Milk pump for vacuum-pumping breast milk in a vacuum-pumping process

Abstract

The invention relates to a milk pump for vacuum-pumping breast milk in a vacuum-pumping process, wherein the milk pump (1) comprises a housing (2), a drive assembly (3), and a diaphragm (4), wherein the diaphragm (4) is received, in particular removably, in the housing (2); wherein the diaphragm (4) divides the interior of the housing (2) into a wet region (5) and a dry region (6); wherein the diaphragm (4) can be driven, from the dry region (6), by the drive assembly (3) such that the diaphragm (4) can be moved in opposing directions, whereby a vacuum can be generated in the wet region (5) during the vacuum-pumping process. According to the invention, the drive assembly (3) has a mechanical drive element (7) for driving the diaphragm (4), which drive element is detachably coupled to the diaphragm (4) via a coupling assembly (8).

Description

[0001] Breast pump for expressing breast milk in one pumping process

[0002] The present invention relates to a breast pump for pumping breast milk in a pumping process according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a membrane unit for a breast pump according to the preamble of claim 16 and to a method for pumping breast milk in a pumping process according to claim 17 and further to a further breast pump according to the preamble of claim 18.

[0003] Breast pumps are medical devices that serve as an aid for expressing breast milk. Numerous designs are known from the state of the art, but they generally operate according to a similar principle: By temporarily creating negative pressure on the user's breast, breast milk can be expressed as needed. In the field of breast pumps, manual and automatic breast pumps are generally known, which operate with differently designed pumping systems.

[0004] The known prior art (US 9,814,809 B2), from which the invention is based, relates to a breast pump according to the preamble of claim 1. The breast pump comprises a housing, a drive assembly, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is removably received in the housing and divides the interior of the housing into a dry area, which is free of breast milk during a pumping process, and a wet area, which can come into contact with breast milk during a pumping process. In the known breast pump, the diaphragm can be driven from the dry area via the drive assembly. The drive assembly temporarily causes a pressure change in the dry area, so that a pressure difference across the diaphragm occurs between the dry area and the wet area.Due to the temporary pressure difference and the flexibility of the diaphragm, the diaphragm is moved towards the dry zone or towards the wet zone accordingly. By driving the diaphragm, which is moved alternately in opposite directions, a vacuum is created in the wet zone, at least temporarily, and milk is pumped out by a user. The well-known breast pump has proven extremely successful in the past, particularly because its design allows for easy cleaning. Firstly, the housing is clearly divided into the dry and wet zones, so that the wet zone can be specifically cleaned after use. The drive assembly does not come into contact with breast milk during the pumping process, meaning cleaning is not necessary. Secondly, the diaphragm can be removed from the housing and is therefore easy to clean or replace.

[0005] Alongside the advantages of the conventional breast pump, there are also disadvantages that compromise user-friendliness. For example, the pressure change in the dry area is achieved by an electric pump in the drive assembly, which is connected to the housing via a hose. The electric pump is relatively loud during the pumping process, which is often perceived as annoying. Furthermore, the electric pump often only creates a relatively uncontrolled vacuum, preventing optimal stimulation and potentially impairing the sensation at the user's breast during pumping.The electric pump, which is of a certain size, particularly due to the comparatively large volumes to be evacuated on the dry side, and is designed separately from the rest of the breast pump, especially from the housing, also makes the known breast pump difficult to transport. However, due to its comparatively high power and energy consumption, the electric pump can often only be operated by connecting it to a power grid or using a large number of batteries or correspondingly large accumulators.

[0006] It is a challenge to improve the known state of the art.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known breast pump in such a way that a particularly user-friendly breast pump is created.

[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. While in the prior art, as discussed above, the diaphragm is driven pneumatically via a pressure difference, the essential fundamental idea of ​​the proposed breast pump is to drive the diaphragm mechanically via a drive element that can be coupled and decoupled. During the pumping process, the drive element and the diaphragm are coupled to one another via the coupling arrangement, so that the diaphragm can be moved directly in opposite directions by the drive element. This can be achieved, for example, by the drive element engaging the diaphragm and alternately pulling it in a first direction and pushing it in an opposite second direction.Instead of creating a vacuum or overpressure in the dry area using a pump, as is known from the prior art, the diaphragm in the proposed breast pump is moved mechanically. This allows for well-controllable diaphragm movement, and thus the pumping process itself. For example, any delays when a vacuum builds up in the wet area can be minimized or completely avoided. Whereas such delays regularly occur in the prior art breast pumps with a pneumatically driven diaphragm, for example due to the comparatively large volumes to be evacuated, and lead to uneven negative pressures when pumping milk. Furthermore, it is possible, for example, to provide different pumping profiles with different pumping strengths and / or pumping frequencies, which can be accurately adjusted and controlled thanks to the directly driven diaphragm.This can be used to optimize the stimulation of a user's breast. The stimulation can be modeled on the natural stimulation provided by an infant. For example, at the beginning of a pumping session with the proposed breast pump, a stimulating suction can be performed (e.g., with at least 100 suction cycles per minute) to stimulate milk flow more quickly, which can then be followed by the regular suction process with modified pumping parameters (e.g., with fewer than 100 suction cycles, approximately 50 to 70 suction cycles per minute). Since the drive element and the membrane can be decoupled, the membrane can be removed from the housing and cleaned or replaced immediately after the pumping session.Due to the drive concept of the proposed breast pump, which differs from the state of the art, it is possible to dispense with a large and therefore difficult to transport and noisy pump and instead create a compact and comfortable to use breast pump, which at the same time can ensure the high hygiene requirements.

[0009] Specifically, it is proposed that the drive assembly comprise a mechanical drive element for driving the diaphragm, which is detachably coupled to the diaphragm via a coupling arrangement. This results in a particularly user-friendly breast pump.

[0010] Claim 2 relates to advantageous embodiments of the coupling arrangement. A structurally simple coupling mechanism is enabled by the coupling arrangement with a first coupling element and a second coupling element. The different coupling methods (positive / magnetic / positive) can simplify handling with regard to coupling by a user. A cost-effective and functionally reliable coupling arrangement can have a coupling contour and a contour receptacle.

[0011] According to claim 3, the mechanical drive element is advantageously designed as a tappet. The movably mounted tappet allows the membrane to be easily moved in opposite directions. A cylindrical outer surface of the tappet can simplify mounting.

[0012] Claim 4 proposes advantageous embodiments regarding the drive arrangement. The membrane can be driven very precisely via an electric drive motor and a gear arrangement. A rotary gear allows for the translation of a large input rotary movement and a large input rotation angle into a smaller output rotary movement or a smaller output rotation angle, respectively, thus enabling very precise movements of the drive element. A rotation-translation gear enables a compact translation of the rotary movement of the drive motor into the translational movement of the drive element.

[0013] Structurally advantageous embodiments of the rotation-translation gear are specified in claims 5 and 6. Claim 7 relates to advantageous embodiments of the housing. The housing of the breast pump, with a first housing part and a second housing part, between which the diaphragm is accommodated, can make the arrangement of the diaphragm in the housing user-friendly. A snap-in connection enables user-friendly connection and detachment of the first and second housing parts, for example, for cleaning or replacing the diaphragm.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment according to claim 8, the first housing part comprises the dry area and the second housing part the wet area, thus simplifying cleaning of the breast pump. By spatially separating a drive area from an actuation area, the components of the drive assembly can be protected from external influences.

[0015] In order to reliably regulate the flow of breast milk during a pumping process, the advantageous embodiments according to claim 9 provide a valve arrangement. By appropriately closing and opening the valve arrangement, a negative pressure can first be created in the wet area to pump out the breast milk and then an overpressure can be built up to drain the pumped breast milk.

[0016] Claim 10 relates to structurally simple, but equally reliable advantageous embodiments of the valve arrangement.

[0017] A further advantageous embodiment according to claim 11 provides a rechargeable battery. This allows the breast pump to be operated without an external power source, creating a flexible breast pump that can also be used on the go, for example. The rechargeable battery creates a particularly resource-efficient breast pump. Ease of use is increased by the battery being recharged via a cable during the pumping process and, alternatively or additionally, wirelessly before and after the pumping process.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment according to claim 12, the breast pump has a breast shell that can be removably attached to the first connection point of the housing. The breast shell can be easily removed and cleaned as needed. It is also conceivable to replace the breast shell with one of a different size. A further advantageous embodiment provides a milk container in which breast milk can be collected during the pumping process and in which breast milk can be stored or transported after the pumping process.

[0019] Claims 13 to 15 relate to further advantageous embodiments of the breast pump.

[0020] According to a further teaching according to claim 16, which has independent significance, a membrane unit for a breast pump, in particular a breast pump according to the proposal, is claimed.

[0021] It is essential that the membrane unit has a first coupling element for coupling to a second coupling element of the breast pump and that the first coupling element is arranged on the membrane.

[0022] The proposed membrane can be used for the proposed breast pump. Reference may be made to all information regarding the proposed breast pump in this regard.

[0023] According to a further teaching according to claim 17, which also has independent significance, a method for pumping breast milk in one pumping process is claimed, using a breast pump having a housing, a drive arrangement, and a membrane, in particular using a proposed breast pump. In the method, the membrane is accommodated in the housing, in particular removably, the interior of the housing is divided by the membrane into a wet area and a dry area, and the membrane is driven out of the dry area via the drive arrangement in such a way that the membrane is moved in opposite directions, whereby a negative pressure is generated in the wet area during the pumping process.

[0024] Essential to the method is that the drive assembly comprises a mechanical drive element for driving the membrane, which is detachably coupled to the membrane via a coupling assembly. The proposed method can be carried out with the proposed breast pump. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed breast pump and the proposed membrane unit.

[0025] According to a further teaching according to claim 18, which also has independent significance, a further breast pump for pumping breast milk in one pumping process is proposed. The breast pump comprises a housing, a drive arrangement, and a diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm is accommodated in the housing, in particular removably, wherein the diaphragm divides the housing into a wet area and a dry area. The diaphragm can be driven from the dry area via the drive arrangement such that the diaphragm is moved in opposite directions, whereby a negative pressure can be generated in the wet area during the pumping process.

[0026] It is essential that the drive arrangement has a mechanical drive element for driving the membrane, which is detachably coupled to the membrane via a coupling arrangement or which is non-detachably coupled to the membrane, and that the breast pump has a control board on which several predefined pumping profiles are stored and which is set up in such a way that the membrane is driven by the drive arrangement, in particular via the drive element, selectively according to one of the pumping profiles.

[0027] The proposed additional breast pump may have one or more features of the proposed breast pump. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed breast pump.

[0028] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. In the drawing,

[0029] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a proposed breast pump in a) assembled state in perspective view and as b) exploded view, Fig. 2 is the breast pump according to Fig. 1 during a pumping process in a side sectional view,

[0030] Fig. 3 shows the breast pump according to Fig. 1 , in which the membrane and the drive element of the breast pump are decoupled, as well as a detailed view of the coupling elements of the breast pump,

[0031] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the first housing part of the breast pump according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view in a) closed state and in b) open state and

[0032] Fig. 5 shows another proposed breast pump in which a membrane is detachably coupled to a mechanical drive element via a magnetic connection.

[0033] The preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures relates to a breast pump 1 for expressing breast milk in one pumping process. The breast pump 1 comprises a housing 2, a drive assembly 3, and a diaphragm 4, as shown by way of example in Figures 1a) and 1b). Here, and preferably, the diaphragm 4 is designed without holes.

[0034] In the assembled state (Fig. 1a)), the membrane 4 is accommodated in the housing 2, in particular in a removable manner. The membrane 4 can therefore be inserted into and removed from the housing 2 as required, for example to clean or replace the membrane 4 after a pumping process, for example in the event that the membrane 4 shows any signs of aging or other defects. This prevents any leaks in the breast pump 1 and ensures the functionality of the breast pump 1. The membrane 4 can be removed and / or inserted from the housing 2, in particular without tools. Fig. 3 shows an example of how the membrane 4 is inserted into or removed from the housing 2.

[0035] It is possible for the membrane 4 to be arranged in the assembled state such that the main plane of the membrane 4 is oriented transversely, preferably at an angle of at least 20°, more preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 75°, to the horizontal plane. This is particularly the case when the breast pump 1 is used properly (as can be seen, for example, from Fig. 2). The main plane is the plane of the membrane 4 spanned by the width and depth of the membrane 4, wherein the width and depth of the membrane 4 are greater in magnitude than the height of the membrane 4.

[0036] The membrane 4 accommodated in the housing 2 divides the housing 2 into a wet area 5 and a dry area 6, as can be seen by way of example in Fig. 2. The wet area 5 is that area of ​​the breast pump 1 which at least potentially comes or can come into contact with breast milk during a pumping process. The dry area 6 is that area of ​​the breast pump 1 which, in contrast, does not and cannot come into contact with breast milk during a pumping process. In Fig. 2, the wet area 5 is shown to the right of the membrane 4 and the dry area 6 to the left of the membrane 4.

[0037] With the breast pump 1, breast milk can be pumped from a user's breast into the wet area 5 during a pumping process by temporarily creating a corresponding negative pressure in the wet area 5 with the breast pump 1 applied to the breast. For this purpose, the membrane 4 can be driven from the dry area 6 via the drive arrangement 3 such that the membrane 4 is moved, in particular alternately, in opposite directions, whereby a negative pressure can be created, in particular temporarily, in the wet area 5, in particular at least in a part of the wet area 5, during the pumping process. For the movement of the membrane 4, it is preferably provided that only a part of the membrane 4, in particular an inner and / or central part of the membrane 4, is moved. In particular, an outer part of the membrane 4 can be fixed and accordingly immobile. The movement of the membrane 4 can be achieved through the flexibility of the membrane 4.

[0038] In conjunction with Fig. 2, for example, during the pumping process the membrane 4 is initially moved by the drive arrangement 3 in the direction of the dry zone 6 (to the left in Fig. 2). This creates a temporary negative pressure in at least part of the wet zone 5, so that breast milk is pumped out and collects in the part of the wet zone 5, which is the upper part in the illustration, in which negative pressure was created. As soon as the membrane 4 is now moved in the opposite direction of the wet zone 5 (to the right in Fig. 2), the negative pressure is correspondingly reduced and preferably an overpressure is created in at least the part of the wet zone 5 in which the negative pressure was previously created. This allows the pumped breast milk to flow from the corresponding part of the wet zone 5, which is the upper part in the illustration, into another part of the wet zone 5, which is the lower part in the illustration.This process is repeated several times by moving the membrane 4, in particular a part of the membrane 4, back and forth alternately in the direction of the dry area 6 and in the opposite direction of the wet area 5.

[0039] In this context, "opposite directions" encompass any directions oriented toward the dry region 6 (to the left in Fig. 2) and toward the wet region 5 (to the right in Fig. 2) relative to the membrane 4. The opposite directions can preferably be parallel, and more preferably coaxial, to each other.

[0040] What is essential in the proposed breast pump 1 is that the drive arrangement 3 has a mechanical drive element 7 for driving, in particular for moving, the membrane 4, which is detachably coupled to the membrane 4 via a coupling arrangement 8.

[0041] During a pumping process, when the membrane 4 is detachably coupled to the drive element 7, the membrane 4 can be moved back and forth in opposite directions via the drive element 7. This occurs in particular alternately, so that, for example, the membrane 4 is first moved in the direction of the dry area 6 (to the left in Fig. 2) and then in the direction of the wet area 5 (to the right in Fig. 2). As the membrane 4 moves in the direction of the dry area 6, a negative pressure is temporarily generated in at least part of the wet area 5, so that breast milk can be pumped out by a user. As the membrane 4 subsequently moves in the direction of the wet area 5, an overpressure is temporarily generated in at least part of the wet area 5, and the breast milk is pumped out (downward in Fig. 2). This process is repeated several times during a pumping process.The coupling arrangement 8 causes the membrane 4 to move along with the drive element 7. It is possible for the movements of the membrane 4 in the opposite directions to be separated by a pause, during which the membrane 4 is temporarily held in a particular deflected position.

[0042] The drive element 7 can be coupled and decoupled from the membrane 4 as needed and repeatedly via the coupling arrangement 8. This allows the membrane 4 and the drive element 7 to be decoupled after the pumping process, whereby the membrane 4 can be removed from the housing 2 and cleaned or completely replaced with another membrane 4. In this context, the fact that the membrane 4 and the drive element 7 are "releasably coupled" particularly includes the fact that the membrane 4 and the drive element 7 can be decoupled and separated from one another without tools and / or non-destructively. It is also particularly provided that the membrane 4 and the drive element 7 can be coupled or decoupled from one another without tools and / or non-destructively, i.e., for example, without piercing the membrane 4.

[0043] In principle, it is possible for the drive element 7 to be moved linearly during the pumping process. With regard to Fig. 3 and preferably, the drive element 7 is moved linearly in the direction of its main axis, i.e. its longitudinal axis. It is preferably possible for the drive element 7 to be moved transversely, in particular substantially orthogonally, to the main plane of the membrane 4. The drive element can in particular be moved linearly such that the membrane 4 experiences a linear drive movement. The membrane 4, which is coupled to the drive element 7 via the coupling arrangement 8, can be deflected, in particular uniformly, by the linear drive movement. The membrane 4 can be deformed in the process.Compared to, for example, a tilting movement of the drive element 7, the linear movement of the drive element 7 has the advantage that a more uniform load can be exerted on the membrane 4, which, in addition to a possible longer service life of the membrane 4, etc., can also lead to an improvement in the generation of the negative pressure and thus to an improved pumping process.

[0044] It is conceivable that different pumping strengths can be set for the breast pump 1. For this purpose, the deflection of the diaphragm 4 into different positions can be adjusted by the drive element 7. Depending on the diaphragm 4, the vacuum in the wet area can be adjusted, allowing different pumping strengths to be set. For this purpose, the stroke of the drive element 7 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the breast pump 1 to be able to accommodate different pumping frequencies. For this purpose, the frequency at which the diaphragm 4 is deflected and retracted can be adjustable. For this purpose, the movement frequency of the drive element 7 can be adjustable.

[0046] Particularly preferably, different pumping profiles can be set for the breast pump 1. A first pumping profile can, for example, provide a first pumping frequency and a first pumping intensity, and a second pumping profile can, for example, provide a second pumping frequency and a second pumping intensity. The pumping frequency and / or the pumping intensity can also be changed over time, for example, after a specific pumping sequence.

[0047] The pumping profiles can be stored, for example, on a control board 16 of the breast pump 1. The pumping profiles can be optionally adjustable, for example, by user selection. The pumping profiles can be predefined in various ways, in particular, modeled on different natural stimulation stimuli of an infant. This allows the breast pump 1 to generate an optimal stimulation stimulus, thus facilitating pumping. Depending on the selected pumping profile, the membrane 4 can be driven at different speeds and with different strengths.

[0048] It is preferably provided that the coupling arrangement 8 has a first coupling element 9 and a second coupling element 10. The first coupling element 9 is arranged, in particular non-detachably, on the membrane 4 and the second coupling element 10 is arranged, in particular non-detachably, on the drive element 7, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 2 and 3. The first coupling element 9 can be glued to the membrane 4 or overmolded with the material of the membrane 4. The first coupling element 9 can also partially protrude through the membrane 4. Particularly advantageously, the first coupling element 9 is integrally formed on the membrane 4, for example by manufacturing the membrane 4 directly with the coupling element 9. In Fig. 2, the membrane 4 is coupled to the drive element 7 via the coupling arrangement 8, whereas in Fig. 3 the membrane 4 is decoupled from the coupling element via the coupling arrangement 8.The coupling or decoupling via the coupling arrangement 8 can be achieved by establishing or separating the connection of the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10.

[0049] In this context, it has proven useful that the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10 can be coupled to one another in a force-fitting and / or magnetic and / or in particular form-fitting manner. A force-fitting connection can be achieved, for example, via frictional forces between the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10. A magnetic connection, as shown, for example, in Fig. 5, can be realized by the first coupling element 9 and / or the second coupling element 10 being formed at least partially, in particular completely, from ferromagnetic material. The differences of the breast pump 1 shown in Fig. 5 can be limited to the design of the connection of the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10. The first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10 are shown and preferably

[0050] 9 and the second coupling element 10 are coupled to each other via a positive connection. Here, and preferably, the positive connection is realized by blocking the relative movement between the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10 by a corresponding structural design.

[0051] In connection with the fact that the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10 can be coupled to one another in a force-locking and / or in particular form-locking manner, it has proven advantageous if the drive element 7 can be adjusted to an assembly position. In the assembly position, the coupling elements 9, 10 can be coupled to one another particularly easily. This can be done in particular manually, for example by the user. It is possible that the assembly position of the drive element 7 corresponds to a position in which the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element

[0052] 10 can be coupled, while the membrane 4 itself is relaxed, i.e. essentially undeflected. With a view to Fig. 3, for example, the drive element 7 is adjusted to the assembly position, so that the coupling elements 9, 10 can be coupled without the membrane 4 having to be deflected significantly for this purpose. In order to be able to produce the positive connection, it is preferably possible for the first coupling element 9 to have a coupling contour 11 and the second coupling element 10 to have a contour receptacle 12, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 2 and in particular 3. The coupling contour 11 is, here and preferably, designed as a circumferential coupling contour 11, for example in the form of a groove. The contour receptacle 12 is, here and preferably, designed such that the coupling contour 11 can be at least partially engaged behind by the contour receptacle 12.As an alternative to this embodiment, it is also possible for the second coupling element 10 to have the, in particular circumferential, coupling contour 11 and for the first coupling element 9 to have the contour receptacle 12, which is designed to at least partially engage behind the coupling contour 11.

[0053] In connection with the fact that the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10 can be magnetically coupled to one another, it has proven useful if the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10 are coupled to one another by a coupling movement brought about by the drive element 7. This can prevent coupling errors by the user, for example when changing the membrane 4. It is conceivable that when inserting the membrane 4, the drive element 7 is or will be adjusted to a position in which the coupling of the coupling elements 9, 10 does not initially occur, and that subsequently, for example during a coupling process or the pumping process, the drive element 7 is moved in the direction of the membrane 4 in such a way that the coupling elements 9, 10 are magnetically coupled to one another. With a view to Fig. 3, for example, the drive element 7 can be or will be moved back in such a way (to the left in Fig. 3).such that the coupling elements 9, 10 do not initially come into contact with one another. Subsequently, the drive element 7 is moved into a coupling position (to the right in Fig. 3), in which the coupling elements 9, 10 are magnetically coupled to one another. The coupling movement can be effected in particular by a drive motor 14 (described later).

[0054] It is generally possible for the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10 to be coupled to one another only at the start of a pumping process. When the drive element 7 is moved in the direction of the membrane 4, the first coupling element 9 and the second coupling element 10 come so close to one another that they couple magnetically. In order to be able to establish the magnetic connection, it is preferably provided that the first coupling element 9 and / or the second coupling element 10 are formed at least partially, in particular completely, from ferromagnetic material. As shown in Fig. 5 and preferably, the first coupling element 9 is arranged on, in particular in, the membrane 4. The first coupling element 9 can be partially or completely surrounded by the membrane 4, for example by overmolding the first coupling element 9 during the manufacture of the membrane 4.Here and preferably, the first coupling element 9 is at least partially made of iron, cobalt and / or nickel. The second coupling element 10 can, as shown in Fig. 5, preferably be arranged on, in particular in, the drive element 7. The second coupling element 10 can be partially or completely surrounded by the drive element 7, for example by overmolding the second coupling element 10 during the manufacture of the drive element 7. Here and particularly preferably, the second coupling element 10 has a magnet 46 and in particular a return element 47. The return element 47 can at least partially surround the magnet 46, as shown in Fig. 5. It is preferably provided that the magnet 46 is a cylindrical magnet. Alternatively, the magnet 46 can also be designed as a ring magnet. In this case, the return element 47 can be at least partially arranged in the ring recess of the magnet 46.

[0055] In this context, it is preferably provided that the first coupling element 9 is injection-molded onto the membrane 4 or glued to the membrane 4, or that the first coupling element 9 and the membrane 4 are formed in one piece. It is also conceivable for the first coupling element 9 to at least partially penetrate the membrane 4. The first coupling element 9 can preferably be arranged on the dry area side, i.e., in particular, facing the drive element 7. The membrane 4 and the first coupling element 9 can, in particular, form a membrane unit 13, which can preferably be formed in one piece.

[0056] The second coupling element 10 can preferably be injection-molded onto the drive element 7 or glued to the drive element 7. It is also possible for the second coupling element 10 and the drive element 7 to be formed in one piece. The second coupling element 10 can in particular be arranged facing the membrane 4. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the second coupling element 10 to be injection-molded onto the membrane 4 or glued to the membrane 4 or to be formed as part of the membrane 4. In this case, the second coupling element 10 and the membrane 4 can form a corresponding membrane unit 13, which is in particular in one piece. The first coupling element 9 can in this case be injection-molded onto the drive element 7 or glued to the drive element 7 or formed as part of the drive element 7.

[0057] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 3, the second coupling element 10 and the drive element 7 are preferably formed as a single piece. The first coupling element 9 is arranged, here and preferably centrally, on the dry area side of the membrane 4. The second coupling element 10 has the contour receptacle 12, into which the first coupling element 9 with the coupling contour 11 can be inserted laterally. This allows the first coupling element 9 to be arranged coaxially with the second coupling element 10. Here and preferably, the first coupling element 9 is designed in the manner of a pin and / or the second coupling element 10 is designed with a U-shaped end face.

[0058] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the mechanical drive element 7 is designed as a plunger. The plunger is preferably mounted so that it can move in opposite directions. As can be seen from Fig. 2, for example, the plunger can be moved back and forth in opposite directions, thereby moving at least part of the membrane 4. It is preferably provided that the plunger is mounted so that it can move linearly along its main axis in opposite directions.

[0059] With regard to its design, it is preferable for the plunger to have a cylindrical outer surface, at least in sections, in particular relative to its main axis, as can be seen by way of example in Fig. 3. As can be seen from Fig. 4b), for example, and preferably, the outer surface extends relative to the main axis of the plunger over at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, of the length of the plunger. It is particularly conceivable for the plunger to be designed in one piece, as shown, for example, in Figs. 2, 3 and 4b). Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the plunger to be designed in multiple parts.

[0060] The coupling contour 11 or, in particular, the contour receptacle 12 (as depicted in Fig. 3) can be arranged at the end of the tappet facing the membrane 4. The contour receptacle 12 or, in particular, the coupling contour 11 (as depicted in Fig. 3) can, in turn, be arranged on the side of the membrane 4 facing the tappet, i.e., in particular, on the dry area side.

[0061] In principle, it is conceivable that the position of the drive element 7, in particular of the plunger, is detected during the pumping process. In this case, the position of the drive element 7 can be detected electronically, for example by a displacement sensor and / or a fixed position sensor. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide a force sensor and / or a power sensor, such as an ammeter. The position of the drive element 7 can be detected, in particular, with respect to an initial position of the drive element 7, for example, a neutral position.

[0062] With regard to the drive arrangement 3, it is preferably provided that the drive arrangement 3 has an electric drive motor 14 and a gear arrangement 15. The drive element 7 can be moved by the drive motor 14 via the gear arrangement 15. The drive motor 14 can be designed, in particular, as a stepper motor or as a torque motor. The drive motor 14 can, in particular, be selectively actuated in both directions of rotation. It is furthermore possible for the drive arrangement 3 to have a control board 16 via which the drive motor 14 can be controlled. The drive motor 14 can have a motor housing which has an outer diameter of at least 10 mm and at most 45 mm, preferably at least 10 mm and at most 35 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm and at most 25 mm.

[0063] In general, the drive motor 14 and the gear assembly 15 enable a well-controllable diaphragm movement, thus allowing the pumping process itself to be well controlled. For example, it is possible to simulate the pumping of breast milk in a relatively natural way during the pumping process, for example, by providing different predefined pumping profiles (as already described above).

[0064] With regard to the movement of the membrane 4, as already described above, it has proven particularly effective if the drive motor 14 is designed as a stepper motor. This design of the drive motor 14 allows the membrane 4 to move in a particularly defined manner, which can ultimately improve the pumping of breast milk.

[0065] The drive motor 14, which is designed as a stepper motor, generally makes it possible, for example compared to a conventional DC or AC motor, for the membrane 4 to be driven, in particular moved, in a defined manner via the drive element 7, whereby the breast milk can be pumped out according to almost all conceivable pumping profiles.

[0066] It is possible for the drive motor 14, designed as a stepper motor, to be operated discontinuously during the pumping process, in particular to be operated intermittently. The drive motor 14 is configured accordingly and / or is controlled by a control arrangement, for example, the control board 16. For this purpose, a correspondingly predefined pumping profile(s) can be provided. This allows for a particularly natural pumping process to be simulated.

[0067] The drive motor 14 can, for example, be operated alternately in different directions of rotation during the pumping process. This makes it possible for the drive element 7 to cause partial strokes of the diaphragm 4. The diaphragm 4 can be deflected only partially, so that, for example, a lower suction strength is achieved. A change in the direction of rotation can occur, for example, several times per minute.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the drive motor 14 is temporarily stopped during a pumping process. This can be done in particular such that the membrane 4 is held in a, in particular deflected and / or defined, membrane position. "Defined membrane position" refers in particular to a membrane position which is achieved in that the membrane 4 is specifically moved into the specific membrane position by the drive motor 14 and specifically held in this position. The, in particular deflected and / or defined, membrane position can, for example, be a deflected first membrane position, a neutral membrane position and / or a deflected second membrane position, which will be described below. This also makes it possible to achieve a particularly natural pumping process.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the drive motor 14 is operated discontinuously during the pumping process such that the membrane 4 is moved alternately in opposite directions, wherein the movement in one of the directions differs from the movement in the other of the directions, at least with regard to the speed of movement of the membrane 4. This means, for example, that the membrane 4 is deflected comparatively quickly in one of the directions, for example toward the first membrane position, and then moved back comparatively slowly in the other of the directions, for example toward the neutral membrane position. This also allows an even more natural pumping process to be achieved.

[0070] In connection with the drive motor 14, it is particularly possible for the stopped drive motor 14 to produce a holding torque. The holding torque can hold the membrane 4 in a, in particular deflected, membrane position. While, for example, AC or DC motors, in particular when de-energized, do not produce a holding torque, the stepper motor can produce a holding torque both in the de-energized and in the energized state. In principle, the stopped drive motor 14, designed as a stepper motor, can produce the holding torque in the de-energized state. It is possible for the holding torque here to be at least 0.1 mNm, preferably at least 0.25 mNm, more preferably at least 0.5 mNm. It is also possible for the stopped drive motor 14, designed as a stepper motor, to produce the holding torque in the energized state. This makes it possible for the holding torque to be at least 5 mNm, preferably at least 10 mNm.

[0071] Preferably, the drive motor 14, designed as a stepper motor, has a number of steps, in particular full steps, per revolution of at least 2 and at most 62, more preferably of at least 4 and at most 48, more preferably between at least 8 and at most 36. The smaller the number of steps per revolution, the higher the holding torque of the drive motor 14 in the de-energized state at one of the step positions.

[0072] The gear assembly 15 preferably comprises, for example, a rotary gear 17 for converting an input rotary movement into an output rotary movement, as shown in Fig. 4b. The rotary gear 17 is preferably designed as a gear transmission, particularly a three-stage one. The rotary gear 17 can, in particular, have a gear ratio of at least 20, preferably at least 30, and more preferably at least 40.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the gear arrangement 15, as also shown in Fig. 4b) and preferably, has a rotation-translation gear 18 for translating a rotary movement into a translational movement. The rotation-translation gear 18 can, for example, be designed as a slider crank, as shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3. The slider crank is sometimes also referred to as a cross-slider crank gear. It is possible for the rotation-translation gear 18 to be designed to translate a rotary movement into a linear movement. A structurally comparatively simple embodiment of the rotation-translation gear 18 provides that the rotation-translation gear 18 has a drive pinion on the drive side and a rack on the drive element side.The drive pinion can be connected, for example, to a motor shaft of the drive motor 14, and the rack can be connected, for example, to the drive element 7. It is also conceivable for the rotation-translation gear 18 to have a spindle nut driven by the drive motor 14 and a spindle rod engaging with the spindle nut. In this case, the drive element 7 can be arranged on the spindle rod. The spindle rod can be mounted in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner.

[0074] In connection with the rotation-translation gear 18, it is preferably provided that the rotation-translation gear 18 has at least one rotatable first gear disk 19 and a translationally movable gear slide 20. The first gear disk 19 can be mounted so that it can move in both directions of rotation. The gear slide 20 is, in particular, linearly movable, as is implemented, for example, in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2. It is possible for the first gear disk 19 to have external teeth and to be formed as part of the rotation gear 17.

[0075] The first gear disk 19 preferably has a first guide pin 21. The first guide pin 21 can be arranged on the first gear disk 19, wherein the first guide pin 21 and the first gear disk 19 can in particular be formed as a single piece, for example as an injection-molded part. The gear carriage 20 preferably has a guide recess 22 into which the first guide pin 21 engages such that the first guide pin 21 is movably guided in the guide recess 22. The guide recess 22 can be arranged on the gear carriage 20, wherein the guide recess 22 and the gear carriage 20 can in particular be formed as a single piece, for example as an injection-molded part. As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, the guide recess 22 is preferably designed as a yoke, i.e. as a continuous longitudinal groove.The first guide pin 21 is guided in the guide recess 22 for reciprocating movement, wherein the first guide pin 21 is itself rotated in the guide recess 22 during a rotational movement of the first gear disk 19 relative to the gear carriage 20. Preferably, the first guide pin 21 is movable linearly relative to the guide recess 22 in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the drive element 7, in particular orthogonally. The first guide pin 21 can comprise a first guide sleeve.

[0076] In principle, it is conceivable for the rotation-translation gear 18 to have the first gear disk 19 as the only gear disk. However, it is preferably provided that the rotation-translation gear 18 has a rotatable second gear disk 23, which is in particular rotationally coupled to the first gear disk 19, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4b). The second gear disk 23 has a second guide pin, which engages in particular in the guide recess 22 such that the second guide pin is movably guided in the guide recess 22. The second gear disk 23, including the second guide pin, can be designed analogously to or differently from the first gear disk 19 or the first guide pin 21.Preferably, the first gear disc 19 and the second gear disc 23 are arranged on opposite sides of the gear carriage 20 and are coupled to one another, in particular via a connecting pin. This coupling can be realized in particular via the first guide pin 21 and the second guide pin. In this case, the first gear disc 19 and the second gear disc 23 are motion-coupled, so that a rotation of the first gear disc 19 leads to a rotation of the second gear disc 23.

[0077] With regard to the rotational coupling and / or movement coupling of the gear disks 19, 23, it is conceivable that the first gear disk 19 and the second gear disk 23 are rotationally coupled to one another via the rotational gear 17. For example, the rotational gear 17 can be designed such that both the first gear disk 19 and the second gear disk 23 are driven, in particular rotationally moved, by the drive motor 14 via the rotational gear 17. For this purpose, the rotational gear 17 can each be arranged partially on opposite sides of the gear carriage 20. The first gear disk 19 and the second gear disk 23 can thus experience the same rotational movement. The rotational gear 17 can preferably have a transmission rod which drive-connects the gear disks 19, 23 arranged on opposite sides of the gear carriage 20. The transmission rod can be rotationally movable.At each end of the transmission rod, a drive pinion can be arranged, which, for example, drives a gear wheel that is rotationally coupled to the respective gear disk 19, 23 and thus indirectly drives the respective gear disk 19, 23 or which, for example, engages in the respective external toothing of the first gear disk 19 or the second gear disk 23 and can thus drive the respective gear disk 19, 23 directly.

[0078] Further structurally advantageous embodiments are possible in this context. In particular, it is conceivable for the gear carriage 20 and the drive element 7 to be formed as a single piece, for example as an injection-molded part, as can be seen, for example, from Figs. 2 and 3. Alternatively, it is also possible for the gear carriage 20 and the drive element 7 to be each formed as a single piece and for the drive element 7 to be fixedly arranged on the gear carriage 20, for example glued, welded, screwed, etc. The guide recess 22 can in particular be designed as a yoke, i.e. as a groove extending completely through the gear carriage 20. As a result, the first gear disk 19 and / or the second gear disk 23 or the first guide pin 21 and / or the second guide pin can engage opposite one another in the guide recess 22.It is also possible, in particular, for the first gear disc 19 and / or the second gear disc 23 to be subjected to a pendulum motion, thereby realizing a partial stroke of the diaphragm 4. The pendulum motion can be achieved by controlling the drive motor 14 in a correspondingly reversing direction of rotation.

[0079] The rotation-translation gear 18 preferably has a slide guide 24 for guiding the gear slide 20, as can be seen in Figs. 2 and 3. The slide guide 24 has, here and preferably, at least two guide rods 25, along whose main axes the gear slide 20 is movably guided. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the slide guide 24 to have only one guide rod 25, along whose main axis the gear slide 20 is movably guided. The slide guide

[0080] 24 is, here and preferably, designed as a linear slide guide 24.

[0081] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the housing 2 has a first housing part 26 and a second housing part 27. An advantageous embodiment of the first housing part 26 is shown, for example, in Fig. 4a) and, in the open state, 4b). The membrane 4 is received between the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27, see, for example, Fig. 2. The membrane 4 is clamped relative to the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27. At the contact points with the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27, the membrane 4 can be immovable. Due to its flexibility, the membrane 4 is nevertheless at least partially movable relative to the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27, so that the membrane 4 can be moved back and forth in the opposite direction.According to the exemplary embodiment, the second housing part 27 is preferably formed in one piece, for example as an injection-molded plastic part. The first housing part 26 is preferably designed in multiple parts, with the multiple parts of the first housing part 26 each being, in particular, injection-molded plastic parts.

[0082] Preferably, the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27 are detachably connected to one another via a snap-in connection 28 (Fig. 1b) and 3) and / or detachably connected to one another (Fig. 1a), 1b) and 2). The first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27 form the housing 2. The membrane 4 can, here and preferably, seal the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27 from one another. The membrane 4 can also, here and preferably, seal the dry area 6 and the wet area 5 from one another.

[0083] It is preferably possible for the first locking connection 28 to have a first connecting section 29 and a second connecting section 30, wherein the first connecting section 29 is designed as a tilting connecting section (exemplarily in Fig. 3 upper) and the second connecting section 30 is designed as a locking connecting section (exemplarily in Fig. 3 lower). In order to connect the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27 to one another via the locking connection 28, the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27 are inserted into one another at the first connecting section 29, pivoted relative to one another and locked in the second connecting section 30. It is particularly possible for the first connecting section 29 to have a hinge.

[0084] With regard to the connecting sections, it is preferably provided that the first connecting section 29 has a bearing point 31 and a bearing projection 32. The bearing point 31 can be designed in particular as part of the second housing part 27 (shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3) or alternatively of the first housing part 26. The bearing projection 32 can be designed in particular as part of the first housing part 26 (shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3) or alternatively of the second housing part 27. Here and preferably, it is further provided that the bearing projection 32 is pivotally arranged in the bearing point 31 for connecting the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27 during assembly.

[0085] Alternatively or in particular additionally, with regard to the connecting sections, it is provided that the second connecting section 30 has a locking element 33, in particular a locking hook, and a locking point 34, in particular a locking projection or a locking recess. The locking element 33 can in particular be designed as part of the second housing part 27 (shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3) or alternatively of the first housing part 26. The locking point 34 can in particular be designed as part of the first housing part 26 (shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3) or alternatively of the second housing part 27. Here and preferably, it is provided that the locking element 33 engages in the locking point 34 in a locking manner to connect the first housing part 26 and the second housing part 27 during assembly.

[0086] It is preferably provided that the first housing part 26 encompasses the dry area 6, in particular completely, and that the second housing part 27 encompasses the wet area 5, in particular completely. The dry area 6 and the wet area 5 are spatially separated from one another by the membrane 4. Here and preferably, it is provided that the first housing part 26 has a drive area 35, in which the drive arrangement 3 is at least partially arranged, and an actuation area 36, ​​which delimits the membrane 4 on one side and which is spatially separated from the drive area 35. The membrane 4 can be moved into the actuation area 36. In particular, the drive motor 14 and / or the rotation gear 17 and / or the rotation-translation gear 18 can be arranged in the drive area 35, as can be seen, for example, in Figs. 4a) and 4b).4a) and 4b), and preferably, the drive region 35 is sealed off from the environment, and the drive element 7 protrudes from the drive region 35 through an opening 37 to the actuation region 36. It is conceivable that the drive element 7 is received in a sealed manner in the opening 37. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the drive region 35 to be sealed off from the environment. The first housing part 26 can, in particular, have additional elements, such as display elements, for example, lights, a display, or the like.

[0087] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the breast pump 1 has a valve arrangement 38. During the pumping process, the flow of breast milk in the wet area 5 can be regulated via the valve arrangement 38. This occurs in particular automatically, i.e. without an additional valve drive. It is preferably provided that the valve arrangement 38 is closed in the event that the diaphragm 4 is moved into a deflected first diaphragm position in which negative pressure prevails in the wet area 5. The first diaphragm position can be reached in particular when the diaphragm 4 is moved in the direction of the dry area 6. In Fig. 2, the diaphragm 4 would be moved to the left in the deflected first diaphragm position. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the valve arrangement 38 is open in the event that the diaphragm 4 is moved into a deflected second diaphragm position in which positive pressure prevails in the wet area 5.The second diaphragm position can be achieved in particular when the diaphragm 4 is moved in the direction of the wet area 5. In Fig. 2, the diaphragm 4 would be moved to the right in the deflected second diaphragm position, in which overpressure prevails. It is possible for the valve arrangement 38 to be open or, in particular, closed in the event that the diaphragm 4 is moved into a neutral diaphragm position (as shown by way of example in Fig. 2), in which, for example, ambient pressure prevails in the wet area 5. In this case, the diaphragm 4 can be undeflected. It is conceivable for the diaphragm 4 to be moved from the first diaphragm position into the neutral diaphragm position due to its own flexibility. It is conceivable for the diaphragm 4 to be only partially deflected in the first diaphragm position and / or in the second diaphragm position.It is also conceivable that the membrane 4 is deflected to its maximum in the first membrane position and / or in the second membrane position.

[0088] It is fundamentally conceivable that the membrane 4 is moved, in particular in a controlled manner, only between the first membrane position and the neutral membrane position during the pumping process, for example by the drive element 7. In particular, if the breast pump 1 has the drive motor 14, it is possible for the movement of the membrane 4 from the first membrane position to the neutral membrane position to be effected at least partially by the membrane 4, in particular by the deflection energy temporarily stored by the membrane 4. The deflection energy of the membrane 4 results from the previous movement of the membrane 4 into the first membrane position. This can bring advantages in terms of energy efficiency, since the deflection energy of the membrane 4, which was previously applied, for example, by the drive motor 14, is not or hardly ever "lost" unused.It is conceivable that the movement caused by the deflection energy of the membrane 4 is at least partially supported by the drive motor 14. It is also conceivable that the membrane 4, starting from the first membrane position toward the neutral membrane position, is at least partially braked by the drive motor 14 via the drive element 7. This allows uncontrolled movements of the membrane 4 toward the neutral membrane position, for example due to the deformation energy stored in the membrane 4, to be avoided or at least reduced.

[0089] The valve arrangement 38 preferably has a valve element 39. The wet area 5 in particular has a constriction 40. The constriction 40 is alternately opened and closed by the valve element 39 during the pumping process, in particular depending on the prevailing pressure (negative or positive pressure) in the wet area 5. In Fig. 2, the constriction 40 is closed by the valve element 39 as an example. Here and preferably, it is provided that the valve element 39 is arranged on the membrane 4. Here, the valve element 39 is preferably arranged on the outside of the membrane 4. The valve element 39 can be injection-molded or glued on. It is also possible for the valve element 39 and the membrane 4 to be formed in one piece, for example as an injection-molded part made of a flexible plastic, as can be seen by way of example in Fig. 1b). The valve element 39 and the membrane 4 can in particular form one or the membrane unit 13, in particular in one piece.During the pumping process, the breast milk can be directed through the constriction 40 from the wet area 5 towards a milk container 44 (described below) (Fig. 2).

[0090] With regard to the power supply of the drive motor 14, it is preferably provided that the breast pump 1 has a rechargeable battery 41. The rechargeable battery 41 can, in particular, be designed to be rechargeable and be permanently arranged in the housing 2, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4b). Here and preferably, the rechargeable battery 41 is arranged in the first housing part 26, in particular in the drive region 35. It is possible for the rechargeable battery 41 to be recharged via cable during the pumping process. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the rechargeable battery 41 to be recharged wirelessly before and after the pumping process, for example by induction. It is conceivable that, due to the deflection of the membrane 4, part of the energy required for the deflection leads to energy savings during the corresponding countermovement, so that the rechargeable battery 41 can be designed accordingly small.The energy required to deflect the membrane 4 can, in particular, be the deformation energy introduced into the membrane and thus stored. The breast pump 1 preferably further comprises a breast cup 42, which is, in particular, removable (Figs. 1a and 1b). Here, and preferably, the housing 2, in particular the second housing part 27, has a first connection point 43, to which one or more breast cups 42 are detachably arranged. The arrangement can preferably be plugged and / or screwed.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the breast pump 1 to have a milk container 44, which is particularly removable. As can be seen from Figures 1a) and 1b), the milk container 44 can preferably be designed as a bottle. Here and preferably, the housing 2, in particular the second housing part 27, has a second connection point 45 for one or the milk container 44. The milk container 44 can be arranged in a plug-in and / or screw-on manner at the second connection point 45.

[0092] It is also advantageously conceivable for the breast pump 1 to have a force sensor for measuring, in particular continuously measuring, the driving force of the drive motor 14 and / or a power sensor for measuring, in particular continuously measuring, the driving power of the drive motor 14. The measurement or measurements can be used to detect undesired changes in the negative pressure in the wet area 5, for example a possible loss of negative pressure due to a defective membrane 4 or the like. It is possible for the drive motor 14 to be readjusted in response to the measurement or measurements. This makes it possible to compensate for changes in the negative pressure in the wet area 5. For the sake of clarity, the force sensor and / or the power sensor have been omitted from the figures. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the breast pump 1 to have a negative pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the wet area.

[0093] In principle, it is possible for the position of the drive element 7 to be detected at least temporarily. As already described above, this can take place during the pumping process and / or independently of the pumping process. The position of the drive element 7 can be detected in different ways. For example, it is possible for the position of the drive element 7 to be detected by a power sensor or the power sensor measuring the drive power of the drive motor 14. The drive power can be measured by measuring the current and / or the voltage. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the drive element 7 can be detected by a light barrier. For example, the drive element 7 can be moved in and out of the light barrier in order to be able to detect the position accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the drive element 7 can be detected by a proximity sensor.

[0094] The position can be detected by the power sensor, for example, by the drive motor 14 moving the drive element 7 coupled to the membrane 4 and simultaneously measuring the drive power of the drive motor 14. Due to the fact that moving the membrane 4 in the region of the neutral membrane position generally requires less force or energy than, for example, in the region of a deflected membrane position, for example, the first and / or second membrane position, the drive power of the drive motor 14 is also comparatively low at this neutral membrane position, so that the position of the drive element 7 can be determined.

[0095] With the drive motor 14 designed as a stepper motor, it is additionally or alternatively possible for the position of the drive element 7 to be detected by detecting the steps of the drive motor 14 designed as a stepper motor. The detection of the position of the drive element 7 by detecting the steps can occur in particular if a zero position of the drive element 7 is previously detected and defined, for example (as described above) by the power sensor and / or the light barrier and / or the proximity sensor. The required measurements and / or calculations and / or the required detection can be implemented, for example, by the control arrangement, in particular by the control board 16. It is conceivable, for example, that the control arrangement, in particular the control board 16, comprises a TMC2209 from Trinamic.It is conceivable that the TMC2209 could also perform a load angle measurement, which could be used to estimate an impending step loss.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the control board 16 is configured to carry out an electronic measurement during which the current and / or voltage of the drive motor 14 is / are recorded, and that the control board 16 executes an evaluation routine during which undesired changes in the negative pressure in the wet area 5, for example a possible loss of negative pressure due to a defective membrane 4 or the like, are detected. It is possible for the drive motor 14 to be readjusted in response to the measurement or measurements. This makes it possible to compensate for changes in the negative pressure in the wet area 5. It is possible for the negative pressure to be mathematically estimated during the evaluation routine based on the recorded current and / or voltage.It is possible that the control board 16 has a memory in which comparison values ​​for the negative pressure are stored, and that the comparison values ​​are compared with the estimated negative pressure.

[0097] In addition to the proposed breast pump 1, a membrane unit 13 for a breast pump 1, in particular a proposed breast pump 1, is also proposed, wherein the membrane unit 13 has a membrane 4.

[0098] It is essential that the membrane unit 13 has a first coupling element 9 for coupling to a second coupling element 10 of the breast pump 1 and that the first coupling element 9 is arranged on the membrane 4, in particular fixedly, i.e. non-detachably.

[0099] Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed breast pump 1.

[0100] Preferably, the membrane unit 13 can have a valve element 39. The valve element 39 can be arranged, in particular, on the outside of the membrane 4. It is conceivable that the membrane 4 and the valve element 39 are formed as a single piece.

[0101] The membrane 4 can preferably be made of a flexible material, in particular plastic. The membrane 4 can preferably be washable and / or waterproof.

[0102] The first coupling element 9 can be glued or molded onto the membrane 4. It is also conceivable for the first coupling element 9 and the membrane 4 to be formed as a single piece. Preferably, the first coupling element 9 is arranged centrally, i.e., in a center, of the membrane 4. The membrane 4 can, in particular, be formed essentially as a round disk.

[0103] Also proposed is a method for expressing breast milk in one expressing process, using a breast pump 1 having a housing 2, a drive assembly 3, and a membrane 4. In the method, the membrane 4 is accommodated in the housing 2, in particular in a removably manner, the housing 2 is divided by the membrane 4 into a wet area 5 and a dry area 6, and the membrane 4 is driven out of the dry area 6 via the drive assembly 3 such that the membrane 4 is moved in opposite directions, whereby a negative pressure is generated in the wet area 5 during the expressing process. The breast pump 1 can be a breast pump 1 according to the proposal.

[0104] What is essential in the proposed method is that the drive arrangement 3 has a mechanical drive element 7 for driving the membrane 4, which is detachably coupled to the membrane 4 via a coupling arrangement 8. The coupling of the drive element 7 to the membrane 4 via the coupling arrangement 8 takes place in particular before the membrane 4 is driven and in particular before the pumping process.

[0105] Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed breast pump 1 and the proposed membrane unit 13.

[0106] Furthermore, a further breast pump 1 for expressing breast milk in one pumping process is proposed. The further breast pump 1 has a housing 2, a drive assembly 3, and a diaphragm 4, wherein the diaphragm 4 is accommodated in the housing 2, in particular in a removable manner. The diaphragm 4 divides the housing 2 into a wet area 5 and a dry area 6. The diaphragm 4 can be driven from the dry area 6 via the drive assembly 3 such that the diaphragm 4 is moved in opposite directions, whereby a negative pressure can be generated in the wet area 5 during the pumping process.It is essential that the drive arrangement 3 has a mechanical drive element 7 for driving the membrane 4, which is detachably coupled to the membrane 4 via a coupling arrangement 8 or which is non-detachably coupled to the membrane 4, and that the breast pump has a control board 16 on which several predefined pumping profiles are stored and which is set up such that the membrane 4 is driven by the drive arrangement 3, in particular via the drive element 7, optionally according to one of the pumping profiles.

[0107] The proposed additional breast pump may have one or more features of the proposed breast pump. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed breast pump.

[0108] With regard to the further breast pump, it is preferably the case that it has a force sensor for measuring the driving force of the drive motor 14 and / or a power sensor for measuring the driving power of the drive motor 14. It is conceivable that, in response to the measurement or measurements, the drive motor 14 is controlled such that the drive element 7 is driven according to one of the predefined pumping profiles. It is possible for error detection to occur via the measurement or measurements. For example, the measurement or measurements can be used to detect undesired changes in the negative pressure in the wet area 5, for example a possible loss of negative pressure due to a defective membrane 4 or the like. It is possible for the drive motor 14 to be readjusted in response to the measurement or measurements. This makes it possible to compensate for changes in the negative pressure in the wet area 5.

[0109] In general, the pumping profile can be predefined such that the drive motor 14, designed as a stepper motor, is operated discontinuously during the pumping process. The drive motor 14 can, for example, be operated alternately in different directions of rotation. This allows the drive element 7 to be moved such that the diaphragm 4 undergoes alternating and / or repeated partial strokes during the pumping process. The diaphragm 4 is therefore only partially deflected and not to the maximum deflected diaphragm position. Alternatively or additionally, the drive motor 14 can be temporarily stopped during the pumping process. This allows the diaphragm 4 to be held in a, in particular deflected and / or defined, diaphragm position.It is possible for the pumping profile to be predefined such that the drive element 7 is driven by the drive motor 14 such that the negative pressure in the wet area 5 has a sinusoidal or stepped pressure curve. Other pressure curves are also conceivable.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A breast pump for pumping breast milk in one pumping process, the breast pump (1) comprising a housing (2), a drive arrangement (3) and a membrane (4), the membrane (4) being received in the housing (2), in particular in a removably manner, the membrane (4) dividing the housing (2) into a wet area (5) and a dry area (6), the membrane (4) being drivable from the dry area (6) via the drive arrangement (3) in such a way that the membrane (4) is moved in opposite directions, whereby a negative pressure can be generated in the wet area (5) during the pumping process, characterized in that the drive arrangement (3) comprises a mechanical drive element (7) for driving the membrane (4), which is detachably coupled to the membrane (4) via a coupling arrangement (8).

2. Breast pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling arrangement (8) has a first coupling element (9), which is arranged on the membrane (4), and a second coupling element (10), which is arranged on the drive element (7), preferably that the first coupling element (9) and the second coupling element (10) can be coupled to one another in a force-fitting manner and / or magnetically and / or in particular in a form-fitting manner, further preferably that the first coupling element (9) has a, in particular circumferential, coupling contour (11) and the second coupling element (10) has a contour receptacle (12), which is designed to at least partially engage behind the coupling contour (11), or that the second coupling element (10) has a, in particular circumferential, coupling contour (11) and the first coupling element (9) has a contour receptacle (12), which is designed to at least partially engage behind the coupling contour (11). to reach behind.

3. Breast pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mechanical drive element (7) is designed as a plunger, preferably that the plunger is mounted so as to be movable in opposite directions, in particular linearly along its main axis, and / or that the plunger has a cylindrical outer surface at least in sections.

4. Breast pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive arrangement (3) has an electric drive motor (14), in particular a stepper motor, and a gear arrangement (15) and that the drive element (7) can be moved by the drive motor (14) via the gear arrangement (15), preferably that the gear arrangement (15) has a rotary gear (17), in particular a gear transmission, for translating an input rotary movement into an output rotary movement, which in particular has a transmission ratio of at least 20, preferably at least 30, more preferably at least 40, and / or that the gear arrangement (15) has a rotation-translation gear (18), in particular a cross-slider crank gear / crank slider, for translating a rotary movement into a translational movement, in particular into a linear movement.

5. A milk pump according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotation-translation gear (18) has at least one rotatable first gear disc (19) and a translationally, in particular linearly, movable gear slide (20), preferably in that the first gear disc (19) has a first guide pin (21) and the gear slide (20) has a guide recess (22) and in that the first guide pin (21) engages in the guide recess (22) in such a way that the first guide pin (21) is movably guided in the guide recess (22), further preferably in that the rotation-translation gear (18) has a rotatable second gear disc (23), which is in particular rotationally coupled to the first gear disc (19), and in that the second gear disc (23) has a second guide pin, which in particular engages in the guide recess (22) in such a way,that the second guide pin is movably guided in the guide recess (22)., 6. Breast pump according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the rotation-translation gear (18) has a slide guide (24) for guiding the gear slide (20), preferably that the slide guide (24) has a guide rod (25) or two guide rods (25), along whose main axis or main axes the gear slide (20) is movably guided.

7. Breast pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) has a, in particular multi-part, first Housing part (26) and a, in particular one-piece, second housing part (27), between which the membrane (4) is received, preferably that the first housing part (26) and the second housing part (27) are detachably connected to one another via a latching connection (28), further preferably that the latching connection (28) has a first connecting section (29) and a second connecting section (30) and that the first connecting section (29) is designed as a tilting connecting section and the second connecting section (30) is designed as a latching connecting section.

8. Breast pump according to claim 7, characterized in that the first housing part (26) comprises the dry area (6) and that the second housing part (27) comprises the wet area (5), preferably in that the first housing part (26) has a drive area (35), in which the drive arrangement (3) is partially arranged, and an actuation area (36), which is delimited on one side by the membrane (4) and which is spatially separated from the drive area (35), further preferably in that the drive area (35) is closed off from the environment, in particular sealed, and in that the drive element (7) projects from the drive area (35) through an opening (37) from the drive area (35) into the actuation area (36).

9. Breast pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breast pump (1) has a valve arrangement (38) which regulates the flow of breast milk in the wet area (5), in particular automatically, during the pumping process, preferably in that the valve arrangement (38) is closed in the event that the membrane (4) is moved into a deflected first membrane position, in particular in the direction of the dry area (6), in which negative pressure prevails in the wet area (5), and / or in the event that the membrane (4) is moved into a neutral membrane position, in which ambient pressure prevails in the wet area (5), and / or in that the valve arrangement (38) is open in the event that the membrane (4) is moved into a deflected second membrane position, in particular in the direction of the wet area (5), in which positive pressure prevails in the wet area (5).

10. Breast pump according to claim 9, characterized in that the valve arrangement (38) has a valve element (39) and, in particular, that the wet area (5) has a constriction (40) which is alternately opened and closed by the valve element (39) during the pumping process, preferably that the valve element (39) is arranged on the membrane (4), in particular on the outside.

11. Breast pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breast pump (1) has a rechargeable battery (41), preferably that the rechargeable battery (41) is designed to be rechargeable and is fixedly arranged in the housing (2), in particular in the first housing part (26) or in particular in the drive area (35), further preferably that the rechargeable battery (41) can be charged by cable during the pumping process and / or by cable before and after the pumping process and / or wirelessly before and after the pumping process.

12. Breast pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breast pump (1) has a, in particular removable, breast bell (42) and / or that the housing (2), in particular the second housing part (27), has a first connection point (43) for one or the breast bell (42), and / or that the breast pump (1) has a, in particular removable, milk container (44), in particular a bottle, and / or that the housing (2), in particular the second housing part (27), has a second connection point (45) for one or the milk container (44).

13. Breast pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive element (7) is moved linearly during the pumping process, in particular in such a way that the membrane (4) undergoes a linear drive movement.

14. Breast pump according to one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the drive motor (14) designed as a stepper motor can be operated discontinuously during the pumping process, in particular is operated, preferably that the drive motor (14) is operated alternately in different directions of rotation during the pumping process, preferably in such a way that the membrane (4) experiences alternate and / or repeated partial strokes, and / or that the drive motor (14) is temporarily stopped during the pumping process, further preferably in such a way that the membrane (4) is held in a, in particular deflected and / or defined, membrane position.

15. Breast pump according to one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that a position of the drive element (7) is detected by measuring the drive power of the drive motor (14) by a power sensor and / or by a light barrier and / or by a proximity sensor, and / or that the position of the drive element (7) is detected by detecting the steps of the drive motor (14) designed as a stepper motor.

16. Membrane unit for a breast pump (1), in particular a breast pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the membrane unit (13) has a membrane (4), characterized in that the membrane unit (13) has a first coupling element (9) for coupling to a second coupling element (10) of the breast pump (1) and that the first coupling element (9) is arranged on the membrane (4).

17. A method for expressing breast milk in one expressing operation, with a breast pump (1) which has a housing (2), a drive arrangement (3) and a membrane (4), in particular a breast pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the membrane (4) is received in the housing (2), in particular removably, wherein the housing (2) is divided by the membrane (4) into a wet area (5) and a dry area (6), wherein the membrane (4) is driven from the dry area (6) via the drive arrangement (3) in such a way that the membrane (4) is moved in opposite directions, whereby a negative pressure is generated in the wet area (5) during the expressing operation, characterized in that the drive arrangement (3) has a mechanical drive element (7) for driving the membrane (4), which is detachably coupled to the membrane (4) via a coupling arrangement (8).

18. A breast pump for pumping breast milk in one pumping process, wherein the breast pump (1) comprises a housing (2), a drive arrangement (3) and a membrane (4), wherein the membrane (4) is accommodated in the housing (2), in particular removably, wherein the membrane (4) divides the housing (2) into a wet area (5) and a dry area (6), wherein the membrane (4) can be driven from the dry area (6) via the drive arrangement (3) in such a way that the membrane (4) moves in opposite directions is, whereby a negative pressure can be generated in the wet area (5) during the pumping process, characterized in that the drive arrangement (3) has a mechanical drive element (7) for driving the membrane (4), which is detachably coupled to the membrane (4) via a coupling arrangement (8) or which is non-detachably coupled to the membrane (4), and in that the breast pump has a control board (16) on which a plurality of predefined pumping profiles are stored and which is set up in such a way that the membrane (4) is driven by the drive arrangement (3), in particular via the drive element (7), optionally according to one of the pumping profiles.

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