Breast pump

Abstract

A breast pump (1) comprising: a casing (2); a milk collection unit (4) comprising a breast shield (6) and a reservoir (8) adapted for fluidic connection, the milk collection unit (4) being adapted to be attached as a whole to the casing (2), after the breast shield (6) and the reservoir (8) have been fluidicly connected, and to be separated from the casing (2) while retaining the breast shield (6) and the reservoir (8) fluidically connected; and a pump (18) arranged in the casing (8), the pump being configured to cause milk extraction from a breast positioned against the breast shield when the milk collection unit (4) is attached to the casing (2), so as to cause milk to flow from the breast shield (6) to the reservoir (8). Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Breast pump FIELD OF INVENTION

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

[0002] Document US20180361040 describes a breast pump comprising three parts: a housing containing a pump, a milk reservoir and a breast shield.

[0003] An angled passage is formed in the housing. The housing has two separate access points to the angled passage: a lower access point and a front access point.

[0004] To assemble the three parts mentioned above, one end of the reservoir must be inserted into the passage via the lower access, and one end of the nipple must be inserted into the passage via the front access, so that these two ends meet in the passage, and the nipple and the reservoir are thus connected in a fluidic manner.

[0005] A subsequent start-up of the pump while the breast shield is positioned against the breast of a user causes milk to be extracted from the breast to the breast shield, and the fluid connection between the breast shield and the reservoir allows the extracted milk to flow into the reservoir.

[0006] For hygiene reasons, it is necessary to regularly clean the different parts of the breast pump, in particular the reservoir and the breast shield since these parts are touched by the extracted milk.

[0007] A complete cleaning of the breast pump involves breaking the fluid connection between the breast shield and the reservoir at the elbow of the housing cavity, before the breast shield and the reservoir are completely separated from the housing.

[0008] However, during this rupture, drops of milk may come into contact with the casing, particularly at the bend of the cavity. This is unhygienic and therefore requires cleaning the casing, which is tedious. Description of the invention

[0009] One object of the invention is to provide a breast pump that is easier to clean.

[0010] This goal is achieved by a breast pump comprising a casing, a milk collection unit, and a pump arranged within the housing. The milk collection unit includes a breast shield and a reservoir adapted for fluidic connection. Furthermore, the milk collection unit is adapted to be attached as a whole to the housing, after the breast shield and reservoir have been fluidicly connected, and to be separated from the housing while maintaining the breast shield and reservoir fluidic connection. The pump is configured to cause milk extraction from a breast positioned against the teat when the milk collection unit is attached to the housing, so as to cause milk to flow from the teat to the reservoir.

[0011] The breast pump may also include the following optional features, taken alone or in combination with each other whenever technically possible.

[0012] Preferably, the breast pump includes at least one spring-loaded ball plunger for attaching the milk collection unit to the housing.

[0013] Preferably, the milk collection unit includes a connector adapted to be removably attached to the reservoir and the teat, the connector including a milk flow channel fluidly connecting the teat to the reservoir, when the reservoir and the teat are attached to the connector.

[0014] Preferably, the milk collection unit is adapted to be fixed as a whole to the housing only by the connector.

[0015] Preferably, the teat includes a tube inserted into the connector when the teat is attached to the connector, the tube comprising an annular wall extending around 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.

[0016] Preferably, the milk collection unit further includes 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 depression in the air channel when a breast is positioned against the breast shield.

[0017] Preferably, the diaphragm includes an annular groove, and the connector includes an annular rib suitable for being engaged in the annular groove, so as to fix the diaphragm onto the connector.

[0018] Preferably, the connector includes an air channel fluidically connecting the nipple to the diaphragm when the nipple is attached to the connector.

[0019] Preferably, the teat includes a tube inserted into the connector when the teat is attached to the connector, the tube comprising an annular wall extending around an axis and an orifice formed in the annular wall and opening into the air channel when the tube is inserted into the connector.

[0020] Preferably, the opening into the milk flow channel and the opening into the air channel are diametrically opposite with respect to the axis.

[0021] Preferably, the breastplate includes a funnel suitable for being positioned against a breast, the tube has a proximal end connected to the funnel and a distal end free and 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.

[0022] Preferably, the tube has a cylindrical internal surface extending from from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0023] Preferably, the milk collection unit includes a bayonet fastening system for attaching the reservoir to the connector.

[0024] Preferably, the teat comprises a funnel having a frustoconical internal surface extending around a first central axis and a tube extending from the funnel, the tube extending around a second central axis intersecting with the first central axis.

[0025] Preferably, the breast pump is adapted to be placed in a bra cup worn by a user.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Preferably, the breast pump includes a sensor configured to measure an angle of inclination of the reservoir.

[0028] Also proposed is an assembly comprising the breast pump and a program configured to estimate a volume of milk contained in the reservoir from the measured time of flight, when the program is executed by a data processing unit.

[0029] The program can in particular be configured to estimate the volume of milk contained in the tank from the time of flight and the angle of inclination. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are as follows.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a side view of a breast pump according to one embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the breast pump shown in Fig. 1.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a front view of the breast pump shown in Fig. 1.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the breast pump shown in Fig. 1.

[0035] Fig. 5 schematically represents electronic components of the breast pump shown in Fig. 1, as well as a terminal.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a side view of a housing according to one embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the housing shown in Fig. 6.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a rear view of the housing shown in Fig. 6.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a side view of a teat according to one embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the teat shown in Fig. 9.

[0041] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a diaphragm according to a mode of rea lisation.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a side view of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0044] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0045] Fig. 15 is a side view of a tank according to one embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 16 is a front view of the tank shown in Fig. 15.

[0047] Fig. 17 is a top view of the tank shown in Fig. 15.

[0048] Fig. 18 is a side view of a valve according to one embodiment.

[0049] Figure 19 is a side view of a milk collection unit according to a mode of operation. lisation.

[0050] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] With reference to [Fig. 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 fixed to each other, and which can be detached from each other.

[0052] The milk collection unit 4 itself comprises several sub-parts: a teat 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 [Fig.4] showing the inside of the breast pump 1.

[0053] With reference to [Fig. 5], the breast pump 1 comprises the following electronic components: a pump 18, an electronic board 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 compartment 16 of the casing 2. Generally, the pump 18 functions to create a vacuum inside the breast pump 1 in order to extract milk from a user's breast. For this purpose, the pump 18 can be configured to draw air intermittently and cyclically.Thus, an operating cycle of the pump 18 comprises two phases: a suction phase during which the pump 18 draws in air, thereby creating an air vacuum 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 draw in air.

[0054] The air valve 27 can take two states: an open state allowing the introduction of air via the air intake 42 into the articulation area between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2, and a closed state not allowing this introduction.

[0055] The air valve 27 has the function of compensating for the vacuum 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 closed during the suction phase of pump 18.

[0056] The electronic board 19 is configured to synchronize the operation of the pump 18 and the air valve 29.

[0057] 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 board 19.

[0058] The battery 22 powers 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.

[0059] The time-of-flight sensor 24 is configured to detect the time of flight of a wave propagating in the tank 8.

[0060] The tilt sensor 26 is configured to measure an angle of inclination of the tank 8. The tilt sensor is for example an inertial sensor, for example an accelerometer.

[0061] The user interface 28, also shown in [Fig. 3], includes a button for starting and stopping the pump 18, a button for adjusting the pumping intensity of the pump 18, and a button for selecting between two suction programs (modes). The user interface 28 also includes indicator lights to show the user whether the pump 18 is started and the selected intensity. The buttons and indicator lights are arranged on the housing 2.

[0062] In what follows, reference is made to elements of the breast pump 1 that are described as distal and proximal. These adjectives implicitly refer to the distance between these elements and the user's breast. In other words, an element described as proximal is intended to be placed closer to a breast than a corresponding element described as distal.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The shell 30 has an external surface and an internal surface opposite to the external surface.

[0065] The external surface of the cup 30 is domed, that is, convex in two orthogonal directions. This shape allows it to conform to the concave internal surface of a bra cup. The internal surface of the cup 30 defines the aforementioned internal compartment 16.

[0066] 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 ac accessible from outside the housing 2, visible in particular in [Fig. 7]. The base 28 separates the internal housing 16 from the recess 29. The internal surface of the base 28 delimits the internal housing 16.

[0067] The base 28 comprises a lower wall 32. The lower wall 32 is substantially flat and extends in a first plane conventionally referred to as the horizontal plane. The lower wall 32 defines a lower access point 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 point.

[0068] The base 28 also includes 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.

[0069] It should be noted that there is no physical separation between the proximal and lower access points. It is therefore possible to insert the milk collection unit 4 into the recess 29 in such a way that different parts of the unit 4 pass through the proximal and lower access points respectively and simultaneously.

[0070] The base 28 also includes two lateral walls 36, 37 delimiting the hollow 29 between them. The two walls 36, 37 extend parallel to a third plane perpendicular to the first and second planes. The two lateral walls 36, 37 are connected to the lower wall 32 as well as to the proximal wall 34.

[0071] 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 comprises a ball mounted on a spring. The spring forces the ball towards a rest position in which the ball protrudes from the side wall 36 into the recess 29. The ball can be retracted by applying force inside the side wall 36, resulting in compression of the spring. The ball naturally returns to its rest position when the external force ceases, by extension of the spring.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The first spring-loaded ball plunger 38 and the second spring-loaded ball plunger 39 are arranged so as to be mutually opposite in the hollow 29.

[0074] The base 28 further comprises a distal wall forming the bottom of the hollow 29. The distal wall connects one of the lateral walls 36 to the other lateral wall 37.

[0075] The air intake 42 is provided 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 opening moreover in the internal surface of the base 28, therefore in the internal housing 16.

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

[0077] The housing 2 also includes a boss 43 projecting into the recess 29. The boss 29 is annular and extends around air intake 42.

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

[0079] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, the teat 6 includes a funnel 44 intended to to be placed against a user's breast, so 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 on the order of 115 degrees. This makes it possible to obtain a relatively shallow funnel 44, thus having a reduced axial footprint.

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

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

[0083] The tube 46 comprises an annular wall extending around an axis. This annular wall includes an internal cylindrical surface. This internal 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 infant below the midline of the nipple and 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 a distal orifice 52 at its distal end 50 (not visible in [Fig. 9], but visible in [Fig. 10]). The distal orifice 52 is delimited by the inner 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 direction of flow substantially parallel to the axis of the tube 46, and can exit the tunnel and, more generally, the teat cup 6, through the distal orifice 52.

[0086] It should be noted, however, 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 opposed to each other relative to the axis of tube 46. For example, they have 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 below the axis of the tube 46 in a position of use of the breast pump 1. By contrast, the orifice 54 is a 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 includes 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 teat 6 is made of a soft and resistant material such as silicone, so as to improve user comfort compared to teats made of rigid plastic.

[0092] With reference to [Fig. 11], the diaphragm 12 comprises a circular 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, i.e. in an undeformed state, the distal surface 64 is concave, so as to define a hollow that can at least partially receive the boss 43 of the housing 2.

[0096] The wall 60 is adapted to transition from a resting state to a deformed state. During this deformation, the proximal surface 62 concaves and the distal surface 64 bulges. The wall 60 is adapted to return from the deformed state to the resting state by elastic recoil.

[0097] We will now describe connector 10 with reference to figures 12 to 14. Connector 10 performs several functions.

[0098] 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 teat 6, the reservoir 8 and the diaphragm 12 can simultaneously be attached in a removable manner.

[0099] Secondly, the connector 10 participates in the milk extraction, in cooperation with the pump 18 and the diaphragm 12. We will see later how this milk extraction is carried out.

[0100] Thirdly, the connector 10 participates in the conveyance of milk extracted from a breast to the reservoir 8. For this purpose, the connector 10 includes a milk flow channel fluidically connecting the teat 6 to the reservoir 8, when the reservoir 8 and the teat 6 are attached to the connector 10.

[0101] 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 part superior 72.

[0102] The central portion 74 of the connector 10 defines a cavity 76 and a proximal access 78 to the cavity 76 from outside the connector 10. The cavity 76 is adapted to receive the tube 46 of the teat 6 via the proximal access 78. The dimensions of the cavity 76 are adapted so that the tube 46 of the teat 6 is held in the cavity 76 by friction between the tube 46 and the central portion 74 of the connector 10.

[0103] The central part 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.

[0104] The central portion 74 further comprises a lateral wall 82 connected to the distal wall. The lateral wall 82 delimits the cavity, as well as the proximal access for the tube 46. The lateral wall 82 is annular. The lateral wall 82 has an internal surface complementary to the external surface of the tube 46, so as to create a gap between these two surfaces.

[0105] The side wall 82 also has an external surface opposite to the internal surface.

[0106] The connector 10 also includes 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.

[0107] The connector 10 also includes a second blind hole 85 opening also 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.

[0108] The first blind hole and the second blind hole 85 are arranged on either side of the cavity 76, for example symmetrically.

[0109] The blind holes and the spring-loaded ball plungers 38, 39 therefore form means of fixing the milk collection unit 4 to the housing 2.

[0110] The connector 10 also includes a first guide adapted to guide the ball of the first spring-loaded plunger 38 towards the first blind hole. The first guide defines a groove extending on the outer surface of the side wall 82. The blind hole is formed at the bottom of the groove. The first guide has an opening. The ball of the plunger can thus enter the groove through the opening and be guided by the guide until it reaches the first blind hole, the first blind hole being then aligned with the ball, so that the ball enters the first blind hole.

[0111] The first guide comprises an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The inlet portion defines the inlet. The ball is located at the bottom of the outlet portion. The inlet portion and the outlet portion are connected by an elbow. The inlet portion and the outlet portion are connected by an elbow forming an angle between 0 and 90 degrees, by example 45 degrees. Thus, when the ball of the first spring-loaded ball plunger enters the groove through the inlet, it first crosses the inlet part following a substantially straight trajectory, undergoes a change of direction at the elbow according to the aforementioned angle, then crosses the terminal part until it reaches the first blind hole.

[0112] The connector includes a second guide 87 adapted to guide the ball of the second spring-loaded ball plunger 39 towards the second blind hole 85. The second guide 87 has the same characteristics as the first guide.

[0113] The first guide and the second guide 87 are, for example, symmetrical to each other.

[0114] The lower part 70 delimits the milk flow channel, and defines in particular an outlet of this channel opening outside the connector 10.

[0115] The lower part 70 is configured to be removably attached to the reservoir 8. This removable attachment is, for example, ensured by a bayonet fastening system 90. The bayonet fastening system 90 comprises three angled grooves formed in the lower part 70 adapted to receive three pins of the reservoir 8 by a translational and then rotational movement in order to place the bayonet fastening system 90 in a locking position thus allowing the reservoir 8 to be attached to the connector 10.

[0116] When the tube 46 of the teat cup 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 in a direction transverse to the axis of the tube 46.

[0117] The upper part 72 of the connector 10 serves as a support for the diaphragm 12. The upper part 72 includes 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.

[0118] The upper part 72 includes an air channel. This air passage is sealed by the diaphragm 12 when the diaphragm 12 is fixed to the upper part 72. When the tube 46 of the nipple 6 is inserted into the cavity formed in the central part 74 of the connector 10, the upper orifice 54 provided in the tube 46 opens into the air channel.

[0119] With reference to figures 15 to 17, the reservoir 8 is used to store milk.

[0120] The reservoir comprises a proximal wall 94 and a distal wall 96 between which a milk storage space 95 is provided.

[0121] The proximal wall 94 is flat. The proximal wall 94 is arranged to extend the proximal wall of case 2, once the milk collection unit 4 is attached to case 2.

[0122] The distal wall 96 is convex. 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.

[0123] The reservoir 8 further comprises a bottom wall 98 connecting the distal wall 96 to the proximal wall 94.

[0124] All or part of the walls 94, 96, 98 is translucent in order to allow observation of the level of milk in the storage space 95 from outside the tank 8.

[0125] The tank 8 further includes a neck 100 delimiting a milk inlet 102 through which milk can enter the milk storage space 95. The milk storage space 95 is provided between the neck 100 and the bottom wall 98.

[0126] The reservoir 8 includes pins 104 adapted to cooperate with the bayonet fastening system 90 described previously, to fix the reservoir 8 to the connector 10. The pins 104, three in number, protrude from the neck 100 in the inlet 102.

[0127] With reference to [Fig. 18], the valve 14, known in itself, defines a unidirectional fluid passage. Thus, a fluid, in particular milk, can pass through this fluid passage in a first direction (indicated by the dashed arrow on [Fig. 18]), but cannot pass through this fluid passage in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0128] 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. Assembling the breast pump

[0129] The following steps can be implemented to obtain the breast pump 1 from the parts described above, for example by the user of the breast pump 1.

[0130] 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 substeps.

[0131] The user attaches the breast shield 6 to the connector 10. To do this, the user inserts the tube 46 into the cavity 76 provided in the central part 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 to rest against the central part 74 of the connector 10. The breast shield 6 is then in an end-of-stroke position in which the lower opening 56 opens into the milk flow channel formed in the lower part 70 of the connector 10 and in which the upper opening 54 opens into the air channel formed in the upper part 72 of the connector. The breast shield 6 is held in this end-of-stroke position by friction between the tube 46 and the side wall of the central part 74 of connector 10.

[0132] The user also 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.

[0133] The user also 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 onto the connector 10 by friction. Once the diaphragm 12 is attached to the connector 10, the proximal surface 62 of the diaphragm 12 defines the air channel, while the distal surface 64 faces outwards.

[0134] The milk collection unit 4 is then formed, as shown in [Fig.19]. The preceding substeps leading to obtaining the milk collection unit 4 can be implemented in any order.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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 previously stated, so that the balls of the plungers 38, 39 engage in the blind holes, thereby locking 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 alerts the user that the milk collection unit 4 is securely locked to the housing 2, which is an advantage over other fastening methods.

[0137] During the insertion of the milk collection unit 4 into the recess 29 of the housing 2, the diaphragm 12 seals the air inlet 42. In this way, the diaphragm 12 is fluidly connected to the pump 18. The diaphragm 12 is also fluidly connected to the teat 6, but the diaphragm 12 forms a watertight partition between the pump 18 and the teat 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 a seal between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2 to ensure the transfer of suction to the teat 6.

[0138] Once the milk collection unit 4 is attached to the housing 2, the breast pump 1 is obtained and is ready to be used.

[0139] The breast pump 1 can advantageously be combined with a program P for remote control of the breast pump 1.

[0140] The program P is suitable for installation in a terminal equipped with a processor to execute 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. How a breast pump works

[0141] The user positions the breast pump 1 in a position for use.

[0142] In the position of use, one breast of the user is positioned at least partially 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 can in particular place the breast pump 1 inside the cup of the bra, so that the shell 30 is in contact with the cup.

[0143] In the operating position, the reservoir 8 is located below the housing 2 and below 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.

[0144] The user then starts the pump 18. One way to start the pump 18 is by pressing the corresponding button on the user interface 28 located on the housing 2. Another way to start the pump 18 is by using the terminal and the remote control program as described previously. 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, and then relayed to the pump 18.

[0145] 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 into its rest state and the deformed state as described above.

[0146] During the suction phase of the pump 18, the pump 18 draws in air, which causes a vacuum in the articulation area between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2, delimited by the annular boss 43 of the housing 2. Due to this vacuum, the diaphragm changes from its resting state to a deformed state, i.e., the proximal surface 62 becomes concave and the distal surface 64 becomes convex. This deformation of the diaphragm 12 creates another vacuum in the air channel formed in the connector 10 and in the tube 46 of the nipple 6. This vacuum is not compensated by the valve 14, since the valve 14 prevents the entry of fluid, and in particular air, into the connector 10. The vacuum thus causes the The nipple is moved within the tunnel 46, this movement stimulating the physiological mechanism of milk ejection through the nipple located in the breast shield 6. During this process, the nipple may be elongated within the tube 46 by suction. The cylindrical shape of the inner surface of the tube 46 has the advantage of preventing injury to the nipple during this suction.

[0147] During the passive phase of the pump, the air valve 27 opens, allowing air to enter the articulation area between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 2, delimited by the annular boss 43 of the housing 2, through the air inlet 42, which compensates for the previously created air vacuum. As a result, the diaphragm 12 returns to its rest position, the air vacuum in the air channel ceases, thus allowing the nipple to regain its original shape.

[0148] The milk extracted from the breast flows into the tube 46 until it reaches the lower orifice 56 provided 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 and then enters the reservoir 8. Estimating the milk level in the tank

[0149] A method for estimating a level of milk stored in storage space 95 comprises the following steps.

[0150] The time-of-flight sensor 24 emits a signal that propagates through the tank 8 and is then reflected off the surface of the milk contained in the tank (or, if there is no milk, off the bottom wall 98). The echo from this reflection is captured by the sensor 24. The time-of-flight sensor 24 detects the time of flight of the signal.

[0151] 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.

[0152] However, it should be noted that the tank 8 may be inclined, so 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 volume of milk on the sole basis of the time of flight acquired by the time of flight sensor 24 may be inaccurate.

[0153] To correct this inaccuracy, the tilt sensor 26 can be used as a complement to measure an angle of inclination of the tank 8. The angle of inclination can then be combined with the time of flight acquired by the time of flight sensor 24 to calculate a more accurate estimate of milk volume.

[0154] The estimation of milk volume based on the measured flight time, and where appropriate on the angle of inclination, can be implemented by a processing unit of data 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 taken by the sensors 24, 26 to the terminal via the communication interface 20 contained in the housing 2. Cleaning the breast pump

[0155] After use, the user can disassemble the breast pump to clean its various parts. Disassembling the breast pump involves two steps.

[0156] In the first disassembly step, the user separates the milk collection unit 4 from the housing 2. During this separation, the various parts of the milk collection unit remain connected. In particular, the breast shield and the reservoir remain fluidly connected by the connector 10. Consequently, no milk can fall into the recess 29 of the housing 2. Since the housing 2 of the breast pump is not soiled by milk, this part does not need to be cleaned as often as the milk collection unit 4.

[0157] 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 during this second disassembly step that the fluid connection between the breast shield 6 and the reservoir 8 is broken. Drops of milk may, of course, escape from the connector during this second step, but these drops of milk cannot, in principle, reach the housing 2.

[0158] Once the parts of the milk collection unit 4 have been separated, the user can clean them individually before reassembling the breast pump 1 as previously described.

Claims

Demands

1. Breast pump (1) comprising: • a housing (2), • a milk collection unit (4) comprising a breast shield (6) and a reservoir (8) adapted to be fluidically connected, the milk collection unit (4) being adapted to: • 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 breast shield (6) and the reservoir (8) fluidically connected, • a pump (18) arranged in the housing (8), the pump being configured to cause milk extraction from a breast positioned against the breast shield when the milk collection unit (4) is fixed to the housing (2), so as to cause milk to flow from the breast shield (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. Breast pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the milk collection unit (4) includes a connector (10) adapted to be removably attached to the reservoir (8) and the breast shield (6), the connector including 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) solely 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 about an axis (Y), • an orifice (56) formed in the annular wall (48) and de- blocking in 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 breast shield (6).

7. Breast pump (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the diaphragm (12) comprises an annular groove (66), and the connector (10) comprises an annular rib (92) adapted to be engaged in the annular groove (66), so as to fix the diaphragm (12) onto the connector (10).

8. Breast pump (1) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the connector (10) includes an air channel fluidically 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, in which 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) 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, wherein the orifice (56) opening into the milk flow channel and the orifice (54) opening into the air channel are diametrically opposed with respect to the axis (Y).

11. Breast pump (1) according to any one of claims 5, 9 and 10, wherein the breast shield (6) comprises a funnel (44) adapted to be positioned against a breast, the tube (46) has a proximal end connected to the funnel and a distal end free and opposite the proximal end, a distal orifice (52) being formed at the distal end, the distal orifice being extended by the orifice or each of the orifices (54, 56) provided 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) includes 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 breast shield (6) comprises: • a funnel having a frustoconical internal surface extending around a first central axis (X), • a tube extending from 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 (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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).

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

18. 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 time of flight and the angle of inclination.

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