Applicator and applicator assembly

Abstract

To minimize additional work for the user to attach a medical device to the skin. [Solution] An applicator for attaching a medical device including a sensor unit and a base unit to the skin of a user. The applicator includes an applicator body, a locking hook, an insertion unit installed in the applicator body for moving the sensor unit from a first position separated from the base unit to a second position combined with the base unit, and an actuating part installed in the applicator body so as to be operated by a user to move from a third position to a fourth position for actuating the insertion unit. The locking hook is maintained in a fixed mode in which it engages with the base unit when the actuating part is located at the third position. The fixed mode is released by the actuating part moving to the fourth position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator, and more particularly to an applicator and an applicator assembly for attaching a medical device to a user's skin when used by attaching it to the user's skin. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, with the development of medical technology, various medical devices that are attached to the body of a user have been developed and sold. The medical devices that are attached to the body of a user can be usefully used for monitoring biological information or treating patients with chronic diseases by attaching them to the skin.

[0003] For example, chronic diseases such as diabetes require continuous management, and a medical device that is attached to the skin to measure blood glucose can be used to monitor the blood glucose of diabetic patients. Diabetes is characterized by having almost no subjective symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, specific symptoms such as excessive drinking, excessive eating, excessive urination, weight loss, general fatigue, skin pruritus, and wounds on the hands and feet that do not heal and last for a long time appear. As diabetes progresses further, complications such as vision impairment, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, periodontal disease, muscle spasms, neuralgia, gangrene, etc. appear. In order to diagnose such diabetes and manage it so that it does not progress to complications, systematic blood glucose measurement and treatment must be performed simultaneously.

[0004] For people with diabetes, and those who have not developed diabetes but have higher than normal levels of sugar in their blood, many medical device manufacturers offer a variety of blood glucose meters that can measure blood glucose.

[0005] There are two types of blood glucose measuring devices: one in which the user draws blood from the tip of a finger and measures blood glucose one time, and one in which the device is attached to the user's abdomen, arm, etc. and measures blood glucose continuously.

[0006] Diabetic patients generally go back and forth between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, but emergency situations occur when they are hypoglycemic, and they may lose consciousness or even die if the hypoglycemic state continues for a long time without sugar supply. Therefore, immediate detection of hypoglycemic states is very important for diabetic patients, but blood glucose meters that measure blood glucose intermittently have limitations in accurately detecting this.

[0007] Recently, to overcome these limitations, a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) has been developed and is being used, which is inserted into the human body to measure blood glucose levels every few minutes. The Continuous Glucose Monitoring System is able to continuously measure blood glucose levels by inserting a needle-shaped transcutaneous sensor into areas such as the abdomen and arm, where pain is relatively low, to minimize the user's pain and refusal to have blood drawn.

[0008] The continuous blood glucose monitoring system includes a sensor unit including a transcutaneous sensor that is inserted into the skin of a user to measure blood glucose inside the body, a transmitter for transmitting the blood glucose value measured by the transcutaneous sensor, and a terminal for outputting the transmitted blood glucose value.

[0009] Medical systems using transcutaneous sensors are manufactured in a wide variety of forms by different manufacturers, and the methods of use are also diverse. Currently, most systems are manufactured and distributed in a way that a single-use sensor unit is attached to the body through an applicator. The user must go through many steps to attach the sensor unit to the skin using the applicator, and after attaching the sensor unit to the body, various follow-up procedures must be performed, such as directly removing the needle inserted into the skin together with the transcutaneous sensor.

[0010] For example, the user must remove the packaging of the single-use sensor unit, accurately attach it to the applicator, and then, with the sensor unit inserted in the applicator, operate the applicator to attach the sensor unit to the skin. After attaching the sensor unit, the user must then remove the needle inserted into the skin and combine the transmitter with the sensor unit, which is inconvenient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide an applicator and applicator assembly that minimizes additional work by a user to attach a medical device to the skin and can be easily used to attach a medical device to the skin.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an applicator and an applicator assembly having an improved coupling structure between the applicator and a base unit that is detachably combined with the applicator while being separated from the sensor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the applicator of the present invention is an applicator for attaching a medical device to a user's skin, the applicator comprising: a sensor unit having a sensor at least a portion of which can be inserted into the skin of a user; and a base unit attached to the user's skin to be combined with the sensor unit, the applicator comprising: an applicator body to which the base unit is detachably combined; a locking hook installed on the applicator body to engage with the base unit; an insertion unit installed on the applicator body to move the sensor unit from a first position spaced apart from the base unit to a second position combined with the base unit; and an actuating part installed on the applicator body so as to be operated by a user to move from a third position to a fourth position to actuate the insertion unit, the locking hook being maintained in a fixed mode in which the actuating part is engaged with the base unit when the actuating part is located at the third position, and the fixed mode being releasable by the actuating part moving to the fourth position.

[0014] The locking hook may be tiltably coupled to the applicator body.

[0015] The locking hook may include a shaft rotatably coupled to the applicator body, a hook portion protruding from the shaft to engage with the base unit, and an extension portion protruding from the shaft to engage with the actuating portion.

[0016] The locking hook is movable from a locking position in which the locking mode is maintained to a release position in which the locking mode is released, and the actuating portion can move the locking hook to the release position while moving to the fourth position.

[0017] The applicator according to the present invention may include a return member that is installed on the applicator body and provides a moving force to the actuating part to return the actuating part, which has moved to the fourth position, to the third position and move the actuating part to a return position where it is disengaged from the locking hook.

[0018] The return member is elastically deformed by the movement of the actuating portion and can apply an elastic force to the actuating portion.

[0019] The locking hook may be combined with the applicator body so as to be tiltable, and the actuating portion may include a stopper having a stopper contact portion capable of contacting the locking hook to restrict tilting movement of the locking hook, and a stopper detent capable of contacting the locking hook to push the locking hook toward the release position.

[0020] The insertion unit may include a plunger that is arranged to be movable from the first position to the second position together with the sensor unit, the actuating portion may include a moving member that constrains movement of the plunger at the third position and moves to the fourth position to release the constraint on the plunger, and the stopper may be combined with the moving member.

[0021] The actuation portion can move in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the sensor unit.

[0022] The applicator according to the present invention may include a retention protrusion provided on the applicator body to come into contact with the locking hook in order to prevent the locking hook, which has moved to the release position, from being moved to the locking position.

[0023] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the applicator assembly according to the present invention includes a medical device including a sensor unit having a sensor at least a portion of which can be inserted into a user's skin, and a base unit attached to the user's skin to be combined with the sensor unit; an applicator body to which the base unit is detachably combined; a locking hook installed on the applicator body to engage with the base unit; an insertion unit installed on the applicator body for moving the sensor unit from a first position spaced apart from the base unit to a second position combined with the base unit; and an actuating part installed on the applicator body so as to be operated by a user and moved from a third position to a fourth position for actuating the insertion unit, wherein the locking hook is maintained in a fixed mode in which it engages with the base unit when the actuating part is located at the third position, and the fixed mode can be released by the actuating part moving to the fourth position. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, the additional work required by the user to attach the medical device to the user's skin is minimized, and the medical device can be attached to the user's skin by simply activating the applicator.

[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, the movement of the locking hook that engages with the base unit assembled to the applicator body is kept in a restricted state before the operating part is operated by the user. Therefore, the base unit can be stably maintained assembled to the applicator body by the locking hook before the applicator is used. Furthermore, the base unit cannot be easily separated from the applicator body during storage or transportation of the applicator assembly.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the present invention, after the sensor unit is combined with the base unit, the restraining force on the locking hook is released, so that the sensor unit can be smoothly separated from the combined applicator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a view showing a state in which a medical device of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a user's skin. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before a sensor unit and a base unit of a medical device are combined. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sensor unit and the base unit are combined. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing a base unit of a medical device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 2 is an exploded view of a portion of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of an applicator assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is an exploded view of an insertion unit assembly of the applicator. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing a portion of an applicator. [Figure 13] 11 is a side view illustrating a movement of a locking hook by an actuating part of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14A]13 is a plan view illustrating the movement of a locking hook by an actuating portion of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14B] 13 is a plan view illustrating the movement of a locking hook by an actuating portion of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15A] 1 is a view showing a moving tab and a protective sheet of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] 1 is a view showing a moving tab and a protective sheet of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15C] 1 is a view showing a moving tab and a protective sheet of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram showing a process of attaching a medical device to a user's skin using an applicator. [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram showing a process of attaching a medical device to a user's skin using an applicator. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram showing a process of attaching a medical device to a user's skin using an applicator. [Figure 19] 1 is a diagram showing a process of attaching a medical device to a user's skin using an applicator. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram showing a process of attaching a medical device to a user's skin using an applicator. [Figure 21] 1 is a diagram showing a process of attaching a medical device to a user's skin using an applicator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an applicator and an applicator assembly according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an applicator assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a medical device of the applicator assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to a user's skin.

[0030] The applicator assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit 100 having a sensor 110 to be inserted into the skin of a user, a base unit 200 constituting a medical device 20 together with the sensor unit 100, and an applicator 300 for attaching the medical device 20 to the skin of the user. The applicator assembly 10 may be provided to a user in a state in which the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are separately attached to the applicator 300. The sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 may be combined with each other by the applicator 300 and attached to the skin of the user.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , the medical device 20 can be attached to the skin of a user to measure biological information and wirelessly transmit the measurement data to an external terminal 5. The external terminal 5 can be a variety of devices capable of receiving the measurement data of the medical device 20, such as a user's mobile terminal, a dedicated medical device, a PC, a server, etc. The biological information that the medical device 20 can measure is not limited to a specific one. As an exemplary embodiment, the medical device 20 can periodically measure the user's blood glucose and transmit the blood glucose measurement information to the external terminal 5.

[0032] 3 and 4, the medical device 20 includes a sensor unit 100 for measuring biometric information of a user, and a base unit 200 that is attached to the skin of the user and combined with the sensor unit 100. The base unit 200 may have electronic components installed therein. The base unit 200 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100, and can process the biometric information measured by the sensor unit 100 and transmit it to an external terminal 5.

[0033] The sensor unit 100 includes a sensor 110 and a sensor unit housing 120 in which the sensor 110 is combined. At least a portion of the sensor 110 is inserted into the skin of a user and can sense an analyte in the skin of the user to generate an electrical signal. The sensor 110 includes a sensor body 111 and an insertion portion 115 connected to the sensor body 111 so as to be inserted into the skin of the user. The sensor body 111 is disposed inside the sensor unit housing 120, and the insertion portion 115 protrudes from the sensor unit housing 120.

[0034] The sensor unit housing 120 has a boss 121 into which the insertion portion 115 of the sensor 110 is inserted. The sensor unit housing 120 has a housing hole 123 penetrating the sensor unit housing 120 in the thickness direction. The insertion portion 115 and a needle 480 for inserting the insertion portion 115 into the skin of a user are inserted into the housing hole 123. A housing opening 125 is formed at the bottom of the sensor unit housing 120. The sensor body 111 may be exposed to the outside of the sensor unit housing 120 through the housing opening 125.

[0035] 3 to 5, the base unit 200 includes a base unit housing 210 to which the sensor unit 100 is combined, electronic components installed inside the base unit housing 210, and an adhesive layer 230 provided on the base unit housing 210 so as to be attached to the sensor unit 100. The electronic components may include a substrate 220, an electrical contact portion 222 that contacts the sensor 110, a battery 225, etc. A processor chip for processing signals, a communication chip for wireless communication with an external terminal 5, etc. may be mounted on the substrate 220.

[0036] The base unit housing 210 includes an insertion hole 211 through which the insertion part 115 and the needle 480 of the sensor 110 can pass, and a mounting part 212 to which the sensor unit housing 120 is combined. The mounting part 212 includes a base unit recess 213. The insertion hole 211 is configured in a form in which the boss 121 of the sensor unit 100 can be fitted and coupled. The insertion hole 211 is disposed inside the base unit recess 213 and extends to the base unit bottom part 215. The sensor unit housing 120 can be fitted and coupled to the base unit recess 213 to maintain a stable coupling state with the base unit housing 210. In addition, since the sensor unit housing 120 is stably fitted and coupled to the base unit housing 210, moisture or foreign matter cannot easily enter into the gap between the sensor unit housing 120 and the base unit housing 210. A base unit detent 217 is provided on the outer edge of the base unit housing 210. A locking hook 360 provided on the applicator 300 can be engaged with the base unit detent 217 .

[0037] The electrical contact portion 222 contacts the sensor 110 when the sensor unit 100 is assembled to the base unit 200. The electrical contact portion 222 is electrically connected to the substrate 220. The electrical contact portion 222 may pass through the housing opening 125 of the sensor unit housing 120 and contact the sensor body 111 when the sensor unit 100 is assembled to the base unit 200. The electrical contact portion 222 may be configured to elastically deform when in contact with the sensor body 111 in order to stably contact the sensor body 111.

[0038] The medical device 20 may be activated when the sensor 110 comes into contact with the electrical contact portion 222. When the medical device 20 is activated, an electric current is supplied to the sensor 110 and the electronic components of the base unit 200, and the medical device 20 operates. At this time, the medical device 20 may sense a test subject in the user's bodily fluid through the sensor 110 and transmit the acquired biological information to the external terminal 5.

[0039] In this manner, in the applicator assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the medical device 20 can be activated at the same time that the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are combined. That is, a separate operation for activating the medical device 20 is not required, and the medical device 20 can be started by the user operating the applicator 300 and attaching the medical device 20 to the skin. Therefore, a separate switch for activating the medical device 20 is not required, and the number of parts can be reduced, simplifying the structure of the medical device 20. In addition, a user operation for activating the medical device 20 is not required, making it easy to use.

[0040] The adhesive layer 230 is disposed on the surface of the base unit housing 210. The adhesive layer 230 may be configured in the form of a double-sided tape having adhesive properties on both sides. The adhesive layer 230 may attach the sensor unit housing 120 to the base unit housing 210. In the middle part of the adhesive layer 230, adhesive layer holes 231 and 232 are formed to penetrate the adhesive layer 230 in the thickness direction. One adhesive layer hole 231 is connected to the insertion hole 211. The electrical contact portion 222 may protrude on the adhesive layer 230 through the other adhesive layer hole 232. When the sensor unit 100 is combined with the base unit 200, the adhesive layer 230 may combine the sensor unit housing 120 and the base unit housing 210, and may seal between the sensor unit housing 120 and the base unit housing 210 to prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering the electrical contact portion 222 side.

[0041] The adhesive layer 230 is covered and protected by a protective sheet 240. The protective sheet 240 may be made of a material that can be detachably attached to the adhesive layer 230. If the adhesive layer 230 is exposed to air for a long period of time, the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer 230 may decrease. The protective sheet 240 covers the adhesive layer 230 to prevent the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer 230 from decreasing, and facilitates the handling of the base unit 200 by an operator during the manufacturing process of the base unit 200 and the process of assembling the base unit 200 to the applicator 300. The protective sheet 240 includes a protective portion 241 that covers the adhesive layer 230 and a wing portion 242 that extends from the protective portion 241. The protective portion 241 has a protective sheet opening 244 formed to penetrate the protective portion 241 in the thickness direction. When the protective portion 241 covers the adhesive layer 230, the protective sheet opening 244 may be connected to the adhesive layer hole 232 of the adhesive layer 230. A protective sheet hole 245 is formed in the wing portion 242 so as to penetrate the wing portion 242 in the thickness direction. The wing portion 242 extends outward from the base unit housing 210 and can be combined with a moving tab 600 of the applicator 300. The shape of the protective sheet 240 is not limited to that shown in the drawings and can be modified in various ways.

[0042] The base unit 200 is attached to the applicator 300 with the protective sheet 240 attached to the adhesive layer 230. The protective sheet 240 can be separated from the adhesive layer 230 by the moving tab 600 before the sensor unit 100 is combined with the base unit 200. After the protective sheet 240 is removed from the base unit 200 by the moving tab 600, the sensor unit 100 can move toward the base unit 200 and be combined with the base unit 200.

[0043] The base unit bottom 215 of the base unit 200 is provided with an adhesive pad 250. The size of the adhesive pad 250 is larger than the size of the base unit bottom 215. The adhesive pad 250 allows the base unit housing 210 to be attached to the skin of a user. A hole may be provided in the middle of the adhesive pad 250 through which the insertion portion 115 of the sensor 110 and the needle 480 can pass. The adhesive pad 250 may be covered and protected by a protective sheet 260. The protective sheet 260 may be removed during the process of attaching the base unit 200 to the skin of a user.

[0044] The sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are installed in an applicator 300 in a mutually separated state, and are combined with each other in the process of the applicator 300 operating to insert the sensor 110 into the skin of a user to form the medical device 20. The sensor unit 100 is attached to the applicator 300 in a state in which the needle 480 is combined, and may move toward the base unit 200 in a state in which the needle 480 is combined, and may be combined with the base unit 200. After the sensor unit 100 is combined with the base unit 200, the needle 480 is separated from the sensor unit 100, and only the medical device 20 remains on the skin of the user.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment, the base unit 200 may have a configuration that does not include electronic components and simply supports the sensor unit 100 so that it is not separated from the skin of the user. In this case, a separate electronic unit that processes biological information measured by the sensor unit 100 and transmits the biological information to the external terminal 5 may be detachably combined with the base unit 200. The separate electronic unit may be combined with the base unit 200 so as to be electrically connected to the sensor unit 100 after the sensor unit 100 is combined with the base unit 200.

[0046] 6 to 15, the applicator 300 is operated in a state where the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are attached, combines the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200, and can attach the medical device 20, which is the combination of the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200, to the skin of a user. After attaching the medical device 20 to the skin of a user, the applicator 300 is separated from the medical device 20, and the medical device 20 remains attached to the skin of the user by the adhesive pad 250.

[0047] The applicator 300 includes an applicator body 305 to which the base unit 200 is separably combined, an insertion unit assembly 400 including an insertion unit 420 for inserting the sensor 110 into the skin of a user, and a moving tab 600 for removing the protective sheet 240. The insertion unit 420 can move the sensor unit 100 from a first position spaced apart from the base unit 200 by a preset distance to a second position where the sensor unit 100 is combined with the base unit 200.

[0048] The applicator body 305 includes a base frame 310 , a middle frame 330 disposed on the base frame 310 , and a top case 350 combined with the middle frame 330 to cover the middle frame 330 .

[0049] The base frame 310 has an applicator body bottom 312 that faces the skin of the user. An applicator body recess 313 in which the base unit 200 is placed is provided in the middle of the applicator body bottom 312. The base unit 200 can be at least partially received in the applicator body recess 313 such that the adhesive pad 250 faces the skin of the user.

[0050] A base frame opening 314 is formed in the middle of the base frame 310 so as to penetrate the base frame 310 in the thickness direction. A fence portion 316 is provided around the base frame opening 314. The fence portion 316 can support the insertion unit assembly 400. A support portion 318 and a retention protrusion 327 are provided on the inside of the base frame 310. The support portion 318 is disposed on both sides of the base frame opening 314. The support portion 318 tiltably supports a locking hook 360 for separably combining the base unit 200 with the applicator body 305. The support portion 318 includes an elastic support base 319 that is elastically deformable and a support protrusion 320 that protrudes from the surface of the elastic support base 319. The support portion 318 may be changed to various other configurations capable of supporting the locking hook 360 other than the configuration shown in the figure. A pair of retention protrusions 327 are provided to correspond to a pair of locking hooks 360 disposed on both sides of the base frame opening 314. The retention protrusions 327 are elastically deformable and can contact the locking hooks 360 to restrict the movement of the locking hooks 360. The retention protrusions 327 can be changed to various other shapes capable of restricting the movement of the locking hooks 360 other than the illustrated configuration.

[0051] The locking hook 360 can be engaged with the base unit 200 mounted in the applicator body recess 313 to maintain the base unit 200 placed in the applicator body recess 313. The locking hook 360 can be disengaged from the base unit 200 after the medical device 20 is attached to the user's skin. The locking hook 360 is tiltably coupled to the support 318. The locking hook 360 includes a shaft 361 rotatably coupled to the support 318, a hook portion 363 provided protruding from the middle of the shaft 361, and an extension portion 364.

[0052] Both ends of the shaft 361 are provided with extensions 362 having a diameter larger than that of the shaft 361. The shaft 361 is rotatably disposed between the elastic support 319 and the fence portion 316. The support protrusions 320 of the support portion 318 contact the shaft 361 from above to prevent the shaft 361 from being separated from between the elastic support 319 and the fence portion 316. The shaft 361 can slide in its length direction while being supported by the support portion 318. The extensions 362 of the shaft 361 can contact the elastic support 319 to restrict the movement of the shaft 361, thereby limiting the movement distance of the shaft 361 in the length direction.

[0053] The hook portion 363 protrudes from the middle of the shaft 361 and can engage with the base unit detent 217 of the base unit 200. An end of the hook portion 363 is located in the applicator body recess 313 of the base frame 310 and can engage with the base unit 200 placed in the applicator body recess 313. When the hook portion 363 engages with the base unit 200, the movement of the locking hook 360 is restricted by the actuation portion 500, so that the base unit 200 can be maintained in a state combined with the applicator body 305.

[0054] The extension part 364 may protrude from the middle of the shaft 361 and engage with the actuating part 500. When the extension part 364 engages with the actuating part 500, the movement of the locking hook 360 is restricted, so that the hook part 363 may maintain a state of being engaged with the base unit 200. After the actuating part 500 is actuated to combine the sensor unit 100 with the base unit 200, the extension part 364 may be released from the actuating part 500. When the extension part 364 is not interfered with by the actuating part 500, the locking hook 360 may be released from the restriction by the actuating part 500 and disengaged from the base unit 200.

[0055] The locking hook 360 can be moved from the locking position to the release position by the actuation unit 500. The locking hook 360 can maintain a fixed mode in which it engages with the base unit 200 at the locking position. The fixed mode of the locking hook 360 is a state in which the locking hook 360 engages with the base unit 200 and fixes the base unit 200 so as not to be separated from the applicator body 305. The fixed mode of the locking hook 360 can be released by the locking hook 360 moving to the release position. Specific movements of the locking hook 360 by the actuation unit 500 will be described later.

[0056] 14(a) shows the locking hook 360 in the locking position, where the retention protrusion 327 can contact the side of the locking hook 360. FIG. 14(b) and (c) show the locking hook 360 in the release position, where the retention protrusion 327 contacts one end of the locking hook 360. Therefore, after the locking hook 360 is moved to the release position by the operating part 500, it is blocked by the retention protrusion 327 and has difficulty returning to the locking position. That is, the retention protrusion 327 can restrict the movement of the locking hook 360 so that the locking hook 360 moved to the release position cannot retreat to the locking position. When the locking hook 360 is moved from the locking position to the release position by the operating part 500, the extension part 362 of the locking hook 360 can pass through the retention protrusion 327 while elastically deforming the retention protrusion 327. When the locking hook 360 reaches the release position, the retention protrusion 327 may return to its original state and come into contact with one end of the locking hook 360 .

[0057] In addition, the base frame 310 is provided with a stage 322 and an entrance 323. The stage 322 is provided inside the base frame 310 and supports the moving tab 600 so that it can move linearly. The entrance 323 is formed on one side of the outer surface of the base frame 310. The moving tab 600 placed on the stage 322 can be pulled out to the outside of the base frame 310 through the entrance 323.

[0058] The specific configuration of the base frame 310 is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and can be modified in various ways.

[0059] The middle frame 330 includes a stage 331 that supports the actuator 500. A middle frame opening 332 that is connected to the base frame opening 314 of the base frame 310 is provided in the middle of the stage 331. The column member 410 of the insertion unit assembly 400 can be inserted into the base frame opening 314 through the middle frame opening 332. Guide protrusions 334 are provided on both sides of the stage 331. The guide protrusions 334 can guide the actuator 500 to move linearly from the third position to the fourth position. Here, the third position is a position where the actuator 500 cannot operate the insertion unit 420 so that the sensor unit 100 waits at the first position. And the fourth position is a position where the actuator 500 operates the insertion unit 420 so that the sensor unit 100 can move to the second position. When the actuator 500 is moved to the fourth position by the user, the insertion unit 420 can be triggered by the actuator 500 to move the sensor unit 100.

[0060] The middle frame 330 is provided with a locking member 338 for restricting the movement of the actuating part 500 so that the actuating part 500 cannot move in the third position, and a return member 345 for elastically supporting the actuating part 500.

[0061] The locking member 338 is disposed in a through hole 336 formed in the middle of the stage 331. The locking member 338 includes a body portion 340 connected to the middle frame 330 so as to be elastically deformable, a hook portion 341 connected to one side of the body portion 340 so as to be engaged with the actuating portion 500, and a leg portion 342 connected to the other side of the body portion 340 so as to be in contact with the moving tab 600. When the leg portion 342 contacts the moving tab 600, the locking member 338 may be deflected in a direction in which the hook portion 341 engages with the actuating portion 500. When the leg portion 342 is released from the moving tab 600, the locking member 338 may be deflected in a direction in which the hook portion 341 is disengaged from the actuating portion 500. That is, the locking member 338 may maintain a position in which the hook portion 341 does not engage with the actuating portion 500 when no other external force is applied. When the moving tab 600 contacts the leg portion 342 , the locking member 338 is elastically deformed so that the hook portion 341 engages with the operating portion 500 .

[0062] The configuration of the locking member 338 is not limited to that shown in the figure and can be modified in various ways.

[0063] The return member 345 may contact one side of the actuating part 500 and elastically support the actuating part 500 so that the actuating part 500 cannot easily move from the third position to the fourth position. That is, the return member 345 may generate a resistance force that resists the force of the user pressing the actuating part 500. The return member 345 may prevent accidental movement of the actuating part 500 by allowing the actuating part 500 to move when the actuating part 500 receives a pressure force of a preset magnitude or more. In addition, the return member 345 may provide a moving force that returns the actuating part 500, which has moved to the fourth position, to the third position. The return member 345 may be elastically deformed when the actuating part 500 is moved to the fourth position by the user. In addition, when the user's pressure force on the actuating part 500 is released, the return member 345 may apply an elastic force to the actuating part 500 to move the actuating part 500 to the third position.

[0064] The top case 350 covers the upper part of the middle frame 330. A top case opening 351 in which the button 510 of the operating part 500 is disposed is provided on one side of the top case 350.

[0065] In addition to the configuration including a base frame 310, a middle frame 330, and a top case 350 as shown in the figure, the applicator body 305 can be changed to various other configurations that can be combined with the insertion unit assembly 400 to support the insertion unit assembly 400 and can be combined so that the base unit 200 can be detachably combined.

[0066] The insertion unit assembly 400 includes a column member 410 fixed to the applicator body 305, and an insertion unit 420 supported by the column member 410 so as to be combined with the sensor unit 100 and move the sensor unit 100 from a first position to a second position. The insertion unit 420 includes a shuttle 430 movably installed inside the column member 410, and a needle assembly 450 that can move together with the shuttle 430. The shuttle 430 can be combined with the sensor unit 100 and move together with the sensor unit 100 from the first position to the second position. The needle assembly 450 includes a carrier 460 that can move relative to the shuttle 430, and a needle 480 that can be combined with the carrier 460 and inserted into the skin of a user.

[0067] The column member 410 is fixed to the applicator body 305 and supports the insertion unit 420. The column member 410 includes a column member body 411 with a lower end open to the outside. A space capable of accommodating the insertion unit 420 is provided inside the column member body 411. A release portion 414 is provided on the inner surface of the column member body 411. The release portion 414 is a portion with which a part of the carrier 460 may come into contact as the carrier 460 moves toward the base unit 200. By the action of the release portion 414, the carrier 460 is disengaged from the shuttle 430 and can move relative to the shuttle 430.

[0068] The shuttle 430 is installed in the column member 410 so as to be able to move linearly. The shuttle 430 includes a shuttle body 432 having a space inside for accommodating the needle assembly 450. A shuttle protrusion 433 is provided on one side of the shuttle body 432. The shuttle protrusion 433 protrudes from the shuttle body 432 so as to be able to contact the actuating part 500. The shuttle 430 is fixed at a first position when the shuttle protrusion 433 contacts the actuating part 500, and can move to a second position when the shuttle protrusion 433 is released from the actuating part 500. A shuttle detent 434 is provided inside the shuttle body 432 with which a carrier latch 467 of the carrier 460 can be engaged. When the carrier latch 467 is engaged with the shuttle detent 434, the carrier 460 moves together with the shuttle 430 and cannot move relative to the shuttle 430. When the carrier latch 467 is disengaged from the shuttle detent 434, the carrier 460 can move relative to the shuttle 430. A shuttle bottom 435 that contacts the sensor unit 100 is provided at one end of the shuttle body 432. A shuttle through hole 436 is provided at the shuttle bottom 435. A needle 480 can protrude to the outside of the shuttle body 432 through the shuttle through hole 436. A fixing part 438 is provided at the inside of the shuttle 430. The fixing part 438 is for fixing a needle release driver 490 that provides a moving force to the carrier 460.

[0069] The shuttle 430 moves when a moving force is provided from the shuttle driver 440. The shuttle driver 440 includes a forward elastic member 441 that applies an elastic force to the shuttle 430 in a direction of moving from the first position to the second position. One end of the forward elastic member 441 contacts one side of the column member 410, and the other end contacts one side of the shuttle 430. The shuttle 430 may be installed inside the column member 410 in a state in which the forward elastic member 441 is elastically deformed. The shuttle 430 may wait at the first position in a state in which the forward elastic member 441 is elastically deformed by the shuttle protrusion 433 contacting the actuation part 500. Then, when the actuation part 500 moves and the shuttle protrusion 433 is released from the actuation part 500, the shuttle 430 may move to the second position by the elastic force of the forward elastic member 441.

[0070] The shuttle driver 440 may be modified to various other configurations capable of providing a moving force to the shuttle 430 other than the configuration including the forward elastic member 441 in the form of a coil spring.

[0071] The needle assembly 450 includes a carrier 460 to which the sensor unit 100 is separably assembled, and a needle 480 to which the carrier 460 is assembled so as to penetrate the sensor unit 100. The needle 480, in a state assembled with the sensor unit 100, can advance from a first position to a second position together with the sensor unit 100 and be inserted into the skin of a user. The needle 480 can also be retracted from the second position together with the carrier 460 and separated from the skin of the user and the sensor unit 100.

[0072] The carrier 460 is combined with the shuttle 430 so as to be movable relative to the shuttle 430. A portion of the carrier 460 engages with the shuttle 430, so that the carrier 460 can advance from a first position to a second position together with the shuttle 430. The carrier 460 can be disengaged from the shuttle 430 at the second position and retreat in a direction away from the sensor unit 100. The carrier 460 includes a carrier body 461 with which the needle 480 is combined, a plurality of carrier wings 464 extending from the carrier body 461 so as to be elastically deformable, and a plurality of grip arms 470 connected to the sides of the carrier body 461. The carrier body 461 includes a fixing portion 462 with which the needle release driver 490 is combined. The carrier wing 464 includes a wing body 465 connected to the carrier body 461 so as to be elastically deformable, a trigger 466 protruding from the wing body 465, and a carrier latch 467. The trigger 466 can contact the release portion 414 of the column member 410 as the carrier 460 moves with the shuttle 430 from the first position to the second position.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, the release portion 414 is disposed inside the column member 410 so as to be in contact with the trigger 466. When the carrier 460 moves from the first position to the second position, the trigger 466 may come into contact with the release portion 414, causing the carrier wing 464 to be elastically deformed. The carrier latch 467 protrudes outward from the wing body 465. The carrier latch 467 may engage with the shuttle detent 434 of the shuttle 430. When the carrier latch 467 engages with the shuttle detent 434, the carrier 460 may maintain a state in which the retraction elastic member 491 of the needle release driver 490 is elastically deformed, and may not move in a direction in which the elastic force of the retraction elastic member 491 acts. When the trigger 466 comes into contact with the release portion 414, causing the carrier wing 464 to be elastically deformed, the carrier latch 467 may come out of the shuttle detent 434, causing the carrier 460 to move.

[0074] The grip arm 470 is provided on the side of the carrier body 461 so as to be elastically deformable. A plurality of grip arms 470 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the carrier body 461 so as to be engaged with the sensor unit 100. The carrier 460 is assembled to the shuttle 430 so that the carrier body 461 is positioned inside the shuttle 430 and the end of the grip arm 470 protrudes from the shuttle 430. The carrier 460 can fix the sensor unit 100 in a manner in which the grip arm 470 is engaged with the sensor unit housing 120.

[0075] The carrier 460 can position the sensor unit 100 at the first position from inside the applicator body 305. When the carrier 460 is positioned at the first position, a portion of the grip arm 470 contacts the inner surface of the column member 410. Therefore, the grip arm 470 is biased in a direction to engage with the sensor unit housing 120, and the carrier 460 can maintain a state in which it is stably combined with the sensor unit 100.

[0076] Meanwhile, when the sensor unit 100 and the carrier 460 move toward the base unit 200 and the sensor unit 100 is assembled with the base unit 200, the grip arm 470 comes off the inner surface of the column member 410. Therefore, the fixing force of the grip arm 470 becomes weak when the sensor unit 100 is assembled with the base unit 200. Since the sensor unit 100 is fixed to the base unit 200 by the adhesive layer 230, when the carrier 460 is pulled in a direction away from the medical device 20 by the needle release driver 490, the grip arm 470 may be separated from the sensor unit 100.

[0077] The carrier 460 can be moved relative to the shuttle 430 by the needle release driver 490. The needle release driver 490 includes a retraction elastic member 491 in the form of a tension spring. The retraction elastic member 491 applies an elastic force to the carrier 460 in a direction away from the sensor unit 100, and can move the carrier 460 together with the needle 480 so as to separate from the sensor unit 100. One end of the retraction elastic member 491 is combined with the fixing portion 438 of the shuttle 430. And the other end of the retraction elastic member 491 is fixed to the fixing portion 462 of the carrier 460.

[0078] The needle release driver 490 is not limited to the illustrated configuration and may be modified in various ways. In another exemplary embodiment, the needle release driver 490 may include a compression spring that applies elastic force to the carrier 460. In addition, the needle release driver 490 may be modified to various other configurations that can provide a moving force to the carrier 460 other than the configuration including a spring in the form of a coil spring.

[0079] The needle 480 can move from a first position to a second position while being fixed to the carrier 460 and combined with the sensor unit 100. The needle 480 has a pointed end so that it can penetrate the user's skin and be smoothly inserted into the user's skin. When the sensor unit 100 moves to the second position, the needle 480 penetrates the user's skin before the sensor 110, so that the sensor 110 can be stably inserted into the skin. The needle 480 is separated from the user's skin after the sensor 110 is inserted into the user's skin. The needle 480 includes a needle body 481 that can be inserted into the user's skin and a needle head 482 that is combined with the carrier 460. A needle coupler 485 for fixing the needle head 482 to the carrier 460 is combined with the needle head 482. A needle coupler 485 may be secured inside the carrier 460 to secure the needle head 482 to the carrier 460 .

[0080] The specific configuration of the needle 480 is not limited to that shown in the drawings and may be modified in various ways. Also, the manner in which the needle 480 and the carrier 460 are coupled may be modified in various ways.

[0081] The insertion unit assembly 400 may be assembled to the applicator body 305 in a state in which the forward elastic member 441 of the shuttle driver 440 for moving the shuttle 430 and the retraction elastic member 491 of the needle release driver 490 for moving the needle assembly 450 are elastically deformed. The insertion unit assembly 400 may also be disposed in the applicator body 305 in a state in which it is assembled to the sensor unit 100. In the applicator assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shuttle 430, the shuttle driver 440, the needle assembly 450, and the needle release driver 490 constituting the insertion unit 420 may be easily assembled to the applicator body 305 by constituting one assembly together with the column member 410.

[0082] The actuator 500 is mounted on the applicator body 305 so as to be movable from the third position to the fourth position by being operated by a user. The actuator 500 includes a button 510 that can be operated by a user, and a moving member 520 that is disposed inside the applicator body 305 so as to be in contact with the shuttle 430. The actuator 500 may be mounted on the applicator body 305 so as to be linearly movable in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the shuttle 430, more preferably in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the shuttle 430.

[0083] The button 510 is disposed in the top case opening 351 of the applicator body 305 and can be pushed by a user. One side of the button 510 is provided with a button protrusion 511 that contacts the moving member 520. When a user presses the button 510, the button protrusion 511 can press the moving member 520.

[0084] The moving member 520 includes a moving member body 521 supported by the stage 331 of the middle frame 330, and a base portion 526 for supporting the shuttle 430. A moving member opening 522 is formed in the middle portion of the moving member body 521 so as to penetrate the moving member body 521 in the thickness direction. A moving member detent 524 is provided on one side of the moving member body 521. The moving member 520 cannot move when the locking member 338 is engaged with the moving member detent 524. At this time, even if the button 510 is operated, the moving member 520 cannot move in the third position and can maintain the state of supporting the shuttle 430. The moving member 520 can move to the fourth position when the locking member 338 is disengaged from the moving member detent 524. After moving to the fourth position, the moving member 520 can be returned to the third position by the elastic force of the return member 345.

[0085] The underlay 526 is disposed on the edge of the moving member opening 522. As shown in Fig. 12, the underlay 526 can protrude from the moving member body 521 and support the shuttle protrusion 433 of the shuttle 430. When the moving member 520 is located at the third position, the underlay 526 can support the shuttle protrusion 433 and restrain the movement of the shuttle 430 located at the first position. When the moving member 520 moves to the fourth position, the underlay 526 is released from the shuttle protrusion 433, so that the shuttle 430 can move to the second position.

[0086] The moving member 520 is provided with a stopper 530 that can contact the locking hook 360. The stopper 530 protrudes from the moving member body 521 so as to contact one side of the locking hook 360. When the operating part 500 is located at the third position, the stopper 530 can restrict the movement of the locking hook 360 so that the locking hook 360 is not tilted. The stopper 530 is configured to contact the locking hook 360 only when the operating part 500 moves toward the fourth position, and to separate from the locking hook 360 when the operating part 500 moves toward the third position. Specifically, the stopper 530 includes a stopper contact portion 531 and a stopper detent 532. The stopper contact portion 531 can contact an upper surface of the extension portion 364 of the locking hook 360 to restrict the tilting movement of the locking hook 360. The stopper detent 532 can contact one side of the extension 364 to urge the locking hook 360 towards the release position.

[0087] 13(a) and 14(a), when the operating part 500 is located at the third position, the stopper contact part 531 contacts the locking hook 360, thereby restricting the tilting movement of the locking hook 360. At this time, the locking hook 360 can maintain a fixed mode in which it is engaged with the base unit 200.

[0088] 13(b) and 14(b), when the operating part 500 is moved to the fourth position by the user's operation, the stopper detent 532 of the stopper 530 presses the locking hook 360. At this time, the locking hook 360 moves from the locking position, where the locking mode is maintained, to the release position, where the locking mode is released. After the locking hook 360 moves to the release position, the retention protrusion 327 comes into contact with one end of the locking hook 360, thereby restricting the movement of the locking hook 360 in the longitudinal direction.

[0089] Meanwhile, when the user's pressure on the actuating part 500 is removed, the actuating part 500 moves to a return position where it is disengaged from the locking hook 360 by the elastic force of the return member 345. When the actuating part 500 moves to the return position, the stopper 530 is separated from the locking hook 360, and the locking hook 360 maintains a stopped state at the release position by the retention protrusion 327. In this embodiment, the return position of the actuating part 500 is the same as the third position. As shown in FIG. 14(c), when the actuating part 500 is located at the return position, the stopper 530 is disengaged from the locking hook 360. At this time, the locking hook 360 can be tilted, and the locking mode of the locking hook 360 can be released.

[0090] The moving tab 600 is combined with the applicator body 305 so that the moving tab 600 can be operated by a user to remove the protective sheet 240. As shown in FIG. 15, the moving tab 600 includes a moving tab body 610 connected with the protective sheet 240 and a holder 620 combined with the moving tab body 610. At least a portion of the moving tab 600 can be pulled out from the inside to the outside of the applicator body 305 through an entrance 328 of the applicator body 305. The moving tab 600 is supported by a stage 322 of the applicator body 305 and can move linearly in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the sensor unit 100. The moving tab 600 can move from an initial position combined with the protective sheet 240 of the base unit 200 located at the second position to a removal position where the protective sheet 240 is separated from the adhesive layer 230.

[0091] The moving tab body 610 has a moving tab hole 611 penetrating the moving tab body 610 in the thickness direction. The wing portion 242 of the protection sheet 240 can be inserted into the moving tab hole 611. The moving tab body 610 has a handle portion 613 at one end thereof and a moving tab engaging portion 615 at the other end thereof. When the moving tab 600 is located at the initial position, the handle portion 613 is placed outside the applicator body 305 and the moving tab engaging portion 615 can engage with one inner side of the base frame 310. Therefore, when a force of a preset magnitude or more is applied to the moving tab 600, the moving tab engaging portion 615 is disengaged from the base frame 310 and the moving tab can move.

[0092] The holder 620 includes a holding part 621 and an elastically deformable pressing part 622. With the wing part 242 of the protection sheet 240 inserted into the moving tab hole 611, the holding part 621 is inserted into the protection sheet hole 245, so that the protection sheet 240 can be connected to the moving tab 600. The pressing part 622 can press the protection sheet 240 assembled to the base unit 200 by protruding from the moving tab body 610. When the moving tab 600 is located at the initial position, the pressing part 622 can press the protection sheet 240 toward the adhesive layer 230 to prevent the protection sheet 240 from floating away from the adhesive layer 230. Therefore, before the protection sheet 240 is separated from the adhesive layer 230, the protection sheet 240 can maintain a state in which it stably covers the adhesive layer 230. The pressure portion 622 is elastically deformable, so that it can be elastically deformed in contact with the base frame 310 when the moving tab 600 is pulled to the removal position.

[0093] In addition to the function of removing the protective sheet, the moving tab 600 also has a function of restricting the movement of the moving member 520 together with the locking member 338. As shown in FIG. 6, when the operating part 500 is located at the third position and the moving tab 600 is located at the initial position, the moving tab 600 supports the leg portion 342 of the locking member 338. At this time, the hook portion 341 of the locking member 338 maintains a state of being engaged with the moving member detent 524 of the operating part 500. Therefore, even if the operating part 500 is operated, the moving member 520 cannot move. On the other hand, when the moving tab 600 is pulled out from the entrance 323, the locking member 338 is disengaged from the operating part 500, and the operating part 500 can move.

[0094] The configuration of the moving tab 600 is not limited to the illustrated one, and may be modified in various ways. For example, in the drawings, the handle portion 613 is shown to protrude from the applicator body 305 when the moving tab 600 is located at the initial position, but the moving tab 600 may be configured such that the handle portion does not protrude from the applicator body 305 when the moving tab 600 is located at the initial position. Also, the moving tab 600 may be installed such that only a portion of the moving tab 600 is removed from the entrance 328 and the remaining portion is located inside the applicator body 305 when the moving tab 600 is moved to the removal position. Also, as another exemplary embodiment, the moving tab may be installed as a push type. In this case, the moving tab is installed in the applicator body 305 so as to move linearly in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the sensor unit 100, and may be moved by a user to remove the protective sheet 240 or release the binding force against the actuation part 500. Also, the moving tab may be installed in the applicator body 305 so as to be movable in various directions so as to be moved by a user.

[0095] In addition, although the drawings show the locking member 338 being installed on the applicator body 305 so as to be movable by the moving tab 600, the moving tab may have a configuration in which the locking member is integrated. In this case, the locking member may be provided on the moving tab in an elastically deformable form so as to be engaged with the actuating part 500, or may be installed so as to be elastically supported.

[0096] Hereinafter, a process of attaching the medical device 20 to the skin of a user using an applicator 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0097] 16, the protective sheet 240 is removed using the moving tab 600. When the moving tab 600 is pulled by a user to move to the removal position, the moving tab 600 pulls the protective sheet 240 in a direction away from the adhesive layer 230 of the base unit 200, so that the protective sheet 240 can be removed from the adhesive layer 230. When the moving tab 600 moves to the removal position, the locking member 338 is disengaged from the moving tab 600. At this time, the locking member 338 is disengaged from the moving member 520, and the operating part 500 is converted into a state in which it can be moved by the user.

[0098] In this manner, when the moving tab 600 moves to the removal position, the operating part 500 is converted into an operable state, so that the applicator 300 can be operated after the protective sheet 240 is removed from the base unit 200. Therefore, the sensor unit 100 can move toward the base unit 200 after the protective sheet 240 is removed from the base unit 200.

[0099] If the insertion unit 420 is operated and the sensor unit 100 moves to the second position while the protective sheet 240 is not completely separated, a problem may occur in which the protective sheet 240 is sandwiched between the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200, or the sensor unit 100 is assembled with the base unit 200 while the protective sheet 240 is not completely separated. The applicator 300 according to the present embodiment completes the separation operation of the protective sheet 240 before the sensor unit 100 moves from the first position, thereby preventing a problem in which the sensor unit 100 reaches the base unit 200 without the protective sheet 240 being separated. Therefore, the risk of malfunction due to user carelessness can be reduced.

[0100] The applicator 300 can be actuated with the adhesive pad 250 of the base unit 200 in contact with the skin of the user to move the sensor unit 100 towards the skin of the user.

[0101] As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, when the actuating part 500 is pressed by the user, the actuating part 500 moves to the fourth position while elastically deforming the return member 345. As the actuating part 500 moves to the fourth position, the locking hook 360 moves to the release position by the stopper 530, and the shuttle 430 is released from the moving member 520 and moves to the second position by the forward elastic member 441. As the shuttle 430 moves to the second position, the needle 480 and the sensor 110 are inserted into the skin of the user, and the sensor unit 100 is attached to the base unit 200 by the adhesive layer 230. When the shuttle 430 moves to the second position, the trigger 466 of the carrier 460 comes into contact with the release portion 414 of the column member 410. At this time, the carrier wing 464 of the carrier 460 is elastically deformed, and the carrier latch 467 is disengaged from the shuttle detent 434.

[0102] When the carrier 460 is disengaged from the shuttle 430, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the carrier 460 is moved away from the user's skin by the retractable elastic member 491. At this time, the needle 480 is released from the user's skin, and the medical device 20 remains attached to the user's skin by the adhesive pad 250.

[0103] When the user removes the pressure applied to the actuating part 500 after the sensor 110 is inserted into the user's skin, the actuating part 500 is returned to the return position by the elastic force of the return member 345. At this time, the stopper 530 is separated from the locking hook 360, and the locking mode of the locking hook 360 can be released. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21 , when the user lifts the applicator 300 in a direction away from the user's skin, the locking hook 360 is tilted and disengaged from the medical device 20, and the applicator 300 can be separated from the medical device 20.

[0104] As described above, in the applicator assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the locking hook 360 that engages with the base unit 200 assembled to the applicator body 305 is restricted before the actuation part 500 is operated by the user. Therefore, the base unit 200 can be stably maintained assembled to the applicator body 300 by the locking hook 360 before the applicator 300 is used. In addition, the base unit 200 cannot be easily separated from the applicator body 305 during storage or transportation of the applicator assembly 10. In addition, in the applicator assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the restraining force on the locking hook 360 is released after the sensor unit 100 is assembled to the base unit 200. Therefore, the base unit 200 can be smoothly separated from the applicator 30.

[0105] In addition, in the applicator assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, after a user operates the moving tab 600 to remove the protective sheet 240 of the base unit 200, the insertion unit 420 is actuated to move the sensor unit 100 toward the base unit 200. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions due to user carelessness, allowing for safe use.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings.

[0107] For example, although the drawings show a pair of locking hooks on either side of the base unit to engage with the base unit, the number of locking hooks may vary.

[0108] Also, although the drawings show the locking hook as being tiltably mounted on the applicator body, the locking hook may be configured to be capable of various types of movement.

[0109] In addition, although the drawings show the locking hook as being restricted in movement by a stopper that is integrally provided on the moving member and as being moved by the stopper, the connection structure between the locking hook and the operating part may be modified in various ways.

[0110] In addition, in the above description, the return position in which the operating part is returned by the elastic force of the return member is described as being the same as the third position, but the return position may be set to various positions in which the operating part can be disengaged from the locking hook.

[0111] In addition, although the drawings show the sensor unit as being separably combined with a carrier combined with a needle and moving from a first position to a second position, the sensor unit may be separably combined with the shuttle or a separate member provided on the shuttle and move together with the shuttle.

[0112] In addition, although the drawings show the button and the moving member of the actuating portion as separate parts, the button and the moving member may be integrally formed.

[0113] Also, although the drawings show the protective sheet coupled to the base unit as being detachable by a moving tab coupled to the applicator body so as to be capable of linear movement, the protective sheet may be removed in a variety of other ways.

[0114] Additionally, the sensor unit and base unit may be combined in a variety of other ways other than using an adhesive layer.

[0115] Also, although the drawings show the applicator as having an applicator body recess for receiving the base unit, the applicator may not include an applicator body recess, in which case the applicator locking hooks may support the base unit against the bottom of the applicator body.

[0116] While the present invention has been shown and described in terms of preferred embodiments for the purpose of illustrating the principles of the invention, the invention is not limited to the exact construction and operation so shown and described, but rather, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An applicator for attaching a medical device to the skin of a user, the medical device including a sensor unit having a sensor, at least a portion of which can be inserted into the skin of a user, and a base unit adapted to be attached to the skin of the user so as to be combined with the sensor unit, an applicator body to which the base unit is separably combined; a locking hook mounted on the applicator body to engage with the base unit; an insertion unit mounted on the applicator body for moving the sensor unit from a first position spaced apart from the base unit to a second position where the sensor unit is combined with the base unit; an actuating portion disposed on the applicator body so as to be operable by a user to move from a third position to a fourth position for actuating the insertion unit; An applicator characterized in that the locking hook is maintained in a fixed mode engaged with the base unit when the actuating part is located at the third position, and the fixed mode can be released by the action of the actuating part moving to the fourth position.

2. 2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the locking hook is tiltably coupled to the applicator body.

3. The locking hook is a shaft rotatably coupled to the applicator body; a hook portion protruding from the shaft so as to engage with the base unit; 3. The applicator of claim 2, including an extension extending from said shaft for mating with said actuating portion.

4. The locking hook is movable from a locking position in which the locking mode is maintained to a release position in which the locking mode is released, 2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the actuator moves the locking hook to the release position while moving to the fourth position.

5. 5. The applicator according to claim 4, further comprising a return member that is installed on the applicator body and provides a moving force to the actuating part to return the actuating part, which has moved to the fourth position, to the third position and move the actuating part to a return position where it is disengaged from the locking hook.

6. The applicator according to claim 5 , wherein the return member is elastically deformed by the movement of the actuating portion and applies an elastic force to the actuating portion.

7. the locking hook is tiltably coupled to the applicator body; The actuation unit includes:

5. The applicator according to claim 4, further comprising a stopper having a stopper contact portion capable of contacting the locking hook to restrict tilting movement of the locking hook, and a stopper detent capable of contacting the locking hook to push the locking hook toward the release position.

8. The insertion unit includes: a plunger disposed so as to be movable together with the sensor unit from the first position to the second position; The actuation unit includes: a moving member that restricts movement of the plunger at the third position and that moves to the fourth position to release the restriction on the plunger; The applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that the stopper is combined with the moving member.

9. The applicator according to claim 8 , wherein the actuating portion is movable in a direction intersecting a moving direction of the sensor unit.

10. 5. The applicator of claim 4, further comprising a retention protrusion provided on the applicator body so as to come into contact with the locking hook in order to prevent the locking hook from moving to the locking position after moving to the release position.

11. A medical device including a sensor unit having a sensor at least a portion of which can be inserted into the skin of a user, and a base unit adapted to be attached to the skin of the user so as to be combined with the sensor unit; an applicator body to which the base unit is separably combined; a locking hook mounted on the applicator body to engage with the base unit; an insertion unit mounted on the applicator body for moving the sensor unit from a first position spaced apart from the base unit to a second position where the sensor unit is combined with the base unit; an actuating portion disposed on the applicator body so as to be operable by a user to move from a third position to a fourth position for actuating the insertion unit; The locking hook is maintained in a fixed mode in which it is engaged with the base unit when the actuating portion is located at the third position, and the fixed mode can be released by the action of the actuating portion moving to the fourth position, an applicator assembly.

Images