Breast pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a breast pump (1) comprising: - a milk container (2) having a cavity (3) for receiving expressed milk and having a circumferential opening wall (4) which forms an opening (5) in the cavity (3); - a breast shield (30) which comprises a breast funnel (32) and a nipple tunnel (31); - a connection element (6) which connects the opening (5) in the cavity (3) of the milk container (2) to the nipple tunnel; - a single-piece valve-and-sealing element (7), which comprises a non-return valve (8), a circumferential connection projection (9) extending from the non-return valve (8), and a circumferential sealing element (10) attached to the connection projection (9), wherein the sealing element (10) abuts the entire circumference of the opening wall (4).

Description

[0001] breast pump

[0002] The invention relates to a breast pump comprising:

[0003] - a milk container with a cavity for receiving pumped milk and with a surrounding mouth wall that forms an opening to the cavity;

[0004] - a breast hood featuring a nipple tunnel and preferably a breast funnel; and

[0005] - a connecting element that connects the opening to the cavity of the milk container with the nipple tunnel.

[0006] Such a breast pump is shown, for example, in EP 4066870 A2. The breast funnel is placed on the breast. By creating a vacuum, milk is pumped from the breast and flows through the connecting element with an opening into the cavity of the milk container. The milk container has a large opening that is closed with a cap with an integrated spout. A flexible rubber valve is attached to the spout and includes a duckbill valve through which milk can only flow into the bottle but cannot leak out. The cap can be screwed into the milk collection bottle. However, a disadvantage is that milk can leak between the cap and the milk collection container. Furthermore, assembly is complicated because not only a cap but also a duckbill valve must be aligned and fitted. Since the cap and the duckbill valve are separate components, milk could also leak between them.Cleaning is also difficult due to the complex design of the two parts (cap and element with duckbill valve).

[0007] US 2018 / 0093024 A1 shows a breast pump with a breast flange, an adapter, a milk collection device, and a valve between the adapter and the milk collection device. The valve serves to maintain a vacuum in the adapter. The valve has retaining ribs arranged around its circumference. Disadvantageously, the ribs are interrupted by a vent channel, which allows ambient air to enter the milk collection device. However, this also allows milk (e.g., if the breast pump is tilted for an extended period) to escape from the milk container through the vent channel to the threads and outwards. Even with a brief tilt, a certain amount of milk can leak at least as far as the threads. Due to the vent channel, the valve stop rim (reference numbers 330, 425a, 525a) does not fully seat against the milk collection device.

[0008] WO 2017 / 157701 Al shows another breast pump. This one has a funnel for receiving the breast, a housing, a container for collecting breast milk, a connection nozzle for attaching to a vacuum source, and a diaphragm element located in the housing between the funnel and the container. The seal has a vent channel through which air can escape from the container into the environment. However, a disadvantage is that milk can also leak onto the threads and out of the milk container.

[0009] One way to seal the milk container to the thread (where it is screwed together with the adapter) would be to use a circumferential sealing ring. The disadvantage of this would be to add an extra element during assembly, the precise placement of which would be difficult.

[0010] One object of the invention is to eliminate or mitigate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to propose a breast pump that is easy to assemble, in which milk leakage from the milk container is effectively prevented, and / or which is easy to clean.

[0011] This is solved by a milk pump as mentioned above, further comprising a one-piece valve and sealing element, which has a check valve, a circumferential connecting bridge extending from the check valve and a circumferential sealing element adjoining the connecting bridge, wherein the sealing element is fully in contact with the mouth wall.

[0012] Because the valve and sealing element are a single piece, fulfilling both the valve and sealing functions, assembly of the milk pump is simplified. Furthermore, the circumferential sealing element, which rests fully against the opening wall, prevents pumped milk from leaking out of the milk container and, for example, flowing into a threaded area of ​​the container and from there to the outside. The connecting bridge serves to seal between the sealing element and the check valve. The one-piece design also eliminates the need for additional sealing points.

[0013] The connecting web, in particular, fully connects to the check valve. The sealing element, in particular, fully connects to the connecting web. The connecting web is, in particular, plate-shaped and / or membrane-shaped. The sealing element, in particular, has a sealing flange (extending, in particular, away from the orifice wall). The sealing element preferably rests fully against the orifice wall along at least one line. Preferably, the sealing element rests fully against an end face of the orifice wall and / or against an inner surface of the orifice wall. The line along which the sealing element rests fully against the orifice wall can also (only) partially rest against the end face and (only) partially against the inner surface of the orifice wall, so that, in total, a seal is achieved over the entire circumference.The sealing element rests against the mouth wall in such a way that a complete seal is achieved between the sealing element and the milk container. Preferably, the sealing element is pressed against the mouth wall by the connecting element, particularly completely.

[0014] The mouth wall can, in particular, have the shape of the lateral surface of a cylinder or cone (i.e., be hollow cylindrical or hollow conical). For attaching the milk container to the connecting element, both elements can, for example, each have a thread that interacts with each other. In particular, the milk container has an external thread and the connecting element an internal thread. A snap-fit ​​or bayonet connection between the milk container and the connecting element is also possible, for example. The valve and sealing element is preferably manufactured in one piece and / or preferably does not have separate parts that need to be joined together. The valve and sealing element preferably consists of a single piece of material and / or is preferably manufactured as a single, continuous component (e.g., by a continuous manufacturing method such as casting, forging, or injection molding).The check valve, the connecting bridge, and the sealing element preferably comprise the same material and are preferably made of the same material. Preferably, the valve and sealing element comprises silicone, and in particular, it consists of silicone. Preferably, the valve and sealing element is injection-molded, especially in one piece. The valve and sealing element has a Shore A hardness of preferably between 30 and 70, and particularly preferably between 40 and 60. The check valve (one-way valve) is preferably a duckbill valve.

[0015] The connecting element preferably has a connecting section that is provided for connection with, or that receives, the nipple tunnel. The connecting section is generally cylindrical or conical. The breast cap is preferably insertable into the connecting element along with the nipple tunnel and is held in place by friction. Preferably, when removed from the connecting section, the nipple tunnel has an outer circumference that is equal to or larger than the inner circumference of the connecting section. Due to the increased size of the nipple tunnel, it advantageously seals against the connecting element. Preferably, the breast cap can be separated from the connecting element without damage. 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 connection element for connecting to the milk container. The connection element is preferably generally cylindrical. The milk container is preferably connectable to the connecting element, e.g., screwed onto the connecting element, plugged in, or connected via a bayonet fitting. The fact that the connecting section or the nipple tunnel is generally cylindrical or conical means, in particular, that it has the shape of the lateral surface of a general cylinder or cone (i.e., a cylindrical or conical shape).exhibit truncated cone shape.

[0016] The breast funnel is specifically designed for the (partial) intake of a breast. The milk container is preferably rigid. Preferably, a milk flow path runs from the nipple tunnel or breast shield, via the connecting element and the check valve, to the cavity of the milk container. During pumping, the expressed milk is guided along this milk flow path. Preferably, a pump is provided to generate a vacuum in the breast shield or nipple tunnel. Preferably, the connecting element essentially forms a milk flow channel that connects the nipple tunnel to the cavity. Preferably, the milk flow channel has an opening through which a pump element can generate a vacuum in the connecting element or milk flow channel. Preferably, a diaphragm is provided through which the pump element can generate a vacuum in the connecting element or milk flow channel via the opening.

[0017] Preferably the nipple tunnel has a sealing geometry on its outer circumference, preferably at least one or at least two (especially circumferentially extending) sealing rib(s).

[0018] The sealing geometry can, for example, (e.g., in addition to or as an alternative to the sealing ribs) include circumferential lamellae. The two sealing ribs are preferably fully formed.

[0019] The breast pump is preferably an electric breast pump. The milk container is preferably rigid, so that the volume of the cavity remains essentially unchanged during pumping. Thus, the milk container is preferably not a flexible bag.

[0020] It is advantageous if the sealing element rests fully against an end face of the opening wall. The end face of the opening wall lies essentially in the same plane as the opening of the milk container.

[0021] It is advantageous if the sealing element rests against the connecting element (especially completely) all the way around the opening. This creates a seal between the sealing element and the connecting element. Thus, milk cannot escape to the outside between the milk container and the sealing element, nor between the sealing element and the connecting element. Furthermore, this secures the sealing element, and therefore the valve and sealing element, to the connecting element and the milk container. It is not necessary to screw it on, for example. Preferably, the sealing element rests against the connecting element all the way around (especially completely) opposite the front edge of the opening wall. Attaching the connecting element to the milk container therefore automatically clamps the sealing element in place.

[0022] It is preferred if the connecting element has a connecting section for attaching the milk container, and the sealing element rests circumferentially against the connecting section (in particular opposite and / or congruent with the front edge of the opening wall). Preferably, the connecting section is cylindrical or conical.

[0023] It is advantageous if the connecting section has a circumferential flange and a fastening extension adjoining the flange, wherein the fastening extension and the opening wall of the milk container have cooperating fastening elements, and wherein the flange has an annular groove (particularly circumferential) (especially on a surface facing the opening wall) into which the sealing element is at least partially (circumferentially) (particularly completely) received. This allows the sealing element, and thus the sealing and valve element, to be easily positioned during assembly by inserting it into the annular groove. Furthermore, this improves the sealing effect.

[0024] It is preferred if the sealing element has a circumferential projection away from the mouth wall, and the projection (circumferential) is at least partially accommodated in the annular groove of the flange.

[0025] It is advantageous if the connecting section of the connecting element and the mouth wall of the milk container (particularly as cooperating fastening elements) each have a thread with which the milk container can be screwed onto the connecting element, the sealing element limiting the screwing of the milk container onto the connecting element. Preferably, the height of the sealing element is dimensioned such that the predetermined end position is reached during screwing and that a seal exists between the milk container and the connecting element in the predetermined end position. Preferably, the sealing element is designed such that it seals within a defined range.

[0026] It is advantageous if the sealing element has a circumferential sealing flange that rests (especially completely) against an inner surface of the opening wall. The sealing flange preferably extends away from the connecting element, towards the milk container, and / or in the direction in which the connecting element is pushed / screwed onto the milk container. This improves the seal.

[0027] It is preferred that the connecting element has a channel that connects the cavity of the milk container to the nipple tunnel, wherein the channel has an opening section on the milk container side, and the valve and sealing element, in particular the check valve, is pushed onto the opening section. Preferably, the valve and sealing element, in particular the check valve, has a (preferably cylindrical) retaining flange that is pushed onto the opening section of the channel and preferably includes it. The valve and sealing element, in particular the retaining flange, preferably engages the opening section by friction. This simplifies positioning during assembly. The valve and sealing element is simply pushed onto the opening section during assembly. Furthermore, a milk flow path (from the channel to the check valve) is sealed.

[0028] When milk is pumped into the milk container, overpressure would build up inside, hindering further pumping (see Fig. 13 of EP 4066870 A2). This is a particular problem with breast pumps where the pumping element does not release air into the environment but operates cyclically or draws in air cyclically, for example, a cyclic diaphragm pump (which has the advantage of being insensitive to contamination by the milk and to continuous use), and when the milk container is rigid. Therefore, it is known that the milk container, or a connecting element of the connecting element to the milk container, has one or more bores through which air can escape and which serve to vent the milk container. Such arrangements are used, for example, in breast pumps that are wearable (under clothing). A disadvantage is that milk can escape from the milk container through such a vent bore.Therefore, the bore 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 with the milk container. However, if the breast pump is held at an angle or the person pumping leans forward, milk can still leak out and be lost. It is therefore a further object of the present invention to reduce milk leakage from the breast pump, especially when the breast pump is tilted, by means of venting openings or the like.

[0029] On the one hand, the sealing element prevents milk from escaping. It is advantageous if the connecting element has at least one vent opening. This vent opening allows the cavity to be vented and excess pressure to be released. The connecting element is located on the top of the milk container, particularly within the opening wall. The more central location of the vent opening (compared to an opening in the wall / shell itself) prevents milk from escaping even when tilted at a steep angle. Since the channel of the connecting element is preferably directly connected to a check valve, the channel is separated from the vent opening, or is only in fluidic contact with it via the check valve and the milk container.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one vent opening has the form of a round or oblong hole. Preferably, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more vent openings are provided. Preferably, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4 or at least 5 vent openings are provided. Preferably, at least two vent openings are provided that are offset from each other by an angle of at least 90° (with respect to a center of the connecting web, in particular the check valve) in the connecting web.

[0031] The connecting element can, for example, have a vent opening to the environment, which connects the vent opening of the connecting bridge to the environment.

[0032] It is preferred that the connecting element has a connecting element vent opening formed in a wall section of the connecting element, such that the connecting element vent opening is in (particularly fluidic) communication with the cavity of the milk container via the vent opening of the connecting web. Preferably, the wall section faces the connecting web and / or the wall section, together with the valve and sealing element, defines a space. The connecting element vent opening preferably does not lead to the (milk flow) channel. This further increases the distance the milk must travel to exit, thus reducing milk leakage.

[0033] It is advantageous if the breast pump has a venting channel, the first end of which is formed by the connecting element venting opening and the second end of which is open to the environment.

[0034] It is advantageous if the connecting element vent opening opens on one side to the nipple tunnel (in particular to an outer circumferential surface of the nipple tunnel) (and on the other side to the vent opening in the connecting web or to a space into which the vent opening in the connecting web opens).

[0035] It is advantageous if the vent channel runs at least partially along the nipple tunnel.

[0036] It is advantageous if the nipple tunnel (in particular an outer surface of the nipple tunnel) has at least one groove that forms at least a section of the vent channel. It is preferred if the vent channel is formed at least partially by the groove in the nipple tunnel (in particular an outer surface of the nipple tunnel) that extends circumferentially, with the connecting element's vent opening preferably opening into the groove. This allows the vent channel to be easily provided and routed away from the cavity. Alternatively or additionally, a circumferential groove can also be provided on the inner circumference (i.e., on the inner surface) of the connecting element. Preferably, the circumferential groove extends the entire circumference of the nipple tunnel.

[0037] The vent channel is preferably liquid-tight except at its two ends. Preferably, the vent channel runs at least partially along the connecting element. It is preferred if the vent channel runs at least partially along a section where the connecting element receives the nipple tunnel and / or is in contact with the nipple tunnel. Preferably, the connecting element vent opening opens into the area between two sealing ribs of the nipple tunnel, which may define a section of the vent channel. It is advantageous if the connecting element has a connecting section for connecting to (or receiving and / or inserting) the nipple tunnel(s), wherein the connecting section is generally cylindrical or conical, and wherein the vent channel runs at least partially in the circumferential direction of the connecting section of the connecting element.Preferably, the venting channel extends circumferentially 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.

[0038] It is preferred if the vent channel extends at least partially in the axial direction of the connecting section of the connecting element. Preferably, the axially extending section of the vent channel connects to the circumferentially extending section of the vent channel (or vice versa). It is advantageous if the vent channel is formed at least partially by a groove (in particular, a section of the one already mentioned above) in the nipple tunnel (especially on an outer surface of the nipple tunnel) that extends in the axial direction of the connecting section of the connecting element. If the nipple tunnel has circumferentially extending sealing ribs, these may, in particular, have openings for the groove. Alternatively or additionally, an (axially extending) groove may also be provided on the inner circumference of the connecting element.The axially extending groove is provided, in particular, on the side of the connecting section opposite the connecting element's vent opening. Especially when a section of the vent channel is formed by an area between the two sealing ribs of the nipple tunnel, preferably one of the sealing ribs has a groove to form an axially extending section of the vent channel.

[0039] Preferably, the end of the vent channel to the environment is formed by (at least) a bore in the connecting section 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 area between the sealing ribs and on the other side to the environment. The bore can extend radially and / or tangentially. In particular, as an alternative to the bore, it is advantageous if the vent channel extends to a circumferential edge of the connecting section of the connecting element that is in contact with the nipple tunnel, wherein the edge of the connecting section and / or the nipple tunnel has a radially extending groove through which the vent channel opens to the environment.

[0040] It is preferred if the connecting element has a diaphragm through which a pump element can generate a vacuum in the connecting element. It is preferred if the breast pump has an electric pump element that can generate a vacuum in the connecting element via the diaphragm. Preferably, the breast pump has an energy storage device connected to the electric pump element.

[0041] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, which, however, is not limiting for the invention.

[0042] Fig. 1 schematically shows a section through a preferred embodiment of a breast pump according to the invention, without pump element, breast cap and electrical unit.

[0043] Fig. 2 schematically shows the breast pump of Fig. 1 in a perspective view (also without pump element, breast shield and electrical unit).

[0044] Fig. 3 schematically shows the (complete) breast pump in the form shown in Fig. 1 from the front.

[0045] Fig. 4 schematically shows the breast pump 1 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a sectional view along the plane AA in Fig. 3.

[0046] Fig. 5 schematically shows section C in Fig. 4 in more detail.

[0047] Fig. 6a schematically shows a valve and sealing element of the milk pump of Fig. 1, in a perspective view.

[0048] Fig. 6b schematically shows the valve and sealing element of the milk pump of Fig. 1, in a top view.

[0049] Fig. 7 schematically shows the connecting element of the milk pump of Fig. 1, in a perspective view.

[0050] Fig. 8 schematically shows the milk container of the milk pump of Fig. 1, in a perspective view.

[0051] Figs. 9a-9d schematically show alternative designs of the valve and sealing element in a top view.

[0052] Fig. 1 schematically shows a section through a preferred embodiment of a breast pump 1 according to the invention (without pump element, breast shield, and electrical unit). Fig. 2 shows the breast pump 1 in a perspective view (also without pump element, breast shield, and electrical unit). Fig. 3 shows the (complete) breast pump 1 from the front. Fig. 4 shows the (complete) breast pump 1 in a sectional view along plane AA. (Fig. 1 shows a section along the same plane). Fig. 5 schematically shows a larger view of section C in Fig. 4.

[0053] The breast pump 1 comprises a milk container 2 with a cavity 3 for receiving expressed milk and a circumferential outlet wall 4 forming an opening 5 to the cavity 3, a breast shield 30 having a breast funnel 32 and a nipple tunnel 31, and a connecting element 6 that connects the opening 5 to the cavity 3 of the milk container 2 to the nipple tunnel 31. An insert 33 is integrated into the breast shield 30 for better adaptation to the user. The breast pump 1 also comprises a pumping element 34 (in particular a diaphragm), an electrical unit 35, and a housing 36. Fig. 7 schematically shows the connecting element 6 in a perspective view. Fig. 8 schematically shows the milk container 2 in a perspective view.

[0054] The milk pump 1 further comprises a one-piece valve and sealing element 7, which includes a check valve 8, a circumferential connecting web 9 extending from the check valve 8, and a circumferential sealing element 10 adjoining the connecting web 9. The sealing element 10 rests fully against the outlet wall 4 and thus seals against the outlet wall 4, thereby preventing milk flow into the threaded area (see below). Fig. 6a schematically shows the valve and sealing element 7 in a perspective view; Fig. 6b schematically shows the valve and sealing element 7 in a top view.

[0055] The sealing element 10 rests fully against an end face 11 (see Fig. 5) of the opening wall 4. Furthermore, the sealing element 10 rests against the connecting element 6 around the entire circumference of the opening 5, in particular opposite the end face 11 of the milk container 2. The sealing element 10 is thus clamped between the connecting element 6 and the opening wall 4 of the milk container 2.

[0056] The connecting element 6 has a connecting section 12 for attaching the milk container 2, with the sealing element 10 abutting the connecting section 12. Specifically, the connecting section 12 has a circumferential flange 13 and, adjoining the flange 13, a fastening extension 14. The fastening extension 14 has a fastening element 15, and the opening wall 4 of the milk container 2 has a fastening element 16. The fastening element 15 of the connecting element 6 and the fastening element 16 of the milk container 2 interact, allowing the milk container 2 to be (removably) attached to the connecting element 6. The sealing element rests fully against the flange 13. Specifically, the flange 13 has an annular groove 17 and the sealing element 10 has a circumferential projection 18 in the direction away from the mouth wall 4, the projection 18 being received in the annular groove 17 of the flange 13.To assemble the individual parts of the milk pump 1, the valve and sealing element 7 with the projection 18 of the sealing element 10 can simply be inserted into the annular groove 17 of the flange 13 of the connecting element 6. Assembly is further simplified by the one-piece design of the valve and sealing element 7. Compared to a simple sealing ring, the sealing element 7 has greater stability due to the subsequent connecting web 9, which significantly simplifies its insertion into the annular groove 17.

[0057] A thread 19 is provided as fastening element 15 of the connecting element 6, and a thread 20 is provided as fastening element 16 of the milk container 2. The interlocking threads

[0058] 15, 16 the milk container 2 can be screwed onto the connecting element 6. In this embodiment, the milk pump 1 is designed in particular as a portable version, with the milk container 2 being asymmetrical to improve ergonomics.

[0059] (i.e., not rotationally symmetrical). It is therefore advantageous if the screwing of the milk container 2 onto the connecting element 6 is limited so that the orientation of the milk container 2 relative to the connecting element 6 is predetermined. This is achieved in the present milk pump 1 by providing the sealing element 10 between the milk container 2 and the connecting element 6 and clamping the sealing element 10 in the screwing direction between the milk container 2 and the connecting element 6 (in particular between the end face 11 of the opening wall 4 and the flange 13 of the connecting section 12 of the connecting element 6). Thus, the screwing can be limited by the height of the sealing element 10, and therefore the orientation of the milk container 2 relative to the connecting element 6 can be predetermined.

[0060] As can be seen, milk leaks to the threads.

[0061] 16, 20 and from there to the outside by the complete sealing of the sealing element 10 against the mouth wall 4 and against the flange 13 prevented .

[0062] To further improve the seal, the sealing element 10 also has a circumferential sealing flange 21, which rests (fully) against an inner surface 22 of the opening wall 4. The sealing flange 21 thus extends from the sealing element 10 (or from the connecting web 9) away from the connecting element 6 (downwards).

[0063] The connecting element 6 forms a channel 23 that connects the cavity 3 of the milk container 2 with the nipple tunnel 31 and represents the milk flow path of the pumped milk into the milk container 2. The channel 23 has an opening section 24 on the milk container side, with the valve and sealing element 7, in particular the check valve 8, being pushed onto the opening section 24. This ensures a seal for the channel 23. Furthermore, it simplifies the alignment of the valve and sealing element 7, as only the valve and sealing element 7 needs to be pushed onto the opening section 24. This automatically ensures that the sealing element 10 is correctly positioned in the annular groove 17.

[0064] For venting the milk container 2, the connecting bridge 9 has at least one vent opening 25 (in this embodiment, four vent openings 25, see Fig. 6b) in the form of a bore. Overpressure generated when pumping milk into the milk container can thus be released via the vent openings 25. The vent openings 25 lead, in particular, to a chamber 27, which is bounded by the valve and sealing element 7 and the connecting element 6, and which is separated from the channel 23. To release the overpressure to the environment, the connecting element 6 could, for example, have a bore from chamber 27 directly to the environment.In this embodiment, however, the connecting element 6 is provided with a connecting element vent opening 26, which is formed in a wall section 28 of the connecting element 6, so that the connecting element vent opening 26 is connected to the cavity 3 of the milk container 2 via the vent opening 25 of the connecting web 9. That is, air can be discharged from the milk container 2 via the vent opening 25 (the space 27) and the connecting element vent opening 26.

[0065] The vent opening 25 could also be directly adjacent to the connecting element vent opening 26 (although the vent opening 25 would have to be aligned with the connecting element vent opening 26 when assembling the milk pump 1 j).

[0066] To further lengthen the path that milk must take when it escapes through the venting channel, and thus further reduce unwanted milk leakage via this path, a venting channel 37 is provided. The first end of the venting channel 37 is formed by the connecting element venting opening 26, and the second end 38 is open to the environment. For this purpose, the connecting element venting opening 26 opens on one side into the nipple tunnel 31. The venting channel 37 then runs circumferentially around the nipple tunnel 31. The nipple tunnel 31 may have a first groove running circumferentially for this purpose. Adjoining the first groove, the nipple tunnel 31 has a second groove running axially, so that the venting channel 37 runs axially along the nipple tunnel 31 after the first groove.The second groove extends to a circumferential edge of the connecting element 6, which is in contact with the breast cap 30. The nipple tunnel 31 has a third groove there, which runs in a radial direction and through which the vent channel 37 opens to the environment at the second end 38.

[0067] Figures 9a-9d schematically show alternative embodiments of the valve and sealing element 1 in a top view. In Figure 9a, the connecting web 9 has one vent opening 25; in Figures 9b and 9c, the connecting web 9 has three vent openings 25; and in Figure 9d, the connecting web has six vent openings 25. In Figures 9a and 9b, the vent openings 25 are designed as round holes, as in Figure 6b. In Figures 9c and 9d, the vent openings 25 are designed as elongated holes. In Figure 9d, the vent openings 25 cover a large part of the angular range of the connecting web 9.

Claims

Claims:

1. Breast pump (1) comprising: - a milk container (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving pumped milk and with a circumferential opening wall (4) which forms an opening (5) to the cavity (3); - a breast cap (30) with a nipple tunnel (31) ; - a connecting element (6) that connects the opening (5) to the cavity (3) of the milk container (2) to the nipple tunnel (31); characterized by a one-piece valve and sealing element (7) that has a check valve (8), a circumferential connecting web (9) extending from the check valve (8) and a circumferential sealing element (10) adjoining the connecting web (9), wherein the sealing element (10) is fully in contact with the mouth wall (4).

2. Milk pump (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element (10) fully abuts an end face (11) of the opening wall (4).

3. Milk pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (10) rests against the connecting element (6) around the opening (5).

4. Milk pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (6) has a connecting section (12) for attaching the milk container (2), and the sealing element (10) rests against the connecting section (12).

5. Milk pump (1) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting section (12) has a circumferential flange (13) and a fastening extension (14) adjoining the flange (13), wherein the fastening extension (14) and the opening wall (4) of the milk container (2) have cooperating fastening elements (15, 16), and wherein the flange (13) has an annular groove (17) into which the sealing element (10) at least partially recorded.

6. Milk pump (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sealing element (10) has a circumferential projection (18) in the direction away from the mouth wall (4), and the projection (18) is at least partially received in the annular groove (17) of the flange (13).

7. Milk pump (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the connecting section (12) of the connecting element (6) and the outlet wall (4) of the milk container (2) each have a thread (19, 20) exhibit, with which the milk container (2) is attached to the The connecting element (6) can be screwed on, with the sealing element (10) preventing the milk container (2) from being screwed into the Connecting element (6) limited.

8. Milk pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (10) has a circumferential sealing flange (21) which abuts an inner shell surface (22) of the outlet wall (4).

9. Milk pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (6) has a channel (23) that connects the cavity (3) of the milk container (2) to the nipple tunnel (31), wherein the channel (23) has a has a mouth section (24) wherein the valve and sealing element (7) , in particular the check valve (8) , is pushed onto the mouth section (24).

10. Breast pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting bridge (9) has at least one vent opening (25).

11. Milk pump (1) according to claim 10, wherein the connecting element (6) has a connecting element vent opening (26) which is formed in a wall section of the connecting element (6) such that the connecting element vent opening (26) is in communication with the cavity (3) of the milk container (2) via the vent opening (25) of the connecting bridge (9).

12. Breast pump (1) according to claim 11, comprising a vent channel (37) the first end of which is formed by the connecting element vent opening (26) and the second end (38) of which is open to the environment.

13. Breast pump (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the connecting element vent opening (26) opens on one side to the nipple tunnel (31).

14. Milk pump (1) according to claims 12 and 13, wherein the vent channel (37) runs at least sectionally along the nipple tunnel (31).

15. Milk pump (1) according to claim 14, wherein the nipple tunnel (31) has at least one groove which forms at least one section of the vent channel (37).

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