Breast pump and one-way valve

Abstract

A breast pump, comprising: a milk extraction tube, a milk guide channel being formed in the milk extraction tube; a milk storage container, a milk storage space being formed in the milk storage container, and the milk storage space being used for receiving milk flowing out through the milk guide channel; and a one-way valve, the one-way valve being provided between the milk guide channel and the milk storage space, and the one-way valve being configured to allow milk to flow unidirectionally from the milk guide channel into the milk storage space. The one-way valve comprises a connecting portion and a valve body connected to the connecting portion, the hardness of the connecting portion being greater than the hardness of the valve body. Thus, the elasticity and usage effect of the one-way valve can be improved while the connection stability of the one-way valve is ensured.

Description

Breast pump and check valve

[0001] Related applications

[0002] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202422410429.X, filed on September 30, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of mother and baby instruments, in particular to a breast pump and a check valve. BACKGROUND

[0004] In modern lactation support devices, a breast pump is a very important device that can help mothers collect milk when they cannot directly breastfeed. The breast pump usually includes a milk suction pipeline, a milk storage container, and necessary valve systems to control the flow direction of milk. Among them, the check valve is a key component, which mainly functions to ensure that milk can only flow from the breast to the milk storage container, and cannot flow back to the breast, thereby ensuring hygiene and comfort of use.

[0005] Traditional check valve designs often have some problems, especially in long-term use or high-frequency use. For example, the connection between the check valve and the connection position of the milk suction pipeline or other parts of the breast pump may not be stable enough, causing air leakage or milk leakage problems. In addition, if the elastic material of the check valve is not properly selected, it may cause elastic attenuation due to frequent opening and closing, thereby affecting the sealing performance and even completely failing. These problems not only reduce the overall efficiency of the breast pump, but also may cause inconvenience to users and increase the risk of cross-contamination.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, embodiments of the present application provide a breast pump and a check valve, which can solve the problems of unstable connection or insufficient elasticity of the check valve.

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, one technical solution adopted by embodiments of the present application is to provide a breast pump, which comprises: a milk suction pipeline, a milk storage container, and a check valve. The milk suction pipeline forms a milk guiding channel inside. The milk storage container forms a milk storage space inside, which is used to receive milk flowing out of the milk guiding channel. The check valve is arranged between the milk guiding channel and the milk storage space, and is configured to allow milk to flow unidirectionally from the milk guiding channel to the milk storage space. The check valve comprises a connecting part and a valve body connected with the connecting part. The hardness of the connecting part is greater than the hardness of the valve body.

[0009] Optionally, the connecting part and the valve body are arranged as one body.

[0010] Optionally, the connecting portion and the valve body are integrally injection molded by soft glue and hard glue.

[0011] Optionally, the one-way valve is connected to the breast milk suction pipeline.

[0012] Optionally, the breast pump further comprises a diaphragm support, a negative pressure cavity is formed in the diaphragm support, and the negative pressure cavity is in communication with the milk guiding channel.

[0013] Optionally, the one-way valve is connected to the diaphragm support.

[0014] Optionally, a first connecting structure is arranged on the connecting portion, a second connecting structure is arranged on the diaphragm support, and the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are matched to realize detachable connection of the one-way valve and the diaphragm support.

[0015] Optionally, a groove is formed on the diaphragm support, and the one-way valve is at least partially accommodated in the groove.

[0016] Optionally, the breast pump further comprises a diaphragm, the diaphragm is arranged in the negative pressure cavity, the diaphragm divides an internal space of the diaphragm support into a first sub-space and a second sub-space, the first sub-space is in communication with a negative pressure interface of a negative pressure source, the second sub-space is in communication with an internal space of the breast milk suction pipeline, and the diaphragm is deformed in the internal space of the diaphragm support under driving of negative pressure provided by the negative pressure source to transmit negative pressure.

[0017] Optionally, the valve body of the one-way valve is a sheet-shaped valve or a duckbill valve.

[0018] To solve the above technical problems, another technical scheme adopted by the embodiment of the present application is to provide a one-way valve, which comprises a connecting portion and a valve body connected to the connecting portion, and the hardness of the connecting portion is greater than the hardness of the valve body.

[0019] The breast pump comprises a breast milk suction pipeline, a milk storage container, and a one-way valve. The breast milk suction pipeline has a milk guiding channel formed therein. The milk storage container has a milk storage space formed therein, which is used to receive milk flowing out of the milk guiding channel. The one-way valve is arranged between the milk guiding channel and the milk storage space, and is configured to allow one-way flow of milk from the milk guiding channel to the milk storage space. The one-way valve comprises a connecting portion and a valve body connected to the connecting portion. The hardness of the connecting portion is greater than the hardness of the valve body. The connecting portion with greater hardness can provide stable connection, and the valve body with smaller hardness can improve elasticity, thereby improving the rebound effect of the valve body, ensuring normal function of the one-way valve, and improving the elasticity and use effect of the one-way valve while ensuring stable connection of the one-way valve. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a breast pump according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 is a first-view structural diagram of a breast pump according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 is a second-view exploded structural diagram of a breast pump according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the one-way valve and diaphragm support in an assembled state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of a one-way valve and a diaphragm support in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a milk bowl assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the one-way valve and the breast pumping tube in the assembled state of another embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of this application with the one-way valve and the breast pump tube separated.

[0029] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In this application, the terms "set up," "equipped with," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] The terms "central", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "radial", "circumferential", and the like indicate relative or positional relationships based on the orientation or position shown in the drawings, and are used merely for convenience of description and simplification of description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the present application.

[0032] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or an implied indication of the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0033] Also, in addition to indicating the orientation or positional relationship, the above-mentioned partial terms can also be used to indicate other meanings, for example, the term "upper" can also be used to indicate a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the present application according to the specific situation.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 1-6. Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a breast pump according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a split structure of the breast pump according to an embodiment of the present application from a first perspective; Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a split structure of the breast pump according to an embodiment of the present application from a second perspective; Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a split structure of a one-way valve and a diaphragm support in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a split structure of a one-way valve and a diaphragm support in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the present application; and Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a split structure of a milk bowl assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, in the present embodiment, the breast pump can include a breast pumping conduit 10, a milk storage container 20, and a one-way valve 30.

[0036] The breast pumping conduit 10 has a milk passage 11 formed therein. The milk passage 11 is configured to receive milk from a breast.

[0037] The milk storage container 20 has a milk storage space 21 formed therein, and the milk storage space 21 is configured to receive milk flowing out of the milk passage 11. The one-way valve 30 is disposed on a passage between the milk passage 11 and the milk storage space 21, and the one-way valve 30 is configured to allow milk to flow from the milk passage 11 to the milk storage space 21 in one direction.

[0038] The milk in the milk guiding channel 11 flows into the milk storage space 21 directly or indirectly. Directly means that the milk in the milk guiding channel 11 flows into the milk storage space 21 directly through the opening on the breast pump pipe 10, and indirectly means that the milk in the milk guiding channel 11 flows out of the milk guiding channel 11, then flows into the milk storage container 20 through the opening on the negative pressure cavity and the diaphragm support 40. The one-way valve 30 is arranged on the passage between the milk guiding channel 11 and the milk storage space 21. For example, the one-way valve 30 can be connected to the diaphragm support 40, and the one-way valve 30 is arranged on the passage between the negative pressure cavity and the milk storage space 21. For another example, the one-way valve can be connected to the breast pump pipe 10, and the one-way valve 30 is arranged on the passage between the milk guiding channel 11 and the milk storage space 21. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the positions of the two one-way valves, as long as the one-way valve 30 is arranged on the passage between the milk guiding channel 11 and the milk storage space 21. The specific positions of the two one-way valves can be understood from the following description.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the one-way valve 30 includes a connecting portion 31 and a valve body 32 connected to the connecting portion 31. The hardness of the connecting portion 31 is greater than the hardness of the valve body 32. For example, the connecting portion 31 can be made of hard rubber, and the valve body 32 can be made of soft rubber.

[0040] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 31 and the valve body 32 can be integrated. Alternatively, the connecting portion 31 and the valve body 32 are integrally injection molded by soft rubber and hard rubber.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the breast pump can further include a diaphragm support 40, and the diaphragm support 40 is formed with a negative pressure cavity 41, and the negative pressure cavity 41 communicates with the milk guiding channel 11.

[0042] In some embodiments, the one-way valve 30 is connected to the diaphragm support 40. The diaphragm support 40 is provided with a milk flow port 42, and the one-way valve 30 is arranged at the milk flow port 42. The breast pump pipe 10 is provided with a negative pressure vent 12, and the milk guiding channel 11 and the negative pressure cavity 40 communicate through the negative pressure vent 12. The milk flows into the negative pressure cavity 40 through the negative pressure vent 12 and then flows to the milk storage space 21 through the milk flow port 42.

[0043] Alternatively, the valve body 32 of the one-way valve 30 can be a sheet-shaped valve. When the negative pressure acts on the milk guiding channel 11, the milk is sucked out, and the sheet-shaped valve tightly adheres to the milk flow port 42 under the action of the negative pressure, so as to avoid the backflow of the milk in the milk storage space 21. During the period when the negative pressure is released, the milk pushes away the sheet-shaped valve under the action of gravity and then flows into the milk storage space 21. In some embodiments, the valve body of the one-way valve can also adopt a duckbill valve.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the connecting portion 31 is provided with a first connecting structure 311, and the diaphragm support 40 is provided with a second connecting structure 43, the first connecting structure 311 and the second connecting structure 43 are matched to achieve detachable connection of the one-way valve 30 and the diaphragm support 40. One of the first connecting structure 311 and the second connecting structure 43 is a buckle, and the other is a clamping groove. Alternatively, the buckle is provided on the diaphragm support 40, and the clamping groove is provided on the connecting portion 31.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the diaphragm support 40 is formed with a groove 44 for at least partially accommodating the one-way valve 30. In this way, the overall thickness of the milk bowl assembly 20 can be reduced, and the one-way valve 30 can avoid occupying additional thickness space.

[0046] In an embodiment, the breast pump further comprises a diaphragm 50, the diaphragm 50 is used to be placed in the negative pressure cavity 41, the diaphragm 50 divides the internal space of the diaphragm support 40 into a first sub-space and a second sub-space, the first sub-space is in communication with the negative pressure interface of the negative pressure source, the second sub-space is in communication with the internal space of the breast duct 10, and the diaphragm 50 can be deformed in the internal space of the diaphragm support 40 under the driving of the negative pressure provided by the negative pressure source to transmit the negative pressure.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the breast pump can further comprise a host 60, and the negative pressure source can be provided by a negative pressure pump of the host 60 of the breast pump. The negative pressure pump inside the host 60 is in communication with a negative pressure interface 61, and the negative pressure interface 61 is in communication with the first sub-space. In some embodiments, the negative pressure source can be provided by an external negative pressure device, and the negative pressure source can be provided by a manual negative pressure generating device, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0048] In some embodiments, the breast pump further comprises a breast shield 70, the breast shield 70 has a narrow end 71 and a wide end 72, and the host 60 is provided with a through hole 62. The narrow end 71 of the breast shield 70 is arranged in the through hole 62, and the host 60 is at least partially located between the wide end 72 of the breast shield 70 and the milk storage container 20.

[0049] In some embodiments, the milk storage container 20 can be a milk bowl assembly 20, and the milk bowl assembly 20 comprises a bowl body 22 and a cover plate 23, and the bowl body 22 and the cover plate 23 enclose a milk storage space 21.

[0050] In some embodiments, the breast duct 10 and the diaphragm support 40 are both connected with the milk storage container 20. In an embodiment, the breast duct 10 and the diaphragm support 40 can be both connected with the cover plate 23.

[0051] In some embodiments, the breast duct 10 and the diaphragm support 40 both extend into the milk storage space 21.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 7-8, FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a one-way valve and a breast pumping tube in an assembled state according to another embodiment of the present application; and FIG. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a one-way valve and a breast pumping tube in a disassembled state according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0053] In some embodiments, the one-way valve 80 can also be connected to the breast pumping tube 90. The breast pumping tube 90 is provided with a milk outlet 91 at an end away from the cover plate 100. The one-way valve 80 is arranged at the milk outlet 91. The milk outlet 91 directly flows to the milk storage space 21 without passing through the negative pressure cavity inside the diaphragm support 101.

[0054] The breast pump according to the embodiments of the present application comprises a breast pumping tube, a milk storage container, and a one-way valve. The breast pumping tube is provided with a milk channel. The milk storage container is provided with a milk storage space. The one-way valve is arranged between the milk channel and the milk storage space and is configured to allow the milk to flow from the milk channel to the milk storage space in one direction. The one-way valve comprises a connecting portion and a valve body connected to the connecting portion. The hardness of the connecting portion is greater than that of the valve body. The connecting portion with greater hardness can provide stable connection. The valve body with smaller hardness can improve elasticity and rebound effect, thereby ensuring normal function of the one-way valve and improving the elasticity and use effect of the one-way valve.

[0055] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and should not be used to limit the present application.

[0056] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that, for those skilled in the art, without departing from the principles of the present application, a number of improvements and refinements can be made, which should also be considered as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A breast pump, wherein, The breast pump comprises: a breast pumping conduit having a milk channel formed therein; a milk storage container having a milk storage space formed therein, the milk storage space being configured to receive milk flowing out of the milk channel; and a one-way valve disposed between the milk channel and the milk storage space, the one-way valve being configured to allow milk to flow from the milk channel to the milk storage space in one direction only, the one-way valve comprising a connecting portion and a valve body connected to the connecting portion, the connecting portion having a hardness greater than that of the valve body.

2. The breast pump of claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion and the valve body are formed as one piece.

3. The breast pump of claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion and the valve body are integrally injection molded from soft rubber and hard rubber.

4. The breast pump of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The one-way valve is connected to the breast pumping conduit.

5. The breast pump of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The breast pump further comprises a diaphragm holder having a negative pressure cavity formed therein, the negative pressure cavity being in communication with the milk channel.

6. The breast pump of claim 5, wherein, The one-way valve is connected to the diaphragm holder.

7. The breast pump of claim 6, wherein, The connecting portion is provided with a first connecting structure, and the diaphragm holder is provided with a second connecting structure, the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure being matched to achieve detachable connection of the one-way valve and the diaphragm holder.

8. The breast pump of claim 6, wherein, The diaphragm holder is formed with a groove for at least partially accommodating the one-way valve.

9. The breast pump of claim 6, wherein, The breast pump further comprises a diaphragm configured to be placed in the negative pressure cavity, the diaphragm dividing an internal space of the diaphragm holder into a first sub-space and a second sub-space, the first sub-space being in communication with a negative pressure interface of a negative pressure source, the second sub-space being in communication with an internal space of the breast pumping conduit, the diaphragm being deformable in the internal space of the diaphragm holder under negative pressure provided by the negative pressure source to transmit negative pressure.

10. The breast pump of claim 1, wherein, The valve body of the one-way valve is a sheet-shaped valve or a duckbill valve.

11. A check valve, wherein, The one-way valve comprises a connecting portion and a valve body connected to the connecting portion, the connecting portion having a hardness greater than that of the valve body.

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