Breast pump

Abstract

A breast pump (1), having - a milk container (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving expressed milk; - a breast shield (4) which has a breast funnel (5) and a nipple tunnel (6); - a connection element (7) which connects an opening (8) into the cavity (3) of the milk container (2) to the nipple tunnel (6); - an air release channel (9), the first end (10) of which is open to the cavity (3) of the milk container (2) and the second end (11) of which is open to the surroundings, wherein at least one portion of the air release channel (9) extends along the connection element (7), wherein the air release channel (9) extends at least in part along a portion at which the connection element (7) receives the nipple tunnel (6).

Description

[0001] breast pump

[0002] The invention relates to a breast pump comprising a milk container with a cavity for receiving pumped milk; a breast shield having a breast funnel and a nipple tunnel; a connecting element connecting an opening to the cavity of the milk container with the nipple tunnel.

[0003] Such a breast pump is shown, for example, in EP 4066870 A2.

[0004] The breast funnel is placed on the breast. By creating a negative pressure, milk is pumped from the breast and flows via the connecting element into the cavity of the milk container. If the milk were pumped into the milk container, excess pressure would build up in it, which would prevent further pumping (cf. Fig. 13 of EP 4066870 A2). This is particularly a problem with breast pumps in which the pumping element does not release air into the environment, but works cyclically or cyclically sucks in air, for example a cyclic diaphragm pump (which has the advantage of being insensitive to contamination from the milk and to constant stress) and when the milk container is rigid. It is therefore known that the milk container or a connecting element of the connecting element to the milk container has one or more holes through which air can escape to the outside and which serve to ventilate the milk container.Such arrangements are used, for example, in breast pumps that can be worn (under clothing).

[0005] Further breast pumps with venting options are shown in DE 37 21 953 Al, US 2014 / 094747 Al and EP 0 162 358 Bl.

[0006] Unfortunately, the vent hole can cause milk to leak from the milk container. Therefore, the hole is usually positioned as high as possible (in the operating position of the breast pump during pumping), i.e., particularly at the connection element of the connecting element to the milk container. However, if the breast pump is held at an angle or the pumping person leans forward, milk can still leak and be lost.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate or eliminate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to reduce milk leakage from the breast pump, especially when the breast pump is tilted.

[0008] This is achieved by a breast pump as mentioned at the beginning, wherein the breast pump has a venting channel, the first end of which is open to the cavity of the milk container and the second end of which is open to the environment (atmosphere), wherein at least a section of the venting channel runs along the connecting element, wherein the venting channel runs at least in sections along a section at which the connecting element receives the nipple tunnel.

[0009] The vent channel allows the excess pressure in the cavity to be reduced. Because the vent channel runs along the connecting element and the second open end is spaced from the first open end, less milk escapes (than with a bore from the cavity to the atmosphere) because the path in the vent channel must first be traveled, particularly if this path is partly upwards. In addition, if the breast pump is held at an angle, the milk must continue to rise until it reaches the second open end. Even if the second end is below the first end, the milk outflow is reduced because the flow through the channel is limited.

[0010] The second end preferably represents a vent opening. Preferably, the second end is located above the first end in an operating position of the breast pump for pumping milk. The second end is preferably at least 2 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm, even more preferably at least 1 cm or 1.5 cm, spaced from the first end, and / or is preferably located at least corresponding to these values ​​above the first end. The vent channel has a length of preferably more than 2 mm, particularly preferably more than 5 mm, even more preferably more than 1 cm. The vent channel has a volume of preferably more than 5 mm A 3 , particularly preferably more than 10 mm A 3 , more preferably more than 20 mm A 3 . A higher volume can further reduce milk leakage. The second end of the venting channel has an opening cross-section with an area of ​​preferably less than 25 mm A2 , particularly preferably less than 10 mm A 2 , more preferably less than 5 mm A 2 or 2 mm A2 on . The milk leakage can be further reduced by a smaller outlet cross-section . The venting channel is preferably liquid-tight except for the first and second ends . The venting channel preferably extends at least partially along a wall of the connecting element . The venting channel therefore in particular does not simply represent a bore perpendicularly through a wall, but in particular extends at least partially in a direction of extension or along a surface direction of the wall (wherein the surface direction is normal to the thickness of the wall). The first end of the venting channel is different from the opening between the connecting element and the milk container . In particular, the second end of the venting channel is open to the environment when the breast pump is in the operating position for pumping (and in particular is not covered by the breast).

[0011] The connecting element preferably has a connecting section which is provided for connection to the nipple tunnel or which receives the nipple tunnel. The connecting section is in particular generally cylindrical or conical. The breast shield can preferably be inserted into the connecting element with the nipple tunnel and is held therein by friction. When removed from the connecting section, the nipple tunnel preferably has an outer circumference which is the same as or larger than an inner circumference of the connecting section. Due to the oversize of the nipple tunnel, it advantageously forms a seal with respect to the connecting element. The nipple tunnel preferably has a softer material (in particular a material with a lower Shore A hardness) than the generally cylindrical section. The breast shield can preferably be separated from the connecting element without destruction.The connecting section preferably has the shape of a general cylinder, in particular a circular cylinder or an elliptical cylinder. The nipple tunnel preferably has the shape of a general cylinder or a truncated cone. The connecting section of the connecting element is preferably adapted to the nipple tunnel. Instead of the generally cylindrical shape, a truncated cone or truncated pyramid shape can also be provided for the nipple tunnel and / or the connecting section. Furthermore, the connecting element preferably has a connecting element for connection to the milk container. The connecting element is preferably generally cylindrical. The milk container can preferably be connected to the connecting element, e.g. by screwing it onto the connecting element, by plugging it on, or by means of a bayonet lock.The connecting element preferably has an axial direction of extension which is at an angle of between 45° and 135°, more preferably between 60° and 120°, particularly preferably substantially perpendicular, to an axial direction of extension of the connecting section. The venting channel preferably runs at least in sections along the connecting element in a direction away from the connecting element and / or in a direction which has an angle of less than 30° to an axial direction of extension of the connecting element. The fact that the connecting section or the nipple tunnel are generally cylindrical or conical is understood in particular to mean that they have the shape of the outer surface of a general cylinder or cone (i.e. truncated cone).

[0012] The breast funnel is designed in particular to (partially) hold a breast. The milk container is preferably rigid. A milk flow path preferably runs from the nipple tunnel or from the breast shell via the connecting element to the hollow space of the milk container, the milk flow path running in particular through a valve which preferably enables the build-up of a vacuum in the nipple tunnel, for example the check valve mentioned below. During pumping, the pumped milk is guided along the milk flow path. A pump for generating a negative pressure is preferably provided in the breast shell. Preferably, the connecting element essentially forms a milk flow channel which connects the nipple tunnel to the hollow space. The milk flow channel preferably has an opening via which a pump element can generate a negative pressure in the connecting element or in the milk flow channel.Preferably, a membrane is provided, via which the pump element can generate a negative pressure in the connecting element or in the milk flow channel via the opening.

[0013] The nipple tunnel preferably has a sealing geometry on its outer circumference, preferably at least one or at least two sealing ribs (in particular running in the circumferential direction).

[0014] As a sealing geometry, for example (e.g., in addition to or alternatively to the sealing rib(s)), circumferential lamellae can be provided. Preferably, the venting channel is delimited at least in sections by two sealing ribs. This means, in particular, that the area between the two sealing ribs forms a section of the venting channel. The two sealing ribs are preferably formed over the entire circumference.

[0015] The breast pump is preferably an electric breast pump.

[0016] The milk container is preferably rigid, so that the volume of the cavity remains essentially unchanged during pumping. Therefore, the milk container is preferably not a flexible bag.

[0017] Preferably, the second end of the venting channel is further away from the milk container than the first end. Preferably, the second end is spaced apart from the milk container. This increases the distance that milk must fill the venting channel before it escapes. Preferably, the second end does not lie on a wall portion of the milk container.

[0018] It is advantageous if at least a portion of the venting channel runs in a direction away from the cavity .

[0019] Preferably, the venting channel runs, at least in sections, in a meandering shape along the connecting element. This creates a longer flow path with a larger volume, thereby increasing the time until any milk escapes through the second end.

[0020] It is preferred if the venting channel runs at least partially along a section where the connecting element is in contact with the nipple tunnel. Thus, the second end is higher in the operating position or is further away from the cavity.

[0021] It is preferred if the first end of the venting channel is formed by an opening (in particular a bore) in a wall section of the connecting element, the opening opening on one side to the cavity and on the other side to the nipple tunnel, in particular to an outer circumference of the nipple tunnel. In this way, the venting channel can be easily led away from the cavity in a space between the nipple tunnel and the connecting element. The opening / bore is preferably provided in the connecting section of the connecting element. The opening / bore preferably opens in particular to the area between the two sealing ribs of the nipple tunnel, which can form a section of the venting channel.

[0022] It is advantageous if the connecting element has a connecting section for connection to the (or for receiving and / or inserting the) nipple tunnel(s), the connecting section being generally cylindrical or conical, the venting channel running at least partially in the circumferential direction of the connecting section of the connecting element. The venting channel preferably runs in the circumferential direction over an angular range of at least 45°, preferably at least 90°, even more preferably at least 120° or 150°, of the circumference of the (in particular circular-cylindrical) connecting section.

[0023] Preferably, the venting channel is formed, at least in sections, by a groove in the nipple tunnel (in particular in an outer surface of the nipple tunnel) and / or by a groove in an inner surface of the connecting element. Preferably, the groove is meandering, at least in sections.

[0024] It is preferred if the venting channel is formed at least in sections by a groove (in particular a section of the above-mentioned groove) in the nipple tunnel (in particular an outer surface of the nipple tunnel), which groove runs in the circumferential direction of the nipple tunnel, wherein preferably the other side of the opening (which forms the first end) opens into the groove. In this way, the venting channel can be provided in a simple manner and led away from the cavity. It is also possible (alternatively or additionally) to provide a groove (running in the circumferential direction) in the inner circumference (i.e. in the inner surface) of the connecting element. The groove preferably extends all the way around. This can simplify production.

[0025] It is preferred if the venting channel runs at least partially in the axial direction of the connecting section of the connecting element. As a result, the venting channel runs closer to the user in the operating position when pumping. If the user bends forward, this (axially running) section therefore runs upwards, which prevents milk from escaping. The venting channel therefore preferably runs partially in the direction of the user. The section of the venting channel running in the axial direction preferably adjoins the section of the venting channel running in the circumferential direction (or vice versa).

[0026] It is advantageous if the venting channel is formed at least in sections by a groove (in particular a section of the above-mentioned groove) in the nipple tunnel (in particular on an outer circumferential surface of the nipple tunnel), which groove runs in the axial direction of the connecting section of the connecting element. If the nipple tunnel has circumferentially running sealing ribs, these may in particular have interruptions for the groove. It is also possible (alternatively or additionally) to provide an (axially running) groove in the inner circumference of the connecting element. The axially running groove is provided in particular on the side of the connecting section opposite the opening to the cavity in the wall section of the connecting element.In particular, when a portion of the venting channel is formed by a region between the two sealing ribs of the nipple tunnel, one of the sealing ribs preferably has a groove in order to form an axially extending portion of the venting channel.

[0027] Preferably, the second end of the venting channel is formed by (at least) one bore in the connecting portion of the connecting element, wherein the bore preferably opens on one side to the groove in the nipple tunnel (and / or connecting element) and / or to the region between the sealing ribs and on the other side to the environment. The bore can run radially and / or tangentially. This enables easy demolding by means of lateral slides in the tool.

[0028] In particular, as an alternative to the bore, it is advantageous if the venting channel extends to a circumferential edge of the connecting portion of the connecting element, which edge is in contact with the nipple tunnel, wherein the edge of the connecting portion and / or the nipple tunnel has a radially extending groove through which the venting channel opens into the environment. The second end of the venting channel is thus formed by the radially extending groove.

[0029] The venting channel preferably runs at least in sections along the connecting section of the connecting element, the course of the venting channel having an axial component and a component running in the circumferential direction (i.e. for example running obliquely or along a helix). The venting channel is preferably formed at least in sections by a groove in the nipple tunnel, the course of the groove having an axial component and a component running in the circumferential direction (i.e. for example running obliquely or along a helix or in a meandering shape).the groove (in the nipple tunnel and / or connecting element) can, for example, be formed at least in sections by a component (adjoining the first end) running in the circumferential direction and then running axially or by a component (adjoining the first end) running axially, then running in the circumferential direction and then running axially; in each case, a radially running component can be connected to this.

[0030] It is also possible for the venting channel to be formed, at least in sections, by an area between the connecting element and the nipple tunnel (in particular between an inner surface of the connecting element and an outer surface of the nipple tunnel), the area being formed by different cone angles of the connecting element and the nipple tunnel (in particular the inner surface of the connecting element and the outer surface of the nipple tunnel). In this case, the outer surface of the nipple tunnel preferably has a smaller cone angle than the inner surface of the connecting element. The cone angle is understood to mean the angle between the respective surface line and the respective cone axis.

[0031] The venting channel or at least a section of the venting channel can be formed from several of the sections or embodiments mentioned in this disclosure.

[0032] It is preferred if the second end of the venting channel is located above the first end of the venting channel in an (upright) operating position of the breast pump for pumping milk. In the operating position, the milk container is typically provided below the nipple tunnel. In particular, the opening of the container has an axial axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axial axis of the nipple tunnel and perpendicular to the horizontal.

[0033] Advantageously, a check valve (one-way valve) is provided at the opening to the cavity of the milk container. The connecting element preferably has the check valve. The connecting element preferably has a sealing surface which seals the cavity except for the check valve. The sealing surface preferably has the first end of the venting channel. The check valve is preferably designed as a duckbill valve. The check valve prevents milk from escaping from the cavity in the direction of the connecting element or from flowing back. Preferably, the first end is closer to the breast shield than the check valve, in particular the first end is provided between the breast shield and the check valve. As a result, the first end is higher when the user bends forward.

[0034] It is preferred if the connecting element has a membrane via which a pump element can generate a negative pressure in the connecting element.

[0035] It is preferred if the breast pump has an electric pump element that can generate a negative pressure in the connecting element via the membrane. The breast pump preferably has an energy storage device that is connected to the electric pump element.

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, which, however, is not limiting for the invention.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows schematically a preferred embodiment of a breast pump according to the invention (without a pumping element) in a cross section.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows schematically a detailed section of a connecting element of the breast pump in the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an oblique view.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows schematically a detailed section of a breast shield of the breast pump in the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an oblique view.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows schematically a detailed section of the breast shield of the breast pump in the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a cross-section.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows schematically a preferred embodiment of a breast pump 1 (without a pumping element) in a cross-section. The breast pump 1 has a milk container 2 with a cavity 3 for receiving expressed milk, a breast shield 4 which has a breast funnel 5 and a nipple tunnel 6, and a connecting element 7 which connects an opening 8 to the cavity 3 of the milk container 2 with the nipple tunnel 6. The connecting element 7 thus forms a channel which connects the nipple tunnel 6 and the cavity 3 and through which the expressed milk reaches the cavity 3 to be stored there.The connecting element 7 has a connecting section 17 for connection to the nipple tunnel 6, wherein the connecting section 17 is in particular generally cylindrical or conical, into which the nipple tunnel 6 is in particular inserted, wherein the nipple tunnel also has a connecting section 18 (which is in particular generally cylindrical or conical). In this embodiment, the connecting sections 17, 18 are each essentially circular, cylindrical or conical. Fig. 2 shows a schematic detail of the connecting element 7 in an oblique view. Fig. 3 shows a schematic detail of the breast shield 4 in an oblique view. Fig. 4 shows a schematic detail of the breast shield 4 in a cross section.

[0042] The connecting element, in particular this channel, has a passage 12 to a further space spanned by a membrane 13. A (particularly electric) pumping element (not shown) of the breast pump 1 engages this membrane in order to cyclically generate a negative pressure in the connecting element 7 and thus pump milk from the breast. In the operating position for pumping, a person's breast is held by the breast funnel 5 and their nipple by the nipple tunnel 6.

[0043] The breast pump 1 also has a check valve 14 at the opening 8 to the cavity 3 of the milk container 2. This prevents pumped milk from the milk container 2 from flowing back into the connecting element 7 or into the breast shield 4. If the cavity 3 did not have a venting element, the pressure in the cavity 3 would rise due to the milk introduced and hinder further pumping. Therefore, the breast pump 1 has a venting channel 9 as a venting element, the first end 10 of which is open to the cavity 3 of the milk container 2 and the second end 11 of which is open to the environment. At least a section of the venting channel runs along the connecting element 7. By providing a venting channel 9 whose two ends 10, 11 are spaced apart from each other, the amount of milk which is drawn out, for example, when the breast pump 1 is held at an angle (e.g.when the person pumping milk bends forward, leans back, and / or bends sideways). The second end 11 is further away from the milk container 2 than the first end 10. The venting channel 9 runs away from the cavity 3.

[0044] Specifically, the first end 10 is formed by an opening or a breakthrough 15 in a wall section of the connecting element 7 (see in particular Fig. 2), the opening 15 opening on one side to the cavity 3 and on the other side to the nipple tunnel 6. Adjoining this, the venting channel 9 runs along a section at which the connecting element 7 accommodates the nipple tunnel 6, that is to say in particular along the connecting section 17.

[0045] In particular, the nipple tunnel is formed adjacent to the opening 15 by a first groove 16 in the nipple tunnel 6 (cf. Figs. 3 and 4), which runs in the circumferential direction 20 of the nipple tunnel 6. In this embodiment, the first groove 16 runs completely around the circumference. Adjacent to the first groove 16, in particular on the side of the connecting section 17 or 18 opposite the opening 15, a second groove 19 is provided in the nipple tunnel 6, which runs in the axial direction 21 of the connecting section 17 or 18. The second groove 19 runs in particular from the first groove 16 in the direction of the breast shield 4 or in the direction of the breast of a person pumping.The section of the venting channel 9 running in the circumferential direction 20 thus causes an upward shift and the section running in the axial direction 21 causes a shift in the direction of the user, as a result of which less or no milk escapes when the user bends forward.

[0046] The venting channel 9, in particular the second groove 19, runs to a circumferential edge 22 of the connecting section 17 (cf. in particular Fig. 2), which is in contact with the nipple tunnel 6. The nipple tunnel 6 has a third groove 23, which runs in the radial direction 24 and via which the venting channel 9 opens into the environment. Thus, the second open end 11 of the venting channel is formed by the third groove 23. In summary, the second end 11 of the venting channel 9 is therefore located above the first end 10 of the venting channel 9 in the operating position during pumping.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment not shown, a groove running in the axial direction 21 can adjoin the bore 15 (analogous to the second groove 19) or be directly connected to it (this groove would thus be provided on the underside of the connecting section 17), which groove opens into a groove running in the circumferential direction 20 (analogous to the first groove 16), which runs in particular along 180 ° in the circumferential direction 20 to the top of the connecting section 17, which in turn opens into a groove running in the axial direction 21, which leads to the radially running groove 23.

[0048] In a further alternative embodiment, not shown, instead of the groove 19 or the groove 23, an axially extending groove can also be provided in the connecting element 7, which connects the groove 16 extending in the circumferential direction 20 with the surroundings via the circumferential edge 22.

[0049] The nipple tunnel 6 has two sealing ribs 25 on its outer surface (which is essentially in contact with the connecting section 17 of the connecting element 7), one of which is penetrated by the second groove 19. Furthermore, the connecting element 7 has a sealing ring 26 for sealing against the milk container 2.

[0050] The applicant has conducted experiments to determine the milk loss using a breast pump according to the invention in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, compared with a breast pump in which a hole is provided in the connecting element for venting, which hole connects the cavity directly to the environment. For the measurements, the breast pump was tilted forwards by 90° (so that the breast shield points upwards). The test setup simulated the influence of different volume flows of the incoming breast milk (from different mothers, i.e. different milk quantities). Three different cross-sections were used, which influence the amount of milk pumped into the milk container by the pump. It was found that this amount has an influence on the expected leakage. It was also found that the design according to the invention shows significantly reduced milk loss.

[0051]

[0052] The syringe needle allows the smallest milk quantities to be pumped and the MAM teat 1 allows the highest milk quantities to be pumped.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Breast pump (1) , comprising - a milk container (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving pumped milk; - a breast cap (4) having a breast funnel (5) and a nipple tunnel (6); - a connecting element (7) connecting an opening (8) to the cavity (3) of the milk container (2) with the nipple tunnel (6); - a venting channel (9), the first end (10) of which is open to the cavity (3) of the milk container (2) and the second end (11) of which is open to the environment, wherein at least a section of the venting channel (9) runs along the connecting element (7), characterized in that the venting channel (9) runs at least in sections along a section at which the connecting element (7) receives the nipple tunnel (6).

2. Breast pump (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second end (11) of the venting channel (9) is further away from the milk container (2) than the first end (10).

3. Breast pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the venting channel (9) extends in a direction away from the cavity (3).

4. Breast pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (10) of the venting channel (9) is formed by an opening (15) in a wall section of the connecting element (7), the opening (15) opening on one side to the cavity (3) and on the other side to the nipple tunnel (6).

5. Breast pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (7) has a connecting portion (17) for connection to the nipple tunnel (6), wherein the connecting portion (17) is generally cylindrical or conical, wherein the venting channel (9) extends at least partially in the circumferential direction (20) of the connecting portion (17) of the connecting element (7).

6. Breast pump (1) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the venting channel (9) is formed at least in sections by a groove (16) in the nipple tunnel (6) which runs in the circumferential direction (20) of the nipple tunnel (6).

7. Breast pump (1) according to claim 6, wherein the other side of the opening (15) opens into the groove (16).

8. Breast pump (1) according to claim 5 and preferably one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the connecting element (7) has a connecting section (17) for connection to the nipple tunnel (6), wherein the connecting section (17) is generally cylindrical or conical, wherein the venting channel (9) runs at least partially in the axial direction (21) of the connecting section (17).

9. Breast pump (1) according to claim 8, wherein the venting channel (9) is formed at least in sections by a groove (19) in the nipple tunnel (6) which runs in the axial direction (21) of the connecting section (17) of the connecting element (7).

10. Breast pump (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the venting channel (9) runs to a circumferential edge (22) of the connecting section (17) of the connecting element (7) which is in contact with the nipple tunnel (6), wherein the edge (22) of the connecting section (17) and / or the nipple tunnel (6) has a radially extending groove (23) via which the venting channel (9) opens to the environment.

11. Breast pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (11) of the venting channel (9) is located above the first end (10) of the venting channel (9) in an operating position of the breast pump (1) for pumping milk.

12. Breast pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a check valve (14) is provided at the opening (8) to the cavity (3) of the milk container (2).

13. Breast pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (7) has a membrane (13) via which a pump element can generate a negative pressure in the connecting element (7).

14. Breast pump (1) according to claim 13, comprising an electric pump element which can generate a negative pressure in the connecting element (7) via the membrane (13).

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