BRUSTPUMPE

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

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

[0002] Devices for expressing human breast milk are well known. Basically, there are two different types: the first are manually operated, meaning the vacuum necessary for expressing is created by manually operating the vacuum pump. In the second type, the vacuum pump is electrically operated.

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

[0004] 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, a milk line is cyclically squeezed, for example.

[0005] WO 2011 / 035447 A1 discloses a breast pump in which the vacuum line simultaneously forms the milk line. The pumping chamber, in which the vacuum is generated, fills with milk during pumping, so that the pumping system switches from a pneumatic system to a hydraulic system and the already pumped milk

[0006] Milk becomes the working fluid. To allow the pump chamber to fill with milk, a valve is located at the outlet of the pump chamber, which leads to the milk collection container. This valve only opens when a certain pressure is reached inside the pump chamber, i.e., when the pump chamber is sufficiently filled with milk.

[0007] This combined pneumatic and hydraulic pump offers several advantages. The system has little to no dead volume. The pump unit can be minimized because, once the system is filled with milk, only minimal pumping power is required to express more milk. In particular, lower-capacity batteries can be used compared to pneumatic vacuum pumps. This allows the vacuum pump to be designed more cost-effectively and compactly. The breast pump is especially suitable for hands-free applications, where the pump is worn on the body and no hands are needed to hold the breast shield. Furthermore, the minimized dead volume makes it easier to control the applied pressure. This allows for individually optimized pumping parameters 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 is present in the pump chamber, which includes a flag attached to a flexible diaphragm.

[0009] Another relevant breast pump from the prior art is disclosed, for example, in EP3058967 A1. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Therefore, one of the aims of the invention is to optimize the aforementioned breast pump.

[0011] This task is solved by a breast pump according to claim 1.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed breast pump for expressing human breast milk comprises a pump housing with a drive unit, a pump chamber with a flexible pump diaphragm driven by the drive unit to generate a vacuum, and a breast cap with an interior space for receiving a mother's breast. The interior space can be pressurized with a cyclically changing negative pressure by means of the pump chamber, wherein a milk channel leads from the interior space through a first inlet opening into the pump chamber, expressing milk flowing from the interior of the breast cap through the milk channel into the pump chamber, and wherein the pump chamber has an outlet opening through which the express 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 pump chamber, wherein the valve body is arranged between the first and second part and wherein the hygiene module as a whole can be connected to the pump housing of the breast pump in a sealing and detachable manner.

[0013] This hygiene module has a compact design. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, allowing for easy cleaning of the relevant parts of the breast pump. The use of a valve body within the hygiene module further simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and cleaning.

[0014] Preferably, the rigid first shell has a milk path that flows from the pump chamber into a milk collection container and that runs perpendicular to a drive axis of the pump diaphragm over at least a portion of its length. Preferably, the milk path runs in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis, extending in this plane over at least half the height of the pump chamber, preferably over the entire height of the pump chamber. The shape of this milk path allows the pump chamber to be at least partially, preferably completely, filled with pumped milk, so that during pumping, the system switches from a pneumatic pumping system to a mixed or even a fully hydraulic pumping system.

[0015] Preferably, the valve body has at least one flow valve and one vent valve. Preferably, the valve body is made in one piece from a flexible material.

[0016] Material is formed. This facilitates manufacturing, assembly, and cleaning. Preferably, the first part is an integral component of the breast shield. This allows for a compact breast pump design, and the hygiene module can be easily attached to the breast pump without the need to separately mount the breast shield.

[0017] Preferably, the breastplate has a flange for detachable connection to the pump housing. The connection to the pump housing can be made in a particularly simple manner if it is positive-locking and force-fit, preferably a bayonet fitting.

[0018] A breast pump according to the present invention has the technical features defined in claim 1.

[0019] The breast pump according to the invention for expressing human breast milk comprises a breast cup with an interior space for accommodating a mother's breast and a pumping chamber, the interior space of which can be pressurized with a cyclically changing negative pressure by means of the pumping chamber. A milk channel leads from the interior space through a first inlet opening into the pumping chamber, through which expressed milk flows from the interior of the breast cup 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. In the vertical operating position of the breast pump, the outlet opening is located, at least at the beginning of an expressing process, in an upper region of the pumping chamber and / or above the inlet opening.

[0020] 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 elements, e.g., the pump diaphragm, results in greater pumping power, i.e., a higher absolute vacuum in the pump chamber and thus inside the breast shield. Batteries with lower capacity can be used. This reduces manufacturing costs, increases the overall lifespan of the pump, and minimizes the size of the drive unit.

[0021] Preferably, the milk duct forms a vacuum channel for applying the cyclically changing negative pressure to the interior of the breast shield. This means that the vacuum is first applied and then the milk is aspirated via the same line or channel. The same line or channel is used for both working fluids, i.e., air and milk.

[0022] Depending on the embodiment, the pump is a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, or another type of vacuum pump. According to the invention, however, the pump chamber has a rigid first shell and a flexible pump diaphragm, wherein the pump diaphragm seals against the rigid first shell and wherein the pump diaphragm is driven, and a vacuum can be generated in the pump chamber by its movement relative to the rigid first shell. Preferably, a flexible media separation membrane 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 shield only reach the media separation membrane. The pump diaphragm and the other parts of the breast pump are thus protected from contamination.

[0023] The media separation membrane can be easily separated from the pump membrane. It is preferably part of the aforementioned hygiene module. The media separation membrane can preferably be separated from the other parts of the hygiene module and thus easily cleaned. The other parts of the hygiene module can also be separated from each other as necessary, so that they can be cleaned and then easily reassembled and reused, preferably without tools.

[0024] Preferably, the rigid first shell has an outlet channel extending from the outlet opening of the pump chamber to an outlet, the outlet channel running at least over a partial area in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pump diaphragm. Preferably, it runs in a plane perpendicular to this direction of movement, with the channel preferably extending over at least half of the

[0025] Height of the pump chamber, preferably extending over the entire pump chamber.

[0026] In In other embodiments, the channel is partially or completely designed as a closed channel. Preferably, however, the pump diaphragm, or, if present, the media separation diaphragm, closes the outlet channel of the rigid first shell to form a channel closed except for the outlet opening and the discharge.

[0027] The channel preferably extends alongside the pump chamber and not inside it.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the breast shield has a first opening which forms part of the milk channel, wherein the opening is located in an upper area of ​​the interior in the breast shield's operating position at least at the beginning of the pumping process, so that the interior below the first opening can be filled with pumped milk.

[0029] This allows the breast shield to be partially or completely filled with milk at the beginning of the pumping process. This significantly reduces the time until switching to the hydraulic pumping system. Typically, the inside of the breast shield is filled first, followed by the pumping chamber, before the milk enters the milk collection container for the first time.

[0030] Preferably, the milk channel can be closed by means of 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 milk expression. For emptying, it is now permanently closed. Depending on the embodiment, the closing is done manually or automatically, e.g., by means of the electronic control of the breast pump. If a valve is arranged downstream, the first valve can also remain open during the pumping process.

[0031] Preferably, a drainage channel is provided between the interior of the breast shield and the pumping chamber, running separately from the milk duct, and this drainage channel can be closed by means of a second valve. The drainage channel is closed during the pumping process and opens at the end of the pumping process. This also occurs manually or automatically, depending on the embodiment. The second valve preferably functions in the same or a similar way to the first valve. It is preferably identical in design. It opens and closes during the pumping process when emptying the breast shield, just 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 remain open at all times during the drainage process.

[0032] Preferably, a ventilation valve is also provided for ventilating 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.

[0033] Preferably, the ventilation valve can be closed together with the second valve and can be opened together with it.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a third valve is provided which maintains a base negative pressure even as the cyclically changing negative pressure inside the breast shield increases. The pressure inside the breast shield 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.

[0035] Preferably, a fourth valve is present in the milk channel, which opens and closes according to the applied negative pressure. This fourth valve is arranged downstream of the first valve in the direction of milk drainage. However, the fourth valve can also be formed by the first valve, as described above. If it is downstream, it can, for example, be designed as a flap valve within the valve body.

[0036] Preferably, a fifth valve is provided in the discharge channel, which opens and closes according to the applied negative pressure. This fifth valve is arranged downstream of the second valve in the direction of milk discharge.

[0037] The second valve can be formed as described above. If it is downstream, it could, for example, be a reed valve within the valve body.

[0038] Preferably, at least one, and preferably all, of the aforementioned valves are arranged in a common valve body. This simplifies manufacturing and minimizes costs.

[0039] Preferably, the valve body is a single piece and flexible. Preferably, it is made of silicone.

[0040] Preferably, the breast pump has a pump housing with a drive for the pump diaphragm, wherein the rigid first shell is detachably connected to the pump housing. This facilitates assembly, even after cleaning by the mother.

[0041] Preferably, the rigid first shell is part of a hygiene module that can be connected to the pump housing, the hygiene module further comprising at least the aforementioned valves. This hygiene module is preferably the hygiene module mentioned above.

[0042] Preferably, the rigid first shell is part of an adapter section, wherein the valve body is held in a receptacle of the adapter section. This facilitates assembly and, in particular, enables a modular design as well as the use of a hygienic module.

[0043] Preferably, the hygiene module also includes a manual actuator for simultaneously operating the first and second valves. Manual operation of the two valves is a cost-effective and reliable solution.

[0044] Preferably, the adapter and the actuating element cannot be separated without damage. This ensures that the hygiene module is always assembled correctly and can only be used together with all its components.

[0045] Preferably, the breast pump has a pump housing in which the breast shield can be detachably attached to the pump housing. Attaching the breast shield to the pump housing creates a sealing connection between the parts located between the breast shield and the pump housing, resulting in a tight seal between the pump chamber and the interior of the breast shield. The breast shield is easy to hold by hand, which simplifies pump assembly. Since the other parts also fit tightly when the breast shield is attached to the pump housing, the breast pump is ready for use with a single step: attaching the breast shield to the pump housing. The individual parts can be removed just as easily for cleaning. Preferably, the breast shield and the valve body are part of the hygiene module.

[0046] Preferably, the breast pump has a pump housing to which the breast shield can be detachably attached, and the breast pump further has a milk collection container which 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. Usually, twist locks are used. Thanks to the snap fastener, the container can be designed differently and, in particular, attached and removed more quickly.

[0047] Preferably, the milk collection container comprises a base and a lid, the lid being at least partially air-permeable and liquid-impermeable. This lid thus forms a valve for ventilation, which also allows the container to be turned upside down without liquid loss. Preferably, the lid has an air-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane. Preferably, the lid is clamped between the milk collection container and the pump and can be positioned using spacers.

[0048] In addition, the lid is preferably equipped with a one-way valve that leads from the pump chamber into the milk collection container.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump for expressing human breast milk comprises a breast cup with an interior space for accommodating a mother's breast and a pumping chamber, wherein the interior space can be pressurized with a cyclically changing negative pressure by means of the pumping chamber. A milk channel leads from the interior space through a first inlet opening into the pumping chamber, through which expressed milk flows from the interior of the breast cup 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. A discharge channel is located between the interior of the breast cup and the pumping chamber, running separately from the milk channel, wherein the discharge channel can be closed by means of a valve, being closed during the expressing process and open at the end of the expressing process.This allows milk to be easily removed from the breast shield at the end of the pumping process. The drainage channel is preferably pressurized with a vacuum via the pump chamber to actively pump the milk out and force it into the milk collection container.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump for expressing human breast milk comprises a breast cup with an interior space for accommodating a mother's breast and a pumping chamber, wherein the interior space can be pressurized with a cyclically changing negative pressure by means of the pumping chamber. A milk channel leads from the interior space through a first inlet opening, which serves as the first through-opening, into the pumping chamber, through which expressed milk flows from the interior of the breast cup 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 pump diaphragm, and a hygiene module, wherein the hygiene module includes at least a rigid first shell for forming the pumping chamber and the breast cup.The hygiene module can be attached to the pump housing as a single unit, creating a tight seal between the pump chamber and the interior of the breast shield, and ensuring the pump diaphragm is held securely between the hygiene module and the pump housing. This facilitates cleaning of the relevant parts of the breast pump by the mother and reassembly after such cleaning.

[0051] Preferably, the hygiene module further comprises a valve body which is arranged between the breast shield and the rigid first shell. The valve body and the corresponding areas of the first and second parts, which preferably have sealing seats for the valves of the valve body, form a common valve unit, also called a valve assembly.

[0052] Preferably, the hygiene module also includes a manual actuating means for actuating at least one valve of the valve assembly.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump for expressing human breast milk comprises a breast shield for receiving a mother's breast, a pump housing, and a milk collection container, wherein the pump housing can be detachably connected to the breast shield on one side and to the milk collection container on the other. The milk collection container can be attached to the pump housing by means of a snap fastener.

[0054] Preferably, this breast pump has a pumping chamber and a milk channel through which pumped milk flows from an interior of the breast cap into the pumping chamber, the pumping chamber having an outlet which is connected to the milk collection container and through which the pumped milk flows into the milk collection container.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, a milk collection container is provided for connection with a pump housing of a breast pump for pumping human breast milk, wherein the milk collection container has a lid facing the pump housing and which is permeable to air and impermeable to liquid in at least one area.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the breast pump for expressing 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 connected to the pump housing by means of a bayonet fitting.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, a breast shield is provided for attachment to the pump housing of a breast pump. The breast shield has an interior space to accommodate the mother's breast and a fitting for attachment to the pump housing, the fitting being equipped with a bayonet fitting.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of a method (unclaimed) for operating a breast pump for expressing human breast milk, the breast pump comprises a breast cup with an interior space for receiving 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 to express milk from the mother's breast, whereby the interior space is filled with expressed milk without any 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, whereby 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 certain level of pumped milk reaches an outlet opening, which leads from the pumping chamber to the milk collection container, causing milk to flow through the outlet opening from the pumping chamber into the milk collection container.

[0059] Thanks to this method, the pumping system can be converted relatively quickly from a pneumatic to a hydraulic or predominantly hydraulic pumping system. This allows the use of smaller drives and less powerful motors.

[0060] Preferably, the first pumping phase is a completely or predominantly pneumatic pumping phase and the second pumping phase is a completely or predominantly hydraulic pumping phase.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the interior is almost completely filled during the first pumping phase. In a preferred embodiment, the interior and / or the pumping chamber are almost completely filled with expressed milk during the second and / or third pumping phase.

[0062] Preferably, the change from the first pumping phase to the second pumping phase occurs when a level of 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Preferably, in a fourth pumping phase, the interior is emptied and the milk already pumped out is conveyed from the interior to the milk collection container through a second opening.

[0065] Preferably, the first through-opening can be closed with a first valve and the second through-opening can be closed with a second valve, wherein the second through-opening is always closed during the first to third pumping phases.

[0066] Preferably, the first through-hole is always closed during the fourth pumping phase.

[0067] Preferably, the second through-opening leads from the interior into the pump chamber and is in fluid communication with the outlet opening via the pump chamber.

[0068] Preferably, a base negative pressure is maintained during at least part of the pumping phases, preferably during the first, second and third pumping phases.

[0069] Preferably, a third valve is provided which, when the pressure of the cyclically changing negative pressure increases towards atmospheric pressure, first opens and then closes, thereby maintaining the base negative pressure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show: Figure 1 a perspective view of an exposed breast pump, Figure 2 an 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 incision through the breast pump according to Figure 1 in a first perspective view; Figure 5a partial incision 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 support module of the breast pump according to Figure 1 in exploded view; Figure 7 a perspective view of the composite hygiene module according to Figure 6 ; Figure 8a a perspective view of a breast hood of the breast pump according to Figure 1 ; Figure 8b a partial incision through the breastplate 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 10ba 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 page; Figure 12c a longitudinal section through the media separation membrane according to Figure 12a ; Figure 13a a perspective view of a pump diaphragm 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 page; Figure 13c a longitudinal section through the pump membrane according to Figure 13a ; Figure 14 a perspective view of a support 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 pumping system according to the invention before the application of a vacuum; Figure 19a the schematically depicted pump system according to Figure 1 during the activation of 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 within a chest hood during the change from the first stroke position to the second stroke position according to the Figures 19a and 19b ; Figure 20athe pumping system according to Figure 19a at the beginning of milk flow from the breast in a first stroke position; Figure 20b the pumping system according to Figure 20a in a second lifting position; Figure 20c a graphical representation of the pressure within a chest hood during the change from the first stroke position to the second stroke position according to the Figures 20a and 20b ; Figure 21a the pumping system according to Figure 19a during the continuous milk flow from the breast in a first stroke position; Figure 21b the pumping system according to Figure 21 a in a second lifting position; Figure 21c a graphical representation of the pressure within a chest hood during the change from the first stroke position to the second stroke position according to the Figures 21a and 21b ; Figure 22a the pumping system according to Figure 19a at the end of the milk flow in a first stroke position; Figure 22b the pumping system according to Figure 22a in a second lifting position; Figure 22ca graphical representation of the pressure within a chest hood during the change from the first stroke position to the second stroke position according to the Figures 22a and 22b ; Figure 23 a the pumping system according to Figure 19a during emptying in a first lifting position; Figure 23b the pumping system according to Figure 23 a in a second lifting position and Figure 23c a graphical representation of the pressure within a chest hood during the change from the first stroke position to the second stroke position according to the Figures 23a and 23b . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0071] In the Figures 1 to 17 A preferred embodiment of the disclosed breast pump is shown.

[0072] The overview of the individual components

[0073] As in Figure 1As can be seen, the breast pump has a compact design. It comprises a pump housing 8 with an attached breast shield 2 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 within 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 device.

[0074] The Figures 2 and 3 Figure 1 shows an exploded view of this breast pump. It comprises the aforementioned breast shield 2 for receiving 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 carrier module 8' which is part of the pump housing 8, and the aforementioned milk collection container 9. The milk collection container

[0075] The milk collection container 9 is preferably clipped onto the underside of the pump housing 8, preferably by being pivotally detachable. Corresponding locking elements 901, 902 are provided in Figure 17 The pump housing 8 has corresponding locking elements, which are not shown here.

[0076] The milk collection container 9 has a vessel 90 with an interior space 900 for receiving the pumped milk (see Figure 17This 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 and 93. Preferably, the two frame parts 91 and 93 are glued, welded, or otherwise permanently joined. The cover 92 is a film or other membrane-like component that is permeable to air but impermeable to liquid. Thus, air can escape from the vessel 90, but no liquid can escape.

[0077] 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 Figure 15 and 16 shown in detail. Frame 930 incorporates 92 struts 931 for reinforcement and protection of the cover. A handle 933 facilitates lifting the lid. Spacer pins 934, arranged on and extending beyond frame 930, ensure a gap between the milk collection container 9 and the pump housing 8 when the container 9 is mounted, allowing air to escape from the interior of the container 900 into the surrounding environment. A valve receptacle 932 is molded onto the upper frame part 93 and provides the only access point for liquid into the interior of the container 90.

[0078] 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 enter the milk collection container 9, but not escape. The container valve 94 is preferably, as shown here, a duckbill valve.

[0079] The hygiene module In the Figures 6 and 7 A disclosed hygiene module 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 may also include, as shown here, a flexible media separation membrane 6. If the breast shield is manufactured as a single piece, it is entirely part of the hygiene module.

[0080] The aforementioned parts can be, as in the Figures 6 and 7The components shown are assembled into a common assembly and detachably fastened together in the support module 8'. For this purpose, the fitting 23 of the breastplate 2 is preferably positively and force-fitted into corresponding receptacles, here two opposing side arms 80, of the support module 8'. Preferably, the connection is made via a bayonet fitting, as shown here. The fitting 23 has a corresponding flange 22, and the side arms 80 of the support module 8' have corresponding receptacles for the flange and the other elements of the bayonet fitting.

[0081] Thanks to the attachment of the breast hood to the carrier module 8' and thus to the pump housing 8, the intermediate parts, i.e. 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 each other.

[0082] The adjusting ring 5 is preferably attached to the adapter part 4 in a way that prevents damage, and is pivotable relative to the adapter part about the longitudinal central axis of the hygiene module.

[0083] The following describes the individual parts of the device and how they interact. The breastplate

[0084] In the Figures 8a and 8bThe breast shield 2 is shown. It serves to hold the mother's breast. It has a funnel 20 for resting on the mother's breast and an interior 200, which can be pressurized with 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 of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic. However, it can also be made of multiple parts. It can also be used with a soft liner, e.g., with a breast shield insert made of soft silicone. A nozzle 23 with a flange 22 that is at least partially circumferential follows the funnel 20 and forms part of the bayonet fitting. On the side of the nozzle 23 facing away from the breast, the interior 200 transitions into a through-opening 21, which forms a channel extending 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 each of two diametrically opposite sides.

[0085] The first recess contains a first outlet opening 24 and an angled first flow opening 25. The first outlet opening 24 leads from the interior 200 to the outside of the fitting 23, specifically into the first recess. The first flow opening 25 leads from this first recess in a preferably right-angled channel to the free end face of the fitting 23 facing away from the chest. A ventilation opening 26 is located on the circumference of the fitting 23 next to the first outlet opening 24, but outside the first recess. This ventilation opening leads from the interior 200 to the outside.

[0086] On the diametrically opposite side of the nozzle 23, there is a second analogous recess with a second outlet opening 27 and a second through-opening 28, which are identical in design 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 has no function and is closed during normal use of the device. However, to allow the breastplate 2 to also be mounted on the support module 8' in a position rotated by 180°, all openings are arranged symmetrically. The valve body

[0087] The Figures 9a to 9dFigure 1 shows 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 back wall 31. A through-opening 32 is located centrally in the back wall. The back wall 31 has a groove 312 on the side facing away from the chest, which runs annularly around the through-opening 32 and forms a sealing surface 310 on the opposite, chest-facing side. The circumferential edge of the through-opening 32 is provided with a circumferential sealing lip 311 on the side facing away from the chest (see Figure 1). Figures 9b and 9c ). The area of ​​the rear wall 31 within the circumferential sealing surface 310 thus forms a valve which, as explained below, serves as a basic vacuum valve.

[0088] The base body 30 has a radially projecting positioning lug 33 on its chest-facing side. A first nub 34 and a ventilation nub 35 are present on the surface of the base body 3. Diametrically opposite is a second nub 36. The three nubs project radially outwards. The first nub 34 and the second nub 36 are solid, i.e., not hollow. The ventilation nub 35 has a through-opening from the interior of the base body 30 to the outside.

[0089] In the annular area of ​​the rear wall 31 between the sealing surface 310 and the shell of the base body 30, diametrically opposed valve flaps are also present. A first of these valve flaps is designated with the reference numeral 37, a second with the reference numeral 38. They are preferably located on the same diagonal as the first and second studs 34, 36. The adjusting ring

[0090] The Figures 10a and 10bFigure 1 shows 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 connector 51 at both free ends. The second part 52 also has the shape of a half-ring and is provided with a second connector 53 at each of its free ends. The first part and the two parts 50, 52 form a common ring, and the two pairs of connectors 51, 53 are provided with locking elements 54 to preferably connect permanently to one another. On the inner circumference of the ring, there is a partially circumferential, radially 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 integrally 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 integrally formed on the first part 50. The adapter part

[0091] The Figures 11a to 11c Figure 4 shows the adapter part. 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 shell. A positioning aid 402 is provided on the end face of the base body 40 near the breastplate. This aid forms the counterpart to the positioning lug 33 of the valve body 3 and, together with the positioning lug 33, serves to secure the valve body 3 against rotation.

[0092] The pump-side wall 40 extends in a direction, referred to here as the bottom, into a channel wall 410. The pump-side wall also has a raised central wall section 42, which projects into the area near the pump housing. On the opposite side of the wall section 42, i.e., facing the pump housing, a concave surface is formed, which constitutes the aforementioned rigid first shell and is part of the pump chamber 47.

[0093] Between the raised wall section 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 opposed to each other. In this example, they are circular. In the edge region of the raised wall section 42, but already on its raised section, a first backwash opening 45 and a second backwash opening 46 are provided. These are preferably elongated. These openings all lead into the pump chamber 47.

[0094] As in Figure 11cAs can be seen, the concave, rigid first shell of the pump chamber 47 is surrounded by a circumferential flat rim, which serves as a sealing surface. A channel 48 runs within this rim, preferably beginning at the uppermost point of the pump chamber 47 and connecting to it via an outlet opening 480. The channel 48 extends along the circumference of the pump chamber 47, in a semicircular shape, downwards to an outlet 49. The outlet 49 is located in the channel wall 410. The media separation membrane

[0095] In the Figures 12a to 12cThe media separation membrane 6 is shown. It is flexible, preferably one-piece, and preferably made of silicone. It has a membrane surface 60, which is preferably provided with at least one annular groove in a known manner. A central area 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 abuts the edge of the adapter part 4, thereby forming the pump chamber 47. A channel 63 runs within the sealing surface 62 along the circumference of the media separation membrane 6 and forms the sealing closure of the channel 48 of the adapter part 4. A recess 64 facing the pump housing in the lower area of ​​the media separation membrane 6 serves as a space for a pressure sensor, which is described below.

[0096] 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 and yet always maintains a tight seal against its adjacent parts. The pump membrane

[0097] In the Figures 13a to 13cThe pump diaphragm 7 is shown. It also has a diaphragm surface 70 and a central area 71. In contrast to the full-surface media separation diaphragm 6, the central area 71 of the pump diaphragm 7 is provided with a through-opening 72, the edge of which preferably has a reinforcement 73, here in the form of ribs. A circumferential sealing surface 74 is again present, which, in the assembled state of the device, abuts the corresponding surface of the support module 8' in a sealing manner. Side wings 77 are located outside the sealing surface 74. The side wings 77, together with the circumferential flat sealing surface 74, form ( Figure 13b ) in the assembled state, they form a tight barrier against liquids acting from the outside and thus protect the electronics.

[0098] The lower portion of the pump diaphragm 7, which is still 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 bridge, and a flag 76, which projects perpendicularly from the sensor surface towards the pump housing. This type of pressure sensor is described in WO 2013 / 049944 A1.

[0099] As can be seen in the figures, the media separation membrane 6 and the pump membrane 7 have similar shapes, especially with regard to their areas that can be moved to generate the vacuum. The carrier module

[0100] The support module 8' is in Figure 14 It is shown in an outer casing of the pump housing. The outer casing is in Figure 1visible. Preferably, the support module 8' is screwed into this outer housing. The corresponding mounting holes are marked with reference numeral 84. The support module can be manufactured in one piece from plastic. However, it can also be made of multiple parts and / or from another material. The support module 8' has two projecting side arms 10 with a bayonet fitting for receiving the breastplate 2. The side arms are arranged laterally on a spindle receptacle 82. The spindle receptacle 82 has a

[0101] a through-opening and a circumferential rim 85, which forms the counterpart to the sealing surface 74 of the pump diaphragm 7. A motor mount 81 in the form of a shell is formed on the spindle mount 82. The motor mount 81 serves to hold an electric motor, which is connected to a spindle 83 (see Figure 4 ) is connected. Mode of operation of the composite assembly

[0102] Based on the Figure 6It is possible to see how the individual openings and valves interact.

[0103] The valve body 3 can be inserted into the hollow cylindrical base 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 pressure element 56 projecting inwards through the first window 400 and the second pressure element 57 projecting inwards 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 located above the first and second through-openings 43, 44 of the adapter part, respectively. The sealing lip 31 1 rests sealingly on the raised wall section 42, with the first and second backflush openings arranged in a sealed annular area between the groove 312 and the sealing lip 31 1.

[0104] When the chest cap 2 is inserted, the first nub 34 lies over the first outlet opening 24 and the ventilation nub 35 lies over the first ventilation opening 26. The second nub 36 lies over the second outlet opening 27. The second ventilation opening 29 is covered by the casing of the valve body 4 and is therefore closed.

[0105] If the breastplate 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.

[0106] 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 practically no dead space.

[0107] In Figure 4The spindle 83, which drives the pump diaphragm 7, is visible. The media separation diaphragm 6 has a shape that conforms to the pump diaphragm 7, so that both diaphragms 6 and 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 diaphragm 7 seals 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 pivotably arranged within the side arms 80, with the actuating lever 58 also serving as an indicator. It moves along an indicator 87, which is mounted on the pump housing 8 and thus provides the user with information about the position of individual valves and therefore the operating status of the pump. That is, it indicates whether the pump is ready for pumping or is in the emptying state. This is explained below.

[0108] By turning the adjusting ring 5, individual valves can be opened and closed manually. More precisely, the first outlet opening 24 can be opened and closed manually together with the first flow opening 25, or alternatively, the second outlet opening 27 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 remains closed at all times due to its position within the valve body 3.

[0109] If the chest hood 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, then of course the second ventilation opening will be opened and closed instead of the first.

[0110] In a first position, which is selected at the beginning of the pumping process and throughout the entire pumping process, the second nub 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. Additionally, the vent nub 35 is pressed onto the first vent opening 26 by the first pressure element 56 and closes it. The first nub 34 of the valve body 3, however, is released, so that the first outlet opening 24 and the first

[0111] Flow opening 25 forms a fluid-communicating channel from the interior 200 of the chest cap to the base body 30 of the valve body 3. This is best done in the Figures 2 , 3 and 6 recognizable.

[0112] In a second position, the adjusting ring 5 is rotated. The first pressure 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 pressure 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 breastplate 2 into the valve body 3. The second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28 form a drainage channel, which will be described in more detail below.

[0113] The opening and closing preferably occur simultaneously. However, it is also possible to arrange the pressure elements in such a way that all openings are closed in an intermediate state. Pumping breast milk and emptying process

[0114] To pump milk from the mother's breast, the actuating lever 58, and thus the adjusting ring 5, is moved into the aforementioned first position. The actuator moves the pump diaphragm 7, together with the media separation diaphragm 6, back and forth to the adapter part 4, creating a vacuum in the pump chamber 47 and in the interior 200 of the breast shield 2. The vacuum line from the pump chamber 47 to 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 is covered by the first valve flap 37, and the channel is formed by the first flow opening 25 and the first outlet opening 24 in the breast shield.

[0115] The base vacuum valve, formed among other things by the sealing lip 311 of the valve body 3, maintains a base vacuum in the interior 200 of the chest cap 2 when the pump stroke is directed towards atmospheric pressure. The base vacuum valve opens during the pump stroke towards atmospheric pressure and closes only when a predetermined minimum pressure is reached in the interior 200. Its operation is explained in more detail below using a diagram. Air flows back into the chest cap 2 via the first and second backflush ports 45, 46 of the adapter part 4, the through-port 32 of the valve body 3, and the through-port 21 of the chest cap 2.

[0116] Applying this vacuum to the mother's breast stimulates it, and milk flows from the breast into the interior 200 of the breast shield 2. The interior 200 fills until the milk level reaches the first outlet opening 24. The breast shield 2 is preferably held so that this first outlet opening 24 is located in an upper area of ​​the breast shield 2.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The pump chamber 47 also fills with milk until the outlet opening 480 located at the top 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.

[0119] When the pump stroke generates a vacuum towards atmospheric pressure, the base vacuum valve opens first, allowing a partial backflow of air or milk into the interior 200. This partial backflow occurs through the first and second backflush openings 45, 46, the open base vacuum valve, the through-hole 32, and the through-hole 21. The valve closes at a specific vacuum level inside the chamber, preventing the pressure from rising further towards atmospheric pressure.

[0120] When the mother wants to stop pumping milk, or when no more milk is flowing from her breast, she turns the adjusting ring 5 to the second position. The previously used

[0121] The 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 for this purpose. Since the pump continues to draw, the milk already pumped from the mother's breast, which is still inside the breast shield 200, 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 towards the outlet opening 480 by the movement of the pump diaphragm 7 and the media separation diaphragm 6.It therefore 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.

[0122] It is important to note that at the start of the pumping process, the breast pump should preferably be 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 the upper part of their respective cavities. This allows air to escape from the system and the two cavities to fill with milk relatively quickly. This enables the fastest possible transition from a purely pneumatic pumping system with air as the working fluid to a purely or predominantly hydraulic pumping system, in which milk constitutes the working fluid or at least a large proportion of it. However, it is not absolutely necessary for the openings to be arranged in this way at the start of the pumping process. Switching from one pumping system to the other simply takes longer and / or cannot be completed entirely.

[0123] Once the milk has partially flooded the interior 200 and the pumping chamber 47, preferably up to the aforementioned openings, the breast pump can be placed in any 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 non-return valve, and thanks to the liquid-tight cover 92, the milk collection container 9 can even be turned upside down without affecting the operation of the breast pump.

[0124] In preferred embodiments, the breast shield and the adjusting ring are illuminated so that the mother can perform a visual inspection even at night while pumping.

[0125] The breast pump described above is merely an example of how the disclosed principle can be implemented and the method applied. Figures 18 to 23cTherefore, the core of the revealed ideas is shown again schematically. Basic principle

[0126] In Figure 1 The breast shield 2 with its interior 200 is shown schematically. The breast shield 2 is sealed against a mother's breast, with the nipple W protruding into the interior 200. The interior 200 is connected to a pump chamber 47 via an outlet opening 16. An additional drainage opening 19 also leads from the interior 200 to the pump chamber 47. The outlet opening 16 is equipped with a pump valve 12, and the drainage opening with a drainage valve 14. A base 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.

[0127] The volume of the pump chamber 47 can be changed by means of a pumping device 10, for example a pump diaphragm or a piston. The pumping device 10 is driven, for example by means of a spindle 100.

[0128] From the pump chamber 47, an outlet opening 480 leads into a milk collection container 9. The inlet to the milk collection container 9 is preferably equipped with a check valve, here referred to as container valve 94. The milk collection container 9 is vented; preferably, an inlet 95 with an inlet valve 96 is provided for this purpose.

[0129] 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 stud 35 and the first pressure element 56.

[0130] 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 stud 34, the first pressure element 56 and the first valve flap 37 of the specific embodiment.

[0131] 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 stud 36, the second pressure element 57 and the second valve flap 38 of the specific embodiment.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The container valve 94 of the schematic representation corresponds to the container valve of the specific embodiment.

[0134] The inlet 95 and the inlet valve 96 of the schematic representation are formed in the specific embodiment described above by the air-permeable and liquid-impermeable cover, i.e. by a suitably selected cover film.

[0135] These valves can also be implemented in other ways. The valve openings can also be housed in an additional module component that is detachably connected to the chest cap. Furthermore, the outlet opening 16 and / or the drain opening 19 can be designed as a channel running within a line, particularly a flexible line. Depending on the design of this line, the pump chamber can be spaced apart from the chest cap and, depending on the embodiment, also spaced apart from a valve module. The valves are preferably housed in a hygiene module located between the pump chamber and the chest cap funnel. If the pump chamber is spaced apart from the chest cap, the valve module can be located adjacent to the pump chamber or adjacent to the chest cap, or it can be a component of the chest cap.

[0136] The following explains how it works: 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, i.e., p=0.

[0137] 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 pump valve 12 can open and close. In this specific embodiment, the first outlet opening 24 and the first flow opening 25 are uncovered, and the first valve flap 37 opens and closes the valve. The drain valve 14 is tightly closed. In this specific embodiment, this is achieved by moving the adjusting ring 5 into the appropriate position, tightly closing the second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28. The vent valve 11 also remains tightly closed. In this specific embodiment, this is achieved by the adjusting ring 5 closing the first vent opening 26 via the first nub 34.

[0138] The pumping means 10, preferably a pump diaphragm or a piston, is pulled outwards to form a

[0139] To create a vacuum in the pump chamber 47 (here, for example, -150 mmHg) (1 mmHg = 133,322 Pascals (Pa)). The pump valve 12 opens, and the vacuum is transferred to the interior 200 of the chest cap 2, or rather, air flows from this interior into the pump chamber 47. A vacuum also prevails in the interior, ideally the same pressure of, for example, -150 mmHg. The pressure profile in the interior 200 is shown in Figure 19c The pressure shown is that indicated by reference numeral a). The pressure corresponds to the internal pressure of 200 according to... Figure 19a The container valve 94 remains closed. The pressure in the milk collection container 9 is still atmospheric pressure, i.e., p=0.

[0140] If the pumping medium 10 is now pushed back and the volume of the pump chamber 47 decreases, the pump valve 12 closes and the pressure in the pump chamber 47 increases to atmospheric pressure p-0. The pressure in the interior 200 also increases due to the now open base vacuum valve 13. However, since the base vacuum valve 13 closes at a certain vacuum level, a base vacuum is maintained in the interior 200. This is, for example, -20 mmHg. This situation is described in Figure 19b shown and the pressure curve in Figure 19c denoted by b).

[0141] By comparing the Figures 19a and 19b It also shows how the nipple W expands and contracts again in the interior 200.

[0142] In the Figures 20a to 20cThe milk flow from the mother's breast has begun. In the figures, the milk is designated with the symbol M. The interior 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 capacity increases with constant drive power, for example to -170 mmHg in the pump chamber 47 and the interior 200. The pump valve 12 and the base vacuum valve 13 continue to open and close with each pump stroke, while the discharge valve 14 and the vent valve 11 remain closed. Figure 20a shows the situation at maximum negative pressure (absolute value), which is also represented by a) in Figure 20c is marked. Figure 20b The situation is shown when maintaining the base negative pressure in the interior (200) and atmospheric pressure in the pump chamber (47), which is in Figure 20c is marked with b).

[0143] As soon as the interior 200 is 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 then also fills the pump chamber 47 until its level reaches the outlet opening 480 to the milk collection container 9. Now the container valve 94 opens, preferably due to the pressure of the accumulated milk M, and milk M flows into the milk collection container 9.

[0144] The Figures 21a to 21c This illustrates the situation in which, ideally, no air remains in the system and the original pneumatic system has completely switched to a hydraulic system. In practice, a mixed system is often present, with the pumped milk preferably filling a significant portion of the volume and thus forming the main working fluid.

[0145] As already shown from 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 vacuum is created in the interior 200 and a base vacuum is maintained. The pressure in the pump chamber 47 alternates, 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.

[0146] In the Figures 22a to 22cThe diagram illustrates the situation when no more milk is flowing from the breast. The system continues pumping initially, but the pump pressure is no longer sufficient to open the reservoir valve 94 to the milk collection container 9. This is the point at which the pump valve 12 closes completely and the drain valve 14 is activated, allowing it to open and close automatically. In this specific embodiment, the adjusting ring 5 is manually adjusted for this purpose. However, other methods of activating and deactivating these two valves are possible. For example, they can be controlled electronically.

[0147] In the Figures 23a to 23cThe pump valve 12 is now firmly closed, and the discharge channel and discharge valve 14 are open. The pumping element 10 continues to move and, as before, generates a pressure in the pumping chamber 47 that fluctuates from maximum vacuum to atmospheric pressure. In accordance with this movement, the discharge valve 14 opens and closes, just as the pump valve 12 did previously, thus pumping 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 vacuum and then by displacement by the pumping element 10. In this pumping situation, the discharge valve 14 is preferably located at a low point in the breast shield, preferably relatively far down. The sinking pool of milk in the interior is in the Figures 23a and 23b clearly visible. Figures 23a and 23b This again shows the two extreme situations of a pump stroke. The pressure curve is in Figure 23cThe pressure profile inside the 200 is relatively nonspecific.

[0148] The pump continues to operate during emptying. If any milk remains in pump chamber 47 at the end, it can easily be directed into the milk collection container 9 by tilting or turning the pump upside down.

[0149] The breast pump according to the invention thus enables the use of expressed milk in a hydraulic pumping system, thereby minimizing the drive required for the pump. REFERENCE MARK LIST 32 Passage opening 10 Pumping agent 33 Positioning nose 100 spindle 34 first stud 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 Drainage opening 400 first window 401 second window 2 Breastplate 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 passageway 23 Support 44 second passageway 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 Setting ring 30 basic body 50 first part 31 back panel 51 first plug 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 Actuating lever 86 Actuator 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 in-depth 901 first locking element" 902 second locking element 7 Pump diaphragm 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 mount 75 Sensor area 933 Handle 76 banner 934 Spacers 77 Side wing 94 Container valve 95 inlet 8 Pump housing 96 Inlet valve 8' Carrier module 80 Side arm W nipple 81 Motor mount M Milk 82 Spindle mount

Claims

1. A breast pump for pumping human breast milk, wherein the breast pump includes a breast shield (2) having an interior (200) for receiving a mother's breast and a pump chamber (47), wherein a cyclically changing negative pressure can be applied to the interior (200) by means of the pump chamber (47), wherein a milk channel leads from the interior (200) via a first inlet opening into the pump chamber (47) through which pumped milk flows from the interior (200) of the breast shield (2) into the pump chamber (47), and wherein the pump chamber (47) includes an outlet opening (480) through which the pumped milk flows from the pump chamber (47) into a milk collection container (9), characterized in that the milk pump is configured such that in a vertical usage orientation of the breast pump the outlet opening (480) is positioned in an upper region of the pump chamber (47) and / or above the inlet opening at least at the beginning of a pumping operation, wherein the pump chamber (47) includes a rigid first shell and a flexible pump membrane (7), wherein the pump membrane (7) sealingly abuts against the rigid first shell and the pump membrane (7) is configured such that it is driven and by the movement thereof relative to the rigid first shell generation of a negative pressure in the pump chamber (47) is enabled.

2. The breast pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the milk channel defines a vacuum channel for applying the cyclically changing negative pressure to the interior (200) of the breast shield (2).

3. The breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the rigid first shell and the flexible pump membrane (7) a flexible media separation diaphragm (6) is provided so that the pump membrane (7) is protected against contact with pumped milk.

4. The breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first shell includes an outlet groove extending from the outlet opening of the pump chamber to an output, wherein the outlet groove extends perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the pump membrane at least over a section, wherein preferably the pump membrane (7) or, if any, the media separation diaphragm (6) closes the outlet groove off the rigid first shell up to a channel closed except for the outlet opening and the output.

5. The breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breast shield (2) includes a first through opening (25) that is part of the milk channel, wherein the breast pump is configured such that in a vertical usage orientation of the breast pump the through opening (25) is positioned in an upper region of the interior (200) at least at the beginning of a pumping operation so that the interior (200) below the first through opening (25) can be filled with pumped milk.

6. The breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the milk channel can be closed by means of a first valve for removing the pumped milk from the pump chamber (47) at the end of the pumping operation.

7. The breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evacuation channel is provided between the interior (200) of the breast shield (2) and the pump chamber (47) extending separately from the milk channel, and wherein the evacuation channel can be closed by means of a second valve, wherein the evacuation channel is closed during the pumping operation and opened at the end of the pumping operation.

8. The breast pump according to claim 7, characterized in that a vent valve (11) is provided for ventilation of the interior (200) of the breast shield (2), wherein preferably the vent valve (11) can concurrently be closed with the second valve and concurrently be closed with the same.

9. The breast pump according to claims 7 or 8, characterized in that a third valve is provided for keeping a baseline negative pressure when the cyclically changing negative pressure in the interior (200) of the breast field (2) increases and / or in that in the milk channel a fourth valve is provided which opens and closes according to the applied negative pressure and / or in that in the evacuation channel a fifth valve is provided which opens and closes according to the applied negative pressure.

10. The breast pump according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that at least part, preferably all, of the said valves are arranged in a common valve body.

11. The breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breast pump includes a pump housing (8) having a drive for the pump membrane (7), and wherein the rigid first shell is releasably connected to the pump housing (8).

12. The breast pump according to claim 11, characterized in that the rigid first shell is a component of a multipart hygiene module jointly connectable to the pump housing (8).

13. The breast pump according to claim 12, characterized in that the hygiene module further includes a first part including a flow-through opening for communication with the interior (200), a valve body (3) including at least one valve, and a second part including the rigid first shell for forming the pump chamber (47), wherein the valve body (3) is disposed between the first and the second parts and wherein the hygiene module as a whole can be sealingly and releasably connected to the pump housing (8) of the breast pump.

14. The breast pump according to claim 11, characterized in that the rigid first shell is a component of a multipart hygiene module jointly connectable to the pump housing (8), wherein the rigid first shell is a component of an adapter member (4) and wherein the valve body (3) is held in a receptacle of the adapter member (4).