Patent Application
20210121614
The present invention relates to a breastpump for expressing human breastmilk and a breast shield, a milk collection container and a method for operating a breastpump.
Devices for expressing human breastmilk are sufficiently well known. In principle, there are two different types: the first type is operated manually, i.e., the negative pressure necessary for expressing is produced by manual actuation of the vacuum pump. In the second type, the vacuum pump is operated electrically.
These vacuum pumps are connected to a breast shield, either directly or by way of a vacuum line. The breast shield comprises an interior for receiving the mother's breast or the nipple thereof. The negative pressure is transferred into the interior via a first line; the expressed milk flows into a milk collection container via a second line.
WO 2016/014494 A1 and WO 2016/014469 A1 describe a compact breastpump, in which expressed milk is transported to a milk collection container under positive pressure. To this end, a milk line is cyclically squeezed, for example.
WO 2011/035447 A1 discloses a breastpump in which the vacuum line forms the milk line at the same time. The pump chamber, in which the negative pressure is produced, fills with milk during expressing such that the pump system changes from a pneumatic system to a hydraulic system and the already expressed milk becomes the working fluid. A valve is arranged at the output of the pump chamber, which leads to the milk collection container, so that the pump chamber can be filled with milk. This valve only opens at a certain pressure within the pump chamber, i.e., once the pump chamber has been sufficiently filled with milk.
This combined pneumatic and hydraulic pump has a number of advantages. The system has no dead volume or almost no dead volume. The pump unit can be minimized since, after the system has been filled with milk, only little pump power is still required to express further milk. In particular, it is possible to use batteries with a lower capacity than in the case of pneumatic vacuum pumps. Consequently, the vacuum pump can be embodied in a more cost-effective and smaller manner. The breastpump is particularly suitable for so-called “hands-free” applications, in which the breastpump is carried on the body and no hands are required for securing the breast shield. Moreover, the applied pressure can be controlled more easily on account of the minimized dead volume. As a result, it is possible to choose pump parameters that are individually optimized to each mother.
WO 2013/049944 A2 likewise describes a breastpump which changes from a pneumatic pump system into a hydraulic pump system. A pressure sensor, which comprises a vane attached to a flexible membrane, is present in the pump chamber.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to optimize the aforementioned breastpump.
This object is achieved by a breastpump according to claims 1, 8, 35, 36, 39 and 42, a milk collection container according to claim 41, a breast shield according to claim 43 and a method having the features of claim 44.
In a preferred embodiment, the breastpump according to the invention for expressing human breastmilk comprises a housing with a drive unit, a pump chamber with a flexible pump membrane, driven by the drive unit, for producing a vacuum, and a breast shield with an interior for receiving breastmilk. A cyclically changing negative pressure is appliable to the interior by means of the pump chamber, wherein a milk channel leads from the interior into the pump chamber through a first inlet opening, wherein expressed milk flows from the interior of the breast shield into the pump chamber through the milk channel and wherein the pump chamber has an outlet opening, through which the expressed milk flows from the pump chamber into a milk collection container. A multipart hygiene module is present, wherein the hygiene module comprises a first part with a flow opening for connecting to the interior, a valve body with at least one valve and a second part with a rigid cup for forming the pump chamber, wherein the valve body is arranged between the first and second part and wherein the hygiene module as a whole is connectable to the housing of the breastpump in a sealing and detachable manner.
This hygiene module has a compact design. It can be easily assembled and taken apart, and so the relevant parts of the breastpump can be easily cleaned. The use of a valve body in the hygiene module additionally simplifies the production, the assembly and the cleaning.
Preferably, the rigid cup has a milk path which leads from the pump chamber into a milk collection container and which, at least over a portion, extends perpendicular to a drive axis of the pump membrane. Preferably, the milk path extends in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis, wherein the milk path extends over at least half of the height of the pump chamber, preferably over the entire height of the pump chamber, in this plane. The extent of this milk path renders it possible to fill the pump chamber with expressed milk, at least in part, preferably in full, such that, during the expressing process, a change is carried out from a pneumatic pump system to a mixed pump system or even to a pump system operating completely on hydraulic principles.
Preferably, the valve body comprises at least one flow valve and one venting valve. Preferably, the valve body is formed in integral fashion from a flexible material. This makes both production, and assembly and cleaning easier.
Preferably, the first part is a constituent part of the breast shield. As a result, the breastpump can have a compact embodiment and the hygiene module can be fastened in a simple manner to the breastpump, without the breast shield still needing to be additionally assembled.
Preferably, the breast shield has a flange for detachably connecting to the housing.
The connection to the housing can be established in a particularly simple manner if it is interlocking and a force fit, preferably a bayonet lock.
In a further preferred embodiment, the breastpump according to the invention for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breast shield with an interior for receiving a mother's breast and a pump chamber, wherein a cyclically changing negative pressure is appliable to the interior by means of the pump chamber. A milk channel leads from the interior into the pump chamber through a first inlet opening, expressed milk flowing through said milk channel from the interior of the breast shield into the pump chamber. The pump chamber has an outlet opening, through which the expressed milk flows from the pump chamber into a milk collection container. The outlet opening, at least at the start of an expressing process, is arranged in an upper region of the pump chamber and/or above the inlet opening in the vertical use position of the breastpump.
As a result, the pump chamber can be nearly completely filled with milk and the system can be converted within a very short time from a pneumatic into a hydraulic or mixed pneumatic/hydraulic system. The same drive power for the pump means, e.g., the pump membrane, leads to a greater pump capacity, i.e., to a greater negative pressure in terms of absolute value in the pump chamber and hence in the interior of the breast shield. It is possible to use batteries with a lower capacity. This reduces production costs, increases the service life of the pump overall and minimizes the size of the drive unit.
Preferably, the milk channel forms a vacuum channel for applying the cyclically changing negative pressure to the interior of the breast shield. That is to say, the vacuum is applied first and the milk is subsequently sucked away via the same line or same channel. The same line or same channel is used for both working fluids, i.e., air and milk.
Depending on the embodiment, the pump is a reciprocating pump, a diaphragm pump or any other type of vacuum pump. Preferably, however, the pump chamber comprises a rigid first cup and a flexible pump membrane, wherein the pump membrane rests against the first cup in sealing fashion and wherein the pump membrane is driven and a negative pressure is producible in the pump chamber as a result of the movement of said pump membrane relative to the first cup.
Preferably, a flexible media separation membrane is arranged between the rigid cup and the flexible pump membrane such that the pump membrane is protected from contact with expressed milk. Milk and air, which are present in the breast shield, only reach up to the media separation membrane. Consequently, the pump membrane and the remaining parts of the breastpump are protected from contamination.
The media separation membrane can be easily separated from the pump membrane. It is preferably part of the hygiene module already mentioned. The media separation membrane can preferably be separated from the remaining parts of the hygiene module and thus be easily cleaned. The remaining parts of the hygiene module, too, can be separated from one another to the extent that this is necessary, and so these can be cleaned and subsequently reassembled in a simple manner and preferably without tools, and can be used again.
Preferably, the first cup has an outlet groove, which extends from the outlet opening of the pump chamber to an output, wherein the outlet groove, at least over a portion, extends in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the pump membrane. Preferably, it extends in a plane perpendicular to this movement direction, wherein the groove extends preferably over at least half of the height of the pump chamber, preferably over the entire pump chamber.
In other embodiments, the groove is partly or completely embodied as a closed channel. However, preferably, the pump membrane or, if present, the media separation membrane closes off the outlet groove of the rigid first cup to form a channel that is closed apart from the outlet opening and the output.
Preferably, the groove extends next to the pump chamber and not within same.
In a preferred embodiment, the breast shield has a first passage opening, which forms part of the milk channel, wherein the passage opening, at least at the start of the expressing process, is arranged in an upper region of the interior in the use position of the breast shield such that the interior below the first passage opening is fillable with expressed milk.
As a result, the breast shield can be partly or completely filled with milk at the start of the expressing process. This once again massively reduces the time until the change to the hydraulic pump system. Usually, the interior of the breast shield is filled first, followed by the pump chamber, before the milk reaches the milk collection container for the first time.
Preferably, the milk channel is able to be closed off by means of a first valve in order to remove the expressed milk from the pump chamber at the end of the expressing process. This valve is preferably the same valve that independently opens and closes when the milk is being expressed. Now, it is permanently closed for draining purposes. Depending on the embodiment, closing off is implemented manually or automatically, e.g., by means of the electronic controller of the breastpump. If a valve is disposed downstream, the first valve also can be always open during the expressing process.
Preferably, a draining channel is present between the interior of the breast shield and the pump chamber, said draining channel extending separately from the milk channel, wherein the draining channel is able to be closed off by means of a second valve. The draining channel is closed during the expressing process and opened at the end of the expressing process. Depending on the embodiment, this is also implemented manually or automatically. The second valve preferably operates on the same or similar principles as the first valve. It preferably has an identical embodiment. It opens and closes during the pumping process when the breast shield is drained in the same way as the first valve during the expressing of the breastmilk from the mother's breast. If a valve is disposed downstream, the second valve also can be always open during the draining process.
Preferably, a venting valve for venting the interior of the breast shield is moreover present. Said venting valve is likewise preferably always closed during the expressing process and opened manually or automatically to simplify draining of the breast shield.
Preferably, the venting valve is able to be closed off together with the second valve and said venting valve can be opened together with the latter.
In a preferred embodiment, a third valve is present, said third valve maintaining a baseline negative pressure in the interior of the breast shield when the pressure of the cyclically changing negative pressure increases. Consequently, the pressure in the interior of the breast shield lies below atmospheric pressure during the entire expressing process and, preferably, during draining, too. This reduces the load on the nipple and has a positive influence on the milk flow from the mother's breast.
Preferably, a fourth valve is present in the milk channel, said fourth valve opening and closing in accordance with the applied negative pressure. This fourth valve is arranged following the first valve in the expressing direction of the milk. However, as already described above, the fourth valve also can be formed by the first valve. However, if it is disposed downstream, it can be embodied as a flutter valve in the valve body, for example.
Preferably, a fifth valve is present in the draining channel, said fifth valve opening and closing in accordance with the applied negative pressure. This fifth valve is arranged following the second valve in the draining direction of the milk. However, as already described above, the fifth valve also can be formed by the second valve. If it is disposed downstream, it can be embodied as a flutter valve in the valve body, for example.
Preferably, at least some, preferably all, of the aforementioned valves are arranged in a common valve body. This simplifies the production and minimizes the costs.
Preferably, the valve body has an integral and flexible embodiment. Preferably, it consists of silicone.
Preferably, the breastpump comprises a pump housing with a drive for the pump membrane, wherein the rigid first cup is detachably connected to the pump housing. This simplifies the assembly, also after cleaning by the mother.
Preferably, the first rigid cup is a constituent part of a multipart module, which is connectable together to the pump housing, wherein the module moreover at least comprises the aforementioned valves. This module preferably is the aforementioned hygiene module.
Preferably, the first rigid cup is a constituent part of an adapter part, wherein the valve body is held in a receptacle of the adapter part. This simplifies the assembly and, in particular, facilitates a modular design and the use of a hygiene module.
Preferably, the module further comprises a manual actuation means for simultaneous actuation of the first and second valve. Manual actuation of the two valves is a cost-effective and reliable solution.
Preferably, the adapter part and the actuation part are not detachable from one another in a non-destructive manner. This ensures that the module is always correctly assembled and can only be used with all elements together.
Preferably, the breastpump comprises a pump housing, wherein the breast shield is fastenable to the pump housing in a detachable manner and wherein, as a result of fastening the breast shield to the pump housing, parts that lie between the breast shield and the pump housing are connected to one another in sealing fashion such that a tight connection arises between the pump chamber and the interior of the breast shield. The breast shield can be easily held in the hand, simplifying the assembly of the pump. Since the remaining parts likewise rest in sealing fashion at the pump housing as a result of fastening the breast shield, the breastpump is consequently ready to use with a single movement of the hand, namely that for fastening the breast shield to the pump housing. The individual parts can be removed just as easily in order to be cleaned. Preferably, the breast shield and the valve body are parts of the module.
Preferably, the breastpump comprises a pump housing, to which the breast shield is fastenable in a detachable manner, wherein the breastpump further comprises a milk collection container, which is fastenable to the pump housing by means of a snap-fit connector. The use of a snap-fit connector for fastening the milk collection container is unconventional. Screw caps are usually used. Thanks to the snap-fit connector, the container can have a different embodiment and, in particular, can be fastened and removed more quickly.
Preferably, the milk collection container comprises a main body and a lid, wherein the lid has an at least partly air-permeable and liquid-impermeable embodiment. Consequently, this lid forms a valve serving for ventilation but also allowing the container to be placed on its head without liquid being lost. Preferably, the lid comprises an air-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane. Preferably, the lid is clamped between the milk collection container and the pump and positionable by means of spacer pins.
Moreover, the lid is preferably provided with a one-way valve, which leads from the pump chamber into the milk collection container.
In a preferred embodiment, the breastpump for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breast shield with an interior for receiving a mother's breast and a pump chamber, wherein a cyclically changing negative pressure is appliable to the interior by means of the pump chamber. A milk channel leads from the interior into the pump chamber through a first inlet opening, expressed milk flowing through said milk channel from the interior of the breast shield into the pump chamber. The pump chamber has an outlet opening, through which the expressed milk flows from the pump chamber into a milk collection container. A draining channel is present between the interior of the breast shield and the pump chamber, said draining channel extending separately from the milk channel, wherein the draining channel is able to be closed by means of a valve, wherein the draining channel is closed during the expressing process and opened at the end of the expressing process. As a result, milk can easily be removed from the breast shield at the end of the expressing process. Preferably, negative pressure is applied to the draining channel by means of the pump chamber in order to actively express milk and push it into the milk collection container.
In a preferred embodiment, the breastpump for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breast shield with an interior for receiving a mother's breast and a pump chamber, wherein a cyclically changing negative pressure is appliable to the interior by means of the pump chamber. A milk channel leads from the interior into the pump chamber through a first inlet opening, expressed milk flowing through said milk channel from the interior of the breast shield into the pump chamber. The pump chamber has an outlet opening, through which the expressed milk flows from the pump chamber into a milk collection container. The breastpump comprises a pump housing, a pump membrane and a module, wherein the module comprises at least a rigid cup for forming the pump chamber and the breast shield. The module is fastenable to the pump housing as a unit, wherein a sealed connection is created between the pump chamber and the interior of the breast shield and wherein the pump membrane is kept in sealing fashion between the module and the pump housing. This simplifies cleaning of the relevant parts of the breastpump by the mother and the reassembly after such cleaning.
Preferably, the module further comprises a valve body, which is arranged between the breast shield and rigid cup. The valve body and the corresponding regions of the first and second part, which preferably have sealing seats for the valves of the valve body, form a common valve unit, which is also referred to as a valve construct.
Preferably, the module further comprises a manual actuation means for actuating at least one valve of the valve construct.
In a preferred embodiment, the breastpump for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breast shield for receiving a mother's breast, a pump housing and a milk collection container, wherein the pump housing is firstly detachably connectable to the breast shield and secondly detachably connectable to the milk collection container. The milk collection container is fastenable to the pump housing by means of a snap-fit connector.
Preferably, this breastpump comprises a pump chamber and a milk channel, through which expressed milk flows from an interior of the breast shield into the pump chamber, wherein the pump chamber has an output, which is connected to the milk collection container and through which the expressed milk flows into the milk collection container.
In a preferred embodiment, there is a milk collection container according to the invention for connecting to a pump housing of a breastpump for expressing human breastmilk, wherein the milk collection container comprises a lid, which faces the pump housing and which, at least in one region, is air permeable and liquid impermeable.
In a preferred embodiment, the breastpump for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breast shield for receiving a mother's breast and a pump housing, wherein the breast shield is detachably connectable to the pump housing. The breast shield is connectable to the pump housing by means of a bayonet lock.
In a preferred embodiment, a breast shield according to the invention is present, said breast shield serving for fastening to a pump housing of a breastpump. The breast shield comprises an interior for receiving the mother's breast and a connector for attaching to the pump housing, wherein the connector is provided with a bayonet lock.
In a preferred variant of a method according to the invention for actuating a breastpump for expressing human breastmilk, the breastpump comprises a breast shield with an interior for receiving a mother's breast and a pump chamber, wherein a cyclically changing negative pressure is applied to the interior by means of the pump chamber. In a first pump phase, the cyclically changing negative pressure is applied to the interior in order to express milk from the mother's breast, wherein the interior is filled with expressed milk without expressed milk flowing out of the interior. In a second pump phase, expressed milk flows from the interior into the pump chamber and the pump chamber is filled with expressed milk. In a third pump phase, the expressed milk flows from the pump chamber into a milk collection container, with the interior and the pump chamber remaining filled with expressed milk. The change from the second pump phase to the third pump phase is implemented by virtue of a fill level of the expressed milk reaching an outlet opening, which leads from the pump chamber to the milk collection container, as a result of which milk flows from the pump chamber into the milk collection container through the outlet opening.
Thanks to this method, the pump system converts relatively quickly from a pneumatic to a hydraulic or predominantly hydraulic pump system. As a result of this, it is possible to use smaller drives and less powerful motors.
Preferably the first pump phase is a completely or predominantly pneumatic pump phase and the second pump phase is a completely or predominantly hydraulic pump phase.
In a preferred variant of the method, the interior is nearly completely filled during the first pump phase. In a preferred variant, the interior and/or the pump chamber are nearly completely filled with expressed milk during the second and/or third pump phase.
Preferably, the change from the first pump phase to the second pump phase is implemented by virtue of a fill level of the expressed milk reaching a first passage opening, which leads from the interior to the pump chamber, as a result of which milk flows from the interior into the pump chamber through the first passage opening.
Preferably, in the third pump phase, the expressed milk flows through the first passage opening into the pump chamber and flows through the outlet opening into the milk collection container.
Preferably, in a fourth pump phase, the interior is drained and the already expressed milk contained therein is guided from the interior to the milk collection container through a second passage opening.
Preferably, the first passage opening is able to be closed off with a first valve and the second passage opening is able to be closed off with a second valve, wherein the second passage opening always remains closed during the first to third pump phase.
Preferably, the first passage opening is always closed during the fourth pump phase.
Preferably, the second passage opening leads from the interior into the pump chamber and has a fluid-communicating connection to the outlet opening via the pump chamber.
Preferably, a baseline negative pressure is maintained during at least some of the pump phases, preferably during the first, second and third pump phase.
Preferably, a third valve is present, said third valve initially opening in the case of a pressure increase of the cyclically changing negative pressure in the direction of atmospheric pressure and then closing and thereby maintaining the baseline negative pressure.
Further embodiments and variants of the method are specified in the dependent claims.
The individual elements cited in the claims can also be assembled in other combinations, without all features of the claims having to be adopted. In particular, individual elements can also be used in purely pneumatic breastpumps, in particular in pneumatic membrane breastpumps.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below on the basis of the drawings, which only serve explanatory purposes and should not be construed as restrictive. In the drawings:
A preferred exemplary embodiment of the breastpump according to the invention is illustrated in
Overview of the Individual Components
As is identifiable from
The Milk Collection Container
The milk collection container 9 is preferably able to be latched on the pump housing 8 on the underside of the latter; preferably it can be detachably fastened by swiveling in. Corresponding latching elements 901, 902 are identifiable in
The milk collection container 9 comprises a vessel 90 with an interior 900 for receiving the expressed milk (see
In terms of its form, the upper frame part 93 preferably likewise corresponds to the form of the vessel 90; in particular, its frame 930 corresponds to the form of the lower frame part 91. It is illustrated in detail in
Arranged in this valve receptacle 932, there is a container valve 94, which is embodied as a one-way valve. Hence, when the lid is closed, liquid can only enter the milk collection container 9, but cannot leave therefrom. Preferably, as illustrated here, the container valve 94 is a duckbill valve.
The Hygiene Module
As illustrated in
Thanks to fastening the breast shield to the carrier module 8′, and hence to the pump housing 8, the interposed parts, i.e., the valve body 3, the adapter part 4 and the media separation membrane 6 of the hygiene module and the pump membrane 7, are also tightly connected to one another.
The adjusting ring 5 is preferably fastened to the adapter part 4 in a manner that is not non-destructively detachable, with said adjusting ring being swivelable relative to said adapter part about the longitudinal central axis of the hygiene module.
The individual parts of the device and the interaction thereof are described below.
The Breast Shield
The breast shield is preferably of integral design and preferably manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid plastic. However, it may also have a multipart embodiment. Moreover, it can be used with a soft liner, e.g., with a breast shield insert made of soft silicone.
The funnel 20 is followed by a connector 23 with an at least partly circumferential flange 22, the latter forming part of the aforementioned bayonet lock. On the side of the connector 23 facing away from the breast, the interior 200 merges into a passage opening 21, which forms a channel extending along the central longitudinal axis. On the side of the flange 22 facing away from the breast, respectively one recess is present on the connector 23 on two diametrically opposite sides.
A first outlet opening 24 and an angled first flow opening 25 are present in the first recess. The first outlet opening 24 leads from the interior 200 to the outer side of the connector 23, to be precise into the first recess. The first flow opening 25 leads from this first recess in a preferably right-angled channel to the free end face of the connector 23 facing away from the breast. Next to the first outlet opening 24 but outside of the first recess, a venting opening 26 is present on the circumference of the connector 23. Said venting opening leads from the interior 200 to the outside.
An analogous second recess with a second outlet opening 27 and a second passage opening 28, which have the same embodiments as the first openings, is present on the diametrically opposite side of the connector 23. Moreover, a second venting opening 29 is likewise present outside of the second recess and next to the second outlet opening 27. In actual fact, this second venting opening 29 has no function and it is sealed when the device is used as intended. However, so that the breast shield 2 can likewise be mounted on the carrier module 8′ in a position rotated through 180°, all openings are arranged symmetrically.
The Valve Body
On the side facing the breast, the main body 30 has a radially protruding positioning lug 33. A first stud 34 and a venting stud 35 are present on the lateral surface of the main body 3. A second stud 36 is situated diametrically opposite thereto. The three studs protrude radially to the outside. The first stud 34 and the second stud 36 have a solid, i.e., non-hollow, embodiment. The venting stud 35 has a passage opening from the interior of the main body 30 to the outside.
Valve flaps that likewise lie diametrically opposite one another are present in the ring region of the rear wall 31 between the sealing area 310 and the lateral surface of the main body 30. A first of these valve flaps has been provided with the reference sign 37; a second of these valve flaps has been provided with the reference sign 38. They preferably are on the same diagonal as the first and the second stud 34, 36.
The Adjusting Ring
The Adapter Part
The pump-side wall 40 extends in a direction, which is referred to as down here, into a channel wall 410. Further, the pump-side wall has an elevated central wall part 42, which protrudes into the region that is close to the breast shield. Consequently, a concave area is formed on the opposite side of the wall part 42, i.e., facing the pump housing, said concave area forming the already mentioned rigid cup and being part of the pump chamber 47.
A first passage opening 43 and a second passage opening 44 are present between the elevated wall part 42 and the lateral surface of the main body 40 in the pump-side wall 41. The two passage openings 43, 44 lie diametrically opposite to one another. In this example, they have a circular embodiment. In the edge region of the elevated wall part 42, but already on its elevated area, a first backwash opening 45 and a second backwash opening 46 are present. These preferably have an elongate embodiment. These openings all lead into the pump chamber 47.
As may be identified in
The Media Separation Membrane
Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the media separation membrane 6 has reinforcements in the form of ribs, which ensure the functionality of the media separation membrane. That is to say, the ribs ensure that the membrane moves as desired and nevertheless always rests in sealing fashion against its neighboring parts.
The Pump Membrane
The lower region of the pump membrane 7, which, however, is still situated within the closed circumferential sealing area 74, is embodied as a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises a sensor area 75 in the form of a membrane, which is connected to the membrane area 70 via a connecting web, and a vane 76, which protrudes in perpendicular fashion from the sensor area in the direction of the pump housing. This type of pressure sensor is described in WO 2013/049944 A1.
As may be identified in the figures, the media separation membrane 6 and the pump membrane 7 have similar forms, in particular in respect of their movable regions for producing the negative pressure.
The Carrier Module
The carrier module 8′ is illustrated in
Mode of Operation of the Assembled Assembly
The valve body 3 can be inserted, positioned in terms of rotation, into the hollow-cylindrical main body 40 of the adapter part 4. Here, the adjusting ring 5 is already non-detachably connected to the adapter part 4, with the first pressure element 56 protruding to the inside through the first window 400 and the second pressure element 57 protruding to the inside through the second window 401. The first stud 34 of the valve body 3 is situated in this case below the first window 400 and the second stud 36 is situated above the first window 401. The valve flaps 37, 38 of the valve body 3 are respectively situated over the first and second passage opening 43, 44 of the adapter part. The sealing lip 311 rests in sealing fashion on the elevated wall part 42, wherein the first and the second backwash opening are arranged in a sealed ring region between the furrow 312 and the sealing lip 311.
Should the breast shield 2 now be inserted, the first stud 34 lies over the first outlet opening 24 and the venting stud 35 lies over the first venting opening 26. The second stud 36 lies over the second outlet opening 27. The second venting opening 29 is covered by the lateral surface of the valve body 4 and consequently closed off.
If the breast shield 2 is now connected to the carrier module 8′, the individual connections are created between the described channels and openings and sealed to the outside.
The spindle 83 that drives the pump membrane 7 is identifiable in
Individual valves can be opened and closed manually by rotating the adjusting ring 5. More precisely, the first outlet opening 24 can be manually opened and closed together with the first flow opening 25 as an alternative to the second outlet opening 27 together with the second flow opening 28. The first venting opening 26 is opened and closed together with the second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28. The second venting opening 29 always remains closed on account of its position within the valve body 3.
Naturally, the second venting opening is opened and closed instead of the first venting opening should the breast shield 2 be positioned relative to the valve body 3 in such a way that the second openings are situated at the position of the first openings.
In a first position, which is chosen at the start of the expressing process and during the entire expressing process, the second stud 36 of the valve body 3 is pressed downward by the second pressure element 57 of the adjusting ring and said stud rests on the recess and consequently rests on the second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28 of the breast shield 2. Moreover, the venting stud 35 is pressed onto the first venting opening 26, and closes off the latter, by way of the first pressure element 56. By contrast, the first stud 34 of the valve body 3 is released such that the first outlet opening 24 and the first flow opening 25 form a fluid-communicating channel from the interior 200 of the breast shield to the main body 30 of the valve body 3. This can be identified best in
The adjusting ring 5 is rotated in a second position. The first pressure element 56 releases the venting stud 35, and consequently the first venting opening 26, but, by contrast, presses the first stud 34 onto the recess and consequently closes off the first outlet opening 24 and the first flow opening 25. The second pressure element 57 moreover releases the second stud 36, and so the second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28 now form an open, continuous channel from the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 to the valve body 3. The second outlet opening 27 and the second flow opening 28 form a draining channel, which will still be described in more detail below.
The reciprocal opening and closing is preferably implemented at the same time. However, it is also possible to arrange the pressure elements with such an offset that all openings are closed off in an intermediate state.
Expressing Breastmilk and Emptying Process
So that milk can be expressed from the mother's breast, the actuation lever 58, and consequently the adjusting ring 5, is brought into the aforementioned first position. The pump membrane 7, together with the media separation membrane 6, is moved to the adapter part 4 and back again by means of the drive such that negative pressure arises in the pump chamber 47 and in the interior 200 of the breast shield 2. Here, the vacuum line from the pump chamber 47 into the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 is formed by the first passage opening 43 in the adapter part 4, the opening in the valve body 3 covered by the first valve flap 37 and the channel formed by the first flow opening 25 and the first outlet opening 24 in the breast shield.
The baseline vacuum valve, formed, inter alia, by the sealing lip 311 of the valve body 3, renders it possible to maintain a baseline negative pressure in the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 when the pump stroke runs in the direction of atmospheric pressure. The baseline vacuum valve opens during the pump stroke in the direction of atmospheric pressure and only closes once a predetermined minimum pressure in the interior 200 has been reached. The mode of operation is explained once again in more detail below on the basis of a scheme. The return flow of the air into the breast shield 2 is implemented by way of the first and the second backwash opening 45, 46 of the adapter part 4, the passage opening 32 of the valve body 3 and the passage opening 21 of the breast shield 2.
By applying this vacuum to the mother's breast, the latter is stimulated and milk flows from the breast into the interior 200 of the breast shield 2. The interior 200 fills until the fill level of the milk reaches the first outlet opening 24. Here, the breast shield 2 is preferably held in such a way that this first outlet opening 24 is situated in an upper region of the breast shield 2.
The expressed milk then flows through the channel, formed by the first outlet opening 24 and the first flow opening 25, and through the opening covered by the first valve flap 37 into the adapter part 4, where it reaches the pump chamber 47 through the first passage opening 43.
The pump chamber 47 likewise fills with milk until the outlet opening 480, which is arranged at the top, is reached. Subsequently, the milk flows through the channel, formed by the groove 48 of the adapter part 4 and the groove 63 or the cover of the media separation membrane 6, and out of the hygiene module through the outlet 49 and into the milk collection container 9 through the container valve 94.
When the pump stroke respectively from producing a negative pressure in the direction of atmospheric pressure, the baseline vacuum valve opens first and facilitates a partial return flow of the air or the milk interior 200. This partial return flow is implemented by the first and second backwash opening 45, 46, the open baseline vacuum valve, the passage opening 32 and the passage opening 21. The valve closes at a certain vacuum value in the interior, and so the pressure cannot increase further in the direction of atmospheric pressure.
When the mother wishes to terminate the expression of milk or if no more milk flows from the breast, the mother swivels the adjusting ring 5 into the second position. The previously used vacuum and milk channel is closed off by virtue of the first outlet opening 24 and the first flow opening 25 being closed off. However, the second outlet opening 27, the second flow opening 28 and the first venting opening 26 open in the process. This change can be implemented with a running pump, i.e., with the pump membrane 7 still being driven. Additionally, the pump can be deactivated to this end and subsequently be put into operation again. Since the pump continues to suck, the milk already expressed from the mother's breast and still situated in the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 is pumped through the second outlet opening 27, the second flow opening 28, the opening of the valve body 3 covered by the second valve flap 37 and the second passage opening 44 of the adapter part 4 and into the pump chamber 47. From there, it is displaced from the pump chamber 47 in the direction of the outlet opening 480 by the movement of the pump membrane 7 and the media separation membrane 6. Consequently, it likewise flows through the groove 48 and the outlet 49 into the milk collection container 9. This allows almost complete draining of both the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 and the pump chamber 47. Moreover, the device can be placed at an angle in order to drain the entire milk from the system into the milk collection container 9.
It should be noted that the breast pump is preferably held in such a way at the start of the expressing process that the first outlet opening 24 of the breast shield and the outlet opening 480 of the pump chamber 47 are situated in an upper region of the respective cavity. As a result, air can escape from the system and the two hollow chambers are filled relatively quickly with milk. This facilitates a change that is as fast as possible from a purely pneumatic pump system with air as a working fluid into a purely or predominantly hydraulic pump system, in which milk forms the working fluid or at least forms a large portion of the working fluid. However, it is not mandatory for the openings to be arranged in such a way at the start of the expressing process. The change from one pump system into the other simply requires a longer period of time and/or cannot be carried out completely.
As soon as the milk has partly flooded the interior 200 and the pump chamber 47, preferably up to the aforementioned openings, the breastpump can be brought into any position. This applies not only to the breast shield 2 and the pump chamber 47, but also, in particular, to the milk collection container 9. Thanks to the container valve 94 that is embodied as a check valve and thanks to the liquid-impermeable cover 92, the milk collection container 9 can even be put on its head without impairing the operation of the breastpump.
In preferred embodiments, the breast shield and the adjusting ring, too, are illuminated so that the mother can also implement a visual inspection during expressing at night.
The above-described breast pump is merely an exemplary embodiment, in which the principle according to the invention can be implemented and the method according to the invention can be applied. Therefore,
Fundamental Principle
The volume of the pump chamber 47 is modifiable by means of a pump means 10, for example a pump membrane or piston. The pump means 10 is driven, for example by means of a spindle 100.
An outlet opening 480 leads from the pump chamber 47 into a milk collection container 9. The inlet into the milk collection container 9 is preferably provided with a check valve, which is referred to as container valve 94 here. The milk collection container 9 is vented; preferably, an inlet 95 with an inlet valve 96 is present to this end.
The comparison with the exemplary embodiment described above in detail shows that the venting opening 15 and the venting valve 11 correspond to the first venting opening 26, the venting stud 35 and the first pressure element 56.
The outlet opening 16 and the baseline vacuum valve 12 of the schematic illustration correspond to the first outlet opening 24, the first flow opening 25, the first stud 34, the first pressure element 56 and the first valve flap 37 of the specific exemplary embodiment.
The draining opening 19 and the draining valve 14 of the schematic illustration correspond to the second outlet opening 27, the second flow opening 28, the second stud 36, the second pressure element 57 and the second valve flap 38 of the specific exemplary embodiment.
The baseline vacuum valve 13 and the third opening 17 of the schematic illustration correspond to the sealing lip 311, the first and second backwash opening 45, 46 and the passage opening 32 in the valve body 3 of the specific exemplary embodiment.
The container valve 94 of the schematic illustration corresponds to the container valve of the specific exemplary embodiment.
The inlet 95 and the inlet valve 96 of the schematic illustration are formed in the above-described specific exemplary embodiment by the air-permeable and liquid-impermeable cover, i.e., by an appropriately chosen cover film.
These valves can also be implemented differently. Additionally, the valve openings can be housed in an additional module part, which is detachably connected to the breast shield. Moreover, the outlet opening 16 and/or the draining opening 19 can be embodied as a channel which extends in a line, in particular in a flexible line. Depending on the embodiment of this line, the pump chamber can be arranged at a distance from the breast shield and, depending on the embodiment, at a distance from a valve module, too. The valves can preferably be housed in a module which is arranged between the pump chamber and the breast shield funnel. If the pump chamber is arranged at a distance from the breast shield, the valve module can be arranged adjacent to the pump chamber or adjacent to the breast shield, or it can be a constituent part of the breast shield.
The functionality is explained below:
The pump has not yet been activated in the illustration according to
The pumping process starts in the illustration according to
The pump means 10, preferably a pump membrane or piston, is drawn to the outside in order to produce negative pressure in the pump chamber 47 (e.g. −150 mmHg in this case). The pump valve 12 opens and the negative pressure is transferred into the interior 200 of the breast shield 2 or air flows from this interior into the pump chamber 47. Consequently, negative pressure also prevails in the interior, ideally the same pressure of −150 mmHg, for example. The pressure profile in the interior 200 is illustrated in
If the pump means 10 is now pushed back and the volume of the pump chamber 47 is reduced, the pump valve 12 closes and the pressure in the pump chamber 47 increases up to atmospheric pressure p=0. The pressure in the interior 200 likewise increases on account of the baseline vacuum valve 13 now being open. However, since the baseline vacuum valve 13 closes at a certain negative pressure, a baseline vacuum is maintained in the interior 200. By way of example, this lies at −20 mmHg. This situation is shown in
By comparing
The milk flow from the mother's breast has started in
As soon as the interior 200 is filled with milk M up to the outlet openings 16, milk M flows into the vacuum chamber 47 through the pump valve 12. The expressed milk M now also fills the vacuum chamber 47 until its fill level has reached the outlet opening 480 to the milk collection container 9. Now, the container valve 94 opens, preferably on account of the pressure of the collected milk M, and the milk M flows into the milk collection container 9.
As already explained on the basis of
In the
Consequently, the pump continues to be actuated during draining. Should milk still be in the vacuum chamber 47 at the end, it can easily be guided into the milk collection container 9 by tilting the pump or “placing it upside down”.
Consequently, the breastpump according to the invention and the method according to the invention facilitate the use of expressed milk in a hydraulic pump system, as a result of which the drive of the pump can be minimized.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2017/077141 | 10/24/2017 | WO | 00 |
