Indicator for measuring device

Abstract

The present application provides a tester for a tester for measuring a state of a human skin, which can display a progress degree of at least two or more states. According to the present application, a tester is provided, which is provided to a tester having a frame, a measurement assisting unit supported to the frame in a slidable manner, and a sensor portion supported to the measurement assisting unit in a slidable manner, wherein the tester has a window portion formed in a side surface portion of the frame, a first display portion supported in the inside of the window portion in a slidable manner and linked to the measurement assisting unit, and a second display portion supported in the inside of the window portion in a slidable manner and linked to the sensor portion, and the tester for the tester is configured such that a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the first display portion coincide with a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the measurement assisting unit, and a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the second display portion coincide with a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the sensor portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an indicator for a measuring device used in a skin property measuring device or the like for measuring a property of human skin, and particularly relates to an indicator for a measuring device capable of displaying a position at which each of two or more movable members exists in which state by a simple and highly reliable mechanism in a measuring device provided with two or more movable members capable of being moved independently while being separated from each other. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a device for measuring a property such as a water content and an elasticity of human skin, a skin property measuring device is known. Among them, measurement of a water content of skin is generally performed by pressing electrodes composed of a pair of an anode and a cathode against skin to flow a current and measuring an electrical conductivity (a degree of conductivity) of skin between the electrodes. However, in the above-mentioned measurement method of a water content of skin, a measurement sensitivity differs depending on a contact angle and a pressing force of the electrodes against skin, and thus there is a problem that it is difficult to reproduce a good measurement of an accurate water content of skin.

[0003] Therefore, in order to stabilize the pressing force of the electrodes against skin, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-169787 (Patent Document 1), a skin moisture measuring device has been developed in which a sensor provided with an electrode that is pressed against skin of a person is movably installed to a housing via a spring, and a user is notified when a prescribed pressing force is applied to the sensor, thereby facilitating measurement of a water content of skin under a constant pressing force.

[0004] However, the skin moisture measuring device described in Patent Document 1 not only fails to stabilize the contact angle of the sensor against skin, but also the skin of a portion pressed by the sensor is deformed, and the skin of a peripheral portion thereof is also deformed in a wide range. Therefore, the elasticity of the skin of a measurement portion is not only affected by a change in the elasticity caused by the deformation of the skin pressed by the sensor, but also affected by a tensile stress or the like generated due to the deformation of the skin of the peripheral portion thereof, and there is a problem that it becomes extremely unstable. That is, the skin moisture measuring device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that even if the pressing force generated by the sensor on the device side is made constant and stable, if the elasticity of the skin required for measuring a water content of a human body is not made stable, a good measurement of an accurate water content of skin cannot be reproduced.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to stabilize the contact angle and the pressing force of the electrodes against skin, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-046344 (Patent Document 2), a skin property measuring probe has been developed in which an electrode that is pressed against skin of a person is arranged in a ring shape on a probe end surface having a certain area, and the probe end surface is pressed via a spring, thereby measuring a water content of skin.

[0006] However, in the skin state measuring probe described in Patent Document 2, the probe end face where the electrodes are arranged is formed by a flat surface having a wide area, and therefore, for a site such as a human arm that has almost no flat portion and most of which is formed by a curved surface, even if the probe end face is pressed against the skin, a pressure distribution occurs in the probe end face and the electrodes, and as a result, the pressing force generated at the electrodes becomes uneven and unstable, and there is a problem that accurate skin moisture content cannot be measured well and reproducibly.

[0007] Also, in the skin moisture measuring device described in Patent Document 1, a display mechanism is developed in which the relative position of the sensor provided with the electrodes and the housing is displayed to inform the user of the appropriate pressing force of the sensor.

[0008] However, the display mechanism described in Patent Document 1 displays that the appropriate pressing force is reached as long as the sensor moves to a prescribed position with respect to the housing, even if it is not actually an appropriate pressing force, in the case where the sensor provided with the electrodes is not pressed against the skin of a person at an appropriate pressing angle, and therefore, there is also a problem that measurement failure caused by poor pressing of the sensor portion and the like cannot be prevented.

[0009] Prior Art Documents

[0010] Patent Documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2003-169787

[0012] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2001-046344 SUMMARY

[0013] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an indicator for a measuring device, such as a skin state measuring device for measuring the state of the skin of a person, which can display the progress of at least two or more states, such as the pressing angle of the sensor portion, the pressing force of the sensor portion, and the like, by a simple mechanism.

[0015] The present inventors and others have repeatedly conducted intensive studies on the structure of a measuring device, such as a skin state measuring device for measuring the state of the skin of a person, and as a result, it has been found that if there is a member that is movable depending on the state, such as the pressing angle of the sensor portion, the pressing force of the sensor portion, and the like, depending on the respective states, the above problem can be solved by providing a display portion that is mechanically connected to the movable member, and arranging and displaying them in one window, and thus the present application has been accomplished.

[0016] That is, according to the present application, there is provided an indicator for an assay device, which is provided to an assay device, the assay device including: a housing; a measurement assisting unit supported to the housing in a slidable manner; and a sensor unit supported to the measurement assisting unit in a slidable manner, characterized in that the indicator for the assay device includes: a window portion formed in a side surface portion of the housing; a first display portion supported in the inside of the window portion in a slidable manner and linked to the measurement assisting unit; and a second display portion supported in the inside of the window portion in a slidable manner and linked to the sensor unit, and configured such that a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the first display portion coincide with a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the measurement assisting unit, and a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the second display portion coincide with a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the sensor unit.

[0017] The indicator for the assay device of the present application, for example, in the case where two movable members, such as a sensor unit for measuring a skin condition of a subject and a measurement assisting unit for guiding the sensor unit, are separately provided in a skin condition measuring device, by providing an indicator including a first display portion displaying an operation of the measurement assisting unit and a second display portion displaying an operation of the sensor unit, it is possible to easily grasp, by visual observation, at which position the measurement assisting unit and the sensor unit exist in a respective state, and to prevent artificial measurement errors caused by, for example, poor pressing of the cover portion of the measurement assisting unit, and in the case where measurement is not started due to insufficient pressing of the measurement assisting unit and the sensor unit, it is possible to easily make the user recognize the reason for the failure to start measurement (insufficient pressing). Further, since the first display portion and the second display portion mechanically operate in conjunction with the measurement assisting unit and the sensor unit, the indicator has the advantages of simple structure, no need for a power source, and extremely high reliability.

[0018] The indicator for the assay device of the present application is preferably configured such that the first display portion and the second display portion each have a region composed of at least two or more different display colors, patterns, or combinations thereof.

[0019] Further, the indicator for the assay device of the present application is more preferably configured such that the first display portion has a first region composed of a first display color, pattern, or combination thereof indicating that the cover portion exists in the first position with respect to the housing, and a second region composed of a second display color, pattern, or combination thereof indicating that the cover portion exists in the second position with respect to the housing, and the second display portion has a third region composed of a third display color, pattern, or combination thereof indicating that the sensor unit exists in the third position with respect to the housing, and a fourth region composed of a fourth display color, pattern, or combination thereof indicating that the sensor unit exists in the fourth position with respect to the housing.

[0020] In addition, the indicator for the measurement device of the present application is preferably configured such that, when the display in the window portion is a combination of the first region and the third region, it indicates that the sensor portion is in a standby state, when the display in the window portion is a combination of the second region and the third region, it indicates that the sensor portion is in a contact state, and when the display in the window portion is a combination of the second region and the fourth region, it indicates that the sensor portion is in a measurement start state. In addition, in the case where the second display portion in the window portion simultaneously displays the third region and the fourth region (the boundary between the third region and the fourth region), the user can be informed that the sensor portion is not sufficiently pressed into the correct position, the appropriate pressing force.

[0021] According to the present application, since the first display portion directly linked to the measurement assisting unit and distinguished by at least two or more different colors, patterns, or combinations thereof, and the second display portion directly linked to the sensor portion and distinguished by at least two or more different colors, patterns, or combinations thereof, are displayed in one window portion, the plurality of states of the skin condition measurement device can be easily recognized by the display of colors, patterns, and the like, and their combinations, and artificial measurement errors caused by poor pressing of the cover portion of the measurement assisting unit and the sensor portion, and the like, can be more reliably prevented.

[0022] In particular, in the indicator for the measurement device of the present application, in the case where the sensor portion is pushed against the skin of the subject obliquely, the leading end portion of the sensor portion cannot come into contact with the skin of the subject, or at least cannot move to a state in which the switch described later is turned on, because the guide surface of the cover portion becomes an obstacle. Therefore, the display in the window portion does not advance to a combination of the second region and the fourth region, and the user can be accurately informed that the sensor portion is not pressed appropriately.

[0023] In the indicator of the present application, the measurement device can also be configured such that the leading end portion of the sensor portion is provided with an electrode composed of a pair of positive and negative electrodes for measuring the water content of the skin of the subject, the measurement assisting unit is composed of a sliding portion supported to the frame in a slidable manner and a cover portion having a guide surface for pressing against the skin of the subject and an opening portion for the electrode of the leading end portion of the sensor portion to exit in the guide surface, and the cover portion is detachably linked to the sliding portion, and the measurement device is provided with a first force applying mechanism that applies force to the sensor portion in such a manner that the electrode of the leading end portion of the sensor portion is distanced from the sliding portion, and a second force applying mechanism that applies force to the sliding portion in such a manner that the guide surface is distanced from the frame. In addition, if the measurement object is skin, the above-described measurement device can measure the water content, elasticity, and the like of the skin even if it is the skin of an animal.

[0024] In addition, in this case, it is preferable that the electrode of the leading end portion of the sensor portion is provided in a plurality in order to improve the measurement accuracy of the water content of the skin of the subject.

[0025] Also, in the indicator of the present application, it is preferable that the measuring device be configured so that, as the guide surface is pressed by the skin of the subject, initially only the guide surface moves toward the frame, and then the guide surface and the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion move toward the frame.

[0026] In the present application, by the measuring device having the above-described configuration, as the guide surface of the cover portion of the measuring device is pressed by the skin of the subject, the guide surface having a larger contact area than the front end portion of the sensor portion comes into contact with the skin of the subject before the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion comes into contact with the skin of the subject. Thus, in the present application, first the cover portion is guided so that the angle of press with respect to the surface of the skin of the subject becomes a right angle, and then, when the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion comes into contact with the skin of the subject, the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion is also guided by the cover portion so that the angle of press with respect to the surface of the skin of the subject becomes a right angle, and thus the skin condition of the subject can be measured in an appropriate contact manner.

[0027] In the present application, it is preferable that the measuring device be configured so that, as the guide surface of the cover portion of the measuring device is pressed by the skin of the subject, after the guide surface and the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion move toward the frame, only the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion further moves toward the frame.

[0028] Further, in the indicator of the present application, it is preferable that the measuring device be configured so that, after the movement of the guide surface and the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion toward the frame as the guide surface of the cover portion is pressed by the skin of the subject, the pressing force per unit area generated at the front end portion of the sensor portion is the same as or greater than the pressing force per unit area generated at the guide surface.

[0029] According to the present application, after the movement of the guide surface and the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion toward the frame, the skin of the subject exposed in the opening portion of the guide surface is fixed by the edge portion of the opening portion, and thus a uniform and constant elastic force is maintained. Thus, after the above-described movement, by being configured so that the pressing force per unit area generated at the front end portion of the sensor portion is the same as or greater than the pressing force per unit area generated at the guide surface, the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion can come into contact with the skin of the subject, which is maintained as a uniform and constant elastic force, preferably independently of the amount of penetration (pressing force) of the guide surface, and the skin condition can be measured with high accuracy.

[0030] Also, in the indicator of the present application, it is preferable that the measuring device install a switch at the base of the frame, and be configured so that the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion moves toward the frame to a prescribed position, and the rear end portion of the sensor portion makes the switch an on state.

[0031] According to the present application, the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor portion of the measuring device is guided so that the angle of pressure against the skin surface of the person being measured is a right angle, and the switch is made an on state while the skin of the person being measured is kept in a state of uniform and constant elasticity, and the measurement is started, so that the skin properties such as moisture content and elasticity can be accurately and stably measured.

[0032] In the indicator of the present application, it is preferable that the measuring device be configured so that the first cylindrical portion in sliding contact with the base and the second cylindrical portion in sliding contact with the sensor portion are provided at the sensor portion, and the center axis of the first cylindrical portion and the center axis of the second cylindrical portion are disposed on the same axis.

[0033] Also, it is more preferable that, in the case where the sliding portion of the measuring device has an opening portion in sliding contact with the sensor portion, the center axis of the opening portion and the center axis of the first cylindrical portion of the sensor portion are disposed on the same axis.

[0034] In the indicator of the present application, as described above, it is preferable that, in the case where the sensor portion of the measuring device has the first cylindrical portion and the base has the first cylindrical portion, the first biasing mechanism uses a first coil spring, the second biasing mechanism uses a second coil spring, and the center axis of the first coil spring and the center axis of the second coil spring are disposed on the same axis.

[0035] In addition, in the indicator of the present application, it is preferable that the first coil spring of the measuring device be disposed between the base and the sensor portion, and the second coil spring be disposed between the base and the sliding portion.

[0036] In the indicator of the present application, it is preferable that the cover portion of the measurement assisting unit be transparent or translucent so that the sensor portion inside the cover portion and the contact state of the sensor portion and the skin of the person being measured can be visually observed, in order to minimize the occurrence of the above-mentioned human error.

[0037] Effects of the Invention

[0038] According to the present application, there is provided an indicator for a measuring device, which is provided to a measuring device including a housing, a measurement assisting unit supported to the housing in a slidable manner, and a sensor unit supported to the measurement assisting unit in a slidable manner, wherein the indicator has a window portion formed in a side surface portion of the housing, a first display portion supported in the inside of the window portion in a slidable manner and linked to the measurement assisting unit, and a second display portion supported in the inside of the window portion in a slidable manner and linked to the sensor unit, and is configured such that a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the first display portion coincide with a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the measurement assisting unit, and a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the second display portion coincide with a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the sensor unit.

[0039] According to the present application, by providing an indicator including a first display portion displaying an action of the measurement assisting unit (cover portion and sliding portion) and a second display portion displaying an action of the sensor unit, it is possible to easily grasp by visual observation a position at which the measurement assisting unit and the sensor unit exist in which state, and it is possible to prevent artificial measurement errors caused by, for example, poor pressing of the cover portion of the measurement assisting unit and the sensor unit.

[0040] In addition, in the indicator of the present application, the measurement device can be configured such that an electrode composed of a pair of positive and negative electrodes for measuring a water content of a skin of a subject is provided at a front end portion of the sensor unit, the measurement assisting unit is composed of a sliding portion supported to the housing in a slidable manner and a cover portion having a guide surface for pressing against the skin of the subject and an opening portion for the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor unit to pass therethrough provided in the guide surface, and the cover portion is detachably linked to the sliding portion, and the measurement device includes a first biasing mechanism biasing the sensor unit in a manner such that the electrode of the front end portion of the sensor unit is distanced from the sliding portion, and a second biasing mechanism biasing the sliding portion in a manner such that the guide surface is distanced from the housing.

[0041] In the indicator of the present application, before the front end portion of the sensor unit of the measurement device contacts the skin of the subject, the guide surface of the measurement assisting unit having a larger contact area than the front end portion contacts the skin of the subject, and therefore, first the cover portion of the measurement assisting unit is guided in a manner such that a pressing angle with respect to a surface of the skin of the subject becomes a right angle, and then the front end portion of the sensor unit is also guided by the cover portion in a manner such that a pressing angle with respect to the surface of the skin of the subject becomes a right angle, as a result of which it is possible to measure a skin property of the subject in an appropriate contact manner.

[0042] In addition, in the indicator of the present application, the skin of the subject exposed in the guide surface opening portion of the measurement assisting unit of the measurement device is fixed by the edge portion of the opening portion, and thus the front end portion of the sensor portion can contact the skin of the subject, which is maintained to be uniform and constant in elasticity, preferentially, regardless of the amount of pressing (pressing force) of the guide surface, and the measurement accuracy of the skin condition can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the entire skin condition measurement device to which the indicator of one embodiment of the present application is applied.

[0044] Figure 2 is a sectional view partially showing the inside of the skin condition measurement device to which the indicator of one embodiment of the present application is applied, (a) is a front sectional view of the skin condition measurement device, (b) is a side sectional view of the skin condition measurement device, and (c) is a bottom sectional view of the skin condition measurement device.

[0045] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing the operation state of the sensor portion of the skin condition measurement device to which the indicator of one embodiment of the present application is applied, (a) is a sectional view in which the sensor portion is in a standby state, (b) and (c) are sectional views in which the sensor portion is in a contact state, and (d) is a sectional view in which the sensor portion is in a measurement start state.

[0046] Figure 4 is a sectional view showing the operation state of the indicator of one embodiment of the present application in the skin condition measurement device, (a) is a sectional view in which the sensor portion is in a standby state, (b) is a sectional view in which the sensor portion is in a contact state, and (c) is a sectional view in which the sensor portion is in a measurement start state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, the indicator for the measurement device of one embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present application is not limited to the following examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present application.

[0048] EXAMPLE

[0049] <SKIN CONDITION MEASUREMENT DEVICE>

[0050] In Figure 2 , a perspective view showing the entire skin condition measurement device 1 to which the indicator 8 of one embodiment of the present application is applied is shown. In addition, in Figure 2 , a sectional view partially showing the inside of the skin condition measurement device 1 to which the indicator 8 of one embodiment of the present application is applied is shown, Figure 2 (a) of FIG. 17 is a front sectional view of the skin condition measurement device 1,Figure 2 (b) is a side sectional view of the skin condition measuring device 1, Figure 2 (c) is a bottom sectional view of the skin condition measuring device 1. Hereinafter, the structure and the operation mode of the skin condition measuring device 1 to which the indicator 8 of the embodiment of the present application is applied will be described. Note that, in the present application, "upper" of upper portion, upper end, and the like indicates the upper side of the drawing of the skin condition measuring device 1, and "lower" of lower portion, lower end, and the like indicates the lower side of the drawing of the skin condition measuring device 1. Figure 2 Figure 2

[0051] [Frame]

[0052] As understood from the reference to Figure 1 , 2 , the skin condition measuring device 1 of the embodiment is a hand-held measuring device of a size that a user can operate with one hand, has a frame 2 of a track shape with one end open and the other end mounted with a cover 21 of silicone having a power switch. Inside the frame 2 is fixed a base 20, and further fitted are a control substrate 22 on which an IC chip and the like for controlling the measurement of the skin condition measuring device 1 are mounted, and a power source 23 such as a battery for driving the control substrate 22. The power source 23 and the like inside the frame 2 can be replaced by removing a part of the side of the frame 2. Note that, the shape of the cross section of the frame 2 does not necessarily have to be the track shape, and can be other general shapes such as a rectangle, a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, and the like, as long as the necessary devices such as the control substrate 22 and the power source 23 can be accommodated and the device can be operated with one hand.

[0053] [Base]

[0054] The base 20 can be a separate member independent from the frame 2, or can be a member formed integrally with the frame 2. The base 20 has a first flange portion 200 and a second cylindrical portion 201, all or a part of which is hollow or solid, extending downward from the first flange portion 200, and a center axis b of the second cylindrical portion 201 is mounted inside the frame 2 in a manner coinciding with a center axis (not shown) of the frame 2. Further, a second flange portion 202 for pressing a first biasing mechanism 6 composed of a coil spring and the like described later is formed at a lower end portion of the second cylindrical portion 201. Note that, the second cylindrical portion 201 does not necessarily have to be cylindrical, and can be prismatic, elliptical, or the like, as long as it is suitable for supporting a second biasing mechanism 7 composed of a coil spring and the like described later.

[0055] [Slide]

[0056] ​​A sliding portion 31 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the frame body 2 in a slidable manner, and a portion thereof protrudes outward from the opening of the frame body 2. A circular opening 310 for allowing the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 to slide therethrough is formed at one end portion of the sliding portion 31, and a runway-shaped opening 311 for allowing the sensor portion 4, which will be described later, to slide therethrough is formed at the other end portion.

[0057] [Cover portion]

[0058] A cover portion 30 is attached to the portion of the sliding portion 31 that protrudes outward from the opening of the frame body 2. In addition, the cover portion 30 and the sliding portion 31 are detachably connected and integrated by providing a small circular-shaped recess 302 in the inner circumferential surface near the opening end of the cover portion 30 and providing a small semispherical-shaped protrusion 312 that engages with the recess 302 in the side surface of the sliding portion 31 that protrudes outward, and thus constitute the measurement assisting unit 3 (see FIG. 2). Figure 1

[0059] The cover portion 30 forms a cylindrical body that is open at the end portion on the side where the measurement assisting unit 3 is attached to the sliding portion 31 and has a flat runway-shaped guide surface 300 formed at the end portion on the side where the guide surface 300 is pressed against the skin of the subject. In addition, a small runway-shaped opening 301 for allowing the front end portion 40 of the sensor portion 4 to pass therethrough is formed in the center of the guide surface 300. Note that the shape of the guide surface 300 is not necessarily a runway shape, and can be a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or another general shape, as long as the area thereof can be pressed against the skin of the subject to ensure that the angle of the cover portion 30 with respect to the surface of the skin of the subject is guided to be a right angle.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 is formed of a transparent or translucent material so that the sensor portion 4 and the contact state of the sensor portion 4 with the skin of the subject, and the like, inside the cover portion 30 can be visually confirmed, but the cover portion 30 is not necessarily transparent or translucent, and can be opaque.

[0061] [Sensor portion]

[0062] ​Inside the cover 30 of the measurement auxiliary unit 3, the sensor part 4 is slidably supported on the opening 311 of the sliding part 31. The sensor part 4 has a first cylindrical part 42 that is wholly or partially hollow or solid at one end mounted on the base 20, and a flat, racetrack-shaped sensing surface at the front end 40 on the side that presses against the skin of the subject, and has an overall cylindrical shape with a racetrack-shaped cross-section. It should be noted that the first cylindrical part 42 mainly functions to support the first force-applying mechanism 6, which is composed of a coil spring or the like, as described later, and therefore does not necessarily have to be cylindrical. As long as it is suitable for supporting the first force-applying mechanism 6 and can be slidably engaged with the second cylindrical part 201 of the base 20, it can also be prismatic, elliptical, or the like.

[0063] In addition, in the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, a switch 5 is installed at the base 20 of the frame 2, and the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 moves toward the base 20 of the frame 2 to a predetermined position. The rear end of the sensor part 4 blocks the light of the light control switch or presses the switch, thereby turning the switch 5 into an on state.

[0064] In the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, in order to measure the moisture content of the subject's skin, electrodes 41 are arranged in a comb-like shape at the front end 40 of the sensor section 4 (see reference). Figure 2 (c) The electrode 41 consists of a pair of positive and negative electrodes. In this embodiment, three electrodes 41 are arranged in a horizontal row at the front end 40 of the sensor section 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, by increasing the area of ​​the electrode 41, the influence of local differences in the moisture content of the subject's skin is reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of moisture content measurement. In addition, by measuring the moisture content of the subject's skin at three points and averaging it, the influence of spots on skin characteristics caused by differences in the measurement sites can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of moisture content measurement.

[0065] The skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment is suitable for measuring devices that require accurate pressing angle and pressure when measuring the condition of skin, and its measurement object is not limited to the moisture content of the skin. For example, although not shown, the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment can also provide a vibration detection element in the sensor section 4, so that the front end 40 of the sensor section 4, which vibrates at a predetermined frequency, comes into contact with the skin of the subject, and the vibration frequency before and after the contact is detected by the vibration detection element. Then, the detected frequency is amplified by the control board, thereby enabling the measurement of the elasticity of the skin based on the frequency difference before and after contact with the skin.

[0066] [First force-applying mechanism]

[0067] In the skin property measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 42 of the sensor portion 4 is inserted inside the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 in a slidable manner. In addition, the skin property measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a first force applying mechanism 6 that applies a force to the sensor portion 4 in such a manner that the front end portion 40 of the sensor portion 4 is distanced from the sliding portion 31. In the present embodiment, a first coil spring 6 is used as the first force applying mechanism 6, and the first coil spring 6 is disposed between the second flange portion 202 of the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 and the upper end portion of the sensor portion 4 and around the first cylindrical portion 42 of the sensor portion 4, and is supported by the sensor portion 4 so as to be able to be pressed.

[0068] Note that, although not shown, in the present embodiment, by omitting the second flange portion 202 of the second cylindrical portion 201, it is also possible to make the first cylindrical portion 42 of the sensor portion 4 externally inserted into the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 in a slidable manner. In this case, if the first coil spring 6 is disposed between the lower end portion of the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 and the upper end portion inside the first cylindrical portion 42 of the sensor portion 4 and in the first cylindrical portion 42, it is possible to be supported by the sensor portion 4 so as to be able to be pressed.

[0069] [Second Force Applying Mechanism]

[0070] In the skin property measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 is inserted into the opening portion 310 of the upper portion of the sliding portion 31 in a slidable manner. In addition, the skin property measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a second force applying mechanism 7 that applies a force to the sliding portion 31 of the measurement assisting unit 3 in such a manner that the guide surface 300 of the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 is distanced from the frame 2. In the present embodiment, a second coil spring 7 is used as the second force applying mechanism 7, and the second coil spring 7 is disposed between the first flange portion 200 of the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 and the upper end portion of the sliding portion 31 of the measurement assisting unit 3 and around the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20, and is supported by the sliding portion 31 of the measurement assisting unit 3 so as to be able to be pressed.

[0071] In the skin property measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in order to be able to simply support and compactly dispose the first coil spring 6 and the second coil spring 7, the central axis a of the first cylindrical portion 42 of the sensor portion 4 and the central axis b of the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 are disposed on the same axis, and the central axis c of the opening portion 310 of the upper portion of the sliding portion 31 of the measurement assisting unit 3 and the central axis b of the second cylindrical portion 201 of the base portion 20 and the central axis a of the first cylindrical portion 42 of the sensor portion 4 are disposed on the same axis.

[0072] Therefore, the central axis (not shown) of the first helical spring 6 mounted around the first cylindrical portion 42 is also coaxially arranged with the central axis (not shown) of the second helical spring 7 mounted around the second cylindrical portion 201, which enables the skin condition measuring device 1 to be housed in an extremely compact size that is handheld.

[0073] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the materials used for the frame 2, base 20, cover 30, sliding part 31, and sensor part 4 are not particularly limited; resin materials, metal materials, or composite materials combining these can be used. However, from the perspective of lightweight, excellent formability, and excellent insulation, rigid plastic materials are preferred. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the materials used for the first force-applying mechanism 6 and the second force-applying mechanism 7 are not particularly limited; elastic metal materials, elastic resin materials, or composite materials combining these can be used. However, from the perspective of excellent durability, elastic metal materials are preferred.

[0074] [Operation of the skin condition measurement device]

[0075] exist Figure 3 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor section 4 of the skin condition measuring device 1, to which the indicator 8 is applied, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in operation. Figure 3 (a) is a cross-sectional view of sensor unit 4 in standby mode. Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 (c) is a cross-sectional view of sensor unit 4 in the contact state. Figure 3 (d) is a cross-sectional view of the sensor unit 4 in the measurement start state. Hereinafter, the operation of the skin condition measuring device 1 to which the indicator 8 is applied according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0076] (1) Standby state

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), in the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, in the unloaded state, that is, before the guide surface 300 of the cover 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 is pressed against the skin 9 of the subject, the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 is forced by the first force-applying mechanism (first coil spring) 6 to the position furthest from the base 20 of the frame 2 and the sliding part 31 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3, and the guide surface 300 of the cover 30 is also forced by the second force-applying mechanism (second coil spring) 7 to the position furthest from the base 20 of the frame 2. At this time, the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 equipped with the electrode 41 is held in a state of being housed in the cover 30, so the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 is protected by the cover 30 from damage, etc., and also prevents malfunction caused by unexpected contact of the front end 40.

[0078] (2) Skin contact state - 1

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), in the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, when the guide surface 300 of the cover 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 is pressed against the skin 9 of the subject, initially only the guide surface 300 moves toward the base 20 of the frame 2, and then the guide surface 300 and the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 move toward the base 20 of the frame 2.

[0080] As a result, in the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, before the front end portion 40 of the sensor unit 4 contacts the skin 9 of the subject, the guide surface 300, which has a contact area larger than the front end portion 40, contacts the skin 9 of the subject. Therefore, firstly, the cover portion 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 is guided at a right angle relative to the pressing angle of the skin surface of the subject, and then the front end portion 40 of the sensor unit 4 also contacts the skin 9 of the subject while being guided at a right angle relative to the pressing angle of the skin surface of the measuring auxiliary unit 3. Therefore, the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment can measure the skin condition (skin moisture content) of the subject at an appropriate contact angle.

[0081] (3) Skin contact state - 2

[0082] In the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, after the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 comes into contact with the skin 9 of the subject, in other words, after the guide surface 300 of the cover 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 is pressed against the skin 9 of the subject and the guide surface 300 and the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 move toward the base 20 of the frame 2, it is set that the pressing force per unit area generated by the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 is the same as or greater than the pressing force per unit area generated by the guide surface 300.

[0083] Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown in (c), after the front end 40 of the sensor unit 4 comes into contact with the skin 9 of the subject, if the guide surface 300 of the cover 30 of the measurement auxiliary unit 3 and the front end 40 of the sensor unit 4 are further pressed against the skin 9 of the subject, the sliding part 31 of the measurement auxiliary unit 3 first moves toward the base 20 of the frame 2, and then reaches the sliding limit 313 and cannot move. As a result, after the sliding part 31 reaches the sliding limit 313, only the front end 40 of the sensor unit 4 moves toward the base 20 of the frame 2.

[0084] Thus, after the front end 40 of the sensor unit 4 contacts the skin 9 of the subject, and the guide surface 300 of the cover 30 of the measurement auxiliary unit 3 and the front end 40 of the sensor unit 4 move toward the base 20 of the frame 2, the skin 9 of the subject exposed in the opening 301 of the guide surface 300 is fixed by the edge of the opening 301, thus maintaining uniform and constant elasticity. Therefore, the front end 40 of the sensor unit 4 can preferentially contact the skin 9 of the subject, which is maintained with uniform and constant elasticity, regardless of the amount of pressure applied to the guide surface 300, and can measure skin characteristics (skin moisture content) with high accuracy.

[0085] (4) Determine the initial state

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown in (d), in the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, after the sliding part 31 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 reaches the sliding limit 313, when the front end 40 of the sensor part 4 is further pressed against the skin 9 of the subject, the sensor part 4 moves slightly toward the base 20 of the frame 2 and the sliding part 31 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3. At approximately the same time as reaching the sliding limit, the rear end of the sensor part 4 blocks the light of the light control switch installed on the base 20 of the frame 2, or the switch 5 is turned on by pressing the switch, and the skin condition measuring device 1 begins to measure the skin condition (skin moisture content) of the subject.

[0087] As a result, in the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the front end 40 of the sensor unit 4 is guided at a right angle relative to the pressing angle of the subject's skin surface, and the switch 5 is turned on while the subject's skin 9 is held in a state of uniform and constant elasticity, thus starting the measurement. Therefore, the skin condition (skin moisture content) can be measured accurately and stably. It should be noted that the measurement object of the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment is not limited to human skin; even animal skin can have its moisture content and other skin conditions measured.

[0088] <Indicator for measuring device>

[0089] exist Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the operational state of an indicator 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention in the skin condition measuring device 1. Figure 4 (a) is a cross-sectional view of sensor unit 4 in standby mode. Figure 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view of sensor unit 4 in the contact state. Figure 4 (c) is a cross-sectional view of sensor unit 4 in the measurement start state. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 1 , 2and 4, the structure and the operation mode of the indicator 8 of the embodiment of the present application in the skin condition measuring device 1 will be described.

[0090] [Structure of indicator]

[0091] As will be understood with reference to Figure 2 The skin condition measuring device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with an indicator 8 for displaying the relative position of the measurement assisting unit 3 (the cover portion 30 and the sensor portion 4) with respect to the frame 2 to the side surface portion of the frame 2. The indicator 8 is provided with a window portion 80 which is opened to the side surface portion of the frame 2, a first display portion 81 which is supported in the inside of the window portion 80 in a slidable manner, and a second display portion 82 which is supported adjacent to the first display portion 81 so as to be slidable in the same direction as the first display portion 81.

[0092] The first display portion 81 is an elongated rod-shaped member which is directly and integrally connected to the sliding portion 31 of the measurement assisting unit 3 via a first connecting member 810. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sliding direction and the sliding amount of the first display portion 81 are made to coincide with the sliding direction and the sliding amount of the cover portion 30 and the sliding portion 31 of the measurement assisting unit 3.

[0093] In addition, in the first display portion 81, the surface of the side which is exposed from the window portion 80 is color-distinguished into a first colored region 811 which is colored in a first display color indicating the position (first position) at which the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 is present in the standby state with respect to the frame 2, and a second colored region 812 which is colored in a second display color indicating the position (second position) at which the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 is present in the state of reaching the sliding limit 313 with respect to the frame 2. Note that, depending on the characteristics of the measuring device to which the indicator 8 is applied, in the case where three or more positions in the state which needs to be displayed exist, the first display portion 81 can be color-distinguished according to the number of the positions. In addition, the kind of the first and second regions can be distinguished not only by the display color but also by a pattern or a combination thereof.

[0094] In addition, the first display portion 81 does not necessarily have to be directly and integrally connected to the sliding portion 31, but can be indirectly connected by using another connecting member (not shown) which utilizes the principle of a lever, for example, so as to amplify or reduce the sliding amount of the measurement assisting unit 3. In addition, the first display portion 81 can be a separate member from the cover portion 30 and the sliding portion 31 as long as it is linked to the measurement assisting unit 3.

[0095] The second display portion 82 is also an elongated rod-shaped member, and is directly and integrally connected to the sensor portion 4 via a second connecting member 820. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sliding direction and the sliding amount of the second display portion 82 are made to coincide with the sliding direction and the sliding amount of the sensor portion 4.

[0096] In addition, in the second display portion 82, the surface of the side exposed from the window portion 80 is color-distinguished into a third colored region 821 colored in a third display color indicating that the sensor portion 4 is present at a position (third position) in the standby state with respect to the frame 2, and a fourth colored region 822 colored in a fourth display color indicating that the sensor portion 4 is present at a position (fourth position) in the measurement start state with respect to the frame 2. Note that, depending on the characteristics of the measurement device to which the indicator 8 is applied, in the case where there are three or more positions in the state to be displayed, the second display portion 82 can also be color-distinguished according to the number of positions. In addition, the third and fourth regions can be distinguished not only by display color but also by pattern or a combination thereof.

[0097] In addition, the second display portion 82 does not necessarily have to be directly and integrally connected to the sensor portion 4, and can also be indirectly connected by using another connecting member (not shown) that utilizes the principle of a lever, for example, so as to amplify or reduce the sliding amount of the sensor portion 4. In addition, the second display portion 82 can also be a separate member from the sensor portion 4, as long as it is linked to the sensor portion 4.

[0098] The application object of the indicator 8 of the present embodiment is not limited to the measurement device 1 for measuring the skin properties such as the water content and the elasticity, and as long as it has two or more movable members that can be separately and independently moved, such as the measurement assisting unit 3 (the cover portion 30 and the sliding portion 31) and the sensor portion 4, it can also be applied to other measurement devices. In addition, in the case where there are three or more movable members, the display portion can be provided according to the number thereof.

[0099] In this way, the indicator 8 of the present embodiment can be applied to a measurement device having at least the frame 2, the measurement assisting unit 3 supported by the frame 2 in a slidable manner, and the sensor portion 4 supported by the measurement assisting unit 3 in a slidable manner.

[0100] Note that, in the present embodiment, the materials used for the first display portion 81, the first connecting member 810, the second display portion 82, and the second connecting member 820 of the indicator 8 are not particularly limited, and a resin material, a metal material, or a composite material obtained by combining them can be used, but from the aspects of light weight and excellent moldability, it is preferable to use a hard plastic material.

[0101] [Operation of the indicator]

[0102] (1) Standby state

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), in the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, in the unloaded state, that is, before the cover 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 is pressed against the skin (skin) 9 of the subject, the cover 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 is located at a first position furthest from the frame 2. The first display unit 81, which is connected to the sliding part 31 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3, displays a first colored area 811 in the window 80, indicating that the cover 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 is located at the first position. On the other hand, the sensor unit 4 is also located at a third position furthest from the frame 2. The second display unit 82, which is connected to the sensor unit 4, displays a third colored area 821 in the window 80, indicating that the sensor unit 4 is located at the third position, with a third colored color.

[0104] As a result, the combination of the first colored area 811 and the third colored area 821 indicating that the sensor unit 4 is in standby state is displayed in the window 80 of the skin condition measuring device 1, so that the user can easily know that the sensor unit 4 is in standby state by visual inspection.

[0105] (2) Contact state with skin

[0106] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), in the skin condition measuring device 1 of this embodiment, when the cover 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 is further pressed against the skin 9 of the subject, the sliding part 31 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 moves toward the base 20 of the frame 2 and reaches a second position, which serves as a sliding limit 313. Therefore, the first display part 81 connected to the sliding part 31 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 displays a second colored area 812 in the window 80 indicating that the cover 30 of the measuring auxiliary unit 3 has reached the second position.

[0107] On the other hand, the sensor unit 4 is held in the third position furthest from the frame 2, and the cover 30 of the measurement auxiliary unit 3 is retracted relative to the sensor unit 4, thereby coming into contact with the skin 9 of the person being measured. Therefore, the second display unit 82 connected to the sensor unit 4 displays a third colored area 821 in the window 80, indicating that the sensor unit 4 is held in the third position, with a third color.

[0108] As a result, the window 80 of the skin condition measuring device 1 displays a combination of a second coloring area 812 of a second color and a third coloring area 821 of a third color, indicating that the sensor unit 4 is in contact with the skin 9 of the subject. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately determine that the sensor unit 4 is in contact but the measurement has not started by visual inspection.

[0109] (3) Determine the initial state

[0110] As Figure 4 As shown in (c) of the same drawing, in the skin condition measuring device 1 of the present embodiment, when the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 is further pressed against the skin 9 of the subject, the slide portion 31 of the measurement assisting unit 3 is held at the second position as the slide limit 313, and therefore the first display portion 81 linked to the slide portion 31 of the measurement assisting unit 3 displays the second colored area 812 of the second display color in the window portion 80, which indicates that the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 is held at the second position.

[0111] On the other hand, as the sensor portion 4 moves toward the base portion 20 of the frame 2, the rear end portion of the sensor portion 4 blocks the light of the light-operated switch or presses the switch 5 to make the switch 5 in the on state, substantially at the same time as reaching the fourth position as the slide limit. Therefore, the second display portion 82 linked to the sensor portion 4 displays the fourth colored area 822 of the fourth display color in the window portion 80, which indicates that the sensor portion 4 reaches the fourth position and makes the switch 5 in the on state.

[0112] As a result, the combination of the second colored area 812 and the fourth colored area 822, which indicates that the measurement of the skin condition (moisture content of the skin) of the subject has started by the sensor portion 4 making the switch 5 in the on state, is displayed in the window portion 80 of the skin condition measuring device 1, and therefore the user can easily and accurately grasp that the measurement has started by the sensor portion 4 contacting the skin 9 of the subject by visual observation. Note that in the case where the second display portion 83 in the window portion 80 displays the third colored area 821 and the fourth colored area 822 (the boundary between the third colored area 821 and the fourth colored area 822) at the same time, the user can easily grasp that the sensor portion 4 is not sufficiently pressed into the correct position, the appropriate pressing force.

[0113] Thus, the indicator 8 for the skin condition measuring device of the present embodiment has the first display portion 81 that displays the operation of the measurement assisting unit 3 and the second display portion 82 that displays the operation of the sensor portion 4, and therefore the user can easily and accurately grasp in which position each of the measurement assisting unit 3 and the sensor portion 4 exists by visual observation, and can prevent artificial measurement errors caused by, for example, the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 and the press-in of the sensor portion 4, and in the case where the measurement has not started due to insufficient press-in of the measurement assisting unit 3 and the sensor portion 4, the user can easily recognize the reason for the measurement not starting (insufficient press-in). In addition, the first display portion 81 and the second display portion 82 mechanically operate in conjunction with the measurement assisting unit 3 and the sensor portion 4, and therefore have the advantages of simple structure, no need for a power source, and extremely high reliability.

[0114] Further, the indicator 8 for the skin condition measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment displays, in one window portion 80, a first display portion 81 directly linked to the measurement assisting unit 3 and color-distinguished in at least two or more different colors, and a second display portion 82 directly linked to the sensor portion 4 and color-distinguished in at least two or more different colors, so that a plurality of states of the skin condition measuring apparatus 1 can be easily recognized by the display of colors and combinations thereof, and artificial measurement errors caused by, for example, poor press-fitting of the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 and the sensor portion 4 can be more reliably prevented.

[0115] In particular, in the indicator 8 of the present embodiment, in the case where the sensor portion 4 is pushed against the skin 9 of the subject obliquely, the guide surface 300 of the cover portion 30 of the measurement assisting unit 3 becomes an obstacle and the front end portion 40 of the sensor portion 4 cannot come into contact with the skin 9 of the subject, or at least cannot move to a state in which the switch 5 is turned on. Therefore, the display in the window portion 80 does not advance to the combination of the second colored region 812 and the fourth colored region 822, and the user can be accurately informed that the sensor portion 4 is not being pushed against properly.

[0116] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0117] 1 … skin condition measuring apparatus

[0118] 2 … frame

[0119] 20 … base portion

[0120] 200 … first flange portion

[0121] 201 … second cylindrical portion

[0122] 202 … second flange portion

[0123] 21 … cover portion

[0124] 22 … control substrate

[0125] 23 … power supply

[0126] 3 … measurement assisting unit

[0127] 30 … cover portion

[0128] 300 … guide surface

[0129] 301 … opening portion

[0130] 302 … recessed portion

[0131] 31 … sliding portion

[0132] 310, 311 … opening portions

[0133] 312 … protruding portion

[0134] 313 … sliding limit

[0135] 4 … sensor portion

[0136] 40 … front end portion

[0137] 41 … electrode

[0138] 42 … first cylindrical portion

[0139] 5 … switch

[0140] 6 … first force applying means (first coil spring)

[0141] 7 … second force applying means (second coil spring)

[0142] 8 … indicator

[0143] 80 … window portion

[0144] 81 … first display portion

[0145] 810 … first link member

[0146] 811 … first colored area

[0147] 812 … second colored area

[0148] 82 … second display portion

[0149] 820 … second link member

[0150] 821 … third colored area

[0151] 822 … fourth colored area

[0152] 9 … subject’s skin (skin)

[0153] a … central axis of first cylindrical portion

[0154] b … central axis of second cylindrical portion

[0155] c … central axis of opening portion

Claims

1. An indicator for an assay device, provided to an assay device, the assay device comprising: a housing; a measurement assisting unit supported to the housing in a slidable manner; and a sensor section supported to the measurement assisting unit in a slidable manner, characterized in that the indicator for the assay device has: a window section formed in a side surface section of the housing; a first display section supported in the inside of the window section in a slidable manner and linked to the measurement assisting unit; and a second display section supported in the inside of the window section in a slidable manner and linked to the sensor section, and the indicator for the assay device is configured so that a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the first display section coincide with a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the measurement assisting unit, a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the second display section coincide with a sliding direction and a sliding amount of the sensor section.

2. The indicator for the assay device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first display section and the second display section each have a region composed of at least two or more different display colors, patterns, or combinations thereof.

3. The indicator for the assay device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first display section has a first region composed of a first display color, pattern, or combination thereof indicating that the measurement assisting unit is present in a first position with respect to the housing, and a second region composed of a second display color, pattern, or combination thereof indicating that the measurement assisting unit is present in a second position with respect to the housing, and the second display section has a third region composed of a third display color, pattern, or combination thereof indicating that the sensor section is present in a third position with respect to the housing, and a fourth region composed of a fourth display color, pattern, or combination thereof indicating that the sensor section is present in a fourth position with respect to the housing.

4. The indicator for the assay device according to claim 3, characterized in that the indicator for the assay device is configured so that when a display in the window section is a combination of the first region and the third region, it indicates that the sensor section is in a standby state, when a display in the window section is a combination of the second region and the third region, it indicates that the sensor section is in a contact state, and when a display in the window section is a combination of the second region and the fourth region, it indicates that the sensor section is in an assay start state.

5. The indicator for the assay device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the assay device is provided with an electrode for measuring a water content of a subject's skin at a front end section of the sensor section, the measurement assisting unit is composed of a sliding section and a cover section, the sliding section is supported to the housing in a slidable manner, the cover section has a guide surface for pressing against the subject's skin, and an opening section for the electrode to pass through provided in the guide surface, and the cover section is detachably linked to the sliding section, and the assay device comprises: ​ a first force applying mechanism that applies a force to the sensor portion in a manner that moves the electrode away from the sliding portion; and a second force applying mechanism that applies a force to the sliding portion in a manner that moves the guide surface away from the frame.

6. The indicator for an assay device according to claim 5, wherein the assay device is configured so that as the guide surface is pressed by the skin of the person being measured, only the guide surface initially moves toward the frame, and then the guide surface and the electrode move toward the frame.

7. The indicator for an assay device according to claim 6, wherein the assay device is configured so that as the guide surface is pressed by the skin of the person being measured, after the guide surface and the electrode move toward the frame, only the electrode further moves toward the frame.

8. The indicator for an assay device according to claim 7, wherein the assay device is configured so that as the guide surface is pressed by the skin of the person being measured, after the guide surface and the electrode move toward the frame, the pressing force per unit area generated at the front end portion of the sensor portion is the same as or greater than the pressing force per unit area generated at the guide surface.

9. The indicator for an assay device according to claim 8, wherein the assay device has a base portion fixed inside the frame, a switch is mounted to the base portion, and the assay device is configured so that the electrode moves toward the frame to a prescribed position, whereby the rear end portion of the sensor portion brings the switch to an on state.

10. The indicator for an assay device according to claim 5, wherein in the assay device, a base portion is fixed inside the frame, the sensor portion has a first cylindrical portion that is in sliding contact with the base portion, the base portion has a second cylindrical portion that is in sliding contact with the sliding portion, and the center axis of the first cylindrical portion and the center axis of the second cylindrical portion are disposed on the same axis.

11. The indicator for an assay device according to claim 10, wherein in the assay device, the sliding portion has an opening portion that is in sliding contact with the sensor portion, and the center axis of the opening portion and the center axis of the first cylindrical portion are disposed on the same axis.

12. The indicator for an assay device according to claim 5, wherein in the assay device, the first force applying mechanism is constituted by a first coil spring, the second force applying mechanism is constituted by a second coil spring, and the center axis of the first coil spring and the center axis of the second coil spring are disposed on the same axis.

13. The indicator for an assay device according to claim 12, wherein in the assay device, a base portion is fixed inside the frame, the first coil spring is disposed between the base portion and the sensor portion, and the second coil spring is disposed between the base portion and the sliding portion.

Images