing. Preferably, the housing comprises only an assembly, which is typically a motor that drives a piston in a reciprocating motion. The piston is an example of the reciprocating drive mechanism of the present invention. Preferably, this reciprocating motion is directly transmitted to the membrane that closes the working chamber. The working chamber is typically sandwiched between the housing and the milk container, specifically between the housing and the lid of the milk container. The movement of the membrane periodically changes the volume of the working chamber, and thus causes the volume of the pumping chamber to expand and contract.

[0060] The membrane protects the piston from direct wetting by milk, as mentioned above. Therefore, the corresponding membrane is typically composed of a separate, independent membrane element releasably attached to the milk container, specifically to the container's lid. The membrane can be secured to the milk container in any suitable manner, such as magnetically or adhesively. Preferably, the piston is provided with a housing bellows sealed within the housing. The membrane is typically positioned between the housing bellows and the container lid. The membrane can contact the housing bellows when the housing is positioned against the milk container during the assembly of the milk pump. At least when pumping is initiated by reciprocating the piston, any residual air between the housing bellows and the membrane is expelled from the space between them. This creates a vacuum seal within the space through which the membrane contacts the piston and / or the housing bellows connected to it. By reciprocating the piston, as the piston expands and contracts the volume of the membrane's working chamber, milk is drawn into and discharged from the membrane's working chamber. The aforementioned valves, at least the container valve and the milk outlet valve, will cooperate with the reciprocating motion of the piston to guide milk from the nipple channel into the milk container. Therefore, the basic components for initiating milk flow and guiding milk flow from the nipple channel to the milk container are located outside the housing, which contains only a motor for reciprocating the piston and not a device for guiding fluid flow.

[0061] Specifically, the breast pump of the present invention, when fully assembled, can be considered to include an internal pump for providing directional flow of milk within the pump. This internal pump includes at least two valves for guiding the milk flow and a membrane element for actuating the milk through direct contact with the milk. The two valves and the membrane element are received within a milk container, i.e., at least surrounded or covered by the milk container. When the membrane element is attached to the outer surface of the milk container, it is primarily received within the membrane working chamber defined by the milk container, i.e., the cap element of the milk container, and thus within the milk container. The arrangement of one of the valves at the front free end of the nipple channel—which is received in a nipple channel receiving portion formed by the milk container—will similarly ensure that the valve is received within the milk container. In any case, the at least two valves for guiding the milk flow and the membrane element for actuating the milk are not included in the housing.

[0062] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the reciprocating motion of the piston will not be coupled with a compressible medium, such as air, as taught, for example, in WO 2018 / 229504 A1. Instead, the reciprocating motion of the piston can be directly transmitted to the milk-wetted membrane element via a vacuum seal and thus coupled with an incompressible fluid. Because of this, the milk is actively drawn from the nipple channel and efficiently transferred to the milk container as the volume within the membrane chamber decreases. Therefore, pumping is more efficient than the solution in WO 2018 / 229504 A1, which utilizes the introduction of compressible air into the membrane chamber, which in the prior art is separated from the milk side by a membrane.

[0063] According to another preferred embodiment, the breast pump of the present invention has a sheet element comprising an opening adapted to receive a nipple channel and sandwiched between a milk container and a housing. The corresponding sheet element causes at least one of the milk container and the housing to protrude radially. The sheet element can be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or paper / cardboard. The sheet element helps the user become familiar with the use of the pump. Therefore, the sheet element can contain information on how to assemble or disassemble the breast pump, particularly how to unscrew it from the milk container and thus release the breast shield element from the milk container. This information is particularly provided at the free end of the sheet element that protrudes radially from the milk container or housing. The corresponding information is typically provided by arrows indicating rotational movement, such as the rotational movement of the milk container relative to the housing and / or the breast shield element, for disassembling the milk container. Additionally, the sheet element can be provided with a QR code, etc., to guide the user to access the pump via the Internet.

[0064] According to another aspect of the invention, the housing of the breast pump of the invention defines a circumferential edge adjacent to a rear surface of the housing, which typically provides an abutment surface for the flange of the nipple shield. In fact, the rear surface and the circumferential edge merge into each other at approximately right angles. Elements of the user interface are arranged along the circumferential edge such that these elements are visible to the user when the nipple channel is received within it and the breast pump is properly aligned with the user's body. To achieve this, the nozzle is typically positioned at or near the highest point of the breast pump when the user is seated or standing upright.

[0065] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for operating a pump is provided. In this method, and when the breast is placed against a breast shield, a nipple chamber is defined between the breast and the free end of the nipple channel. This nipple chamber is in fluid communication with a pumping chamber via a milk outlet valve. The pumping chamber is in fluid communication with a milk chamber defined by a milk container via a container valve.

[0066] In the method of this invention, and at the start of pumping, air is drawn out of the nipple chamber while the squeezed milk flows from the udder into the nipple chamber. Air is released from the milk container, and further squeezed milk fills the fluid path between the nipple chamber and the milk valve, as well as the entire pumping chamber. The milk establishes a hydraulic coupling between the udder and the membrane. Therefore, the movement of the membrane is hydraulically transmitted to the udder within the nipple channel. This means that any movement of the membrane is transmitted substantially directly to the udder without any loss of activity or intensity to the udder. To achieve this, small air bubbles may still be present in the liquid column between the membrane and the udder.

[0067] This invention can also be broadly interpreted to include portions, elements, and features individually or collectively referred to or indicated in the specification of this application, as well as any or all combinations of any two or more of said portions, elements, or features, and where a particular whole mentioned herein has a known equivalent in the field to which this invention pertains, such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as if separately stated. The “(s)” following a term as used herein may refer to the plural and / or singular form of that term.

[0068] Other details, advantages, or features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0069] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the various components and elements of a breast pump according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment in its assembled state;

[0071] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Magnified details;

[0072] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the first embodiment;

[0073] Figure 5 This is a front view of the first embodiment;

[0074] Figure 6 This is a top view of the first embodiment;

[0075] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII;

[0076] Figure 8 This is a perspective front view of the sheet element according to the first embodiment;

[0077] Figure 9aIt is a schematic side view illustrating the pumping performance of the pumping chamber used for full expansion;

[0078] Figure 9b It is a schematic side view illustrating the pumping performance of the pumping chamber used during contraction;

[0079] Figure 9c It is a schematic side view illustrating the pumping performance of the pumping chamber used for full retraction;

[0080] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional front view according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the various components and elements of the second embodiment;

[0082] Figure 12 This is a side view of the second embodiment;

[0083] Figure 13 This is a bottom view of the second embodiment;

[0084] Figure 14 This is a top view of the second embodiment;

[0085] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second embodiment in the longitudinal direction;

[0086] Figure 16 This is a perspective front view according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 17 This is an exploded view of the various components and elements of the third embodiment;

[0088] Figure 18 This is a top view of the third embodiment;

[0089] Figure 19 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third embodiment in the longitudinal direction;

[0090] Figure 20 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third embodiment;

[0091] Figure 21 This is a perspective front view according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0092] Figure 22 This is an exploded view of the various components and elements of the fourth embodiment;

[0093] Figure 23 This is a top view of the fourth embodiment; and

[0094] Figure 24This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment in the longitudinal direction.

[0095] exist Figure 1 In the accompanying drawing, reference numeral 2 identifies the housing including assembly 4 (compare). Figure 2 The housing 2 is made of opaque plastic material. In the side view, the housing is wedge-shaped. The bottom section 6 of the housing 2 is significantly thicker than the top section 8 of the housing 2. In the front or rear view, the housing is basically avocado-shaped or circular. The maximum width of the housing 2 is substantially flush with the longitudinal axis L, which defines the hole 10 (compare). Figure 4 The housing 2 circumferentially encloses the opening 10. Therefore, the housing 2 is annular in shape.

[0096] The top section 8 has a circumference equipped with a user interface element 12 and an optical indicator 14 that displays pump operation information. This allows for... Figure 6 Details of element 12 and optical indicator 14 are derived from the figures. Reference numeral 12.1 is a component of user interface 16, which will be used to increase pump suction pressure, while element 12.3 will decrease pump suction pressure. Element 12.2 can be used to pause or enable assembly 4.

[0097] Optical indicator 14.1 provides information on the amount of milk expressed from the milk container. Therefore, optical indicator 14.1 indicates the filling status of the milk container. Indicator 14.2 indicates the charging status of the internal power source, such as a battery or accumulator. Elements 12.4 and 12.5 are buttons used to switch between using the pumps on the left (L) and right (R) sides for log statistics, thereby distributing the expressed milk output to each breast.

[0098] exist Figure 1 In the figure, reference numeral 18 indicates a cover that allows access to the USB plug.

[0099] If it is possible to Figure 1 It is concluded that the front surface 20 of the housing 2 is flat, while the rear surface 22 of the housing 2 is concave.

[0100] exist Figure 1 In the accompanying drawing, reference numeral 24 identifies a breast-supporting element made of transparent material, which has a flange 26 and a nipple channel 28. The free inner end 30 near the nipple channel 28... Figure 1 A two-way valve element 32 is shown, which can be mounted on the free inner end 30 of the nipple channel 28.

[0101] The breast shield element 24 is provided with threads 34, which are arranged on the outer circumference of the nipple channel 28 and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

[0102] Reference numeral 36 identifies a milk container comprising a spherical container shell element 38 and a cap element 40. The cap element 40 includes a flat cap section 42 and an elongated nipple channel receiving portion 44. Reference numeral 46 indicates a milk chamber defined between the inner wall of the spherical container shell element 38 and the flat cap section 42. The nipple channel receiving portion 44 extends into the milk chamber 46.

[0103] The top section of the spherical container shell element 38 is provided with a nozzle 48. A flat cap section 42 slidably holds the nozzle closing element 50, which is adapted to be in three different positions.

[0104] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, the lid element 40 is connected to the spherical container shell element 38 by means of a hinge 52. Both the lid element 40 and the spherical container shell element 38 provide surfaces that define the hinge 52. The mating surfaces of the hinge 52 allow the lid element 40 to pivot toward the container shell element 38.

[0105] If it is possible to Figure 2 The resulting cap element is provided with a container seal 54, which is disposed on the circumference of the flat cap section 42 and engages with the inner surface of the container shell element 38 to sealably enclose the milk chamber 46. In the closed position, the nozzle closure element 50 is arranged in a fixed position, in which the nozzle closure element 50 engages with the container shell element 38 to secure the cap element 40 in place. To release the cap element 40, the nozzle closure element 50 can slide radially inward away from the outer circumference of the spherical container shell element 38 to disengage from the container shell element 38. In the removed position, the cap element 40 can pivot about the hinge 52 and eventually be removed from the container shell element 38. In the intermediate position between the removed and fixed positions of the cap element 40, the nozzle closure element 50 will still engage with the container shell element 38 to hold the cap element 40 in place while exposing the nozzle 48. Therefore, with the cap element 40 in place, the milk contained in the milk chamber 46 can be poured out through the nozzle 48. This intermediate position is the tilting position of the nozzle closing element 50.

[0106] The inner circumference of the nipple channel receiving part 44 is provided with a thread 56 that mates with the thread 34 of the nipple channel 28, so as to fix the breast shield element 24 against the milk container 36 when the nipple channel 28 protrudes through the hole 10 of the housing 2 and is received in the nipple channel receiving part 44.

[0107] Reference numeral 60 identifies a membrane that is sandwiched as a separate element between the milk container 36 and the housing 2, thereby sealing the membrane chamber 62 formed by a groove protruding from the flat cap section 42 toward the milk chamber 46. See Figure 60. Figure 3 .

[0108] Figure 1 and Figure 4 Alignment ribs 64 are provided at the transition between the flange 26 and the nipple channel 28. Three alignment ribs 64 are provided, each for a different purpose. Figure 4 The correct orientation of the breast pump element 24 relative to the housing 2 is shown. The lower alignment rib 64 is positioned at the lowest point of the nipple channel when the breast pump is in the upright position, in which the top section 8 defines the highest point of the breast pump. In this orientation, the longitudinal axis L defining the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel 28 and the nipple channel receiving portion 44 extends substantially horizontally.

[0109] Additionally, the milk container 36, particularly the cap section 42 and / or the nipple channel receiving section 44 and / or the nipple channel 28, may be provided with optical marks or guide lines. These optical marks or guide lines are distributed among each other and will provide optical proof of proper alignment between the breast shield element 24 and the milk container 36. If the optical marks or guide lines coincide or align, for example, are parallel to each other, then the optical marks or guide lines can confirm proper alignment.

[0110] If it is possible to Figure 3 As a result, the housing 2 defines alignment rib receiving portions 66, each of which receives a designated alignment rib 64 of the breast pump element 24 when it is correctly connected to the housing by screwing the threads 34, 56 abutting against each other. Since the outer contour of the milk container 36 corresponds to the outer contour of the housing 2 at the front surface 20, the correct positioning of the milk container 36 relative to the housing 2 can be easily controlled. Because the front surface 20 and the cap section 42 are flat, the milk container 36 and the housing 2 are designed to abut against each other while sandwiching the membrane 60 between them, which snaps into the outer edge 68 of the groove forming the membrane chamber 62. Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0111] A click sound will be heard as the alignment rib 64 snaps into the engagement portion 66, indicating that the breast shield element 24 is correctly positioned relative to the housing 2. The engagement of the alignment rib 64 with the alignment rib receiving portion 66 also prevents unintentional rotational movement between the breast shield element 24 and the housing 2 about the longitudinal axis L. The housing 2 and the milk container 36 will have designated positive closure members to prevent rotational movement between the two elements 2, 24. For example, one of the housing 2 and the milk container 36 may have ribs, while the other may have grooves adapted to receive the ribs and prevent rotational movement.

[0112] Figure 3 Details of assembly 4 are shown, which is related to Figure 7The combination can be understood as including a drive housing 70 that rotatably supports a nut element 72, which engages with a drive belt 74 to drive the nut element 72 to the drive shaft 76 of an electric motor 78.

[0113] Nut element 72 mates with piston 79, which includes spindle 80. Nut element 72 is rotatably supported by bearing 82 held by drive housing 70. A housing bellows 84 is sandwiched between drive housing 70 and the wall of housing 1, and thus seals against housing 2. The housing bellows 84 is sandwiched between cap section 86 of spindle 80 and disc element 88. Housing bellows 84 seals the working space inside housing 2, which is the front part of piston 79 formed by cap section 86. Inside the working space, piston 79, formed by spindle 80 and cap section 86, moves linearly in a reciprocating manner. Disc element 88 can be secured against cap section 86, for example, by means of gluing, welding, or hot pressing through protrusions penetrating housing bellows and disc element 88.

[0114] Figure 3 The diagram shows the membrane 60 in its assembled state, sealingly pressed against the annular edge of the housing 2, which surrounds the housing bellows 84. The housing bellows 84 is arranged substantially flush with the front surface 20 of the housing 2. The corresponding annular edge has a surface geometry formed by an annular groove adapted to mate with the sealing lip 89 of the membrane 60 to achieve a tight seal. As previously mentioned, the housing bellows 84 also seals against the inner side of the housing 2, i.e., the annular edge of the housing 2. This, in turn, results in a clamping space 91 being formed between the membrane 60 and the housing bellows 84. Therefore, the reciprocating motion of the piston 79 will empty the clamping space 91 at the start of the pumping period. This seal prevents ambient air from entering the clamping space 91 as the piston pulls the membrane 60 toward the housing 2. Thus, the membrane 60 is contacted and engaged with the piston 79 by vacuum clamping. Therefore, during the pumping period, the piston 79 not only advances the membrane 60 toward the membrane chamber 62 but also pulls the membrane 60 toward the housing 2 to expand the membrane chamber 62. This is an example of piston 79 moving membrane 60.

[0115] Reference numeral 90 indicates a rechargeable battery / rechargeable battery adapted to energize the electric drive motor 78 and electrically connect to the USB interface below the cover 18 for charging the battery 90. See also... Figure 7 .

[0116] In particular, Figure 3 Details of the pumping chamber 92 are explained, which includes a membrane chamber 62, a pumping channel 94, an outlet space 95 disposed between the free inner end 30 of the nipple channel 28 and the front closed end 96 of the nipple channel receiving portion 44, and an annular milk path 99. (See from...) Figure 3It can be determined that the front surface 20 of the housing 2 is inclined at an angle β of approximately 80° relative to the longitudinal axis L. A gap 97 is provided between the milk container 36 and the housing 2, and this gap 97 extends at this inclination angle β relative to the longitudinal axis L of the nipple channel. Figure 2 In the middle, gap 97 has a very small thickness. Gap 97 can be larger to accommodate the bra's textile material (not shown).

[0117] At the distal ends of threads 34, 56, the nipple channel receiving portion 44 provides sealing protrusions 98 that project radially onto the sealing protrusions 100 of the nipple channel 28. These sealing protrusions 98, 100 are sandwiched between the proximal ends of the bidirectional valve element 32, thereby providing an external seal 102. This external seal 102 seals the outlet space 95 and thus abuts against the annular space between the nipple channel 28 and the nipple channel receiving portion 44 to seal the pumping chamber 92.

[0118] Such as being able to from Figure 3 As derived therefrom, the front closed end 96 of the nipple channel receiving portion 44 is provided by the nipple channel receiving portion closing cap element 104, which is fixed to the nipple channel receiving portion 44, for example, by welding.

[0119] The closed end 96 has a protrusion 106 that defines a flat closed surface 108 that mates with the two-way valve element 32. The center of the two-way valve element 32 has a reflux opening 110 that mates with the flat closed surface 108 to define a reflux valve 112.

[0120] exist Figure 3 In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 114 identifies a milk outlet opening that mates with a wall section 116, which projects radially inward from the nipple channel 28 and is provided by a breast shield element 24. The wall section 116, in conjunction with the milk outlet opening 114, defines a milk outlet valve 118 that separates the nipple channel 28 from the outlet space 95.

[0121] If it is possible to Figure 3 As a result, a container valve 122 is provided at the lower end of the outlet space 95, which seals the pumping chamber 92 against the milk chamber 46. This container valve 122 prevents milk contained in the milk chamber 46 from flowing back into the outlet space 95. The container valve 122 is formed of a separate element made of a soft, elastic material and attached to the milk container 36, specifically to the nipple channel receiving portion 44. Preferably, the container valve 122 is assembled when the closing element 104 is connected to the nipple channel receiving portion 44. Therefore, the container valve 122 can be fixed to the cap element 40 or can be detached from the cap element 40 for cleaning or replacement. The two-way valve element 32 is also made of a soft, elastic material.

[0122] exist Figure 3 In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 124 denotes the circular support surface of the milk container 36. The center of gravity of the milk pump is substantially located on an axis that intersects the center of the support surface 124 and extends perpendicularly to the support surface 124. Therefore, when supported on a horizontal plane by means of the support surface 124, the milk pump will be in an upright position, wherein the longitudinal axis L extends substantially vertically. In such a position, the nozzle 48 is located at the highest point of the milk chamber 46. In other words, the cap section 42 is slightly inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0123] Various devices may be provided or supplied to determine milk flow and milk flow status and / or proper nipple alignment. Figure 3 In the figure, reference numeral 126 identifies a sensor in the form of an optical camera, which is directed through a lens (not shown) towards the transparent nipple channel 28. Thus, the corresponding sensor 126 can be used to transmit an image to a mobile device to visualize the nipple arrangement or milk flow within the nipple channel 28 during breast pump operation. Reference numeral 126 may also indicate a sensor unit that directs a light beam towards the milk in the milk container 36 and receives the reflected light; this signal is processed to determine the amount of milk expressed. If the calculated filling level reaches a threshold, a filling level indicator 14.1 is activated to indicate the filling of the milk container 36.

[0124] If it is possible to Figure 5 It is clearly evident that the container shell element 38 is made of a partially transparent frosted transparent material to form the window 128. This window 128 is substantially aligned with the user interface 16. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As depicted, the width of window 128 near the outer edge of the milk container 36 corresponds to the circumferential extension of the elements of the user interface 16. Window 128 allows the user to observe the transparent nipple channel 28 while using the breast pump. Therefore, when using the breast pump, the elements 12 or optical indicator 14 of the user interface 16 and the nipple channel can be observed from above.

[0125] Figure 5 The width of the window 128 at the top section 8 and the circumferential extension angle α of the element 12 of the optical indicator are illustrated. α can be in the range of 120° to 70°. In the figures, reference numeral 129 identifies the circumferential edge of the housing 2 adjacent to the hole 10, which is adapted to receive the breast pump element 24, and through which the nipple channel 28 protrudes. On the circumferential edge 129, the elements of the user interface 12 are arranged within the window angle α such that when the breast pump is worn in the correct position, i.e., when the nozzle 48 is at its highest point when using the breast pump while sitting or standing, the user will see all the user interface elements 12.

[0126] As from Figure 1 It is evident that not only is the breast shield element 24 made entirely of a clear and transparent material, but the cover element 40 is also made entirely of a clear and transparent material. In order to estimate the amount of milk squeezed out of the milk chamber 46, the spherical container shell element 38 and the cover element 40 are each provided with scale lines 130.

[0127] Figure 5 It is also shown that the maximum radial extension of the milk container 36 is smaller than the radial extension of the housing 2, at least at the top segment 8. Therefore, the user interface 16 radially projects the outer contour of the milk container 36.

[0128] exist Figure 5 The sheet element is identified by reference numeral 132 in the accompanying drawings. The sheet element 132 itself is... Figure 8 As shown in the figure. Sheet element 132 is made of sheet material. In this embodiment, the sheet material is a thin plastic sheet. Sheet element 132 has parallel longitudinal edges 134 that extend parallel to each other and are connected by a semi-circular end surface 136. The lower end surface 136 surrounds a circular opening 138 that can slide on the nipple channel 28. In this position, sheet element 132 will protrude from the milk container 36 using its free end 140. An arrow is provided on the free end 140 to visualize the rotational movement of the milk container 36 for releasing the threaded connection between the milk container 36 and the breast shield element 24. Reference numeral 142 identifies a QR code that will guide the user to a menu transmitted via the Internet. The pump can be assembled with or without sheet element 132.

[0129] For assembly, the container shell element 38 is connected to the cap element 40. For this purpose, a hinge 52 is formed, and the cap element 40 pivots toward the shell element 38. The included seal 54 contacts the inner surface of the shell element 38, and the snap-fit ​​connection releasably secures this position. The nozzle closure element 50 then moves into a fixed position, thereby securing the cap element 40 relative to the container shell element 38. The membrane 60 is secured against the cap element 42 before the housing 2 is placed against it. After the housing 2 has been placed against the flat cap section 42 using its front surface 20, the protective membrane 60 is sandwiched between these two functional elements, i.e., between the milk container 36 and the housing 2, and is thus secured between these two functional elements.

[0130] Next, the breast shield element 24, with its two-way valve element 32, is pushed through the hole 10, the two-way valve element 32 being secured against the free end 30 of the nipple channel 28. The breast shield element 24 can rotate approximately 90° to 180° to engage threads 34 and 56 for threaded connection. After the alignment rib 64 snaps into the alignment rib receiver 66, the user is aware of the correct positioning of the breast shield element 24 relative to the housing 2 and the milk container 36.

[0131] Next, the assembled breast pump can be placed against the user's breast. Before operating the breast pump, the correct nipple alignment can be confirmed, for example, through window 128. After confirming correct nipple alignment, the user will initiate the pumping operation by activating element 12.2.

[0132] The breast pump should be disassembled in the reverse order of the assembly described above. All parts except housing 2 can be steam cleaned or sterilized.

[0133] During use, a full milk container 36 can be removed by unscrewing it relative to the breast shield element 24, thereby disengaging the threads 34, 56. If needed, the breast shield element 24 can be attached with a new empty milk container 36 without removing the breast shield element 24 from the user's breast.

[0134] For operation, in Figures 9a to 9c The breast is identified by reference numeral 150, and thus the nipple will be positioned within the nipple channel 28. Correct alignment can be observed from above through window 128. When the breast 150 contacts the breast shield element 24, a nipple chamber 152 is formed, which is sealed by the flange 26 of the breast 150 toward the breast shield element 24, and is provided by the remaining volume of the nipple channel 28.

[0135] To best conform to the anatomical shape of the breast 150, the breast shield element 24 has a... Figure 2 The specific geometry is indicated in the diagram. In this embodiment, the breast shield element 24 forms three segments: a channel segment 154, which is substantially cylindrical and extends along the longitudinal axis L; a flat segment 158, which defines the outer edge of the flange 26 and extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L; and a tapered segment 156, which is disposed between the channel segment 154 and the flat segment 158. The tapered segment 156 is inclined at an angle of approximately 105° + / - 12°, preferably 105° + / - 6°, relative to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the tapered segment 156 provides an abutment surface for the breast 150, which is a cone with an inward inclination angle or flare of approximately 105°.

[0136] Next, the pump is activated. Therefore, the spindle 80, and thus the cap section of the piston-like element, moves toward the membrane 60, thereby expelling residual air from the space between the housing bellows 84 and the protective membrane 60. As the spindle 80 moves further toward the membrane chamber 62, residual air is forced out of the membrane chamber 62 through the container valve 122 and into the milk chamber 46, where it is expelled through, for example, the nozzle 48. When the spindle 80 reverses direction, the vacuum in the chamber between the housing bellows 84 and the protective membrane 60 causes the protective membrane 60 to follow the movement of the cap section 86 of the spindle 80. Therefore, the volume of the membrane chamber 62 is expanded, and thus the volume of the pumping chamber 92 expands, resulting in the establishment of a negative pressure in the pumping chamber 92. The return valve 112 is closed. The negative pressure is established in the nipple channel 28 through the open milk outlet valve 118, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9a In the expansion cycle of assembly 4, the extracted milk is drawn through milk outlet opening 114. In the contraction cycle, in which the housing bellows 84 and therefore the protective membrane 60 move toward the membrane working chamber 62 to reduce the pumping chamber volume 154, the milk outlet valve 118 will close. The suction pressure within the pumping chamber 92 will decrease, i.e., the pressure will increase, see [reference needed]. Figure 9b The reflux valve 112 will remain open until a reduced threshold suction pressure is reached within the nipple channel 28. Therefore, when the pumping chamber 92 is fully contracted, a negative pressure of approximately 20 mm Hg will be maintained as the minimum baseline suction pressure within the nipple channel 28, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9c Under a suitable pressure differential, milk flows into the milk chamber 46 through the container valve 122, which acts as a one-way valve. During the expansion cycle in which the housing bellows 84 and thus the protective diaphragm 60 move toward the drive housing 70, the suction force within the pumping chamber 92 increases. Finally, the container valve 122, acting as a one-way valve, closes to prevent milk from flowing back from the milk chamber 46 into the pumping chamber 92. The milk outlet valve 118 opens to allow milk to flow from the nipple passage 28 into the outlet space 95 of the pumping chamber, which is substantially completely filled with milk.

[0137] Therefore, when the nipple channel 28 is filled with milk and the nipple is continuously placed in a negative pressure environment, the level of milk extracted in the milk chamber 46 increases during pump operation.

[0138] Other embodiments of the breast pump according to the invention will be discussed below. Where applicable, reference numerals as previously mentioned will be assigned to corresponding components. In each embodiment, varying suction pressure within the nipple channel can be achieved, as previously discussed. Furthermore, the piston within the housing discussed earlier is arranged in any embodiment, and this piston is coupled to the membrane. However, it is worth noting that other means can be provided, for example, to circulate the membrane via an internal pressure source within the housing. However, mechanical activation of the membrane is preferred.

[0139] The second embodiment 200 has a housing 2 having two sections, namely a housing base 202 and a housing ring 204, the housing ring 204 defining an opening 10 for receiving a nipple channel 28. Therefore, the housing 2 has a basket-like structure, which from... Figure 10 This can be particularly seen in the image. The upper surface of the base 202 is planar and defines an abutment surface for the milk container 36, which, in the side view (compare) Figure 11 or Figure 12 It has a triangular shape.

[0140] The nipple channel 28 is formed by a breast shield element 24, which includes a channel section 154, a tapered section 156, and a flat section 158. The channel section 154 has an open distal end. The corresponding distal end is received within a breast shield sleeve 206. The cylindrical portion of the breast shield sleeve 206 can be arranged in a collapsible manner with the distal end of the channel section 154. The breast shield sleeve 206 can be releasably coupled to the breast shield element 24 by sliding the channel section 154 into the breast shield sleeve 206. These portions can also be fixedly attached to each other, for example, by welding or gluing, or can be formed as a single integral part, for example, by injection molding.

[0141] On the circumferential section, the breast shield sleeve 206 includes a breast shield connector 208 that fluidly connects the distal end of the breast shield sleeve 206 to a membrane chamber 62 provided by a membrane support section 210, which is adapted to form the membrane chamber 62 when the membrane 60 is placed against the membrane support section 210. The membrane support section 210 forms at least a portion of the breast shield sleeve 206. The membrane chamber 62 is in fluid communication with a channel disposed within and surrounded by the breast shield connector 208. This channel forms part of a pumping chamber 92.

[0142] In the second embodiment 200, the membrane 60 can be releasably fixed to the membrane support section 210 or the housing 2.

[0143] As in the previous embodiment, the milk container 36 has a container shell element 38 and a cap element 40. The milk container 36 defines a nipple channel receiving portion that protrudes circumferentially around the cylindrical portion of the nipple channel 28 and / or the breast shield sleeve 206. Therefore, when the breast shield element 24 is inserted together with the breast shield sleeve 206, the assembly, hereinafter referred to as the breast shield device 212, securely connects the milk container 36 against the housing 2. As can be clearly seen from the figures, the nipple channel receiving portion 44 is slightly inclined downward toward the closed end of the container shell element 38. Therefore, the distal end of the nipple channel device 212 can protrude into an opening groove, which can also circumferentially protrude onto the breast shield sleeve 206 to surround the breast shield sleeve 206 in the radial direction. In view of this, the inclined orientation of the breast shield device 212 itself can secure all the components of the second embodiment 200 in place by a form-fitting closure. Alternatively or alternatively, fastening devices such as magnets or latches can be provided to hold the components together.

[0144] As shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 As is particularly evident, the nozzle 48 is positioned at the uppermost region of the milk container 30 when the milk pump is erected on the flat support surface 124. This flat support surface 124 can be provided by a soft, resilient bottom element. Figure 12 As shown, the bottom element 260 helps the breast pump achieve a stable position due to its soft, elastic properties. The bottom element prevents the breast pump from sliding on the surface supporting it. The bottom element 260 is releasably secured to the housing 2. Therefore, the bottom element 216 can be cleaned, for example, by washing dishes. The bottom element 216 has a baffle 280 for removing the bottom element 216 from the housing 2.

[0145] As from Figure 12 As is particularly evident, the upper surface of the housing base 202 extends horizontally, and the corresponding lower surface of the milk container 36 also extends horizontally. This lower surface provides a base for supporting the milk container 36 on a flat surface, wherein the nozzle 48, closed by the nozzle closure element 50, is at its highest point. In this embodiment, the nozzle closure element 50 is circular and made of silicone or the like. The cap element 40 provides a circular receiving portion for the nozzle closure element 50, which holds the nozzle closure element 50 in place. The nozzle closure element 50 typically has a protrusion received within the nozzle 48 for proper closure of the nozzle 48 and for securing the nozzle closure element 50.

[0146] As from Figure 10 and Figure 14It is evident that the container shell element is made of a clear, transparent plastic material. However, only the central window segment 220 is surrounded by a frosted segment 222. Clearly, the window segment 220 is positioned in the middle of the pump along its width, and the upper portion of the container shell element 38 points towards the user when the breast pump is worn. The width of the window segment 220 corresponds to the width extension of the user interface.

[0147] exist Figure 14 The details of the user interface are depicted. In addition to the elements already discussed with respect to the first embodiment and identified by corresponding reference numerals, the circumferential edge 129 is also provided with an indicator 14.3 for indicating the Bluetooth status, i.e., whether the breast pump is connected to the mobile device via Bluetooth. Element 12.6 of the user interface allows the user to switch from stimulation mode to squeezing mode and is referred to as the milk release button 12.6. All elements of the user interface 12 are covered with a soft, elastic material flush with the hard, elastic material forming the housing 2.

[0148] Figure 15 A pumping chamber 92 extending between the membrane chamber 62 and the breast shield connector 208 is illustrated, i.e., a channel formed in the membrane chamber 62 and the breast shield connector 208. The pumping chamber 92 also includes an annular section surrounding the distal end of the breast shield device 212. As previously discussed with respect to the first embodiment, a valve element may be provided near the distal end of the breast shield device 212.

[0149] In the second embodiment 200, the housing 2 includes at least one light source for illuminating all elements 12 of the user interface and all items of the optical indicators 14. Furthermore, light is directed through the transparent portion of the milk container 36 or the breast shield element 24, specifically directing the light into the nipple channel 28. Within the nipple channel 28, the light is decoupled, for example, by a frosted area or a lens. Therefore, the user of the breast pump will be able to control proper nipple alignment within the nipple channel 28 at night. The basket-like form of the housing 2 will largely diffuse the light within the milk container 36 and the breast shield device 212 to avoid light scattering into the environment. Thus, the illumination from the breast pump is focused onto the nipple channel 28, and the illumination from the elements 12 of the user interface 16 and the optical indicators 14 is also focused onto the nipple channel 28.

[0150] Compared to the first embodiment, the element for switching between left-side and right-side use—identified by reference numerals 12.4 and 12.5—is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the housing base 202, specifically in the middle of the housing base 202 (compare). Figure 10 At night, the user will perceive the corresponding elements of the user interface 12.4 / 12.5. Below these elements, and for example in... Figure 10Below the corresponding components, the housing base 202 has an on / off button 12.7, which serves as another component of the user interface.

[0151] Figures 16 to 20 A third embodiment 300 is illustrated, which includes a milk container 36 disposed below a housing 2. The housing 2 receives the distal end of a breast pump assembly 212, which includes a breast pump sleeve 206 connected to a membrane support section 210 to be coupled to a membrane 60. The membrane support section 210 extends radially from the circumferential surface of the breast pump sleeve 206. The housing 2 includes a nipple channel receiving portion 44 and a longitudinal groove 302 adapted to receive the membrane support section 210 and the membrane 60 attached to it. Within the groove 302, the membrane 60 can be mechanically coupled to a piston (not shown).

[0152] As from Figure 19 Clearly, the expressed milk is drawn into an annular space surrounding the distal end of the breast shield sleeve 206. The membrane 60 is moved in a reciprocating manner by gravity and / or pressure difference generated by the piston 79 to express milk from the breast received within the nipple passage 28. Figure 20 The position of membrane 60 within groove 302 is illustrated. As described above, the pumping chamber may have a valve as described in conjunction with the first embodiment. Although the milk container 36 is arranged below the housing 2 when using the milk pump and therefore the squeezed milk may flow downwards into the milk container 36, milk can also flow into the milk container 36 without the valve performance and pressure differential within the milk container as previously described. Therefore, milk can simply drip from the nipple channel 28 into the milk container 36.

[0153] For example, specifically from Figure 16 and Figure 18 As clearly seen, the window segment 220 is a separate component made of a partially frosted transparent material, which is joined to the opaque material that primarily forms the housing 2. The joining can be achieved, for example, by composite injection molding, welding, or gluing. The transparent portion forming the window segment 220 has side walls 304 that protrude into the housing 2 to allow the user to directly observe the nipple channel 28 through the window segment 220. The transparent material can be arranged flush with the opaque material on the outer circumferential surface of the housing 2. Alternatively, a groove with at least one transparent bottom can be formed on the outer circumference of the housing 2, protruding into the housing, thus forming a recess on the outer surface of the housing.

[0154] At least one light source within the housing 2 is adapted to illuminate the window segment 220. The lateral walls 304 can be used as light guides and light panels to illuminate the space between the lateral walls 304, thereby providing free observation of the nipple within the nipple channel 28.

[0155] Figure 21 A fourth embodiment 400 is described, in which the milk container 36 is sandwiched between the flange 26 of the breast shield element 24 and the housing 2. As in the previous embodiments, the intermediate component of the milk container 36 is mechanically connected to the other components only by means of protruding at least partially by the nipple channel 28. The nipple channel device 212 is mechanically locked within the housing 2. A means for correctly positioning the milk container 36 relative to the housing 2 and / or the breast shield element 24 can be provided, for example, as described in the first embodiment. Although the front surface 22 of the housing 2 is slightly inclined distally when the pump is in use, the user of the pump can still observe the user interface 16 and the optical indicators to obtain information about the pump's operating status and control it.

[0156] As in the previous embodiment, when the breast pump is placed on the support surface 124, the nozzle 48 is at the highest position of the pump; compared to Figure 21 The milk container 36 is made of a transparent material, allowing proper nipple alignment to be observed within the nipple channel 28 through the milk container 36 and the nipple channel 28. The breast shield element 24 is made of a clear, transparent material.

[0157] List of reference numerals

[0158] 2. Shell

[0159] 4. Assembly components

[0160] 6. Bottom section

[0161] 8. Top section

[0162] 10 holes

[0163] 12 Components of the User Interface

[0164] 12.1 Increase in suction pressure

[0165] 12.2 Start / Pause

[0166] 12.3 Suction pressure drop

[0167] 12.4 Left breast pump

[0168] 12.5 Right-hand breast pump

[0169] 12.6 Milk Release

[0170] 12.7 On / Off

[0171] 12.8 USB slot

[0172] 14 Optical Indicator

[0173] 14.1 Fill Indicator

[0174] 14.2 Battery Level Indicator

[0175] 14.3 Bluetooth Status Indicator

[0176] 16 User Interface

[0177] 18 Cover parts

[0178] 20 Front surface

[0179] 22 Back surface

[0180] 24 Breast Suction Components

[0181] 26. Flange of breast shield element

[0182] 28. Nipple passage

[0183] 30 Free internal end

[0184] 32 Two-way valve element

[0185] 34 thread

[0186] 36 Milk containers

[0187] 38 Container shell components

[0188] 40 Cover Components

[0189] 42 cover section

[0190] 44 Nipple canal receiving section

[0191] 46 Milk Chamber

[0192] 48 nozzles

[0193] 50 Nozzle Closure Element

[0194] 52 Hinges

[0195] 54 Container seals

[0196] 56 thread

[0197] 60 membrane

[0198] 62 Membrane Studio

[0199] 64. Aiming at the ribs

[0200] 66. Align with the rib receiving section

[0201] 68 Outer edge

[0202] 70 Drive Housing

[0203] 72 Nut Components

[0204] 74 drive belt

[0205] 76 drive shafts

[0206] 78 drive motor

[0207] 79 Piston

[0208] 80 spindle

[0209] 82 bearing

[0210] 84 Shell Bellows

[0211] 86 Hat Section

[0212] 87 Drive unit

[0213] 88 disk components

[0214] 89 Sealing lip edge

[0215] 90 batteries

[0216] 91 Clamping Space

[0217] 92 Pumping Chamber

[0218] 94 Pumping Channel

[0219] 95 Export Space

[0220] 96 Closed end

[0221] 97 gap

[0222] 98 Sealing protrusion

[0223] 99 Circular Milk Pathway

[0224] 100 Sealing protrusion

[0225] 102 External seal

[0226] 104 Nipple canal receiving section closure cap element

[0227] 106 Protrusion

[0228] 108 Flat, closed surface

[0229] 110 reflux opening

[0230] 112 Reflux valve

[0231] 114 Milk outlet opening

[0232] 116 Wall Segment

[0233] 118 Milk outlet valve

[0234] 122 Container Valve

[0235] 124 Support Surface

[0236] 126 sensors

[0237] 128 windows

[0238] 129 Circumferential edge

[0239] 130 scale line

[0240] 132 Sheet Components

[0241] 134 Vertical edge

[0242] 136 End Surface

[0243] 138 Opening

[0244] 140 Free end

[0245] 142 QR codes

[0246] 150 breasts

[0247] 152 Nipple Chambers

[0248] 154 Passage Section

[0249] 156 Conical Section

[0250] 158 Flat Section

[0251] 150 breasts

[0252] 152 Nipple Chambers

[0253] 154 Passage Section

[0254] 156 Conical Section

[0255] 158 Flat Section

[0256] 200 Second Implementation Method

[0257] 202 Shell base

[0258] 204 Circular Section

[0259] 206 Breast Pump Sleeve

[0260] 208 Breast Suction Bra Connector

[0261] 210 Membrane support section

[0262] 212 Breast Suction Device

[0263] 214 Groove

[0264] 216 Bottom Components

[0265] 218 baffle

[0266] 220 Window Section

[0267] 222 Frosted Section

[0268] 300 Third Implementation Method

[0269] 302 slot

[0270] 304 Lateral Wall

[0271] 400 Fourth Implementation Method

[0272] L longitudinal axis

[0273] α Window angle

[0274] β Angle between the front surface of housing 2 and the longitudinal axis L

[0275] γ internal tilt angle

Claims

1. A breast pump, said breast pump being at least partially shaped to fit inside a bra and comprising: The housing (2) includes an assembly (4) drivably coupled to a membrane (60); a breast shield element (24) including a nipple channel (28) adapted to receive a nipple; and a milk container (36) adapted to contain a predetermined amount of expressed milk, wherein the breast shield element (24) and the milk container (36) are detachable from the housing (2), and wherein the membrane (60) is removably sealed against the housing, wherein the assembly (4) includes a piston (79) adapted to reciprocate within the housing (2), the piston (79) causing the membrane (60) to move. The pump is characterized in that it includes a pumping chamber (92) partially defined by the membrane, the pumping chamber (92) being in fluid communication with the nipple passage (28), the membrane (60) being releasably received between the milk container (36) and the housing (2) such that the membrane (60) is arranged opposite the piston (79), and the drive end sides of the membrane (60) and the piston (79) are arranged in a clamping space (91) which is sealed to prevent ambient air from entering the clamping space (91) when the piston pulls the membrane (60) toward the housing (2) to expand the pumping chamber (92).

2. The breast pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (2) is at least partially circumferentially surrounding the nipple channel (28) in the radial direction, wherein the breast shield element (24) is rotatably held within the housing (2) and / or the milk container (36), and / or wherein the milk container (36) is rotatably held within the housing (2) and / or the nipple channel (28), and wherein at least two of the breast shield element (24), the housing (2), and the milk container (36) include a bayonet or threaded mating surface.

3. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The milk container (36) includes a spherical container shell element (38) and a cap element (40), the cap element (40) including a flat cap section (42) and an elongated nipple channel receiving portion (44) adapted to receive at least a portion of the nipple channel (28), wherein the shell element (38) and the cap element (40) are detachably fixed to each other against each other.

4. The breast pump according to claim 3, characterized in that, A nozzle sealing element (50) is movably held by the cap element (40) and adapted to hold the cap element (40) against the container shell element (38) in a fixed position to allow the cap element (40) to be removed from the container shell element (38) in a removal position, and to allow the squeezed milk to be poured out from the milk container (36) while holding the cap element (40) against the container shell element (38) in a pouring position, the pouring position being between the fixed position and the removal position.

5. The breast pump according to claim 3, characterized in that, A bidirectional valve element (32) is inserted between the free inner end (30) of the nipple channel (28) and the milk container (36), wherein the valve element includes a milk outlet valve and a reflux valve (112), the milk outlet valve cooperating with the nipple channel (28) to allow squeezed milk to be drawn out of the nipple channel (28) at a predetermined suction pressure, and the reflux valve (112) cooperating to allow milk to flow back into the nipple channel (28) until the pressure in the nipple channel (28) reaches a reduced threshold suction pressure.

6. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A pumping chamber (92) is defined between the nipple channel (28) and the milk chamber (46) defined by the milk container (36), wherein a milk outlet valve (118) and a return valve (112) are disposed between the pumping chamber (92) and the nipple channel (28), wherein a container valve (122) is disposed between the pumping chamber (92) and the milk chamber (46), wherein the milk outlet valve (118) is adapted to allow milk to flow from the nipple channel (28) into the pumping chamber (92), wherein, The reflux valve (112) is adapted to allow milk to flow from the pumping chamber (92) into the nipple channel (28), and wherein the container valve (122) is adapted to allow milk to flow from the pumping chamber (92) into the milk chamber (46), and wherein the milk outlet valve (118), the reflux valve (112) and the container valve (122) are each activated by the pressure difference between the pumping chamber (92) and the nipple channel (28) and between the pumping chamber (92) and the milk chamber (46).

7. The breast pump according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bidirectional valve element (32) is provided with an external seal (102) that abuts against the outer circumference of the nipple channel (28) and / or the nipple channel receiving portion (44) to seal the pumping chamber (92).

8. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The milk container (36) includes a spherical container shell element (38) having a front section arranged in a longitudinal extension of the longitudinal axis of the nipple channel (28), wherein the spherical container shell element (38) has a flat support surface.

9. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The milk container (36) includes a transparent window (128) aligned with elements of the user interface (12) in the radial direction of the nipple channel (28).

10. The breast pump according to claim 9, characterized in that, The milk container (36) includes a nipple channel receiving portion (44) adapted to receive the nipple channel (28), wherein the nipple channel receiving portion (44) and the nipple channel (28) are each at least partially made of a transparent material, and wherein the nipple channel receiving portion (44) is provided with at least one guide line that allows visual nipple alignment within the nipple channel.

11. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The nipple channel (28) and the milk container (36) are at least partially made of transparent material to allow a user to view the nipple channel (28) through the milk container (36) in a position of use, and the breast pump also includes a light source adapted to direct a light beam onto the nipple channel (28).

12. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The assembly (4) includes a reciprocating drive (87) connected to the membrane (60), which seals the membrane chamber (62) located below the nipple channel (28) when the breast pump is in the use position, in which the longitudinal extension (L) of the nipple channel (28) extends horizontally.

13. The breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The built-in pump for providing a directional flow of milk within the breast pump includes at least two valves (118, 122) for guiding the flow of milk and the membrane (60) for driving the milk through direct contact with the milk, the at least two valves (118, 122) and the membrane (60) being received in the milk container (36).

14. The breast pump according to claim 12, characterized in that, The membrane (60) is connected to the drive device (87) by a vacuum seal.

15. The breast pump according to claim 13, characterized in that, At least two valves (118, 122) for guiding the flow of the milk and / or the membrane (60) for driving the milk are arranged outside the housing (2).

16. The shaped breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The breast shield element (24) has a flange that at least partially defines a tapered section (156) having an inward opening angle γ of 105°+ / -10°.

17. A method of operating a breast pump, the breast pump being shaped to at least partially fit inside a bra and comprising: A housing (2) comprising an assembly (4); a breast shield element (24) including a nipple channel (28) adapted to receive a nipple; and a milk container (36) defining a milk chamber (46) adapted to receive a predetermined amount of expressed milk, wherein a pumping chamber (92) is defined within the breast pump, the pumping chamber (92) having a pumping chamber volume changeable by a movable membrane (60), wherein the assembly (4) includes a piston (79) adapted to reciprocate within the housing (2), the piston (79) causing the membrane (60) to move, wherein the nipple channel (28) and the pumping chamber (92) are connected. 2) A milk outlet valve (118) is provided between the pumping chamber (92) and the milk chamber (46), and a container valve (122) is provided between the pumping chamber (92) and the milk chamber (46). In this method, when the breast shield element (24) is placed against the breast (150), a nipple chamber (152) is defined in the nipple channel (28) between the free end (96) of the nipple channel (28) and the breast (150). In this method, the squeezed milk flows from the nipple chamber (152) through the milk outlet valve (118) into the pumping chamber (92), and from the pumping chamber (92) through the container valve (122) into the milk chamber (46). When pumping begins, the squeezed milk replaces the air in the nipple chamber (152) and the pumping chamber (92), and the milk establishes a hydraulic connection between the breast (150) and the membrane (60), so that the movement of the membrane (60) is hydraulically transmitted to the breast (150) inside the nipple channel (28). The membrane (60) is characterized in that it is arranged opposite to the piston (79), and the drive end sides of the membrane (60) and the piston (79) are arranged in a clamping space (91), which is sealed to prevent ambient air from entering the clamping space (91) when the piston pulls the membrane (60) toward the housing (2) to expand the pumping chamber (92). When pumping begins, air is drawn out of the nipple chamber (152) and the pumping chamber (92) and transferred to the milk chamber (46), from which the air is released into the surrounding environment.

Images