Sensor applicator assembly for blood glucose monitor

Abstract

To stabilize the connection and separation operation between the applicator and the body-attachable unit, to simplify the manufacturing and parts management of the body-attachable unit, and to improve design freedom. According to the present invention, there is provided a sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose monitor, comprising an applicator and a body-attachable unit. The body-attachable unit is disposed inside the applicator and comprises a housing including an upper frame and a lower frame. The lower frame includes a recess formed over the entire length along the circumferential direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter, and more particularly to a sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter that allows stable attachment and detachment of an applicator and a body-attachable unit, facilitating the manufacture and parts management of the body-attachable unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Diabetes is a chronic disease that is common among modern people. Diabetes is caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, stress, poor eating habits, and congenital genetics, which can lead to an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin produced by the pancreas, resulting in an imbalance of blood sugar levels and an absolute excess of sugar in the blood, causing the disease.

[0003] Blood normally contains a certain concentration of glucose, from which tissue cells obtain energy.

[0004] However, if glucose levels increase more than necessary, they cannot be stored properly in the liver, muscles, or fat cells and instead accumulate in the blood, causing diabetes patients to maintain blood sugar levels much higher than those of healthy people. Excess blood sugar passes through the tissues and is excreted in the urine, causing a shortage of sugar that is absolutely necessary for each tissue in the body, leading to abnormalities in each tissue.

[0005] Diabetes is characterized by the absence of any noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, specific symptoms appear, such as excessive drinking, eating, urination, weight loss, general fatigue, itching, and prolonged healing of wounds on the hands and feet. As diabetes progresses further, complications appear, including vision impairment, high blood pressure, kidney disease, paralysis, periodontal disease, muscle spasms, neuralgia, and gangrene.

[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] For people with diabetes, and for people who do not have diabetes but have higher than normal levels of sugar in their blood, many medical device manufacturers offer a variety of blood glucose meters that can measure blood sugar.

[0008] There are two types of blood glucose monitors: one in which the user draws blood from the fingertip and measures blood glucose one time, and one in which the monitor is attached to the user's abdomen, arm, etc. and measures blood glucose continuously.

[0009] Diabetic patients generally experience a state of alternating between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and the most urgent state is hypoglycemia, which can lead to loss of consciousness or even death if the hypoglycemic state continues for a long period without a sugar supply. Therefore, immediate detection of hypoglycemia is extremely important for diabetics, but blood glucose meters that measure blood glucose levels intermittently have limitations in accurately detecting this state.

[0010] In recent years, to overcome these limitations, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have been developed that are inserted into the human body to measure blood glucose levels every few minutes. CGMs minimize the pain and discomfort users feel when taking blood samples by inserting a needle-shaped sensor into areas such as the abdomen or arm, where pain is relatively minimal, and then measure blood glucose continuously.

[0011] The continuous blood glucose measuring device includes a body-attachable unit that is attached to the body of a user to measure the user's blood glucose information and transmit the measured blood glucose information, and a terminal that provides the user with the blood glucose information received from the body-attachable unit so that the user can monitor or manage the user's blood glucose information.

[0012] The body-attached unit is composed of a sensor module that is inserted into and attached to the user's skin to measure blood glucose from the user's body fluids, and a transmitter that transmits the blood glucose value measured by the sensor module to a terminal. The sensor module is equipped with a needle-shaped sensor probe that is inserted into subcutaneous fat to extract interstitial fluid.

[0013] An applicator is used to insert and attach the body-adhering unit to the body.

[0014] The applicator is configured to insert and attach the body-attachable unit to the body. The body-attachable unit is inserted and attached to the body by the user's operation, and when the body-attachable unit is inserted and attached to the body, the applicator is separated and removed from the body, leaving only the body-attachable unit attached to the body.

[0015] To achieve these operating states, the body-attachable unit is configured to be coupled to and detached from the applicator, and various components are used to couple and detach the body-attachable unit and applicator, which are manufactured in a wide variety of forms by different manufacturers. Conventional body-attachable units and applicators have problems such as being complex and difficult to manufacture, or having to change the shapes and positions of various components even for very small design changes. In particular, coupling and detachment between the body-attachable unit and the applicator is not stable, which can cause pain when attaching the body-attachable unit to the body or can make the body-attachable unit unstable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter that allows stable attachment and detachment of the applicator and the body-attachable unit, simplifies the manufacture and parts management of the body-attachable unit, and increases design freedom, making it easier to diversify products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The present invention provides a sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter, comprising: an applicator; and a body-attachable unit disposed inside the applicator and configured with a housing including an upper frame and a lower frame, wherein the lower frame includes a recess formed over the entire length along a circumferential direction.

[0018] In this case, the applicator may further include a plunger disposed inside the main case, and a fixing hook may be connected to the plunger, which is coupled to the body attachment unit at a first position inside the main case and is disengaged from the body attachment unit at a second position located below the first position.

[0019] The body attachment unit may include a sensor member having one end disposed inside a housing formed by the upper frame and the lower frame and the other end protruding outside the housing.

[0020] In addition, one end of the fixing hook may be coupled to the plunger and the other end may be engaged with the recess, and the one end coupled to the plunger may include at least one.

[0021] The lower frame may include a first region coupled to the sidewall of the upper frame so as to be flatly connected without a step, and a second region formed with a step inward from the first region.

[0022] The lower frame may include a first region coupled to the sidewall of the upper frame so as to be flatly connected without a step, and a second region extending downward from the first region and having a corner chamfered to have an inclined surface.

[0023] The plunger may include a sensor receiving portion into which the body attachment unit is inserted and received, and the fixing hook may be coupled to an edge of the sensor receiving portion and formed to be rotatable around a hinge axis so that one end of the fixing hook can be engaged with or disengaged from the recess.

[0024] In addition, the plunger may move from the first position to the second position within the main case, and a hook guide portion may be formed on the inner surface of the main case to pressurize or release the fixing hook in a direction to engage with the recess portion depending on the position of the plunger.

[0025] In addition, an elastic member may be coupled to the plunger to apply an elastic force to the fixing hook in a direction in which the fixing hook is disengaged from the recess portion.

[0026] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter, comprising: an applicator; and a body-attachable unit disposed inside the applicator and configured with a housing including an upper frame and a lower frame, wherein the lower frame includes a recess portion extending from one side of the outer surface of the lower frame, through a bottom surface, to the other side of the outer surface.

[0027] In this case, the body attachment unit may include a sensor member having one end disposed inside a housing formed by the upper frame and the lower frame and the other end protruding outside the housing.

[0028] The recess may be formed in the form of a recessed groove recessed into the bottom surface of the lower frame and extending across the bottom surface of the housing toward both ends.

[0029] The applicator may further include a plunger disposed inside a main case, the plunger further including a fixed hook coupled to the recess so as to be engaged with or disengaged from the recess; and an elastic member applying an elastic force to the fixed hook in a direction in which the fixed hook is disengaged from the recess. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, by forming the recessed portion of the body attachment unit to be attached to the applicator in a continuous shape, it is possible to easily manufacture and manage parts of the body attachment unit, improve the design freedom for the applicator, and more conveniently manufacture and manage products with various specifications and structures.

[0031] Furthermore, by making the structure for coupling and uncoupling the body-attachable unit and the applicator more stable, the operating performance of the applicator and the body-attachable performance of the body-attachable unit can be made more stable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of a blood glucose measuring device. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a body-attachable unit is attached to an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a shooting plate provided in the applicator for the blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly of a plunger and a needle separation unit of an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly of a plunger and a needle separation unit of an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembly of a plunger and a needle separation unit of an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are views showing a process of attaching a body attachment unit to a user's body using an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling structure between a plunger and a body attachment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various exemplary shapes of recesses formed in a body attachment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various exemplary shapes of recesses formed in a body attachment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various exemplary shapes of recesses formed in a body attachment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various exemplary shapes of recesses formed in a body attachment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a perspective view illustrating a hook guide portion formed on an inner surface of a main case according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure between the plunger and the body attachment unit in a first position inside an applicator according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure between the plunger and the body attachment unit in a second position inside the applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, when assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are assigned the same numerals as much as possible, even if they are displayed in different drawings. In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related well-known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an example of how to use a blood glucose measuring device, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a body-attachable unit is attached to an applicator for a blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The blood glucose measuring device applicator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is for attaching a body-attachable unit 20 for measuring blood glucose to a body B. The blood glucose measuring device to which the blood glucose measuring device applicator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied is a continuous blood glucose monitor (CGM).

[0036] 1, the body-attachable unit 20 is attached to the body B by the applicator 10, and can periodically measure the blood glucose level 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, an adhesive tape 22 for attaching to the body, a wireless communication chip capable of wirelessly communicating with the external terminal 40, and a battery, and can measure blood glucose and wirelessly transmit the measurement data.

[0037] The applicator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to have a structure in which the body-attachable unit 20 can be attached inside. The applicator 10 can be 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.

[0038] The applicator 10 according to an 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.

[0039] 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 via 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 so that one end of the sensor member 21 can be stably inserted into the body B, and to be inserted into the body B together with the sensor member 21.

[0042] 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 has a sharpened shape so that it can penetrate the skin of the user's body B and be smoothly inserted into 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 penetrates the skin of the user's body B before the sensor member 21 and plays a role in helping the sensor member 21 to be stably inserted into the body B. 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.

[0043] The details of the applicator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be looked at in more detail.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The plunger 300 can move from a first position P1 to a second position P2 inside the main case 100 to discharge the body-attachable unit 20 outward. Here, the first position P1 may refer to the upper side inside the main case 100, and the second position P2 may refer to the lower side inside the main case 100. Thus, the direction of movement from the first position P1 to the second position P2 may be defined as the outward discharge direction. A protective cap 200 for protecting the body-attachable unit 20 inside the main case 100 is detachably coupled to one end of the main case 100.

[0046] The protective cap 200 is connected to the main case 100 with the body-attachable unit 20 connected to the plunger 300, preventing the body-attachable unit 20 from being exposed to the outside. Only after separating the protective cap 200 can the user activate the applicator 10 to attach the body-attachable unit 20 to the body.

[0047] 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 supports 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.

[0048] 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 and configured 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, and 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.

[0049] A user can press the pressure button 140. Inside the main case 100, a shooting plate 130 that moves when the pressure button 140 is pressed is movably installed.

[0050] The shooting plate 130 is seated and supported by the inner case 110 and can move. The shooting plate 130 can slide when the pressure button 140 is pressed. 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.

[0051] The pressure button 140 may be modified to have various other structures that can operate the shooting plate 130 by user operation, in addition to the pressing operation type as shown in the drawings.

[0052] 4, one side of the shooting plate 130 is provided with a receiving portion 131 into which the mating hook 310 of the plunger 300 can be mated. The plunger 300 can be fixed at the first position P1 by the mating hook 310 engaging with the receiving portion 131. When the shooting plate 130 is moved by the pressure button 140, the mating hook 310 is released from the receiving portion 131, and the plunger 300 can move to the second position P2.

[0053] 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 may be modified in various ways.

[0054] 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 pressing direction of 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.

[0055] 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 range of movement 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 limiting the movement of the plunger 300. Therefore, the plunger 300 moves only to the second position P2 due to the elastic force of the plunger spring 340 and stops there, preventing it from coming off the main case 100.

[0056] 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 together with the plunger 300 from a first position P1 to a second position P2. 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.

[0057] A fixing hook 325 is provided on the edge of the sensor receiving portion 320, which engages with the edge of the body-attachable unit 20 inserted into the sensor receiving portion 320 to secure the body-attachable unit 20. The fixing hook 325 is rotatably connected to the plunger 300, and can be engaged with the edge of the body-attachable unit 20 to secure the body-attachable unit 20 when the plunger 300 is positioned at the first position P1. In addition, the fixing hook 325 can be disengaged from the body-attachable unit 20 when the user separates the applicator 10 from the body-attachable unit 20 attached to the user's body B when the plunger 300 has moved to the second position P2. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 21.

[0058] 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 accommodating part 320. The needle 30 can pass through the through hole 335 and be coupled to the body-attachable unit 20 attached to the sensor accommodating part 320.

[0059] 5 to 7, the needle detachment unit 400 detaches the needle 30 connected to the body-attachable unit 20 from the user's body B as the body-attachable unit 20 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The needle detachment 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 detachment spring 435 that elastically supports the needle holder 422.

[0060] The support column 410 is fixed to the plunger 300 and moves together with the plunger 300 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the needle separation spring 435 is attached so as to apply an elastic force to the needle holder 422 in a direction to separate the needle holder 422 from the body attachment unit 20, the needle holder 422 is fixed in an engaged state with the support column 410, and a trigger 428 is formed on the outer surface and protrudes outside the support column 410.

[0061] At this time, a pressure portion 125 that can come into pressure contact with the trigger 428 while the support column 410 moves together with the plunger 300 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is formed on the inner case 110.

[0062] Therefore, when the applicator is operated and the plunger 300 moves to the second position, the trigger 428 is pressed by the pressure member 125, which disengages the needle holder 422 from the support column 410, and the needle holder 422 and the needle 30 move upward and are separated from the body by the elastic force of the needle separation spring 435. In this state, when the applicator is separated and removed from the body attachment unit 20, only the body attachment unit 20 remains attached to the body.

[0063] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13, a process of attaching the body attachment unit 20 to the user's body B using the applicator 10 for a blood glucose measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0064] First, as shown in Fig. 8, the protective cap 200 is separated. In the process of separating the protective cap 200, the release paper of the body attachment unit 20 may be separated together with the protective cap 200, exposing the adhesive tape 22 of the body attachment unit 20.

[0065] 9, the applicator 10 is positioned on the user's body B to which the body-attachable unit 20 is to be attached, and the pressure button 140 is pressed. When the pressure button 140 is operated, 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. 10, and the needle 30 and the sensor member 21 of the body-attachable unit 20 pierce the user's skin and are inserted into the body B.

[0066] 11, 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 428 is pressed by the pressure member 125, and the fixing force on the needle holder 422 is released. At the same time, the needle holder 422 moves in a direction away from the user's body B due to the elastic force of the needle separation spring 435.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 12, the plunger 300 moves to and stops at the second position P2 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.

[0069] While the body-attachable unit 20 is moving to the second position P2, the point at which the needle holder 422 separates the needle 30 from the body-attachable unit 20 can be set to an appropriate point after the needle 30 penetrates the skin of the user's body B and guides the sensor member 21 to be inserted into the user's body B. Therefore, the pressure applying unit 125 can be positioned at an appropriate position within the movement path of the needle holder 422 depending on the length of the needle 30, etc.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 13, 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.

[0071] The body-attachable unit 20 can then measure the user's blood glucose and transmit the measurement information to the external terminal 40.

[0072] Next, the coupling structure between the plunger 300 and the body attachment unit 20 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 14 to 21.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the coupling structure between a plunger and a body attachment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 15 to 18 are views illustrating various exemplary shapes of recesses formed in a body attachment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the shape of a hook guide portion formed on the inner surface of a main case according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure between a plunger and a body attachment unit at a first position inside an applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure between a plunger and a body attachment unit at a second position inside an applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] As described above, inside the applicator 10, the plunger 300 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and the body-attachable unit 20 is inserted and accommodated in the sensor accommodating portion 320 of the plunger 300, and moves together with the plunger 300 from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0075] At this time, a fixing hook 325 is connected to the plunger 300, which can be connected to the body attachment unit 20 at the first position P1 and can be disconnected from the body attachment unit 20 at the second position P2, and a recess portion 211 is formed in the body attachment unit 20, into which the fixing hook 325 can be engaged and connected.

[0076] As described above, the plunger 300 is provided with a fixing hook 325 for connecting and disconnecting the body-attachable unit 20, but the connecting structure between the body-attachable unit 20 and the plunger 300 can be modified in various ways, such as by simply inserting the body-attachable unit 20 into the plunger 300 without the fixing hook 325, if necessary. For ease of explanation, the following description will be based on a configuration in which the fixing hook 325 is attached to the plunger 300.

[0077] The body-attachable unit 20 includes a housing 210 having an outer shape, and a sensor member 21 (see FIG. 3) having one end protruding downward outside the housing 210 and the other end attached inside the housing 210, and a recess 211 is formed on the outer surface of the housing 210. More specifically, the housing 210 includes an upper frame 2102 and a lower frame 2101 disposed below the upper frame 2102 and having a surface to be attached to the body, and the recess 211 is formed on the outer surface of the lower frame 2101.

[0078] The fixing hook 325 is formed on the edge of the sensor accommodating portion 320 of the plunger 300 and is configured to engage with the recess 211 of the body-attachable unit 20 inserted into the sensor accommodating portion 320, thereby connecting and fixing the body-attachable unit 20. The fixing hook 325 is rotatably connected around the hinge shaft 3252, and when the plunger 300 is located at the first position P1, the fixing hook 325 is pressed inward by the inner case 110 to engage with the body-attachable unit 20, and when the plunger 300 is located at the second position P2, the pressure on the fixing hook 325 is released, releasing the engagement with the body-attachable unit 20. In order to apply and release pressure to the fixing hook 325, a hook guide portion 112 is formed on the main case 100, more specifically, on the inner case 110 of the main case 100.

[0079] 14, the fixed hook 325 may include a pivotable body 3251 having a horizontal hinge shaft 3252 formed at its upper end, and a hook protrusion 3253 formed at the lower end of the pivotable body 3251 to engage with the recess 211 of the body attachment unit 20. A pressure guide 3254 may be formed to protrude from one side of the pivotable body 3251 (the side opposite to the protruding direction of the hook protrusion 3253) to more stably apply pressure by the hook guide part 112 of the inner case 110. The pressure guide 3254 may be formed long in the vertical direction on one side of the pivotable body 3251.

[0080] A hinge shaft coupling groove 301 is formed in the plunger 300 so that the hinge shaft 3252 of the fixing hook 325 can be rotatably coupled thereto, and the hinge shaft coupling groove 301 may be formed in a recessed shape at the upper end of a movement guide protrusion 302 formed on the outer surface of the plunger 300. The movement guide protrusion 302 is formed on the outer surface of the plunger 300 so as to guide the movement path of the plunger 300 when the plunger 300 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and correspondingly, a guide groove 111 may be formed on the inner surface of the inner case 110 so that the movement guide protrusion 302 of the plunger 300 is inserted and guided.

[0081] A plurality of such fixing hooks 325 may be engaged with the plunger 300, and in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 14, two fixing hooks 325 are installed facing each other on both ends of the plunger 300. Of course, the shape can be variously changed, such as four fixing hooks 325 installed in pairs facing each other.

[0082] The recess 211 formed in the body attachment unit 20 is formed on the outer surface of the housing 210, and may be formed in a stepped concave shape on the outer surface of the housing 210 as shown in Figures 15 and 16, or may be formed in a shape with an inclined surface by chamfering the lower corner of the outer surface of the housing 210 as shown in Figures 17 and 18. Of course, it may be formed in various other shapes that can engage with the fixing hook 325.

[0083] 15 is formed continuously over the entire length of the periphery of the lower end of the outer surface of the housing 210, and is formed so as to have a step in the concave shape of the outer surface of the housing 210. More specifically, the housing 210 includes the upper frame 2102 and the lower frame 2101 as described above, and the lower frame 2101 includes an upper first region 2101a and a lower second region 2101b. The first region 2101a is coupled to the sidewall of the upper frame 2102 so as to be connected flatly without any step, and the second region 2101b is located below the first region 2101a and is formed so as to have a step extending inward from the first region 2101a.

[0084] As described above, the recess 211 is formed in a stepped shape, so that the fixing hook 325 can easily engage with the stepped portion of the recess 211. Furthermore, since a plurality of fixing hooks 325 are coupled, a plurality of recesses 211 can be formed corresponding to the coupled fixing hooks. However, in Fig. 15, the recess 211 is formed as a single, continuous, integral part on the outer surface of the housing 210, so that a plurality of fixing hooks 325 can be simultaneously coupled to and engaged with a single recess 211. This eliminates the need to separately process a plurality of recesses 211. In particular, even if the number or position of the fixing hooks 325 is changed, the same product can be used without changing the position of the recess 211 of the body attachment unit 20, facilitating parts manufacturing and parts management.

[0085] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 16, the recess 211 may be continuously formed in a shape extending from one side of the outer surface of the housing 210 through the bottom surface to the other side of the outer surface, so that the outer surface of the housing 210 is recessed and has a step. As described in Fig. 15, the housing 210 includes an upper frame 2102 and a lower frame 2101, and in this case, the recess 211 is continuously formed in a shape extending from one side of the outer surface of the lower frame 2101 through the bottom surface to the other side of the outer surface, as shown in Fig. 16. The recess 211 may be formed in a groove shape recessed into the bottom surface of the lower frame 2101 and extending across the bottom surface of the housing 210 toward both ends.

[0086] The recesses 211 are also coupled to each other to form a single integrated unit, and a plurality of fixing hooks 325 may be simultaneously engaged and coupled to one recess 211. In the example shown in FIG. 16, two fixing hooks 325 facing each other may be engaged and coupled to both side ends of one integrated recess 211.

[0087] 17, the recess 211 is formed by chamfering the lower corner of the outer surface of the lower frame 2101 of the housing 210 to have an inclined surface, and is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the fixing hook 325. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, two opposing recesses 211 may be formed corresponding to the positions of two opposing fixing hooks 325. As the recess 211 is formed by chamfering the lower corner of the outer surface of the housing 210, a separate molding process is not required, making the manufacturing process easier and ensuring stable engagement with the fixing hook 325.

[0088] 18, the chamfered recess 211 may be formed continuously along the entire periphery of a corner portion at the lower end of the outer surface of the housing 210. More specifically, as described above, the housing 210 includes an upper frame 2102 and a lower frame 2101, and the lower frame 2101 includes an upper first region 2101a and a lower second region 2101b. The recess 211 may be formed in a shape having an inclined surface by chamfering the lower corner portion of the outer periphery formed in the second region 2101b of the lower frame 2101 along the entire periphery.

[0089] In this case, similar to the recess portion 211 shown in FIG. 15, multiple fixing hooks 325 can be simultaneously engaged and coupled to one recess portion 211, and even if the number or position of the fixing hooks 325 changes, the same product can be used without having to change the position of the recess portion 211 of the body attachment unit 20, facilitating parts manufacturing and parts management.

[0090] Therefore, as shown in Figures 15, 16, and 18, the recess portion 211 according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed to extend continuously along the positions where the multiple fixing hooks 325 are respectively engaged so that the multiple fixing hooks 325 can be simultaneously engaged and coupled, thereby facilitating the manufacture and management of parts.

[0091] 19 shows the shape of the hook guide part 112 formed on the inner surface of the inner case 110 of the main case 100. The hook guide part 112 is formed to pressurize or release the fixed hook 325 in the direction of engaging with the recess part 211 of the body attachment unit 20 depending on the position of the plunger 300.

[0092] The hook guide portion 112 is formed on the inner surface of the inner case 110 to protrude toward the center of the inside and is elongated in the vertical direction. The hook guide portion 112 has an inner surface formed to have a protruding surface 1121 and a concave surface 1122, and the concave surface 1122 is formed to extend from the lower end of the protruding surface 1121 and is inclined so that the protruding height decreases toward the lower end. Guide grooves 111 may be formed on both sides of the hook guide portion 112 to guide the insertion of the movement guide protrusion 302 of the plunger 300.

[0093] 20 and 21 , the protruding surface 1121 of the hook guide portion 112 is formed to pressurize the fixed hook 325, and the concave surface 1122 is formed to release pressure from the fixed hook 325. The protruding surface 1121 is formed to pressurize the fixed hook 325 while the plunger 300 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and more specifically, the protruding surface 1121 may be formed to come into contact with and pressurize the pressure guide 3254 of the fixed hook 325. The concave surface 1122 is formed to release pressure from the fixed hook 325 when the fixed hook 325 moves to the second position P2 together with the plunger 300. That is, since the protruding surface 1121 protrudes relatively inward, it presses the fixing hook 325 toward the recessed portion 211 during the movement of the plunger 300 from the first position P1 to the section immediately before the movement to the second position P2, and since the concave surface 1122 is relatively recessed, it releases pressure from the fixing hook 325 when the plunger 300 is positioned at the second position P2. At this time, the fixing hook 325 rotates around the hinge shaft 3252 depending on the pressure applied, and is engaged with or disengaged from the recessed portion 211 of the body attachment unit 20.

[0094] 20, while the plunger 300 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the fixed hook 325 is pressed inward by the protruding surface 1121 of the hook guide part 112, and the fixed hook 325 rotates around the hinge shaft 3252 to engage with the recessed part 211 of the body-attachable unit 20 inserted and accommodated in the sensor accommodating part 301 of the plunger 300. As shown in FIG. 21, when the plunger 300 moves linearly to the second position P2, the fixed hook 325 is positioned at a position corresponding to the concave surface 1122 of the hook guide part 112. Therefore, the pressure on the fixed hook 325 is released by the concave surface 1122 of the hook guide part 112, and the fixed hook 325 can rotate around the hinge shaft 3252 and is released from engagement with the body-attachable unit 20. In this state, that is, when the plunger 300 has moved to the second position P2 together with the body attachment unit 20, the body attachment unit 20 is attached to the body by the adhesive tape 22 (see Figure 12). In this state, if the applicator 10 is separated and removed in a direction away from the body (see Figure 13), the fixing hook 325 and the body attachment unit 20 are disengaged, so only the applicator 10 is separated and removed from the body, and only the body attachment unit 20 remains attached to the body.

[0095] On the other hand, when the plunger 300 has moved to the second position P2, the fixed hook 325 is positioned at a position corresponding to the concave surface 1122 of the hook guide portion 112. Therefore, strictly speaking, the pressure applied to the fixed hook 325 by the protruding surface 1121 is simply released, and the fixed hook 325 is not forcibly rotated in the direction of disengagement.

[0096] In this case, the fixed hook 325 rotates freely around the hinge axis 3252, so that during the process of separating and removing the applicator 10 from the body, i.e., during the process of separating the plunger 300 located inside the applicator 10 and the fixed hook 325 from the body attachment unit 20, the engagement between the fixed hook 325 and the recess portion 211 is not maintained and the engagement is released.

[0097] In the unlikely event that the free rotation state of the fixing hook 325 does not occur smoothly for an unknown reason, the engagement between the fixing hook 325 and the recessed portion 211 may not be smoothly released during the process of separating and removing the applicator 10 from the body. In this case, the force separating and removing the applicator 10 from the body may be partially transmitted to the body attachment unit 20, which may cause the adhesive tape 22 of the body attachment unit 20 to partially fall off from the body, making the attachment of the body attachment unit 20 to the body unstable.

[0098] 20 and 21, in one embodiment of the present invention, a separate elastic member 326 may be provided to apply an elastic force to the fixed hook 325 in a direction in which the fixed hook 325 disengages from the recess 211. The elastic member 326 may be made of an elastic rubber material or the like and disposed between the fixed hook 325 and the wall surface of the plunger 300. Alternatively, the elastic member 326 may be configured as a coil spring, or may be configured as a torsion spring coupled to the hinge shaft 3252.

[0099] The elastic member 326 elastically supports the fixed hook 325 in a direction in which it disengages from the recess portion 211, so that when the plunger 300 moves to the second position P2, the elastic force of the elastic member 326 forcibly rotates the fixed hook 325, forcibly releasing it from the disengaged state with the recess portion 211. Therefore, the disengaged state between the fixed hook 325 and the recess portion 211 can be more stably achieved.

[0100] Meanwhile, Figures 20 and 21 show cross-sectional views of the shape of the body attachment unit 20 shown in Figure 15, and the description has been based on this, but since it operates in the same way for the shapes of the body attachment unit 20 shown in Figures 16 to 18, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The above description merely exemplifies the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and such embodiments do not limit the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An applicator and a body attachment unit disposed inside the applicator and configured with a housing including an upper frame and a lower frame; Including, The lower frame includes a recess formed over an entire length along a circumferential direction.

2. a plunger disposed within the main case of the applicator; 2. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein a fastening hook is coupled to the plunger, the fastening hook being coupled to the body-attachable unit at a first position inside the main case and being disengaged from the body-attachable unit at a second position located below the first position.

3. The body attachment unit comprises:

2. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor member having one end disposed inside a housing formed by the upper frame and the lower frame and the other end protruding outside the housing.

4. One end of the fixed hook is coupled to the plunger, and the other end is engaged with the recessed portion; The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 2 , wherein the one end coupled to the plunger includes at least one end.

5. 2. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein the lower frame includes a first region that is coupled to a side wall of the upper frame so as to be flatly connected without a step, and a second region that is formed with a step extending inward from the first region.

6. 2. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein the lower frame includes a first region coupled to a side wall of the upper frame so as to be flatly connected without a step, and a second region in which a corner portion extending downward from the first region is chamfered to have an inclined surface.

7. The plunger the body-attachable unit includes a sensor receiving portion into which the sensor receiving portion is inserted, The fixing hook is 3. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 2, wherein the sensor applicator assembly is coupled to an edge of the sensor accommodating portion and is formed to be rotatable about a hinge axis so that one end of the sensor applicator assembly is engaged with or disengaged from the recess.

8. the plunger moves from the first position to the second position within the main case; 3. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 2, wherein a hook guide portion is formed on an inner surface of the main case to pressurize or release the fixing hook in a direction to engage with the recess portion depending on the position of the plunger.

9. 2. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein an elastic member is coupled to the plunger to apply an elastic force to the fixing hook in a direction in which the fixing hook is disengaged from the recess portion.

10. An applicator and a body attachment unit disposed inside the applicator and configured with a housing including an upper frame and a lower frame; Including, The lower frame includes a recess portion extending from one side of the outer surface of the lower frame through a bottom surface to the other side of the outer surface.

11. The body attachment unit comprises:

11. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 10, further comprising a sensor member having one end disposed inside a housing formed by the upper frame and the lower frame and the other end protruding outside the housing.

12. 11. The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 10, wherein the recessed portion is formed in the form of a recessed groove recessed into the bottom surface of the lower frame, and extends across the bottom surface of the housing toward both ends.

13. a plunger disposed within the main case of the applicator; The plunger a fixing hook coupled to the recess so as to be engaged or disengaged with the recess; The sensor applicator assembly for a blood glucose meter according to claim 10 , further comprising: an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the fixed hook in a direction in which the fixed hook is disengaged from the recess portion.

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