RU2795209C2 - Breast pump - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medical equipment.

SUBSTANCE: breast pump comprises a breast receptacle configured to receive a user's breast, a pressure source connected to the said at least one breast receptacle and configured to generate overpressure or underpressure in accordance with the first operating mode, which is the breast detection mode, or the second operating mode, which is the milk expression mode. The controller is configured to control the operation of the pressure source in the first operating mode or in the second operating mode. The breast detector is connected to the controller and is configured to detect the first condition when the breast is not placed in the at least one said chest receiver, and the possibility of detecting the second condition when the breast is placed in at least one said chest receiver, and to transmit the data about the first or second condition per controller. The breast detector is configured to detect the first or second condition based on operating parameters of the pressure source. The controller is configured to control the operation of the pressure source in the said first operating mode when the breast detector has detected the first condition, or in the said second operating mode when the breast detector has detected the second condition. In the said first operating mode, the pressure source is configured to create a reduced pressure enabling the breast to move inside the chest receiver. A method for controlling the operation of a breast pump and an information storage medium containing program code means for performing the steps of the method for controlling the operation of a breast pump are disclosed.

EFFECT: providing automatic breast detection and automatic start of pumping cycles during milk extraction.

12 cl, 9 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The invention relates to a breast pump and a method for controlling the operation of a breast pump.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Breast pumps are used by women who are breastfeeding to extract milk from their breasts so that the extracted milk can later be fed to their babies. As a rule, the breast is placed in a funnel-shaped bowl and a vacuum is applied to it in such a way as to extract the milk. The breast pump usually has two modes of operation, namely stimulation mode and extraction mode. In the stimulation mode, the milk ejection reflex is stimulated. When the user places only one breast in the breast cup, they can use the other hand to start or activate the breast pump. However, if the user places both breasts in the breast cups, then the user does not have free hands to activate the breast pump. When the breast pump is activated, a pressure source such as a vacuum pump inside the breast pump creates a vacuum and stimulation mode can be started.

However, it is sometimes difficult for the user to properly position the breast inside the breast-receiving funnel of the breast pump before activating the breast pump. If two hands are required to hold the breast-receiving funnel, it may be difficult to activate the pressure source. On the other hand, if the pressure source is activated first, the placement of the breast-receiving funnel may be difficult.

US 2011/004154 A1 describes a breast pump having a sensor for measuring a parameter of the breast pump during use. The sensor may be a pressure sensor or a milk flow sensor. The pressure sensor is configured to measure negative pressure in the chest cup. The milk flow sensor is configured to measure the milk flow. If the pressure measured by the pressure sensor differs from the set pressure, the controller can adjust the breast pump settings.

WO 2017/208243 A1 discloses a breast pump with air pumps and a process system connected to the pumps. In addition, the breast pump contains a user interface for actuating the air pumps by the user. Placement of the breast in the pumping set may be detected.

US 7,396,340 B2 discloses a breast pump with power supply and breast receptacle.

EP 2 575 919 A1 discloses a breast pump containing breast receivers, a power source and a controller for controlling the operation of the pressure source. In addition, the presence of a breast in the chest receiver can be detected.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a breast pump with increased ease of use at the beginning of a pumping session.

This problem is solved by using a breast pump which has at least one breast receptacle for receiving the user's breast. In addition, the breast pump contains a pressure source connected to said at least one breast receiver of the breast pump. The pressure source is configured to create overpressure or underpressure (vacuum) when the breast is placed in at least one of the breast receivers. The pressure source may be in different operating modes, for example in a first operating mode (eg detection mode or off mode) and a second operating mode for milk extraction, corresponding to stimulation mode or extraction mode, for example. In addition, the breast pump contains a controller to control the operation of the pressure source. In addition, the breast pump contains a breast detector connected to the controller. The breast detector detects a first state when a breast is not placed in said at least one chest receptacle, or a second state when a breast is placed in said at least one chest receptacle, based on operating parameters of a pressure source such as a vacuum source. The breast detector detects the first or second condition based on the operating parameters of the pressure source. The breast detector transmits data on the presence of the first or second condition to the controller. The controller may trigger an action based on the detection of the first or second condition by the breast detector. The controller controls the operation of the pressure source in the first operating mode if the breast detector has detected the first condition, or in the second operating mode if the breast detector has detected the second condition. Therefore, the breast pump controller can perform an action when a breast is detected in the chest receptacle.

Based on the detection of the first state (the breast is not in the breast bag) or the second state (the breast is in the chest bag), the controller activates the first operating mode (detection mode) or the second operating mode (milk extraction).

Therefore, a breast pump is provided that provides for automatic detection of the breast and automatic start of pumping cycles during milk extraction.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the action performed by the controller may be a visual or audible indication of a state, a change in a device operating parameter, or saving information about a state change. The controller may be configured to change the breast pump parameter and/or output a notification if the breast detector detects the second condition. Such a notification may also contain a signal, a command, or a log or memory entry.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating parameters of the pressure source may be the speed or acceleration of the pressure source motor, measurements of the voltage or current in the pressure source, or underpressure or overpressure generated by the pressure source.

According to an embodiment of the invention, operating parameters can be analyzed over time.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating parameters of the pressure source are chosen such that the presence of a breast causes a detectable change in at least one parameter measured by the breast detector.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the breast detector may also take into account the leakage that occurs when the breast is placed in the breast receptacle and overpressure or underpressure is applied.

According to an embodiment of the invention, when the breast pump is activated, reference measurements of the operating parameters of the vacuum source can be carried out.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller may operate the vacuum source in the initial placement mode, where the vacuum source creates a low vacuum, so that the pumping set (breast receiver) can be easily placed over the breast, which allows the detection mode to be triggered to detect the breast in the chest receiver.

According to another embodiment of the invention, if the breast detector does not detect the second state, in response to user input or in response to an external or internal signal such as a timer, the controller may initiate a second operating mode to start the stimulation or withdrawal mode, even if the second state not yet discovered. In addition, the stimulation mode and/or the extraction mode may be a sequence of different operating modes to effect milk extraction.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the controller may control the operation of the second pressure source based on input from a detector to the first pressure source.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller controls the operation of the pressure source in the detection mode as the first mode in which the pressure source creates a low vacuum. The controller is configured to control the operation of the pressure source in the second operating mode for decanting milk. The second operating mode may be divided into sub-modes.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller triggers the second operating mode of the pressure source based on input from the user, based on an external signal, or if the breast detector has not detected the second condition after a predetermined period of time.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the breast pump comprises at least one breast receptacle for receiving the user's breast, a pressure source connected to said at least one breast receptacle and configured to create overpressure or underpressure in accordance with at least the first operating mode or the second operating mode, a controller configured to control the operation of the pressure source in accordance with the first or second operating mode, the breast detector connected to the controller and configured to detect the first state when the breast is not placed in the specified at least one chest receiver, and the possibility detection of a second condition when the breast is placed in at least one chest receptacle, or the possibility of detecting a third condition when the breast is incorrectly placed in the specified at least one chest receptacle, so that a leak occurs, based on the operating parameters of the pressure source and the possibility of transmitting data about third state on the controller. In addition, the third state may relate to operating parameters that deviate from the operating parameters of normal operation. The controller is configured to control the operation of the pressure source in the first operating mode upon detection of the first state or in the second operating mode upon detection of the second state. The controller is configured to control the operation of the pressure source in the third operating mode upon detection of the third state.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller changes the breast pump parameter and/or issues a notification, signal or command when a third condition is detected by the breast detector.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the breast detector is configured to detect a third state based on operating parameters of the pressure source.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller is configured to start a mode sequence or program different from the original mode or mode sequence after an interruption.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the pressure source can be implemented as a hydraulic pump or as an electric pump.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the chest receptacle is mechanically movable or flexable so that the breast within the chest receptacle can be massaged to improve milk extraction.

In addition to the first and second operating modes, the breast pump may comprise an additional operating mode, which is a calibration mode, during which the operating parameters of the pressure source can be determined and calibrated.

The breast pump can automatically detect the breast based on the operating parameters of the pressure source of the breast detector. The first condition is detected when the breast is not placed in the chest receptacle, and the second condition is detected when the breast is placed in the chest receptacle. During the first operating mode, which corresponds to the detection mode, the breast detector monitors the operating parameters of the pressure source. During the first operating mode, a low overpressure or underpressure may be applied as needed so that the breast can still move in the chest receptacle to allow the user to comfortably position the breast in the chest receptacle. After the breast is placed in the breast receptacle and the second condition is detected by the breast detector, a second operating mode may be activated to begin milk extraction. However, if the breast is not properly placed in the chest receiver and a leak is detected (for example, because the overpressure or underpressure in the chest receiver does not correspond to the calculated overpressure or underpressure, or if the measured operating parameters do not correspond to typical operating parameters), then the controller can control the operation of the power supply in the third working mode to ensure the correct placement of the breast in the chest receiver. Such a breast pump enables automatic breast detection and milk extraction without any additional user input. Thus, the user only needs to turn on the breast pump to place the breast in the chest receptacle. Another sequence of events will be performed by the breast pump.

Additional aspects of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.

It should be understood that the preferred embodiment of the present invention may also be any combination of the dependent claims or the above embodiments with the corresponding independent claim.

These and other aspects of the invention will be understood and explained with reference to the embodiments of the invention described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings:

in FIG. 1 discloses a block diagram of a breast pump according to an embodiment of the invention,

in FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the operation of a breast pump according to an embodiment of the invention,

in FIG. 3 schematically shows a breast pump according to an embodiment of the invention,

in FIG. 4 is a graph showing the performance of a vacuum pump according to an embodiment of the invention,

in FIG. 5 is a graph showing the current profile of the breast pump pressure source motor,

in FIG. 6 shows the current profile of the breast pump motor,

in FIG. 7 shows the current profile of the breast pump motor,

in FIG. 8 shows the current profile of the breast pump motor, and

in FIG. 9 shows the current profile of the breast pump motor.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

On FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a breast pump according to an embodiment of the invention. The breast pump 100 includes a controller 110, a pressure source 120 configured to generate overpressure or underpressure (vacuum source) 120, at least one breast receptacle 130, a breast detector 140, and a milk extraction channel 150. The pressure source 120 may include a motor 121 for generating overpressure or underpressure (eg, vacuum). The pressure source 120 may further comprise a sensor configured to measure characteristics of the pressure sources, such as voltage or current, or pressure and flow. Such a sensor may be a speed sensor 122 and a voltage or current sensor 123 . The sensor 122 speed can be used to determine the speed of the engine 121 source 120 pressure. A voltage or current sensor 123 may be used to detect the voltage or current of motor 121.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the pressure source 120 is implemented as a vacuum source that creates a reduced pressure.

The breast detector 140 is used to determine if a breast has been placed in one of the chest receptacles 130. If the breast detector 140 does not detect a breast inside the chest receptacle 130, the breast detector 140 informs the controller 110 of the first condition (no breast placed in the chest receptacle 130). When the breast detector 140 detects the presence of a breast in one of the breast receivers 130, the breast detector 140 may report the second condition to the controller 110.

According to an embodiment of the invention, breast detector 140 uses the operating parameters of a pressure source 120, such as a vacuum source, to detect the presence of a breast in chest receptacle 130. Therefore, breast detector 140 can distinguish between a first state (no breast) and a second state (breast in chest receptacle). ).

The operating parameters of a pressure source, such as vacuum source 120, may be the speed or acceleration of motor 121, or the voltage or current of motor 121.

The controller 110 activates the second operating mode (pacing mode) of the pressure source, such as the vacuum source 120, when the breast detector 140 has reported the second condition. However, if the breast detector 140 reports the first state instead of the second state, the controller 110 does not trigger the second operating mode of the pressure source, such as the vacuum source 120.

If desired, the pressure source, such as vacuum source 120, may have a detection (breast) mode as the first operating mode. The detection mode (breast) can be activated by the controller 110 when the breast pump 100 is turned on. In detection mode, a pressure source, such as vacuum source 120, can additionally be used to create a low vacuum so that a user can place a chest into the chest receptacle without having difficulty overcoming a high vacuum that can make it difficult to move the breast inside the chest receptacle 130. In other words, In other words, during the detection mode, a pressure source, such as a vacuum source, creates a low vacuum to ensure comfortable placement of the breast within the chest receptacle. Alternatively, the transition to the second operating mode triggered by the detection of the second condition may be delayed to provide the user with additional time to properly place the breast in the chest receptacle.

The breast pump 100 may have a milk extraction port 150 which may include a breast receptacle 130 (expression set or breast cup). The milk extraction passage 150 is the path that the extracted milk follows until it enters a bottle or vessel that can be attached to a breast pump. The chest receiver 130 may be funnel-shaped.

The controller 110 may activate the second operating mode for expressing milk (first the stimulation mode and the extraction mode) when the breast detector 140 detects the presence of a breast in the breast receptacle 130 (ie, the second state). Thereafter, in the second operating mode, the controller 110 may start the extraction mode to extract milk from the user's breast.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the breast detector 140 may be implemented as a dedicated unit. Alternatively, controller 110 may perform at least some of the functions of breast detector 140.

The pressure source 120 may be an electric pump or a hydraulic pump. If necessary, the chest receptacle 130 is mechanically movable or flexable so that the breast within the chest receptacle can be massaged to improve milk extraction.

On FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the operation of a breast pump according to an embodiment of the invention. The breast pump according to Fig. 2 may correspond to the breast pump of FIG. 1. In step S1, the breast pump 100 is in the off state. In step S2, the breast pump 100 is turned on and testing (detection mode) is started. In other words, the breast detector 140 determines whether the breast is in the chest receiver 130. Therefore, the controller 110 may start the detection mode. If the breast detector 140 has not detected a breast in the chest receiver 130, the flow proceeds to step S3, returning the flow to step S2 to perform another test (by turning on the detection mode). However, if a breast is detected in the breast receptacle 130 (second state, step S4), a milk expression cycle (second vacuum source operating mode) is started in step S6.

An expression cycle may include a stimulation mode followed by a pumping mode. If, after a predetermined period of time, the breast detector has not detected a breast in the chest receiver 130, then the controller may still initiate the second operating mode. Alternatively, controller 110 may trigger the second operating mode based on user input or based on an external signal, even if no breast is detected. In step S7, the vacuum can be reduced by a pressure source such as the vacuum source 120, and the breast pump 100 can be turned off when milk is expressed.

If, after a predetermined period of time, the breast detector still detects the second state, the flow may proceed to step S4, and the controller 110 may activate the second operating mode of the pressure source, such as the vacuum source 120, to start expressing milk.

If necessary, breast detection can be performed for each breast that is placed in a chest receptacle (i.e. a pump set). Accordingly, the breast pump can increase the flexibility of the milk extraction process. For example, when the left breast is already correctly placed in the chest receptacle, the controller may start the second operating mode for the left breast while the right breast is still properly placed in the chest receptacle. Alternatively, controller 110 may only initiate the second operating mode when the breast detector has detected that both breasts are correctly placed in the chest receiver. Alternatively, if the user wants to extract milk from only one breast, then the controller 110 may detect that the other breast is not placed in the breast receptacle and still activate the second operating mode to extract milk.

One or two pump sets may be provided, each containing a chest receptacle (breast cup) into which a breast can be placed. Therefore, milk extraction, if necessary, can be performed for each breast separately. Alternatively, milk extraction can be performed on both breasts.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the breast detector 140 uses the operating parameters of a pressure source, such as a vacuum source, to determine the first or second state, namely whether the chest is placed in the chest receiver 130. The operating parameter may be the voltage or current of the pressure source, such as the source 120 vacuum, and, in particular, the parameters of the engine 121 source 120 pressure, such as a source of vacuum. The controller 110 may initiate a second operating mode (pacing mode or pumping mode of a pressure source such as vacuum source 120) when a breast is detected by the breast detector 140 in one of the chest receivers 130. When a breast is not detected in the other breast receiver 130 after a certain period of time, the controller 110 can switch from stimulation mode to pumping mode or vice versa (both second operating modes). Alternatively, controller 110 may switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

The breast detector 140 can account for vacuum leakage if necessary (eg, because the breast may not be accurately positioned within the chest receiver).

According to an embodiment of the invention, a pressure source detection mode, such as vacuum source 120, may be triggered by controller 110 upon activation of the breast pump. The detection mode can be used until a breast is detected inside the chest receptacle 130. In addition, the detection mode can also be used after the chest is detected in the chest receptacle (eg, at intervals) as an intermediate measurement during the second operating mode for to determine if the breast is still inside the chest receptacle, or to determine if the breast is placed in the chest receptacle and there is no leakage.

According to an embodiment of the invention, breast detector 140 may operate continuously or at intervals. In addition, the chest detector 140 can detect a leak as well as the interruption of a pressure source such as a vacuum source. This information can be communicated to the user via the breast pump or an external device such as a smartphone.

When the breast pump is activated, if necessary, the operating parameters of a pressure source, such as a vacuum source, can be measured. These measurements can be used as reference values.

According to an embodiment of the invention, detector 140 may be coupled to a vacuum sensor to detect a vacuum generated by a pressure source, such as vacuum source 120. According to an embodiment of the invention, once a breast has been detected in chest receptacle 130, controller 110 may operate a pressure source, such as vacuum source 120, in various operating modes. In particular, with the help of a pressure source, such as vacuum source 120, various suction profiles can be implemented. These suction profiles can be adapted over time.

In detection mode, controller 110 controls a pressure source, such as vacuum source 120, to create a low vacuum. This is particularly advantageous as it allows the user to correctly place the breast within the chest receptacle 130. After the breast detector 140 has detected correct placement of the breast in the chest receptacle, the controller 110 may initiate a pressure source stimulation mode, such as a vacuum source 120.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller 110 may initiate the second operating mode (pacing mode or pumping mode of the vacuum source 120) even if the breast detector 140 has not detected the correct placement of the breast inside the breast receptacle 130 after a predetermined period of time. This is advantageous as it allows milk to be extracted by the breast pump even if the breast detector has not yet detected the correct placement of the breast inside the breast receptacle. In other words, this function makes it possible for the breast pump to operate in fallback mode.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the breast pump may include pumping massage sets that allow the breast to be massaged during the stimulation regimen and the vacuum source removed.

On FIG. 3 schematically shows a breast pump according to an embodiment of the invention. The breast pump 100 according to the invention is an electric breast pump that includes a funnel 130 as a breast receptacle, a motor 121 for driving a vacuum pump 128, and an exhaust valve 125. The vacuum pump 128 is connected to the membrane 127 through a tube 126. In addition, , a solenoid 129 is provided to actuate the valve 125. The user's breast 300 is placed in the funnel 130 (breast receptacle), and the motor 121 is activated to create a vacuum in the funnel 130. A valve 152 is provided to allow air and milk to pass to the milk storage container or bottle 151 for milk. The controller 110 controls the voltage of the motor 121 and the solenoid. The current (I) and/or voltage (U) across the motor 121 can be determined.

The power of the motor 121 is calculated by multiplying the current by the voltage (P = U x I). If there is a load on the pump 128, then the value of the power required for the motor 121 is increased. If the current or voltage of the motor 121 is fixed, the presence of a load will increase another parameter. If either the current or the voltage is set to a low value, the increase in the other parameter will be more pronounced and therefore easily detectable.

By detecting an increase in one of the parameters (current, voltage), the breast pump can determine whether the breast is placed in a funnel or chest receiver. Accordingly, automatic detection of the presence of a breast in the chest receptacle is provided. Thus, breast detection is performed based on monitoring the operating parameters of a pressure source such as vacuum source 120.

According to an embodiment of the invention, motor 121 may operate in the motor surge voltage region. If, for example, the breast 300 is then placed in the funnel 130, then a breast pump load determination can be made. To determine the load, it is only necessary to monitor the amount of current passing through the motor 121. If the chest 300 is placed in the funnel 130, this results in a significant increase in the current of the motor 121. This large increase in current can be detected, and thus the presence of breasts in a funnel or chest receiver.

On FIG. 4 is a graph showing the performance of a vacuum pump according to an embodiment of the invention. On FIG. 4 shows pressure P, current C and flow F. FIG. 4 shows, in particular, the characteristics of the pump as a function of the pressure reached. As can be seen, with increasing pressure P, the flow rate F increases. Also, as the pressure P increases, the current C will increase to a maximum and then decrease again. According to an embodiment of the invention, only the first part C1 of the current function C is used if necessary, since this first part C1 is essentially linear and therefore predictable. Breast detector 140 may be implemented, for example, by measuring current or motor power as described above.

On FIG. 5 is a graph showing the current profile of the breast pump pressure source motor. On FIG. 5, a current profile graph of the breast pump motor 121 is shown when the breast is positioned inside the chest receptacle (profile A) and when the breast is not positioned inside the chest receptacle (profile B). In this embodiment, the voltage applied to the motor 121 is kept substantially constant so that the amperage increases the load (chest inside chest receiver; amperage profile A). According to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the difference between current profile A (with breast) and current profile B (without breast) can be detected by breast detector 140. Accordingly, breast detector 140 can determine if a breast is in chest receiver 130 by measuring the current flowing through motor 121 and comparing that current to a reference current value associated with current profile B (no breast).

On FIG. 6 shows the current profile of the breast pump motor. On FIG. 6 shows the current profile A of the breast pump when the breast is located inside the breast receptacle 130 and the current profile B of the breast pump when the breast is not located inside the chest receptacle. In addition, in FIG. 6 shows the angular difference α with respect to time for the current profile A and the angular difference β with respect to time for the current profile B. Therefore, the breast detector 140 can monitor the current slope A of the motor 121 and compare it with a reference motor slope without a breast in the chest receiver. In other words, breast detector 140 may use the detected angle difference to determine if a breast is in the chest receiver.

On FIG. 7 shows the current profile of the breast pump motor. On FIG. 7 specifically shows the current profile A of the breast pump motor 121 when the breast is inside the chest receptacle. The current profile B corresponds to the current profile of the motor 121 with no breast in the chest receiver. The breast detector 140 can determine the energy used by the breast pump motor 121 while the breast is in the breast receptacle. In addition, the breast detector can compare this usable energy with a reference usable energy D related to the motor current profile when there is no breast in the chest receiver. By comparing the two energies C, D used, breast detector 140 can determine if a breast is in the chest receiver.

On FIG. 8 shows the current profile of the breast pump motor. In particular, in FIG. 8 shows the current profile A for the motor 121 with the breast in the chest receiver. In addition, the current profile B of the motor 121 of the breast pump 100 corresponds to the current profile when the breast is not in the breast receptacle. According to FIG. 8, the breast detector 140 may compare the time difference between the current profile A and the current profile B to determine whether the chest is placed in the chest receiver 130.

On FIG. 9 shows the current profile of the breast pump motor. On FIG. 9 shows current profile A (with breast) and current profile B (without breast). In addition, in FIG. 9 also shows an enlarged section of current profiles A, B. The motor 121 may impose a ripple on the current drawn. Pulsation can indicate the speed of the motor. The current profile A contains a ripple having a height "a" and a distance "A1" between two pulses. The current profile B also contains ripples having a height "b" and a distance "B1" between two pulses. The chest detector can detect the pulse, and in particular the height of the pulses and the distance between two pulses, to determine the speed of the motor. The determined motor speed can then be used to determine if the chest is in the chest receptacle.

In addition, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the breast detector may use parameters other than the operating parameters of a pressure source, such as a vacuum source, to detect the presence of a breast. Therefore, the rotation of the motor can be used by the breast detector. Alternatively, the breast detector may include a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a chemical sensor, a temperature sensor, an acoustic sensor, a magnetic sensor, and/or a vital signs sensor. In addition, the chest detector 140 may use detection of the human body in the chest receiver 130.

According to an embodiment of the invention, in detection mode, the breast pump can operate in surge mode, i.e. the motor is operating in the surge voltage region, so that the motor speed is reduced.

The breast pump according to the invention can be configured to operate in open or closed systems (with or without a diaphragm or membrane 127). Accordingly, the breast pump can still be operated if valve 125 and/or tube 126 is removed.

According to an embodiment, the breast detector detects a first state where a breast is not placed in said at least one breast receptacle or a second state when a breast is placed in said at least one chest receptacle based on operating parameters of the pressure source.

In order to allow the controller to determine the difference between the threshold operating parameters and the actual (measured) operating parameters, the controller may be controlled by a fixed threshold operating parameter. Alternatively, a flexible threshold operating parameter may be used. This flexible performance threshold may be based on a fixed evolution of values over time (e.g. based on a known evolution of performance over lifetime) or may be based on a calibration measurement (measurement of non-breasted performance and stored as new thresholds). operating parameters).

For the calibration method, it is necessary to make sure that the breast is not present and does not affect the operating parameters (measured) during calibration. This can be achieved by instructing the user. This can also be done by using existing breast pump components. In particular, the venting outlet valve 125 can be used for this. During normal operation of the breast pump, the pressure source creates an overpressure or underpressure that is released to the atmosphere after a certain period of time. This release to the atmosphere is performed by opening the vent outlet valve 125. During calibration, this valve can be used to eliminate the effect of the breast on operating parameters. Therefore, this valve remains open so that when the pressure source creates overpressure or underpressure, it operates freely (without the presence of a breast) even if a breast is present in the chest receptacle.

The pressure source 120 may be implemented as an electrical pump or a mechanical diaphragm or any other device that can create underpressure or overpressure that can be used to extract milk.

According to an embodiment, if the first condition (no breast) is detected by the breast detector, the controller 110 may activate a power saving mode or may reduce the power consumption of the breast pump. This reduces energy consumption, can increase the life of the breast pump and reduce heat generation.

According to an embodiment, a breast pump may be integrated into a pumping set. The breast pump may include a motor configured to move the diaphragm (directly) next to the user's nipple, creating a reduced pressure.

According to an embodiment, a reduced pressure accumulator is provided, configured to supply reduced pressure. The pressure accumulator can be controlled by valves. Valve parameters can be used as indicators of the presence of breasts.

In an embodiment, a breast pump may comprise a plurality of pumps, a plurality of motors, and/or a plurality of pump sets.

Other variations of the disclosed embodiment of the invention can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in the practice of the present invention based on a study of the drawings, the text of the description and the accompanying claims.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the grammatical means of expressing the singular does not exclude the presence of a plurality.

A single unit or device can perform the functions of several products specified in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are set forth in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on suitable media, such as an optical storage device or solid-state storage device provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other form, such as over the Internet or other wired or wireless remote data transmission systems.

No reference positions in the claims are to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

1. Breast pump (100), containing: at least one chest receiver (130) configured to receive the user's chest, a pressure source (120) connected to said at least one chest receiver (130) and configured to create overpressure or underpressure in accordance with at least the first operating mode, which is the breast detection mode, or the second operating mode, which is a milk expression mode, a controller (110) configured to control the operation of the pressure source (120) in the first operating mode or in the second operating mode, and a breast detector (140) connected to the controller (110) and configured to detect the first state when the breast is not placed in the specified at least one chest receiver (130), and the possibility of detecting the second state when the breast is placed in the specified at least one chest receiver (130), and the possibility of transmitting data on the first or second state to the controller (110), moreover, the breast detector (140) is configured to detect the first or second state based on the operating parameters of the pressure source (120), while the controller (110) is configured to control the operation of the pressure source (120) in the specified first operating mode, when the breast detector (140) has detected the first state, or in the specified second operating mode, after the breast detector (140) has detected the second state , and in the specified first operating mode, the pressure source (120) is configured to create a reduced pressure that allows the breast to move inside the chest receiver (130). 2. The breast pump (100) according to claim 1, in which the controller (110) is configured in the second operating mode to change the breast pump parameter or output at least one of a notification, a signal, and a command in case the second condition is detected by the breast detector (140). 3. Breast pump (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the operating parameters of the pressure source (120) are selected such that the presence of the breast causes a detectable change in the operating parameter of the pressure source (120). 4. Breast pump (100) according to paragraphs. 1, 2 or 3, in which the operating parameters of the pressure source (120) contain data on the speed or acceleration of the engine (121) of the pressure source (120) or the measurement of the voltage or current of the engine (121). 5. Breast pump (100) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the controller (110) is configured to start the second operating mode of the pressure source (120) based on input from the user, based on an external signal, or if the breast detector (140) has not detected the second state after a predetermined period of time . 6. Breast pump (100) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the breast detector (140) is configured to detect a third condition when the breast is incorrectly placed in the breast receiver (130) such that a leak occurs, based on the operating parameters of the pressure source (120), or if the operating parameters of the pressure source deviate from the operating parameters of the normal operation of the power source, and the ability to transmit data about the third state to the controller (110), moreover, the controller (110) is configured to control the operation of the pressure source (120) in the third operating mode when the third state is detected. 7. The breast pump (100) according to claim 6, wherein the breast detector (140) is configured to detect the third state based on the operating parameters of the pressure source (120). 8. Breast pump (100) according to claim 1 or 6, in which the controller (110) is configured to start a sequence of modes or a program different from the original mode or sequence of modes, after interruption. 9. Breast pump (100) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, in which the controller (110) is configured to start a calibration mode to calibrate the operating parameters of the power supply. 10. Breast pump (100) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, in which the controller (110) is configured to start a calibration mode to calibrate the operating parameters of the power supply. 11. A method for controlling the operation of a breast pump (100) having at least one breast receiver (130), a pressure source (120), a controller (110) and a breast detector (140), comprising the following steps: detection by the detector (140) of the breast in the first operating mode, which is the mode of detecting whether the breast is placed in the chest receiver (130), and transmitting data to the controller about the first state when the breast is not placed in the chest receiver, or the second state when the breast is detected inside the chest receiver, and in the specified first operating mode, the method includes the operation of the pressure source (120) with the creation of reduced pressure, ensuring the movement of the breast inside the chest receiver (130), control by the controller (110) of the operation of the pressure source (120) in the specified first operating mode, when the breast detector (140) has detected the first state, or in the second operating mode, which is the milk expression mode, when the breast detector (140) has detected the second state , detection by the breast detector (140) of the first or second condition based on the operating parameters of the pressure source (120), changing the parameter of the breast pump (100) and/or issuing a notification, signal or command if the breast detector (140) has detected the second condition. 12. An information storage medium containing program code means for executing the steps of the method for controlling operation of the breast pump according to claim 11 when the information storage medium is started on the computer controlling the breast pump.

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