WO2026001215A1 - Breast pump and breast pump shield - Google Patents

Abstract

A breast pump and a breast pump shield. The breast pump comprises a breast pump shield. A milk storage space is formed inside the breast pump. A milk pouring opening is formed on the breast pump and the breast pump shield, and the milk pouring opening is used for communicating the milk storage space and the outer environment. A notch is formed at the edge of the milk pouring opening, and the notch is in communication with the milk pouring opening. The size of the notch in the direction where the edge is located is smaller than the size of the milk pouring opening in the direction where the edge is located. By means of the described manner, the smoothness of pouring milk from the breast pump can be improved.

Description

Breast pumps and breast shields

Related applications

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent No. 202421489828.3, filed on June 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

This application relates to the field of maternal and infant products technology, and in particular to a breast pump and a breast shield.

Background Technology

In practical applications of breast pumps, especially during the process of emptying stored breast milk, problems often arise due to the combined effects of pressure differences and liquid surface tension, leading to difficulties in milk flow. Specifically, when breast milk attempts to flow from the storage space through the emptying spout, surface tension causes the liquid to form a continuous film, particularly noticeable at the beginning and end of the emptying process. This obstructs milk flow, affecting not only the smoothness of the emptying process but also potentially causing milk waste and unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, if the spout design lacks consideration for fluid dynamics, uneven pressure differences can exacerbate the problem, making the emptying process time-consuming and laborious.

Utility Model Content

In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this application provides a breast pump and a breast shield, which can solve the technical problem of uneven milk pouring in the breast pump.

To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a breast pump, wherein a milk storage space is formed inside the breast pump, and a milk pouring port is formed on the breast pump, the milk pouring port is used to connect the milk storage space and the outside, and a notch is formed on the edge of the milk pouring port, the notch is connected to the milk pouring port, and the size of the notch in the direction of the edge is smaller than the size of the milk pouring port in the direction of the edge.

Wherein, the lateral dimension of the milk inlet is greater than the lateral dimension of the notch.

Wherein, the longitudinal dimension of the milk inlet is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the notch.

The edge of the milk inlet includes a straight edge, and the edge of the notch includes a curved edge.

The milk inlet is elongated, and the notch is located at the long edge of the milk inlet.

The notch is located below the milk pouring port.

The breast pump includes a milk bowl and a breast shield, which together form the milk storage space. The milk outlet and the notch are located on the breast shield.

The breast shield is at least partially made of a rigid material, and the milk outlet and notch are formed on the portion made of the rigid material.

The notch is formed at the middle position of the lower edge of the milk inlet.

To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a breast pump shield, wherein a milk inlet is formed on the breast pump shield, the milk inlet is used to connect the milk storage space of the breast pump with the outside, a notch is formed on the edge of the milk inlet, the notch is connected to the milk inlet, and the size of the notch in the direction of the edge is smaller than the size of the milk inlet in the direction of the edge.

This embodiment of the application features a milk storage space formed inside the breast pump, with a milk outlet on the pump connecting the storage space to the outside. The edge of the milk outlet has a notch that communicates with it, and the size of the notch in the direction of the edge is smaller than the size of the milk outlet in the same direction. The notch alters the liquid flow path, helping to break the tension membrane on the surface of breast milk, reducing resistance to flow, and thus improving the smoothness of milk discharge. The notch also allows outside air to flow back into the storage space, thereby balancing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the storage space, allowing the milk to flow out smoothly under gravity.

Attached Figure Description

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.

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

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the shape of the milk inlet and notch in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another shape of the milk inlet and notch in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a breast pump according to an embodiment of this application.

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

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.

The terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

Please refer to Figures 1-4. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the breast pump according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the milk inlet and notch according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing another shape of the milk inlet and notch according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a breast pump according to an embodiment of this application.

In this embodiment, a milk storage space 101 is formed inside the breast pump, and a milk pouring port 102 is formed on the breast pump. The milk pouring port 102 is used to connect the milk storage space 101 with the outside. A notch 103 is formed on the edge 80 of the milk pouring port 102. The notch 103 is connected to the milk pouring port 102. The size of the notch 103 in the direction of the edge 80 is smaller than the size of the milk pouring port 102 in the direction of the edge 80.

Milk storage space 101: The breast pump has a dedicated milk storage space 101 inside, which is designed to facilitate the collection and temporary storage of breast milk until further processing (such as refrigeration or direct feeding to the baby). This design allows mothers to store breast milk directly after pumping without additional transfer, reducing operational steps and the risk of contamination.

Milk inlet 102: The milk inlet 102 on the breast pump is a key design feature. It serves as a channel between the milk storage space 101 and the outside environment, allowing users to easily pour stored breast milk into bottles or other containers when needed. This design simplifies the breast milk transfer process and increases the flexibility of use.

Notch 103 Design: A notch 103 is specifically designed on the edge 80 of the milk inlet 102, which communicates with the milk inlet 102. This detail is likely designed to facilitate flow control during milk pouring, preventing splashing or waste caused by excessively fast milk flow. Simultaneously, this design may also consider ease of cleaning, allowing for thorough removal of residual milk and maintaining the hygiene of the equipment. The addition of the notch 103 alters the liquid flow path, helping to break the tension membrane on the surface of the breast milk, reducing resistance to liquid flow, and thus improving the smoothness of milk pouring. The notch 103 also allows outside air to flow back into the milk storage space 101, thereby balancing the pressure difference inside and outside the milk storage space 101, allowing the milk to flow out smoothly under gravity.

Size difference: The size of the notch 103 in the direction of its edge is smaller than the size of the milk inlet 102 in the same direction. This design is intended to ensure smooth milk pouring while also reducing the possibility of external contaminants (such as dust and bacteria) entering the milk storage space 101 when not in use, through the restrictive effect of the notch 103, thus further ensuring the hygiene and safety of breast milk.

In one embodiment, the lateral dimension of the milk inlet 102 is larger than the lateral dimension of the notch 103.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the milk inlet 102 is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the notch 103.

The lateral dimension of the milk inlet 102 is larger than the lateral dimension of the notch 103. The notch design helps control the flow rate. The longitudinal dimension of the milk inlet is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the notch. This helps to maintain a certain damping effect while ensuring smooth milk pouring, so as to avoid loss of control caused by excessively fast milk pouring, which could lead to milk splashing and contamination.

Optionally, the edge of the milk inlet 102 includes a straight edge, and the edge of the notch 103 includes a curved edge. The milk inlet 102 has a straight edge, while the edge of the notch 103 is curved. The curved edge of the notch 103 makes it easier to break through the liquid surface tension film of the milk inlet during the milk pouring process, making the milk pouring smoother.

As shown in Figure 3, in another embodiment, the notch 303 at the edge of the milk outlet 302 may also include a straight edge.

In some embodiments, the shape of the notch edge may include both straight and curved edges, but this application does not limit this aspect.

Referring again to Figure 2, optionally, the milk inlet 102 is elongated, and the notch 103 is located at the long edge of the milk inlet 102. The elongated shape of the milk inlet 102 makes it less likely for dust to enter the milk storage space 101 and contaminate the milk. However, the elongated shape also makes it easier for a liquid surface tension film to form at the opening, making it difficult to pour out the milk. Providing a notch 103 at the long edge of the elongated milk inlet 102 effectively solves this problem, allowing for air return, creating a pressure difference, and breaking through the surface tension film.

In one embodiment, the notch 103 is located below the milk inlet 102. By providing the notch 103 below the milk inlet 102, under the action of gravity, more milk concentrates below and breaks through the surface tension membrane at the notch 103, allowing the milk to flow out smoothly.

In one embodiment, the breast pump includes a milk bowl 10 and a breast shield 20, which together form the milk storage space 101. The milk inlet 102 and the notch 103 are located on the breast shield 20. In this embodiment, the breast pump uses the milk bowl 10 as the milk storage container. In other embodiments, this structure is not limited to this; for example, a baby bottle can be used, which must also have a milk inlet with a notch to allow milk to flow out smoothly.

In one embodiment, the breast shield 20 is at least partially made of a rigid material, and the milk outlet 102 and the notch 103 are formed on the portion made of the rigid material.

In some embodiments, the notch 103 is formed at the middle of the lower edge of the milk inlet 102.

This application embodiment also provides a breast pump shield 20, on which a milk inlet 102 is formed. The milk inlet 102 is used to connect the milk storage space 102 of the breast pump with the outside. A notch 103 is formed on the edge 80 of the milk inlet 102. The notch 103 is connected to the milk inlet 102. The size of the notch 103 in the direction of the edge 80 is smaller than the size of the milk inlet 102 in the direction of the edge 80.

In one embodiment, the breast pump includes: a milk storage container 10, a breast shield 20, and a main unit 30. The breast shield 20 is detachably connected to the milk storage container 10, and a breast pumping channel 201 is formed inside the breast shield 20.

The main unit 30 is detachably connected to the milk storage container 10, and the main unit 30 is used to create a negative pressure for milk suction in the milk suction channel 201 so as to drive the milk in the milk suction channel 201 into the storage space 101.

In one embodiment, the breast shield 20 is at least partially made of a soft material. Specifically, the breast shield 20 includes a soft rubber layer 21 made of soft rubber and a hard rubber layer 22 made of hard rubber, wherein the soft rubber layer 21 is on the side closest to the human breast. In other embodiments, the breast shield 20 may be made entirely of soft rubber or entirely of hard rubber, and this application does not limit this. In some embodiments, the nipple channel portion 23 of the breast shield 20 is entirely made of hard rubber, and the flared breast flange portion 24 has a double-layer structure of soft and hard rubber.

In one embodiment, the host 30 includes a housing 31 and a negative pressure pump 32, a solenoid valve, a battery 33, a circuit board, etc. located within the housing 31.

In one embodiment, a negative pressure chamber 25 is further provided at the end of the nipple channel portion 23. The internal space of the end of the nipple channel portion 23 communicates with the negative pressure chamber 25. A diaphragm 26 is provided inside the negative pressure chamber 25, which is used for gas-liquid isolation between the internal space of the nipple channel portion 23 and the main unit 30. After the breast pump shield 20 is assembled with the milk storage container 10, a seal is formed between the negative pressure chamber 25, the diaphragm 26, and the inner wall of the milk storage container 10.

In one embodiment, a milk outlet is provided at the bottom of the negative pressure chamber 25, and a one-way valve 27 is provided at the milk outlet. The one-way valve 27 is configured to allow milk drawn from the milk suction channel 203 into the negative pressure chamber 25 to flow unidirectionally into the milk storage space 101. The one-way valve 27 can be a duckbill valve, and of course, a plate-type one-way valve can also be used in other embodiments. This application does not limit this.

This embodiment of the application features a milk storage space formed inside the breast pump, with a milk outlet on the pump connecting the storage space to the outside. The edge of the milk outlet has a notch that communicates with it, and the size of the notch in the direction of the edge is smaller than the size of the milk outlet in the same direction. The notch alters the liquid flow path, helping to break the tension membrane on the surface of breast milk, reducing resistance to flow, and thus improving the smoothness of milk discharge. The notch also allows outside air to flow back into the storage space, thereby balancing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the storage space, allowing the milk to flow out smoothly under gravity.

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

The above description is only a specific embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims (10)

A breast pump, wherein a milk storage space is formed inside the breast pump, and a milk pouring port is formed on the breast pump for connecting the milk storage space and the outside. A notch is formed on the edge of the milk pouring port, and the notch is connected to the milk pouring port. The size of the notch in the direction of the edge is smaller than the size of the milk pouring port in the direction of the edge. According to claim 1, the lateral dimension of the milk inlet is greater than the lateral dimension of the notch. The breast pump according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the milk inlet is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the notch. The breast pump according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the edge of the milk inlet includes a straight edge, and the edge of the notch includes a curved edge. The breast pump according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the milk inlet is elongated, and the notch is located at the long edge of the milk inlet. The breast pump according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the notch is located below the milk discharge port. The breast pump according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the breast pump includes a milk bowl and a breast shield, the milk bowl and the breast shield enclose the milk storage space, and the milk outlet and the notch are located on the breast shield. The breast pump according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the breast shield is at least partially made of a rigid material, and the milk outlet and notch are formed on the portion made of the rigid material. The breast pump according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the notch is formed at the middle position of the lower edge of the milk outlet. A breast pump shield, wherein a milk inlet is formed on the breast pump shield, the milk inlet is used to connect the milk storage space of the breast pump with the outside, a notch is formed on the edge of the milk inlet, the notch is connected to the milk inlet, and the size of the notch in the direction of the edge is smaller than the size of the milk inlet in the direction of the edge.