Abstract:
A breast pump for pumping human breast milk has a flexible pumping membrane and a stiff cap, which can be fitted onto said pumping membrane, this resulting in the formation of a pumping chamber for generating a negative pressure. The cap can be, or is, connected to a breast-shield unit via a suction line. The pumping membrane has an encircling collar with a step and a laterally projecting protrusion. The cap has, on its inner side, an encircling abutment region and also at least one form-fitting element, which is spaced apart from the encircling abutment region and establishes a form fit with the protrusion of the pumping membrane. The cap is positioned with a snap fit on the pumping membrane. In the abutment region ( 53 ), it establishes a joint frictional fit with a step of the pumping membrane and thus forms a seal. The snap-fit positioning of the cap on the pumping membrane is sufficient for the cap to be retained with sealing action on the pumping membrane.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is the US national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2016/052723, filed Feb. 9, 2016, which claims priority to European Application No. 15155895.4, filed Feb. 20, 2015. The priority application, EP 15155895.4, is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a breast pump for expressing human breast milk, and to a cap for same. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    Breast pumps for expressing human breast milk have long been known. They have a vacuum pump that is operated manually or by electric motor in order to generate a negative pressure, a breast shield connected to the vacuum pump for resting on the breast, and a milk collection container connected to the breast shield for collecting the pumped milk. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,098 describes a breast pump having a pump diaphragm, which is connected via a drivetrain to an electric motor. The pump diaphragm is fastened in a rigid plate on a side of a soft pocket and is covered by a rigid cap. The cap bears via an inner flange in a sealing manner against a circumferential edge of the pump diaphragm. The cap is snapped onto the rigid plate via an outer flange. 
         [0005]    WO 2001/47577 discloses a breast pump for simultaneously pumping both breasts. For this purpose it has two flexible pump diaphragms, which are arranged in an indentation in the upper side of the housing. This indentation can be closed by a cover. The pump diaphragms are each connected to a driveshaft of a motor-driven mechanism and are moved downwards and upwards in accordance with a predefined movement curve. A rigid cap can be put over each of these pump diaphragms and is connected via a suction line to the breast shield. A pump chamber is formed between the cap and moving pump diaphragm, in which pump chamber a negative pressure is generated. A suction curve is thus produced in accordance with the movement curve and applies a cyclically changing negative pressure to the breast. In one embodiment the caps are fixedly connected to the cover and are pressed onto the associated pump diaphragm when the cover is closed. In another embodiment a protective diaphragm is arranged between cap and pump diaphragm and enables a tight connection and additionally prevents a contamination of the pump diaphragm with pumped milk or bacteria. The protective diaphragm on the inner side thereof has a circumferential shoulder and a circumferential bead, which form a channel. The channel is received on a protruding edge of the pump diaphragm, whereby at the same time an airtight fit and a fastening of the cap on the pump diaphragm are provided. A check valve is arranged in the pump diaphragm in order to allow any air between pump diaphragm and protective diaphragm to escape during the first stroke. This pump is known on the market under the name “Symphony” and has proven to be very effective. It is suitable in particular for use in hospitals and in rental, since it can be used by a number of mothers on account of its protective diaphragm. Seals between two soft parts, however, are not so simple, and therefore the production of the cap, the protective diaphragm and the pump diaphragm is subject to strict specifications and requires sound knowledge accordingly. 
         [0006]    In the meantime various breast shield units have become known in the prior art which have a media separation diaphragm in the region of the breast shield and which thus protect the pump in this way against pollutions. A breast shield unit of this type is presented for example in US 2004/0087898 and WO 2008/057218. 
       DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    One object of the invention is therefore to create a breast pump having an alternative airtight connection between rigid cap and flexible pump diaphragm. 
         [0008]    The breast pump according to the invention for expressing human breast milk has a motor-driven flexible pump diaphragm and a rigid cap that can be put thereover. A pump chamber for generating a negative pressure is formed between pump diaphragm and cap. The cap can be connected via a suction line to a breast shield unit or is already fixedly connected thereto, whereby the negative pressure generated in the pump chamber can be transferred into the breast shield unit. The pump diaphragm has a circumferential collar with a step. The collar also has a laterally projecting protrusion, and the cap has, on the inner side thereof, a circumferential bearing region. The cap has, on the inner side thereof, at least one form-fit element, which is arranged at a distance from the circumferential bearing region and which together with the protrusion of the pump diaphragm forms a form fit, such that the cap rests on the pump diaphragm in a manner snapped into place. The bearing region of the cap and the pump diaphragm in the region of the step are involved in a joint frictional connection and form a seal, such that the resting of the cap on the pump diaphragm in a manner snapped into place is sufficient to hold the cap in a sealing manner on the pump diaphragm and the pump and to build the pumping chamber. 
         [0009]    The breast pump is thus assembled in a functioning manner by simply resting and snapping into place the rigid cap on the flexible pump diaphragm. The cap can thus be fitted just as easily or even more easily than the caps with protective diaphragm used until now with the Symphony pump. No additional fastening means are needed in order to connect the cap with the housing. Especially, the cap does not have to be fixed to the housing of the pump with fixing means such as screws or retaining hooks. The cap is only connected with the pump diaphragm. 
         [0010]    In the breast pump according to the invention a protective diaphragm no longer has to be provided mandatorily between cap and pump diaphragm. In the case of the breast pump according to the invention there is preferably even no protective diaphragm and also no other part between cap and pump diaphragm, such that the cap and pump diaphragm contact one another immediately and directly at least in the region of the form fit and the frictional connection. 
         [0011]    A defined joining force is preferably necessary in order to allow the cap to snap into place on the pump diaphragm. This joining force is preferably 5 to 50 N. 
         [0012]    A stop is preferably provided, up to which the cap can be put over the pump diaphragm. This makes it easier for the mother to identify whether the cap is fitted correctly and completely. 
         [0013]    The cap preferably does not snap into place on the pump diaphragm silently, but with a snap-in noise, which again or alternatively to the stop provides feedback to the mother. The mother thus receives confirmation that the breast pump is ready for use. 
         [0014]    In a preferred embodiment a circumferential channel is formed between the bearing region and the at least one form-fit element of the cap and surrounds the collar of the pump diaphragm and receives the protrusion. 
         [0015]    The at least one form-fit element is preferably a snap-fit element, which engages below the protrusion of the pump diaphragm. 
         [0016]    This cap can thus be fitted in a sealing and functional manner also to the pump diaphragm of the known Symphony pump without having to use an additional protective diaphragm. 
         [0017]    In order to avoid a lifting of the breast shield in the event of a high overpressure, in particular during the first stroke, a venting valve is arranged in the breast pump and connects the pump chamber to an outside. 
         [0018]    In preferred embodiments the venting valve is arranged in the cap. Additionally or alternatively the venting valve is arranged in a plug connecting the suction line to the cap or in the breast shield unit or in the suction line. 
         [0019]    The cap according to the invention for use in a breast pump can be connected via a suction line to a breast shield unit or is connected thereto. Said cap has, on the inner side thereof, a circumferential bearing region and, on the inner side thereof, at least one form-fit element, which is arranged at a distance from the circumferential bearing region in order to form a form fit with a protrusion of a pump diaphragm of the breast pump. The cap is designed in the region of the bearing region to form a frictional connection with the pump diaphragm, such that a resting of the cap on the pump diaphragm is sufficient to hold the cap in a sealing manner on the pump diaphragm. 
         [0020]    The cap can be used in the known Symphony pump or in another breast pump with suitably designed pump diaphragm. In particular it may rest on the pump diaphragm from above in the vertical direction of the breast pump in the use position of the breast pump. If the pump diaphragm is arranged in a vertically extending side face, the cap can also be fitted in this position laterally onto the pump diaphragm. Other positions in space with respect to the pump diaphragm are also possible depending on the embodiment of the breast pump. 
         [0021]    The cap preferably has a dome-like main body. This means that it is hemispherical and has a flattened upper face. The cap has a circumferential outermost edge, wherein the at least one form-fit element is arranged on an inner side of this outermost edge. The form-fit element is thus formed on the inner lower edge of the cap. This form is particularly suitable for being fitted on a pump diaphragm which is likewise dome-like, in particular on the pump diaphragm of the known Symphony pump. 
         [0022]    The dome-like main body preferably transitions into an edge region that is chamfered in a manner widening outwardly and which transitions into a cylindrical edge region, the cylindrical edge region ending in the outermost edge. The circumferential bearing region is preferably formed in the region of transition from the main body into the chamfered edge region. This design also enables an optimal use with a pump diaphragm itself having a cylindrical collar or surface, as is the case for example with the pump diaphragm of the Symphony pump. 
         [0023]    The outermost edge is preferably circular. 
         [0024]    The at least one form-fit element is preferably designed as a snap-fit element. The at least one form-fit element is preferably an inwardly directed bead. The at least one form-fit element is preferably formed in a manner running around the inner side of the cap. A number of form-fit elements are preferably provided and are separated from one another by interruptions. Three form-fit elements and three interruptions are preferably provided. The three form-fit elements are preferably identical. This segment-like form fit can allow air to escape to a small extent from the chamber in the event of increased overpressure. 
         [0025]    In a preferred embodiment three snap-fit segments are thus provided, which extend over the inner periphery of the cap in a uniformly distributed manner and at the same height. The form-fit elements are used to correctly position the cap on the pump diaphragm. They usually act independently of the rotary position of the cap relative to the pump diaphragm. For an orientation with regard to a rotary position, other elements may also be provided, for example a suction connector, however these have no influence on the tightness of the connection between cap and pump diaphragm. 
         [0026]    A further object of the invention is to create a breast pump with which it is ensured that the breast pump enables an automatic pressure relief in the event of an overpressure. 
         [0027]    This object is achieved by a breast pump having the features of claim  15 . 
         [0028]    The breast pump according to the invention for expressing human breast milk has a motor-driven flexible pump diaphragm and a rigid cap that can be put thereover, whereby a pump chamber for generating a negative pressure is formed between pump diaphragm and cap. The cap can be connected or is connected via a suction line to a breast shield unit. The negative pressure generated in the pump chamber can be transferred into the breast shield unit. By being rested indirectly or directly on the pump diaphragm the cap is airtightly connected thereto in order to form the pump chamber. A venting valve is provided in the cap and connects the pump chamber to an outside. 
         [0029]    This type of venting is advantageous since the valve does not have to be arranged in the pump diaphragm. The pump diaphragm can thus move and deform better. The suction curves can be created more easily and in an optimized manner. 
         [0030]    This venting valve can be used with the cap described in this text or also with another cap. By way of example, it can be used with a cap that rests tightly and/or fixedly on the pump diaphragm only with use of a protective diaphragm or another part arranged between cap and pump diaphragm, thereby forming the pump chamber and thereby being connected to the housing of the pump without any additional fastening points. In particular the venting valve can be used with a known cap of the Symphony pump in that the cap is supplemented accordingly by the valve. With this cap as well, no additional fastening means are needed. Especially, the cap does not have to be fixed to the housing of the pump with fixing means such as screws or retaining hooks. The cap is only connected with the pump diaphragm. 
         [0031]    Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter on the basis of drawings, which serve merely for explanation and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective illustration of a breast pump according to the invention with two caps according to the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  shows the breast pump according to  FIG. 1  with the two caps in the raised state; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective illustration of the cap according to  FIG. 1  with suction tube and a pump diaphragm with driveshaft; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded illustration of the cap according to the invention and of the pump diaphragm in a view from above; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  shows an exploded illustration of the cap according to the invention and of the pump diaphragm in a view from below; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  shows a cross section through the cap and the pump diaphragm in the assembled state; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  shows an enlarged detail according to  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  shows a cross section through the cap according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 9  shows another cross section through the cap according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 10  shows a view of the cap according to  FIG. 1  from below; 
           [0043]      FIG. 11  shows an enlarged detail through the cap according to  FIG. 1  and through a cap-side coupling part in an exploded illustration; 
           [0044]      FIG. 12  shows the detail of the cap according to  FIG. 11  with the coupling part in the assembled state; 
           [0045]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective illustration of a cap according to the invention in a second embodiment; 
           [0046]      FIG. 14  shows a cross section through the cap according to  FIG. 13 ; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 15  shows an enlarged detail of a cross section through a cap according to the invention in a third embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0048]    Like parts are provided with like reference signs. 
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0049]    A breast pump unit having a breast pump  1  according to the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The breast pump  1  has a housing  10 , which on the upper side thereof has an indentation  11 . Two flexible pump diaphragms  6  are arranged in this indentation  11  and are connected via a driveshaft  14  to a pump mechanism driven by means of an electric motor. 
         [0050]    Each pump diaphragm  6  has a fixing plate  62  running around the periphery of said pump diaphragm and, on the underside thereof, latching hooks  64 . The driveshaft  14  is likewise connected fixedly, but removably to the pump diaphragm  6 , a corresponding fastening groove  66  being provided in the pump diaphragm for this purpose. The fastening groove  66  is preferably located in the upper middle region of the main body  60 , such that the driveshaft  14  acts along the longitudinal centre axis of the pump diaphragm  6 . By means of these connections, the pump diaphragm is held in a fixed manner in the housing  10  of the breast pump  1  and is usually not removed from the housing  10  by the user. 
         [0051]    The pump mechanism is arranged in the housing  10 . The other mentioned elements are illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 . 
         [0052]    A cover  12  of the breast pump  1  closes the indentation  11  or makes it accessible from outside. A display and operating panel  13  arranged on an outer surface of the housing allows the user to activate the pump and to select the desired mode of operation thereof. 
         [0053]    The breast pump also comprises at least one rigid cap  5 . Here, two rigid caps  5  are provided. The caps  5  are preferably fabricated in one piece from plastic. Each cap  5  is put removably over one of the two pump diaphragms  6 . 
         [0054]    Each cap  5  is connected to a suction tube  4  either removably or fixedly and removably without destruction. The suction tube  4  leads to a breast shield unit  2 , and preferably can be plugged into this breast shield unit by means of a breast-shield-side coupling part  40 . 
         [0055]    The breast shield unit  2  has a connector  21  for connection to the suction tube  4  and a breast shield  20  for collecting the breast to be pumped. The breast shield  20  is either connected in one piece to the connector  21  or is held therein removably. The connector  21  also has a milk connection point for connection to a milk collection container, here a milk bottle  3 . 
         [0056]    The connection between vacuum or suction tube  4  and cap  5  is established via a cap-side coupling part  9 . This coupling part  9  and/or the suction tube  4  may lie in a groove  15  of the housing  10  so that the cover  12  can be closed when the cap  5  is inserted. However, the apparatus also functions when the cover  12  is open. The caps  5  are not connected to the cover  12 , but are separate parts, independent of the cover  12  and of the housing  10 . 
         [0057]    In  FIGS. 4 and 5  the cap  5  and pump diaphragm  6  are illustrated individually. The cap  5  has a dome-shaped main body  50  with round cross section. The main body  50  transitions at the lower open end thereof into a chamfered region  50 ′ widening outwardly. This chamfered region  50 ′ ends in a circular-cylindrical region  50 ″, which forms the lower end of the cap  5  and thus ends in an outermost edge. 
         [0058]    A tube mount  55  is arranged on the cap  5  and is designed here simultaneously as a grip so that the cap  5  can be easily inserted into the indentation of the housing  1  and thus fitted onto the pump diaphragm  6  and also can be easily removed therefrom again. The tube mount  55  is connected to the cap-side coupling part  9 . 
         [0059]    A valve mount  57  is provided on the lower side of the tube mount  55 . However, this can also be arranged in another region of the cap  5 . 
         [0060]    The cap  5  is internally hollow. The cavity is designated in  FIG. 5  by reference numeral  51 . The cap  5  and therefore the cavity  51  are open downwardly, wherein the access opening to the cavity  51  corresponds to the inner diameter of the outermost edge. 
         [0061]    A closed bearing region  53 , formed here by an inner bead as a shoulder, runs around an inner surface of the cap  5 . This shoulder  53  is located preferably in the region of the transition from the main body  50  to the chamfered region  50 ′ and is directed into the cavity  51 . As can be seen clearly in  FIG. 7  the shoulder  53  has, on the underside thereof, an approximately horizontally extending, circumferential face. This serves as a stop when it rests on a step  630 , more specifically on a horizontal step face  631  or ledge of the pump diaphragm  6 . The user thus notices that the cap  5  is fitted correctly on the pump diaphragm  6 . 
         [0062]    At least one form-fit element  54  is provided on the inner side of the circular hollow-cylindrical region  50 ″. This form-fit element is formed as a snap-fit element  54 . It preferably has the form of an inwardly directed bead, which is arranged close to or bordering on the outermost edge, i.e. the downwardly directed end face of the cap  5 . If a number of snap-fit elements  54  are provided, they preferably extend at the same and/or uniform distance from the outermost edge. 
         [0063]    The at least one snap-fit element  54  runs around the inner surface of the cap  5 . A number of snap-fit elements  54  are preferably provided and are separated from one another by interruptions  58 . This can be clearly seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         [0064]    A channel  52  is formed between the shoulder  53  and the snap-fit elements  54 , as can be clearly seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 8  the valve mount  57  is illustrated. It is formed by an outwardly leading circular-cylindrical opening, which transitions into an air channel  570  of smaller diameter. The air channel  570  opens out into the cavity  51  of the cap  5 . The tube mount  55  is molded integrally on the cap  5  above the valve mount  57 . The tube mount has a connection piece  56  for connection to the cap-side coupling part  9 . The connection piece  56  has a channel, which leads outwardly via one end and transitions via another end into a suction opening  560  opening out into the cavity  51  of the cap  5 . 
         [0066]    The cap-side coupling part  9  can be clearly seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . It has a suction connection piece  90  with a suction channel  93  for connection to the connection piece  56  and the suction opening  560  of the cap  5 . 
         [0067]    The suction connection piece  90  is preferably slid over the connection piece  56 , steps and retaining structures of the tube mount  55  and of the coupling part  9  preferably preventing the coupling part  9  from being able to be removed again without being destroyed. A slipover protection means  91 , here in the form of a circular structure with interruptions in the periphery thereof, prevents a suction tube of larger diameter from being slid over this coupling part. 
         [0068]    A valve connection piece  92  with an air channel  94  is preferably molded integrally in one piece on the cap-side coupling part  9 . It is located preferably below the suction connection piece  90 , wherein the air channel  94  extends parallel below the suction channel  93 , but separately therefrom. 
         [0069]    This valve connection piece  92  is used to accommodate a venting valve  8 , here a check valve, preferably a duckbill valve. The valve connection piece  92  can be slid with the check valve  8  into the valve mount  57  when the cap-side coupling part  9  is fastened on the tube mount  55 . The check valve  8  is held in a fixed manner in the cap  5 . It opens from the cavity  51  outwardly, i.e. in the event of overpressure in the cavity  51  with respect to the atmosphere outside the cap  5 . The cap  5  is otherwise preferably formed in one piece. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 4 and 5  also clearly show the pump diaphragm  6 . It has a dome-shaped main body  60 , which preferably forms the counterpiece to the dome-shaped cavity  51  of the cap  5  and thus bears against the inner wall of the cap  5 . The main body  60  transitions in the lower region thereof in a step into the circumferential and closed collar  63 . The collar  63  has the step  630  and therefore the preferably horizontally running, upwardly directed step face  631  or the ledge. The collar  63  is preferably cylindrical in the upper region thereof and is present in the form of a vertically extending step face  632 . It then has an outer bead  61 , which protrudes outwardly and circumferentially and is also closed. The collar  63  preferably has a lower collar region  633  adjacent to the fixing plate  62 , which collar region lies below the bead  61  and has a greater outer diameter than the region of the vertical step face  632 . 
         [0071]    In  FIGS. 6 and 7  the cap  5  and the pump diaphragm  6  are illustrated in the assembled state. The cap  5  is put over the pump diaphragm  6 , the snap-fit elements  54  protruding below the outer bead  61  and thus engaging therewith from behind. The cap  5  is thus snapped into place on the pump diaphragm  6  in a form-fitting manner. The form-fitting fixing region is characterized in  FIG. 7  with the reference sign F. 
         [0072]    If the cap  5  is installed and the snap-fit elements  54  are engaged with the outer bead  61 , the shoulder  53  thus lies on the upper step face  631  of the collar  63 . As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , this region together with the adjacent region of the channel  52  forms a frictional connection and thus the seal region D. 
         [0073]    The cap  5  is thus held in a sealing manner directly on the pump diaphragm  6  without additional parts. A pump chamber  7  is formed in the cavity  51  of the cap  5  between the pump diaphragm  6  and cap  5 . The volume of the pump chamber  7  is minimal or zero when the pump diaphragm  6  is in the dome-shaped basic form thereof. 
         [0074]    This basic form is changed by the pump mechanism in that the driveshaft  14  draws the middle region of the main body  60  of the pump diaphragm  6  downwards. The main body  60  is thus deformed. If the driveshaft  14  pushes the main body  60  upwardly again, it reassumes its original form. The collar  63  is preferably not deformed, but is rigid. Due to the change in shape of the main body  60 , the volume of the pump chamber  7  changes, a negative pressure is generated cyclically, and the pressure change is transferred into the breast shield unit  2  and to the breast shield  20 . 
         [0075]    If, during the first stroke, the pump diaphragm  6  is not yet in its basic form, but the air in the pump chamber  7  is first compressed, the venting valve  8  is used. The air can escape from the valve  8  and the pump is then immediately ready for use without the user having noticed anything. If, during the first stroke, the pressure in the pressure chamber  7  is too high, the air additionally escapes through the interruptions between the snap-fit elements  54 . 
         [0076]    In  FIGS. 13 and 14  a cap  5  with an alternative venting valve  8 ′ is illustrated. It is a diaphragm flap  80  with a fastening stub  81 , which is held in a recess in the upper wall of the cap  5 . The diaphragm flap  80  here covers the air channel  570  of the cap  5 , which penetrates the upper wall of the cap  5  and leads outwardly from the cavity  51 . 
         [0077]    In  FIG. 15  a further embodiment is illustrated, which is formed without venting valve or which can be provided with one of the valves  8 ,  8 ′ according to the above-described embodiment. In this embodiment the cap  5  on the inner side thereof does not have a shoulder, but a bearing face extending at a continuous incline in cross section, which bearing face forms the bearing region  53 . This circumferential bearing face  53  forms a frictional connection with the edge of the step  630 . The snap-fit elements  54  already described are again provided on the lower edge of the cap  5 , wherein, in the illustration according to  FIG. 15 , the section through one of the interruptions  58  is illustrated. 
         [0078]    The breast pump according to the invention and the rigid cap according to the invention allow an airtight and easily producible connection between the cap and a flexible pump diaphragm in order to form a pump chamber.