Breast pump

Abstract

A breast pump comprising: a casing (2); a milk collection unit (4) comprising a breast shield (6) and a tank (8) suitable for being fluidly connected to one another, the milk connection unit (4) being suitable for being integrally attached to the casing (2) once the breast shield (6) and the tank (8) have been fluidly connected to one another, and for being removed from the casing (2) while the breast shield (6) and the tank (8) remain fluidly connected to one another; and a pump (18) arranged in the casing (2), the pump being configured to extract milk from a breast positioned against the breast shield when the milk collection unit (4) is attached to the casing (2), so as to cause the milk to flow from the breast shield (6) to the tank (8).

Description

[0001] Breast pump

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a breast pump.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Document US20180361040 describes a breast pump comprising three parts: a housing containing a pump, a milk reservoir and a nipple.

[0007] An angled passage is formed in the housing. The housing has two separate accesses to the angled passage: a lower access and a front access.

[0008] To assemble the three aforementioned parts, it is necessary on the one hand to insert one end of the reservoir into the passage via the lower access, and on the other hand to insert one end of the breast shield into the passage via the front access, so that these two ends meet in the passage, and the breast shield and the reservoir are thus fluidly connected.

[0009] Subsequent activation of the pump while the breast shield is positioned against a user's breast causes milk to be extracted from the breast into the breast shield, and the fluid connection between the breast shield and reservoir allows the extracted milk to flow into the reservoir.

[0010] For hygiene reasons, it is necessary to regularly clean the different parts of the breast pump, in particular the reservoir and the teat since these parts are touched by the expressed milk.

[0011] A complete cleaning of the breast pump involves breaking the fluid connection between the breast shield and reservoir at the elbow of the housing cavity, before the breast shield and reservoir are completely separated from the housing.

[0012] However, during this rupture, drops of milk can come into contact with the housing, particularly at the bend of the cavity. This is not hygienic, and therefore requires cleaning the housing, which is tedious.

[0013] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An object of the invention is to provide a breast pump that is easier to clean. This object is achieved by a breast pump comprising a housing, a milk collection unit, and a pump arranged in the housing. The milk collection unit comprises a breast shield and a reservoir adapted to be fluidly connected. Furthermore, the milk collection unit is adapted to be secured as a whole to the housing, after the breast shield and the reservoir have been fluidly connected, and to be separated from the housing while keeping the breast shield and the reservoir fluidly connected. The pump is configured to cause an extraction of milk from a breast positioned against the breast shield when the milk collection unit is secured to the housing, so as to cause a flow of milk from the breast shield to the reservoir.

[0015] The breast pump may also include the following optional features, taken alone or in combination with each other whenever technically possible.

[0016] Preferably, the breast pump includes at least one spring-loaded ball plunger for securing the milk collection unit to the housing.

[0017] Preferably, the milk collection unit comprises a connector adapted to be removably attached to the reservoir and the breast shield, the connector comprising a milk flow channel fluidly connecting the breast shield to the reservoir, when the reservoir and breast shield are attached to the connector.

[0018] Preferably, the milk collection unit is adapted to be secured as a whole to the housing only by the connector.

[0019] Preferably, the nipple shield comprises a tube inserted into the connector when the nipple shield is attached to the connector, the tube comprising an annular wall extending about an axis, and an orifice formed in the annular wall and opening into the milk flow channel when the tube is inserted into the connector.

[0020] Preferably, the milk collection unit further comprises a diaphragm configured to be deformed by the pump when the milk collection unit is attached to the housing, the deformation of the diaphragm causing an air vacuum in the air channel when a breast is positioned against the breast shield.

[0021] Preferably, the diaphragm comprises an annular groove, and the connector comprises an annular rib adapted to be engaged in the annular groove, so as to fix the diaphragm on the connector.

[0022] Preferably, the connector comprises an air channel fluidly connecting the breast shield to the diaphragm when the breast shield is attached to the connector. Preferably, the breast shield comprises a tube inserted into the connector when the breast shield is attached to the connector, the tube comprising an annular wall extending about an axis and an orifice formed in the annular wall and opening into the air channel when the tube is inserted into the connector.

[0023] Preferably, the orifice opening into the milk flow channel and the orifice opening into the air channel are diametrically opposite relative to the axis.

[0024] Preferably, the breast shield comprises a funnel suitable for being positioned against a breast, the tube has a proximal end connected to the funnel and a free distal end opposite the proximal end, a distal orifice being formed at the distal end, the distal orifice being extended by the or each orifice provided in the annular wall.

[0025] Preferably, the tube has a cylindrical inner surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0026] Preferably, the milk collection unit includes a bayonet attachment system for securing the tank to the connector.

[0027] Preferably, the teat comprises a funnel having a frustoconical internal surface extending around a first central axis and a tube extending the funnel, the tube extending around a second central axis intersecting with the first central axis.

[0028] Preferably, the breast pump is adapted to be placed in a bra cup worn by a user.

[0029] Preferably, the breast pump includes a time-of-flight sensor configured to detect the time-of-flight of a signal between the time-of-flight sensor and a level of milk contained in the reservoir.

[0030] Preferably, the breast pump includes a sensor configured to measure a tilt angle of the reservoir.

[0031] Also provided is a set comprising the breast pump and a program configured to estimate a volume of milk contained in the tank from the measured flight time, when the program is executed by a data processing unit.

[0032] In particular, the program can be configured to estimate the volume of milk contained in the tank from the flight time and the tilt angle. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0033] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended figures, which are as follows.

[0034] Figure 1 is a side view of a breast pump according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the breast pump shown in Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 3 is a front view of the breast pump shown in Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the breast pump shown in Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 5 schematically represents electronic components of the breast pump shown in Figure 1, as well as a terminal.

[0039] Figure 6 is a side view of a housing according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the housing shown in Figure 6.

[0041] Figure 8 is a back view of the housing shown in Figure 6.

[0042] Figure 9 is a side view of a breast shield according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the breast shield shown in Figure 9.

[0044] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a diaphragm according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 12 is a side view of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0047] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0048] Figure 15 is a side view of a tank according to one embodiment.

[0049] Figure 16 is a front view of the tank shown in Figure 15.

[0050] Figure 17 is a top view of the reservoir shown in Figure 15.

[0051] Figure 18 is a side view of a valve according to one embodiment.

[0052] Figure 19 is a side view of a milk collection unit according to one embodiment.

[0053] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a breast pump 1 comprises a housing 2 and a milk collection unit 4. The housing 2 and the milk collection unit constitute two parts which can be attached to each other, and which can be detached from each other.

[0055] The milk collection unit 4 itself comprises several sub-parts: a breast shield 6, a reservoir 8, a connector 10, a diaphragm 12 and a valve 14. The connector 10, the diaphragm 12 and the valve 14 are internal components which are not visible in Figures 1 to 3, but which are visible in Figure 4 showing the interior of the breast pump 1.

[0056] With reference to Figure 5, the breast pump 1 comprises the following electronic components: a pump 18, an electronic card 19, a radio communication interface 20, a battery 22, a charging port 23, a time-of-flight sensor 24, a tilt sensor 26, an air valve 27 and a user interface 28. These electronic components are housed in an internal housing 16 of the housing 2. Generally, the pump 18 has the function of creating an air depression inside the breast pump 1, so as to extract milk from the breast of a user. For this, the pump 18 can be configured to suck air intermittently and cyclically.Thus, an operating cycle of the pump 18 comprises two phases: a suction phase during which the pump 18 sucks air, thus creating an air depression in an articulation zone between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2, delimited by a boss 43 of the housing 2, and a passive phase during which the pump does not suck air.

[0057] The air valve 27 can take two states: an open state allowing the introduction of air via the air intake 42 into the articulation zone between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2, and a closed state not allowing this introduction.

[0058] The air valve 27 has the function of compensating for the depression caused by the pump 18 during the suction phase. To achieve this compensation, the air valve 27 is configured in its open state during the passive phase of the pump 18 and in its closed state during the suction phase of the pump 18.

[0059] The electronic card 19 is configured to synchronize the operation of the pump 18 and the air valve 29.

[0060] The radio communication interface 20 is adapted to establish a wireless radio communication channel with a terminal located at a distance from the breast pump 1. The type of radio communication provided by the interface 20 is arbitrary, for example Bluetooth. The communication interface 20 is arranged on the electronic card 19. The battery 22 has the function of powering the electronic components of the breast pump 119. The battery 22 is for example rechargeable via the charging port 23 formed on the housing 2 so as to be accessible from the outside. The charging port 23 is for example a USB port.

[0061] The time-of-flight sensor 24 is configured to detect the time-of-flight of a wave propagating in the tank 8.

[0062] The tilt sensor 26 is configured to measure a tilt angle of the tank 8. The tilt sensor is for example an inertial sensor, for example an accelerometer.

[0063] The user interface 28, also visible in FIG. 3, includes a button allowing a user to start the pump 18 and turn off the pump 18, a button for adjusting the intensity of the pumping performed by the pump 18, and a button for selecting between two suction programs (modes). The user interface 28 further includes indicator lights for indicating to the user whether the pump 18 is started and the adjusted intensity. The buttons and indicator lights are arranged on the housing 2.

[0064] In the following, reference is made to elements of the breast pump 1 that are referred to as distal and proximal. These adjectives implicitly refer to the distance that separates these elements from a user's breast. In other words, an element referred to as proximal is intended to be placed closer to a breast than a corresponding element referred to as distal.

[0065] With reference to figures 6 to 8, the housing 2 comprises two parts: a base 28 and a shell 30 delimiting between them the internal housing 16.

[0066] The shell 30 has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface.

[0067] The outer surface of the shell 30 is of a domed shape, that is to say convex in two orthogonal directions. Such a shape makes it possible to fit the concave inner surface of the cup of a bra. The inner surface of the shell 30 delimits the aforementioned inner housing 16.

[0068] The base 28 also has an external surface and an internal surface opposite the external surface. The external surface is concave, so as to form a hollow 29 accessible from the outside of the housing 2, visible in particular in FIG. 7. The base 28 separates the internal housing 16 from the hollow 29. The internal surface of the base 28 delimits the internal housing 16. The base 28 comprises a lower wall 32. The lower wall 32 is substantially planar, and extends in a first plane which is conventionally called the horizontal plane. The lower wall 32 delimits a lower access to the hollow 29. An object moved in translation in a direction normal to the foreground can thus enter the hollow 29 via the lower access.

[0069] The base 28 further comprises a proximal wall 34. The proximal wall 34 extends transversely to the lower wall 32. The proximal wall 34 extends in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The proximal wall 34 delimits a proximal access to the hollow 29. An object moved in translation in a direction normal to the second plane can thus enter the hollow 29 via the proximal access.

[0070] It should be noted that there is no physical separation between the proximal access and the lower access. It is thus possible to insert the milk collection unit 4 into the recess 29 in such a way that different parts of the unit 4 pass respectively and simultaneously through the proximal access and the lower access.

[0071] The base 28 also comprises two side walls 36, 37 delimiting between them the hollow 29. The two walls 36, 37 extend parallel to a third plane perpendicular to the first plane and to the second plane. The two side walls 36, 37 are connected to the lower wall 32 as well as to the proximal wall 34.

[0072] The housing 2 includes a first spring-loaded ball plunger 38. The first spring-loaded ball plunger 38 is arranged in the side wall 36 of the connector 10. The first spring-loaded ball plunger 38 includes a ball mounted on a spring. The spring biases the ball toward a rest position in which the ball protrudes out of the side wall 36 into the recess 29. The ball can be retracted by biasing inside the side wall 36, causing compression of the spring. The ball naturally returns to its rest position when the external biasing ceases, by extension of the spring.

[0073] The housing 2 includes a second spring-loaded ball plunger 39 arranged in the side wall 37 of the connector 10. The second spring-loaded ball plunger 39 has the same characteristics as the first spring-loaded ball plunger 38.

[0074] The first spring ball plunger 38 and the second spring ball plunger 39 are arranged to face each other in the recess 29.

[0075] The base 28 further comprises a distal wall forming the bottom of the hollow 29. The distal wall connects one of the side walls 36 to the other side wall 37. The air intake 42 is formed in the distal wall. The air intake 42 forms an orifice opening into the external surface of the base 28, therefore into the hollow 29, and also opening into the internal surface of the base 28, therefore into the internal housing 16.

[0076] The air intake 42 is fluidically connected to the pump 18 and the air valve 27.

[0077] The housing 2 further comprises a boss 43 projecting into the hollow 29. The boss 29 is annular and extends around the air intake 42.

[0078] We will now describe the different parts of the milk collection unit 4.

[0079] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the breast shield 6 comprises a funnel 44 intended to be placed against the breast of a user, such that the nipple of the breast is placed inside the funnel 44.

[0080] The funnel 44 has a frustoconical internal surface extending around a central axis X. The internal surface preferably has a flare angle greater than 100 degrees, for example of the order of 115 degrees. This makes it possible to obtain a relatively shallow funnel 44, therefore having a reduced axial size.

[0081] The teat 6 also includes a tube 46 which extends the funnel 44.

[0082] Generally, tube 46 defines a tunnel into which the nipple of a breast can be partially inserted, when the breast is positioned against the inner surface of funnel 44.

[0083] The tube 46 comprises an annular wall which extends about an axis. This annular wall comprises a cylindrically shaped inner surface. This inner surface delimits the tunnel.

[0084] Preferably, the Y axis of the tube 46 and the axis of the funnel 44 are not coincident, but intersecting. In this way, when the axis of the tube 46 is oriented horizontally, the funnel 44 can be oriented slightly downwards, which is more comfortable for a user whose breast is placed in the funnel 44. Indeed, such a configuration makes it possible to imitate the position of a breastfed child below the midline of the nipple and the areolar tissue of a breast.

[0085] The tube 46 has a proximal end forming a junction with the funnel 44, and a free distal end 50, opposite the proximal end. The tube 46 has at its distal end 50 a distal orifice 52 (not visible in FIG. 9, but visible in FIG. 10). The distal orifice 52 is delimited by the internal surface of the annular wall. When this surface is of revolution, the distal orifice 52 is circular. The distal orifice 52 constitutes an outlet of the tunnel. Thus, milk extracted from a nipple inserted into the tunnel via the proximal end can flow into the tunnel delimited by the tube 46 in a flow direction substantially parallel to the axis of the tube 46, and can exit the tunnel and more generally the teat 6 via the distal orifice 52.

[0086] It should however be noted that two additional orifices 54, 56 are provided in the annular wall 48 of the tube 46.

[0087] The additional orifices extend the distal orifice 52.

[0088] The two additional orifices 54, 56 are diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis of the tube 46. They have, for example, an oblong shape, that is to say elongated and rounded at their end.

[0089] The orifice 56 is a lower orifice, insofar as it is intended to be placed under the axis of the tube 46 in a position of use of the breast pump 1. In contrast, the orifice 54 is an upper orifice, insofar as it is intended to be placed above the axis of the tube 46 in the same position of use of the breast pump 1.

[0090] The teat 6 further comprises a stop 58 projecting from the outer surface of the tube 46, at the proximal end of the tube 46. The stop forms a collar extending around the annular wall 48 of the tube 46.

[0091] The 6 nipple is made of a soft and resistant material such as silicone, so as to improve comfort of use compared to rigid plastic nipples.

[0092] Referring to Figure 11, the diaphragm 12 includes a circular-shaped wall 60. The wall 60 has a proximal surface 62 and a distal surface 64 opposite the proximal surface 62.

[0093] The diaphragm 12 includes an annular groove 66 formed in the proximal surface 62. For example, the annular groove is provided between two annular ribs.

[0094] The wall is made of a deformable material, such as silicone.

[0095] At rest, that is to say in an undeformed state, the distal surface 64 is concave, so as to define a hollow which can receive at least in part the boss 43 of the housing 2.

[0096] The wall 60 is adapted to pass from the rest state to a deformed state. During this deformation, the proximal surface 62 hollows out and the distal surface 64 bulges. The wall 60 is adapted to pass from the deformed state to the rest state by elastic return. The connector 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. The connector 10 performs several functions.

[0097] First, the connector 10 serves as a support for the other parts of the milk collection unit 4. Thus, the connector 10 constitutes a part to which the breast shield 6, the reservoir 8 and the diaphragm 12 can simultaneously be removably attached.

[0098] Secondly, the connector 10 participates in the extraction of milk, in cooperation with the pump 18 and the diaphragm 12. We will see later how this extraction of milk is carried out.

[0099] Third, the connector 10 participates in the delivery of milk extracted from a breast to the reservoir 8. For this purpose, the connector 10 comprises a milk flow channel fluidly connecting the breast shield 6 to the reservoir 8, when the reservoir 8 and the breast shield 6 are attached to the connector 10.

[0100] The connector 10 comprises three parts: a lower part 70, an upper part 72, and a central part 74 arranged between the lower part 70 and the upper part 72.

[0101] The central portion 74 of the connector 10 delimits a cavity 76 and a proximal access 78 to the cavity 76 from the exterior of the connector 10. The cavity 76 is adapted to receive the tube 46 of the breast shield 6 via the proximal access 78. The dimensions of the cavity 76 are adapted so that the tube 46 of the breast shield 6 is held in the cavity 76 by friction between the tube 46 and the central portion 74 of the connector 10.

[0102] The central portion 74 comprises a distal wall 80 forming a bottom of the cavity 76. The cavity 76 extends between the distal wall 80 and the proximal access 78.

[0103] The central portion 74 further comprises a side wall 82 connected to the distal wall. The side wall 82 delimits the cavity, as well as the proximal access for the tube 46. The side wall 82 is annular. The side wall 82 has an internal surface complementary to the external surface of the tube 46, so as to create a fiction between these two surfaces.

[0104] The side wall 82 further has an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

[0105] The connector 10 further comprises a first blind hole opening into the external surface of the side wall 82. The first blind hole is adapted to receive the ball of the first plunger 38 formed in the housing 2, so as to fix the connector 10 (and more generally the milk collection unit 4) to the housing 2. The connector 10 further comprises a second blind hole 85 also opening into the external surface of the side wall 82. The second blind hole 85 is adapted to receive the ball of the second plunger 39 formed in the housing 2, so as to fix the connector 10 (and more generally the milk collection unit 4) to the housing 2.

[0106] The first blind hole and the second blind hole 85 are arranged on either side of the cavity 76, for example symmetrically.

[0107] The blind holes and the spring-loaded ball plungers 38, 39 therefore form means for fixing the milk collection unit 4 to the housing 2.

[0108] The connector 10 further comprises a first guide adapted to guide the ball of the first spring-loaded ball plunger 38 towards the first blind hole. The first guide defines a groove extending on the external surface of the side wall 82. The blind hole is formed at the bottom of the groove. The first guide has an inlet. The ball of the plunger can thus enter the groove through the inlet, and be guided by the guide until it reaches the first blind hole, the first blind hole then being aligned with the ball, so that the ball enters the first blind hole.

[0109] The first guide comprises an inlet portion and an end portion. The inlet portion delimits the inlet. The ball is located at the bottom of the end portion. The inlet portion and the end portion are connected by an elbow. The inlet portion and the end portion are connected by an elbow forming an angle between 0 and 90 degrees, for example 45 degrees. Thus, when the ball of the first spring-loaded ball plunger enters the groove through the inlet, it first passes through the inlet portion following a substantially straight path, undergoes a change of direction at the elbow at the aforementioned angle, and then passes through the end portion until it reaches the first blind hole.

[0110] The connector includes a second guide 87 adapted to guide the ball of the second spring-loaded ball plunger 39 to the second blind hole 85. The second guide 87 has the same characteristics as the first guide.

[0111] The first guide and the second guide 87 are for example symmetrical to each other.

[0112] The lower part 70 delimits the milk flow channel, and in particular defines an outlet of this channel opening outside the connector 10.

[0113] The lower part 70 is configured to be removably attached to the tank 8. This removable attachment is for example provided by a bayonet attachment system 90. The bayonet attachment system 90 comprises three angled grooves provided in the lower part 70 adapted to receive three pins of the tank 8 by a translational then rotational movement in order to place the bayonet attachment system 90 in a locking position thus making it possible to attach the tank 8 to the connector 10.

[0114] When the tube 46 of the teat 6 is inserted into the cavity of the central part 74, the lower orifice 56 formed in the annular wall of the tube 46 opens into the milk flow channel. In this position, the lower orifice 56 is even opposite the outlet of the milk flow channel. In this way, milk can flow from the lower orifice 56 of the tube 46 to the outlet by flowing in a direction transverse to the axis of the tube 46.

[0115] The upper portion 72 of the connector 10 serves as a support for the diaphragm 12. The upper portion 72 comprises an annular rib adapted to be received in the annular groove of the diaphragm 12, so as to fix the diaphragm 12 on the connector 10 by friction.

[0116] The upper part 72 comprises an air channel. This air passage is sealed by the diaphragm 12 when the diaphragm 12 is fixed on the upper part 72. When the tube 46 of the breast shield 6 is inserted into the cavity formed in the central part 74 of the connector 10, the upper orifice 54 formed in the tube 46 opens into the air channel.

[0117] With reference to figures 15 to 17, the tank 8 has the function of storing milk.

[0118] The reservoir comprises a proximal wall 94 and a distal wall 96 between which a milk storage space 95 is provided.

[0119] The proximal wall 94 is planar. The proximal wall 94 is arranged to extend the proximal wall of the housing 2, once the milk collection unit 4 is attached to the housing 2.

[0120] The distal wall 96 is curved. The distal wall 96 is arranged to extend the shell 30 of the housing 2, once the milk collection unit 4 is attached to the housing 2.

[0121] The reservoir 8 further comprises a bottom wall 98 connecting the distal wall 96 to the proximal wall 94.

[0122] All or part of the walls 94, 96, 98 is translucent in order to allow the level of milk in the storage space 95 to be observed from outside the tank 8.

[0123] The tank 8 further comprises a neck 100 delimiting a milk inlet 102 via which milk can enter the milk storage space 95. The milk storage space 95 is arranged between the neck 100 and the bottom wall 98. The tank 8 comprises pins 104 adapted to cooperate with the bayonet fixing system 90 described previously, to fix the tank 8 to the connector 10. The pins 104, three in number, protrude from the neck 100 into the inlet 102.

[0124] With reference to Figure 18, the valve 14, known per se, defines a unidirectional fluid passage. Thus, a fluid, in particular milk, can pass through this fluid passage in a first direction (indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 18), but cannot pass through this fluid passage in a second direction opposite a first direction.

[0125] The valve 14 is of dimensions adapted to be inserted into the flow channel located in the lower part 70 of the connector 10, in a direction adapted so that the unidirectional fluid passage allows milk from the connector 10 to enter the reservoir 8 through the neck 100.

[0126] Assembling the breast pump

[0127] The following steps can be implemented to obtain the breast pump 1 from the parts described previously, for example by the user of the breast pump 1 .

[0128] In a first assembly step, the user assembles the connector 10, the teat 6, the reservoir 8, the valve 14 and the diaphragm 12, in order to form the milk collection unit 4. This first step includes the following sub-steps.

[0129] The user attaches the breast shield 6 to the connector 10. To do this, the user inserts the tube 46 into the cavity 76 formed in the central portion 74 of the connector 10, starting with its distal end 52. The user pushes the tube 46 into the cavity 76 until the stop 58 of the breast shield 6 comes into abutment on the central portion 74 of the connector 10. The breast shield 6 is then in an end-of-travel position in which the lower orifice 56 opens into the milk flow channel formed in the lower portion 70 of the connector 10 and in which the upper orifice 54 opens into the air channel formed in the upper portion 72 of the connector. The breast shield 6 is held in this end-of-travel position by friction between the tube 46 and the side wall of the central portion 74 of the connector 10.

[0130] The user further attaches the reservoir 8 to the connector 10, with the valve 14 inserted into the milk flow channel located in the lower part 70 of the connector 10. To do this, the user brings the reservoir 8 closer to the lower part 70 of the connector 10 by a translational movement until the pins 104 formed in the neck 100 engage in the bayonet fastening system 90. Then, the user rotates the reservoir 8 relative to the connector 10 so as to lock the pins 104 in the bayonet fastening system 90, for example by a rotational movement of at least 45 degrees.

[0131] The user further attaches the diaphragm 12 to the connector 10. To do this, the user engages the annular rib 92 in the annular groove 66 of the diaphragm 12. The diaphragm 12 is then held on the connector 10 by friction. Once the diaphragm 12 is attached to the connector 10, the proximal surface 62 of the diaphragm 12 delimits the air channel, while the distal surface 64 faces outwards.

[0132] The milk collection unit 4 is then formed, as shown in Figure 19. The preceding sub-steps leading to obtaining the milk collection unit 4 can be implemented in any order.

[0133] In a second assembly step, the user attaches the milk collection unit 4 to the housing 2. To do this, the user inserts the milk collection unit 4 into the recess 29 of the housing 2 by a translational movement.

[0134] During this insertion, the balls of the plungers 38, 39 formed in the side walls 36, 37 of the housing 2 engage in the guides 86, 87 formed on the connector 10 and are thus guided towards the blind holes, as indicated previously, so that the balls of the plungers 38, 39 engage in the blind holes, thus making it possible to lock the milk collection unit 4 to the housing 2. The contact of the balls with the bottom of the blind holes produces a sound which makes it possible to warn the user that the milk collection unit 4 is well locked to the housing 2, which constitutes an advantage compared to other means of attachment.

[0135] During insertion of the milk collection unit 4 into the recess 29 of the housing 2, the diaphragm 12 seals the air intake 42. In this way, the diaphragm 12 is fluidly connected to the pump 18. The diaphragm 12 is also fluidly connected to the breast shield 6, but the diaphragm 12 forms a sealed partition between the pump 18 and the breast shield 6. It should also be noted that the boss 43 of the housing 2 engages in the recess formed in the distal surface 64 of the diaphragm 12, which helps to stabilize the milk collection unit 4 relative to the housing 2 and to ensure the seal between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2 to ensure the transfer of suction to the breast shield 6.

[0136] Once the milk collection unit 4 is attached to the housing 2, the breast pump 1 is obtained and is ready for use.

[0137] The breast pump 1 can advantageously be combined with a program P for remote control of the breast pump 1. The program P is suitable for being installed in a terminal equipped with a processor for executing the program P, and a radio communication interface 20 adapted to communicate with the radio communication interface 20 contained in the housing 2 of the breast pump 1. The program is for example an application for a smartphone or tablet.

[0138] How the breast pump works

[0139] The user positions the breast pump 1 in a use position.

[0140] In the use position, a breast of the user is positioned at least partly in the funnel 44 of the breast shield 6, so that the nipple of the breast is aligned with the tube 46. If the user is wearing a bra, the user may in particular place the breast pump 1 inside the cup of the bra, so that the shell 30 is in contact with the cup.

[0141] In the position of use, the reservoir 8 is located under the housing 2 and under the connector 10. The lower part 70 of the connector 10 is located below the central part 74, and the upper part 72 is located above the central part 74.

[0142] The user then starts the pump 18. One way to start the pump 18 is to press the corresponding button on the user interface 28 provided on the housing 2. Another way to start the pump 18 is to use the terminal and the remote control program as described above. The user interacts with the terminal in such a way that the program generates a command to start the pump 18. This command is transmitted by the radio communication interface 20 of the terminal, then received by the radio communication interface 20 contained in the housing 2, then relayed to the pump 18.

[0143] In operation, the pump 18 causes a deformation of the diaphragm 12. Under the effect of the pump 18 and the air valve 29, the diaphragm 12 deforms, passing alternately between its resting state and the deformed state as described previously.

[0144] During the suction phase of the pump 18, the pump 18 sucks in air, which causes an air depression in the articulation zone between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2, delimited by the annular boss 43 of the housing 2. Because of this air depression, the diaphragm passes from its rest state to the deformed state, that is to say the proximal surface 62 becomes hollow and the distal surface 64 bulges. This deformation of the diaphragm 12 another air depression in the air channel formed in the connector 10 and in the tube 46 of the teat 6. This air depression is not compensated by the valve 14, since the valve 14 prevents the arrival of fluid and in particular air inside the connector 10. The air depression thus causes the translation of the nipple in the tunnel 46, this translation stimulating the physiological mechanism of the ejection of milk via the nipple located in the teat 6.The nipple may, during this process, undergo elongation in the tube 46 by suction. The cylindrical shape of the internal surface of the tube 46 has the advantage of avoiding injury to the nipple during this suction.

[0145] During the passive phase of the pump, the air valve 27 opens, thus allowing air to enter the articulation zone between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2, delimited by the annular boss 43 of the housing 2 by the air intake 42, which compensates for the air depression previously created. As a result, the diaphragm 12 returns to its rest position, the air depression in the air channel ceases, thus allowing the nipple to return to its original shape.

[0146] The milk extracted from the breast flows into the tube 46 until it reaches the lower orifice 56 formed in the annular wall of the tube 46. The milk escapes from the tube 46 through the lower orifice 56, and falls into the milk flow channel of the connector 10. The milk can then continue to fall by gravity in the channel until it reaches the outlet 88 formed in the lower part 70 of the connector 10. The milk then passes through the one-way passage defined by the valve 14, then enters the reservoir 8.

[0147] Estimating the milk level in the tank

[0148] A method for estimating a level of milk stored in the storage space 95 comprises the following steps.

[0149] The time-of-flight sensor 24 emits a signal which propagates in the tank 8 and then reflects on the surface of the milk contained in the tank (or in the absence of milk, on the bottom wall 98). The echo resulting from this reflection is captured by the sensor 24. The time-of-flight sensor 24 detects the time-of-flight of the signal.

[0150] Assuming that the geometry of the storage space 95 is known, and assuming that the surface of the milk is parallel to the bottom of the tank 8, it is possible to estimate the volume of milk contained in the tank 8 by a calculation taking the time of flight as input.

[0151] However, it should be noted that the tank 8 may be tilted, such that the surface of the milk inside the tank 8 is not perfectly parallel to the bottom of the tank 8. Under these conditions, the estimation of the milk volume based solely on the time of flight acquired by the time-of-flight sensor 24 may be inaccurate. To correct for this inaccuracy, the tilt sensor 26 may be used as a supplement to measure a tilt angle of the tank 8. The tilt angle may then be combined with the time of flight acquired by the time-of-flight sensor 24 to calculate a more accurate milk volume estimate.

[0152] The estimation of the milk volume on the basis of the measured flight time, and where appropriate on the basis of the angle of inclination, can be implemented by a data processing unit integrated into the breast pump 1, for example contained in the housing 2. Alternatively, this estimation step is implemented by the program installed in the terminal, after transmission of the measurements made by the sensors 24, 26 to the terminal via the communication interface 20 contained in the housing 2.

[0153] Cleaning the breast pump

[0154] After use, the user can disassemble the breast pump to clean its various parts. Disassembling the breast pump involves two steps.

[0155] In a first disassembly step, the user separates the milk collection unit 4 from the housing 2. During this separation, the different parts of the milk collection unit remain assembled together. In particular, the teat and the reservoir remain fluidically connected by the connector 10. As a result, no drop of milk can fall into the recess 29 of the housing 2. Since the housing 2 of the breast pump is not soiled with milk, this part does not need to be cleaned as often as the milk collection unit 4.

[0156] In a second disassembly step, the user disassembles the milk collection unit 4. To do this, the user separates the breast shield 6, the reservoir 10, the diaphragm 12 and the valve 14 from the connector 10. It is only at one stage of this second disassembly step that a break in the fluid connection between the breast shield 6 and the reservoir 8 occurs. Drops of milk can of course escape from the connector during this second step, but these drops of milk cannot in principle reach the housing 2.

[0157] Once the parts of the milk collection unit 4 are separated, the user can clean them individually before reassembling the breast pump 1 as previously described.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Breast pump (1) comprising: • a box (2), • a milk collection unit (4) comprising a teat (6) and a reservoir (8) adapted to be fluidically connected, the milk collection unit (4) being adapted for: • be fixed as a whole to the housing (2), after the breast shield (6) and the reservoir (8) have been fluidically connected, • be separated from the housing (2) while keeping the teat (6) and the reservoir (8) fluidly connected, • a pump (18) arranged in the housing (8), the pump being configured to cause an extraction of milk from a breast positioned against the teat when the milk collection unit (4) is attached to the housing (2), so as to cause a flow of milk from the teat (6) to the reservoir (8).

2. Breast pump (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one spring-loaded ball plunger (38, 39) for fixing the milk collection unit (4) to the housing (2).

3. A breast pump (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the milk collection unit (4) comprises a connector (10) adapted to be removably attached to the reservoir (8) and the breast shield (6), the connector comprising a milk flow channel fluidly connecting the breast shield (6) to the reservoir, when the reservoir (8) and the breast shield (6) are attached to the connector (10).

4. Breast pump (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the milk collection unit (4) is adapted to be fixed as a whole to the housing (2) only by the connector (10).

5. Breast pump (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the breast shield (6) comprises a tube (46) inserted into the connector (10) when the breast shield (6) is attached to the connector (10), the tube (46) comprising: • an annular wall (48) extending around an axis (Y), • an orifice (56) provided in the annular wall (48) and opening into the milk flow channel when the tube (46) is inserted into the connector (10).

6. Breast pump (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the milk collection unit (4) further comprises a diaphragm (12) configured to be deformed by the pump (18) when the milk collection unit (4) is attached to the housing, the deformation of the diaphragm (12) causing an air depression in the air channel when a breast is positioned against the teat (6).

7. Breast pump (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the diaphragm (12) comprises an annular groove (66), and the connector (10) comprises an annular rib (92) suitable for being engaged in the annular groove (66), so as to fix the diaphragm (12) on the connector (10).

8. Breast pump (1) according to one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the connector (10) comprises an air channel fluidly connecting the breast shield (6) to the diaphragm (12), when the breast shield (6) is attached to the connector (10).

9. Breast pump (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the teat (6) comprises a tube (46) inserted into the connector (10) when the teat (6) is attached to the connector (10), the tube (46) comprising: • an annular wall (48) extending around an axis (Y), • an orifice (56) formed in the annular wall (48) and opening into the air channel when the tube (44) is inserted into the connector (10).

10. Breast pump (1) according to claims 5 and 9 taken in combination, in which the orifice (56) opening into the milk flow channel and the orifice (54) opening into the air channel are diametrically opposite relative to the axis (Y).

11. Breast pump (1) according to any one of claims 5, 9 and 10, wherein the teat (6) comprises a funnel (44) suitable for being positioned against a breast, the tube (46) has a proximal end connected to the funnel and a free distal end opposite the proximal end, a distal orifice (52) being formed at the distal end, the distal orifice being extended by the or each orifice (54, 56) formed in the annular wall (48).

12. Breast pump (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the tube (46) has a cylindrical internal surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

13. Breast pump (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the milk collection unit (4) comprises a bayonet attachment system (90) for attaching the reservoir (8) to the connector (10).

14. Breast pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the teat (6) comprises: • a funnel having a truncated internal surface extending around a first central axis (X), • a tube extending the funnel, the tube extending around a second central axis (Y) intersecting with the first central axis (X).

15. Breast pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted to be placed in a bra cup worn by a user.

16. Breast pump according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the housing (2) comprises a base (28) and a shell (30) delimiting between them an internal housing (16) in which the pump is arranged.

17. Breast pump according to the preceding claim, wherein the base (28) has an inner surface delimiting the inner housing (16) and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the outer surface delimiting a hollow (29), the milk collection unit being partly received in the hollow (29) when the milk collection unit is fixed to the housing (2).

18. A breast pump (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a time-of-flight sensor (24) configured to detect the time-of-flight of a signal between the time-of-flight sensor and a level of milk contained in the reservoir (8).

19. Set including: • A breast pump (1) according to the preceding claim, • A program (P) configured to estimate a volume of milk contained in the tank (8) from the measured flight time, when the program is executed by a data processing unit.

20. Assembly according to the preceding claim, comprising a sensor (26) configured to measure an angle of inclination of the tank, and in which the program (P) is configured to estimate the volume of milk contained in the tank from the flight time and the angle of inclination.

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