Applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device

Abstract

To provide an applicator for a continuous blood sugar measuring device capable of facilitating the assembly of parts, shortening a manufacturing time and lowering a manufacturing unit price through automatic production.SOLUTION: The applicator includes a main case, a body attachment unit including a sensor member, a plunger coupled to an inside of the main case and configured to move the body attachment unit in one direction by an elastic force of a plunger spring including a compression spring, a needle detachably coupled to the body attachment unit, and a needle separation unit configured to move the needle in a direction opposite to the one direction by an elastic force of a needle separation spring including a compression spring.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device, and more particularly to an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device for attaching a body-attachable unit to a user's body, which is attached to the user's body to measure blood glucose and transmit the measurement information to an external device. [Background technology]

[0002] Diabetes is a chronic disease that is common among modern people.Diabetes occurs when the insulin produced in the pancreas is either absolutely insufficient or relatively insufficient due to various causes, such as obesity, stress, poor eating habits, and congenital genetics, and is unable to restore the sugar balance in the blood, resulting in an absolute excess of sugar in the blood.

[0003] Blood normally contains a certain concentration of glucose, which is where tissue cells get their energy.

[0004] However, if glucose increases more than necessary, it cannot be stored properly in the liver, muscles, or fat cells and instead accumulates in the blood, causing diabetics to maintain blood sugar levels much higher than normal people. The excess blood sugar passes through the tissues and is excreted in urine, causing a shortage of sugar, which is absolutely necessary for each tissue in the body, and causing abnormalities in each tissue.

[0005] Diabetes is characterized by having almost no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, specific symptoms appear, such as excessive drinking, excessive urination, weight loss, general fatigue, itchy skin, and persistent wounds on the hands and feet.As diabetes progresses further, complications such as vision problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, periodontal disease, muscle spasms and neuralgia, and gangrene appear.

[0006] In order to diagnose and manage diabetes so that it does not progress to complications, systematic blood glucose monitoring and treatment must be carried out simultaneously.

[0007] Many medical device manufacturers offer a variety of blood glucose monitors for diabetics and people who have not yet developed diabetes but have higher than normal levels of sugar in their blood.

[0008] There are two types of blood glucose measuring devices: one in which the user takes a blood sample from the tip of a finger and measures blood glucose one time, and one in which the device is attached to the user's abdomen or arm and measures blood glucose continuously.

[0009] Diabetic patients generally fluctuate between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and hypoglycemia can be an emergency, causing loss of consciousness, or even death if the hypoglycemia persists for a long time without a sugar supply. Therefore, prompt detection of hypoglycemia is extremely important for diabetics, but blood glucose meters that measure blood glucose intermittently have limitations in accurately detecting it.

[0010] Recently, to overcome these limitations, a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) has been developed that is inserted into the human body and measures blood glucose levels every few minutes.To minimize the pain and discomfort felt by users when blood is drawn, a continuous glucose monitoring system measures blood glucose continuously by inserting a needle-shaped sensor into areas such as the abdomen or arm, where pain is relatively less.

[0011] The continuous blood glucose monitoring device comprises a sensor module that is inserted into the skin and measures blood glucose from bodily fluids, a transmitter that sends the blood glucose value measured by the sensor module to a terminal, and a terminal that outputs the transmitted blood glucose value. The sensor module is equipped with a needle-shaped sensor probe that is inserted into subcutaneous fat to extract interstitial fluid. An applicator is used to insert and attach the sensor module to the body.

[0012] These continuous blood glucose monitors are manufactured in a wide variety of forms by different manufacturers, and their usage methods are also diverse. However, most continuous blood glucose monitors are manufactured and distributed in a way that a single-use sensor module is attached to the body via an applicator. The user must perform many steps to operate the applicator to attach the single-use sensor module to the body, and after attaching the sensor module to the body, they must also perform various follow-up procedures, such as directly removing the needle.

[0013] For example, the packaging of a single-use sensor module must be removed and accurately attached to the applicator, and the sensor module must be inserted into the applicator and then operated to attach the sensor module to the skin. After attaching the sensor module, a separate tool must be used to remove the needle from the skin. Furthermore, a separate transmitter must be attached to the sensor module to transmit blood glucose measurement results to the user's terminal, which is inconvenient.

[0014] Furthermore, conventional applicators have the drawback of being difficult to assemble, lengthening manufacturing time and making automated production difficult. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an applicator for a continuous blood glucose monitoring device that can be easily assembled, shortened in manufacturing time, and reduced in manufacturing cost through automated production. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device that operates to attach a body-attachable unit to a user's body, the body-attachable unit having a sensor member that is inserted into the user's body to measure blood glucose. The applicator includes: a main case; a plunger that is detachably connected to the body-attachable unit and is installed inside the main case so as to be movable from a first position to a second position so as to eject the body-attachable unit outward from the main case; a needle that is detachably connected to the body-attachable unit so as to be inserted into the user's body together with the sensor member; and a needle separation unit that moves the needle in a direction opposite to the ejection direction of the plunger to separate it from the user's body, wherein the needle separation unit has a locking part that can be assembled to the plunger in a manner that the locking part engages with one side of the plunger.

[0017] The needle separation unit includes a support column having the locking portion, a needle holder movably connected to the support column so as to be connected to one end of the needle, and a needle separation spring that applies elastic force to the needle holder in a direction to separate the needle from the user's body, and the support column can be assembled to the plunger together with the needle holder and the needle separation spring.

[0018] The support column may include a body portion to which the needle holder and the needle separation spring are coupled, and the locking portion may be provided at one end of the body portion.

[0019] The locking portion may be elastically deformably connected to the body portion.

[0020] The plunger may have a fixing portion with which the locking portion can be engaged, and one of the locking portion and the fixing portion may have a coupling groove, and the other may have a fixing protrusion that can be inserted into the coupling groove.

[0021] The inside of the support column is provided with a support column hook to which one end of the needle separation spring is connected, and the needle holder is provided with a needle holder hook to which the other end of the needle separation spring is connected, and the needle separation spring can apply an elastic force to the needle holder so that the needle holder is pulled toward the support column hook.

[0022] The needle holder includes a holder head to which one end of the needle is coupled, a wing body elastically connected to the holder head, and a holder wing having a stopper protruding from the wing body, the support column is provided with a locking jaw with which the stopper can engage, and the inside of the main case may be provided with a pressure part that can elastically deform the holder wing so that the stopper can be disengaged from the locking jaw.

[0023] The holder wing protrudes from the wing body and includes a trigger whose protruding height from the wing body is greater than the protruding height of the stopper from the wing body, the support column is provided with a slit formed in the length direction of the support column so that the trigger can be inserted, and the pressure member can be disposed in the movement path of the needle holder so that the trigger can be pressed while the plunger moves from the first position to the second position, thereby elastically deforming the holder wing.

[0024] The needle separation unit may be assembled to the plunger in a state in which the needle separation spring is elastically deformed to apply an elastic force to the needle holder.

[0025] The needle separation unit may be assembled to the plunger in a state where the needle separation spring is not elastically deformed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] In the applicator according to the present invention, the components constituting the needle separation unit for separating the needle inserted into the user's body can be assembled into a single assembly and coupled to the plunger to which the body-attached unit is attached. Therefore, components such as the needle holder and needle separation spring constituting the needle separation unit can be easily installed. Furthermore, the assembly process of assembling the assembled needle separation unit to the plunger can be automated, reducing manufacturing time and unit manufacturing costs.

[0027] Furthermore, since the applicator according to the present invention can be coupled to the plunger in an assembled state with the needle separation unit, it is easy for workers to confirm during manufacturing that the needle holder and needle separation spring are installed in a state that allows needle removal, thereby preventing the applicator from being shipped in an inoperable state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of a continuous blood glucose measuring device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a body-attachable unit is attached to an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the operation of a shooting plate provided in an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 and 6 are perspective views showing an assembly of a plunger and a needle separation unit of an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 5 and 6 are perspective views showing an assembly of a plunger and a needle separation unit of an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembly of a plunger and a needle separation unit of an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a needle separation unit provided in an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 and 10 are views illustrating an assembly process of a plunger and a needle separation unit of an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 9 and 10 are views illustrating an assembly process of a plunger and a needle separation unit of an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 to 16 are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 11 to 16 are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 11 to 16 are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 11 to 16 are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 11 to 16 are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 11 to 16 are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, the applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an example of use of a continuous blood glucose measuring device, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention with a body-attachable unit attached thereto.

[0031] An applicator 10 for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention is used to attach a body-attachable unit 20 for measuring blood glucose to a body (B).

[0032] 1, the body-attachable unit 20 is attached to the body (B) by an applicator 10 and can periodically measure blood glucose from the body (B) and wirelessly transmit the measurement data to an external terminal 40. The body-attachable unit 20 includes a sensor member 21, a portion of which is inserted into the body, a wireless communication chip for wireless communication with the external terminal 40, and a battery, and can measure blood glucose and wirelessly transmit the measurement data. Such a body-attachable unit 20 is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2020-0127097, etc., and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The applicator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which the body-attachable unit 20 can be attached inside. The applicator 10 is operated by a user to discharge the body-attachable unit 20 to the outside. The body-attachable unit 20 is attached inside the applicator 10 and can be attached to the body (B) by being discharged from the applicator 10 when the applicator 10 is operated.

[0034] The applicator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be supplied to a user with the body attachment unit 20 attached thereto, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0035] An adhesive tape 22 is provided on one side of the body-attachable unit 20, and the body-attachable unit 20 can be attached to the user's body (B) through the adhesive tape 22. The body-attachable unit 20 can be attached to the applicator 10 with the adhesive tape 22 covered with release paper. A portion of the release paper can be attached to the protective cap 200 of the applicator 10 so that it can be removed when the protective cap 200 is separated from the main case 100.

[0036] The applicator 10 may have a structure that fixes the body-attachable unit 20 when it is attached thereto, and releases the fixing force on the body-attachable unit 20 when the body-attachable unit 20 is discharged. When the body-attachable unit 20 is attached to the applicator 10, the body-attachable unit 20 can be maintained in a fixed state to the applicator 10. After the body-attachable unit 20 is discharged from the applicator 10, the body-attachable unit 20 is separated from the applicator 10 and remains attached to the user's body (B).

[0037] A needle 30 may be detachably coupled to the body-attachable unit 20 so that the sensor member 21 of the body-attachable unit 20 can be stably inserted into the user's body (B) while the body-attachable unit 20 is being discharged from the applicator 10. The needle 30 is configured to enclose one end of the sensor member 21 and be inserted into the body (B) together with the sensor member 21 so that one end of the sensor member 21 can be stably inserted into the body (B).

[0038] The needle 30 is coupled to the body-attachable unit 20 so as to penetrate the thickness of the body-attachable unit 20. One end of the needle 30 is sharpened to allow smooth insertion into the user's body (B) through the skin of the user's body (B), and the other end of the needle 30 is provided with a needle head 31. When the body-attachable unit 20 is discharged from the applicator 10, the needle 30 pierces the skin of the user's body (B) before the sensor member 21, thereby helping to ensure that the sensor member 21 is inserted into the body (B) stably. After the body-attachable unit 20 is attached to the user's body (B), the needle 30 can be separated from the user's body (B) by the needle separation unit 400 of the applicator 10.

[0039] The detailed configuration of the applicator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0040] The applicator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main case 100 having a pressure button 140 attached to one side thereof so as to be pressed by a user, a plunger 300 movably installed inside the main case 100 while supporting the body-attachable unit 20, a plunger spring 340 that applies elastic force to the plunger 300, and a needle separation unit 400 for separating the needle 30 connected to the body-attachable unit 20 from the body-attachable unit 20. The plunger 300 can move from a first position (P1) inside the main case 100 to a second position (P2) to discharge the body-attachable unit 20 outward. A protective cap 200 for protecting the body-attachable unit 20 inside the main case 100 is detachably attached to one end of the main case 100.

[0041] The protective cap 200 is attached to the main case 100 with the body-attachable unit 20 attached to the plunger 300, preventing the body-attachable unit 20 from being exposed to the outside. The user can attach the body-attachable unit 20 to the body by operating the applicator 10 only after removing the protective cap 200.

[0042] The protective cap 200 not only protects the body-attachable unit 20 inserted inside the main case 100 from exposure to the outside, but also performs a support function for the body-attachable unit 20. The protective cap 200 is coupled to the main case 100, thereby improving the overall structural stability of the applicator 10.

[0043] The main case 100 includes an outer case 105 having a pressure button 140 attached to one side thereof, and an inner case 110 coupled to the inside of the outer case 105 to guide the linear movement path of the plunger 300. An accommodating space 115 is formed inside the main case 100 to accommodate the plunger 300, the needle separation unit 400, the body-attachable unit 20, etc. The accommodating space 115 is open to the outside, so that the body-attachable unit 20 can be discharged to the outside through the open portion of the accommodating space 115. The open portion of the accommodating space 115 can be opened and closed by a protective cap 200.

[0044] The pressure button 140 can be pressed by a user. A shooting plate 130 that moves when the pressure button 140 is pressed is movably installed inside the main case 100.

[0045] The shooting plate 130 is seated and supported by the inner case 110 and can move. The shooting plate 130 can slide by pressing the pressure button 140. The plunger 300 is engaged with the shooting plate 130 at a first position (P1) and can be disengaged from the shooting plate 130 as the shooting plate 130 moves. When the plunger 300 is disengaged from the shooting plate 130, it can move to a second position (P2) due to the elastic force of the plunger spring 340.

[0046] The pressure button 140 may be modified to have various other structures that can operate the shooting plate 130 by the user's operation, other than the push operation type as shown in the figure.

[0047] 4, one side of the shooting plate 130 is provided with a base 131 that can engage with the engaging hook 310 of the plunger 300. The plunger 300 can be fixed at a first position (P1) when the engaging hook 310 engages with the base 131. When the shooting plate 130 is moved by the pressure button 140, the engaging hook 310 is released from the base 131, and the plunger 300 can move to a second position (P2).

[0048] The specific shape of the shooting plate 130 and the engagement structure between the shooting plate 130 and the plunger 300 are not limited to those shown in the drawings and can be modified in various ways.

[0049] The inner case 110 is provided with a return member 120 that elastically supports the shooting plate 130. The return member 120 applies an elastic force to the shooting plate 130 in the direction opposite to the pressure applied by the pressure button 140. The shooting plate 130 is supported by the return member 120, so that it can maintain a stable engagement with the engagement hook 310 of the plunger 300.

[0050] The plunger 300 is installed inside the main case 100 and can support the body-attachable unit 20. The plunger 300 moves from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) due to the elastic force of the plunger spring 340, thereby discharging the body-attachable unit 20 from the main case 100. The plunger 300 is provided with a plunger protrusion 315. The plunger protrusion 315 limits the movement range of the plunger 300. When the plunger 300 moves to the second position (P2), the plunger protrusion 315 engages with one side of the inner case 110, thereby restricting the movement of the plunger 300. Therefore, the plunger 300 moves to the second position (P2) due to the elastic force of the plunger spring 340 and stops, preventing it from escaping from the main case 100.

[0051] A sensor receiving portion 320 into which the body-attachable unit 20 is inserted is formed at one end of the plunger 300. The body-attachable unit 20 is attached to the sensor receiving portion 320 and can move from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) together with the plunger 300. When the plunger 300 and the body-attachable unit 20 move to the second position (P2), the sensor member 21 of the body-attachable unit 20 can be inserted into the user's body (B).

[0052] The edge of the sensor receiving part 320 is provided with a fastening hook 325 that engages with the edge of the body-attachable unit 20 inserted into the sensor receiving part 320 to secure the body-attachable unit 20. The fastening hook 325 is rotatably coupled to the plunger 300, and can engage with the edge of the body-attachable unit 20 to secure the body-attachable unit 20 when the plunger 300 is located at the first position (P1). In addition, the fastening hook 325 can be disengaged from the body-attachable unit 20 when the plunger 300 is moved to the second position (P2) and the user separates the applicator 10 from the body-attachable unit 20 attached to the user's body (B).

[0053] In addition, the plunger 300 is formed with a through hole 335 through which the needle 30 can pass. The through hole 335 is provided inside the plunger 300 so as to be connected to the sensor receiving part 320. The needle 30 can be connected to the body-attachable unit 20 attached to the sensor receiving part 320 by passing through the through hole 335.

[0054] 5 to 10, the needle separation unit 400 separates the needle 30 connected to the body-attachable unit 20 from the user's body (B) by moving the body-attachable unit 20 from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). The needle separation unit 400 includes a support column 410 fixed to the plunger 300, a needle holder 422 movably mounted on the support column 410 and connected to the needle head 31, and a needle separation spring 435 that elastically supports the needle holder 422.

[0055] The support column 410 includes a body portion 411 having an installation space 412 formed therein for accommodating a needle holder 422 and a needle separation spring 435 , and a locking portion 419 provided at one end of the body portion 411 .

[0056] Slits 413 for guiding needle holder 422 are formed on both sides of body 411. Slits 413 extend in the length direction of body 411. A locking groove 414 is formed in the middle of slit 413, into which stopper 431 of needle holder 422 can be inserted. A locking jaw 415 into which stopper 431 can be engaged is formed inside locking groove 414. A support column hook 417 to which needle separation spring 435 is connected is formed inside the other end of body 411.

[0057] A pair of locking portions 419 are provided facing each other at one end of the body portion 411. The locking portion 419 has an elastically deformable plate shape. A coupling groove 420 is formed in the locking portion 419. The support column 410 can be fixed to the plunger 300 in such a way that the pair of locking portions 419 engage with fixing portions 330 provided inside the plunger 300. The fixing portions 330 have fixing protrusions 331 that are inserted into the coupling grooves 420.

[0058] The support column 410 can be easily coupled to the plunger 300 by a method in which a pair of locking portions 419 engage with the fixing portions 330 of the plunger 300. Therefore, when manufacturing the applicator 10, the needle separation unit 400 can be assembled to the plunger 300 by simply inserting it into the plunger 300.

[0059] The specific shape of the locking portion 419 and the structure of coupling with the plunger 300 may be variously changed. In another example, a coupling groove may be formed in the fixing portion 330 of the plunger 300, and the locking portion 419 may be provided with a fixing protrusion that can be inserted into the coupling groove of the plunger 300.

[0060] In addition, the support column 410 may be connected to the plunger 300 in various other ways other than the structure in which it is connected to the plunger 300 through the locking portion 419 provided separately from the body portion 411 .

[0061] In addition, the support column 410 can be modified to have various other structures in which the needle holder 422 can be movably connected and can support the needle separation spring 435, other than the structure shown in the figure in which the installation space 412 in which the needle holder 422 and the needle separation spring 435 are accommodated is formed inside.

[0062] The needle holder 422 includes a holder head 423 to which the needle head 31 is coupled, and holder wings 426 connected to the holder head 423 in an elastically deformable manner.

[0063] An insertion groove 424 into which the needle head 31 is inserted is formed inside the holder head 423. The needle 30 can be coupled to the needle head 31 in such a way that the narrowed portion of the needle head 31 is inserted into the insertion groove 424. When a portion of the needle head 31 is inserted into the insertion groove 424, that portion touches the holder head 423, so that the needle 30 is not easily separated from the holder head 423.

[0064] The holder wing 426 extends from one end of the holder head 423 and is elastically connected to one end of the holder head 423. The holder wing 426 is connected to one end of the holder head 423 at an angle. That is, the holder wing 426 is formed in a shape that gradually becomes farther from an imaginary center line (C) passing through the center of the insertion groove 424 as it moves away from the holder head 423. The holder wing 426 includes a wing body 427 elastically connected to one end of the holder head 423, and a trigger 428 and a stopper 431 protruding from the wing body 427.

[0065] Trigger 428 is provided at one end portion of wing body 427 so as to protrude outward from wing body 427. Trigger 428 is inserted into slit 413 of support column 410 and can move linearly along slit 413. Trigger 428 is inserted into slit 413 and guided by slit 413, allowing needle holder 422 to move linearly while being more stably supported by support column 410. Trigger 428 passes through slit 413 and a portion of it protrudes from the outer surface of support column 410. Trigger 428 can come into contact with pressure member 125 provided on inner case 110 while support column 410 moves from first position (P1) to second position (P2) together with plunger 300.

[0066] The pressure member 125 is disposed in the movement path of the needle holder 422 so as to be able to press the trigger 428. When the needle separating unit 400 moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the pressure member 125 comes into contact with the trigger 428 and presses the trigger 428 inward toward the support column 410, thereby elastically deforming the holder wing 426. The pressure member 125 is provided with a pressure inclined portion 126 that comes into contact with the trigger 428. The pressure inclined portion 126 is inclined downward in the movement direction of the needle separating unit 400.

[0067] The trigger 428 is provided with a trigger inclined portion 429 corresponding to the pressure inclined portion 126. The trigger inclined portion 429 is inclined in the same direction as the pressure inclined portion 126. As the needle separating unit 400 moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the trigger inclined portion 429 moves in contact with the pressure inclined portion 126, thereby reducing the impact generated when the trigger 428 comes into contact with the pressure member 125 and allowing the pressure of the pressure member 125 to be transmitted to the trigger 428 more smoothly. Furthermore, as the pressure of the pressure member 125 is stably transmitted to the trigger 428, the holder wing 426 can be elastically deformed more stably.

[0068] Stopper 431 protrudes outward from wing body 427. The direction in which stopper 431 protrudes from wing body 427 is the same as the direction in which trigger 428 protrudes from wing body 427. The height at which stopper 431 protrudes from wing body 427 is smaller than the height at which trigger 428 protrudes from wing body 427. Stopper 431 can be inserted into locking groove 414 of support column 410 and engage with locking jaw 415. As shown in FIG. 7 , when stopper 431 engages with locking jaw 415, needle holder 422 can be maintained in a state lowered to one end of support column 410.

[0069] At this time, even if the elastic force of needle separation spring 435 is applied to needle holder 422, stopper 431 is engaged with locking jaw 415, so needle holder 422 cannot move in the direction in which the elastic force of needle separation spring 435 acts.

[0070] The stoppers 431 may be provided on both sides of the trigger 428, and the number of stoppers 431 provided may be changed in various ways.

[0071] As shown in the figure, a pair of holder wings 426 may be provided symmetrically on both sides of the holder head 423, but the number of holder wings 426 may be variously changed.

[0072] In addition, the needle holder 422 has a needle holder hook 433 to which the other end of the needle separation spring 435 is connected. The needle holder hook 433 can be connected to the holder head 423 so as to be located between the pair of holder wings 426.

[0073] The needle separation spring 435 applies an elastic force to the needle holder 422 in a direction to separate the needle 30 from the body attachment unit 20. One end of the needle separation spring 435 is connected to the support column hook 417 of the support column 410, and the other end of the needle separation spring 435 is connected to the needle holder hook 433 of the needle holder 422. The needle separation spring 435 has a tension spring structure and can apply an elastic force to pull the needle holder 422 toward the support column hook 417.

[0074] 9, the needle separation unit 400 can be connected to the plunger 300 with the needle holder 422 and the needle separation spring 435 together with the support column 410 as a single assembly. That is, before the support column 410 is connected to the plunger 300, the needle holder 422 and the needle separation spring 435 are assembled to the support column 410 to form a single assembly, and then, when the support column 410 is connected to the plunger 300, the needle holder 422 and the needle separation spring 435 can also be assembled to the plunger 300 together with the support column 410.

[0075] The needle 30 may be coupled to the body-attachable unit 20 while coupled to the needle holder 422, when the needle separation unit 400 is coupled to the plunger 300. In another example, the needle 30 may be coupled to the needle holder 422 while coupled to the body-attachable unit 20. In addition, the coupling procedure between the needle 30 and the body-attachable unit 20 and the coupling order between the needle 30 and the needle separation unit 400 may be variously changed depending on the manufacturing process of the applicator 10.

[0076] As described above, the applicator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which the needle holder 422 and the needle separation spring 435 of the needle separation unit 400 are coupled to the plunger 300 as a single assembly together with the support column 410, thereby facilitating the installation of the needle holder 422 and the needle separation spring 435. Furthermore, the assembly process of assembling the assembled needle separation unit 400 to the plunger 300 can be automated, thereby reducing manufacturing time and unit manufacturing costs.

[0077] Furthermore, in the applicator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the needle separation unit 400 can be attached to the plunger 300 in an assembled state, so that during the manufacturing process, workers can easily check whether the needle holder 422 and the needle separation spring 435 are installed in a state that allows the needle 30 to be removed. This prevents the applicator 10 from being shipped in an inoperable state.

[0078] The needle separation unit 400 can be coupled to the plunger 300 in two assemblies.

[0079] 9, the needle separation unit 400 may be coupled to the plunger 300 in a state in which the needle separation spring 435 is elastically deformed to apply an elastic force to the needle holder 422. In this case, during the process of assembling the needle separation unit 400, the needle holder 422 to which the needle separation spring 435 is connected is moved toward one end of the support column 410, and the stopper 431 of the needle holder 422 can be inserted into the locking groove 414 of the support column 410. At this time, the stopper 431 engages with the locking jaw 415 of the support column 410, so that the needle holder 422 can be fixed in a state in which it tensions the needle separation spring 435. Then, the needle separation unit 400 can be assembled to the plunger 300 with the needle separation spring 435 in an elastically deformed state.

[0080] 10, the needle separation unit 400 may be coupled to the plunger 300 without the needle separation spring 435 being elastically deformed. In this case, after the needle separation unit 400 is coupled to the plunger 300, the needle holder 422 can be easily moved to an operable position using a separate jig 50 or the like. That is, by using the jig 50 or the like to press the trigger 428 of the needle separation unit 400 toward the sensor receiving portion 320 of the plunger 300, the needle holder 422 can move while tensioning the needle separation spring 435. If the stopper 431 is inserted into the locking groove 414 of the support column 410 while the needle holder 422 is moving, the stopper 431 engages with the locking jaw 415, and the needle holder 422 can be fixed in a state in which the needle separation spring 435 is tensioned.

[0081] When the needle holder 422 is moved to an operable position using the jig 50 or the like while the needle separation unit 400 is coupled to the plunger 300, the user can insert the end of the jig 50 into the slit 413 of the support column 410 on the outside of the support column 410. Then, by moving the jig 50 along the slit 413, the needle holder 422 can be pushed to a position where the stopper 431 engages with the locking jaw 415.

[0082] Hereinafter, a process of attaching the body attachment unit 20 to the user's body (B) using the applicator 10 for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0083] First, the protective cap 200 is separated as shown in Fig. 11. During the process of separating the protective cap 200, the release paper of the body attachment unit 20 is separated together with the protective cap 200, so that the adhesive tape 22 of the body attachment unit 20 can be exposed.

[0084] 12, the applicator 10 is positioned on the user's body (B) to which the body-attachable unit 20 is attached, and the pressure button 140 is pressed. When the pressure button 140 is pressed, the shooting plate 130 moves, releasing the fixing force of the plunger 300 fixed at the first position (P1). When the fixing force of the plunger 300 by the shooting plate 130 is released, the plunger 300 attached to the body-attachable unit 20 moves toward the second position (P2) by the plunger spring 340, as shown in FIG. 13, and the needle 30 and the sensor member 21 of the body-attachable unit 20 penetrate the user's skin and are inserted into the body (B).

[0085] 14, when the trigger 428 of the needle separation unit 400 reaches the pressure member 125 of the main case 100 while the plunger 300 is moving to the second position (P2), the trigger inclined portion 429 of the trigger 428 contacts the pressure inclined portion 126 of the body portion 411 and moves toward the user's body (B). At this time, the pressure member 125 presses the trigger 428, causing the holder wings 426 of the needle holder 422 to elastically deform and narrow. As the holder wings 426 elastically deform, the stoppers 431 of the holder wings 426 disengage from the locking grooves 414 of the support column 410. When the stoppers 431 disengage from the locking grooves 414, the fixing force on the needle holder 422 is released, and the needle holder 422 is pulled away from the user's body (B) by the elastic force of the needle separation spring 435.

[0086] As the needle holder 422 moves due to the elastic force of the needle separation spring 435, the needle 30 inserted into the body (B) together with the sensor member 21 of the body-attachable unit 20 is pulled by the needle holder 422 and separated from the body-attachable unit 20.

[0087] 15, the plunger 300 moves to the second position (P2) and stops there due to the elastic force of the plunger spring 340. At this time, the body attachment unit 20 is attached to the user's body (B) by the adhesive tape 22.

[0088] The point at which the needle holder 422 separates the needle 30 from the body-attachable unit 20 while the body-attachable unit 20 is moving to the second position (P2) can be set to an appropriate point after the needle 30 has passed through the skin of the user's body (B) and guided the sensor member 21 to be inserted into the user's body (B). For this purpose, the pressure unit 125 can be positioned at an appropriate position in the movement path of the needle holder 422 depending on the length of the needle 30, etc.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 16, after the body attachment unit 20 is attached to the user's body (B), the applicator 10 is separated from the body attachment unit 20, completing the attachment of the body attachment unit 20.

[0090] Thereafter, the body-attachable unit 20 can measure the blood glucose of the user and transmit the measurement information to the external terminal 40.

[0091] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated above.

[0092] For example, although the needle separation spring 435 of the needle separation unit 400 is shown as having a tension spring structure in the drawings, the needle separation spring can be made to have a compression spring structure to apply elastic force to the needle holder 422.

[0093] In addition, although the above description has been given of the function of measuring blood glucose and transmitting the measurement data by the body-attachable unit attached to the user's body by the applicator, the body-attachable unit may be configured such that a sensor member for measuring blood glucose is coupled to a base equipped with adhesive tape. In this case, after the body-attachable unit is attached to the user's body, a separate transmitter for transmitting data may be coupled to the base of the body-attachable unit.

[0094] While the present invention has been shown and described in connection with preferred embodiments for the purpose of illustrating the principles of the invention, the invention is not limited to the exact construction and operation shown and described therein. Rather, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous changes and modifications to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Main case; a body-attachable unit comprising a sensor member; a plunger coupled to the inside of the main case, which moves the body attachment unit in one direction by the elastic force of a plunger spring formed of a compression spring; a needle detachably coupled to the body attachment unit; and a needle separation unit that moves the needle in a direction opposite to the one direction by the elastic force of a needle separation spring that is a compression spring; Before the body attachment unit is moved in the one direction, the uppermost end of the needle separation unit is positioned higher than the uppermost end of the plunger. Applicator for continuous blood glucose monitoring device.

2. An adhesive tape is attached to the lower surface of the body attachment unit, The applicator for a continuous blood glucose monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the area of ​​the adhesive tape is larger than the area of ​​the lower surface of the body-adherable unit.

3. 3. The applicator for a continuous blood glucose monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein an edge of the adhesive tape is spaced apart from the inner surface of the main case.

4. a pressure button coupled to the exterior of the main case for actuating the movement of the body attachment unit in one direction; and 2. The applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a shooting plate coupled to an interior of the main case and moving inward when the pressure button is pressed.

5. 5. The applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to claim 4, further comprising a protective cap detachably coupled to the main case.

6. With the protective cap coupled to the main case, 6. The applicator for a continuous blood glucose measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the pressure button is located at a position where it can apply pressure to the shooting plate.

7. the body-attachable unit is detachably coupled to the plunger; The applicator for a continuous blood glucose monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the plunger moves the body-attachable unit from the inside to the outside of the main case.

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