BRUSTPUMPE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a breast pump for expressing human breast milk. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Devices for pumping human breast milk are well known. There are basically two different types: the first are manually operated, meaning the vacuum required for pumping is created by manually operating the vacuum pump. The second type uses an electrically operated vacuum pump.

[0003] These vacuum pumps are connected to a breast shield either directly or via a vacuum line. The breast shield has an interior space to accommodate the mother's breast or nipple. The vacuum is transferred to the interior space via a first line, and the pumped milk flows into a milk collection container via a second line.

[0004] US 2012 / 071820 A1 and WO 2016 / 131677 A1 each disclose a breast pump for pumping human breast milk.

[0005] WO 2016 / 014494 A1 and WO 2016 / 014469 A1 describe a compact breast pump in which expressed milk is transported under positive pressure into a milk collection container. For this purpose, for example, a milk line is cyclically squeezed.

[0006] WO 2011 / 035447 A1 discloses a breast pump in which the vacuum line simultaneously forms the milk line. The pumping chamber, in which the negative pressure is generated, fills with milk during pumping, so that the pumping system switches from a pneumatic system to a hydraulic system, and the previously pumped milk becomes the working fluid. To allow the pumping chamber to fill with milk, a valve is located at the pumping chamber outlet, which leads to the milk collection container. This valve only opens at a certain pressure within the pumping chamber, i.e., when the pumping chamber is sufficiently filled with milk.

[0007] This combined pneumatic and hydraulic pump offers several advantages. The system has virtually no dead volume. The pumping unit can be minimized because, once the system is filled with milk, only a small amount of pumping power is required to express more milk. In particular, batteries with lower capacities can be used than with pneumatic vacuum pumps. The vacuum pump can therefore be designed more cost-effectively and in a smaller size. The breast pump is particularly suitable for "hands-free" applications, where the breast pump is worn on the body and no hands are needed to hold the breast shield. Due to the minimized dead volume, the applied pressure is also easier to control. This allows for individually optimized pumping parameters to be selected for each mother.

[0008] WO 2013 / 049944 A2 also describes a breast pump that switches from a pneumatic to a hydraulic pumping system. A pressure sensor comprising a vane attached to a flexible membrane is located in the pumping chamber. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to optimize the above-mentioned breast pump.

[0010] This task is solved by a breast pump according to claim 1.

[0011] The breast pump according to the invention for expressing human breast milk comprises a pump housing with a drive unit, a pump chamber with a flexible pump membrane driven by the drive unit for generating a vacuum, and a breast shell with an interior space for receiving a mother's breast. The interior space can be subjected to a cyclically changing negative pressure by means of the pump chamber, with a milk channel leading from the interior space through a first inlet opening as the first through-opening into the pump chamber. Expressed milk flows from the interior of the breast shell through the milk channel into the pump chamber. The pump chamber has an outlet opening through which the expressed milk flows from the pump chamber into a milk collection container.A multi-part hygiene module is provided, wherein the hygiene module has a first part with a flow opening for connection to the interior, a valve body with at least one valve and a second part with a rigid first shell for forming the pumping chamber, wherein the valve body is arranged between the first and second parts and wherein the hygiene module as a whole is sealingly and detachably connectable to the pump housing of the breast pump.

[0012] This hygiene module has a compact design. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, allowing the relevant parts of the breast pump to be easily cleaned. The use of a valve body in the hygiene module further simplifies production, assembly, and cleaning.

[0013] Preferably, the rigid first shell has a milk path which leads from the pumping chamber into a milk collection container and which runs perpendicular to a drive axis of the pumping diaphragm over at least a partial area. Preferably, the milk path runs in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis, with the milk path extending in this plane over at least half the height of the pumping chamber, preferably over the entire height of the pumping chamber. The course of this milk path makes it possible to at least partially, preferably completely, fill the pumping chamber with pumped milk, so that during pumping, a switch is made from a pneumatic pumping system to a mixed or even fully hydraulic pumping system.

[0014] The valve body preferably has at least one flow valve and one vent valve. The valve body is preferably formed in one piece from a flexible material. This facilitates both manufacturing and assembly and cleaning.

[0015] Preferably, the first part is part of the breast shield. This allows the breast pump to be designed compactly, and the hygiene module can be easily attached to the breast pump without the need to also install the breast shield.

[0016] The breast shield has a flange for detachable connection to the pump housing.

[0017] The connection to the pump housing can be made particularly easily if it is positively and force-fitting, preferably with a bayonet lock.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet opening is arranged in an upper region of the pumping chamber and / or above the inlet opening in the vertical position of use of the breast pump, at least at the beginning of a pumping process.

[0019] This allows the pump chamber to be almost completely filled with milk, and the system can be converted from a pneumatic to a hydraulic or mixed pneumatic / hydraulic system in a very short time. The same drive power for the pumping means, e.g., the pump diaphragm, results in greater pumping performance, meaning a higher negative pressure in the pump chamber and thus in the interior of the breast shield. Batteries with lower capacity can be used. This reduces manufacturing costs, increases the overall service life of the pump, and minimizes the size of the drive unit.

[0020] Preferably, the milk duct forms a vacuum channel for applying the cyclically changing negative pressure to the interior of the breast shell. This means that the vacuum is first applied via the same line or channel, and then the milk is extracted. The same line or channel is used for both working fluids, i.e., air and milk.

[0021] Depending on the design, the pump is a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, or another type of vacuum pump. Preferably, however, the pump chamber has a rigid first shell and a flexible pump diaphragm, wherein the pump diaphragm lies sealingly against the rigid first shell and wherein the pump diaphragm is driven and its movement relative to the rigid first shell creates a negative pressure in the pump chamber. Preferably, a flexible media separation diaphragm is arranged between the rigid first shell and the flexible pump diaphragm so that the pump diaphragm is protected from contact with expressed milk. Milk and air present in the breast shell only reach the media separation diaphragm. The pump diaphragm and the other parts of the breast pump are thus protected from contamination.

[0022] The media separation membrane can be easily separated from the pump membrane. It is part of the aforementioned hygiene module. The media separation membrane can preferably be separated from the other parts of the hygiene module, allowing for easy cleaning. The other parts of the hygiene module can also be separated from each other as necessary, allowing them to be cleaned and then easily reassembled and reused, preferably without tools.

[0023] Preferably, the rigid first shell has an outlet channel extending from the outlet opening of the pumping chamber to an outlet, wherein the outlet channel extends at least over a partial area in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pumping diaphragm. Preferably, it extends in a plane perpendicular to this direction of movement, wherein the channel preferably extends over at least half the height of the pumping chamber, preferably over the entire pumping chamber.

[0024] In other embodiments, the channel is partially or entirely formed as a closed channel. Preferably, however, the pump membrane or, if present, the media separation membrane closes the outlet channel of the rigid first shell to form a channel that is closed except for the outlet opening and the outlet.

[0025] The channel preferably extends alongside the pumping chamber and not within it.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the breast shield has a first passage opening which forms part of the milk channel, wherein the passage opening is arranged in an upper region of the interior space in the position of use of the breast shield at least at the beginning of the pumping process, so that the interior space below the first passage opening can be filled with pumped milk.

[0027] This allows the breast shield to be partially or completely filled with milk at the beginning of the pumping process. This significantly shortens the time until switching to the hydraulic pumping system. Typically, the interior of the breast shield is filled first, followed by the pumping chamber, before the milk is first transferred to the milk collection container.

[0028] The milk channel can preferably be closed by a first valve to remove the expressed milk from the pumping chamber at the end of the pumping process. This valve is preferably the same valve that opens and closes automatically during the pumping process. It is then permanently closed for emptying. Depending on the design, the valve is closed manually or automatically, e.g., via the breast pump's electronic control system. If a valve is provided downstream, the first valve can also be constantly open during the pumping process.

[0029] Preferably, an emptying channel is present between the interior of the breast shell and the pumping chamber, which runs separately from the milk channel, wherein the emptying channel can be closed by means of a second valve. The emptying channel is closed during the pumping process and is opened at the end of the pumping process. This also occurs manually or automatically, depending on the design. The second valve preferably functions the same as or in a similar way to the first valve. It is preferably designed identically. It opens and closes during the pumping process when emptying the breast shell in the same way as the first valve does when pumping breast milk from the mother's breast. If a valve is arranged downstream, the second valve can also be constantly open during the emptying process.

[0030] Preferably, a vent valve is also provided to ventilate the interior of the breast shield. This valve is also preferably always closed during the pumping process and is opened manually or automatically to facilitate emptying the breast shield.

[0031] Preferably, the ventilation valve can be closed together with the second valve and can be opened together with the latter.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, a third valve is provided, which maintains a baseline negative pressure as the cyclically changing negative pressure inside the breast shell increases. The pressure inside the breast shell thus remains below atmospheric pressure throughout the entire pumping process, and preferably also during emptying. This reduces strain on the nipple and has a positive effect on milk flow from the mother's breast.

[0033] Preferably, a fourth valve is provided in the milk channel, which opens and closes in accordance with the applied negative pressure. This fourth valve is arranged downstream of the first valve in the pumping direction of the milk. However, the fourth valve can also be formed by the first valve, as already described above. If it is arranged downstream, it can be designed, for example, as a flutter valve in the valve body.

[0034] Preferably, a fifth valve is provided in the discharge channel, which opens and closes in accordance with the applied negative pressure. This fifth valve is arranged downstream of the second valve in the direction of milk discharge. The fifth valve can be formed by the second valve, as described above. If it is arranged downstream, it can, for example, be a flutter valve in the valve body.

[0035] Preferably, at least some, and preferably all, of the valves mentioned are arranged in a common valve body. This simplifies manufacturing and minimizes costs.

[0036] The valve body is preferably formed as a single piece and is flexible. It is preferably made of silicone.

[0037] Preferably, the breast pump comprises the pump housing with the drive unit for the pump diaphragm, with the rigid first shell being detachably connected to the pump housing. This facilitates reassembly, even after cleaning by the mother.

[0038] Preferably, the rigid first shell is part of a hygiene module that can be connected to the pump housing, wherein the hygiene module further comprises at least the aforementioned valves. This hygiene module is preferably the aforementioned hygiene module.

[0039] Preferably, the rigid first shell is part of an adapter part, with the valve body being held in a receptacle of the adapter part. This facilitates assembly and, in particular, enables a modular design and the use of a hygiene module.

[0040] Preferably, the hygiene module further comprises a manual actuation means for simultaneously actuating the first and second valves. Manual actuation of the two valves is a cost-effective and reliable solution.

[0041] Preferably, the adapter part and the actuating device cannot be separated without damaging each other. This ensures that the hygiene module is always correctly assembled and can only be used with all elements together.

[0042] The breast pump preferably has a pump housing, wherein the breast shield is detachably attachable to the pump housing and wherein by attaching the breast shield to the pump housing, parts which lie between the breast shield and pump housing are sealed together, so that a tight connection is created between the pumping chamber and the interior of the breast shield. The breast shield can be easily held by hand, which makes assembly of the pump easier. Since the other parts also fit tightly thanks to the attachment of the breast shield to the pump housing, the breast pump is ready for use in a single movement, namely attaching the breast shield to the pump housing. The individual parts can be removed just as easily for cleaning. The breast shield and the valve body are preferably part of the hygiene module.

[0043] Preferably, the breast pump has a pump housing to which the breast shield can be releasably attached. The breast pump further comprises a milk collection container that can be attached to the pump housing by means of a snap fastener. Attaching the milk collection container by means of a snap fastener is unconventional. Twist locks are usually used. Thanks to the snap fastener, the container can be designed differently and, in particular, can be attached and removed more quickly.

[0044] The milk collection container preferably comprises a base body and a lid, the lid being at least partially air-permeable and liquid-impermeable. This lid thus forms a valve that serves for ventilation but also allows the container to be turned upside down without liquid loss. The lid preferably comprises an air-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane. The lid is preferably clamped between the milk collection container and the pump and can be positioned using spacer pins.

[0045] In addition, the lid is preferably equipped with a one-way valve that leads from the pump chamber into the milk collection container.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump for expressing human breast milk comprises a breast shell with an interior space for accommodating a mother's breast and a pumping chamber, wherein the interior space can be subjected to a cyclically changing negative pressure by means of the pumping chamber. A milk channel leads from the interior space through a first inlet opening as the first through-opening into the pumping chamber, through which expressed milk flows from the interior of the breast shell into the pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has an outlet opening through which the expressed milk flows from the pumping chamber into a milk collection container. An emptying channel is present between the interior of the breast shell and the pumping chamber, which runs separately from the milk channel, wherein the emptying channel can be closed by means of a valve, wherein the emptying channel is closed during the pumping process and open at the end of the pumping process.This allows milk to be easily removed from the breast shell at the end of the pumping process. The emptying channel is preferably subjected to negative pressure via the pumping chamber to actively pump out the milk and force it into the milk collection container.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump for expressing human breast milk comprises a breast shell with an interior space for accommodating a mother's breast and a pumping chamber, wherein the interior space can be subjected to a cyclically changing negative pressure by means of the pumping chamber. A milk channel leads from the interior space through a first inlet opening as the first through-opening into the pumping chamber, through which expressed milk flows from the interior of the breast shell into the pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has an outlet opening through which the expressed milk flows from the pumping chamber into a milk collection container. The breast pump comprises a pump housing, a pumping diaphragm, and a hygiene module, wherein the hygiene module has at least one rigid first shell for forming the pumping chamber and the breast shell.The hygiene module can be attached to the pump housing as a unit, creating a tight connection between the pump chamber and the interior of the breast shield, and the pump membrane is held tightly between the hygiene module and the pump housing. This facilitates cleaning of the relevant parts of the breast pump by the mother and facilitates reassembly after such cleaning.

[0048] Preferably, the hygiene module further comprises a valve body arranged between the breast shield and the rigid first shell. The valve body and the corresponding regions of the first and second parts, which preferably have sealing seats for the valves of the valve body, form a common valve unit, also referred to as a valve structure.

[0049] Preferably, the hygiene module further comprises a manual actuating means for actuating at least one valve of the valve construct.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump for pumping human breast milk comprises a breast shield for receiving a mother's breast, a pump housing, and a milk collection container. The pump housing is detachably connectable to the breast shield on one side and to the milk collection container on the other. The milk collection container is attachable to the pump housing by means of a snap fastener.

[0051] Preferably, this breast pump has a pumping chamber and a milk channel through which pumped milk flows from an interior of the breast shell into the pumping chamber, wherein the pumping chamber has an outlet which is connected to the milk collection container and through which the pumped milk flows into the milk collection container.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, a milk collection container is provided for connection to a pump housing of a breast pump for pumping human breast milk, wherein the milk collection container has a lid which faces the pump housing and which is air-permeable and liquid-impermeable in at least one region.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump for pumping human breast milk comprises a breast shield for receiving a mother's breast and a pump housing, wherein the breast shield is detachably connectable to the pump housing. The breast shield is connectable to the pump housing by means of a bayonet lock.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, a breast shield is provided, which serves for attachment to the pump housing of a breast pump. The breast shield has an interior space for accommodating the mother's breast and a nozzle for attachment to the pump housing, wherein the nozzle is provided with a bayonet lock.

[0055] In a preferred variant of a method (not claimed) for operating a breast pump for expressing human breast milk, the breast pump has a breast shield with an interior space for accommodating a mother's breast and a pumping chamber, wherein the interior space is subjected to a cyclically changing negative pressure by means of the pumping chamber. In a first pumping phase, the interior space is subjected to the cyclically changing negative pressure in order to pump milk from the mother's breast, wherein the interior space is filled with expressed milk without expressed milk flowing out of the interior space. In a second pumping phase, expressed milk flows from the interior space into the pumping chamber, and the pumping chamber is filled with expressed milk. In a third pumping phase, the expressed milk flows from the pumping chamber into a milk collection container, wherein the interior space and the pumping chamber remain filled with expressed milk.The change from the second pumping phase to the third pumping phase occurs when a level of the pumped milk reaches an outlet opening which leads from the pumping chamber to the milk collection container, whereby milk flows through the outlet opening from the pumping chamber into the milk collection container.

[0056] Thanks to this process, the pumping system can be converted relatively quickly from a pneumatic to a hydraulic or predominantly hydraulic pumping system. This allows for the use of smaller drives and less powerful motors.

[0057] Preferably, the first pumping phase is a fully or predominantly pneumatic pumping phase and the second pumping phase is a fully or predominantly hydraulic pumping phase.

[0058] In a preferred variant of the method (not claimed), the interior space is almost completely filled in the first pumping phase. In a preferred variant, the interior space and / or the pumping chamber are almost completely filled with pumped milk in the second and / or third pumping phase.

[0059] Preferably, the change from the first pumping phase to the second pumping phase occurs when a fill level of the pumped milk reaches a first through-opening which leads from the interior to the pumping chamber, whereby milk flows through the first through-opening from the interior into the pumping chamber.

[0060] Preferably, in the third pumping phase, the pumped milk flows through the first through-opening into the pumping chamber and through the outlet opening into the milk collection container.

[0061] Preferably, in a fourth pumping phase, the interior is emptied and the milk already pumped out is led from the interior to the milk collection container through a second through-opening.

[0062] Preferably, the first passage opening can be closed with a first valve and the second passage opening can be closed with a second valve, wherein the second passage opening is always closed during the first to third pumping phases.

[0063] Preferably, the first passage opening is always closed during the fourth pumping phase.

[0064] Preferably, the second through-opening leads from the interior into the pumping chamber and is in fluid communication with the outlet opening via the pumping chamber.

[0065] Preferably, a base negative pressure is maintained during at least part of the pumping phases, preferably during the first, second and third pumping phases.

[0066] Preferably, a third valve is provided which first opens and then closes when the cyclically changing negative pressure increases towards atmospheric pressure, thereby maintaining the base negative pressure.

[0067] The individual elements listed in the claims can also be combined to form other combinations without necessarily adopting all of the features of the claims. In particular, individual elements can also be used in purely pneumatic breast pumps, especially in pneumatic diaphragm breast pumps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Figure 1 a perspective view of a breast pump according to the invention, Figure 2an exploded view of the breast pump according to Figure 1 in a perspective view; Figure 3 an exploded view of the breast pump according to Figure 1 in another perspective view; Figure 4 a partial section through the breast pump according to Figure 1 in a first perspective view; Figure 5 a partial section through the breast pump according to Figure 1 in a second perspective view; Figure 6 a longitudinal section through a hygiene module, attached to a carrier module of the breast pump according to Figure 1 in exploded view; Figure 7 a perspective view of the assembled hygiene module according to Figure 6 ; Figure 8a a perspective view of a breast shield of the breast pump according to Figure 1 ; Figure 8b a partial section through the breast shield according to Figure 8a ; Figure 9a a perspective view through a valve body of the breast pump according to Figure 1 ; Figure 9b a partial section through the valve body according to Figure 9a ; Figure 9c a longitudinal section through the valve body according to Figure 9a ; Figure 9d a view of the valve body according to Figure 9a ; Figure 10a a perspective view of an adjusting ring of the breast pump according to Figure 1 ; Figure 10b a view of the adjusting ring according to Figure 10a ; Figure 11a a perspective view of an adapter part of the breast pump according to Figure 1 from a first page; Figure 11b a partial section through the adapter part according to Figure I Ia; Figure 11c a perspective view of the adapter part according to Figure I Ia from a second side; Figure 12a a perspective view of a media separation membrane of the breast pump according to Figure 1 from a first page; Figure 12b a perspective view of the media separation membrane according to Figure 12a from a second side; Figure 12ca longitudinal section through the media separation membrane according to Figure 12a ; Figure 13a a perspective view of a pump membrane of the breast pump according to Figure 1 from a first page; Figure 13b a perspective view of the pump membrane according to Figure 13a from a second side; Figure 13c a longitudinal section through the pump membrane according to Figure 13a ; Figure 14 a perspective view of a carrier module of the breast pump according to Figure 1 ; Figure 15 a perspective view of an upper frame part of a milk collection container of the breast pump according to Figure 1 ; Figure 16 a longitudinal section through the upper frame part according to Figure 15 with a container valve; Figure 17 a perspective view of a vessel of the milk collection container of the breast pump according to Figure 1 ; Figure 18 a schematic representation of the pump system according to the invention before applying a negative pressure; Figure 19athe schematically illustrated pumping system according to Figure 1 when activating the mother’s breast in a first lifting position; Figure 19b the pumping system according to Figure 19a in a second lifting position; Figure 19c a graphical representation of the pressure inside a breast shield when changing from the first lifting position to the second lifting position according to the Figures 19a and 19b ; Figure 20a the pumping system according to Figure 19a at the beginning of milk flow from the breast in a first lifting position; Figure 20b the pumping system according to Figure 20a in a second lifting position; Figure 20c a graphical representation of the pressure inside a breast shield when changing from the first lifting position to the second lifting position according to the Figures 20a and 20b ; Figure 21a the pumping system according to Figure 19a during the continuous flow of milk from the breast in a first lifting position; Figure 21b the pumping system according to Figure 21 a in a second lifting position; Figure 21ca graphical representation of the pressure inside a breast shield when changing from the first lifting position to the second lifting position according to the Figures 21a and 21b ; Figure 22a the pumping system according to Figure 19a when the milk flow stops in a first lifting position; Figure 22b the pumping system according to Figure 22a in a second lifting position; Figure 22c a graphical representation of the pressure inside a breast shield when changing from the first lifting position to the second lifting position according to the Figures 22a and 22b ; Figure 23 a the pumping system according to Figure 19a when emptying in a first lifting position; Figure 23 b the pumping system according to Figure 23 a in a second lifting position and Figure 23c a graphical representation of the pressure inside a breast shield when changing from the first lifting position to the second lifting position according to the Figures 23a and 23b . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] In the Figures 1 to 17 a preferred embodiment of the breast pump according to the invention is shown. The overview of the individual components

[0070] As in Figure 1 As can be seen, the breast pump has a compact design. It comprises a pump housing 8 with a breast shield 2 attached thereto and a milk collection container 9 also attached to the pump housing 8. A motor with a power transmission element, for example, a spindle, is arranged in the pump housing 8. The pump housing 8 also contains at least one electronic control unit for controlling the motor, an actuation switch 86 for actuating the pump, and an energy storage unit.

[0071] The Figures 2 and 3show an exploded view of this breast pump. It comprises the aforementioned breast shield 2 for holding the mother's breast, a valve body 3 made of a flexible material, in particular silicone, an adapter part 4, a two-part adjusting ring 5, a media separation membrane 6, a pump membrane 7, a support module 8', which is part of the pump housing 8, and the aforementioned milk collection container 9. The milk collection container

[0072] The milk collection container 9 can preferably be latched onto the underside of the pump housing 8, preferably it can be releasably secured by pivoting it in. Corresponding latching elements 901, 902 are provided in Figure 17 The pump housing 8 has matching locking elements, which are not shown here.

[0073] The milk collection container 9 has a vessel 90 with an interior 900 for receiving the pumped milk (see Figure 17). This vessel 90 is open at the top and can be closed with a lid. The lid comprises a rigid lower frame part 91, a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible cover 92 and a rigid upper frame part 93. The lower frame part 91 corresponds to the shape of the circumference of the opening of the vessel 90 and rests on it in a sealing manner. The rigid upper frame part 93 clamps the cover between the lower and upper frame parts 91, 93. Preferably, the two frame parts 91, 93 are glued, welded or cannot be separated from one another without being destroyed. The cover 92 is a film or other membrane-like part which is permeable to air but impermeable to liquid. Thus, air can escape from the vessel 90, but no liquid can leak out.

[0074] The upper frame part 93 preferably also corresponds in its shape to the shape of the vessel 90, in particular its frame 930 corresponds to the shape of the lower frame part 91. It is in the Figures 15 and 16 shown in detail. Struts 931 are provided in the frame 930 to reinforce and protect the cover 92. A handle 933 facilitates lifting the lid. Spacer pins 934, which are arranged on the frame 930 and project beyond it, ensure a distance from the pump housing 8 when the milk collection container 9 is mounted, so that air can escape from the container interior 900 into the environment. A valve receptacle 932 is formed on the upper frame part 93 and forms the only fluid access into the interior of the container 90.

[0075] A container valve 94, designed as a one-way valve, is arranged in this valve receptacle 932. Thus, when the lid is closed, liquid can only flow into the milk collection container 9, but not out. The container valve 94 is preferably a duckbill valve, as shown here. The hygiene module

[0076] In the Figures 6 and 7 A hygiene module according to the invention is shown. It comprises at least the nozzle 23 of the breast shield 2, the valve body 3, the adapter part 4, and the adjusting ring 5. It can also include, as shown here, a flexible media separation membrane 6. If the breast shield is constructed in one piece, it is an integral part of the hygiene module.

[0077] The parts mentioned can be, as shown in the Figures 6 and 7shown, are assembled into a common assembly and releasably fastened together in the carrier module 8'. For this purpose, the nozzle 23 of the breast shield 2 can be fastened, preferably in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner, into corresponding receptacles, here two opposing side arms 80, of the carrier module 8'. The connection is preferably made via a bayonet lock, as shown here. The nozzle 23 has a corresponding flange 22, and the side arms 80 of the carrier module 8' have corresponding receptacles for the flange and the other elements of the bayonet lock.

[0078] Thanks to the fastening of the breast shield to the carrier module 8' and thus to the pump housing 8, the intermediate parts, ie the valve body 3, the adapter part 4 and the media separation membrane 6 of the hygiene module as well as the pump membrane 7 are also tightly connected to one another.

[0079] The adjusting ring 5 is preferably fastened to the adapter part 4 in a non-destructive manner and is pivotable relative to the latter about the longitudinal center axis of the hygiene module.

[0080] The individual parts of the device and how they interact are described below. The breastplate

[0081] In the Figures 8a and 8bthe breast shield 2 is shown. It is used to hold the mother's breast. It has a funnel 20 for resting on the mother's breast and an interior space 200 which can be subjected to a cyclically changing negative pressure and in which the mother's breast or at least the nipple is held. The breast shield is preferably made in one piece and preferably from a rigid or semi-rigid plastic. However, it can also be made from multiple parts. It can also be used with a soft liner, e.g. with a breast shield insert made from soft silicone. The funnel 20 is followed by a nozzle 23 with an at least partially circumferential flange 22, which forms part of the aforementioned bayonet closure. The interior space 200 merges on the side of the nozzle 23 facing away from the breast into a through-opening 21 which forms a channel running along the central longitudinal axis.On the nozzle 23, on the side of the flange 22 facing away from the breast, there is a recess on two diametrically opposite sides.

[0082] In the first recess, a first outlet opening 24 and an angular first flow opening 25 are provided. The first outlet opening 24 leads from the interior space 200 to the outside of the nozzle 23, more precisely into the first recess. The first flow opening 25 leads from this first recess in a preferably rectangular channel to the free end face of the nozzle 23 facing away from the chest. On the circumference of the nozzle 23, next to the first outlet opening 24, but outside the first recess, there is a ventilation opening 26. This leads from the interior space 200 to the outside.

[0083] On the diametrically opposite side of the nozzle 23, there is a similar second recess with a second outlet opening 27 and a second passage opening 28, which are designed identically to the first openings. Furthermore, a second ventilation opening 29 is also located outside the second recess and next to the second outlet opening 27. This second ventilation opening 29 actually serves no function but is closed during proper use of the device. However, so that the breast shield 2 can also be mounted on the carrier module 8' in a position rotated by 180°, all openings are arranged symmetrically. The valve body

[0084] The Figures 9a to 9dshow the valve body 3. The valve body 3 is made of a flexible material, preferably silicone. It is preferably formed in one piece. It has a hollow cylindrical base body 30 with a rear wall 31. A through-opening 32 is located centrally in the rear wall. The rear wall 31 has, on the side facing away from the breast, an annular groove 312 surrounding the through-opening 32, which forms a sealing surface 310 on the opposite side, near the breast. The peripheral edge of the through-opening 32 is provided with a peripheral sealing lip 311 on the side facing away from the breast (see Figures 9b and 9c ). The area of ​​the rear wall 31 within the circumferential sealing surface 310 thus forms a valve which, as explained further below, serves as a base vacuum valve.

[0085] The base body 30 has a radially protruding positioning lug 33 on the side facing the chest. A first nub 34 and a ventilation nub 35 are provided on the casing of the base body 3. A second nub 36 is located diametrically opposite. The three nubs protrude radially outward. The first nub 34 and the second nub 36 are solid, i.e., not hollow. The ventilation nub 35 has a through-opening leading from the interior of the base body 30 to the outside.

[0086] In the annular area of ​​the rear wall 31 between the sealing surface 310 and the casing of the base body 30, diametrically opposed valve flaps are also provided. A first of these valve flaps is designated by the reference numeral 37, a second of these valve flaps by the reference numeral 38. They are preferably located on the same diagonal as the first and second nubs 34, 36. The adjusting ring

[0087] The Figures 10a and 10bshow the adjusting ring 5. It is preferably rigid and preferably made of plastic. The adjusting ring 5 preferably consists of two parts. A first part 50 has the shape of a half ring and is provided with a first plug part 51 at both free ends. The second part 52 also has the shape of a half ring and is provided with a second plug part 53 at each of its free ends. The first and two parts 50, 52 form a common ring and the two pairs of plug parts 51, 53 are provided with locking elements 54 in order to connect to one another preferably in a non-detachable manner. On the inner circumference of the ring there is a partially circumferential, inwardly projecting stop 55 which prevents the adjusting ring 5 from being removed again after it has been mounted on the adapter part 4. A first and a second pressure element 56, 57 are formed on the inner wall of the adjusting ring.These are preferably radially inwardly projecting elevations, which transition via an inclined surface, also called a ramp, into a surface running parallel to the inner surface of the ring. An outwardly projecting actuating lever 58 is formed on the first part 50. The adapter part

[0088] The Figures 11a to 11c show the adapter part 4. It is preferably made of a rigid material, preferably plastic. It has a hollow cylindrical base body 40 with a substantially closed, flange-like pump-side wall 41. The base body 40 has a first window 400 and a diametrically opposite second window 401 in its casing. On the end face of the base body 40 near the breast shield, there is a positioning aid 402, which forms the counterpart to the positioning lug 33 of the valve body 3 and which, together with the positioning lug 33, serves to securely position the valve body 3 against rotation.

[0089] The pump-side wall 40 extends in a direction referred to here as downward into a channel wall 410. The pump-side wall further has a raised central wall portion 42, which projects into the area near the breast shield. On the opposite side of the wall portion 42, i.e., facing the pump housing, a concave surface is formed, which forms the aforementioned rigid first shell and is part of the pump chamber 47.

[0090] Between the raised wall portion 42 and the casing of the base body 40, a first through-opening 43 and a second through-opening 44 are provided in the pump-side wall 41. The two through-openings 43, 44 are diametrically opposite each other. In this example, they are circular. In the edge region of the raised wall portion 42, but already on its elevation, a first backwash opening 45 and a second backwash opening 46 are provided. These openings are preferably elongated. These openings all lead into the pump chamber 47.

[0091] As in Figure 11cAs can be seen, the concave, rigid first shell of the pumping chamber 47 is surrounded by a circumferential, flat edge, which serves as a sealing surface. A groove 48 runs within this edge, preferably beginning at an uppermost point of the pumping chamber 47 and communicating with it via an outlet opening 480. The channel 48 runs along the circumference of the pumping chamber 47, here in a partially circular shape, downwards to an outlet 49. The outlet 49 is located in the channel wall 410. The media separation membrane

[0092] In the Figures 12a to 12cthe media separation membrane 6 is shown. It is flexible, is preferably made in one piece and preferably made of silicone. It has a membrane surface 60, which is preferably provided in a known manner with at least one annular groove. A central region 61 of the membrane surface is preferably raised and faces the adapter part 4. The edge of the membrane surface 60 is designed as a sealing surface 62 and lies sealingly against the edge of the adapter part 4, thereby forming the pump chamber 47. A groove 63 runs within the sealing surface 62 along the circumference of the media separation membrane 6 and forms the sealing closure of the groove 48 of the adapter part 4. A recess 64 in the lower region of the media separation membrane 6 facing the pump housing serves as a free space for a pressure sensor, which will be described below.

[0093] The media separation membrane 6 preferably has, as shown in the figures, stiffeners in the form of ribs, which ensure the proper functioning of the media separation membrane. That is, the ribs ensure that the membrane moves in the desired manner while still remaining in a sealed position against its adjacent parts. The pump membrane

[0094] In the Figures 13a to 13cThe pump membrane 7 is shown. It also has a membrane surface 70 and a central region 71. In contrast to the full-surface media separation membrane 6, the central region 71 of the pump membrane 7 is provided with a through-opening 72, the edge region of which preferably has a reinforcement 73, here in the form of ribs. There is again a circumferential sealing surface 74, which, when the device is assembled, bears sealingly against the corresponding surface of the carrier module 8'. Outside the sealing surface 74 are side wings 77. The side wings 77, together with the circumferential flat sealing surface 74 ( Figure 13b ) when assembled, form a tight barrier against external liquids and thus protect the electronics.

[0095] The lower region of the pump diaphragm 7, which is still located within the closed, circumferential sealing surface 74, is designed as a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises a sensor surface 75 in the form of a diaphragm, which is connected to the diaphragm surface 70 via a connecting web, and a lug 76, which protrudes perpendicularly from the sensor surface toward the pump housing. This type of pressure sensor is described in WO 2013 / 049944 A1.

[0096] As can be seen in the figures, the media separation membrane 6 and the pump membrane 7 have similar shapes, in particular with regard to their movable regions for generating the negative pressure. The carrier module

[0097] The carrier module 8' is in Figure 14 It is held in an outer casing of the pump housing. The outer casing is in Figure 1visible. Preferably, the carrier module 8' is screwed into this outer housing. The corresponding fastening holes are provided with the reference numeral 84. The carrier module can be manufactured in one piece from plastic. However, it can also be made of several parts and / or from a different material. The carrier module 8' has two protruding side arms 10 with a bayonet lock for receiving the breast shield 2. The side arms are arranged laterally on a spindle holder 82. The spindle holder 82 has a through-opening and a circumferential edge 85, which forms the counterpart to the sealing surface 74 of the pump membrane 7. A motor holder 81 in the form of a shell is formed on the spindle holder 82. The motor holder 81 serves to hold an electric motor, which is connected to a spindle 83 (see Figure 4 ) is connected. Function of the assembled assembly

[0098] Based on the Figure 6you can see how the individual openings and valves interact.

[0099] The valve body 3 can be inserted into the hollow cylindrical base body 40 of the adapter part 4 in a rotationally positioned manner. The adjusting ring 5 is already permanently connected to the adapter part 4, with the first pressing element 56 protruding inward through the first window 400 and the second pressing element 57 protruding inward through the second window 401. The first stud 34 of the valve body 3 is located below the first window 400 and the second stud 36 above the first window 401. The valve flaps 37, 38 of the valve body 3 are each located above the first and second through-openings 43, 44 of the adapter part. The sealing lip 311 rests sealingly on the raised wall part 42, with the first and second backwash openings being arranged in a sealed annular area between the groove 312 and the sealing lip 311.

[0100] If the breast shield 2 is now inserted, the first knob 34 lies over the first outlet opening 24 and the ventilation knob 35 lies over the first ventilation opening 26. The second knob 36 lies over the second outlet opening 27. The second ventilation opening 29 is covered by the casing of the valve body 4 and thus closed.

[0101] If the breast shield 2 is now connected to the carrier module 8', the individual connections between the described channels and openings are created and sealed to the outside.

[0102] In the Figures 4 and 5 The breast pump according to the invention is shown in its assembled state. As can be clearly seen, this system has virtually no dead space.

[0103] In Figure 4The spindle 83, which drives the pump membrane 7, is visible. The media separation membrane 6 has a shape that conforms to the pump membrane 7, so that both membranes 6, 7 move together and no losses occur here either. The pump housing 8, more precisely the carrier module 8', has a rear wall 85, against which the pump membrane 7 rests sealingly when the hygiene module is attached to the carrier module 8'. This is shown in the Figures 4 and 5 clearly visible. The adjusting ring 5 is pivotally mounted within the side arms 80, with the actuating lever 58 also serving as an indicator. It moves along a display 87, which is attached to the pump housing 8 and thus provides the user with information about the position of individual valves and thus the operating status of the pump. This indicates whether the pump is ready for pumping or is in the emptying state. This is explained below.

[0104] Individual valves can be manually opened and closed by turning the adjusting ring 5. More specifically, the first outlet opening 24 can be manually opened and closed together with the first flow opening 25, or alternatively, the second outlet opening 27 can be manually opened and closed together with the second flow opening 28. The first vent opening 26 is opened and closed together with the second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28. The second vent opening 29 always remains closed due to its position within the valve body 3.

[0105] If the breast shield 2 is positioned relative to the valve body 3 in such a way that the second openings are located at the position of the first openings, the second ventilation opening will of course be opened and closed instead of the first.

[0106] In a first position, which is selected at the beginning of the pumping process and during the entire pumping process, the second knob 36 of the valve body 3 is pressed downwards by the second pressure element 57 of the adjusting ring and rests on the recess and thus on the second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28 of the breast shield 2. In addition, the ventilation knob 35 is pressed by the first pressure element 56 onto the first ventilation opening 26 and closes it. The first knob 34 of the valve body 3, however, is exposed, so that the first outlet opening 24 and the first flow opening 25 form a fluid-communicating channel from the interior 200 of the breast shield into the base body 30 of the valve body 3. This is best illustrated in the Figures 2 , 3 and 6 recognizable.

[0107] In a second position, the adjusting ring 5 is rotated. The first pressing element 56 releases the ventilation nub 35 and thus the first ventilation opening 26, while pressing the first nub 34 onto the recess and thus closing the first outlet opening 24 and the first flow opening 25. The second pressing element 57 also releases the second nub 36, so that the second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28 now form an open, continuous channel from the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 into the valve body 3. The second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28 form an emptying channel, which will be described in more detail below.

[0108] The mutual opening and closing preferably occurs simultaneously. However, it is also possible to arrange the clamping elements offset so that all openings are closed in an intermediate state. Pumping breast milk and emptying process

[0109] In order to pump milk from the mother's breast, the actuating lever 58 and thus the adjusting ring 5 are moved into the aforementioned first position. By means of the drive, the pump membrane 7, together with the media separation membrane 6, is moved back and forth towards the adapter part 4, so that a negative pressure is created in the pump chamber 47 and in the interior 200 of the breast shield 2. The vacuum line from the pump chamber 47 into the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 is formed by the first through-opening 43 in the adapter part 4, the opening in the valve body 3 covered by the first valve flap 37, and the channel formed by the first flow opening 25 and the first outlet opening 24 in the breast shield.

[0110] The basic vacuum valve, formed, among other things, by the sealing lip 311 of the valve body 3, enables the maintenance of a basic negative pressure in the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 when the pump stroke is directed toward atmospheric pressure. The basic vacuum valve opens during the pump stroke toward atmospheric pressure and only closes when a predetermined minimum pressure is reached in the interior 200. Its mode of operation is explained in more detail below using a diagram. The air flows back into the breast shield 2 via the first and second backwash openings 45, 46 of the adapter part 4, the through-opening 32 of the valve body 3, and the through-opening 21 of the breast shield 2.

[0111] By applying this vacuum to the mother's breast, it is stimulated, and milk flows from the breast into the interior space 200 of the breast shield 2. The interior space 200 fills until the milk level reaches the first outlet opening 24. The breast shield 2 is preferably held such that this first outlet opening 24 is located in an upper region of the breast shield 2.

[0112] The pumped milk then flows through the channel formed by the first outlet opening 24 and the first passage opening 25, and through the opening covered by the first valve flap 37 into the adapter part 4, where it passes through the first passage opening 43 into the pump chamber 47.

[0113] The pump chamber 47 also fills with milk until the upper outlet opening 480 is reached. The milk then flows through the channel formed by the groove 48 of the adapter part 4 and the groove 63 or the cover of the media separation membrane 6, through the outlet 49 out of the hygiene module, and through the container valve 94 into the milk collection container 9.

[0114] When the pump stroke is from generating a negative pressure towards atmospheric pressure, the base vacuum valve opens first and allows a partial backflow of the air or the milk interior 200. This partial backflow occurs through the first and second backwash openings 45, 46, the open base vacuum valve, the through opening 32 and the through opening 21. The valve closes at a certain vacuum value in the interior so that the pressure cannot rise further towards atmospheric pressure.

[0115] When the mother wants to stop pumping milk, or when no more milk is flowing from the breast, she swivels the adjusting ring 5 to the second position. The previously used vacuum and milk channel is closed by closing the first outlet opening 24 and the first passage opening 25. However, this opens the second outlet opening 27, the second passage opening 28, and the first vent opening 26. This change can be made while the pump is running, i.e., while the pump diaphragm 7 is still driven. The pump can also be switched off and then restarted. Since the pump now continues to suck, the milk already pumped from the mother's breast, which is still in the interior 200 of the breast shield 2, is pumped through the second release opening 27, the second passage opening 28, the opening of the valve body 3 covered by the second valve flap 37 and the second passage opening 44 of the adapter part 4 into the pump chamber 47.From there, it is displaced from the pump chamber 47 toward the outlet opening 480 by the movement of the pump membrane 7 and the media separation membrane 6. It thus also flows through the channel 48 and the outlet 49 into the milk collection container 9. In this way, both the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 and the pump chamber 47 can be almost completely emptied. The device can also be tilted to empty all the milk from the system into the milk collection container 9.

[0116] It should be noted that at the beginning of the pumping process, the breast pump is preferably held so that the first outlet opening 24 of the breast shield and the outlet opening 480 of the pumping chamber 47 are located in an upper region of the respective cavity. This allows air to escape from the system and the two hollow chambers to fill with milk relatively quickly. This enables the fastest possible change from a purely pneumatic pumping system with air as the working fluid to a purely or predominantly hydraulic pumping system in which milk forms the working fluid or at least forms a large proportion of the working fluid. However, it is not absolutely necessary for the openings to be arranged in this way at the beginning of the pumping process. The change from one pumping system to the other simply takes a longer time and / or cannot be completed completely.

[0117] As soon as the milk has partially flooded the interior 200 and the pumping chamber 47, preferably up to the aforementioned openings, the breast pump can be moved to any desired position. This applies not only to the breast shield 2 and the pumping chamber 47, but also, in particular, to the milk collection container 9. Thanks to the container valve 94, which is designed as a check valve, and thanks to the liquid-tight cover 92, the milk collection container 9 can even be turned upside down without impairing the operation of the breast pump.

[0118] In preferred embodiments, the breast shield and the adjusting ring are illuminated so that the mother can also carry out a visual check during pumping at night.

[0119] The breast pump described above is merely an embodiment in which the inventive principle can be implemented and the method (not claimed) can be applied. Figures 18 to 23cThe core of the inventive ideas is therefore shown schematically again. Basic principle

[0120] In Figure 1 The breast shield 2 with the interior 200 is shown schematically. The breast shield 2 is placed tightly onto a mother's breast, the nipple W protrudes into the interior 200. The interior 200 is connected to a pump chamber 47 via an outlet opening 16. An additional emptying opening 19 also leads from the interior 200 to the pump chamber 47. The outlet opening 16 is provided with a pump valve 12, and the emptying opening with an emptying valve 14. A basic vacuum valve 13 closes a third opening 17 between the pump chamber 47 and the interior 200 of the breast shield 2. A ventilation opening 15, which can be closed with a ventilation valve 11, also leads from the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 to the outside.

[0121] The volume of the pump chamber 47 can be varied by means of a pumping means 10, for example, a pumping diaphragm or a piston. The pumping means 10 is driven, for example, by a spindle 100.

[0122] An outlet opening 480 leads from the pump chamber 47 into a milk collection container 9. The inlet into the milk collection container 9 is preferably provided with a check valve, here referred to as container valve 94. The milk collection container 9 is ventilated; preferably, an inlet 95 with an inlet valve 96 is provided for this purpose.

[0123] The comparison with the embodiment described in detail above shows that the ventilation opening 15 and the ventilation valve 11 correspond to the first ventilation opening 26, the ventilation knob 35 and the first pressing element 56.

[0124] The outlet opening 16 and the base vacuum valve 12 of the schematic representation correspond to the first outlet opening 24, the first flow opening 25, the first nub 34, the first pressure element 56 and the first valve flap 37 of the specific embodiment.

[0125] The drain opening 19 and the drain valve 14 of the schematic representation correspond to the second outlet opening 27, the second flow opening 28, the second knob 36, the second pressure element 57 and the second valve flap 38 of the specific embodiment.

[0126] The base vacuum valve 13 and the third opening 17 of the schematic representation correspond to the sealing lip 311, the first and second backwash openings 45, 46 and the through opening 32 in the valve body 3 of the specific embodiment.

[0127] The container valve 94 of the schematic representation corresponds to the container valve of the specific embodiment.

[0128] In the concrete embodiment described above, the inlet 95 and the inlet valve 96 of the schematic representation are formed by the air-permeable and liquid-impermeable cover, ie by an appropriately selected cover film.

[0129] These valves can also be implemented in other ways. The valve openings can also be accommodated in an additional module part which is detachably connected to the breast shield. In addition, the outlet opening 16 and / or the emptying opening 19 can be designed as a channel which runs in a line, in particular a flexible line. Depending on the design of this line, the pump chamber can be arranged at a distance from the breast shield and, depending on the embodiment, also at a distance from a valve module. The valves can preferably be accommodated in a hygiene module which is arranged between the pump chamber and the breast shield funnel. If the pump chamber is arranged at a distance from the breast shield, the valve module can be arranged adjacent to the pump chamber or adjacent to the breast shield or can be a component of the breast shield.

[0130] The functionality is explained below: In the illustration according to Figure 18The pump is not yet switched on. All valves are closed except for the inlet valve 96 of the milk collection container 9. Atmospheric pressure prevails in all areas, ie, p=0.

[0131] In the representation according to the Figures 19a to 19cthe pumping process begins and the mother's breast is stimulated by the applied negative pressure. The pumping valve 12 can open and close. In the specific embodiment, the first outlet opening 24 and the first flow opening 25 are exposed for this purpose and the first valve flap 37 opens and closes the valve. The emptying valve 14 is firmly closed. In the specific embodiment, this is achieved by the adjusting ring 5 being brought into the appropriate position and firmly closing the second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28. The venting valve 11 also remains firmly closed. In the specific embodiment, this is achieved by the first nub 34 closing the first venting opening 26 by means of the adjusting ring 5.

[0132] The pumping means 10, preferably a pumping membrane or a piston, is pulled outwards to create a negative pressure in the pumping chamber 47 (here, for example, -150 mmHg). The pumping valve 12 opens and the negative pressure is transferred into the interior 200 of the breast shield 2, or air flows from this interior into the pumping chamber 47. Thus, a negative pressure also prevails in the interior, optimally the same pressure of, for example, -150 mmHg. The pressure curve in the interior 200 is in Figure 19c The pressure according to reference symbol a) corresponds to the pressure in the interior 200 according to Figure 19a The tank valve 94 remains closed. The pressure in the milk collection tank 9 remains at atmospheric pressure, ie, p=0.

[0133] If the pumping means 10 is now pushed back and the pumping chamber 47 is reduced in volume, the pumping valve 12 closes and the pressure in the pumping chamber 47 increases to atmospheric pressure p-0. The pressure in the interior 200 also increases due to the now opened base vacuum valve 13. However, since the base vacuum valve 13 closes at a certain negative pressure, a base vacuum is maintained in the interior 200. This is, for example, -20 mmHg. This situation is in Figure 19b shown and the pressure curve in Figure 19c denoted by b).

[0134] By comparing the Figures 19a and 19b also shows how the nipple W expands and contracts in the interior 200.

[0135] In the Figures 20a to 20cThe flow of milk from the mother's breast has begun. The milk is marked with the reference symbol M in the figures. The interior space 200 of the breast shield 2 fills with expressed milk. A pool of milk forms below the pump valve 12. Thanks to the milk now present, the pumping power increases while maintaining the same drive power, for example, to -170 mmHg in the pump chamber 47 and the interior space 200. As before, the pump valve 12 and the base vacuum valve 13 open and close with each pump stroke, while the emptying valve 14 and the venting valve 11 remain closed. Figure 20a shows the situation at maximum negative pressure (absolute value), which is also shown in a) Figure 20c is marked. Figure 20b shows the situation when maintaining the base negative pressure in the interior 200 and atmospheric pressure in the pumping chamber 47, which in Figure 20c marked with b).

[0136] As soon as the interior space 200 has filled with milk M up to the outlet opening 16, milk M flows through the pump valve 12 into the pump chamber 47. The pumped milk M now also fills the pump chamber 47 until its fill level reaches the outlet opening 480 to the milk collection container 9. The container valve 94 now opens, preferably due to the pressure of the accumulated milk M, and milk M flows into the milk collection container 9.

[0137] The Figures 21a to 21c show the situation in which, ideally, there is no air left in the system and the original pneumatic system has been completely converted to a hydraulic system. In practice, a mixed system is often used, with the expressed milk preferably filling a significant portion of the volumes and thus forming the main working fluid.

[0138] As already shown by the Figures 19a to 19cAs explained, the pump valve 12 and the base vacuum valve 13 open and close according to the pump stroke, so that a negative pressure is generated in the interior 200 and a base negative pressure can be maintained. The pressure in the pump chamber 47 changes, for example, between -250 mmHg and 0 mmHg, and the pressure in the interior between -250 mmHg and -20 mmHg. The pressure in the milk collection container 9 remains at atmospheric pressure, i.e., at 0 mmHg.

[0139] In the Figures 22a to 22cThe situation is shown when milk no longer flows from the breast. The system initially continues to pump, but the pumping pressure is no longer sufficient to open the container valve 94 to the milk collection container 9. This is the point in time at which the pump valve 12 closes completely and the drain valve 14 is activated, allowing it to open and close automatically. In the specific embodiment, the adjusting ring 5 is manually adjusted for this purpose. However, other ways of activating or deactivating these two valves are possible. For example, they can be controlled with appropriate electronics.

[0140] In the Figures 23a to 23cThe pump valve 12 is now firmly closed and the emptying channel and the emptying valve 14 are opened. The pumping means 10 continues to move and, as before, generates a pressure in the pumping chamber 47 that changes from a maximum negative pressure to atmospheric pressure. According to this movement, the emptying valve 14 opens and closes, just as the pumping valve 12 did before, and thus pumps the milk M from the interior 200 into the pumping chamber 47. From there, it is conveyed into the milk collection container 9, preferably first by means of negative pressure and then by displacement by the pumping means 10. In this pumping situation, the emptying valve 14 is preferably located at a low point on the breast shell, preferably relatively far down. The sinking pool of milk in the interior is in the Figures 23a and 23b clearly visible. The Figures 23a and 23b show the two extreme situations of a pumping stroke. The pressure curve is in Figure 23cThe pressure curve in the interior 200 is relatively unspecific.

[0141] The pump thus continues to operate during emptying. If there is still milk in the pump chamber 47 at the end, it can be easily directed into the milk collection container 9 by tilting or turning the pump upside down.

[0142] The breast pump according to the invention thus enables the use of expressed milk in a hydraulic pumping system, which minimizes the drive of the pump. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 32 passage opening 10 Pumping agent 33 Positioning mass 100 spindle 34 first pimple 11 ventilation valve 35 Ventilation nub 12 pump valve 36 second pimple 13 Basic vacuum valve 37 first valve flap 14 Drain valve 38 second valve flap 15 Ventilation opening 16 Outlet opening 4 Adapter part 17 third opening 40 Basic body 19 Drain opening 400 first window 401 second window 2 Breast shield 402 Positioning aid 20 funnel 41 pump-side wall 200 Interior 410 Canal wall 21 passage opening 42 raised wall section 22 flange 43 first passage opening 23 Support 44 second passage opening 24 first outlet opening 45 first backwash opening 25 first flow opening 46 second backwash opening 26 first ventilation opening 47 Pump chamber 27 second outlet opening 48 gutter 28 second flow opening 480 Outlet opening 29 second ventilation opening 49 Outlet 3 valve body 5 Adjusting ring 30 Basic body 50 first part 31 back wall 51 first connector part 310 Sealing surface 52 second part 311 sealing lip 53 second plug part 312 groove 54 Snap-in element 55 stop 83 spindle 56 first pressure element 84 Mounting holes 57 second pressure element 85 edge 58 Operating lever 86 Actuating switch 87 Advertisement 6 Media separation membrane 60 Membrane area 61 Central area 9 Milk collection container 62 Sealing surface 90 Vessel 63 gutter 900 Interior 64 Deepening 901 first snap-in element" 902 second locking element 7 Pump membrane 91 lower frame part 70 Membrane area 92 cover 71 Central area 93 upper frame part 72 passage opening 930 Frame 73 Reinforcement 931 Striving 74 Sealing surface 932 Valve holder 75 Sensor area 933 Handle 76 banner 934 Spacer pins 77 side wings 94 Tank valve 95 inlet 8 Pump housing 96 Inlet valve 8' Carrier module 80 side arm W nipple 81 Engine mount M Milk 82 spindle holder

Claims

1. A breastpump for expressing human breastmilk, wherein the breastpump comprises a pump housing (8) with a drive unit, a pump chamber (47) with a flexible pump membrane, driven by the drive unit (7), for producing a vacuum, and a breast shield (2) with an interior (200) for receiving breastmilk, wherein a cyclically changing negative pressure is appliable to the interior (200) by means of the pump chamber (47), wherein a milk channel leads from the interior (200) into the pump chamber (47) through a first passage opening (43), wherein expressed milk (M) flows from the interior (200) of the breast shield (2) into the pump chamber (47) through the milk channel and wherein the pump chamber (47) has an outlet opening (480), through which the expressed milk (M) flows from the pump chamber (47) into a milk collection container (9),wherein a multipart hygiene module is present, wherein the hygiene module comprises a first part (23) with a flow opening (25, 28) for connecting to the interior (200), a valve body (3) with at least one valve and a second part as an adapter part (4) with a first rigid cup for forming the pump chamber (47), wherein the hygiene module as a whole is connectable to the pump housing (8) in a sealing and detachable manner, characterized in that the breast shield (2) comprises a flange (22) for detachably connecting to the pump housing (8).

2. The breastpump as claimed in claim 1, the first rigid cup having a milk path which leads from the pump chamber (47) into a milk collection container (9) and which, at least over a portion, extends perpendicular to a drive axis of the pump membrane (7).

3. The breastpump as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the valve body (3) comprises at least one flow valve and one venting valve (11).

4. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve body (3) is formed in integral fashion from a flexible material.

5. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first part (23) is a constituent part of the breast shield (2).

6. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection is interlocking and a force fit, preferably a bayonet lock.

7. The breastpump as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connection is a bayonet lock.

8. The breastpump as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet opening (480), at least at the start of an expressing process, is arranged in an upper region of the pump chamber (47) and / or above the first passage opening (43) in vertical use position of the breastpump.

9. The breastpump as claimed in claim 1, wherein the milk channel forms a vacuum channel for applying the cyclically changing negative pressure to the interior (200) of the breast shield (2).

10. The breastpump as claimed in either of claims 8 and 9, wherein the pump chamber (47) comprises the rigid first cup and a flexible pump membrane (7), wherein the pump membrane (7) rests against the first cup in sealing fashion and wherein the pump membrane (7) is driven and a negative pressure is producible in the pump chamber (47) as a result of the movement of said pump membrane (7) relative to the first cup.

11. The breastpump as claimed in claim 10, wherein a flexible media separation membrane (6) is arranged between the rigid cup and the flexible pump membrane (7) such that the pump membrane (7) is protected from contact with expressed milk (M).

12. The breastpump as claimed in either of claims 10 and 11, wherein the first cup has an outlet groove (48), which extends from the outlet opening (480) of the pump chamber (47) to an output (49), wherein the outlet groove, at least over a portion, extends in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the pump membrane (7).

13. The breastpump as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pump membrane (7) or, if present, the media separation membrane (6) closes off the outlet groove (48) of the rigid first cup to form a channel that is closed apart from the outlet opening (480) and the output (49).

14. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the breast shield (2) has the passage opening (25) as a first passage opening (25), which forms part of the milk channel, wherein the first passage opening (25), at least at the start of the expressing process, is arranged in an upper region of the interior (200) in the use position of the breast shield (2) such that the interior (200) below the first passage opening (25) is fillable with expressed milk (M).

15. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the milk channel is able to be closed off by means of a first valve in order to remove the expressed milk (M) from the pump chamber (47) at the end of the expressing process.

16. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a draining channel is present between the interior (200) of the breast shield (2) and the pump chamber (47), said draining channel extending separately from the milk channel, and wherein the draining channel is able to be closed off by means of a second valve, wherein the draining channel is closed during the expressing process and opened at the end of the expressing process.

17. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a venting valve (11) for venting the interior (200) of the breast shield (2) is present.

18. The breastpump as claimed in claims 16 and 17, wherein the venting valve (11) is able to be closed off together with the second valve and said venting valve can be opened together with the latter.

19. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a third valve is present, said third valve maintaining a baseline negative pressure in the interior (200) of the breast shield (2) when the pressure of the cyclically changing negative pressure increases.

20. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a fourth valve is present in the milk channel, said fourth valve opening and closing in accordance with the applied negative pressure.

21. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 and 16, wherein a fifth valve is present in the draining channel, said fifth valve opening and closing in accordance with the applied negative pressure.

22. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least some, preferably all, of the aforementioned valves are arranged in the valve body (3).

23. The breastpump as claimed in claim 22, wherein the valve body (3) has an integral and flexible embodiment.

24. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 23, provided these refer back to claim 10, wherein the breastpump comprises the pump housing (8) with a drive for the pump membrane (7) and wherein the rigid first cup is detachably connected to the pump housing (8).

25. The breastpump as claimed in claim 24, wherein the first rigid cup is a constituent part of a multipart module, which is connectable together to the pump housing (8), wherein the module moreover at least comprises the aforementioned valves.

26. The breastpump as claimed in claims 23 and 25, wherein the first rigid cup is a constituent part of the adapter part (4) and wherein the valve body (3) is held in a receptacle of the adapter part (4).

27. The breastpump as claimed in claim 26, wherein the module further comprises a manual actuation means for simultaneous actuation of the first and second valve.

28. The breastpump as claimed in claim 27, wherein the adapter part (4) and the actuation part are not detachable from one another in a non-destructive manner.

29. The breastpump as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the breastpump comprises the pump housing (8), wherein the breast shield (2) is fastenable to the pump housing (8) in a detachable manner and wherein, as a result of fastening the breast shield (2) to the pump housing (8), parts that lie between the breast shield and the pump housing (8) are connected to one another in sealing fashion such that a tight connection arises between the pump chamber (47) and the interior (200) of the breast shield (2).

30. The breastpump as claimed in claim 25 and claim 29, wherein the breast shield and the valve body are parts of the module.