Applicator and applicator assembly

Abstract

To provide an applicator and an applicator assembly capable of reducing environmental pollution in disposal.SOLUTION: An applicator according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an insertion unit assembly that includes a needle and moves the needle in each of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; an applicator body having the insertion unit assembly arranged therein; and an operation part that is connected to the insertion unit assembly in the applicator body and allows the needle to move in the first direction. The applicator body includes: a base frame; a top case which is placed on the base frame so as to cover at least a part of the base frame, and at least a part of which is formed of molded pulp; and a top case restriction member connected to the base frame so as to restrict the top case to the base frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator and an applicator assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, with the development of medical technology, various types of medical devices that can be directly used by non-medical user have been developed and sold. Examples of such medical devices include a blood glucose meter that a user directly uses to directly monitor his or her own biological information such as a blood glucose level (blood glucose numerical value).

[0003] Blood glucose meters include a blood sampling type blood glucose meter and a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS: Continuous Glucose Monitoring System; or continuous blood glucose monitor).

[0004] Since a blood sampling type blood glucose meter requires a user's blood sampling act as an essential element, it may be difficult to immediately monitor a hypoglycemic state.

[0005] Although the complexity of a user may increase during use, the usage amount of a continuous glucose monitoring system is increasing more and more in that it can relatively immediately monitor biological information.

[0006] On the other hand, applicators of most continuous glucose monitoring systems are discarded after one use, which may increase environmental pollution.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] One of the objects of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an applicator and an applicator assembly that can improve the convenience of the user when the sensing device is attached to the body.

[0009] Another one of the objects of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an applicator and an applicator assembly that can reduce environmental pollution when the applicator is discarded after the sensing device is attached to the body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an applicator comprising an insertion unit assembly including a needle and configured to move the needle in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, an applicator body having the insertion unit assembly disposed therein, and an operating portion coupled to the insertion unit assembly within the applicator body and configured to permit the movement of the needle in the first direction. The applicator body includes a base frame, a top case placed on the base frame so as to cover at least a part of the base frame and at least a part of which is formed of molded pulp, and a top case restraining member coupled to the base frame so as to restrain the top case to the base frame.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensing device; and an applicator detachably coupled to the sensing device, the applicator including an applicator body covering the sensing device, an insertion unit assembly disposed within the applicator body and configured to move at least a portion of the sensing device in a first direction, and an actuating portion disposed within the applicator body and coupled to the insertion unit assembly and configured to allow the movement of at least a portion of the sensing device in the first direction, the applicator body including a base frame having a recess formed in a lower surface thereof, a top case placed on the base frame so as to cover at least a portion of the base frame and at least partially formed of molded pulp, and a top case restraint member coupled to the base frame so as to restrain the top case to the base frame, an applicator assembly is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the convenience of the user can be improved when the sensing device is attached to the body.

[0013] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, environmental pollution during applicator disposal can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and are not to be construed as precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Throughout the specification, "above" means located above or below the target part, and does not necessarily mean located on the upper side with reference to the direction of gravity.

[0016] Also, the term "coupling" is not meant to mean only the case where each component is physically in direct contact in the contact relationship between components, but is used in a concept that includes the case where other components are interposed between the components and the components are in contact with the other components respectively.

[0017] Also, "detach" is used in a concept that means that two or more components that are coupled in a state where no relative movement occurs between them can move relative to each other by an operation of a user or the like within the normal use range.

[0018] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0019] Hereinafter, the applicator and the applicator assembly according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components will be given the same drawing numbers, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which a sensing device of the applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a user's skin. FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically showing a state before a sensor unit and a base unit of the sensing device are coupled. FIG. 4 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which the sensor unit and the base unit are coupled. Each of FIGS. 5 and 6 is a drawing schematically showing a disassembled state of the sensor unit. FIG. 7 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which a needle is coupled to the sensor unit. FIG. 8 is a drawing schematically showing a base unit of the sensing device. FIG. 9 is a drawing schematically showing a cross section taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a drawing schematically showing a cross section taken along line II-II' of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a drawing schematically showing a disassembled state of the applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a drawing schematically showing a partially disassembled state of a base frame, a locking hook, and a moving tab of the applicator. FIG. 13 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which the base frame and the locking hook of the applicator are coupled as viewed from above. Each of FIGS. 14(a), 14(b), and 14(c) is a drawing showing a state in which the base frame and the locking hook of the applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention are coupled as viewed from above, and sequentially showing an operating process of the locking hook due to the movement of an operating part. Each of FIGS. 15 and 16 is a drawing schematically showing a middle frame of the applicator. FIG. 17 is a drawing schematically showing an operating part. FIG. 18 is a drawing schematically showing a disassembled state of an insertion unit assembly of the applicator. FIG. 19 is a drawing schematically showing a part of an internal structure of the applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and schematically showing a state in which the operating part is in a deactivated position. FIG. 20 is a drawing schematically showing a part of an internal structure of the applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and schematically showing a state in which the operating part is in an activated position.Figures 21(a) and 21(b) schematically show a part of the internal structure of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are drawings schematically showing the state where the operating part is in the inactive position and the state where the operating part is in the activated position. Figure 22 is a drawing schematically showing an operation prevention part and a protective sheet applied to this embodiment. Figures 23 to 27 are drawings schematically showing an operation method of an applicator assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each of Figures 23, 24, and 26 is a drawing schematically showing a cross-section along a line corresponding to the I-I' line in Figure 1, and each of Figures 25 and 27 is a drawing schematically showing a cross-section along a line corresponding to the II-II' line in Figure 1.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 27, an applicator assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensing device 20, an applicator 30, an operation prevention part 40, and a protective sheet 50.

[0022] The sensing device 20 can sense biological information at a plurality of different time points while being attached to the user's skin, and wirelessly transmit the sensing data to the external terminal 5. Here, the biological information may be a blood glucose value, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Here, the plurality of different time points may be, for example, at least three or more time points having substantially the same period, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The external terminal 5 can be various devices that can receive the sensing data of the sensing device 20, such as the user's mobile terminal, a dedicated medical device, a PC, and a server.

[0023] The sensing device 20 includes a sensor unit 100 and a base unit 200. The sensing device 20 can be provided to the user in a form in which the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are separated from each other within the applicator 30 described later. By the user operating the applicator 30, the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 of the sensing device 20 can be coupled. The sensing device 20 can be detached from the applicator 30 and attached to the user's body. In this specification, the sensing device 20 is used in the sense of including all states in which the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are separated from each other and states in which the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are coupled to each other.

[0024] On the other hand, in this specification, on the premise that the sensing device 20 includes the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 which are arranged to be separated from each other within the applicator 30 and are coupled by the user's operation of the applicator 30, the description will be made. However, such a description does not exclude other forms of sensing devices from the scope of the present invention. As another non-limiting example, the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 may be arranged in a form in which they are coupled to each other within the applicator 30, and while maintaining the coupled state, they may be moved in a first direction (refer to the directions shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 23 to 27) by the user's operation of the applicator 30 and attached to the user's skin, and may be detached from the applicator 30 while maintaining the coupled state.

[0025] At least a part of the sensor unit 100 can be inserted into the user's skin to sense biological information and generate a signal. The sensor unit 100 includes a sensor 110, a sensor unit housing 120, a sensor adhesive part 149, and an adhesive pad 152.

[0026] At least a part of the sensor 110 can be inserted into the user's skin to sense biological information. The sensor 110 includes a sensor body 111, a connecting part 112, an intermediate part 113, an extension part 114, and an insertion part 116.

[0027] The sensor body 111 can be disposed inside a sensor unit housing 120 described later. The connecting portion 112 can extend from one side of the sensor body 111 and connect the sensor body 111 and the intermediate portion 113. The connecting portion 112 can be configured such that the sensor body 111 and the intermediate portion 113 are placed on different planes from each other. The intermediate portion 113 can extend from one side of the connecting portion 112 and connect the connecting portion 112 and the insertion portion 116. The intermediate portion 113 can include an extension portion 114 protruding in one side direction from the connecting portion 112. The insertion portion 116 can be connected to the extension portion 114 and inserted into a user's skin. The insertion portion 116 can be formed in the form of a relatively thin and long probe so as to be smoothly inserted into the user's skin.

[0028] As an example, the sensor body 111, the connecting portion 112, the intermediate portion 113, and the insertion portion 116 can be fabricated in a flat plate shape, and then the connecting portion 112 can be bent and deformed. Due to the bending deformation of the connecting portion 112, the intermediate portion 113 and the insertion portion 116 may be arranged on different planes from the sensor body 111, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0029] On the other hand, FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the intermediate portion 113 and the insertion portion 116 are arranged on the same plane and the intermediate portion 113 is arranged perpendicular to the sensor body 111, but the angle between the intermediate portion 113 and the sensor body 111 and the angle between the insertion portion 116 and the sensor body 111 can be variously changed.

[0030] On the other hand, a conductive trace electrically connected to the electrodes of the sensor body 111 can be disposed on the connecting portion 112, the intermediate portion 113, and the insertion portion 116.

[0031] The sensor unit housing 120 houses at least a part of the sensor 110 therein. As an example, the sensor body 111, the connecting portion 112, and the intermediate portion 113 of the sensor 110 are disposed inside the sensor unit housing 120, and at least a part of the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 may protrude from the sensor unit housing 120. The sensor unit housing 120 includes a housing base 121 and a housing cap 134.

[0032] The housing base 121 includes a base portion 122 that supports the sensor body 111 and a boss 127 that protrudes from the surface of the base portion 122. A through hole 124 may be formed on one side of the base portion 122. An electrical contact portion 225 described later may be inserted into the through hole 124. A housing base hole 128 may be formed in the boss 127. The insertion portion 116 and a needle 485 described later may be inserted into the housing base hole 128. A detent protrusion 125 may be formed on the edge of the base portion 122. When the housing base 121 is coupled to the housing cap 134 described later, the detent protrusion 125 may be inserted into a detent groove 139 of the housing cap 134.

[0033] The housing cap 134 can be coupled to the housing base 121 to cover the sensor body 111. A housing cap hole 135 can be formed on one side of the housing cap 134. The housing cap hole 135 is connected to the housing base hole 128 of the housing base 121. Accordingly, the needle 485 can pass through the housing cap hole 135 and the housing base hole 128 and protrude outside the sensor unit housing 120. A detent groove 139 can be formed in the housing cap 134. When the housing base 121 and the housing cap 134 are coupled, the detent protrusion 125 of the housing base 121 can be inserted into the detent groove 139. A sensor unit groove 138 can be formed in the housing cap 134. The pressing protrusion 442 of the shuttle 431 can be inserted into the sensor unit groove 138. The sensor unit groove 138 is formed to protrude on the inner surface of the housing cap 134 facing the housing base 121. The region where the sensor unit groove 138 protrudes from the inner surface of the housing cap 134 can be inserted into the housing engagement portion of the housing base 121. A retention protrusion 136 can be formed on the inner surface of the housing cap 134 facing the housing base 121. The retention protrusion 136 is arranged to face the intermediate portion 113 whose end is inserted into the housing base hole 128, and can restrain the movement of the intermediate portion 113 of the sensor 110. With such a retention protrusion 136, the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 can be stably maintained in a state of protruding from the sensor unit housing 120 by a certain length. Also, with the retention protrusion 136, the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 can be maintained in a state of being inserted into the user's skin at a certain depth without retreating from the user's skin when the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 is inserted into the user's skin.

[0034] The sensor adhesion part 149 is disposed between the housing base 121 and the sensor body 111, and the sensor body 111 can be attached to the housing base 121. The sensor adhesion part 149 can be in the form of a double-sided tape having adhesiveness on both side surfaces, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. A sensor adhesion part opening 150 may be formed in the central part of the sensor adhesion part 149. An electrical contact part 225 described later can be inserted into the sensor adhesion part opening 150.

[0035] The adhesion pad 152 is disposed between the housing cap 134 and the sensor body 111, and the sensor body 111 can be attached to the housing cap 134. The adhesion pad 152 can be in the form of a double-sided tape having adhesiveness on both side surfaces, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. An adhesion pad engagement part may be formed in the adhesion pad 152. Through the adhesion pad engagement part, the sensor unit groove 138 protruding from the inner surface of the housing cap 134 can be inserted into the housing engagement part of the housing base 121.

[0036] The base unit 200 can be coupled to the sensing unit 100 and attached to the user's skin. The base unit 200 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100, and can process the biological information measured by the sensor unit 100 and transmit it to the external terminal 5. The base unit 200 includes a base unit housing 210, electronic components, an adhesive layer 230, a protective sheet 240, and an adhesion part 250.

[0037] The base unit housing 210 can be coupled to the sensor unit housing 120. The base unit housing 210 can form the overall appearance of the base unit 200. An insertion hole 211 can be formed in the base unit housing 210. The insertion hole 211 is formed in a form in which the boss 127 of the sensor unit 100 can be inserted, and at least a part of the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 can be inserted into the insertion hole 211. A mounting portion 212, which is an area where the sensor unit housing 120 is accommodated, can be formed in the base unit housing 210. The mounting portion 212 includes a base unit recess 213. The sensor unit housing 120 can be coupled to the base unit recess 213. A housing groove 217 can be formed in the base unit housing 210. At least a part of the locking hook 360 of the applicator 30, which will be described later, can be inserted into the housing groove 217. An electrical contact portion 225 can be formed in the base unit housing 210. When the sensor unit 100 is coupled to the base unit 200, the electrical contact portion 225 can contact the sensor body 111 through the through hole 124 and the sensor adhesive portion opening 150 of the sensor unit 100. The electrical contact portion 225 can be formed in a form that can be elastically deformed for stable contact with the sensor body 111. The electrical contact portion 225 can be electrically connected to a substrate 217, which will be described later.

[0038] The electronic components are arranged inside the base unit housing 210. The electronic components can include a substrate 217, an electrical contact portion 225 that contacts the sensor 110, a battery 218, and various chips. The chips can be arranged on the substrate 217. The chips can include a processor chip for processing signals and a communication chip for communication with the external terminal 5.

[0039] As a modification, the base unit 200 may not include at least a part of the electronic components. For example, the base unit 200 may be simply configured only as a structure for attaching the sensor unit 100 to the user's skin. In this case, a separate electronic unit may be detachably coupled to the base unit 200. Such an electronic unit may include a processor chip that processes the biological information sensed by the sensor unit 100, and a communication chip that transmits the processed sensing data to the external terminal 5. Further, the electronic unit may be electrically connected to the sensor unit 100 after the sensor unit 100 is coupled to the base unit 200.

[0040] The adhesive layer 230 is disposed on one surface of the base unit housing 210 and can couple the sensor unit housing 120 and the base unit housing 210. The adhesive layer 230 can seal between the sensor unit housing 120 and the base unit housing 210 so that moisture and foreign matter do not flow into the side of the electrical contact portion 225. Adhesive layer holes 231 and 232 may be formed in the adhesive layer 230. Since the adhesive layer hole 231 is connected to the insertion hole 211, the needle 485 and the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 can pass through the adhesive layer hole 231. The electrical contact portion 225 can pass through the adhesive layer hole 232. The adhesive layer 230 may be in the form of a double-sided tape having adhesiveness on both sides.

[0041] The protective sheet 240 can cover the adhesive layer 230 to prevent the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer 230 from decreasing. The protective sheet 240 contains a release material and can be easily removed from the adhesive layer 230 to expose the adhesive layer 230 before the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are coupled. The protective sheet 240 can include a protection part 241 that covers the adhesive layer 230 and a wing part 242 extending from the protection part 241. A protective sheet opening 244 can be formed in the protection part 241. The protective sheet opening 244 can be connected to the adhesive layer hole 232 of the adhesive layer 230. A protective sheet hole 245 can be formed in the wing part 242. Since the wing part 242 protrudes from the base unit housing 210, the wing part 242 and the protective sheet hole 245 can be coupled to the moving tab 600 of the applicator 30 described later.

[0042] The base unit 200 is coupled to the applicator 30 with the protective sheet 240 attached to the adhesive layer 230. The protective sheet 240 can be detached from the adhesive layer 230 by a moving tab 600 described later before the sensor unit 100 is coupled to the base unit 200. By the user operating the moving tab 600, the protective sheet 240 is detached from the adhesive layer 230. Thereafter, by the user operating the applicator 30 described later, the sensor unit 100 can be moved in the first direction (refer to the directions shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 23 to 27) and coupled to the base unit 200.

[0043] The adhesive part 250 is disposed on one surface of the base unit housing 210 and can attach the base unit housing 210 to the user's skin. An adhesive part opening through which the insertion part 116 of the sensor 110 and the needle 485 can pass can be formed in the central part of the adhesive part 250.

[0044] The applicator 30 forms the overall appearance of the applicator assembly 10 according to this embodiment. The applicator 30 can cover at least a part of each of the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200. The applicator 30 can couple the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 to each other to form the sensing device 20. The applicator 30 can be detached from the sensing device 20 after the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are coupled to form the sensing device 20. The applicator 30 can include an applicator body 300, an insertion unit assembly 400, and an operating part 500.

[0045] The applicator body 300 can form the overall appearance of the applicator 30. The applicator body 300 covers at least a part of each of the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 in the state before the user operates the applicator 30. The applicator body 300 includes a main body 310, 330, a locking hook 360, a top case 370, and a top case restraint member 380.

[0046] The main bodies 310, 330 accommodate at least a part of the insertion unit assembly 400 described later and support the insertion unit assembly 400. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the main bodies 310, 330 include a base frame 310 and a middle frame 330 that are separately formed and coupled to each other. However, such an explanation does not exclude a main body in an integrally formed form from the scope of the present invention.

[0047] The base frame 310 can contact the user's skin when the applicator assembly 10 according to this embodiment is used by the user. Specifically, in the aforementioned user usage environment, the bottom 312 of the base frame 310 can contact the user's skin. A recess 313 may be formed in the bottom 312. At least a part of the base unit 200 is accommodated in the recess 313, and the base unit 200 can be detachably coupled to the base frame 310. A base frame opening 314 may be formed in the central portion of the base frame 310. A fence portion 316 may be disposed around the base frame opening 314. At least a part of the insertion unit assembly 400 described later is inserted into the base frame opening 314, and the fence portion 316 can support the insertion unit assembly 400. Therefore, the base frame 310 can support the insertion unit assembly 400. Support portions 318 may be disposed on both sides of the base frame opening 314. The support portions 318 can rotatably support a locking hook 360 described later. The support portion 318 includes an elastically deformable elastic support base 318-1 and a support protrusion 318-2 protruding from the surface of the elastic support base 318-1. The support protrusion 318-2 presses the locking hook 360 to prevent the locking hook 360 from being separated between the elastic support base 318-1 and the fence portion 316. Further, an elastically deformable retention protrusion 327 may be formed on the base frame 310 to limit the movement of the locking hook 360. The support portion 318 and the retention protrusion 327 will be described later.

[0048] A stage 320 may be formed inside the base frame 310. The stage 320 can support the moving tab 600 so that the moving tab 600 described later can stably move linearly. An entrance / exit 322 may be formed in the base frame 310. The entrance / exit 322 is formed on one side of the outer surface of the base frame 310. The moving tab 600 disposed on the stage 320 can be drawn out to the outside of the base frame 310 through the entrance / exit 322. An applicator body engaging portion 324 may be formed in the base frame 310. The applicator body engaging portion 324 includes an engaging protrusion 325 formed inside the base frame 310 so as to be able to engage with the moving tab 600.

[0049] External fences 328-1, 328-2, and 328-3 are formed on the base frame 310. The external fences 328-1, 328-2, and 328-3 include a first external fence 328-1 having a relatively largest diameter and a relatively lowest height, a second external fence 328-2 having a diameter smaller than that of the first external fence 328-1 and a height higher than that of the first external fence 328-1, and a third external fence 328-3 having a diameter smaller than that of the second external fence 328-2 and a height higher than that of the second external fence 328-2. A middle frame 330 and an operating unit 500, which will be described later, are arranged in the internal space formed by the third external fence 328-3. A skirt 372 of a top case 370, which will be described later, is placed on the upper surface of the second external fence 328-2. When the top case 370 is placed on the upper surface of the second external fence 328-2, the third external fence 328-3 is covered by the top case 370 and is not exposed to the outside. A top case restraint member 380, which will be described later, is placed on the upper surface of the first external fence 328-1. A coupling groove 328-1R is formed on the upper surface of the first external fence 328-1, and a first coupling protrusion 381 of the top case restraint member 380 is inserted therein. A coupling groove 328-2R is formed at the lower part of the second external fence 328-2, and a second coupling protrusion 382 of the top case restraint member 380 is inserted therein. By coupling the coupling protrusions 381 and 382 of the top case restraint member 380 to the coupling grooves 328-1R and 328-2R of the base frame 310, the top case restraint member 380 can be fixed to the base frame 310. As a result, the top case 370 placed on the upper surface of the second external fence 328-2 of the base frame 310 can be restrained by the base frame 310.

[0050] The middle frame 330 is disposed on the base frame 310 and supports the insertion unit assembly 400 described later. The insertion unit assembly 400 is inserted into the middle frame 300. The middle frame 330 includes a stage 331 that supports the operating unit 500 described later. A middle frame opening 332 connected to the base frame opening 314 of the base frame 310 may be formed at the central portion of the stage 331. At least a part of the insertion unit assembly 400 described later may be inserted into the base frame opening 314 through the middle frame opening 332.

[0051] Guide protrusions 334 may be disposed on the middle frame 330. Specifically, the guide protrusions 334 may be disposed on both sides of the stage 331 of the middle frame 330. The guide protrusions 334 can guide the movement of the operating unit 500 in a third direction (refer to the direction shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 23 to 27) perpendicular to the first direction (refer to the direction shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 23 to 27) of the operating unit 500. That is, the guide protrusions 334 can guide the operating unit 500 to move from the deactivated position to the activated position. Here, the deactivated position may mean a position where the operating unit 500 does not allow the sensor unit 100 and the insertion unit 430 to move along the first direction (refer to the direction shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 23 to 27). The activated position may mean a position where the operating unit 500 allows the sensor unit 100 and the insertion unit 430 to move along the first direction (refer to the direction shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 23 to 27).

[0052] A locking unit may be formed in the middle frame 330. The locking unit can prevent the third-direction movement of the operating unit 500, that is, the movement of the operating unit 500 from the deactivated position to the activated position. The locking unit may be disposed in a through hole 336 formed in the stage 331. The locking unit includes a locking body 339 connected to the middle frame 330 so as to engage or disengage from the operating unit 500. The locking body 339 includes a body portion 340 elastically deformably connected to the middle frame 330, a hook portion 341 connected to one side of the body portion 340 so as to be able to engage with the operating unit 500, and a leg portion 342 connected to the other side of the body portion 340 so as to be able to contact the moving tab 600. When the leg portion 342 contacts the moving tab 600, the hook portion 341 may be deflected in a direction to engage with the operating unit 500. When the leg portion 342 moves away from the moving tab 600, the hook portion 341 may be deflected in a direction to disengage from the operating unit 500.

[0053] An elastic pressing portion 345 may be disposed in the middle frame 330. The elastic pressing portion 345 can elastically support the operating unit 500. The elastic pressing portion 345 can elastically support the operating unit 500 in contact with the operating unit 500 so that the operating unit 500 cannot easily move from the deactivated position to the activated position. That is, the elastic pressing portion 345 generates a resistance force that resists the force applied by the user to push the operating unit 500. Therefore, the elastic pressing portion 345 allows the operating unit 500 to be moved along the third direction only when the user applies a force greater than a certain level to the operating unit 500.

[0054] The middle frame 330 further includes a button guide 346 extending upward from the stage 331. A guide hole 347 is formed in the button guide 346. When an operating part 500 described later is coupled to the middle frame 330, the button of the button part 510 of the operating part 500 is disposed within the guide hole 347 of the middle frame 330. On the other hand, when the top case 370 is fixed to the base frame 310 using a top case restraint member 380 described later, at least a part of the button guide 346 of the middle frame 330 is exposed to the outside through the top case opening 371 together with the button part 510 of the operating part 500.

[0055] The locking hook 360 can be coupled to the base frame 310. The locking hook 360 can maintain the coupled state of the base unit 200 and the base frame 310 by engaging with the base unit 200 housed in the recess 313. The locking hook 360 can be disengaged from the base unit 200 after the user's skin adheres to the sensing device 20.

[0056] The locking hook 360 can be pivotally coupled to the support part 318 of the base frame 310. The locking hook 360 includes a pivot part 361 rotatably coupled to the support part 318, a hook part 362 protruding from one side of the pivot part 361, an extension part 363 protruding from the other side of the pivot part 361, and an extension part 364 protruding from an end of the pivot part 361.

[0057] The pivot part 361 is rotatably disposed between the elastic support base 318-1 and the fence part 316. The support protrusion 318-2 of the support part 318 contacts the pivot part 361 above the pivot part 361 to prevent the pivot part 361 from being separated between the elastic support base 318-1 and the fence part 316. Also, the pivot part 361 can be slid in its longitudinal direction while being supported by the support part 318.

[0058] The hook portion 362 protrudes from one side of the pivot portion 361, and the end thereof can be inserted into the housing groove 217 of the base unit 200. When the end of the hook portion 362 is inserted into the housing groove 217 of the base unit 200, the extension portion 363 is restricted in movement by the operating portion 500. Accordingly, the locking hook 360 is restricted in movement by the operating portion 500, and the coupled state of the base unit 200 and the base frame 310, that is, the coupled state of the base unit 200 and the applicator body 300 can be maintained. On the other hand, when the sensor unit 100 is moved in the first direction and coupled to the base unit 200, the restraint on the extension portion 363 by the operating portion 500 is released. Thereby, the end of the hook portion 362 can be removed from the housing groove 217 of the base unit 200.

[0059] The extension portion 364 protrudes from the end of the pivot portion 361. The extension portions 364 are disposed at both ends of the pivot portion 361 respectively. The extension portion 364 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the pivot portion 361. The extension portion 362 can contact the elastic support base 318-1 to restrict the movement of the pivot portion 361, and can limit the longitudinal movement distance of the shaft 361.

[0060] The locking hook 360 can be moved in the third direction by the stopper protrusion 535 of the operating portion 500. The locking hook 360 moved in the third direction cannot be moved in the fourth direction by the retention protrusion 327.

[0061] The stopper projection 535 of the stopper portion 520 applied to this embodiment contacts the locking hook 360 only when the operating portion 500 moves in the third direction, and is configured to be disengaged from the locking hook 360 when the operating portion 500 that has completed moving in the third direction moves in the fourth direction. The stopper projection 535 includes a stopper projection contact portion 536 and a stopper projection detent 537. The stopper projection contact portion 536 can contact the upper surface of the extension portion 363 of the locking hook 360 to restrain the tilting movement of the locking hook 360. The stopper projection detent 537 can contact one side portion of the extension portion 363 to push the locking hook 360 and release the fixed mode of the locking hook 360.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 21(a), when the operating portion 500 is located at the deactivated position, the stopper projection contact portion 536 contacts the locking hook 360, thereby restraining the tilting movement of the locking hook 360. At this time, the locking hook 360 meshes with the base unit 200, and the coupling relationship between the base unit 200 and the application body 300 can be maintained. At this time, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the retention projection 327 can contact the side portion of the locking hook 360.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 14(b) and 21(b), when the operating portion 500 moves in the third direction by the operation of the user, the stopper projection detent 537 of the stopper projection 535 moves the locking hook 360 in the third direction. At this time, the extension portion 364 of the locking hook 360 can elastically deform the retention projection 327 and pass through the retention projection 327. When the extension portion 354 has completed passing through the retention projection 327, the retention projection 327 can contact one end portion of the locking hook 360 while returning to its original state.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 14(c), when the pressure exerted by the user on the actuating part 500 in the third direction is removed, the stopper projection 535 is disengaged from the locking hook 360. Specifically, when the pressure exerted by the user on the actuating part 500 in the third direction is removed, the actuating part 500 is moved in the fourth direction, but the locking hook 360 cannot be moved in the fourth direction by the retention projection 327. As a result, the stopper projection 535 is detached from the locking hook 360. In this embodiment, the actuating part 500 can be moved in the fourth direction and return to the initial deactivated position. As shown in FIG. 14(c), when the actuating part 500 is located at the initial deactivated position, the stopper projection 535 is disengaged from the locking hook 360. As a result, the locking hook 360 is tiltable, and the base unit 200 can be detached from the application body 300.

[0065] The top case 370 is coupled to the main bodies 310, 330 to cover the insertion unit assembly 400 and the actuating part 500 described later. Specifically, the top case 370 is placed on the base frame 310 and fixed to the base frame 310 through a top case restraint member 380 described later. Through this, the top case 370 can cover at least a part of the base frame 310, the middle frame 330, the insertion unit assembly 400, and the actuating part 500. The top case 370 is provided with a top case opening 371 for exposing the button part 510 of the actuating part 500 described later to the outside. A skirt 372 extending in the outer diameter direction is formed at the lower end of the top case 370. The skirt 372 is placed on the upper surface of the second outer fence 328-2 of the base frame 310.

[0066] At least a part of the applicator body 300 is formed of molded pulp. The molded pulp can be manufactured by injecting a pulp solution obtained by decomposing water and paper scraps or pure pulp into a mold, and drying it after vacuum suction molding. Since the molded pulp can replace the synthetic resin conventionally used as the material of the applicator body, environmental destruction can be minimized. As an example, at least one of the base frame 310, the middle frame 330, and the top case 370 of the applicator body 300 can be formed of molded pulp. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it will be described on the premise that at least a part of the top case 370 is formed of molded pulp, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0067] At least a part of the top case 370 is formed of molded pulp. As an example, the top case 370 may have some regions formed of molded pulp and the remaining regions formed of materials other than molded pulp. Here, the some regions and the remaining regions can be joined through physical, mechanical, and chemical methods. As another example, the top case 370 can be a single piece formed of molded pulp. In the former case, the materials can be varied according to the regions of the top case 370. In the latter case, the top case 370 can be formed in a relatively simple manner. No structure for coupling between the top case 370 and the base frame 310 needs to be formed on the inner surface of the top case 370.

[0068] The molded pulp can contain pulp fibers and a filler.

[0069] The pulp fibers can include one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of wood pulp fibers and non-wood pulp fibers, depending on the raw material from which the fibers are obtained. The wood pulp fibers can include fibers obtained from softwood pulp (SwP), hardwood pulp (HwP), or a mixture thereof. The non-wood pulp fibers can include fibers obtained from straw pulp, bagasse pulp, ashi pulp, bamboo pulp, bast fiber pulp, rag pulp, cotton pulp, or a mixture thereof. The pulp fibers can be made from pulp produced by mechanically and / or chemically treating wood or other fiber-containing plants, depending on the processing method of the raw material. For example, the pulp fibers can include mechanical pulps such as ground wood pulp (GP), refiner pulp (RP), thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP), etc., obtained by mechanically breaking wood or other plants; chemical pulps such as kraft pulp (KP), sulphite pulp (SP), semi-chemical pulp (SCP), etc., obtained by treating wood or other plants with various chemicals to remove non-fibrous substances; and recycled pulps such as deinked pulp (DIP), obtained from waste paper, or fibers obtained from a mixture thereof.

[0070] The filler can include, as non-limiting examples, at least one of a reinforcing material for reinforcing the rigidity of the pulp mold, a moisture-resistant material for improving the moisture resistance of the pulp mold, and a refractory material for improving the thermal stability of the pulp mold. The filler can be, for example, in the form of short fibers or long fibers, or in the form of particles having at least one of spherical and needle-like shapes, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. At this time, the short fibers can mean fibers having a fiber length of 500 μm to 3 mm, but are not limited thereto. Also, the short fibers can represent a thickness of 0.5 to 10 denier, for example 0.5 to 6 denier, per fiber length, but are not limited thereto. Also, the powder can have a particle size (D50) of 3 μm to 3 mm, but is not limited thereto. The filler can be dispersed, for example, among the pulp fibers and distinguished from the pulp fibers. Or the filler may be integrated with the pulp fibers and not distinguished from the pulp fibers. Or the filler can be provided in the form of fibers and form a composite fiber structure together with the pulp fibers. The filler can include, for example, petroleum-based polymers and / or biodegradable polymers. The petroleum-based polymer can be a polyolefin-based polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a blend of these, or a copolymer between each monomer.Biodegradable polymers refer to polymers that are decomposed into low-molecular compounds with the involvement of microorganisms in nature. Examples include, but are not limited to, one or more selected from polylactic acid (Poly lactic acid, PLA), thermoplastic starch (Thermopplastic starch, TPS), aliphatic polyester (aliphatic polyester, AP), polycaprolactone (Polycaprolactone, PCL), polyglycolic acid (Polyglycolic acid, PGA), polybutylene succinate (Poly butylene succinate, PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (Poly butylene adipate terephthalate, PBAT), polyhydroxy alkanoate (polyhydroxy alkanoate, PHA), and mixtures thereof. Also, biodegradable polymers are bio-derived polymers, and biodegradable ones may be used. Examples of bio-derived polymers that are biodegradable include, but are not limited to, one or more selected from bio-polyethylene (Bio-PE), bio-polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET), bio-polytrimethylene terephthalate (Bio-PTT), bio-polyamide (Bio-PA), bio-polypropylene (Bio-PP), and mixtures thereof.

[0071] The top case restraint member 380 is coupled to the base frame 310 and restrains the top case 370 placed on the base frame 310 to the base frame 310. The top case restraint member 380 may be formed in an overall ring shape surrounding the outer periphery of the lower part of the top case 370. The top case restraint member 380 is placed on the upper surface of the first outer fence 328-1 of the base frame 310 and coupled to the base frame 310. Coupling protrusions 381 and 382 are formed on the top case restraint member 380 for coupling to the base frame 310. The first coupling protrusion 381 protrudes from the lower surface of the top case restraint member 380 facing the upper surface of the first outer fence 328-1. The first coupling protrusion 381 is inserted into a coupling groove 328-1R formed on the upper surface of the first outer fence 328-1. The second coupling protrusion 382 protrudes from the inner surface of the top case restraint member 380 facing the outer surface of the second outer fence 328-2. The second coupling protrusion 382 is inserted into a coupling groove 328-2R formed on the outer surface of the second outer fence 328-2. On the other hand, a pressing protrusion 383 may be formed in the upper region of the inner surface of the top case restraint member 380. The pressing protrusion 383 can press the top case 370 placed on the upper surface of the second outer fence 328-2 of the base frame 310 when coupling the top case restraint member 380 to the base frame 310. On the other hand, the inner diameter of the top case restraint member 380 may be smaller at the upper part than at the lower part, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] The insertion unit assembly 400 moves the needle 485 in each of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. Since the needle 485 is moved in the first direction while being coupled to the sensor unit 100, the insertion unit assembly 400 moves the sensor unit 100, which is a configuration of the sensing device 20, in the first direction. The insertion unit assembly 400 includes a column member 410 and an insertion unit 430. The insertion unit 430 includes a shuttle 431, a shuttle driver 450, a needle assembly 460, and a release driver 490.

[0073] The column member 410 is fixed to the applicator body 300 to support the insertion unit 430. The column member 410 includes a column member body 411 having a column member opening 412 opened outward at one end. A space for accommodating the insertion unit 430 is provided in the column member body 411. A release portion 414 is disposed on the inner surface of the column member body 411. The release portion 414 can come into contact with the carrier 462 of the needle assembly 460, which will be described later, during the movement of the carrier 462 in the first direction. When the carrier 462 comes into contact with the release portion 414, the carrier 462 can be disengaged from the shuttle 431 and move relative to the shuttle 431.

[0074] On both sides of the column member body 411, a clamping portion 416 and a blocking portion 420 for restraining the movement of the shuttle 431 are arranged. The clamping portion 416 has a clamping portion detent 417 that can engage with one side of the shuttle 431. The insertion unit assembly 400 can be coupled to the applicator body 300 in a state where the shuttle 431 is temporarily fixed to the column member 410 by the clamping portion 416. When the clamping portion detent 417 of the clamping portion 416 engages with the shuttle latch 438 of the shuttle 431, the shuttle 431 is in a state of being temporarily fixed to the column member 410. When the clamping portion 416 is used to temporarily fix the shuttle 431 to the column member 410, it is possible to prevent the problem that the shuttle 431 moves accidentally during the assembly process of the insertion unit assembly 400. After the insertion unit assembly 400 is coupled to the applicator body 300 during the manufacturing process of the applicator assembly 10, the clamping portion 416 can be disengaged from the shuttle 431. As shown in FIG. 9, the applicator assembly 10 can be provided to the user in a state where the clamping portion 416 is disengaged from the shuttle 431. The blocking portion 420 can be used to fix the shuttle 431 that has completed the movement in the first direction at the corresponding position. The blocking portion 420 has a blocking portion detent 421 that engages with one side of the shuttle 431. The blocking portion 420 can prevent the shuttle 431 from moving in the second direction, which is the opposite direction of the first direction, by the blocking portion detent 421 engaging with the detent portion 439 of the shuttle 431 after the shuttle 431 has completed the movement in the first direction. By the blocking portion 420 restraining the movement of the shuttle 431, it is possible to prevent the problem that the shuttle 431 and the applicator 30 are reused.

[0075] The shuttle 431 is disposed inside the column member 410. The shuttle 431 is disposed to be linearly movable with respect to the column member 410. The shuttle 431 includes a shuttle body 432. Inside the shuttle body 432, a space for accommodating a needle assembly 460 described later is provided. On one side of the shuttle body 432, a shuttle protrusion 434 is disposed. The shuttle protrusion 434 protrudes from the shuttle body 432 so as to be able to contact the operating portion 500. The shuttle protrusion 434, together with the operating portion 500 described later, prevents or allows the shuttle 431 to move in the first direction. Specifically, when the shuttle protrusion 434 and the operating portion 500 are in contact, the movement of the shuttle 431 in the first direction is prevented. When the shuttle protrusion 434 and the operating portion 500 are not in contact, the movement of the shuttle 431 in the first direction is allowed. Inside the shuttle body 432, a shuttle detent 436 is formed with which a carrier latch 476 of a carrier 462 described later can engage. When the shuttle detent 436 and the carrier latch 476 described later are engaged, the carrier 462 cannot move relative to the shuttle 431. When the engagement between the shuttle detent 436 and the carrier latch 476 is released, the carrier 462 can move relative to the shuttle 431. A shuttle through-hole 441 is formed in a shuttle bottom 440 of the shuttle body 432. The needle 485 can protrude outside the shuttle body 432 through the shuttle through-hole 441. A pressing protrusion 442 is formed in the shuttle bottom 440. The pressing protrusion 442 can be inserted into a sensor unit groove 138 of the sensor unit 100. By inserting the pressing protrusion 442 into the sensor unit groove 138 of the sensor unit 100, the sensor unit 100 can maintain a fixed position without moving. A fixing portion 444 is formed inside the shuttle 431. The fixing portion 444 is coupled to a needle release driver 490.

[0076] The shuttle driver 450 is disposed between the column member 410 and the shuttle 431. The shuttle driver 450 can provide a moving force for the movement of the shuttle 431 in the first direction. The shuttle driver 450 includes a forward elastic member 451 that provides an elastic force to cause the shuttle 431 to move in the first direction. One end of the forward elastic member 451 is coupled to the column member 410, and the other end of the forward elastic member 451 can be coupled to the shuttle 431. The shuttle 431 can be installed inside the column member 410 in a state where the forward elastic member 451 is elastically deformed. At this time, the movement of the shuttle 431 in the first direction is prevented by the contact between the shuttle protrusion 434 and the operating portion 500. Thereafter, when the operating portion 500 is moved in the third direction and the shuttle protrusion 434 and the operating portion 500 no longer contact each other, the shuttle 431 is moved in the first direction by the elastic force of the forward elastic member 451. The forward elastic member 451 may be a coil spring, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] The needle assembly 460 is coupled to the shuttle 431 and at least a part thereof can be disposed inside the shuttle 431. The needle assembly 460 includes a carrier 462 and a needle 485.

[0078] The carrier 462 is coupled to the shuttle 431 so as to be relatively movable. A part of the carrier 462 can be engaged with the shuttle 431 and moved in the first direction together with the shuttle 431. After the movement in the first direction is completed, the carrier 462 can be disengaged from the shuttle 431 and moved in the second direction. The carrier 462 includes a carrier body 463, at least one carrier wing 471, and at least one grip arm 478.

[0079] The carrier body 463 is coupled to the needle 485. The carrier body 463 is provided with a fixing portion 469 to which a needle release driver 490 described later is coupled.

[0080] The carrier wing 471 extends from the carrier body 463. At least a part of the carrier wing 471 can be elastically deformed when moving in the first direction. The carrier wing 471 includes a wing body 472 that is elastically connected to the carrier body 463, a trigger 474 protruding from the wing body 472, and a carrier latch 476. The trigger 474 can contact the release portion 414 of the column member 410 while the carrier 462 and the shuttle 431 move together in the first direction. The carrier latch 476 protrudes outward from the wing body 472. The carrier latch 476 can engage with the shuttle detent 436 of the shuttle 431. With the carrier latch 476 engaged with the shuttle detent 436, the carrier 462 can maintain the elastically deformed state of the retraction elastic member 491 of the needle release driver 490. Therefore, with the carrier latch 476 engaged with the shuttle detent 436, the carrier 462 cannot move in the second direction in which the elastic force of the retraction elastic member 491 acts. As described above, while the carrier 462 and the shuttle 431 move together in the first direction, when the trigger 474 contacts the release portion 414 and the carrier wing 471 is elastically deformed, the carrier latch 476 will disengage from the shuttle detent 436.

[0081] The grip arm 478 is elastically deformably provided on the side portion of the carrier body 463. A plurality of grip arms 478 are arranged on both sides of the carrier body 463 so as to face each other and can engage with the sensor unit 100. The grip arm 478 is provided with a grip protrusion 480 that engages with the sensor unit housing 120 and a protrusion 482 that contacts the inner wall 424 of the column member 410. The carrier 462 is coupled to the shuttle 431 such that the carrier body 463 is located inside the shuttle 431 and the end of the grip arm 478 protrudes from the shuttle 431. The grip arm 478 can fix the sensor unit 100 in a manner that engages with the sensor unit housing 120. At this time, the surface of the sensor unit housing 120 is in close contact with the shuttle bottom 440 of the shuttle 431, and the pressing protrusion 442 of the shuttle 431 is inserted into the sensor unit groove 138 of the sensor unit housing 120.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, when the insertion unit assembly 400 is coupled to the applicator body 300, the carrier 462 can position the sensor unit 100 at the first position. When the carrier 462 is located at the first position, the protrusion 482 of the grip arm 478 contacts the inner wall 424 of the column member 410. Accordingly, the grip arm 478 is deflected in a direction that engages with the sensor unit housing 120, and the state in which the carrier 462 and the sensor unit 100 are coupled can be maintained. On the other hand, when the sensor unit 100 and the carrier 462 are moved in the first direction and the sensor unit 100 is coupled to the base unit 200, the protrusion 482 will separate from the inner wall 424 of the column member 410. Accordingly, the fixing force of the grip arm 478 becomes weak when the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are coupled. Since the sensor unit 100 is coupled to the base unit 200 by the adhesive layer 230, the carrier 462 can be separated from the sensing device 2 by the needle release driver 490.

[0083] The needle 485 is coupled to the carrier 462. The needle 485 can assist the sensor 110 when at least a part of the sensor 110 is inserted into the human body. For this purpose, the needle 485 can be moved together with the sensor unit 100 from the first position in the first direction while being coupled to the sensor unit 100 and inserted into the user's skin. Also, the needle 485 can be moved together with the carrier 462 in the second direction from the second position where the movement in the first direction is completed and detached from the sensor unit 100. The needle 485 can be shaped with a pointed tip so that it can penetrate the user's skin and be smoothly inserted into the user's skin. When the sensor unit 100 moves in the first direction, the needle 485 penetrates the user's skin ahead of the sensor 110 so that the sensor 110 can be stably inserted into the skin. The needle 485 includes a needle body 486 that can be inserted into the user's skin and a needle head 487 that is coupled to the carrier 462. A needle coupler 489 for fixing the needle head 487 to the carrier 462 is coupled to the needle head 487. The needle coupler 489 can be fixed inside the carrier 462 to fix the needle head 487 to the carrier 462.

[0084] The needle release driver 490 is disposed between the shuttle 431 and the needle 485 and moves the needle 485 in the second direction. Specifically, one end of the needle release driver 490 is coupled to the shuttle 431, and the other end of the needle release driver 490 is coupled to the carrier 462 to which the needle 485 is coupled. The needle release driver 490 can provide a driving force for the movement of the carrier 462 in the second direction. The carrier 462 can move relative to the shuttle 431 by the needle release driver 490. The needle release driver 490 includes a retraction elastic member 491 in the form of a spring in a tensioned state. The retraction elastic member 491 applies an elastic force to the carrier 462 in a direction away from the sensor unit 100. That is, the retraction elastic member 491 can move the carrier 462 and the needle 485 so that the carrier 462 and the needle 485 are detached from the sensor unit 100. One end of the retraction elastic member 491 is coupled to the fixing portion 444 of the shuttle 431. In the process of assembling the insertion unit 430, one end of the retraction elastic member 491 enters the fixing portion groove 445 through the inlet 448. One end of the retraction elastic member 491 is in close contact with the contact surface 446 by the elastic force of the retraction elastic member 491 in a state where it has entered the fixing portion groove 445. At this time, one end of the retraction elastic member 491 is blocked by the barrier portion 447 and cannot leave the fixing portion 444 in a manner of passing through the inlet 448. Therefore, the retraction elastic member 491 can maintain a state of being stably coupled to the fixing portion 444. The other end of the retraction elastic member 491 is fixed to the fixing portion 469 of the carrier 462. The fixing portion 469 of the carrier 462 may have the same configuration as the fixing portion 444 of the shuttle 431 or may have another configuration. The retraction elastic member 491 may be a coil spring, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0085] The insertion unit assembly 400 can be coupled into the applicator body 300 with the forward elastic member 451 of the shuttle driver 450 that moves the shuttle 431 and the backward elastic member 491 of the needle release driver 490 that moves the needle assembly 460 in an elastically deformed state. Also, the insertion unit assembly 400 can be disposed in the applicator body 300 in a state of being coupled with the sensor unit 100. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the detailed configuration of the insertion unit 430 can be easily assembled to the applicator body 300 as one assembly together with the column member 410.

[0086] The operating unit 500 is disposed within the applicator body 300. The operating unit 500 is coupled to the insertion unit assembly 400 within the applicator body 300. The operating unit 500 is coupled to the applicator body 300 such that it can move from the deactivated position to the activated position (movement in the third direction) by the operation of the user. By the movement of the operating unit 500 in the third direction, the movement of the sensor unit 100, the shuttle 431, and the needle assembly 460 in the first direction is permitted. The operating unit 500 includes a button unit 510, a stopper unit 520, and a stopper protrusion 535.

[0087] The button unit 510 is disposed in the button guide 346 of the middle frame 330. The end of the button unit 510 is exposed to the top case opening 371 of the applicator body 300 through the guide hole 347 of the middle frame 330 and can be pressurized in the third direction by the user. When the user pressurizes the button unit 510 exposed outside the top case 360, the stopper unit 520 can also be pressurized. The button unit 510 includes an extension member extending from the upper surface of the stopper unit body 521 and a button protruding outward from the outside of the extension member from the upper part of the extension member.

[0088] The stopper part 520 is arranged on the middle frame 330. The stopper part 520 prevents and allows the sensor unit 100, the shuttle 431, and the needle assembly 460 from moving in the first direction. The stopper part 520 includes a stopper part body 521 and a support part 526. A button part 510 is formed to extend from the upper surface of the stopper part body 521 at one side end of the upper surface of the stopper part body 521. As a non-limiting example, at least the button part 510 and the stopper part body 521 of the operating part 500 can be integrally formed with each other. As a non-limiting example, the operating part 500 may be one in which the button part 510, the stopper part 520, and the stopper protrusion 535 are integrally formed with each other.

[0089] The stopper part body 521 forms the overall appearance of the stopper part 520. The stopper part body 521 is supported by the stage 331 of the middle frame 330. A stopper part opening 522 is formed in the central part of the stopper part body 521. An insertion unit assembly 400 including a column member 410 is inserted into the stopper part opening 522.

[0090] A stopper part detent 524 is formed on one side of the stopper part body 521. The stopper part 520 cannot move in the third direction when the hook part 341 of the locking unit 338 of the middle frame 330 is engaged with the stopper part detent 524. That is, in such a case, even if the button part 510 is operated, the stopper part 520 cannot move from the deactivated position to the activated position. The stopper part 520 can move to the activated position when the locking body 339 is disengaged from the stopper part detent 524.

[0091] The support portion 526 is arranged in a form protruding from the stopper portion body 521 to the outer periphery of the stopper portion opening 522. The support portion 526 can support the shuttle protrusion 434 of the shuttle 431. When the stopper portion 520 is in the deactivated position, the support portion 526 can support the shuttle protrusion 434 to prevent the shuttle 431 from moving in the first direction. When the stopper portion 520 moves in the third direction, that is, when the stopper portion 520 is in the activated position, the support portion 526 no longer supports the shuttle protrusion 434 and allows the shuttle 431 to move in the first direction.

[0092] The stopper protrusion 535 is arranged on the lower surface side of the stopper portion body 521. The stopper protrusion 535 protrudes from the stopper portion body 521 so as to be able to contact one side of the locking hook 360. When the stopper portion 520 is in the deactivated position, the stopper protrusion 535 restricts the movement of the locking hook 360 so that the locking hook 360 is not tilted. When the stopper portion 520 is in the activated position, the stopper protrusion 535 releases the restraint on the locking hook 360. Specifically, the stopper protrusion 535 includes a stopper protrusion contact portion 536 and a stopper protrusion detent 537. The stopper protrusion contact portion 536 can contact the upper surface of the extension portion 363 of the locking hook 360 to restrict the tilting movement of the locking hook 360. The stopper protrusion detent 537 can contact one side portion of the extension portion 363 to push the locking hook 360 to release the fixed mode of the locking hook 360.

[0093] When the stopper portion 520 moves from the deactivated position shown in FIGS. 19 and 21(a) to the activated position shown in FIGS. 20 and 21(b), the stopper projection 535 will be positioned on the extension 363 of the locking hook 360. At this time, the stopper projection detent 537 of the stopper projection 535 moves the locking hook 360 in the third direction, but the stopper projection contact portion 536 of the stopper projection 535 contacts the upper surface of the extension 363 of the locking hook 360 during the corresponding process and restrains the tilting movement of the locking hook 360. Therefore, the locking hook 360 cannot be tilted so as to be disengaged from the base unit 200. On the other hand, after the process shown in FIGS. 20 and 21(b), the operating portion 500 is moved in the fourth direction, but the movement of the locking hook 360 in the fourth direction is restricted by the retention projection 327. As a result, the upper surface of the extension 363 of the locking hook 360 is released from the restraint of the stopper projection contact portion 536. As a result, the locking hook 360 can be tilted without interfering with the stopper projection 535.

[0094] The operation prevention portion 40 is coupled to the applicator 30 and restrains the operation of the operating portion 500. That is, the operation prevention portion 50 prevents the operating portion 500 from being moved in the third direction by an unintended act of the user (prevents movement from the deactivated position to the activated position). Further, when the operation prevention portion 40 is removed from the applicator 30, it is moved together with the protective sheet 240 to detach the protective sheet 240 from the adhesive layer 230. The operation prevention portion 40 includes a moving tab 600.

[0095] At least a part of the moving tab 600 can be pulled out from the inside to the outside of the applicator body 300 through the entrance / exit 322 of the applicator body 300. The moving tab 600 is supported by the stage 320 of the applicator body 300 and can move in the fourth direction.

[0096] The moving tab 600 restrains the movement of the actuating part 500 including the stopper part 520. As shown in FIG. 9, when the actuating part 500 is located at the deactivated position and the moving tab 600 is located inside the applicator body 300, the moving tab 600 contacts the leg part 342 of the locking unit 338. At this time, the hook part 341 of the locking unit 338 engages with the stopper part detent 524 of the actuating part 500. In such a state, the movement of the stopper part 520 in the third direction is not allowed. On the other hand, when the moving tab 600 is pulled out to the entrance / exit 322 and removed from the applicator body 300, the locking unit 338 is disengaged from the actuating part 500 and the actuating part 500 can move.

[0097] The moving tab 600 is coupled to the protective sheet 240. Therefore, when the user moves the moving tab 600 in the fourth direction to remove the moving tab 600 from the applicator 30, the protective sheet 240 is also moved in the fourth direction. As a result, the protective sheet 240 is detached from the adhesive layer 230. The moving tab 600 includes a moving tab body 610 and a holder 620.

[0098] The moving tab body 610 is connected to the protective sheet 240. Insertion holes 611 and through holes 612 are formed in the moving tab body 610. The wing portion 242 of the protective sheet 240 can be inserted into the insertion hole 611. The through hole 612 may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the holder 620. A handle portion 614 is disposed at one end of the moving tab body 610, and a moving tab engaging portion 616 is disposed at the other end of the moving tab body 610. When the moving tab 600 is located inside the applicator body 300, the handle portion 614 is disposed outside the applicator body 300. A hook arm 617 that engages with the applicator body engaging portion 324 of the base frame 310 is formed in the moving tab engaging portion 616. When the moving tab 600 is located inside the applicator body 300, the hook arm 617 engages with the engaging protrusion 325. When a force equal to or greater than a certain value is applied to the moving tab 600 in the fourth direction, the hook arm 617 can be disengaged from the engaging protrusion 325. Accordingly, the moving tab 600 can be moved in the fourth direction.

[0099] The holder 620 is movably coupled to the moving tab body 610. The holder 620 includes a holding portion 621 and a pressing portion 622. With the wing portion 242 of the protective sheet 240 inserted into the insertion hole 611 of the moving tab body 610, the protective sheet 240 can be coupled to the moving tab 600 by inserting the holding portion 621 into the protective sheet hole 245. The pressing portion 622 can protrude from the moving tab body 610 and press the protective sheet 240 in the first direction. That is, the pressing portion 622 presses the protective sheet 240 toward the adhesive layer 230 when the moving tab 600 is located inside the applicator body 300. This prevents the bonding force between the protective sheet 240 and the adhesive layer 230 from weakening. Since the pressing portion 622 is elastically deformable, it can be elastically deformed in contact with the base frame 310 when the moving tab 600 moves in the fourth direction.

[0100] The protective sheet 50 is coupled to the base unit 200. Specifically, the protective sheet 50 can be coupled to the base unit 200 in a form that covers the bonding portion 250 of the base unit 200. By protecting the bonding portion 250 until the user operates the applicator assembly 10 according to this embodiment, the adhesive strength of the bonding portion 250 can be maintained. The protective sheet 50 can include a release material, and the user can easily remove the protective sheet 50 from the bonding portion 250 of the base unit 200.

[0101] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27, the process of attaching the sensing device 20 to the user's skin using the applicator 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0102] First, as shown in FIG. 23, the protective sheet 240 is removed using the moving tab 600 of the operation prevention unit 40. When the moving tab 600 is moved in the fourth direction by the user, the moving tab 600 removes the protective sheet 240 from the adhesive layer 230 of the base unit 200. On the other hand, when the moving tab 600 is moved in the fourth direction, the locking body 339 becomes free from the moving tab 600. At this time, the locking body 339 is disengaged from the operating portion 500, and the operating portion 500 is converted into a state where it can be moved by the user.

[0103] Next, the protective sheet 50 is removed from the bonding portion 250 of the base unit 200 to expose the bonding portion 250, and the bottom 312 of the applicator body 300 and the bonding portion 250 are arranged to contact the user's skin. On the other hand, different from the above, after removing the protective sheet 50, the operation prevention unit 40 may be removed.

[0104] Next, as shown in FIG. 24, the operating part 500 is pressed to move the operating part 500 in the third direction. As a result, the sensor unit 100, the shuttle 431, and the needle assembly 460 are allowed to move in the first direction. Specifically, when the user presses the button part 510 of the operating part 500 in the third direction, the operating part 500 elastically deforms the elastic pressing part 345 and is moved in the third direction to be positioned at the activation position. When the operating part 500 is moved to the activation position, the shuttle 431 separates from the stopper part 520 and is moved in the first direction by the forward elastic member 451. When the shuttle 431 is moved in the first direction, the needle 485 and the sensor 110 are inserted into the user's skin, and the sensor unit 100 is attached to the base unit 200 by the adhesive layer 230.

[0105] On the other hand, when the shuttle 431 moves in the first direction, the trigger 474 of the carrier 462 comes into contact with the release part 414 of the column member 410, and the carrier latch 476 is disengaged from the shuttle detent 436. When the carrier 462 is disengaged from the shuttle 431, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the carrier 462 is moved in the second direction away from the user's skin by the rearward elastic member 491. At this time, the needle 485 comes out of the user's skin, and the sensing device 20 maintains the state of being attached to the user's skin by the adhesive part 250. During the movement of the needle 485 in the second direction, the shuttle bottom 440 of the shuttle 431 moved in the first direction maintains the state of being in contact with the sensor unit 100. And the pressing protrusion 442 of the shuttle 431 can maintain the state of being inserted into the sensor unit groove 138 of the sensor unit 100.

[0106] After the sensor 110 is inserted into the user's skin, the applicator 30 can be separated from the sensing device 20 attached to the skin. Specifically, when the pressure applied in the third direction to the operating part 500 is released, the operating part 500 moves in the fourth direction, but the locking hook 360 cannot move in the fourth direction. As a result, the extension 363 of the locking hook 360 becomes free from the stopper projection 535. Thereby, the locking hook 360 becomes tiltable. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, when the user lifts the applicator 30 from the sensing device 20, the locking hook 360 is tilted and the engagement between the applicator 30 and the sensing device 20 can be released.

[0107] As described above, an embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make various modifications and changes to the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting components without departing from the idea of the present invention described in the claims. It can also be said that this is also included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0108] 10: Applicator assembly 20: Sensing device 30: Applicator 40: Actuation prevention part 50: Protection sheet 100: Sensor unit 200: Base unit 300: Applicator body 400: Insertion unit assembly 500: Operating part 600: Moving tab

Claims

1. An insertion unit assembly including a needle, and moving the needle in each of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; An applicator body in which the insertion unit assembly is disposed; and An actuating part coupled to the insertion unit assembly within the applicator body and allowing the movement of the needle in the first direction, including: The applicator body includes A base frame, A top case placed on the base frame so as to cover at least a part of the base frame, and at least a part of which is formed of molded pulp, and A top case restraint member coupled to the base frame so as to restrain the top case to the base frame, an applicator.

2. A coupling groove is formed in an outer frame of the base frame, The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the top case restraint member is formed with a coupling protrusion fitted into the coupling groove of the base frame.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the top case restraint member surrounds an outer periphery of a lower part of the top case.

4. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein a pressing protrusion for pressing a lower part of the top case is formed on an inner surface of the top case restraint member.

5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the top case is a single piece of the molded pulp.

6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the molded pulp includes pulp fibers and a filler.

7. The applicator according to claim 6, wherein the filler includes a moisture-resistant material.

8. The applicator body further includes A middle frame disposed on the base frame, into which the insertion unit assembly is inserted and which supports the insertion unit assembly. The applicator according to claim 1.

9. The insertion unit assembly further includes A column member coupled to the applicator body; A shuttle disposed within the column member, with the needle coupled therein; A shuttle driver disposed between the column member and the shuttle, and moving the shuttle in the first direction; and A needle release driver disposed between the shuttle and the needle, and moving the needle in the second direction. The applicator according to claim 8.

10. The actuating part is a button part that is movable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and at least a part of which is exposed outside the top case; and a stopper part that extends from the button part and is disposed on the middle frame, which prevents the shuttle from moving in the first direction, but allows the shuttle to move in the first direction by the movement of the button part in the third direction. The applicator according to claim 9 includes the stopper part.

11. The stopper part is a stopper part body in which an opening into which the column member is inserted is formed and which is movable in the third direction by the button part; and a support part that is disposed on at least a part of the outer contour of the stopper part opening, supports the shuttle, and allows the shuttle to move along the first direction by the movement of the stopper part body along the third direction. The applicator according to claim 10 includes the support part.

12. The insertion unit assembly further includes a carrier disposed between the needle release driver and the needle; The carrier is engaged with the shuttle and moved in the first direction together with the shuttle, and when the movement of the shuttle in the first direction is completed, the engagement with the shuttle is released and the carrier is moved in the second direction. The applicator according to claim 9 includes the carrier.

13. a sensing device; and an applicator detachably coupled to the sensing device, The applicator includes an applicator body that covers the sensing device, an insertion unit assembly disposed in the applicator body and moving at least a part of the sensing device in a first direction, and an actuating part disposed in the applicator body and coupled to the insertion unit assembly, allowing the at least a part of the sensing device to move in the first direction. The applicator body includes a base frame having a recess formed in a lower surface, a top case placed on the base frame so as to cover at least a part of the base frame and at least a part of which is formed of molded pulp, and a top case restraint member coupled to the base frame so as to restrain the top case to the base frame. The applicator assembly includes the top case restraint member.

14. An application preventer that is coupled to the applicator and restrains the operating part; The applicator assembly according to claim 13, further comprising.

15. The applicator body is A middle frame that is disposed on the base frame and supports the insertion unit assembly when the insertion unit assembly is inserted; The applicator assembly according to claim 14, further comprising.

16. The sensing device is A sensor unit including a sensor that is coupled to the insertion unit assembly so as to be movable along the first direction and senses biological information; and A base unit that is disposed in a recess of the base frame and is separated from the sensor unit; The applicator assembly according to claim 15, comprising.

17. The operating part moves in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction to allow the movement of the sensor unit along the first direction, The application preventer is inserted into the base frame and restrains the movement of the operating part along the third direction; The applicator assembly according to claim 16.

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