Applicator and sensor insertion device

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an applicator including a hollow columnar housing having an opening formed in one surface, a first button disposed on an upper surface of the housing, a second button disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the housing, a needle carrier configured to be coupled to the second button and linearly move between a distal end and a proximal end inside the housing, and a driving unit configured to be coupled to the first button and configured to supply power for the linear movement of the needle carrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an insertion device for an analyte monitoring device, and more particularly to the detailed structure of an insertion device for a device for monitoring analytes in a living body.

Background Art

[0002] The descriptions herein merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and do not constitute prior art.

[0003] In recent years, the preference for processed foods has been increasing, and people are easily exposed to simple sugars. Due to such an environment, diabetes has also been rapidly increasing. When blood sugar rapidly decreases or increases, shock occurs in diabetic patients, and in rare cases, it may lead to death. Therefore, diabetic patients need to continuously monitor their blood sugar.

[0004] In conventional blood glucose measurement devices, a lancet is used to incise the fingertip, and the blood of a diabetic patient flowing out from the incised gap is inserted into the blood glucose measurement device to measure the blood sugar.

[0005] Such blood glucose measurement devices cause pain and fear to users. Also, it is practically difficult to wound and bleed one's own finger every hour.

[0006] To solve the above problems, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system has been developed. When a very thin sensor and an electronic device (hereinafter, "transmitter") for analyzing an analyte (hereinafter, "blood sugar") measured by the sensor are attached to the skin of a diabetic patient, the blood sugar is continuously measured for one week to ten days.

[0007] Since the sensor of the transmitter is very thin, it is difficult to directly penetrate the skin. Therefore, a configuration (hereinafter, "applicator") in which a needle is inserted into the skin, the sensor is inserted through the gap, and the needle is pulled out is required.

[0008] When using an applicator, it is important to achieve a smooth feel.

[0009] On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, a sensor introducer (sensor introducer 106) must be inserted into a sensor inserter (sensor inserter 500). At that time, it must be inserted into the sensor inserter while aligning the direction of the sensor introducer, but there is a risk that the user may feel fatigued during the process. Therefore, it is preferable that the applicator operates with a simple operation.

[0010] In addition, since the needle is directly inserted into the user's skin, the applicator must be disposable for hygiene reasons. If the manufacturing cost of disposable supplies is high, it will be a financial burden on the user, so it is preferable to reduce the manufacturing cost as much as possible.

[0011] Furthermore, since the needle is directly inserted into the user's skin, it is very important to prevent reuse. Therefore, it is preferable that the structure of the applicator can prevent reuse.

[0012] Furthermore, when using the applicator, in order to minimize pain, it is preferable that the process of inserting and withdrawing the needle is performed at the fastest possible speed.

[0013] Furthermore, since there may be some users who do not read the instruction manual carefully, it is preferable that the usage method is intuitively recognized.

[0014] Furthermore, if the assembled applicator is disassembled by an external impact, the user will not be able to use it up to a normal transmitter. Therefore, it is preferable that the applicator is firmly maintained even when there is an external impact.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an applicator that stably fixes and supports a transmitter inside the applicator so that the transmitter does not come off even when there is an external impact.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferable to be provided with a configuration for preventing firing regardless of the user's intention.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0017]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0018] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an applicator provided with a safety device so that the applicator is not fired by an external impact.

[0019] Also, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an applicator in which a transmitter is stably fixed even when there is an external impact.

[0020] The various problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an applicator including a hollow columnar housing having an opening formed in a bottom surface thereof, a first button disposed on an upper surface of the housing, a second button disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the housing, a needle carrier configured to be coupled to the second button and linearly move between a distal end and a proximal end inside the housing, and a driving unit configured to be coupled to the first button and supply power for the linear movement of the needle carrier.

[0022] Further, the driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a wound spring coupled to an inner peripheral surface of the housing in a compressed state, a wheel having one surface facing the spring and being restricted from rotating with respect to the spring, an arc-shaped firing prevention portion protruding from the other surface of the wheel and formed along a circumference of the wheel, and a guide protrusion protruding from the other surface of the wheel and disposed radially inward of the firing prevention portion. The needle carrier preferably includes a lateral guide and a longitudinal guide formed on one surface of the lateral guide and extending along a longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0023] Furthermore, the first button according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an extension protruding from a lower surface of the first button, and a locking protrusion protruding from one surface of the extension toward the radially outer side of the first button and configured to face the firing prevention portion. The locking protrusion is formed at a distance from the lower surface of the first button, and when the first button is pressed, it is preferable that the firing prevention portion is disposed in a spaced space between the locking protrusion and the lower surface of the first button.

[0024] Furthermore, the needle carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a hook protrusion protruding from a side surface of the vertical guide. The second button includes an extension protruding from a lower surface of the second button and disposed toward the radially inner side of the housing, and a hook protruding from one surface of the extension toward the radially inner side of the second button and configured to face the hook protrusion. The hook is formed at a distance from the lower surface of the second button, and preferably, when the second button is pressed, the hook protrusion is disposed in a spaced space between the hook and the lower surface of the second button.

[0025] Furthermore, the first button according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to limit the rotation of the driving unit, and the second button is configured to limit the linear movement of the needle carrier. When the first button and the second button are pressed simultaneously or sequentially, it is preferable that the driving unit rotates to move the needle carrier from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0026] Furthermore, the needle carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a transmitter holder configured to be pressurized by the needle carrier and move from the distal end to the proximal end to grip the transmitter. The transmitter holder preferably includes a transmitter support portion configured to cover at least a part of the transmitter, and a pusher rotatably mounted on an upper surface of the transmitter holder.

[0027] Furthermore, one end of the pusher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed outside the transmitter holder, the other end of the pusher is disposed inside the transmitter holder, and preferably, one end of the pusher is formed to protrude from a lower surface of the transmitter holder.

[0028] Furthermore, when the transmitter holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure moves from distal to proximal by the needle carrier, one end of the pusher preferably contacts the inner bottom surface of the housing, and the other end of the pusher presses the upper surface of the transmitter.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferable that the transmitter support portion and the transmitter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are frictionally joined.

[0030] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a sensor at least partially inserted into the body and configured to detect a biological analyte, a transmitter configured to process information regarding the biological analyte obtained from the sensor, and an applicator configured to move the sensor and the transmitter from proximal to distal, the applicator including a hollow columnar housing having an opening formed in the bottom surface, a first button disposed on the upper surface of the housing, a second button disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, a needle carrier configured to be coupled to the second button and linearly move between distal and proximal inside the housing, and a drive unit configured to be coupled to the first button and supply power for the linear movement of the needle carrier. A sensor insertion device including the applicator is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the applicator is fired only when both the first button and the second button are pressed, there is an effect that unintentional firing due to an external impact or the like can be prevented.

[0032] In addition, the first button and the second button may be pressed in any order, so there is an effect that it is easy to use and can be easily used.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. When assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as much as possible even if they are different drawings. In addition, when explaining the present disclosure, if it is determined that the specific explanation of the related known configuration or function will obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0035] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, signs such as first, second, i), ii), a), b), etc. are used. These signs are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence, order, sequence, etc. of the components are not limited by these signs. In this specification, when a certain part "includes" or "comprises" a certain component, it does not mean excluding other components unless otherwise specified, but means that other components may be further included.

[0036] In the present disclosure, "distal position" means a position relatively farther from the skin than "proximal position". It should be noted that distal and proximal are concepts regarding their relative positions to each other. It will be understood that while one element is located proximally to another element, at the same time, the other element is located distally to a certain element.

[0037] In the present disclosure, "initial state" means the state before the user uses the applicator.

[0038] Also, in the present disclosure, "fire" means the user's act of operating the applicator so that the needle is inserted into the user's skin.

[0039] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, "retreat" means the process of returning to the original position after the needle penetrates the user's skin.

[0040] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, "upward" means the direction from proximal to distal.

[0041] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, "downward" means the direction from distal to proximal.

[0042] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, "horizontal" means the skin surface that is the plane contacted by the applicator when in use. In the present disclosure, without considering the bending of the skin surface, the user's skin surface is assumed to be a plane for explanation.

[0043] 1. First Embodiment FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views of an applicator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Specifically, FIG. 1a shows a state in which the cap 120 is attached, and FIG. 1b shows a state in which the cap 120 is removed.

[0045] The applicator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a handle 110 and a cap 120 configured to be attached to the handle 110 (see FIG. 1a).

[0046] When the cap 120 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is removed from the handle 110, a part of the support portion 130 is revealed (see FIG. 1b). The support portion 130 is formed to directly contact the user's skin and at least a part of it is inserted into the handle 110.

[0047] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3a is a sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1a. FIG. 3b is a sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 1a.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3b, the components of the applicator 100 and the coupling relationship between the components according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0049] The applicator 100 according to the first embodiment includes all or part of a handle 110, a cap 120, a support portion 130, at least one gear 140, a needle carrier 150, a needle holder 160, a needle 170, and a transmitter holder 180.

[0050] The handle 110 is configured to be grasped by the user and is preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0051] The handle 110 includes all or part of the hook hole 111, at least one pressing rod 112, the first rack 113, and the hook mounting groove 114.

[0052] The hook hole 111 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the handle 110 and is configured such that the hook 132 can be locked thereto. The hook hole 111 is preferably formed above the mid-height of the handle 110, i.e., at the upper part.

[0053] At least one pressing rod 112 is a rod that protrudes inward from the inner ceiling surface of the handle 110 (see Fig. 3a). At least one pressing rod 112 is configured to press the needle carrier 150.

[0054] Here, it is preferable that at least one pressing rod 112 includes a pair of pressing rods 112, 112' that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the handle 110. By doing so, when the needle carrier 150 is pressed by the handle 110, the needle carrier 150 can be pressed with the same overall force without being biased to either side. As a result, when the needle carrier 150 moves from the distal end to the proximal end or moves again from the proximal end to the distal end, it can move stably, which has the advantage of providing a smooth user experience to the user.

[0055] The first rack 113 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the handle 110 along the height direction of the handle 110. The first rack 113 is preferably formed in a pair so as to face at least one gear 140 (see Fig. 3a).

[0056] The hook mounting groove 114 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the handle 110 and is configured such that the hook 132 can be locked thereto. The hook mounting groove 114 is preferably formed below the mid-height of the handle 110, i.e., at the lower part. By doing so, in the initial state, the hook 132 is fixed to the hook mounting groove 114 (see Fig. 3b).

[0057] On the one hand, the hook 132 is formed so as to protrude more from the upper part to the lower part. Further, it is configured to have a lower surface parallel to the horizontal plane. The hook mounting groove 114 is formed corresponding to the shape of such a hook 132. Therefore, by the hook 132 providing engagement with the hook mounting groove 114 in the initial state, the needle carrier 150 stops moving proximally any further with respect to the handle 110.

[0058] The cap 120 is configured to cover at least a part of the support portion 130 and protects the inside of the applicator 100 from external dirt and impact. When the user removes the cap 120 from the handle 110, the user is ready to use the applicator 100.

[0059] The support portion 130 is configured such that at least a part of it is inserted into the handle 110, and is configured to move linearly inside the handle 110 when the handle 110 is pressurized.

[0060] The support portion 130 includes a gear hole 131 and a hook 132.

[0061] The gear hole 131 is formed such that at least one gear 140 is mounted thereon, and is preferably formed above half of the height of the support portion 130, that is, in the upper part. Inside the gear hole 131, at least one gear 140 rotates about a single axis. The gear holes 131 are preferably formed in a pair and arranged opposite to each other.

[0062] The hook 132 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 130. The hook 132 is locked to the hook mounting groove 114 in the initial state (see Fig. 3b), and the hook 132 is locked to the hook hole 111 when the handle 110 is fully pressurized.

[0063] At least one gear 140 is disposed on the support portion 130 and configured to rotate about a single axis. Here, at least one gear is preferably a spur gear, and a pair thereof is disposed in parallel.

[0064] At least one gear 140 rotates along a part of the handle 110 or along a part of the needle carrier 150. Specifically, it is configured to rotate in engagement with the first rack 113 of the handle 110 or the second rack 152 of the needle carrier 150.

[0065] The needle carrier 150 is configured to perform a linear motion inside the support portion 130. The needle carrier 150 meshes with at least one gear 140 and performs a linear motion by the rotation of at least one gear 140. The motion of the needle carrier 150 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0066] The needle carrier 150 includes all or part of the rod grip portion 151, the second rack 152, and the through hole 153.

[0067] When the handle 110 is pressurized, the rod grip portion 151 is configured to primarily contact the pressure rod 112 and transmit the pressing force of the handle 110 to the needle carrier 150 (see FIG. 3a). Here, the distance between the handle 110 and the needle carrier 150 is kept constant by the rod grip portion 151. Further, when the handle 110 is pressurized to a predetermined level or more, the rod grip portion 151 covers at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the pressure rod 112 and is configured to move along the height direction of the pressure rod 112. By doing so, the distance between the handle 110 and the needle carrier 150 gradually decreases. The relationship between the rod grip portion 151 and the pressure rod 112 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0068] The rod grip portions 151 preferably include a pair of rod grip portions 151, 151' arranged at positions symmetric with respect to the center of the handle 110. Here, the pair of rod grip portions 151, 151' are arranged so as to face the pair of pressure rods 112, 112' respectively.

[0069] The rod grip portion 151 has an end portion shaped similar to a clamp so as to cover the pressure rod 112. However, in the initial state, since it is preferably being pressed by the pressure rod 112 and moving downward, the shortest distance between both ends of the clamp is preferably smaller than the diameter of the pressure rod 112.

[0070] The second rack 152 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the needle carrier 150 along the height direction of the needle carrier 150. The second rack 152 is preferably formed in a pair so as to face at least one gear 140 (see Fig. 3a).

[0071] The through hole 153 is formed at the center of the needle carrier 150 and is formed so as to penetrate the needle carrier 150. A needle holder 160 is press-fitted into the through hole 153.

[0072] The needle holder 160 is restricted by the linear motion of the needle carrier 150 and is configured to perform linear motion together therewith. For this purpose, the needle carrier 150 is preferably frictionally joined to the through hole 153. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a method of bonding with an adhesive or a method of structurally bonding may also be used.

[0073] The needle 170 is coupled to the needle holder 160, restricted by the linear motion of the needle holder 160, and is configured to perform linear motion together therewith. The needle 170 is configured to penetrate the user's skin.

[0074] The transmitter holder 180 is coupled to the transmitter 10 and configured to linearly move the transmitter 10 from distal to proximal. Note that the transmitter holder 180 moves only in the direction from distal to proximal.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the applicator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in FIG. 4, the transmitter 10 is omitted in order to show the structure of the applicator 100 in more detail.

[0076] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing the state before the handle 110 is pressurized, that is, the initial state. As shown in FIG. 4(a), in the initial state, the handle 110, the needle carrier 150, the needle holder 160, the needle 170, and the transmitter holder 180 are arranged distally.

[0077] Also, at least one gear 140 is in a state facing the second rack 152 and not facing the first rack 113.

[0078] Furthermore, the rod grip portion 151 is only in a state of contacting the pressure rod 112.

[0079] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing the state in which the handle 110 is pressurized about halfway and the needle 170 is inserted into the skin.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 4(b), when the handle 110 is pressurized, the pressure rod 112 pressurizes the rod grip portion 151. Here, as described above, since the shortest separation distance between both ends of the rod grip portion 151 is smaller than the diameter of the pressure rod 112, the pressure applied to the handle 110 is directly transmitted to the needle carrier 150, the needle holder 160, and the needle 170 via the rod grip portion 151. Here, although the rod grip portion 151 is pressurized by the pressure rod 112, the pressure rod 112 is not inserted between both ends of the clamp. Therefore, the distance between the handle 110 and the needle carrier 150 in the initial state is the same as the distance between the handle 110 and the needle carrier 150 when the handle 110 is pressurized by about half.

[0081] On the other hand, when the needle carrier 150 moves proximally, at least one gear 140 meshes with the second rack 152 and rotates. Here, at least one gear 140 rotates in the opposite direction to each other, the gear 140 shown on the left rotates clockwise, and the gear 140 shown on the right rotates counterclockwise.

[0082] When the needle 170 is inserted into the user's skin to the maximum depth, it is preferable that at least one gear 140 faces the distal end portion of the second rack 152.

[0083] The transmitter holder 180 moves distally to proximally together due to the movement of the needle carrier 150.

[0084] Fig. 4(c) is a diagram showing a state where the handle 110 is fully pressurized.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 4(c), when the handle is pressurized to a predetermined level or more, the pressure rod 112 is inserted between both ends of the rod grip portion 151. Here, the pressure rod 112 moves along the longitudinal direction of the rod grip portion 151, and the distance between the handle 110 and the needle carrier 150 decreases as the handle 110 is pressurized.

[0086] At least one gear 140 faces the first rack 113 and rotates as the first rack 113 moves downward. Here, the rotation direction of at least one gear 140 is opposite to the rotation direction in Fig. 4(b). That is, the gear 140 shown on the left rotates counterclockwise, and the gear 140 shown on the right rotates clockwise.

[0087] At least one gear 140 rotates and meshes with the second rack 152 again. Note that due to the reverse rotation of at least one gear 140, the needle carrier 150 moves from proximal to distal. By doing so, the needle holder 160 and the needle 170 will move from proximal to distal. By doing so, the needle 170 is withdrawn from the user's skin.

[0088] On the other hand, the transmitter holder 180 is formed separately from the needle carrier 150 and is not coupled. By doing so, even if the needle carrier 150 moves upward again from the proximal, the transmitter holder 180 remains proximal.

[0089] The applicator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can insert and withdraw the needle 170 into the skin by the user simply gripping the handle 110 and pressing it once from distal to proximal, due to the coupling relationship of the internal gears and racks. Therefore, it has the advantages of simple operation, few component parts, and easy manufacturing.

[0090] 2. Second Embodiment Figs. 5a and 5b are perspective views of an applicator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Specifically, Fig. 5a shows a state in which the cap 220 is attached, and Fig. 5b shows a state in which the cap 220 is removed.

[0092] The applicator 200 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a handle 210 and a cap 220 configured to be attached to the handle 210 (see Fig. 5a).

[0093] When the cap 220 is removed from the handle 210, all or part of the support portion 230 is revealed (see FIG. 5b). The support portion 230 is formed so as to directly contact the user's skin and at least partially inserted into the handle 210.

[0094] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 5b.

[0095] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the components of the applicator 200 according to the second embodiment and the coupling relationship between the components will be described.

[0096] The applicator 200 according to the second embodiment includes all or part of a handle 210, a support portion 230, at least one crank 240, at least one connecting rod 250, a needle carrier 260, a needle 270, a transmitter holder 280, and a cap 220.

[0097] The handle 210 is configured to be gripped by the user and is preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0098] The support portion 230 is configured to be at least partially inserted into the handle 210 and is configured to move linearly inside the handle 210 when the handle 210 is pressurized.

[0099] The support portion 230 is preferably manufactured by injection molding. Here, the first configuration 230a and the second configuration 230b are manufactured separately, and the first configuration 230a and the second configuration 230b are assembled to form the support portion 230.

[0100] The support portion 230 includes a crank shaft 231 protruding radially inward from one surface. At least one crank 240 is coupled to the crank shaft 231.

[0101] At least one crank 240 is configured to perform rotational and linear motions inside the handle 210. In the present disclosure, although the description will be made assuming that there are two cranks 240, there may be one crank, or there may be three or more cranks, which can be appropriately designed and changed by the designer.

[0102] At least one crank 240 includes a first crank 241 and a second crank 242. The first crank 241 and the second crank 242 are preferably manufactured by injection molding. Here, each crank is formed by assembling a first assembly 241a, 242a and a second assembly 241b, 242b.

[0103] At least one crank 240 rotates along a rack 211 (see FIG. 7) formed inside the handle 210. The rack 211 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the handle 210 so as to extend along the height direction. Also, preferably, a pair of the racks 211 are respectively arranged in opposite directions in the radial direction so as to face each other. The first crank 241 and the second crank 242 are arranged so as to face each rack 211.

[0104] When the support portion 230 and the crank 240 are formed by assembling two parts, there is an effect that the manufacturing difficulty of the applicator 200 is reduced and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

[0105] At least one connecting rod 250 has one end coupled to the crank 240 and the other end coupled to the needle carrier 260. Specifically, one connecting rod 250 includes a first insertion hole 253 formed at one end, and a first rod protrusion 244 is inserted into the first insertion hole 253. Also, one connecting rod 250 includes a second insertion hole 254 formed at the other end, and a rod fixing protrusion 261 is inserted into the second insertion hole 254.

[0106] At least one connecting rod 250 includes a first connecting rod 251 and a second connecting rod 252. The first connecting rod 251 is coupled to the first crank 241, and the second connecting rod 252 is coupled to the second crank 242.

[0107] The needle carrier 260 is dependent on the rotation and linear movement of at least one crank 240 and moves linearly between a distal position and a proximal position. Here, the needle carrier 260 is connected to at least one crank 240 via a connecting rod 250.

[0108] The needle carrier 260 is coupled to the needle 270 and is configured to linearly move the needle 270 from the distal position to the proximal position. Also, when the needle carrier 260 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the needle 270 also moves from the proximal position to the distal position together.

[0109] The needle carrier 260 is formed by assembling two different parts 260a and 260b.

[0110] The transmitter holder 280 is coupled to the transmitter 20 and is configured to linearly move the transmitter 20 from the distal position to the proximal position. Note that the transmitter holder 280 reciprocates between the distal position and the proximal position, but the transmitter 20 moves only in the direction from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0111] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation of the applicator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the state before the handle 210 is pressurized.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 8(a), at least one crank 240 is disposed at the distal end of the rack 211. The support portion 230 is in contact with the skin, and the transmitter 20 and the transmitter holder 280 are in a distal state separated from the skin. Also, one end of the connecting rod 250 is disposed most distally with respect to at least one crank 240.

[0114] FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the handle 210 is pressed about halfway and the needle 270 is inserted into the skin.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 8(b), when the handle 210 is pressed, at least one crank 240 rotates. Specifically, the crank 240 disposed on the right side rotates clockwise, and the crank 240 disposed on the left side rotates counterclockwise. It is not in a state of rotating once, but in a state of rotating only about halfway, and is disposed at the middle portion of the rack 211. Therefore, the handle 210 is in a state of moving along the support portion 230 by about the total movement distance.

[0116] In the state of FIG. 8(b), the transmitter 20 and the transmitter holder 280 are in a proximal state in contact with the skin. Also, one end of the connecting rod 250 is disposed most proximally with respect to at least one crank 240.

[0117] FIG. 8(c) is a diagram showing a state in which the handle 210 is fully pressed and the needle 270 has retracted from the skin.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 8(c), when the handle 210 is further pressed, at least one crank 240 rotates. Specifically, the crank 240 disposed on the right side rotates clockwise, and the crank 240 disposed on the left side rotates counterclockwise. It is in a state of rotating the remaining half turn, and is disposed at the distal end of the rack 211. Therefore, the handle 210 is in a state of having moved the entire total movement distance along the support portion 230. Also, one end of the connecting rod 250 is disposed distally again with respect to at least one crank 240.

[0119] In FIG. 8(c), the transmitter 20 is in a state of being attached to the skin, and the needle carrier 260 is moving distally together in dependence on the movement of the connecting rod 250. Thus, the needle 270 that had been inserted into the skin is being pulled out of the skin.

[0120] In short, in the process of FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c), while the handle 210 moves in one direction from distal to proximal, the needle carrier 260 reciprocates from distal to proximal and then from proximal to distal. By doing so, with a single act of the user pressing the handle, a reciprocating stroke of inserting and pulling out the needle 270 becomes possible.

[0121] FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 5b.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 9a, the handle 210 includes a first locking portion 212 and a second locking portion 213.

[0123] The first locking portion 212 projects radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the handle 210.

[0124] The second locking portion 213 projects radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the handle 210 and is formed distally of the first locking portion 212. An inclined surface is formed on the lower surface of the second locking portion 213, and the upper surface is formed parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0125] The support portion 230 further includes a rib 232. The rib 232 projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 230.

[0126] FIG. 9a(a) is a view showing the state before the handle 210 is pressed.

[0127] As shown in (a) of FIG. 9a, the rib 232 of the support portion 230 is locked to the first locking portion 212 of the handle 210, preventing the proximal movement of the rib 232. That is, since the rib 232 is locked to the first locking portion 212, in the state of (a) of FIG. 9a, the handle is prevented from coming off distally, i.e., upward.

[0128] FIG. 9a (b) is a diagram showing the state where the handle 210 is fully pressed.

[0129] As shown in (b) of FIG. 9a, the rib 232 of the support portion 230 is locked to the second locking portion 213 of the handle 210, preventing the proximal movement of the rib 232. That is, since the rib 232 is locked to the second locking portion 213, in the state of FIG. 9a (b), the handle is prevented from coming off upward. If the handle 210 is removed from the support portion 230 in the state of FIG. 9a (b), there is a risk of reuse, but there is an effect that reuse is prevented by the second locking portion 213.

[0130] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of FIG. 5b.

[0131] Here, FIG. 9b is a diagram showing the applicator 200 in the state where the handle 210 is fully pressed.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 9b, the support portion 230 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a fixing groove 233. The fixing groove 233 is preferably recessed radially outward from the inner peripheral surface of the support portion 230 and formed at a position separated from the bottom surface of the support portion 230 by the height of the transmitter holder 280.

[0133] Further, the transmitter holder 280 includes a detachment prevention protrusion 281. The detachment prevention protrusion 281 is formed on the upper surface of the transmitter holder 280 and protrudes radially outward. The transmitter holder 280 is placed in the fixing groove 233.

[0134] Here, the upper surface of the fixing groove 233 is formed parallel to the horizontal plane. By doing so, when the transmitter holder 280 moves proximally, it will not move distally again and will stay in place.

[0135] FIG. 10 is an enlarged bottom view of the applicator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Specifically, FIG. 10(a) shows the state before the handle 210 is pressurized, and FIG. 10(b) shows the state when the handle 210 is fully pressurized.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 10, the support portion 230 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a hook protrusion 234 protruding radially inward on the inner bottom surface of the support portion 230.

[0138] The transmitter holder 280 further includes a transmitter support portion 230 and a hook 283.

[0139] The transmitter support portion 230 is configured to support the transmitter 20 distally and to release the support force that was supplied to the transmitter 20 proximally. For this purpose, the transmitter support portion 230 is preferably configured in a cantilever shape, and a hook 283 is disposed at the free end of the transmitter support portion 230.

[0140] The hook protrusion 234 is formed so that the hook 283 can be locked thereto. When the hook 283 is locked to the hook protrusion 234, the free end of the transmitter support portion 230 spreads radially outward (see FIG. 10(b)).

[0141] 3. Third Embodiment FIGS. 11a to 11c are perspective views of the applicator according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] Specifically, FIG. 11a shows a state in which both the upper cap 310 and the lower cap 312 are attached, FIG. 11b shows a state in which the lower cap 312 is removed, and FIG. 11c shows a state in which both the upper cap 310 and the lower cap 312 are removed.

[0143] The applicator 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure includes an upper cap 310 and a lower cap 312 coupled to the upper cap 310 (see FIG. 11a).

[0144] When the lower cap 312 is removed from the upper cap 310, a support portion 320 configured such that the lower end portion is covered by the upper cap 310 and the lower cap 312 appears (see FIG. 11b).

[0145] When the upper cap 310 is removed from the support portion 320, the support portion 320, the push cap 330, and the rotation guide 340 appear (see FIG. 11c). Here, the rotation guide 340 is disposed between the push cap 330 and the support portion 320 so as to surround a part of the outer peripheral surface of the push cap 330.

[0146] The push cap 330 is coupled to the rotation guide 340 and is configured to move linearly along with the rotation guide 340.

[0147] The rotation guide 340 is surrounded by the support portion 320.

[0148] The upper cap 310, the lower cap 312, the support portion 320, and the push cap 330 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure are preferably substantially columnar, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0149] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 12, the components of the applicator 300 according to the third embodiment and the coupling relationship between the components will be described.

[0151] The applicator 300 according to the third embodiment includes all or part of an upper cap 310, a lower cap 312, a support portion 320, a push cap 330, a rotation guide 340, a rotation block 350, a needle portion 360, a spring 370, and a transmitter holder 380.

[0152] The upper cap 310 and the lower cap 312 are configured to cover at least a part of the support portion 320, and protect the inside of the applicator 300 from external dirt and impacts.

[0153] The support portion 320 is configured such that at least a part thereof is inserted into the upper cap 310 and the lower cap 312, and is configured to surround a part of the outer peripheral surface of the push cap 330. The support portion 320 becomes a part that directly contacts the skin when using the applicator 300.

[0154] The push cap 330 is configured to be pressurized by a user, and is configured to linearly move along the height direction of the support portion 320.

[0155] The rotation guide 340 is formed to surround a part of the outer peripheral surface of the push cap 330. Here, the push cap 330 is inserted into the upper hole 341 of the rotation guide 340. Also, the push cap 330 linearly moves along with the rotation guide 340. Here, a push cap guide protrusion 331 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the push cap 330 is inserted into a push cap guide 342 formed on the upper surface of the rotation guide 340, and guides the linear movement of the push cap 330.

[0156] On the other hand, it is preferable that a plurality of push cap guide protrusions 331 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer peripheral surface of the push cap 330, but it is not necessarily limited to this, and it is sufficient to provide only one.

[0157] The push cap 330 further includes a push bar 334. The push bar 334 is in contact with the rotary block 350 in the initial state and transmits the pressure supplied by the user to the rotary block 350.

[0158] At least a part of the rotary block 350 is disposed inside the rotary guide 340 and linearly moves from the distal end to the proximal end by press-fitting the push cap 330. The rotary block 350 rotates by a predetermined angle within the rotary guide 340. The rotated rotary block 350 linearly moves from the proximal end to the distal end according to the rotary guide 340. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 15.

[0159] The rotary block 350 includes a main body 351 and guide vanes 352.

[0160] The main body 351 preferably has an open upper surface and is substantially cylindrical. The main body 351 rotates and linearly moves inside the rotary guide 340.

[0161] The guide vanes 352 project radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main body 351. The guide vanes 352 are interposed in the rotary guide 340 by the main holes 345 (see FIG. 15) of the rotary guide 340. The upper surface of the guide vanes 352 is composed of an inclined surface 353. The inclination direction of the inclined surface 353 corresponds to the shapes of the first mounting hole 343 (see FIG. 15) and the second mounting hole 344 (see FIG. 15). The movement of the guide vanes 352 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 15.

[0162] On the other hand, the end of the push bar 334 is preferably formed to have a shape corresponding to the inclined surface 353 of the guide vane 352. That is, the lower surface of the push bar 334 is composed of an inclined surface and is formed parallel to the inclined surface 353 of the rotary block 350.

[0163] The needle part 360 is coupled to the rotary block 350 and is configured to linearly move the needle 362 from the distal end to the proximal end. Further, when the needle part 360 moves from the proximal end to the distal end, the needle 362 also moves from the proximal end to the distal end together. The needle part 360 includes a coupling part 361 coupled to the rotary block 350 and a needle 362 penetrating the skin.

[0164] The coupling part 361 includes a circular plate-like member and a rod protruding laterally from the outer peripheral surface of the plate-like member. Here, a plurality of rods are formed. The coupling part 361 is coupled to the rotary block 350 and is guided by the rotary guide 340.

[0165] One end of the spring 370 is coupled to the push cap 330, and the other end is coupled to the rotary block 350. In the initial state, the spring 370 is disposed between the push cap 330 and the rotary block 350 in a stretched state.

[0166] The transmitter holder 380 is coupled to the transmitter 30 and is configured to linearly move the transmitter 30 from the distal end to the proximal end. Note that the transmitter holder 380 reciprocates between the distal end and the proximal end, but the transmitter 30 moves only in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0167] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the coupling between the internal components of the applicator 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] Specifically, FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an initial state in which the push cap 330, the rotary guide 340, the rotary block 350, and the transmitter holder 380 are coupled, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state in which the rotary block 350 and the needle part 360 are coupled.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 13A, the push cap 330 is inserted into the rotary guide 340 through an upper hole 341 formed on the upper surface of the rotary guide 340.

[0170] The guide vanes 352 of the rotating block 350 are interposed in the holes formed in the rotating guide 340.

[0171] The needle part 360 is coupled to the rotating guide 340 by the coupling part 361 being interposed in the needle guide 346 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating guide 340. The needle guide 346 is formed between a plurality of main holes 345 (see FIG. 15).

[0172] The transmitter holder 380 is coupled to the rotating guide 340 by being interposed in the main hole 345 of the rotating guide 340.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 13b, the rotating block 350 further includes a needle placement part 355 protruding downward from the outer bottom surface. The coupling part 361 of the needle is formed to be coupled to the needle placement part 355.

[0174] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a spring coupling method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 14, a detailed configuration in which the spring 370 is coupled to the push cap 330 and the rotating block 350 will be described.

[0175] FIG. 14(a) is a diagram for explaining the coupling relationship between the push cap 330 and the spring 370, and is a front perspective view of the inner surface of the push cap 330 and the spring 370.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 14(a), the push cap 330 includes a first spring placement part 332 formed on the upper surface. One end of the spring 370 is locked to the first spring placement part 332.

[0177] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram for explaining the coupling relationship between the rotating block 350 and the spring 370, and is a front perspective view of the rotating block 350 and the spring 370.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 14(b), the rotary block 350 includes a second spring placement portion 354 protruding inward from the inner bottom portion. The other end of the spring 370 is locked to the second spring placement portion 354. Here, the second spring placement portion 354 protrudes from the inner bottom surface of the main body 351.

[0179] That is, the push cap 330 and the rotary block 350 are connected with the spring 370 sandwiched therebetween. Here, the spring 370 is preferably in a tensioned state in the initial state and is in a state of being rotated in one direction by being tensioned. Therefore, the spring 370 has a potential to be compressed and rotated in a direction opposite to the one direction.

[0180] On the other hand, in the initial state, the distance between the push cap 330 and the rotary block 350 is maintained by the push bar 334 (see FIG. 12) of the push cap 330.

[0181] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the operation of the applicator according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] The first row of FIG. 15 shows the front of the applicator 300, and the second row shows a cross section of the applicator 300. Here, the cross section is a cross section taken along the line I-I' in a state where the push cap 330 and the rotary guide 340 of FIG. 11c are combined.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 15, the push cap 330 further includes a locking protrusion 333 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface. The locking protrusion 333 is locked to the outer upper surface of the rotary guide 340. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally pressing the push cap 330 and causing the applicator 300 to fire. When a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the locking protrusion 333, the engagement between the locking protrusion 333 and the push cap 330 is released. That is, the applicator 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure naturally guides the user to press the push cap 330 with a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0184] In addition, the rotary guide 340 further includes a first mounting hole 343, a second mounting hole 344, and a main hole 345.

[0185] The first mounting hole 343 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary guide 340 and is formed so that the guide vane 352 can be mounted thereon. For this purpose, the first mounting hole 343 preferably has the same shape as the inclined surface 353 of the guide vane 352.

[0186] The second mounting hole 344 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary guide 340 and is formed so that the guide vane 352 can be mounted thereon. Here, the second mounting hole 344 is formed adjacent to the first mounting hole 343. The angle formed between the second mounting hole 344 and the first mounting hole 343 is preferably formed smaller than the angle at which the spring 370 rotates in the initial state.

[0187] The main hole 345 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary guide 340 and is formed below the first mounting hole 343 and the second mounting hole 344. The first mounting hole 343 and the second mounting hole 344 are shaped to connect to the main hole 345 at the lower part. That is, the first mounting hole 343 and the second mounting hole 344 branch off from the main hole 345.

[0188] Hereinafter, the operation method of the applicator 300 described above will be described in detail.

[0189] Fig. 15(a) is a diagram showing the state before the push cap 330 is pressurized.

[0190] As shown in the front view of Fig. 15(a), the push cap 330 and the rotary block 350 are in a state of being arranged distally. Here, the guide vane 352 of the rotary block 350 is mounted in the first mounting hole 343. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 15(a), in the initial state, the push bar 334 presses the inclined surface 353 of the guide vane 352, and the push cap 330 and the rotary block 350 are separated by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the spring 370 is in a state of being stretched and rotated.

[0191] Figure (b) of Fig. 15 shows a state where the push cap 330 is pressurized and the rotary block 350 has moved from the distal end to the proximal end. Here, the guide vane 352 of the rotary block 350 has moved proximally while remaining parallel to the first mounting hole 343. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 15 (b), the push bar 334 is still pressing against the inclined surface 353 of the guide vane 352, and the push cap 330 and the rotary block 350 are separated by a predetermined distance. Also, the spring 370 is still in a state of being stretched and rotated.

[0192] Figure (c) of Fig. 15 shows a state where the rotary block 350 has rotated in the proximal end in the direction opposite to one direction in the state where the push cap 330 is pressurized. Here, the guide vane 352 of the rotary block 350 rotates in the direction opposite to one direction in the proximal state. This is because the spring 370 rotates due to the potential energy it held up to the process of (b). Note that due to the rotation of the spring 370, the rotary block 350 coupled to the spring 370 also rotates together.

[0193] As shown in both the front view and the cross-sectional view of Fig. 15 (c), due to the rotation of the rotary block 350, the inclined surface 353 of the guide vane 352 no longer faces the push bar 334. By doing so, the configuration that prevents the distal movement of the guide vane 352 no longer exists, and the spring 370 becomes in a state where it can be compressed.

[0194] Figure (d) of Fig. 15 shows a state where the rotary block 350 has moved from the proximal end to the distal end in the state where the push cap 330 is pressurized. The spring 370 is compressed, and the rotary block 350 is mounted in the second mounting hole 344. As described above, since the push bar 334 and the guide vane 352 are in positions shifted from each other, the rotary block 350 moves distally.

[0195] On the one hand, in the present disclosure, although it is shown that steps (a) to (d) in FIG. 15 are performed at predetermined time intervals, steps (b) to (d) are performed at the moment when the user presses the push cap 330. Therefore, since it is performed faster than the average user's recognition speed, there is an advantage that the user can easily use the applicator 300 without much pain.

[0196] In addition, when the applicator 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is used, the needle can be inserted into and withdrawn from the skin only by the operation of the user pressing the push cap 330. Therefore, it is intuitive and simple, and has the advantage of minimizing pain.

[0197] 4. Fourth Embodiment FIGS. 16a and 16b are perspective views of an applicator according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0198] Specifically, FIG. 16a is a view showing a state in which the cap 420 is attached, and FIG. 16b is a view showing a state in which the cap 420 is removed.

[0199] The applicator 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure includes a handle 410 and a cap 420 that can be detached from the handle 410 (see FIG. 16a).

[0200] When the cap 420 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is removed from the handle 410, a part of the cylinder 430 appears (see FIG. 16b). Here, at least a part of the piston 440 is inserted into the handle 410.

[0201] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 16a. With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the components of the applicator 400 according to the fourth embodiment and the coupling relationship between the components will be described. Note that FIG. 18 shows a state before the applicator 400 is manufactured and used. Here, when the cap 420 is removed, it becomes an initial state for use.

[0202] The applicator 400 according to the fourth embodiment includes all or part of a handle 410, a cap 420, a cylinder 430, a piston 440, and a transmitter holder 450.

[0203] The handle 410 is configured to be gripped by a user and is preferably substantially cylindrical. The upper surface is covered by a handle cover 411. When the handle cover 411 is coupled to the handle 410, an accommodation space is formed inside. After the internal assembly of the applicator 400, only the handle cover 411 needs to be assembled in the last step, which has the advantage of facilitating the assembly process. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the handle 410 and the handle cover 411 may be integrally formed according to the designer's choice.

[0204] The cap 420 is configured to be attached to or removed from the handle 410 and protects the inside of the applicator 400 from external dirt and impact. The cap 420 is preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0205] The cylinder 430 is configured such that at least a part of it is inserted into the handle 410. The cylinder 430 includes a first main body 431 and a second main body 432 disposed below the first main body 431. The diameter of the first main body 431 is preferably formed smaller than the diameter of the second main body 432.

[0206] The cylinder 430 is configured to directly contact the user's skin when the applicator 400 is in use.

[0207] The piston 440 is configured such that at least a part of it is inserted into the cylinder 430. The outer diameter of the piston 440 is configured to be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first main body 431. By doing so, the piston 440 is press-fitted into the first main body 431, and the space formed between the first main body 431 and the piston 440 has restricted fluid communication with the outside air.

[0208] A rubber packing 441 is coupled to the end of the piston 440. The interior of the first body 431 into which the piston 440 is inserted is sealed by the rubber packing 441 and the packing 430a. Note that the rubber packing 441 is formed by double injection onto the piston 440 during the manufacturing step, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0209] A flange 443 is formed on one surface of the piston 440. The diameter of the flange 443 is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the first body 431 and smaller than the inner diameter of the second body 432.

[0210] Also, a needle 442 is attached to one surface of the flange. The needle 442 is configured to penetrate the user's skin and passes through the transmitter holder 450 and a transmitter (not shown).

[0211] The transmitter holder 450 is coupled to a transmitter (not shown) and is configured to linearly move the transmitter from the distal end to the proximal end. Note that it is preferable that the transmitter holder 450 and the transmitter move only in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0212] The transmitter holder 450 is configured to move by the application of pressure to the piston 440 from the distal end to the proximal end. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 19.

[0213] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the operation of the applicator according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 16a and shows the process of the applicator 400 operating.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 19, the handle 410 includes a hook 413 in the shape of a cantilever with one end being a free end. The hook 413 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the handle 410 and is configured to engage with the flange 443 of the piston 440. Here, the fixed end of the hook 413 is preferably disposed below the free end. Thus, when the piston 440 moves from the distal end to the proximal end, the hook 413 presses the flange 443 in the moving direction.

[0215] On the other hand, the cylinder 430 includes a hook resistance portion 433. The hook resistance portion 433 projects radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 430. The hook resistance portion 433 is configured to release the engagement of the hook 413. Hereinafter, the operation method of the hook 413 and the hook resistance portion 433 will be described.

[0216] FIG. 19(a) is a diagram showing the state before the handle 410 is pressed.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 19(a), the handle 410 is separated from the user's skin. Further, the piston 440 is in a state of being press-fitted into the first main body 431 of the cylinder 430. A very small amount of air exists between the piston 440 and the first main body 431, and it is preferably in a sub-vacuum state.

[0218] The hook 413 of the handle 410 is engaged with the flange 443.

[0219] The transmitter holder 450 is supported by the handle 410 and is disposed distally. The configuration in which the transmitter holder 450 is supported by the handle 410 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 20.

[0220] FIG. 19(b) is a diagram showing the state in which the handle 410 is pressed and the needle 442 is inserted into the skin.

[0221] As shown in FIG. 19(b), when the user presses the handle 410, the piston 440 moves from the distal end to the proximal end. When the handle 410 moves proximally, the hook 413 contacts the hook resistance portion 433. When the handle 410 moves further proximally, the hook 413 moves outward. That is, when the hook 413 is deflected by the hook resistance portion 433, the connection between the hook 413 and the flange 443 is released. By doing so, the transmitter holder 450 is no longer restricted by the movement of the piston 440.

[0222] On the other hand, due to the movement of the piston 440 from the distal end to the proximal end, the needle 442 is inserted into the user's skin.

[0223] In the state of FIG. 19(b), the volume between the piston 440 and the first main body 431 increases, and the internal pressure significantly decreases. Therefore, the piston receives a force to retreat distally again. Here, since the hook 413 of the handle 410 no longer restricts the flange 443 of the piston 440, the piston 440 is in a state where it can return distally again.

[0224] On the other hand, since the flange 443 of the piston 440 is no longer coupled to the hook 413, the piston 440 is not restricted by the pressure applied to the handle 410. By doing so, even if the handle 410 is pressurized again, the state of the piston 440 remains unchanged while being inserted into the distal end portion of the cylinder 430. That is, the re - use of the applicator 400 becomes impossible.

[0225] Once the needle is inserted into the user's skin, it is exposed to various disease infections during re - use. Therefore, this is used when re - use of the applicator is not required. The applicator 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is structurally prevented from being re - used.

[0226] FIG. 19(c) is a view showing a state where the needle 442 is pulled out of the skin.

[0227] As shown in (c) of FIG. 19, the handle 410 is positioned proximally, and the piston 440 moves from proximal to distal. Due to the movement of the piston 440, the needle 442 that had been inserted into the user's skin is withdrawn. The piston 440 is reinserted into the interior of the first body 431.

[0228] The transmitter holder 450 maintains a proximal state, that is, a state close to the skin.

[0229] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 16a and a partially enlarged view.

[0230] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the initial state. With reference to FIG. 20, the configuration for preventing firing in the initial state and the coupling relationship between the transmitter holder 450 and the handle 410 will be described.

[0231] As shown in FIG. 20, the handle 410 includes a first forward prevention protrusion 414. The first forward prevention protrusion 414 projects radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the handle 410.

[0232] Also, the cylinder 430 includes a second forward prevention protrusion 434. The second forward prevention protrusion 434 projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 430.

[0233] In the initial state, the first forward prevention protrusion 414 and the second forward prevention protrusion 434 are in an opposed state. Specifically, the lower surface of the first forward prevention protrusion 414 and the upper surface of the second forward prevention protrusion 434 are opposed.

[0234] On one hand, it is preferable that the lower surface of the first forward prevention protrusion 414 and the upper surface of the second forward prevention protrusion 434 are configured to incline from the distal end toward the proximal end. Therefore, the handle 410 is not pressurized by a force smaller than a predetermined magnitude, and when a force equal to or greater than the predetermined magnitude is applied, the handle 410 moves from the distal end toward the proximal end. That is, in the initial state, it is possible to prevent the applicator 400 from being fired by the handle 410 being pressurized by an unintended impact or the like, and when the user intends to use it, a pressing force equal to or greater than the level at which it is fully pressurized is induced. By doing so, when the handle 410 is pressurized, a phenomenon in which the handle stops in the middle and the needle 442 is not inserted is prevented.

[0235] The handle 410 further includes a first fixing protrusion 412. The first fixing protrusion 412 projects radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the handle 410.

[0236] Also, the transmitter holder 450 includes a second fixing protrusion 451. The second fixing protrusion 451 projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the transmitter holder 450.

[0237] In the initial state, the first fixing protrusion 412 and the second fixing protrusion 451 are in an engaged state. Specifically, the second fixing protrusion 451 is disposed on the first fixing protrusion 412. By doing so, the transmitter holder 450 is supported by the handle 410.

[0238] On one hand, it is preferable that the upper surface of the first fixing protrusion 412 and the lower surface of the second fixing protrusion 451 are formed parallel to the horizontal plane. By doing so, in the initial state, the transmitter holder 450 is not detached from the distal end and is stably fixed.

[0239] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of FIG. 16a and a partial enlarged view.

[0240] FIG. 21 is a view showing the state after the needle has returned after firing. With reference to FIG. 21, a configuration for preventing reuse of the applicator 400 will be described.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 21, the handle 410 further includes a first anti-retreat protrusion 415. The first anti-retreat protrusion 415 protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the handle 410.

[0242] Also, the cylinder 430 further includes a second anti-retreat protrusion 435. The second anti-retreat protrusion 435 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 430.

[0243] In a state where use is completed, the first anti-retreat protrusion 415 and the second anti-retreat protrusion 435 are in an opposed state. Specifically, the second anti-retreat protrusion 435 is disposed on the first anti-retreat protrusion 415. By doing so, in a state where the handle 410 has moved proximally, it is prevented from retreating distally again.

[0244] On the other hand, the upper surface of the first anti-retreat protrusion 415 and the lower surface of the second anti-retreat protrusion 435 are preferably formed parallel to the horizontal plane. By doing so, in a state where use is completed, the handle 410 and the piston 440 do not separate from the proximal side. That is, since the piston 440 no longer moves from the proximal side to the distal side, it is prevented that the needle 442 protrudes outside the applicator 400 again. By doing so, there is an effect of preventing the contaminated needle 442 from stabbing the user or the user from being injured after use.

[0245] 5. 5-1st Embodiment FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an applicator according to the 5-1st embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0246] As shown in FIG. 22, the applicator 500 according to the 5-1st embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing 510.

[0247] The housing 510 is configured to be gripped by the user and is preferably a hollow columnar shape. Further, the middle of the housing 510 has a concave shape so that the user can easily grip it as a whole. Note that, unlike the first to fourth embodiments described above, the applicator 500 according to the fifth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure operates in an automatic firing mode where it automatically fires when a button is pressed, rather than the user directly applying pressure to fire.

[0248] For this purpose, the applicator 500 further includes a first button 520 and a second button 530.

[0249] The first button 520 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 510 and is configured to be pressed downward.

[0250] The second button 530 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 510 and is configured to be pressed toward the inside of the housing 510.

[0251] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator according to the fifth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 is a view showing the inside of the applicator according to the fifth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0252] With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, the components of the applicator 500 and the coupling relationship between the components according to the fifth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0253] The applicator 500 according to the fifth embodiment includes all or part of a housing 510, a first button 520, a second button 530, a drive unit 540, a needle carrier 550, a needle 560, and a transmitter holder 570.

[0254] The bottom surface of the housing 510 contacts the user's skin and is configured to insert the sensor mounted on the transmitter 50 into the user's skin.

[0255] The housing 510 is preferably manufactured by injection molding. Here, the first configuration 510a and the second configuration 510b are manufactured separately, and the first configuration 510a and the second configuration 510b are assembled to form the housing 510.

[0256] The housing 510 includes a housing fixing portion 511, a drum 512, and a wheel fixing portion 513.

[0257] The housing fixing portion 511 is configured to be coupled to the first configuration 510a and the second configuration 510b. Specifically, the housing fixing portion 511 is configured to be coupled to at least a part of the first configuration 510a and the second configuration 510b, preferably to the outer peripheral surface at the upper end portion. By doing so, when the first configuration 510a and the second configuration 510b are assembled, they are stably fixed. When an external impact is applied to the applicator 500, the assembled housing 510 may be disassembled. However, since the housing fixing portion 511 firmly maintains the connection between the first configuration 510a and the second configuration 510b, there is an effect of preventing the disassembly of the applicator 500 and the like.

[0258] The drum 512 is formed corresponding to the overall shape of the spring so that the spring 541 is disposed inside. As will be described later, since the spring 541 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is in the shape of a wound roll spring, the drum 512 is preferably formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0259] A spring fixing groove 512a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 512 so that the outer end portion 541a of the spring is placed thereon. The spring fixing groove 512a has a shape in which at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the drum 512 is cut open.

[0260] The wheel fixing part 513 is disposed at the center of the drum 512 and protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the second configuration 510b. Since the wheel fixing part 513 penetrates the center of the wheel 542, the wheel 542 is stably placed. Also, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the wheel fixing part 513 is a smooth column shape so that the wheel 542 rotates around the wheel fixing part 513.

[0261] The first button 520 is configured to be inserted into the housing 510 and to be pressed in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end.

[0262] The second button 530 is configured to be inserted into the housing 510 and to be pressed in a horizontal direction.

[0263] When both the first button 520 and the second button 530 are pressed, the applicator 500 is fired. Here, the order in which the first button 520 and the second button 530 are pressed may be any. That is, the first button 520 and the second button 530 serve as both a safety lock release button and a pressure button.

[0264] The drive unit 540 is configured to linearly move the needle carrier 550 and the needle 560 between the distal end and the proximal end in response to the pressing of the first button 520 and the second button 530. For this purpose, the drive unit 540 includes a spring 541, a wheel 542, and a guide protrusion 543.

[0265] One end of the spring 541 is coupled to the wheel 542, and the other end is coupled to one surface of the drum 512. Here, one end is the end disposed inside the spring 541, and the other end is the end disposed outside the spring 541. One end is locked and fixed to a protrusion 544 (see FIG. 26) formed on the wheel 542, and the other end is locked and fixed to a fixing protrusion (not shown) separately provided on one surface of the drum.

[0266] The spring 541 is a power source that supplies power so that the linear motion of the needle carrier 550 can be performed. Here, the spring 541 is preferably a wound roll spring. The spring 541 is assembled in a compressed state in the initial state. When the joint that fixed the compression of the spring 541 is released by pressing the first button 520 and the second button 530, the spring 541 is pulled so as to return to its original state. By doing so, the inner end of the spring 541 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which it was compressed. That is, the principle of a kind of Scotch Yoke or double slider crank mechanism in which the rotational motion of the spring 541 is converted into the linear motion of the needle carrier 550 and the needle 560 is applied. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 25.

[0267] The wheel 542 is coupled to the drum 512 and is configured to form an accommodation space inside. The spring 541 is disposed in the accommodation space formed between the wheel 542 and the drum 512. Further, the wheel 542 is coupled to the spring 541 and is configured to rotate together with the rotation of the spring 541.

[0268] The guide projection 543 projects from one surface of the wheel 542 toward the inside of the applicator 500.

[0269] The needle carrier 550 is configured to linearly move inside the housing 510. Here, the linear motion of the needle carrier 550 is induced by the rotational motion of the drive unit 540. For this purpose, the needle carrier 550 includes a lateral guide 551 and a longitudinal guide 553, and the needle carrier 550 has an overall T-shape of the alphabet (see FIG. 24).

[0270] The guide projection 543 of the drive unit 540 is inserted into the lateral guide 551. As the wheel 542 rotates, the guide projection 543 rotates, and accordingly, the guide projection 543 moves left and right along the lateral guide 551. By doing so, the needle carrier 550 moves linearly between the distal and proximal positions.

[0271] The lateral guide 551 is configured to be coupled to the first button 520 and becomes movable when the coupling with the first button 520 is released. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 26.

[0272] The longitudinal guide 553 extends from one surface of the lateral guide 551 in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end. The longitudinal guide 553 is coupled to the needle 560 and fixes the needle 560.

[0273] The longitudinal guide 553 is configured to be coupled to the second button 530 and becomes movable when the coupling with the second button 530 is released. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 27.

[0274] The needle 560 is coupled to the needle carrier 550 and is configured to be linearly constrained by the linear motion of the needle carrier 550 and move linearly together. The needle 560 is configured to penetrate the user's skin.

[0275] The transmitter holder 570 is coupled to the transmitter 50 and is configured to linearly move the transmitter 50 from the distal end to the proximal end. The transmitter holder 570 is pressurized from the distal end to the proximal end by the longitudinal guide 553. Note that the transmitter holder 570 moves only in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0276] On the other hand, since the housing 510 according to the present disclosure is manufactured by being separated into two parts, in the manufacturing process of the applicator 500, the spring 541, the wheel 542, the needle carrier 550, the first configuration 510a, and the second button 530 are sequentially stacked and assembled in this order on the second configuration 510b. By doing so, there is an advantage that the assembly process of the applicator 500 is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

[0277] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the operating principle of the applicator according to the fifth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0278] FIG. 25(a) shows a state in which at least one of the first button 520 and the second button 530 is not pressed, that is, the initial state.

[0279] As shown in FIG. 25(a), the guide projection 543 is in the most distal position, and thus the needle carrier 550 is also in the distal position. At this time, the spring 541 is in a stretched state.

[0280] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25(a), since at least one of the first button 520 and the second button 530 is not pressed, the movement of the needle carrier 550 proximally is restricted by the first button 520 or the second button 530. Therefore, the movement of the guide projection 543, the wheel 542, and the spring 541 that are directly / indirectly coupled to the needle carrier 550 is also restricted.

[0281] FIG. 25(b) shows a state in which both the first button 520 and the second button 530 are pressed and the needle 560 is inserted into the skin.

[0282] As shown in Fig. 25(b), when both the first button 520 and the second button 530 are pressed, the connection between the first button 520 and the lateral guide 551 and the connection between the second button 530 and the longitudinal guide 553 are released. By doing so, the movement of the needle carrier 550 from the distal end to the proximal end is no longer restricted. Therefore, the movement of the guide protrusion 543, the wheel 542, and the spring 541 that are directly / indirectly connected to the needle carrier 550 becomes possible.

[0283] The spring 541 rotates in one direction (shown as counterclockwise in Fig. 25 of the present disclosure, but it may be the opposite direction). However, when rotating in the opposite direction, the direction of the hook formed at the other end of the spring 541 must be reversed.

[0284] The guide protrusion 543 is arranged closest to the proximal end. Therefore, the needle carrier 550 is also arranged close to the proximal end. Note that the spring 541 is in a state where about half of the tension is released.

[0285] When the needle carrier 550 moves proximally, the needle 560 also moves proximally and is inserted into the user's skin.

[0286] Fig. 25(c) is a diagram showing the state where the needle 560 is withdrawn from the user's skin.

[0287] As shown in Fig. 25(c), the spring 541 rotates further in one direction.

[0288] By doing so, the guide protrusion 543 is arranged distally again, so the needle carrier 550 is also arranged distally. Note that the spring 541 is completely released from tension and is in a state where no driving force is generated by the spring 541.

[0289] When the needle carrier 550 moves distally again, the needle 560 moves distally and is withdrawn from the user's skin.

[0290] Figures 26 and 27 are diagrams showing the firing prevention configuration of the applicator according to the 5-1st embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the connection between the first button 520 and the vertical guide 553.

[0291] As shown in FIG. 26, the first button 520 of the present disclosure further includes an extension portion 521 and a locking projection 522.

[0292] The extension portion 521 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the first button 520 and is configured to be inserted into one surface of the vertical guide 553. It is preferable that a pair of extension portions 521 are formed to face each other.

[0293] The locking projection 522 protrudes from one surface of the extension portion 521. Here, the protruding direction is preferably the direction toward the outer side in the radial direction of the applicator 500 when the applicator 500 is assembled. Further, the locking projection 522 is preferably formed at a distance from the lower surface of the first button 520. A firing prevention portion 545 described later is disposed in the space between the lower surface of the first button 520 and the locking projection 522.

[0294] The locking projection 522 faces a part of the driving portion 540, particularly the wheel 542, and prevents the rotation of the wheel 542.

[0295] The driving portion 540 further includes a spring fixing projection 544 and a firing prevention portion 545.

[0296] The spring fixing protrusion 544 is formed on one surface of the wheel 542. Here, one surface of the wheel 542 is the surface on which the spring 541 is disposed. One end of the spring 541 is coupled to the spring fixing protrusion 544, thereby fixing the relative position of the spring 541 and the wheel 542. Here, the end portion of the spring 541 is the end portion disposed inside the spring 541. While the spring 541 is compressed to return from the pulled state to the original state, one end inside the spring 541 rotates. Since the spring fixing protrusion 544 and the spring 541 are coupled, the wheel 542 rotates corresponding to the compression process of the spring 541.

[0297] The firing prevention portion 545 is formed on the other surface of the wheel 542. Here, the other surface of the wheel 542 is the surface formed on the opposite side of the one surface and is the surface facing the needle carrier 550. The firing prevention portion 545 protrudes from the other surface so as to form an overall arc shape along the periphery of the other surface of the wheel 542. Here, the protruding direction is preferably the direction toward the inner side in the radial direction of the applicator 500 when the applicator 500 is assembled. That is, the locking protrusion 522 and the firing prevention portion 545 are formed at positions where they mesh with each other by protruding in opposite directions.

[0298] The needle carrier 550 further includes a first button coupling portion 554.

[0299] The first button coupling portion 554 is a kind of groove or hole formed on the upper surface of the lateral guide 551, and at least a part of the extension portion 521 of the first button 520 is inserted into the groove. In the initial state, the extension portion 521 of the first button 520 is not inserted into the first button coupling portion 554. However, when the first button 520 is pressed, the extension portion 521 is preferably inserted into the first button coupling portion 554. By doing so, the downward movement of the first button is ensured.

[0300] In short, in the initial state, the locking projection 522 of the first button 520 is in a state of being locked to the firing prevention portion 545 of the wheel 542. Here, when the first button 520 is pressed, the extension portion 521 is inserted into the first button coupling portion 554, and the first button 520 moves proximally. Here, the locking projection 522 also moves proximally, and the engagement between the firing prevention portion 545 and the locking projection 522 is released. By doing so, the wheel 542 becomes rotatable.

[0301] Further, the needle carrier 550 further includes an insertion groove 552. The insertion groove 552 is a groove recessed from one surface of the vertical side guide 553. Here, one surface of the vertical side guide 553 is a surface facing the wheel 542. The guide projection 543 of the wheel 542 is inserted into the insertion groove 552, and the guide projection 543 moves left and right in the insertion groove 552.

[0302] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the connection between the second button 530 and the lateral guide 551.

[0303] As shown in FIG. 27, the second button 530 further includes an extension portion 531 and a hook 532.

[0304] The extension portion 531 protrudes from the lower surface of the second button 530 and is configured to be inserted into one surface of the lateral guide 551. Here, the protruding direction is preferably the direction toward the inner side in the radial direction of the applicator 500 when the applicator 500 is assembled. The extension portions 531 are preferably formed in a pair facing each other.

[0305] The hook 532 protrudes from the inner surface of the extension portion 531 toward the inner side in the radial direction of the second button 530. The hook 532 is preferably formed at a distance from the lower surface of the second button 530. A hook projection 555, which will be described later, is disposed in the space between the lower surface of the second button 530 and the hook 532.

[0306] The hook 532 prevents the linear movement of the needle carrier 550, particularly by facing the needle carrier 550, especially the vertical side guide 553.

[0307] Therefore, the needle carrier 550 further includes a hook projection 555. The hook projection 555 projects radially outward from one surface of the vertical guide 553 toward the second button 530. That is, the hook 532 and the hook projection 555 project in opposite directions from each other, and by doing so, they are formed at positions where they engage with each other.

[0308] In short, in the initial state, the hook 532 of the second button 530 is locked to the hook projection 555 of the needle carrier 550. Here, when the second button 530 is pressed, the second button 530 moves radially inward of the applicator 500. Then, the hook 532 also moves together, and the engagement between the hook projection 555 and the hook 532 is released. By doing so, the needle carrier 550 becomes in a state where it can move linearly.

[0309] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, for the applicator 500 according to the 5-1 embodiment, both the first button 520 and the second button 530 must be pressed for firing.

[0310] That is, the first button 520 and the second button 530 play the role of a safety lock release button for the one pressed first, and the role of a firing button for the one pressed second.

[0311] On the other hand, since the press-in of the first button 520 and the press-in of the second button 530 are independent mechanisms from each other, the order of pressing can be any.

[0312] FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the applicator according to the 5-1 embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0313] As shown in FIG. 28, an applicator 500 has an opening 514 formed in its bottom surface. Here, it is preferable that the diameter of the opening 514 is the same as or slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the transmitter 50. By doing so, the phenomenon that dirt or the like enters the inside of the applicator 500 is prevented.

[0314] FIG. 29 is a view showing a transmitter holder and a transmitter of an applicator according to the 5-1st embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 30 is a view showing a state after firing of the applicator according to the 5-1st embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0315] As shown in FIG. 29, a transmitter holder 570 includes a transmitter support portion 571.

[0316] (a) of FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the transmitter holder 570, and (b) of FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of (a) of FIG. 29.

[0317] The transmitter support portion 571 is formed on one surface of the transmitter holder 570 and is configured to hold and support the transmitter 50. The transmitter support portion 571 according to the present embodiment is an O-ring (see FIG. 30). In this case, a frictional force is formed between the O-ring and the transmitter 50, and the transmitter 50 can be stably held without a separate coupling or decoupling structure, and there is an effect of reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0318] On the other hand, since a coupling force due to friction is formed between the transmitter support portion 571 and the transmitter 50, a structure for pushing the transmitter 50 in the proximal direction is required. For this purpose, the transmitter holder 570 further includes a pusher 572.

[0319] The pusher 572 is disposed on the upper surface of the transmitter holder 570 and is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the horizontal plane (see (b) of FIG. 29). In addition, in order to supply a sufficient pressing force, it is preferable that a plurality of pushers 572 are provided.

[0320] The first end 573 of the pusher 572 is disposed outside the transmitter housing 510, and the second end 574 is disposed inside the transmitter holder 570. When the transmitter holder 570 is pressurized (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 29(b)), the first end 573 abuts against the inner bottom surface of the housing 510. By doing so, the pusher 572 rotates in one direction. Here, the one direction is the direction indicated by the curved arrow in FIG. 29(b).

[0321] When the pusher 572 rotates, the second end 574 strongly presses the transmitter 50. By doing so, the transmitter 50 fixed by the transmitter support portion 571 is removed from the transmitter holder 570.

[0322] 6. 5-2nd Embodiment FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the operating principle of the applicator according to the 5-2nd embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0323] The applicator according to the 5-2nd embodiment shares other configurations except the drive unit 540' with the applicator 500 according to the 5-2nd embodiment. Therefore, in the present disclosure, only the drive unit 540' will be described.

[0324] The drive unit 540' of the applicator according to the 5-2nd embodiment of the present disclosure includes all or part of an elastic body 541', a wheel 542', a guide protrusion, and a guide roller 544'.

[0325] The elastic body 541' has an elastic force and is formed of a material that can be stretched. For example, the elastic body 541' is a rubber band, but the material can be appropriately changed by the designer.

[0326] One end of the elastic body 541' is coupled to the wheel 542', and the other end is coupled to one surface of the drum. Here, one end is the end disposed inside in a state where the elastic body 541' is wound up, and the other end is the end disposed outside.

[0327] The elastic body 541' is assembled while being stretched in the initial state. When the joint that fixed the tension of the elastic body 541' is released by pressing the first button 520 and the second button 530, the elastic body 541' is compressed so as to return to its original state. By doing so, one end of the elastic body 541' rotates.

[0328] Since the wheel 542' and the guide protrusion (not shown) according to the fifth - second embodiment are the same in configuration, shape, and function as the wheel 542 and the guide protrusion 543 according to the fifth - first embodiment, the description of the fifth - first embodiment is incorporated herein.

[0329] The guide roller 544' protrudes from one inner surface of the housing and is arranged adjacent to the wheel 542' so that the elastic body 541' is placed thereon. The guide roller 544' is preferably substantially columnar. Thus, the elastic body 541' slides along the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 544'.

[0330] Figure 31(a) shows a state in which at least one of the first button 520 and the second button 530 is not pressed, that is, the initial state.

[0331] As shown in Figure 31(a), it is a state in which the guide protrusion (not shown) is arranged at the most distal position, and thus the needle carrier 550' is also arranged at the distal position. At this time, the elastic body 541' is in a stretched state.

[0332] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 31(a), since at least one of the first button 520 and the second button 530 is not pressed, the movement of the needle carrier 550' toward the proximal end is restricted by the first button 520 or the second button 530. Thus, the movement of the guide protrusion, the wheel 542', and the elastic body 541' that are directly / indirectly coupled to the needle carrier 550' is also restricted.

[0333] Figure (b) of Fig. 31 shows a state where both the first button 520 and the second button 530 are pressed and the needle 560 is inserted into the skin.

[0334] As shown in Fig. 31(b), when both the first button 520 and the second button 530 are pressed, the connection between the first button 520, the second button 530 and the needle carrier 550’ is released. By doing so, the movement of the needle carrier 550’ from the distal end to the proximal end is no longer restricted. Therefore, the movement of the guide protrusion, the wheel 542’ and the elastic body 541’ that are directly / indirectly connected to the needle carrier 550’ becomes possible.

[0335] The elastic body 541’ rotates in one direction (shown as counterclockwise in Fig. 31 of the present disclosure, but it may be the reverse direction). However, when rotating in the reverse direction, all directions such as the direction in which the elastic body 541’ is arranged on the guide roller 544’ must be changed.

[0336] The guide protrusion is arranged closest to the proximal end. Therefore, the needle carrier 550’ is also arranged close to the proximal end. Note that the elastic body 541’ is in a state where the tension is released by about half.

[0337] When the needle carrier 550’ moves proximally, the needle 560’ also moves proximally and is inserted into the user's skin.

[0338] Figure (c) of Fig. 31 shows a state where the needle 560’ is pulled out from the user's skin.

[0339] As shown in Fig. 21(c), the elastic body 541’ rotates further in one direction.

[0340] By doing so, the guide protrusion is arranged distally again, so the needle carrier 550’ is also arranged distally. Note that the elastic body 541’ is completely released from tension and the driving force by the elastic body 541’ is not generated.

[0341] When the needle carrier 550' moves distally again, the needle 560' moves distally and is withdrawn from the user's skin.

[0342] 7. Sixth - 1 Embodiment FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an applicator according to the sixth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0343] As shown in FIG. 32, an applicator 600 according to the sixth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing 610.

[0344] The housing 610 is configured to be grasped by the user and is preferably hollow - cylindrical. Also, the middle of the housing 610 has a concave shape so that the user can easily grasp it as a whole. Note that, different from the first to fourth embodiments described above, the applicator 600 according to the sixth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure operates in an automatic firing mode where it automatically fires when the button is pressed, rather than being directly pressurized by the user to fire.

[0345] Therefore, the applicator 600 further includes a button 620.

[0346] The button 620 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 610 and is configured to be pressurized downward.

[0347] On the other hand, in order to prevent the button 620 from being pushed by an external impact or the like regardless of the user's intention and accidentally firing, the applicator 600 further includes a safety pin 630.

[0348] The safety pin 630 is configured to be inserted into or removed from the housing 610 and preferably includes a knob - shaped configuration so that the user can easily grasp it.

[0349] FIGS. 33a and 33b are views showing the interior of the applicator according to the sixth - 1 embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0350] Specifically, FIG. 33a is a rear perspective view showing a state in which internal components are coupled, and FIG. 33b is a front exploded perspective view showing a state in which the internal components are disassembled.

[0351] With reference to FIGS. 33a and 33b, the components of the applicator 600 according to the 6-1st embodiment of the present disclosure and the coupling relationship between the components will be described.

[0352] The applicator 600 according to the 6-1st embodiment includes all or part of a drive unit 640, a needle carrier 650, and a transmitter holder 660 disposed inside a housing 610.

[0353] The drive unit 640 includes a spring 641 and a wheel 642.

[0354] Since the spring 641 and the wheel 642 according to the 6-1st embodiment are the same in configuration, shape, and function as the spring 541 and the wheel 542 of the applicator 500 according to the 5-1st embodiment, the description of the 5-1st embodiment is incorporated herein by reference.

[0355] The needle carrier 650 is configured to linearly move inside the housing 610. Here, the linear movement of the needle carrier 650 is induced by the rotational movement of the drive unit 640. For this purpose, the needle carrier 650 includes a lateral guide 651 and a longitudinal guide 653, and the needle carrier 650 has an overall T-shape of the alphabet.

[0356] A guide projection (not shown) of the drive unit 640 is inserted into the lateral guide 651. As the wheel 642 rotates, the guide projection rotates, and accordingly, the guide projection moves left and right along the lateral guide 651. By doing so, the needle carrier 650 linearly moves between the distal and proximal positions.

[0357] The lateral guide 651 is configured to be coupled to the button 620, and firing becomes possible when the coupling with the button 620 is released. Since the coupling relationship between the button 620 and the lateral guide 651 according to this embodiment applies the coupling relationship between the first button 520 and the lateral guide 551 according to the 5-1st embodiment of the present disclosure, the description of the 5-1st embodiment is incorporated herein by reference.

[0358] The longitudinal guide 653 is configured to be coupled to the safety pin 630 and becomes movable when the coupling with the safety pin 630 is released. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 34.

[0359] The transmitter holder 660 is coupled to a transmitter (not shown) and is configured to linearly move the transmitter from the distal end to the proximal end. The transmitter holder 660 is pressed from the distal end to the proximal end by the longitudinal guide 653. Note that the transmitter holder 660 moves only in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0360] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view and an enlarged view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 32.

[0361] As shown in FIG. 34, the safety pin 630 includes a grip portion 631, a first pin 632, and a second pin 633.

[0362] The grip portion 631 is the portion that the user grips.

[0363] The first pin 632 protrudes from the grip portion 631 and preferably has the shape of a thin pin.

[0364] The second pin 633 protrudes from the grip portion 631 and is disposed below the first pin 632. Here, the directions in which the first pin 632 and the second pin 633 protrude are the same.

[0365] The first pin 632 and the second pin 633 are inserted into one surface of the housing 610, and firing is prevented by the first pin 632 and the second pin 633.

[0366] A hook 634 is formed at the end of the second pin 633. By engaging the hook 634 with the end of the second pin hole 612, it is possible to prevent the safety pin 630 from coming out due to an external impact or the like. Note that the hook 634 is formed with an inclined surface in the direction in which the safety pin 630 is removed from the applicator 600. By doing so, when the safety pin 630 is pulled with a force equal to or greater than a predetermined force, the safety pin 630 is removed. That is, the hook 634 is coupled to the second pin hole 612 in a snap - fit manner.

[0367] The housing 610 includes a first pin hole 611, a second pin hole 612, a spring placement portion 613, and a first pin groove 614.

[0368] The first pin hole 611 is a hole formed in the outer peripheral surface of the housing 610, and the first pin 632 is inserted therein.

[0369] The needle carrier 650 includes a first pin through - hole 652.

[0370] The first pin through - hole 652 is formed at the center of the lateral guide 651 of the needle carrier 650, and the first pin 632 passes through the needle carrier 650 in the first pin through - hole 652.

[0371] The spring placement portion 613 is configured to hold the spring 641, and is generally in the shape of a boss. A first pin groove 614 is formed in the flange portion of the spring placement portion 613.

[0372] The first pin hole 611, the first pin through - hole 652, and the first pin groove 614 are all circular with the same diameter and are arranged coaxially. By doing so, the first pin 632 can fix the housing 610, the needle carrier 650, and the drive unit 640 all at once.

[0373] On one hand, in the state where the first pin 632 is inserted, the end of the first button 620 contacts the first pin 632. Therefore, as long as the first pin 632 is inserted, the first button 620 is not pressed.

[0374] The second pin hole 612 is a hole formed in the outer peripheral surface of the housing 610. The second pin 633 is inserted into the second pin hole 612, and the second pin hole 612 is formed below the first pin hole 611.

[0375] When the safety pin 630 is inserted, the applicator 600 according to the sixth - first embodiment also prevents the button 620 from being pressed, and also prevents the rotation of the drive unit 640 and the linear movement of the needle carrier 650.

[0376] In addition, since the hook 634 of the safety pin 630 prevents the safety pin from coming out due to an external impact, there is an advantage that safety can be further improved.

[0377] 8. Sixth - second embodiment FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an applicator according to the sixth - second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0378] FIG. 35(a) shows a state where the grip portion 631' is expanded, and FIG. 35(b) shows a state where the grip portion 631' is gathered.

[0379] As shown in FIG. 35, the applicator 600' according to the sixth - second embodiment of the present disclosure includes all or part of the housing 610', the button 620' and the safety pin 630'.

[0380] Since the housing 610' and the button 620' according to the sixth - second embodiment have the same configuration, shape and function as the housing 610 and the button 620 according to the sixth - first embodiment, the description of the sixth - first embodiment is incorporated herein.

[0381] The safety pin 630' according to the 6-2nd embodiment has a grip portion 631' formed in two configurations, and the grip portion 631' can be expanded or gathered. By expanding the grip portion 631', the overall volume of the applicator 600' can be reduced, which has the advantage of enabling reduction of packaging materials and the like.

[0382] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an applicator according to the 6-2nd embodiment.

[0383] As shown in FIG. 36, the safety pin 630' according to the 6-2nd embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a first pin 632', a second pin 633', a hook 634', and a support pin 635'.

[0384] The first pin 632', the second pin 633', and the support pin 635' are arranged in order in the height direction of the housing 610'.

[0385] The first pin 632' is inserted into the first pin hole 611', the second pin 633' is inserted into the second pin hole 612', and the support pin 635' is inserted into the support pin hole 613'.

[0386] Since the first pin 632', the second pin 633', and the hook 634' have the same configuration, shape, and function as the first pin 632, the second pin 633, and the hook 634 according to the 6-1st embodiment, the description of the 6-1st embodiment is incorporated herein by reference.

[0387] The support pin 635' prevents the transmitter and the transmitter holder from moving proximally by contacting the lower surface of the transmitter when the safety pin 630' is inserted into the housing 610'.

[0388] 9. 7th Embodiment FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an applicator according to the 7th embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0389] As shown in FIG. 37, the applicator 700 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing 710. The housing 710 is configured to be gripped by a user and is preferably in a hollow columnar shape. Also, the middle of the housing 710 has a concave shape so that the user can easily grip it as a whole. Note that, unlike the first to fourth embodiments described above, the applicator 700 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure operates in an automatic firing mode in which it automatically fires when a button is pressed, rather than being directly pressurized by the user to fire.

[0390] For this purpose, the applicator 700 further includes a button 720.

[0391] The button 720 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 710 and is configured to be pressurized downward.

[0392] FIG. 38 is a view showing the inside of the applicator according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0393] As shown in FIG. 38, the applicator 700 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure includes all or part of a cap 730, a drive unit 740, a needle carrier 750, and a transmitter holder 760.

[0394] The cap 730 is formed such that at least a part of it is inserted into an opening formed in the bottom surface of the housing 710. The cap 730 is configured to protect the inside of the applicator 700 from external dirt before the user uses the applicator 700. For this purpose, it is preferable that the maximum diameter of the cap 730 is the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the opening formed in the bottom surface of the housing 710.

[0395] The cap 730 is composed of at least one of ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene co polymer) resin, PC (Polycarbonate) resin, and PE (Polyethylene) resin, but any material commonly used in medical devices such as applicators may be used. For example, a combination of PC resin and ABS resin is used, but this may be appropriately changed according to the designer's choice.

[0396] The cap 730 includes a support rod 731 and a seal portion 732. The support rod 731 is in contact with the transmitter and is configured to directly support the transmitter and the transmitter holder 760.

[0397] The seal portion 732 is configured to seal an opening formed in the bottom surface of the housing 710.

[0398] The drive unit 740 is configured to linearly move the needle carrier 750 and a needle (not shown) between the distal and proximal positions in response to the pressing of the button 720. For this purpose, the drive unit 740 includes a wheel 741. Note that the wheel 741 according to the seventh embodiment is the same as the wheel 542 of the applicator 500 according to the fifth - 1 embodiment in terms of configuration, shape, and function, so the description of the fifth - 1 embodiment is incorporated herein.

[0399] The needle carrier 750 is configured to linearly move inside the housing 710. Here, the linear movement of the needle carrier 750 is induced by the rotational movement of the drive unit 740.

[0400] The transmitter holder 760 is coupled to a transmitter (not shown) and is configured to linearly move the transmitter from the distal to the proximal position. The transmitter holder 760 is pressed from the distal to the proximal position by the needle carrier 750. Note that the transmitter holder 760 moves only in the direction from the distal to the proximal position.

[0401] Figure 38(a) is a diagram showing the state before the cap 730 is removed, and Figure 38(b) is a diagram showing the state after the cap 730 is removed.

[0402] As shown in Figure 38(a), the cap 730 supports the transmitter holder 760 in the distal direction. Therefore, the configuration that enables linear motion, that is, the needle carrier 750 is also supported in the distal direction.

[0403] As shown in Figure 38(b), when the cap 730 is removed, the needle carrier 750 and the transmitter holder 760 drop slightly proximally. In this state, the user can press the button 720, and the applicator 700 is ready for firing.

[0404] Figure 39 is a front view of the needle carrier according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0405] As shown in Figure 39, the needle carrier 750 of the present disclosure includes a lateral guide 751, an insertion groove 752, and a longitudinal guide 753.

[0406] The guide protrusion 742 (see Figure 40) of the drive unit 740 is inserted into the lateral guide 751. As the wheel 741 rotates, the guide protrusion 742 rotates, and accordingly, the guide protrusion 742 moves left and right along the lateral guide 751. By doing so, the needle carrier 750 linearly moves between the distal and proximal positions.

[0407] The insertion groove 752 is preferably formed on the bottom surface of the lateral guide 751 and has a width that allows the guide protrusion 742 to pass through.

[0408] The longitudinal guide 753 extends from one surface of the lateral guide 751 in the direction from the distal to the proximal. The longitudinal guide 753 is coupled to the needle and fixes the needle.

[0409] Figure 40 is a diagram showing the firing prevention configuration of the applicator according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0410] Figure (a) of FIG. 40 shows the state before the cap 730 is removed, and figure (b) of FIG. 40 shows the state after the cap 730 is removed.

[0411] As shown in figure (a) of FIG. 40, before the cap 730 is removed, since the needle carrier 750 is supported distally, the needle carrier 750 is in a state where it has moved slightly distally. By doing so, the guide protrusion 742 is locked in the insertion groove 752 of the needle carrier 750. Therefore, the lateral guide 751 cannot move laterally. Note that the lateral movement of the guide protrusion 742 is mutually restricted by the longitudinal movement due to the characteristics of circular motion and cannot move laterally, so the longitudinal movement of the guide protrusion 742 is also restricted. By doing so, firing is prevented.

[0412] As shown in figure (b) of FIG. 40, when the cap 730 is removed, the configuration that supports the needle carrier 750 is removed, so the needle carrier 750 moves slightly proximally. The guide protrusion 742 is inserted into the lateral guide 751, and by doing so, lateral movement becomes possible.

[0413] The above description merely exemplifies the technical idea of the present disclosure, and those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can make various changes and modifications without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, this embodiment is for explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure and does not limit the technical idea of the present disclosure. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the scope of the claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0414] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 600’, 700 Applicator 110, 210, 410 Handle 120, 220, 420, 730 Cap 130,230 Support Section 140 Gear 150,260,550,550’,650,750 Needle Carrier 160 Needle Holder 170,270,362,560,560’ Needle 180,280,380,450,570,660,760 Transmitter Holder 240 Crank 250 Connecting Rod 310 Upper Cap 312 Lower Cap 330 Push Cap 340 Rotation Guide 350 Rotation Block 370 Spring 430 Cylinder 440 Piston 520 First Button 530 Second Button 540,540’,640,740 Driving Section 620,620’,720 Button 630,630’ Safety Pin

Claims

1. A hollow columnar housing having an opening formed in the bottom surface, a first button disposed on the upper surface of the housing, a second button disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, a needle carrier configured to be coupled to the second button and linearly move between a distal end and a proximal end inside the housing, and a drive unit configured to be coupled to the first button and supply power for the linear movement of the needle carrier. An applicator.

2. The drive unit includes a wound spring coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the housing in a compressed state, a wheel having one surface facing the spring and being restricted in rotation by the spring, an arc-shaped anti-firing portion protruding from the other surface of the wheel and formed along the circumference of the wheel, and a guide protrusion protruding from the other surface of the wheel and disposed radially inward of the anti-firing portion. The needle carrier includes a lateral guide, and a longitudinal guide formed on one surface of the lateral guide and extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing. The applicator according to claim 1.

3. The first button includes an extension protruding from the lower surface of the first button, and a locking protrusion protruding from one surface of the extension toward the radially outer side of the first button and configured to face the anti-firing portion. The locking protrusion is formed at a distance from the lower surface of the first button. When the first button is pressed, the anti-firing portion is disposed in the spaced space between the locking protrusion and the lower surface of the first button. The applicator according to claim 2.

4. The needle carrier includes a hook protrusion protruding from the side surface of the longitudinal guide. The second button includes an extension protruding from the lower surface of the second button and disposed toward the radially inner side of the housing, and a hook protruding from one surface of the extension toward the radially inner side of the second button and configured to face the hook protrusion. The hook is formed at a distance from the lower surface of the second button. When the second button is pressed, the hook protrusion is disposed in the spaced space between the hook and the lower surface of the second button. The applicator according to claim 2.

5. The first button is configured to limit the rotation of the drive unit. The second button is configured to limit the linear movement of the needle carrier. When the first button and the second button are pressed simultaneously or sequentially, the drive unit rotates, causing the needle carrier to move from the distal end to the proximal end. The applicator according to claim 2.

6. Further comprising a transmitter holder configured to be pressurized by the needle carrier and move from the distal end to the proximal end to grip the transmitter. The transmitter holder A transmitter support portion configured to cover at least a part of the transmitter, And a pusher rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the transmitter holder. The applicator according to claim 1.

7. One end of the pusher is disposed outside the transmitter holder, The other end of the pusher is disposed inside the transmitter holder, One end of the pusher is formed to protrude from the lower surface of the transmitter holder. The applicator according to claim 6.

8. When the transmitter holder is moved from the distal end to the proximal end by the needle carrier, one end of the pusher contacts the inner bottom surface of the housing, The other end of the pusher presses the upper surface of the transmitter. The applicator according to claim 7.

9. The transmitter support portion and the transmitter are frictionally joined. The applicator according to claim 6.

10. A sensor at least partially inserted into the body and configured to detect a biological analyte, A transmitter configured to process information regarding the biological analyte obtained from the sensor, An applicator configured to move the sensor and the transmitter from the proximal end to the distal end, comprising A hollow columnar housing having an opening formed in the bottom surface, A first button disposed on the upper surface of the housing, A second button disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, A needle carrier configured to be coupled to the second button and linearly move between the distal end and the proximal end inside the housing, And a drive unit configured to be coupled to the first button and supply power for the linear movement of the needle carrier. Sensor insertion device.

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