EP2293758B1 - Suction teat unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a teat unit according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

State of the art

Ideally, an infant drinks from the mother's breast. However, there are several reasons why this is not always possible. For many years, therefore, attempts have been made to develop nipples for baby bottles, which allow the infant as possible a nature-inspired sucking. The infant should be able to switch back and forth between mother's breast and feeding bottle without any confusion. Among other things, emphasis is placed on the fact that the infant can not interrupt the flow of milk unintentionally by pressing the mouthpiece of the teat too tightly. In the beginning of the targeted development of teat nipples was also in the foreground that the teat does not cause permanent damage in baby mouth. Furthermore, it should be prevented that an overly greedy drinking baby swallows itself. Therefore, it is proposed in the prior art to use either small suction openings or flow restrictors.

EP 1 532 957 For example, discloses a teat with a large suction port and a flow restrictor arranged in the mouthpiece. Also in US 5,101,991 and BE 3 81523 the flow restrictors protrude into the mouthpiece.

EP 0 384 394 describes a teat with a first flow restrictor with a large opening and a suction port as a second flow restrictor with a smaller cross-section.

In WO 99/22693 There is a suction nipple with a valve, but without a flow restrictor with a defined cross-sectional area.

In WO 2007/137440 . WO 2007/137436 and WO 2007/137885 are shown relatively stiff, hardly deformable mouthpieces.

WO 03/013419 describes a relatively small suction opening and a larger passage opening outside the mouthpiece. The passage opening is provided with a check valve.

US 5,791,503 shows a relatively complex teat unit with a check valve.

GB 347,368 discloses a teat with a suction port and a flow restrictor with a smaller passage opening. The flow restrictor is located outside the mouthpiece.

US 3,207,349 shows a teat with a one-way valve, which closes a passage opening. The suction opening is described as a slot.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a Saugnippeleinheit, which allows a natural lifelike sucking.

This object is achieved by a teat unit with the features of claim 1. The inventive teat unit for sucking a liquid from a liquid container has a teat and a flow restrictor with a through hole. The suction nipple has a mouthpiece with a suction opening, from which liquid emerges from the mouthpiece to the outside, and an integrally formed on the mouthpiece, extending towards the mouthpiece body. The flow restrictor determines a maximum flow from the liquid tank through the suction opening flowing liquid. According to the invention, the flow restrictor is arranged outside the mouthpiece, and the suction opening has a larger cross-sectional area than the passage opening of the flow restrictor.

Thanks to the large opening, the mouthpiece, also called nipple, can be deformed well during the suction process and it optimally adapts to the movements of the baby's mouth and tongue. The infant gets a similar sensation in the mouth as if it were sucking on a natural nipple of a mother's breast. The mouthpiece is bendable and, in intended use, preferably does not project any parts stiffening the mouthpiece over a substantial part of its length into it. In the intended use, the mouthpiece is therefore preferably deformable.

Preferably, there is a milk channel between the suction opening and the flow restrictor, which also has at least one diameter of the same diameter as the diameter of the suction opening. If several milk channels are present, then they have at least in common over their entire length a flow opening which is larger than that of the flow restrictor and which preferably corresponds at least to the diameter of the suction opening. Preferably, the inner diameter of the milk channel over its entire length is approximately the same size as the suction opening. There is no further flow restriction in the area between the flow restrictor and the suction opening, which would limit the flow more or only approximately the same as the first mentioned flow limiter.

Preferably, however, only a single milk channel is present in the mouthpiece, so that the mouthpiece is formed as flexible as possible.

The total cross-sectional area of the suction opening is many times greater than the entire cross-sectional area of the passage opening of the flow restrictor. Typical diameters for the suction opening are 3 to 8 mm and for the flow restrictor 0.2 to 0.7 mm.

The mouthpiece can have the same softness and flexibility over its entire length. In a preferred embodiment, however, it becomes harder and / or stiffer towards the main body. Depending on the embodiment, this is done continuously or stepwise. This change can be done, for example, by increasing the wall thickness.

The suction opening and / or the adjacent milk channel may have a round, oval or elliptical cross section. They can be designed rotationally or mirror-symmetrically. However, they can also have an asymmetrical shape. The same applies to the outer shape of the mouthpiece. For example, it can have a round cross-section over its entire length or, in particular, it can have a tooth-like shape (called a dental mold).

The flow restrictor may be molded in the teat itself or it may be in another separate part of the teat unit. However, the flow restrictor is located outside the mouthpiece, i. outside of that part which is put into the mouth by the infant in the intended use. As a result, the infant can not influence the flow restrictor by mechanical pressure or tension caused by his lip and mouth movements.

• möglichst naturgetreues Anpassen und Verformen des Mundstücks und
• Begrenzen des Durchflusses, damit sich der Säugling nicht verschluckt.

The teat unit according to the invention thus separates the functions:

• Lifelike adaptation and deformation of the mouthpiece and
• Limit the flow so that the baby does not swallow.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a Saugnippeleinheit, which allows a natural lifelike suction even when using a valve in the Saugnippeleinheit.

This object is achieved by a teat unit for sucking a liquid from a liquid container. It has a teat and a flow restrictor with a through hole. The teat has a mouthpiece with a suction opening and a molded on the mouthpiece, widening towards the mouthpiece Body on. The flow restrictor determines a maximum flow of liquid flowing from the liquid container from the suction port. According to the invention, the flow restrictor is arranged outside the mouthpiece and the teat unit has a one-way valve, which is arranged outside the mouthpiece, wherein the flow restrictor is arranged in the one-way valve or in an adjacent area thereto. A large suction opening is also an advantage here, but not absolutely necessary. Likewise, the mouthpiece in this case, reinforcing elements, such as ribs have. Preferably, however, it is formed single-walled and / or unreinforced.

In this suction unit is only atmospheric pressure or negative pressure. There is no overpressure. The milk thus does not splash into the baby's mouth, but flows into the mouth according to the vacuum applied by the baby. The milk flow is approximately proportional to the vacuum applied by the infant.

This Saugnippeleinheit allows a suction, which is purely vacuum-controlled and largely independent of the rest, in particular the peristaltic movement of the tongue. If the posterior region of the tongue moves towards the upper palate, no milk should flow. If this rear area moves away from the upper palate, the milk flows.

The inventive Saugnippeleinheit takes into account the knowledge that the baby does not switch back and forth between vacuum and atmospheric pressure when sucking. It rather maintains a base vacuum throughout the suction process. In contrast to the arrangements according to the prior art, the valve now closes upon reaching this base vacuum. If the absolute value of the applied vacuum rises above this basic vacuum, the valve opens and the milk or liquid can flow. The baby is thus able to take a break despite being able to maintain the basic vacuum, to take a breath or to recover, and to gather new strength, as happens with the mother's breast. Preferably, the device according to the invention opens even at a low negative pressure of 1 to 90 mmHg, preferably 20 to 70 mmHg. Even more preferred values are between 20 to 30 mmHg and 5 to 30 mmHg. These values are in theirs Absolute amount just above a typical base vacuum of a baby.

However, the valve has no further influence on the milk flow during the suction process. The degree of opening and operation of the valve does not affect the flow of milk through the suction port.

Since the check valve and the flow restrictor are located outside the mouthpiece, a possible deformation of the mouthpiece does not affect the operation of the check valve. The baby can thus exert no influence on the check valve by mechanical pressure and / or train.

In a first embodiment, the check valve covers the passage opening of the flow restrictor. In a preferred embodiment, however, the check valve does not cover the relatively small passage opening of the flow restrictor but a larger opening. This opening is preferably arranged in the flow direction of the liquid in front of the flow restrictor, i. So directed to the liquid container. However, it can also be arranged downstream of the flow restrictor in the direction of flow.

In other embodiments, not shown here, the opening of the flow restrictor is in the rigidly formed valve seat, i. here in the base part. In this case, this opening can be covered and closed by the valve membrane. However, it can also be arranged adjacent and lead into the dead volume.

In a further embodiment, the opening of the flow restrictor can be arranged in the valve membrane and closed by sealing support of the membrane on the valve seat. In this case, the outflow opening is arranged adjacent to the valve seat and is not closed by the membrane but leads into the dead volume. The outflow opening can be made the same size or larger than the opening of the flow restrictor.

The flow restrictor can thus be arranged in, above or below the valve diaphragm be.

Since the valve and the flow restrictor or the outlet opening and the valve are arranged adjacent to each other, the dead volume, in which also a vacuum must be generated, minimized. The valve or vacuum works perfectly even at low flow rates.

Preferably, the valve is easy to disassemble and therefore easy to clean the teat unit. If a membrane is used, it can be held by clamping between individual parts.

Instead of a clamped membrane with or without a well-defined opening cross-section, an umbrella valve, a beak valve or a slotted membrane can also be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the suction opening has a larger cross-sectional area than the passage opening of the flow restrictor. Preferably, the milk channel between the flow restrictor and the suction opening over its entire length has a cross-sectional area which is greater than that of the passage opening and preferably corresponds at least to the size of the cross-sectional area of the suction opening. Alternatively, in combination with the check valve, the suction opening may also have an equal cross-sectional area as the flow restrictor. The same applies to the milk channel.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims. In particular, the features of the dependent claims can be realized without the feature of the large suction opening in the teat unit.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

einen Längsschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemässe Saugnippeleinheit in einer zweiten Ausführungsform und in geschlossener Ventilstellung;

Figur 2

die Saugnippeleinheit gemäss Figur 1 mit offenem Ventil;

Figur 3

einen Längsschnitt durch den Saugnippel gemäss Figur 1 bei Nichtgebrauch;

Figur 4

einen Querschnitt senkrecht zur Längsachse des Saugnippels durch einen oberen Bereich des Saugnippels gemäss Figur 3;

Figur 5

einen Längsschnitt durch den Saugnippel gemäss Figur 1 bei einem bestimmungsgemässen Gebrauch;

Figur 6

einen Querschnitt senkrecht zur Längsachse des Saugnippels durch einen oberen Bereich des Saugnippels gemäss Figur 5;

Figur 7

eine graphische Darstellung der Funktionsweise eines Ventil gemäss dem Stand der Technik und

Figur 8

eine graphische Darstellung der Funktionsweise des Ventils gemäss der Erfindung in Abhängigkeit des Saugverhaltens eines Säuglings.

In the following the subject invention will be explained with reference to a preferred embodiment, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a longitudinal section through an inventive Saugnippeleinheit in a second embodiment and in the closed valve position;

FIG. 2

the teat unit according to FIG. 1 with open valve;

FIG. 3

a longitudinal section through the teat according to FIG. 1 when not in use;

FIG. 4

a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the teat through an upper portion of the teat according to FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5

a longitudinal section through the teat according to FIG. 1 when used as intended;

FIG. 6

a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the teat through an upper portion of the teat according to FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7

a graphical representation of the operation of a valve according to the prior art and

FIG. 8

a graphical representation of the operation of the valve according to the invention as a function of the sucking behavior of an infant.

Ways to carry out the invention

In the FIGS. 1 to 6 is a preferred embodiment of the invention Saugnippeleinheit shown.

On an externally threaded neck 11 of a baby milk bottle 1 or other liquid container, a teat unit 2, 3, 4 according to the invention is screwed on ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The teat unit 2, 3,4 consists essentially of three parts: a base part 2, a receiving head 3 and an absorbent body or suction nipple 4. The base part 2 is preferably made of polypropylene (PP) or a polyamide, the receiving head 3 of a combination of PP or a polyamide with silicone, rubber or TPE. For the teat 4 preferably silicone, a silicone-based plastic, rubber or TPE is used.

The base part 2 is dimensionally stable. It consists essentially of an annular body 20 and a truncated cone 25 integrally formed thereon. Centrally in the truncated cone 25, there is provided as an inlet opening of the unit an outflow opening 24, which outwardly projects the container interior of the container 1, i. to the teat, connects. The truncated cone 25 projects beyond the annular body 20 and extends upwards towards the receiving head 3. The outflow opening 24 is preferably arranged in the uppermost region, preferably in the flattened tip. This tip has an upper sealing edge 240. Inside this sealing edge 240, around the outflow opening 24, there is a flat surface 241.

On the side facing away from the container neck 11 top of the base ring 2, a circumferential outer sealing edge 27 is present, which projects upwards. This is preferably formed by the uppermost peripheral edge of the base ring 2. Its radially inward following is followed by a circumferential, planar and recessed outer sealing surface 270.

Subsequently or spaced from the outer sealing surface 270, an inner peripheral sealing edge 28 is present, which also projects upwards. Preferably, the sealing edge 28 is interrupted by at least one ventilation opening 281, which leads to the outside. The way to the outside, for example, via a non-tight threaded connection with the milk bottle 1 lead. In an edge of the inner truncated cone 25, a vent valve or a ventilation opening 23 is preferably arranged.

This base part 2 can be placed on the container neck 11, but without it already fixed in position relative to it, in particular against rotation. In this case, a lower stop 29 is present, which limits how far the container neck 11, the base part 2 can enforce, ie how far the base part 2 on the container neck 11 slide down can. In the examples shown here, the stop is an inner bearing surface 29 in the upper region of the base ring 2. Other types of stops 29, such as projecting lugs or ribs, are also possible.

The receiving head 3 is also annular and preferably rotationally symmetrical. The recording head 3 consists essentially of two areas. The lower region is formed here by a plurality of plug-in elements 30, which form uniformly distributed over the circumference portions of a common shell. The plug-in elements 30 form on their inside a common internal thread 301. Instead of an internal thread and an external thread may be present if the drinking container 1 is provided with a corresponding internal thread.

The plug-in elements 30 can be plugged into slots 21 of the base part 2. Locking ribs on the base part and on the receiving head prevent the receiving head 3 from falling out of the base part.

The upper portion of the pickup head 3 is preferably made of a softer material than the lower one. It can be arbitrarily shaped in the peripheral area. Preferably, it has peripheral support bodies or structures, in this case support cushions 341, which interact with the absorbent body or teat 4 described below. These support structures may also be formed of a hard material.

The receiving head 3 has a protruding circumferential fastening edge 31 with a peripherally encircling outer sealing surface 310. It is planar and extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the recording head. 3

On the recording head 3, a self-contained valve membrane 37 is formed. It covers the outflow opening 24 of the base part 2. In its peripheral region, which no longer covers the outflow opening 24, the valve membrane 37 has a small opening, the passage opening 32. This through hole 32 is located above the inner surface 241 of the base ring 2.

The valve diaphragm 37 is preferably integrally formed on the receiving head 3. Either she herself is made of a soft material and the remaining head 3 is made of a hard material. However, it may for example also be integrally formed together with soft support structures 341 and glued to the hard part of the receiving head 3, welded thereto or sprayed on it.

The valve membrane 37 is surrounded by an upstanding and circumferential collar 39, which may also be formed of hard or soft material integral with the rest of the receiving head 3. This collar 39 preferably has circumferential outer ribs, which are not shown here.

The teat 4 has a frusto-conical, hemispherical or dome-shaped base body 40 and a mouthpiece 42 integrally formed thereon with a liquid or milk channel 48. This is also called suction channel in the following. The mouthpiece 42 is tapered in its outer periphery relative to the base body 40, and this is widened in relation to the mouthpiece in its outer periphery. It has a free end. The mouthpiece 42 is preferably formed in a known manner as a hollow cylinder or as a truncated cone. It preferably forms a thin-walled hollow body with an inlet opening and a suction opening 43. It is bendable and / or flexibly deformable. Preferably, it is formed single-walled. Although it is double-walled, it should be flexible and flexible as possible, for example by having thin walls. However, the mouthpiece 42 can also be provided with internal structures, such as radial or axial ribs, knobs and dents.

In the mouthpiece 42, preferably in the uppermost tip, the suction opening 43 is present. This suction opening 43 is connected in the assembled state via the passage opening 32 and the flow opening 24 with the container interior, so that the baby through this opening his drink, such as tea, water or milk can drink. The suction opening 43 is preferably surrounded by a circumferential, inwardly directed flange 430. This gives the free end of the mouthpiece 42 stability. In addition, this is the outermost edge of the material, as bent inward, before mechanical Actions better protected.

As an extension of the mouthpiece 42, but already protruding into the base body 40, a projecting towards the recording head 3 skirt 46 is present. On the skirt 46, an inwardly projecting flange 460 is preferably formed.

The base body 40 is bent with its lower edge inwards, so that a radially inwardly directed flange 41 is formed. The teat 4 can be with its base 40 over the receiving head 3. In this case, the skirt 46 is slipped over the collar 39 so that the flange 460 of the skirt 46 engages behind the rib of the collar and sealingly abuts. The flange 41 of the base body 40 engages behind the projecting edge between the upper and lower regions of the receiving head 3 and lies flat and sealingly against the outer sealing surface 310 thereof.

The suction nipple 4 can thus be attached to the receiving head 3 or partially put over him. Subsequently, the recording head 3 can be inserted into the base part 2. The recording head 3 can be stuck in the base part 2, if this is free, but also if it is already on the container neck 1. Since the base part 2 can still be easily moved in the axial direction with respect to the receiving head 2, the teat 4 can optionally be slipped over the former only when the receiving head 3 and the base part 2 are plugged together.

By turning the base part 2 or the receiving head 3 on the container neck 11, the two threads, external thread 12 and internal thread 301 engage in one another. The recording head 3 runs down the thread along. With him the base part is pulled down to its lower stop. Base part 2 and receiving head 3 are now mounted on the container 1 and secured against rotation relative to each other. As a result, the outer sealing surface 270 of the base part 2 is now pressed relative to the outer sealing surface 310 of the receiving head 3. They clamp the flange 41 of the suction nipple 4 and thus ensure a liquid and airtight connection between the suction nipple 4, receiving head 3 and base part 2. Depending on the configuration, a differently shaped lower edge 41 of the teat 4 between the two parts 2, 3 sealing be trapped.

The valve diaphragm 37 forms a check valve, which is connected via a ring joint or hinge 370 with the remaining receiving head. The outside of this ring joint 370 arranged through hole 32 forms a flow restrictor. This flow restrictor 32 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the subsequent areas through which the liquid flows. In particular, the milk or central channel 48 and the suction opening 43 have a larger cross-sectional area. However, the suction channel 48 may have one or more constrictions spaced from the suction opening 43. As can be seen in the figures, the passage opening 32 and the check valve 37 is arranged outside the mouthpiece 42.

In FIG. 1 the check valve 37 is closed. Through the outflow opening 24 no liquid can get into the teat 4. The dead volume between outflow opening 24 and passage opening 32 is relatively small.

In FIG. 2 the check valve 37 is opened and releases the relatively large outflow opening 24. Liquid can pass through this outlet opening 24 to the passage opening 32 and so into the mouthpiece 42.

Preferably, the suction opening 43 and, in a preferred embodiment, the milk channel 48 has a cross-sectional area which is a multiple of the cross-sectional area of the passage opening 32. Typically, the cross-sectional area of the suction opening 43 is more than 10 times, in particular more than 50 times, and preferably more than 100 times larger than that of the passage opening 32. Preferably, the entire region of the suction channel 48 extending in the mouthpiece 42 has one indicated above Factors larger cross-sectional area. Typical diameters of the suction opening 43 are 7 mm and the passage opening is 0.25 to 0.7 mm.

Preferably, the suction opening 43 and the suction channel 48 in the upper region has a round cross-section, as shown in the FIG. 4 is recognizable. Since the mouthpiece 42 is formed relatively soft, it is deformed in the intended use and the suction port 43 and the suction channel 48 in the adjacent area, for example, assume an oval shape, as shown in FIG. 6 is shown.

The mouthpiece 42 may be arbitrarily shaped as long as it remains flexible and pliable. As in particular in the FIG. 3 can be seen, the wall of the mouthpiece 42 may increase towards the head part 3 in thickness. This is done here gradually. Typical wall thicknesses are: t1 approx. 0.5 mm, t2 approx. 1.5 mm, t3 and t4 approx. 2.0 mm. Other masses are possible. Preferably, a taper 420 in the inner diameter is present in the mouthpiece 42, so that a deforming cavity 421 is formed in the region of the suction opening 43. As in the FIGS. 3 to 6 As can be seen, the cross-section of this cavity 421 deforms in the intended use, wherein the deformation depends on the baby and the suction process. In particular, the cavity 421 may become longer but narrower and change from a round cross-section to an oval cross-section. The shape of the teat may change during the suction process.

Further variations of the example shown here are possible within the teaching of the invention. Some examples are given below: In this example, both the flow restrictor and the check valve are present. Furthermore, a plurality of through-holes may be present, as long as they have a common cross-sectional area for the flow of the liquid, this area being smaller than the cross-sectional area of the suction opening 43. The passage opening serving as a flow restrictor may also be arranged in the base part 2.

Instead of only one through-opening 32, a plurality of passage openings can be distributed over the peripheral circumference of the membrane. The area around the at least one passage opening may also be formed of hard material and the soft part of the membrane may be formed adjacent thereto. Furthermore, instead of the multi-part teat unit described here also a differently shaped teat unit with the inventive arrangement of large suction opening and recessed passage opening be present. For example, the liquid container may be provided with the outflow opening 24, which is closed by the membrane. Furthermore, the outflow opening 24 may be selected to be so small that it itself forms the passage opening and thus the flow restrictor. Also, the teat 4 may be attached in other ways. For example, the skirt 46 may be inserted into the collar 39. Instead of the flange 41 of the base body 40, other types of fastening can be selected. For example, the nipple may have direct contact with the liquid container. For example, the teaching according to the invention can also be applied to the initially mentioned teat nipple, for example according to EP 1 532 957 , apply.

Based on FIG. 8 the operation of the inventive device can be seen. The dashed line shows the volume 5, ie the integral of the volume flow curve, of the aspirated fluid in ml (milliliters) as a function of time in seconds s. Curve 6 is the volume flow in ml / s as a function of time in seconds. The reference numeral 7 shows the physiological vacuum curve of the baby, the vacuum in mmHg and the time is also given in seconds. 8 designates the triggering threshold of the valve, which is preferably 20 to 30 mmHg. Like in the FIG. 8 is recognizable, no milk flows in the phases in which the absolute value of the vacuum created by the baby is below this triggering threshold. These phases are designated by A in the figure. If the applied vacuum is sufficient to open the valve, milk flows. These are the phases B. The Saugnippeleinheit closes and thus opens cyclically with the sucking rhythm of the baby.

In contrast, shows FIG. 7 the behavior of a Saugnippeleinheit according to the prior art. Same curves are provided with the same reference numerals. The milk flow is not interrupted and a continuous milk flow is generated. The baby can not recover in between, but must constantly swallow milk, even if it maintains only the base vacuum. This does not correspond to the situation at the mother's breast.

Instead of the above described nipple can be used here also other teat. For example, the radially inwardly directed flange of the body can be aligned with the opening plane of the body or it can also be directed at an angle downwards out of the opening of the body.

Furthermore, instead of the suction channel or the skirt, a differently shaped inner connecting means may also be present. For example, a suction channel having a radially outwardly projecting flange, which engages behind a correspondingly shaped receptacle of the receiving unit, in particular of the receiving head.

The free end of the milk or suction channel does not necessarily have to protrude into the main body. It is also possible that the suction channel ends with the end of the mouthpiece directed towards the main body. This free end of the suction channel is shaped so that it allows a sealing, preferably pluggable connection with the receiving unit, for example by Providence suitable sealant on or in the suction channel. In particular, this end region of the suction channel may be formed as a cone, which receives the receiving unit under bias.

For example, the mouthpiece and / or the suction channel can also be provided with internal structures, for example radial or axial grooves, ribs, dents or nubs. The suction channel can also be provided on the outside with such internal structures. Also, the outer and inner surface of the body may be formed plan or structured.

The mouthpiece may be double-walled over its entire length, wherein the two walls are spaced apart from each other and are either connected together in the region of the mouthpiece or the inner wall ends free. The inner wall forms the suction channel.

The mouthpiece and / or the suction channel may be formed inside and / or outside, for example, hollow cylindrical or frustoconical. The suction opening can be chosen relatively large or small. In particular, the suction opening may have approximately the same cross-sectional area as the suction channel over its entire length. The suction opening may also have a smaller cross-sectional area than the suction channel. These variants can be combined with each other as desired.

The inventive Saugnippeleinheit allows a lifelike as possible sucking by the mouthpiece can be very much deformed without the flow restriction is significantly affected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

container

11

container neck

2

base

20

ring body

21

slot

23

vent valve

24

Bore

240

upper sealing edge

241

plane surface

25

inner truncated cone

27

outer sealing edge

270

outer sealing surface

28

inner sealing edge

281

ventilation opening

29

bottom stop

3

Up head

30

plug-in elements

301

inner thread

310

outer sealing surface

32

Through opening

341

support cushion

35

truncated cone

37

valve membrane

370

hinge

38

vent valve

39

collar

4

teat

40

body

41

flange

42

mouthpiece

420

rejuvenation

421

cavity

43

suction opening

430

flange

46

apron

460

flange

48

Milk duct / suction channel

5

volume curve

6

Flow Curve

7

Vacuum curve of the baby

8th

Triggering threshold of the valve

t ₁ to t ₄

wall thickness

A

Milk flow interrupted

B

Milk flows

Claims (13)

1. Teat unit for sucking a liquid from a liquid container (1), wherein the teat unit comprises a teat (4) and a flow restrictor with a through-opening (32), wherein the teat (4) comprises a mouthpiece (42), and a main body (40) which is formed integrally on the mouthpiece (42) and widens relative to the mouthpiece (42), wherein a suction opening (43) is present in the mouthpiece (42), and wherein the flow restrictor defines a maximum flow of the liquid passing through the suction opening (43) from the liquid container, wherein the flow restrictor is arranged outside the mouthpiece (42), and wherein the suction opening (43) has a greater cross-sectional surface area than the through-opening (32) of the flow restrictor, characterized in that the teat unit comprises a one-way valve (37) which is arranged outside the mouthpiece (42), and that the flow restrictor is arranged in an area adjacent to the one-way valve.
2. Teat unit according to Claim 1, wherein the teat unit has a receiving head (3) for receiving the teat (4), and wherein the flow restrictor is arranged in the receiving head (3).
3. Teat unit according to Claim 2, wherein the teat unit has a discharge opening (24) which is arranged upstream of the flow restrictor in the direction of flow of the liquid to the suction opening (43) and which has a greater diameter than the through-opening (32) of the flow restrictor, and wherein the one-way valve (37) closes or frees this discharge opening (24).
4. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 or 3, wherein the one-way valve (37) is a diaphragm valve.
5. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one suction channel (48) extends between flow restrictor and suction opening (43) and has, along its entire length, a greater diameter than the flow restrictor.
6. Teat unit according to Claim 5, wherein the suction opening (43) has approximately the same diameter as or a greater diameter than the suction channel (48).
7. Teat unit according to one of Claims 5 and 6, wherein the suction channel (48) has a constriction at a distance from the suction opening (43).
8. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of the through-opening (32) to the suction opening (43) is approximately 1:10.
9. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the suction opening (43) and/or the suction channel (48) extending in the mouthpiece has a diameter of 3 to 8 mm, and the through-opening (32) of the flow restrictor has a diameter of 0.2 to 0.7 mm.
10. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the mouthpiece (42) is designed with a single wall or a double wall.
11. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the mouthpiece (42) becomes stiffer, either continuously or in stages, towards the main body (40) from a free end comprising the suction opening (43).
12. Teat unit according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the one-way valve comprises a closed valve diaphragm with an area which covers the discharge opening (24) and with a peripheral area which does not cover the discharge opening (24), wherein the through-opening (32) is arranged in the peripheral area.
13. Teat unit according to claim 1, wherein the one-way valve (37) has a valve diaphragm and a valve seat, wherein the through-opening (32) of the flow restrictor is arranged in the valve diaphragm and can be closed by means of the valve diaphragm bearing sealingly on the valve seat, wherein the teat unit has a discharge opening (24) which is arranged in the valve seat in the direction of flow of the liquid towards the through-opening (32) before the flow restrictor wherein the discharge opening leads into a dead volume when the one-way valve is closed.

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