Body-attached unit for measuring biometric information

Abstract

This prevents moisture, foreign matter, bodily fluids, etc., from entering the electrical connection between the sensor unit and the base unit. [Solution] The body-attached unit for measuring biological information according to the present invention is a body-attached unit for measuring the user's biological information when attached to the user's skin, and includes a sensor unit housing, a sensor mounted in the sensor unit housing so as to be partially inserted into the user's skin, a sensor unit having an adhesive layer provided in the sensor unit housing, a base unit housing having an attachment portion to which the adhesive layer is attached, and a base unit having a base unit electrical contact portion arranged in the attachment portion so as to be electrically connected to the sensor unit, wherein the base unit electrical contact portion is electrically connected to the sensor unit through an adhesive layer hole in the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer seals the electrical connection between the base unit electrical contact portion and the sensor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a body-attached unit for measuring biological information, and more particularly, to a body-attached unit for measuring biological information that can be attached to the skin of a user to measure the biological information of the user.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, with the development of medical technology, various medical devices that are attached to and used on the body of a user have been developed and sold. Medical devices that are attached to the skin and used are usefully utilized to monitor biological information or perform treatment by being attached to the body of a patient with a chronic disease.

[0003] For example, chronic diseases such as diabetes require continuous management, and a body-attached unit for measuring biological information that is attached to the body to manage the blood glucose of a diabetic patient is utilized.

[0004] Diabetes is characterized by almost no symptoms in the early stage, but as the disease progresses, specific symptoms such as excessive thirst, excessive eating, excessive urination, weight loss, general malaise, skin itching, and wounds on the hands and feet that do not heal and persist appear. If diabetes progresses further, complications such as visual impairment, hypertension, kidney disease, stroke, periodontal disease, muscle cramps and neuralgia, and gangrene will appear.

[0005] In order to diagnose such diabetes and manage it so as not to progress to complications, systematic blood glucose measurement and treatment must be carried out in parallel.

[0006] For diabetic patients and people who have not progressed to diabetes but have more sugar in their blood than normal, many medical device manufacturers provide various types of blood glucose meters that can measure blood glucose.

[0007] Blood glucose meters come in two types: one where the user draws blood from their fingertip and measures blood glucose levels one at a time, and another where the device is attached to the user's stomach or arm and continuously measures blood glucose levels.

[0008] In diabetic patients, blood sugar levels generally fluctuate between high and low, but the emergency situation often arises from hypoglycemia, which can lead to loss of consciousness or, if hypoglycemia persists for a long time without a supply of sugar, can be fatal. Therefore, immediate detection of hypoglycemia is crucial for diabetic patients, but blood glucose meters that measure blood glucose intermittently have limitations in accurately detecting it.

[0009] Recently, to overcome these limitations, continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) have been developed and are being used. These systems involve inserting a needle-shaped transdermal sensor into areas such as the abdomen or arm, where pain is relatively reduced, to minimize the discomfort and aversion of blood sampling for the user, and then continuously measure blood glucose levels.

[0010] A continuous blood glucose monitoring system consists of a body-attachment unit that includes a transdermal sensor inserted into the user's skin to measure blood glucose within the body, and a terminal that receives and outputs biometric information transmitted to the body-attachment unit. The body-attachment unit consists of a sensor unit that includes a transdermal sensor, and a base unit that is electrically connected to the sensor unit and generates a measurement signal from the measurement information of the sensor unit and transmits the measurement signal to the terminal or other device. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] Typically, the body-attached unit of a continuous glucose monitoring system is attached to the user's skin for several days to several tens of days to measure blood glucose. Therefore, in order for the body-attached unit to function smoothly while attached to the user's skin, it is necessary to prevent foreign substances such as moisture from penetrating the internal electronic components of the body-attached unit.

[0012] The present invention was devised in consideration of the points mentioned above, and aims to provide a body-attached unit for measuring biological information that can prevent the problem of contamination of the electrical connection between a sensor unit, which includes a sensor inserted into the user's skin to measure biological information, and a base unit attached to the user's skin, with foreign substances such as moisture, thereby increasing the service life. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The body-attached unit for measuring biometric information according to the present invention, which solves the aforementioned objectives, is a body-attached unit for measuring the user's biometric information when attached to the user's skin, and includes a sensor unit housing, a sensor mounted in the sensor unit housing so as to be partially inserted into the user's skin, a sensor unit having an adhesive layer provided in the sensor unit housing, a base unit housing having an attachment portion to which the adhesive layer is attached, and a base unit having a base unit electrical contact portion arranged in the attachment portion so as to be electrically connected to the sensor unit, wherein the base unit electrical contact portion is electrically connected to the sensor unit through an adhesive layer hole in the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer seals the electrical connection portion between the base unit electrical contact portion and the sensor unit.

[0014] The sensor unit may include a sensor unit electrical contact portion that is arranged in the sensor unit housing so as to be electrically connected to the sensor and that contacts the base unit electrical contact portion through the adhesive layer hole.

[0015] The sensor unit includes a sensor adhesive portion interposed between the sensor and the sensor unit housing to attach the sensor to the sensor unit housing, the sensor contacts the electrical contact portion of the sensor unit through the sensor adhesive portion opening of the sensor adhesive portion, and the sensor adhesive portion can seal the electrical connection between the sensor and the electrical contact portion of the sensor unit.

[0016] The sensor unit includes a sensor adhesive portion interposed between the sensor and the sensor unit housing for attaching the sensor to the sensor unit housing, the sensor unit housing includes a base portion having the adhesive layer and a housing cap covering the base portion, the sensor adhesive portion is interposed between the sensor and the base portion, and an adhesive pad is provided between the sensor and the housing cap for bonding the sensor and the housing cap.

[0017] The housing cap is provided with a protrusion that contacts the sensor and pressurizes the sensor toward the electrical contact portion of the sensor unit.

[0018] The mounting portion includes a contact surface provided inside the base unit recess so that the base unit recess and the adhesive layer are bonded together, and an insertion hole through which the sensor can pass is arranged inside the base unit recess so as to penetrate the base unit housing, and the sensor unit housing includes a housing body shaped to fit and connect to the base unit recess and a boss that protrudes from the housing body so as to pass through a portion of the sensor and is inserted into the insertion hole, and the adhesive layer and the sensor unit electrical contact portion are provided in the housing body.

[0019] The base unit recess includes a first recess connected to the insertion hole and a second recess located further from the insertion hole than the first recess and connected to the first recess, wherein the second recess is wider than the first recess, and the housing body may include a body portion that fits into the first recess and a cover portion that is wider than the body portion so as to fit into the second recess.

[0020] The sensor includes a sensor body disposed inside the sensor unit housing and an insertion portion that protrudes from the sensor unit housing and is connected to the sensor body so as to be inserted into the user's skin, and the base unit electrical contact portion can contact the sensor body through the adhesive layer hole and the through hole provided in the sensor unit housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, the electrical connection between a sensor unit, which includes a sensor inserted into the user's skin to measure biological information, and a base unit, which includes electronic components and is electrically connected to the sensor unit, is stably sealed by an adhesive layer that bonds the sensor unit and the base unit together. Therefore, problems such as moisture, foreign matter, or bodily fluids entering the electrical connection between the sensor unit and the base unit do not occur, and the device can adhere to the user's skin for a long period of time and stably measure biological information.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the sensor unit and the base unit can be easily bonded together using a simple adhesive layer, thereby creating a firm connection between them. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a body-attachment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]The drawing shows the state in which the body attachment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to the user's skin. [Figure 3] The perspective view shows an applicator assembly including an applicator for attaching the body attachment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention to the user's skin. [Figure 4] The exploded perspective view shows the sensor unit. [Figure 5] The exploded perspective view shows the sensor unit. [Figure 6] The cross-sectional view shows a part of the sensor unit disassembled. [Figure 7] The cross-sectional view shows the state in which the needle is coupled to the sensor unit. [Figure 8] The cross-sectional view shows the state in which the needle is separated from the sensor unit. [Figure 9] The drawing shows the state in which the protective sheet is attached to the adhesive layer of the sensor unit. [Figure 10] The drawing shows the state after the protective sheet is separated from the adhesive layer of the sensor unit. [Figure 11] The drawing shows the state before the sensor unit and the base unit are coupled. [Figure 12] The drawing shows the state before the sensor unit and the base unit are coupled. [Figure 13] The cross-sectional view shows the state in which the sensor unit and the base unit are coupled and the body attachment unit is assembled. [Figure 14] The cross-sectional view is taken along the line I-I of FIG. 3. [Figure 15] The drawing shows the state in which the operating member of the applicator deflects so that the stopper is disengaged from the moving member. [Figure 16] The drawing shows the process in which the sensor of the sensor unit is inserted into the user's skin by the applicator. [Figure 17] The drawing shows the process in which the sensor of the sensor unit is inserted into the user's skin by the applicator. [Figure 18] This diagram illustrates the process by which the sensor unit's sensor is inserted into the user's skin by the applicator. [Figure 19] This drawing shows another embodiment of the sensor unit and base unit. [Figure 20] This drawing shows another embodiment of the sensor unit and base unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The body-attached unit for measuring biological information according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a body-attachment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a drawing showing the body-attachment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention attached to the user's skin.

[0026] A body-attached unit 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit 100 for measuring the user's biological information and a base unit 200 that is attached to the user's skin and coupled with the sensor unit 100. The base unit 200 is configured to have electronic components installed inside. Such a base unit 200 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100 and can process the biological information measured by the sensor unit 100 and transmit it to an external terminal 5.

[0027] The body-attachment unit 20 attaches to the user's skin to measure biometric information and can wirelessly transmit the measurement data to an external terminal 5. The external terminal 5 can be a variety of devices capable of receiving the measurement data from the body-attachment unit 20, such as the user's mobile device, a dedicated medical device, a PC, or a server. The biometric information that the body-attachment unit 20 can measure is not limited to specific types. For example, the body-attachment unit 20 can periodically measure the user's blood glucose and transmit the blood glucose measurement information to the external terminal 5. The body-attachment unit 20 is attached to the user's skin by an applicator 30.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an applicator assembly, including an applicator for attaching a body-attachment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention to the user's skin.

[0029] The applicator assembly 10 includes a sensor unit 100, a base unit 200 which is coupled with the sensor unit 100 to form a body attachment unit 20, and an applicator 30 for attaching the body attachment unit 20 to the user's skin. The applicator assembly 10 is provided to the user with the sensor unit 100 and base unit 200 attached separately to the applicator 30. The sensor unit 100 and base unit 200 are automatically assembled by the action of the applicator 30 and attached to the user's skin.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4 to 13, the sensor unit 100 includes a sensor 110 inserted into the user's skin, a sensor unit housing 120 to which the sensor 110 is coupled, a sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 coupled to the sensor unit housing 120 and electrically connected to the sensor 110, a sensor adhesive portion 149 and an adhesive pad 152 for fixing the sensor 110 to the sensor unit housing 120, an adhesive layer 155 provided on the sensor unit housing 120 so as to adhere to the base unit 200, and a protective sheet 160 covering the adhesive layer 155.

[0031] The sensor 110 includes a sensor body 111, a connecting portion 112 connected to one side of the sensor body 111, an intermediate portion 113 connected to the sensor body 111 through the connecting portion 112, and an insertion portion 116 connected to the intermediate portion 113 so as to be inserted into the user's skin. The sensor body 111 is positioned inside the sensor unit housing 120 so as to be in contact with the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146. The sensor body 111 is equipped with electrodes that are electrically connected to the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146. The connecting portion 112 extends from the edge of the sensor body 111 and connects the sensor body 111 and the intermediate portion 113 so as to be placed on different planes. The sensor 110 is manufactured in a flat plate form in which the sensor body 111 is placed on the same plane as the intermediate portion 113 and the insertion portion 116, and then the connecting portion 112 is bent and deformed so that the sensor body 111 is placed on different planes from the intermediate portion 113 and the insertion portion 116.

[0032] The intermediate section 113 and the insertion section 116 are connected to the sensor body 111 so that they are placed on different planes from the sensor body 111. In the drawing, the intermediate section 113 and the insertion section 116 are shown to be on the same plane, and the intermediate section 113 is positioned perpendicular to the sensor body 111, but the angle between the intermediate section 113 and the sensor body 111, and the angle between the insertion section 116 and the sensor body 111 can be changed in various ways.

[0033] The intermediate portion 113 includes a first extension 114 that protrudes from one side of the connecting portion 112, and a second extension 115 that protrudes from the connecting portion 112 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first extension 114 protrudes from the connecting portion 112. The insertion portion 116 is connected to the first extension 114 and inserted into the user's skin. The insertion portion 116 is made in a relatively thin and long shape so that it can be smoothly inserted into the user's skin. The connecting portion 112, the intermediate portion 113, and the insertion portion 116 are provided with conductive traces that are electrically connected to the electrodes of the sensor body 111. The sensor 110 is coupled to the sensor unit housing 120 such that the sensor body 111, the connecting portion 112, and the intermediate portion 113 are located inside the sensor unit housing 120, and only the insertion portion 116 protrudes from the sensor unit housing 120.

[0034] The sensor unit housing 120 includes a housing base 121 and a housing cap 134 that covers the top of the housing base 121. Inside the sensor unit housing 120 there is a space for housing the sensor 110, and in the middle of the sensor unit housing 120 there is a housing opening 140 into which a needle 450 for inserting the sensor 110 into the user's skin is inserted, which penetrates the sensor unit housing 120 in the thickness direction.

[0035] The housing base 121 includes a base portion 122 that supports the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110, and a boss 127 that protrudes from the surface of the base portion 122. A base portion hole 123 is formed on one side of the base portion 122 so as to penetrate the base portion 122, and a through hole 124 is formed on the other side of the base portion 122 so as to penetrate the base portion 122. The sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 is connected to the through hole 124. A detent groove 125 is provided on the edge of the base portion 122.

[0036] The boss 127 protrudes from the surfaces on both sides of the base portion 122 where the sensor 110 is not placed. A boss hole 128 is formed in the boss 127 so as to penetrate the boss 127. The boss hole 128 is connected to the base portion hole 123 and together with the base portion hole 123 forms the housing base hole 132. The boss hole 128 includes an upper hole 129 connected to the base portion hole 123 and a lower hole 130 connected to the upper hole 129 and extending to the end of the boss 127. The upper hole 129 is larger than the lower hole 130. The upper hole 129 is sized to accommodate the middle portion 113 of the sensor 110 and a part of the needle 450, and the lower hole 130 is sized to accommodate the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 and a part of the needle 450. The upper hole 129 is provided with a base portion 131 that can support the middle portion 113 of the sensor 110. The base portion 131 supports the intermediate portion 113, allowing the sensor 110 to remain stationary while coupled to the sensor unit housing 120, thus maintaining a stable connection with the sensor unit housing 120.

[0037] The housing cap 134 is coupled to the housing base 121 and covers the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110, which is placed on the housing base 121, and the upper part of the housing base 121. A housing cap hole 135 is formed in the middle of the housing cap 134 so as to penetrate the housing cap 134 in the thickness direction. The housing cap hole 135 is connected to the housing base hole 132 of the housing base 121 to form a housing opening 140. The sensor 110 and a needle 450 for inserting the sensor 110 into the user's skin are inserted into the housing opening 140. The housing cap 134 is provided with a detent projection 138 corresponding to the detent groove 125 of the housing base 121. The housing cap 134 is coupled to the housing base 121 in such a way that the detent projection 138 is inserted into the detent groove 125 and engages with the housing base 121. The inner surface of the housing cap 134 facing the housing base 121 is provided with a projection 137 and a retention projection 136. The protrusion 137 and the retention projection 136 protrude toward the housing base 121. The protrusion 137 and the retention projection 136 contact the sensor 110 to prevent movement of the sensor 110, and the sensor 110 can be stably fixed to the sensor unit housing 120. The protrusion 137 contacts the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110 and can press the sensor body 111 toward the housing base 121. Therefore, the sensor body 111 can be kept stably fixed to the housing base 121 without lifting away from it.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the housing cap 134 is coupled to the housing base 121, the retention projection 136 is inserted into the housing base hole 132 and comes into contact with the sensor 110. That is, the end of the retention projection 136 is positioned to face the second extension 115 of the intermediate portion 113 which is inserted into the housing base hole 132, thereby restraining the movement of the intermediate portion 113 of the sensor 110 so that it does not float up on the base portion 131. Through the action of this retention projection 136, the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 can be stably maintained in a state where it protrudes from the sensor unit housing 120 by a certain length. Furthermore, the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 can maintain a state where it is inserted into the user's skin at a certain depth without retracting from the user's skin once inserted.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, after the insertion portion 116 is inserted into the user's skin together with the needle 450, the retention projection 136 prevents the intermediate portion 113 from moving during the process in which the needle 450 slips out of the user's skin, thereby preventing the insertion portion 116 from retracting in the same direction as the needle 450. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem of the insertion portion 116, which has been inserted into the user's skin, moving in the direction of slipping out of the user's skin during the process in which the needle 450 slips out of the user's skin. In addition, it is possible to reduce the problem of the measurement accuracy of the sensor 110 decreasing due to the insertion portion 116 partially slipping out of the skin.

[0040] The housing cap 134, together with the base portion 122, constitutes the housing body 142. That is, the sensor unit housing 120 can have a configuration that includes the housing body 142 and a boss 127 protruding from one side of the housing body 142. The housing body 142 is shaped to fit and connect to the base unit recess 213 of the base unit 200. The housing body 142 includes a body portion 143 on which the boss 127 is provided, and a cover portion 144 which is wider than the body portion 143.

[0041] The sensor unit housing 120 is not limited to the illustrated configuration and can be modified in a variety of other configurations in which the sensor 110 is mounted and coupled to the base unit 200. In other words, the sensor unit housing 120 can be modified in a variety of other configurations other than a configuration including a housing base 121 and a housing cap 134, or a configuration including a housing body 142 and a boss 127 protruding from the housing body 142.

[0042] The sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 is positioned in the sensor unit housing 120 so as to be electrically connected to the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110. The sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 is inserted into a through hole 124 of the base portion 122 and is positioned to penetrate the base portion 122 vertically. The sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 may include a plurality of terminal portions 147 for transmitting electrical signals. The sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 is electrically connected to the base unit electrical contact portion 225 of the base unit 200 by having a portion of the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 exposed on one side of the base portion 122 where the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110 is located, and the other portion exposed on the other side of the base portion 122.

[0043] The sensor bonding portion 149 is positioned between the housing base 121 and the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110, and adheres the sensor body 111 to the housing base 121. The sensor bonding portion 149 is made in a form where both sides are adhesive. That is, one side of the sensor bonding portion 149 is bonded to the housing base 121, and the other side of the sensor bonding portion 149 is bonded to the sensor body 111. A sensor bonding portion opening 150 is formed in the middle of the sensor bonding portion 149 so as to penetrate the sensor bonding portion 149 in the thickness direction. The sensor body 111 of the sensor 110 is in contact with the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 through the sensor bonding portion opening 150. Therefore, the sensor bonding portion 149 seals the space between the sensor body 111 and the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146, preventing moisture and foreign matter from flowing into the electrical connection portion 170 between the sensor body 111 and the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146.

[0044] The shape of the sensor bonding portion 149 is not limited to that shown in the illustration and can be changed in various ways.

[0045] The adhesive pad 152 is positioned between the housing cap 134 and the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110, thereby adhering the sensor body 111 to the housing cap 134. The adhesive pad 152 is designed so that both sides are adhesive. That is, one side of the adhesive pad 152 is adhered to the housing cap 134, and the other side of the adhesive pad 152 is adhered to the sensor body 111. An adhesive pad groove 153 is formed in the adhesive pad 152 so as to penetrate the adhesive pad 152 in the thickness direction. The protrusion 137 of the housing cap 134 contacts the sensor body 111 through the adhesive pad groove 153, thereby applying pressure to the sensor body 111 toward the housing base 121.

[0046] The shape of the adhesive pad 152 is not limited to that shown in the illustration and can be changed in various ways.

[0047] The adhesive layer 155 is placed on the surface of the housing base 121. The adhesive layer 155 is made in a form that is adhesive on both sides. One side of the adhesive layer 155 is bonded to the housing base 121, and the other side of the adhesive layer 155 is covered with a protective sheet 160. The adhesive layer 155 is bonded to the base unit 200 after the protective sheet 160 is removed. An adhesive layer hole 156 is formed in the middle portion of the adhesive layer 155 so as to penetrate the adhesive layer 155 in the thickness direction. The sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 can contact the base unit electrical contact portion 225 of the base unit 200 through the adhesive layer hole 156. Thus, the adhesive layer 155 seals the space between the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 and the base unit electrical contact portion 225, preventing moisture and foreign matter from flowing into the electrical connection portion 250 between the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200. An adhesive layer opening 157 is formed on one side of the adhesive layer 155 so as to penetrate the adhesive layer 155 in the thickness direction. The adhesive layer 155 is attached to the housing base 121 such that the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 is located inside the adhesive layer hole 156 and the boss 127 is inserted into the adhesive layer opening 157.

[0048] The form of the adhesive layer 155 is not limited to that shown in the illustration and can be changed in various ways.

[0049] The protective sheet 160 covers and protects the adhesive layer 155. The protective sheet 160 is made of a material that adheres detachably to the adhesive layer 155. If the adhesive layer 155 is left exposed to air for a long period of time, its adhesive properties may deteriorate. By covering the adhesive layer 155, the protective sheet 160 prevents the deterioration of the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer 155 and facilitates the handling of the sensor unit 100 by workers during the manufacturing process of the sensor unit 100 and the assembly process of the sensor unit 100 onto the applicator 30. The protective sheet 160 includes a protective portion 161 that adheres to the adhesive layer 155 and a wing portion 164 that extends from the edge of the protective portion 161. A protective sheet opening 162 is formed on one side of the protective portion 161 so as to penetrate the protective portion 161 in the thickness direction. The protective sheet 160 is attached to the adhesive layer 155 so as to be inserted into the protective sheet opening 162. A protective sheet groove 165 is formed in the wing portion 164 so as to penetrate the wing portion 164 in the thickness direction. The wing portion 164 extends for a certain length from the edge of the sensor unit housing 120 and is connected to the removing unit 500 of the applicator 30.

[0050] The form of the protective sheet 160 is not limited to that shown in the illustration and can be changed in various ways.

[0051] The sensor unit 100 is attached to the applicator 30 with the protective sheet 160 attached to the adhesive layer 155. The protective sheet 160 is separated from the adhesive layer 155 by the removing unit 500 of the applicator 30 before the sensor 110 is inserted into the user's skin. With the protective sheet 160 separated, the sensor unit 100 moves towards the base unit 200 and is coupled to the base unit 200.

[0052] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the base unit 200 includes a base unit housing 210 to which the sensor unit 100 is coupled, and electronic components installed inside the base unit housing 210. The electronic components may include a circuit board 223, a base unit electrical contact portion 225 that contacts the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 of the sensor unit 100, and a battery 228. The circuit board 223 is equipped with a processor chip for processing signals and a communication chip for wireless communication with an external terminal 5.

[0053] The base unit housing 210 includes an insertion hole 211 through which the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 and the needle 450 can pass, and a mounting portion 212 to which the sensor unit housing 120 is connected. The mounting portion 212 includes a base unit recess 213 and a contact surface 216 provided inside the base unit recess 213. The insertion hole 211 is positioned inside the base unit recess 213 in a manner that the boss 127 of the sensor unit 100 fits and connects. The contact surface 216 is flat so that the adhesive layer 155 of the sensor unit 100 is stably bonded. The base unit recess 213 includes a first recess 214 connected to the insertion hole 211, and a second recess 215 located further from the insertion hole 211 than the first recess 214 and connected to the first recess 214. The second recess 215 is wider than the first recess 214. The first recess 214 is shaped to correspond to the body portion 143 of the sensor unit housing 120, and the second recess 215 is shaped to correspond to the cover portion 144 of the sensor unit housing 120. Therefore, the sensor unit housing 120 can be fitted and coupled to the base unit recess 213, maintaining a stable connection with the base unit housing 210. As a result of the sensor unit housing 120 being stably fitted and coupled to the base unit housing 210, moisture and foreign matter cannot easily flow into the gap between the sensor unit housing 120 and the base unit housing 210. A housing groove 217 is formed on the outer edge of the base unit housing 210. A portion of a locking hook for detachably fixing the base unit 200 to the applicator 30 is inserted into the housing groove 217.

[0054] The base unit electrical contact portion 225 is positioned on the mounting portion 212 and contacts the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 of the sensor unit 100 when the sensor unit 100 is coupled to the base unit 200. The base unit electrical contact portion 225 is electrically connected to the substrate 223 and is installed in the base unit housing 210 such that a portion of it is exposed in the base unit recess 213. The base unit electrical contact portion 225 may include a plurality of terminal portions 226 for transmitting electrical signals. The terminal portions 226 can electrically connect the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 to the substrate 223 by contacting the terminal portion 147 of the sensor unit 100.

[0055] As illustrated, the base unit housing 210 may include a lower housing 219 and an upper housing 221 that covers the upper part of the lower housing 219, but its configuration can be varied in many ways.

[0056] The surface of the base unit housing 210 is provided with an adhesive portion 230. The adhesive portion 230 is attached to the surface of the lower housing 219, allowing the base unit housing 210 to adhere to the user's skin. In the middle of the adhesive portion 230, an adhesive portion hole 231 is formed so as to penetrate the adhesive portion 230 in the thickness direction, through which the insertion portion 116 of the sensor 110 and the needle 450 can pass.

[0057] The adhesive portion 230 is covered and protected by a protective sheet. The protective sheet covering the adhesive portion 230 is removed during the process of attaching the base unit 200 to the user's skin.

[0058] The sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are placed on the applicator 30 in a separated state and, as the applicator 30 operates to insert the sensor 110 into the user's skin, they are coupled together to form the body-attachment unit 20. The sensor unit 100 is attached to the applicator 30 with the needle 450 attached, and moves on the base unit 200 side with the needle 450 attached to connect with the base unit 200. After the sensor unit 100 is coupled with the base unit 200, the needle 450 separates from the sensor unit 100, leaving only the body-attachment unit 20 on the user's skin.

[0059] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the applicator 30 operates with the sensor unit 100 and base unit 200 attached, connecting the sensor unit 100 and base unit 200, and attaching the body attachment unit 20, which is the combined sensor unit 100 and base unit 200, to the user's skin. The sensor unit 100 and base unit 200 are separated from each other and attached to the applicator 30. After attaching the body attachment unit 20 to the user's skin, the applicator 30 separates from the body attachment unit 20, leaving the body attachment unit 20 attached to the user's skin by the adhesive portion 230.

[0060] The applicator 30 includes an applicator body 300 to which the base unit 200 is detachably coupled, an insertion unit 400 for moving the sensor unit 100 to insert the sensor 110 into the user's skin, and a removing unit 500 for separating the protective sheet 160 of the sensor unit 100. The insertion unit 400 can move the sensor unit 100 from a first position separated from the base unit 200 by a predetermined distance to a second position where it is coupled to the base unit 200. The sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 are coupled in the second position to form a body attachment unit 20.

[0061] The applicator body 300 includes a base frame 310 on which the insertion unit 400 is installed, a middle frame 330 positioned on the base frame 310 and on which the removal unit 500 is installed, and a top case 350 coupled to the middle frame 330 and covering the top of the middle frame 330.

[0062] The base frame 310 includes a frame base portion 311 having a bottom portion 312 that can come into contact with the user's skin, and a column portion 318 that protrudes from the frame base portion 311 and houses the sensor unit 100 and the insertion unit 400. The bottom portion 312 of the frame base portion 311 is provided with a recess 313 into which the base unit 200 is mounted. The base unit 200 is detachably coupled to the recess 313 so that its adhesive portion 230 faces the user's skin, and is placed in a second position separated from the sensor unit 100.

[0063] The middle frame 330 includes a stage 333 positioned on the frame base 311. The stage 333 supports the moving member 510 of the removing unit 500 so that it moves linearly. An opening is formed in the middle of the stage 333 into which a column 318 is inserted, and the column 318 protrudes above the stage 333. The middle frame 330 is equipped with a stopper 341 that engages with the moving member 510 to restrain its movement, and an actuator 345 that can operate the insertion unit 400 and the removing unit 500. The stopper 341 is released by the actuator 345, removing the restraining force on the moving member 510. The actuator 345 is pivotally coupled to the middle frame 330 and has a pressurizing projection 347 that can pressurize the stopper 341. When a user presses the actuator 345, the pressurizing projection 347 of the actuator 345 can pressurize the stopper 341. At this time, the stopper 341 is elastically deformed and disengaged from the movable member 510.

[0064] The top case 350 is connected to the middle frame 330 and covers the upper part of the middle frame 330 and the base frame 310.

[0065] The insertion unit 400 is installed on the applicator body 300 so as to work in conjunction with the moving member 510 of the removing unit 500, moving the sensor unit 100 from a first position to a second position and allowing the sensor 110 to be inserted into the user's skin. The insertion unit 400 includes a plunger 410 that is movably installed on the middle frame 330, and a needle assembly 421 that includes a needle 450 that moves together with the plunger 410 and is inserted into the user's skin.

[0066] The plunger 410 is installed inside the column section 318 so as to be movable from a first position to a second position. The plunger 410 is fixed in the first position by a portion of it engaging with the movable member 510, and can move to the second position when it is disengaged from the movable member 510. The plunger 410 moves by receiving a moving force from the elastic member 419. The elastic member 419 can apply an elastic force to the plunger 410 in the direction of movement from the first position to the second position.

[0067] The needle assembly 421 includes a carrier 422 to which the sensor unit 100 is detachably coupled, and a needle 450 coupled to the carrier 422 so as to penetrate the sensor unit 100. The needle 450, coupled with the sensor unit 100, advances together with the sensor unit 100 from a first position to a second position and is inserted into the user's skin, and in the second position retracts together with the carrier 422 and is separated from the user's skin and the sensor unit 100.

[0068] The carrier 422 is coupled to the plunger 410 so as to be movable relative to it. The carrier 422 can move together with the plunger 410 from a first position to a second position by engaging a portion of the plunger 410 with it. Then, at the second position, the carrier 422 can disengage from the plunger 410 and retract in the direction away from the sensor unit 100.

[0069] The carrier 422 can be moved relative to the plunger 410 by the needle release driver 480. The carrier 422 can be moved by the elastic member 481. The elastic member 481 applies an elastic force to the carrier 422 in the direction away from the base unit 200. After the carrier 422 moves to the second position and connects the sensor unit 100 to the base unit 200, it can be disengaged by the plunger 410 and retracted in the direction away from the base unit 200.

[0070] The needle 450 is fixed to the carrier 422 and coupled to the sensor unit 100, allowing it to move from a first position to a second position. The needle 450 is shaped with a pointed end so that it can pass through the user's skin and be smoothly inserted into the user's skin. When the sensor unit 100 moves to the second position, the needle 450 penetrates the user's skin before the sensor 110, ensuring that the sensor 110 is stably inserted into the skin. After the sensor 110 has been inserted into the user's skin, the needle 450 is separated from the user's skin.

[0071] The removing unit 500 is installed on the applicator body 300 to separate the protective sheet 160 of the sensor unit 100 from the adhesive layer 155 before the sensor unit 100 reaches a second position and is coupled to the base unit 200. The removing unit 500 includes a movable member 510 which is movably installed on the middle frame 330 so as to be coupled with the protective sheet 160. The movable member 510 is positioned to move linearly on the stage 333 of the middle frame 330. The movable member 510 includes a base portion 518 for supporting the plunger 410.

[0072] The movable member 510 is positioned to move in a direction approximately perpendicular and intersecting the direction in which the sensor unit 100 moves from the first position to the second position. The movable member 510 moves while coupled with the protective sheet 160 by an elastic member installed on the applicator body 300, thereby pulling the protective sheet 160 away from the adhesive layer 155. Specifically, the movable member 510 can move from the third position, where the protective sheet 160 is coupled with the protective sheet 160 while covering the adhesive layer 155, to a fourth position where the protective sheet 160 is separated from the adhesive layer 155. The movable member 510 moves from the third position to the first position, contacting the plunger 410, thereby fixing the plunger 410 in the first position, and when moving to the fourth position, it disengages from the plunger 410 so that the plunger 410 moves to the second position.

[0073] The following describes a method by which a body attachment unit 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to the user's skin by an applicator 30, with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

[0074] Referring to Figure 16, first, the bottom 312 of the applicator 30 is positioned against the user's skin so that the base unit 200 adheres to the user's skin through the adhesive portion 230. Before the operating member 345 is operated, the sensor unit 100 coupled to the carrier 422 is positioned in the first position with the protective sheet 160 covering the adhesive layer 155. Then, the moving member 510 engages with the stopper 341 and is positioned in the third position.

[0075] Thereafter, when the operating member 345 is pressed, the movable member 510 disengages from the stopper 341, and the movable member 510 moves to the fourth position by the elastic force of the elastic member. As shown in Figure 17, when the movable member 510 moves to the fourth position, the protective sheet 160 is pulled by the movable member 510 and separated from the adhesive layer 155. Then, the plunger 410 disengages from the movable member 510 and moves to the second position by the elastic member 419. At this time, the insertion part 116 and needle 450 of the sensor 110 are inserted into the user's skin, and the sensor unit 100, from which the protective sheet 160 has been separated, is attached to the base unit 200 by the adhesive layer 155, thereby assembling the body attachment unit 20.

[0076] As explained above, the adhesive layer 155 connects the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200, sealing the space between the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146 of the sensor unit 100 and the base unit electrical contact portion 225 of the base unit 200. By sealing the electrical connection portion 250 between the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 with the adhesive layer 155, moisture, foreign matter, bodily fluids, etc., are prevented from entering the electrical connection portion 250 between the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 during the process in which the body-attachment unit 20 is attached to the user's skin and measures biosignals. Therefore, the problem of malfunction of the body-attachment unit 20 can be reduced, and stable operation of the body-attachment unit 20 is possible.

[0077] After the plunger 410 moves and the insertion part 116 and needle 450 are inserted into the user's skin, the carrier 422 disengages from the plunger 410 and moves away from the user's skin by the elastic member 481. At this time, the needle 450 slips out of the user's skin and the body attachment unit 20 remains attached to the user's skin by the adhesive part 230.

[0078] The body-attachment unit 20, which is attached to the user's skin and separated from the applicator 30, measures the user's biometric information and can transmit the measurement information to an external terminal 5 or the like.

[0079] As described above, the body-attached unit 20 according to the present invention includes a sensor unit 100 containing a sensor 110 that is inserted into the user's skin to measure biological information, and a base unit 200 containing electronic components that is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100. The electrical connection between the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 is stably sealed by an adhesive layer 155 that bonds the sensor unit 100 and the base unit 200 together. Therefore, the problem of moisture, foreign matter, bodily fluids, etc., entering the electrical connection between the sensor unit 100 and the electrically connected base unit 200 does not occur, and the unit can be attached to the user's skin for a long period of time and stably measure biological information.

[0080] On the other hand, Figures 19 and 20 are drawings showing other embodiments of the sensor unit and base unit.

[0081] The sensor unit 180 shown in Figures 19 and 20 includes a sensor 110 inserted into the user's skin, a sensor unit housing 120 to which the sensor 110 is coupled, a sensor adhesive portion 149 and an adhesive pad 152 for fixing the sensor 110 to the sensor unit housing 120, an adhesive layer 155 provided on the sensor unit housing 120 so as to adhere to the base unit 260, and a protective sheet covering the adhesive layer 155. The sensor unit 180 has a configuration in which the sensor unit electrical contact portion for electrically connecting the sensor 110 to the base unit 260 is omitted.

[0082] The base unit 260 includes a base unit housing 210 to which the sensor unit 180 is coupled, a circuit board 223 installed inside the base unit housing 210, a base unit electrical contact portion 265 that is electrically connected to the sensor 110 of the sensor unit 180, and a battery 228. The surface of the base unit housing 210 is provided with an adhesive portion 230. The base unit electrical contact portion 225 contacts the sensor 110 when the sensor unit 180 is coupled to the base unit 260. The base unit electrical contact portion 225 is electrically connected to the circuit board 223, and a portion of it protrudes from the contact surface 216 to contact the sensor 110. The base unit electrical contact portion 225 may include a plurality of terminal portions 266 that each contact a plurality of contacts (not shown) provided on the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110. The terminal portions 266 can electrically connect the sensor 110 and the circuit board 223 by contacting the contacts of the sensor body 111. The terminal portion 266 is designed to be elastically deformed when it comes into contact with the sensor body 111, so as to ensure stable contact with the sensor body 111.

[0083] The sensor unit 180 is attached to the base unit 260 by an adhesive layer 155, thereby forming a body attachment unit 60 together with the base unit 260. When the sensor unit 180 and the base unit 260 are joined, the base unit electrical contact portion 265 passes through the adhesive layer hole 156, the through hole 124, and the sensor adhesive opening 150 to come into contact with the sensor body 111 of the sensor 110. Therefore, the sensor 110 is electrically connected to the base unit 260 through the base unit electrical contact portion 265. At this time, the adhesive layer 155 seals the space between the sensor 110 and the base unit electrical contact portion 265, preventing moisture and foreign matter from entering the electrical connection between the sensor unit 180 and the base unit 260.

[0084] The specific configuration, number, and position of the base unit electrical contacts provided on the base unit 260 for electrically connecting the sensor 110 and the base unit 260 can be varied in many ways.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described with reference to desirable examples, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated above.

[0086] For example, although the drawing shows that the sensor 110 of the sensor unit 100 is connected to the base unit electrical contact portion 225 of the base unit 200 through the sensor unit electrical contact portion 146, a configuration in which the sensor 110 is directly connected to the base unit electrical contact portion 225 is also possible. In this case, the electrical connection between the sensor 110 and the base unit electrical contact portion 225 of the adhesive layer 155 can be sealed.

[0087] Furthermore, although the drawing shows the adhesive layer 155 being provided on the sensor unit 100, the adhesive layer 155 is actually provided on the base unit 200.

[0088] In another exemplary embodiment, the base unit may be configured to simply support the sensor unit so that it does not separate from the user's skin, while also having a base unit electrical contact portion that is electrically connected to the sensor unit. In this case, a separate electronic unit capable of processing the biometric information measured by the sensor unit and transmitting it to an external terminal or the like is detachably coupled to the base unit. The separate electronic unit is coupled to the base unit so as to be electrically connected to the sensor unit after the sensor unit is coupled to the base unit. A body-attached unit including such a base unit is used with the separate electronic unit coupled to it.

[0089] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described above in relation to preferred embodiments illustrating the principles of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the configuration and operation as illustrated and described herein. Rather, those skilled in the art will understand that multiple changes and modifications to the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sensor unit that measures the user's biometric information, A base unit that is attached to the user's skin and positioned below the sensor unit, An adhesive layer is placed between the sensor unit and the base unit, Includes, The aforementioned base unit is The base unit housing to which the sensor unit is connected, The electronic components installed inside the base unit housing, Includes, A body-attachment unit for measuring biological information, characterized in that the sensor unit is moved toward the base unit while separated from the base unit, thereby the sensor unit is attached to the base unit by the adhesive layer, and the sensor unit and the electronic component are electrically connected.

2. When the sensor unit moves toward the base unit while separated from the base unit, The body-attachment unit for measuring biological information according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower surface of the sensor unit and the upper surface of the base unit are attached to each other.

3. The aforementioned sensor unit is Sensors and The sensor unit housing to which the aforementioned sensor is coupled, A sensor unit electrical contact portion is coupled to the sensor unit housing and electrically connected to the sensor, Includes, The bio-information measurement body attachment unit according to claim 1, characterized in that a part of the sensor is inserted into the user's skin when the sensor unit moves toward the base unit while separated from the base unit.

4. The aforementioned electronic component includes an electrical contact portion of the base unit. The body-attached unit for measuring biological information according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor unit moves toward the base unit while separated from the base unit, thereby electrically connecting the electrical contact portion of the sensor unit and the electrical contact portion of the base unit.

5. The electrical contact portion of the sensor unit includes a first terminal portion, and the electrical contact portion of the base unit includes a second terminal portion. The body attachment unit for measuring biological information according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor unit moves toward the base unit while separated from the base unit, causing the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion to come into contact with each other.

6. The adhesive layer has adhesive layer holes that penetrate through the adhesive layer in the thickness direction. The body attachment unit for measuring biological information according to claim 5, characterized in that the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion that are in contact with each other are arranged within the adhesive layer hole.

7. The sensor unit housing includes a base portion that supports the sensor. The base portion has through holes that penetrate it vertically. The body-attached unit for measuring biological information according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical contact portion of the sensor unit is inserted into the through-hole.

8. The upper surface of the electrical contact portion of the sensor unit is exposed to the upper surface of the base portion. The body-attached unit for measuring biological information according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower surface of the electrical contact portion of the sensor unit is exposed to the lower surface of the base portion.

9. The sensor unit housing further includes a boss protruding from the surface of the base portion, The body attachment unit for measuring biological information according to claim 7, characterized in that a portion of the sensor penetrates the boss.

10. The base unit housing has an insertion hole formed therein. The body attachment unit for measuring biological information according to claim 9, characterized in that the boss is inserted into the insertion hole when the sensor unit moves toward the base unit while separated from the base unit.

11. The base unit housing includes a base unit recess. The body attachment unit for measuring biological information according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor unit housing is fitted and coupled into the base unit recess when the sensor unit moves toward the base unit while separated from the base unit.

12. The body attachment unit for measuring biological information according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive layer is provided on the sensor unit or the base unit when the sensor unit is separated from the base unit.

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