Applicator

Abstract

This applicator is for applying a microneedle device to the skin and comprises: a body having a bottom part that comes into contact with the skin, a top part facing the bottom part, and a side part extending along the height direction from the bottom part toward the top part; a switch having an arm attached to the side part so as to extend along the lateral direction from the side part toward the center of the body, and a piston provided at a free end of the arm and to be pushed to the skin by a user; and at least one stopper that supports the microneedle device disposed in the body so as to be positioned between the piston and the skin.

Description

Applicator

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an applicator.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 describes an application device including a housing and an impactor that impacts a microneedle array to accelerate the microneedles toward a target site. Patent Literature 2 describes a device including a microneedle array and a housing in which the microneedle array is disposed and that defines a chamber, the microneedles penetrating the surface of the body. Patent Literature 3 describes a microneedle-based transdermal drug delivery device for administering a liquid drug to a user's skin.

[0003] JP 2008-543527 A JP 2017-509449 A U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0296824

[0004] An applicator that can properly apply a microneedle device to the skin is desired.

[0005] An applicator according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an applicator for applying a microneedle device to the skin, and comprises a body having a bottom that contacts the skin, a top that faces the bottom, and a side that extends vertically from the bottom to the top, an arm attached to the side so as to extend horizontally from the side toward the center of the body, a switch having a piston provided at the free end of the arm that is pressed by the user toward the skin, and at least one stopper that supports a microneedle device arranged within the body so as to be positioned between the piston and the skin.

[0006] In this aspect, the microneedle device is disposed in the main body so as to be positioned between the piston and the skin and is supported by at least one stopper. This allows the piston to be in stable contact with the microneedle device when the user presses the piston toward the skin. As a result, the microneedle device is reliably pressed toward the skin. Therefore, the microneedle device can be properly applied to the skin.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microneedle device can be appropriately applied to the skin.

[0008] 12. A plan view of an applicator according to a first example, as seen from above. A perspective cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 1. A perspective view of an applicator according to a first example, as seen from below. A diagram showing the process up to applying a microneedle device to skin. A perspective view of an application kit according to a first example, as seen from above. A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 5. A diagram showing the process up to placing a microneedle device in an applicator. A plan view of an applicator according to a second example, as seen from above. A perspective cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX shown in FIG. 8. A perspective view of an applicator according to a second example, as seen from below. A diagram showing the process up to applying a microneedle device to skin. A perspective view of an application kit according to a second example, as seen from above. A cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. 12. A plan view of an applicator according to a third example, as seen from above. A perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV shown in FIG. 14. A perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI shown in FIG. 14. A diagram showing a state in which a microneedle device is set in an applicator. A diagram showing the process up to gripping a microneedle device with a claw. 27 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a third example, as seen from above. FIG. 28 is a plan view of an applicator according to a fourth example, as seen from above. FIG. 29 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state in which a microneedle device is set in an applicator. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a fourth example, as seen from above. FIG. 32 is a plan view of an applicator according to a fifth example, as seen from above. FIG. 33 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a fifth example, as seen from above. FIG. 35 is a plan view of an applicator according to a sixth example, as seen from above. FIG. 36 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a sixth example, as seen from above.

[0009] Various examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [Summary] The applicator according to the present disclosure is an auxiliary tool used to apply a microneedle device to the skin for administering any active ingredient (e.g., a drug) into a living body. By using the applicator, a user can apply the microneedle device to the skin with a more appropriate force than when applying the microneedle device directly with their hands. Applying a microneedle device to the skin means that the user operates the applicator to push the microneedle device toward the skin, causing one or more microneedles provided on the microneedle device to abut against or pierce the skin.

[0011] The microneedle device to be applied to the skin is set in an applicator. In the present disclosure, the state in which the microneedle device to be applied to the skin is set in the applicator is also referred to as a set state. Furthermore, the state in which the microneedle device is not set in the applicator is also referred to as a natural state.

[0012] In one example, the applicator is provided as a component of an application kit that includes the applicator and a stage for placing the microneedle device within the applicator. The application kit may further include the microneedle device.

[0013] [Applicator according to the first example] The structure of an applicator 1A according to the first example will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a plan view of the applicator 1A as seen from above. Figure 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the applicator 1A as seen from below. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the process from when the microneedle device is set in the applicator 1A to when the microneedle device is applied to the skin. Figures 1 to 3 show the applicator 1A in its natural state.

[0014] The applicator 1A includes a main body 2, a switch 3, at least one stopper 4, at least one rib 5, at least one canopy 6, and a recovery mechanism 7. The applicator 1A is made of a synthetic or natural resin material, such as ABS resin, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyether ether ketone, polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate. The applicator 1A may also be made of silicon, silicon dioxide, ceramic, or metal (stainless steel, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, etc.). Alternatively, glass fiber or carbon fiber may be added to the resin material to further increase the strength of the applicator 1A. The applicator 1A may also be made of a mixture of two or more of the above materials. For example, the applicator 1A is integrally formed by introducing the above materials into a mold.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the microneedle device 11 has a circular shape. The shape of the microneedle device 11 may be any shape, such as a square, an ellipse, a crescent, or another polygon. In FIG. 1 , the outer edge of the microneedle device 11 in the set state is indicated by a dotted line. The microneedle device 11 includes one or more microneedles 11a and a main surface 11b that supports the one or more microneedles 11a. The main surface 11b includes a peripheral edge portion 11c that defines the outer edge of the microneedle device 11, and a platform surface 11d that is formed inside the peripheral edge portion 11c at a position raised from the peripheral edge portion 11c and supports the one or more microneedles 11a. The platform surface 11d is an octagonal surface located inside the outer edge of the microneedle device 11. The shape of the platform surface 11d may be any shape, such as a square, a circle, an ellipse, a crescent, or another polygon. The microneedles 11a are provided on the platform surface 11d and not on the peripheral edge portion 11c. The microneedle device 11 further includes a side surface 11e extending in the thickness direction and circumferential direction of the microneedle device 11. When viewed from the thickness direction of the microneedle device 11, the side surface 11e coincides with the outer edge of the microneedle device 11. The peripheral edge portion 11c is a portion that includes the side surface 11e.

[0016] The main surface 11b may not have a platform surface 11d. In this case, the main surface 11b is a uniformly flat surface without a stepped structure that distinguishes the peripheral edge portion 11c from the platform surface 11d, and the microneedles 11a are provided on that flat surface.

[0017] Materials for the microneedle device 11 may include, for example, silicon, silicon dioxide, ceramic, metals (stainless steel, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, etc.), synthetic or natural resin materials, etc. Alternatively, biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, polyglycolide, polylactic acid-co-polyglycolide, pullulan, caprolactone, polyurethane, and polyanhydrides may be used, taking into consideration the antigenicity of the microneedles 11a and the unit cost of the material. Alternatively, synthetic or natural resin materials such as non-degradable polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, cyclic olefin copolymers, polycarbonate, polymethacrylic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, rigid vinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymers, polyoxymethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyether ether ketone, and polystyrene may be used. Alternatively, liquid crystal polymers such as thermotropic liquid crystal polymers may be used. Alternatively, polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, pullulan, dextran, dextrin, or chondroitin sulfate, or cellulose derivatives may be used. Considering the possibility that the microneedles 11a may break on the skin, a biodegradable resin may be employed, such as polylactic acid. Polylactic acid includes polylactic acid homopolymers such as poly-L-lactic acid and poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L / D-lactic acid copolymers, and mixtures thereof, and any of these may be used. The greater the average molecular weight of polylactic acid, the stronger its strength; for example, polylactic acid with an average molecular weight of 40,000 to 100,000 may be used. The microneedles 11a and the portions of the microneedle device 11 other than the microneedles 11a may be made of the same material, or may be made of different materials.

[0018] The main surface 11b is a base for supporting the microneedles 11a. The area of ​​the main surface 11b is 0.5 cm ２ ~300cm ２ Or 1 cm ２ ~100cm ２Or 1 cm ２ ~50cm ２ Alternatively, the area of ​​the main surface 11b may be 0.5 cm ２ ~10cm ２ , 0.5 cm ２ ~5cm ２ , 1 cm ２ ~5cm ２ , 0.5 cm ２ ~3cm ２ , or 1 cm ２ ~3cm ２ A microneedle device of a desired size may be formed by connecting several microneedle devices 11. The lower limit of the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c may be 5 μm, 20 μm, 50 μm, 300 μm, or 500 μm, and the upper limit of the thickness may be 2000 μm, 1500 μm, 1200 μm, 1000 μm, or 800 μm.

[0019] The microneedle 11a is a minute structure rising from the platform surface 11d. The microneedle 11a has a tapered shape that narrows from the bottom connected to the platform surface 11d toward the tip. In this specification, the term "microneedle" is a concept that includes not only needle-shaped structures and structures including a needle shape in a broad sense, but also blunt shapes.

[0020] The lower limit of the density of the microneedles 11a is, for example, 0.05 needles / cm ２ , 1 piece / cm ２ , 50 pieces / cm ２ , 75 pieces / cm ２ , 100 pieces / cm ２ , 150 pieces / cm ２ , 200 pieces / cm ２ , 300 pieces / cm ２ , 340 pieces / cm ２ , or 400 lines / cm ２ On the other hand, the upper limit of the density is, for example, 10,000 fibers / cm ２ , 5000 pieces / cm ２ , 2000 pieces / cm ２ , 1200 pieces / cm ２ , 700 pieces / cm ２ , 640 pieces / cm ２, or 340 strands / cm ２ The lower limit of the density is a value calculated from the number of microneedles capable of administering 1 mg of active ingredient and the required area. The upper limit of the density is a limit value taking into account the shape of the microneedles.

[0021] The lower limit of the length of the microneedle 11a may be 20 μm, 50 μm, 150 μm, 200 μm, or 300 μm, and the upper limit may be 1200 μm, 900 μm, or 500 μm. The length of the microneedle 11a is the distance from the bottom connected to the platform surface 11d to the tip. The reason for making the length of the microneedle 11a 20 μm or more is to ensure transdermal absorption of the active ingredient. By making the length of the microneedle 11a 900 μm or less, the microneedle 11a can avoid contact with nerves, reducing the possibility of pain and avoiding the possibility of bleeding. When the length of the microneedle 11a is 500 μm or less, the amount of active ingredient to be delivered intradermally can be efficiently administered, and for example, it is possible to administer the active ingredient without perforating the basement membrane. In one example, the length of the microneedles 11a is selected so that they do not penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin during normal use, but some of the microneedles 11a may penetrate the stratum corneum. That is, the microneedles 11a stretch and thin the epidermis, allowing the active ingredient to penetrate the more permeable epidermis, but some of the active ingredient may enter the skin through holes formed in the stratum corneum.

[0022] In the example of FIG. 4, the microneedle 11a has a three-dimensional shape. For example, the microneedle 11a may be a cone or any other pyramid such as a square pyramid. The microneedle 11a does not have to be a cone, and may have a flat or rounded tip, for example. A flat or rounded tip may be obtained by intentional processing or may be obtained without such processing. When the tip is flat, the area of ​​the flat part is 20 to 600 μm ２ or 50 to 250 μm ２When the tip is rounded, the radius of curvature of the tip may be 2 to 100 μm, or 5 to 30 μm.

[0023] In one example, the microneedles 11a may or may not be coated with an active ingredient in advance. If the microneedles 11a are not coated with an active ingredient, the active ingredient may be administered by applying the active ingredient to the skin and then applying the microneedle device 11 to that area using the applicator 1A. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be administered by applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin using the applicator 1A and then applying the active ingredient to the application area.

[0024] The main body 2 is a substantially cylindrical structure that houses each component such as the switch 3. The main body 2 has a bottom 21, a top 22, a first side 23 (side), and a second side 24. The bottom 21 is the portion that comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1A is placed on the skin to apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin. The bottom 21 has a substantially circular shape. An opening 21a is formed in approximately the center of the bottom 21 for inserting the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2. The top 22 is the portion that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1A is placed on the skin.

[0025] In the following description, the direction in which the bottom 21 and the top 22 face each other is referred to as the height direction D1. The height direction D1 can also be referred to as the direction from the bottom 21 to the top 22. Two directions that extend along an imaginary horizontal plane perpendicular to the height direction D1 and are perpendicular to each other are referred to as the lateral direction D2 and the width direction D3. Therefore, the height direction D1, the lateral direction D2, and the width direction D3 are perpendicular to each other. The lateral direction D2 and the width direction D3 can also be referred to as directions from the first side portion 23 toward the center of the main body 2. Furthermore, the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1A, and the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1A.

[0026] The first side portion 23 is a generally cylindrical portion that extends along the height direction D1 and defines the outer periphery of the main body 2. As an example, the first side portion 23 extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 21 from the entire outer edge of the bottom portion 21 along the height direction D1. The top surface of the first side portion 23 may exist or function as the top portion 22. As an example, to improve user convenience, the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (e.g., the portion on the side of the fixed end 31 a of the arm 31) may be lower than the height of the other portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21.

[0027] The second side portion 24 is a portion that extends from the bottom portion 21 along the height direction D1 inside the first side portion 23. The second side portion 24 is formed approximately along the edge of the opening 21a and is connected to the inner surface of the first side portion 23. In one example, the height of the second side portion 24 from the bottom portion 21 is less than the height of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21. The height refers to the length along the height direction D1.

[0028] As an example, the main body 2 is formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as a reference axis. That is, the bottom portion 21, the top portion 22, the first side portion 23, and the second side portion 24 are each formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as a reference axis.

[0029] The switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by a user. The switch 3 includes an arm 31 and a piston 32. The arm 31 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped portion attached to the first side portion 23 so as to extend along the lateral direction D2. Therefore, the lateral direction D2 can also be considered the extension direction of the arm 31. The arm 31 has a fixed end 31a attached to the first side portion 23 and a free end 31b located opposite the fixed end 31a. The arm 31 can move in an arc along the height direction D1 with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum, and this movement allows the free end 31b to move along the height direction D1. The arm 31 may be made of a member or material that generates elastic force, such as an elastic member such as a leaf spring. Alternatively, the arm 31 may be a non-elastic member or a flexible member. The piston 32 is a plate-shaped portion attached to the free end 31b. The piston 32 has a piston surface 32a that faces the skin. In one example, the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1. In one example, the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3. The arm 31 may extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.

[0030] In the set state, the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21. The microneedle device 11 is disposed within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it contacts the skin. In other words, the piston 32, the microneedle device 11, and the bottom 21 (skin) are arranged in this order along the height direction D1. When applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin. In other words, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1. At this time, the arm 31 moves in an arc shape with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum in conjunction with the movement of the piston 32. The piston surface 32a contacts the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin. In the set state, the piston surface 32a may or may not contact the microneedle device 11.

[0031] When the applicator 1A is viewed along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21 a, so that the switch 3 does not come into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.

[0032] When the applicator 1A is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover, for example, the entire switch 3. The applicator 1A does not have a portion that covers the piston 32 from the top 22 side, and does not have a portion that covers, for example, the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side. Therefore, when the applicator 1A is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the piston 32 is exposed to the outside of the applicator 1A.

[0033] The stopper 4 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 disposed within the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin. As described above, the applicator 1A includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4. The two stoppers 4 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. As an example, the two stoppers 4 are positioned so as to sandwich the vicinity of the free end 31b of the arm 31 along the width direction D3. In the set state, the two stoppers 4 are arranged along the outer edge of the microneedle device 11. Each stopper 4 has a columnar shape extending from the bottom 21 along the height direction D1. A gap is formed between the entire top surface and side surface of the stopper 4 and other components of the main body 2, allowing the stopper 4 to bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0034] The stopper 4 is provided with a protrusion 41 that protrudes toward the piston 32 when viewed from the height direction D1. That is, the protrusion 41 protrudes toward the center of the microneedle device 11 in the set state. When viewed from the height direction D1, the protrusion 41 overlaps with the opening 21a but does not overlap with the switch 3. Therefore, when the switch 3 moves, the protrusion 41 does not come into contact with the switch 3. The stopper 4 has an arrangement surface 4a on which the microneedle device 11 is arranged in the set state. The arrangement surface 4a is a surface facing upward and is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1. The arrangement surface 4a may be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0035] The stopper 4 is arranged closer to the arm 31 than the end 32b of the piston 32 on the center line CL1. The end 32b is also the end of the switch 3 on the center line CL1 and is located on the opposite side from the fixed end 31a. Therefore, in the set state, the stopper 4 mainly supports the part of the microneedle device 11 on the arm 31 side. As an example, the stopper 4 supports the peripheral edge portion 11c. The stopper 4 may also support the platform surface 11d as long as it does not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.

[0036] When the arm 31 is capable of generating an elastic force, like an elastic member such as a leaf spring, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31. As an example, the microneedle device 11 inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a pushes the piston 32 upward, causing the arm 31 to deform toward the apex 22. Alternatively, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22 due to such an insertion operation by the user. The switch 3, for example, the piston 32, transmits the elastic force generated in the arm 31 to the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. At this time, the switch 3 contacts the microneedle device 11. The arm 31 may contact the microneedle device 11, or the piston surface 32a may contact the microneedle device 11. The stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 against the elastic force. In this way, the microneedle device 11 is supported against the elastic force by being held by the switch 3 and the stopper 4.

[0037] The rib 5 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 together with the stopper 4. The rib 5 is provided at a position different from the stopper 4. As an example, the rib 5 is located on the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31. The rib 5 is provided closer to the end 32b than the arm 31. Therefore, in the set state, the rib 5 mainly supports the portion of the microneedle device 11 on the end 32b side. The rib 5 extends from the bottom 21 to the top 22 along the height direction D1 and then bends toward the center of the main body 2, forming an inverted L shape. The tip surface 5a of the rib 5 faces the center of the main body 2. Because a gap is formed between the entire top surface and side surface of the rib 5 and other components of the main body 2, the rib 5 can bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1. As described above, the applicator 1A may include a single rib 5 or two or more ribs 5. For example, similar to the stopper 4, the two ribs 5 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1 as the reference axis.

[0038] The rib 5 contacts at least the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. As an example, the tip surface 5a of the rib 5 contacts the side surface 11e and does not contact any part of the microneedle device 11 other than the side surface 11e. The rib 5 may press the microneedle device 11 toward the stopper 4. While the stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 from below, the rib 5 can be said to support the microneedle device 11 from the side.

[0039] The eaves portion 6 is a component that stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2 when it is inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a and moves toward the top portion 22, preventing it from jumping out from above the main body 2. As described above, the applicator 1A includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, two eaves portions 6. As an example, the two eaves portions 6 are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. The eaves portion 6 is arranged closer to the end 32b of the piston 32 than the arm 31. The eaves portion 6 is located on the opposite side of the piston 32 from the stopper 4. When viewed from the height direction D1, the eaves portion 6 protrudes from the second side portion 24 toward the inside of the main body 2. When viewed from the height direction D1, the eaves portion 6 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. As a result, the eaves portion 6 does not come into contact with the switch 3 when the switch 3 moves.

[0040] The eave portion 6 is arranged so as to be closer to the apex 22 than the placement surface 4a of the stopper 4 in the height direction D1. That is, the eave portion 6 is located above the stopper 4. The distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a in the height direction D1 is greater than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. From the perspective of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a may be the same as the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11 or may be smaller than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c. The lower end 6a is the end of the eave portion 6 that is located on the bottom 21 side in the height direction D1. The upper end 4b is the end of the placement surface 4a that is located on the apex 22 side in the height direction D1.

[0041] The eave portion 6 is provided so as to cover at least a part of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. As an example, the eave portion 6 covers a part of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eave portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that another part of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1A, the eave portions 6 are provided at two locations along the peripheral edge 11c.

[0042] The retrieval mechanism 7 is a component that holds the microneedle device 11 at least when the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin by the user operating the switch 3. The retrieval mechanism 7 includes two claws 71 that grip the microneedle device 11. As an example, the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 before it reaches the skin in response to the movement of the piston 32 toward the skin. Each of the two claws 71 is provided on the piston 32 so as to be positioned outside the piston surface 32a and is positioned closer to the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 than the piston surface 32a. As an example, the two claws 71 are positioned on both sides of the piston surface 32a in the width direction D3 and grip the microneedle device 11 from both sides of the microneedle device 11. As an example, the two claws 71 are positioned on an imaginary center line CL2 that is parallel to the width direction D3 of the microneedle device 11 in the set state. In this case, the claws 71 can stably grip the microneedle device 11.

[0043] Next, a series of operations up to application of the microneedle device 11 to the skin will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] In the set state shown as scene S101, the microneedle device 11 is supported from below by the stopper 4 and from the sides by the ribs 5. At this time, the piston 32 of the switch 3 is positioned above the microneedle device 11, and the claws 71 do not grip the microneedle device 11.

[0045] In scene S102, the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, causing the claws 71 to come into contact with the microneedle device 11. As the stopper 4 continues to support the microneedle device 11, the two claws 71 that have come into contact with the microneedle device 11 open outward, then move along the sides of the microneedle device 11 and reach below the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. As a result, the two claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11. As an example, the two claws 71 grip the peripheral portion 11c and do not grip the platform surface 11d. When the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11, substantially the entire surface of the piston surface 32a comes into contact with the microneedle device 11. The claws 71 may grip the platform surface 11d as long as they do not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.

[0046] In scene S103, when the user further presses the switch 3, the microneedle device 11 pushed by the piston 32 passes over the protrusion 41, moves downward, and reaches the skin. At this time, the rib 5 bends outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, so the microneedle device 11 moves smoothly downward. This causes the microneedles 11a to abut against or puncture the skin. As described above, the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin.

[0047] The user then removes the applicator 1A from the skin. The claws 71 continue to hold the microneedle device 11 even after the microneedle device 11 has been applied to the skin. Therefore, when the user removes the applicator 1A from the skin, the microneedle device 11 held by the claws 71 also removes from the skin together with the applicator 1A.

[0048] As described above, the claw 71 grips the microneedle device 11 before the microneedle device 11 passes over the protrusion 41. As another example, the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 at the time when the microneedle device 11 passes over the protrusion 41 or after the microneedle device 11 passes over the protrusion 41. For example, the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin. Alternatively, the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 before the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, as shown in scene S102.

[0049] [Application Kit According to First Example] The configuration of an application kit 10A according to a first example will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the application kit 10A viewed from above. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 shows a state in which a microneedle device 11 is placed on a stage 12.

[0050] The stage 12 is an article for placing the microneedle device 11 in the applicator 1A. The stage 12 has a columnar portion 121 extending along the height direction D1 to support the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 is partially provided along the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 has a top surface 121a that supports the microneedle device 11 and a protrusion 121b that protrudes from the top surface 121a along the height direction D1. The top surface 121a is the surface that faces the microneedle device 11. As an example, the top surface 121a supports the peripheral portion 11c and does not contact the platform surface 11d. The protrusion 121b is located outside the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 supported by the columnar portion 121 is viewed from the side of the microneedle device 11 along the height direction D1. The protrusion 121b may or may not be in contact with the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11.

[0051] The process of placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 in the applicator 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The main body 2 is omitted from Fig. 7.

[0052] In scene S111, the user aligns the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 with the top surface 121a of the columnar portion 121 and places the microneedle device 11 on the columnar portion 121. By this operation, the microneedle device 11 is placed on the stage 12.

[0053] In scene S112, the user aligns the position of the applicator 1A with the stage 12 and inserts the applicator 1A into the stage 12 from above the stage 12. This operation causes the columnar portion 121 supporting the microneedle device 11 to be inserted into the main body 2 toward the piston 32. This insertion causes the piston 32 to be pushed upward by the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2, and the microneedle device 11 enters between the piston 32 and the stopper 4 and is supported by the stopper 4. As an example, the microneedle device 11 climbs over the protrusion 41 of the stopper 4, thereby placing the microneedle device 11 on the placement surface 4a. At this time, the rib 5 supports the microneedle device 11 from the side. When the microneedle device 11 climbs over the protrusion 41, the stopper 4 and the rib 5 bend outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, so that the positional relationship between the microneedle device 11 and the columnar portion 121 remains unchanged. Since this positional relationship does not change, the microneedles 11a do not come into contact with the columnar portion 121, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the microneedles 11a from breaking. Note that when the columnar portion 121 supporting the microneedle device 11 is inserted into the main body 2 toward the piston 32, the piston 32 may be pushed by the columnar portion 121 and move upward.

[0054] In scene S113, the user moves the applicator 1A, on which the microneedle device 11 is set, above the stage 12 and removes the applicator 1A from the stage 12. This applicator 1A is in the set state shown in scene S101 described above. As described with reference to Figure 4, the user places this applicator 1A on the skin and operates the applicator 1A. This operation causes the applicator 1A to operate and apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin, as shown in scenes S102 and S103 above.

[0055] As described above, in the application kit 10A, the claws 71 do not grip the microneedle device 11 from the time the microneedle device 11 is inserted into the main body 2 toward the piston 32 until it is supported by the stopper 4.

[0056] [Applicator according to the second example] The structure of an applicator 1B according to the second example will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 is a plan view of the applicator 1B as seen from above. Figure 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the applicator 1B as seen from below. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the process from when the microneedle device 11 is set in the applicator 1B to when the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin. Figures 8 to 10 show the applicator 1B in its natural state.

[0057] The applicator 1B includes a main body 2, a switch 3, at least one stopper 4, at least one rib 5, at least one canopy portion 6, and a recovery mechanism 7. The material of the applicator 1B is, for example, the same as the material of the applicator 1A. The configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1B is, for example, the same as the configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1A.

[0058] The main body 2 is a substantially cylindrical structure that houses each component such as the switch 3. The main body 2 has a bottom 21, a top 22, a first side 23 (side), and a movable part 25. The bottom 21 is the part that comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1B is placed on the skin to apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin. The bottom 21 has a substantially circular shape. An opening 21a for inserting the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2 is formed over most of the bottom 21. The top 22 is the part that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1B is placed on the skin.

[0059] The definitions of the height direction D1, the lateral direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following description are the same as those used in the description of Example 1. In addition, the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1B, and the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1B.

[0060] The first side portion 23 is a generally cylindrical portion that extends along the height direction D1 and defines the outer periphery of the main body 2. As an example, the first side portion 23 extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 21 from the entire outer edge of the bottom portion 21 along the height direction D1. The top surface of the first side portion 23 may exist or function as the top portion 22. As an example, to improve user convenience, the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (e.g., the portion on the side of the fixed end 31 a of the arm 31) may be lower than the height of the other portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21.

[0061] The movable portion 25 is a rod-shaped portion that extends while bending from the inner surface of the first side portion 23 toward the stopper 4. A gap is formed between the entire surface of the movable portion 25 and the other components of the main body 2, so that the movable portion 25 can bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0062] As an example, the main body 2 is formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as a reference axis. That is, the bottom portion 21, the top portion 22, the first side portion 23, and the movable portion 25 are each formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as a reference axis.

[0063] The switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by a user. The switch 3 includes an arm 31 and a piston 32. The arm 31 is attached to the first side portion 23 so as to extend along the lateral direction D2. Therefore, the lateral direction D2 can also be considered the extension direction of the arm 31. A large portion of the arm 31 has a bifurcated rod shape, and this bifurcated rod-shaped portion is attached to the first side portion 23. The arm 31 has a fixed end 31a attached to the first side portion 23 and a free end 31b located opposite the fixed end 31a. The arm 31 can move in an arc along the height direction D1 with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum, and this movement allows the free end 31b to move along the height direction D1. The arm 31 may be made of a member or material that generates elastic force, such as an elastic member such as a leaf spring. Alternatively, the arm 31 may be a non-elastic member or a flexible member. The piston 32 is a plate-like portion attached to the free end 31b, and has an opening formed in most of its surface. The piston 32 has a piston surface 32a that faces the skin. In one example, the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1. In one example, the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3. The arm 31 may extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.

[0064] In the set state, the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21. The microneedle device 11 is disposed within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it contacts the skin. In other words, the piston 32, the microneedle device 11, and the bottom 21 (skin) are arranged in this order along the height direction D1. When applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin. In other words, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1. At this time, the arm 31 moves in an arc shape with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum in conjunction with the movement of the piston 32. The piston surface 32a contacts the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin. In the set state, the piston surface 32a may or may not contact the microneedle device 11.

[0065] When the applicator 1B is viewed along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21 a, so that the switch 3 does not come into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.

[0066] When the applicator 1B is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover, for example, the entire switch 3. The applicator 1B does not have a portion that covers the piston 32 from the top 22 side, and does not have a portion that covers, for example, the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side. Therefore, when the applicator 1B is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the piston 32 is exposed to the outside of the applicator 1B.

[0067] The stopper 4 is a component supporting the microneedle device 11 disposed within the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin. As described above, the applicator 1B includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4. The two stoppers 4 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. As an example, the two stoppers 4 are positioned so as to sandwich the vicinity of the free end 31b of the arm 31 along the width direction D3. In the set state, the two stoppers 4 are arranged along the outer edge of the microneedle device 11. Each stopper 4 has a columnar shape extending from the bottom 21 along the height direction D1. A movable portion 25 that can bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1 is connected to each stopper 4. A gap is formed between the top surface and side surfaces of the stopper 4 and other components of the main body 2, except for the connection portion with the movable portion 25. Therefore, the stopper 4 can bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0068] The stopper 4 is provided with a protrusion 41 that protrudes toward the piston 32 when viewed from the height direction D1. That is, the protrusion 41 protrudes toward the center of the microneedle device 11 in the set state. When viewed from the height direction D1, the protrusion 41 overlaps with the opening 21a but does not overlap with the switch 3. Therefore, when the switch 3 moves, the protrusion 41 does not come into contact with the switch 3. The stopper 4 has an arrangement surface 4a on which the microneedle device 11 is arranged in the set state. The arrangement surface 4a is a surface facing upward and is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1. The arrangement surface 4a may be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0069] The stopper 4 is arranged closer to the arm 31 than the end 32b of the piston 32 on the center line CL1. The end 32b is also the end of the switch 3 on the center line CL1 and is located on the opposite side from the fixed end 31a. Therefore, in the set state, the stopper 4 mainly supports the part of the microneedle device 11 on the arm 31 side. As an example, the stopper 4 supports the peripheral edge portion 11c. The stopper 4 may also support the platform surface 11d as long as it does not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.

[0070] When the arm 31 is capable of generating an elastic force, like an elastic member such as a leaf spring, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31. As an example, the microneedle device 11 inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a pushes the piston 32 upward, causing the arm 31 to deform toward the apex 22. Alternatively, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22 due to such an insertion operation by the user. The switch 3, for example, the piston 32, transmits the elastic force generated in the arm 31 to the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. At this time, the switch 3 contacts the microneedle device 11. The arm 31 may contact the microneedle device 11, or the piston surface 32a may contact the microneedle device 11. The stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 against the elastic force. In this way, the microneedle device 11 is supported against the elastic force by being held by the switch 3 and the stopper 4.

[0071] The rib 5 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 together with the stopper 4. The rib 5 is provided at a position different from the stopper 4. As an example, the rib 5 is located on the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31. The rib 5 is provided closer to the end 32b than the arm 31. Therefore, in the set state, the rib 5 mainly supports the portion of the microneedle device 11 on the end 32b side. The rib 5 extends from the bottom 21 to the top 22 along the height direction D1 and then bends toward the center of the main body 2, forming an inverted L shape. The tip surface 5a of the rib 5 faces the center of the main body 2. Because a gap is formed between the entire top surface and side surface of the rib 5 and other components of the main body 2, the rib 5 can bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1. As described above, the applicator 1B may include a single rib 5 or two or more ribs 5. For example, similar to the stopper 4, the two ribs 5 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1 as the reference axis.

[0072] The rib 5 contacts at least the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. As an example, the tip surface 5a of the rib 5 contacts the side surface 11e and does not contact any part of the microneedle device 11 other than the side surface 11e. The rib 5 may press the microneedle device 11 toward the stopper 4. While the stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 from below, the rib 5 can be said to support the microneedle device 11 from the side.

[0073] The eaves portion 6 is a component that stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2 when it is inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a and moves toward the top portion 22, preventing it from jumping out from above the main body 2. As described above, the applicator 1B includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, one eaves portion 6. As an example, the eaves portion 6 is arranged to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. The eaves portion 6 is arranged closer to the end portion 32b of the piston 32 than the arm 31. The eaves portion 6 is located on the opposite side of the piston 32 from the stopper 4. In the applicator 1B, the eaves portion 6 is part of the wall portion 26 that extends from approximately the upper half of the first side portion 23 (approximately the upper half in FIG. 8 ) toward the inside of the main body 2 when viewed from the height direction D1. When viewed from the height direction D1, the canopy portion 6 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. As a result, the canopy portion 6 does not come into contact with the switch 3 when the switch 3 moves.

[0074] The eave portion 6 is arranged so as to be closer to the apex 22 than the placement surface 4a of the stopper 4 in the height direction D1. That is, the eave portion 6 is located above the stopper 4. The distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a in the height direction D1 is greater than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. From the perspective of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a may be the same as the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11 or may be smaller than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c. The lower end 6a is the end of the eave portion 6 that is located on the bottom 21 side in the height direction D1. The upper end 4b is the end of the placement surface 4a that is located on the apex 22 side in the height direction D1.

[0075] The eave portion 6 is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. As an example, the eave portion 6 covers a portion of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eave portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that another portion of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1B, the eave portion 6 is provided in one location along the peripheral edge 11c.

[0076] The retrieval mechanism 7 is a component that holds the microneedle device 11 at least when the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin by the user operating the switch 3. The retrieval mechanism 7 includes two claws 71 that grip the microneedle device 11. As an example, the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 before it reaches the skin in response to the movement of the piston 32 toward the skin. Each of the two claws 71 is provided on the piston 32 so as to be positioned outside the piston surface 32a and is positioned closer to the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 than the piston surface 32a. As an example, the two claws 71 are positioned on both sides of the piston surface 32a in the width direction D3 and grip the microneedle device 11 from both sides of the microneedle device 11. As an example, the two claws 71 are positioned on an imaginary center line CL2 that is parallel to the width direction D3 of the microneedle device 11 in the set state. In this case, the claws 71 can stably grip the microneedle device 11.

[0077] Next, a series of operations up to application of the microneedle device 11 to the skin will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] In the set state shown as scene S201, the microneedle device 11 is supported from below by the stopper 4 and from the sides by the ribs 5. At this time, the piston 32 of the switch 3 is positioned above the microneedle device 11, and the claws 71 do not grip the microneedle device 11.

[0079] In scene S202, the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, causing the claws 71 to come into contact with the microneedle device 11. As the stopper 4 continues to support the microneedle device 11, the two claws 71 that have come into contact with the microneedle device 11 open outward, then move along the sides of the microneedle device 11 and reach below the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. As a result, the two claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11. As an example, the two claws 71 grip the peripheral portion 11c and do not grip the platform surface 11d. When the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11, substantially the entire surface of the piston surface 32a comes into contact with the microneedle device 11. The claws 71 may grip the platform surface 11d as long as they do not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.

[0080] In scene S203, when the user further presses the switch 3, the microneedle device 11 pushed by the piston 32 passes over the protrusion 41, moves downward, and reaches the skin. At this time, the rib 5 bends outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, allowing the microneedle device 11 to move smoothly downward. This causes the microneedles 11a to abut against or puncture the skin. As described above, the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin.

[0081] The user then removes the applicator 1B from the skin. The claws 71 continue to hold the microneedle device 11 even after the microneedle device 11 has been applied to the skin. Therefore, when the user removes the applicator 1B from the skin, the microneedle device 11 held by the claws 71 also removes from the skin together with the applicator 1B.

[0082] As described above, the claw 71 grips the microneedle device 11 before the microneedle device 11 passes over the protrusion 41. As another example, the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 at the time when the microneedle device 11 passes over the protrusion 41 or after the microneedle device 11 passes over the protrusion 41. For example, the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin. Alternatively, the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 before the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, as shown in scene S202.

[0083] [Application Kit According to Second Example] The configuration of an application kit 10B according to a second example will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the application kit 10B seen from above. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII shown in Figure 12. Figure 13 shows a state in which a microneedle device 11 is placed on a stage 12.

[0084] The stage 12 is an article for placing the microneedle device 11 in the applicator 1B. The stage 12 has a columnar portion 121 that extends along the height direction D1 and supports the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 is partially provided along the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 has a top surface 121a that supports the microneedle device 11. The top surface 121a is the surface that faces the microneedle device 11. As an example, the top surface 121a supports the peripheral portion 11c and does not contact the platform surface 11d.

[0085] In the application kit 10B, the process from placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 into the applicator 1B is the same as the process in the application kit 10A described with reference to FIG.

[0086] [Applicator according to the third example] The structure of an applicator 1C according to the third example will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 17. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the applicator 1C as seen from above. Fig. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which a microneedle device 11 is set in the applicator 1C. Figs. 14 to 16 show the applicator 1C in its natural state.

[0087] The applicator 1C includes a main body 2, a switch 3, at least one stopper 4, at least one rib 5, at least one canopy portion 6 (block portion), and a recovery mechanism 7. The material of the applicator 1C is, for example, the same as the material of the applicator 1A. The configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1C is the same as the configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1A.

[0088] The main body 2 is a structure that houses each component such as the switch 3, and is formed by combining a substantially cylindrical portion and a substantially rectangular portion. The main body 2 has a bottom 21, a top 22, a first side 23 (side), and a wall 26. The bottom 21 is the portion that comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1C is placed on the skin to apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin. The bottom 21 is formed by combining a substantially circular portion and a substantially rectangular portion. An opening 21a for inserting the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2 is formed in approximately the center of the bottom 21. The top 22 is the portion that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1C is placed on the skin.

[0089] The definitions of the height direction D1, the lateral direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following description are the same as those used in the description of Example 1. In addition, the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1C, and the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1C.

[0090] The first side portion 23 extends along the height direction D1 and defines the outer periphery of the main body 2. As an example, the first side portion 23 extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 21 from the entire outer edge of the bottom portion 21 along the height direction D1. The top surface of the first side portion 23 may exist or function as the top portion 22. As an example, to improve user convenience, the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (e.g., the portion on the side of the fixed end 31 a of the arm 31) may be lower than the height of the other portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21.

[0091] The wall portion 26 extends from substantially the entire inner surface of the first side portion 23 toward the inside of the main body 2. In the applicator 1C, the wall portion 26 is formed integrally with the bottom portion 21. As an example, the wall portion 26 is a portion that is thicker in thickness in the height direction D1 than the bottom portion 21.

[0092] As an example, the main body 2 is formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as a reference axis. That is, the bottom portion 21, the top portion 22, the first side portion 23, and the wall portion 26 are each formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as a reference axis.

[0093] The switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by a user. The switch 3 includes an arm 31 and a piston 32. The arm 31 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped portion attached to the first side portion 23 so as to extend along the lateral direction D2. Therefore, the lateral direction D2 can also be considered the extension direction of the arm 31. The arm 31 has a fixed end 31a attached to the first side portion 23 and a free end 31b located opposite the fixed end 31a. The arm 31 can move in an arc along the height direction D1 with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum, and this movement allows the free end 31b to move along the height direction D1. The arm 31 may be made of a member or material that generates elastic force, such as an elastic member such as a leaf spring. Alternatively, the arm 31 may be a non-elastic member or a flexible member. The piston 32 is a plate-shaped portion attached to the free end 31b. The piston 32 has a piston surface 32a that faces the skin. In one example, the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1. In one example, the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3. The arm 31 may extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.

[0094] In the set state, the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21. The microneedle device 11 is disposed within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it contacts the skin. In other words, the piston 32, the microneedle device 11, and the bottom 21 (skin) are arranged in this order along the height direction D1. When applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin. In other words, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1. At this time, the arm 31 moves in an arc shape with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum in conjunction with the movement of the piston 32. The piston surface 32a contacts the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin. In the set state, the piston surface 32a may or may not contact the microneedle device 11.

[0095] When the applicator 1C is viewed along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21 a, so that the switch 3 does not come into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.

[0096] When the applicator 1C is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover, for example, the entire switch 3. The applicator 1C does not have a portion that covers the piston 32 from the top 22 side, and does not have a portion that covers, for example, the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side. Therefore, when the applicator 1C is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the piston 32 is exposed to the outside of the applicator 1C.

[0097] The stopper 4 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 disposed within the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin. As described above, the applicator 1C includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4. The two stoppers 4 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. As an example, the two stoppers 4 are positioned so as to sandwich the vicinity of the free end 31b of the arm 31 along the width direction D3. In the set state, the two stoppers 4 are arranged along the outer edge of the microneedle device 11. Each stopper 4 is attached across the inner surface of the bottom portion 21 that defines the opening 21a and the inner surface of the wall portion 26 that is continuous with the inner surface of the bottom portion 21. Each stopper 4 has a columnar shape extending along the height direction D1. As an example, the bottom surface of the stopper 4 is located on the same plane as the bottom surface of the main body 2 (the surface that comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1C is placed on the skin).

[0098] When viewed from the height direction D1, the stopper 4 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. Therefore, when the switch 3 moves, the stopper 4 does not come into contact with the switch 3. The stopper 4 has an arrangement surface 4a on which the microneedle device 11 is arranged in the set state. The arrangement surface 4a is an upward-facing surface that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1. The arrangement surface 4a may be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0099] The stopper 4 is arranged closer to the arm 31 than the end 32b of the piston 32 on the center line CL1. The end 32b is also the end of the switch 3 on the center line CL1 and is located on the opposite side from the fixed end 31a. Therefore, in the set state, the stopper 4 mainly supports the part of the microneedle device 11 on the arm 31 side. As an example, the stopper 4 supports the peripheral edge portion 11c. The stopper 4 may also support the platform surface 11d as long as it does not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.

[0100] When the arm 31 is capable of generating an elastic force, like an elastic member such as a leaf spring, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31. As an example, the microneedle device 11 inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a pushes the piston 32 upward, causing the arm 31 to deform toward the apex 22. Alternatively, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22 due to such an insertion operation by the user. The switch 3, for example, the piston 32, transmits the elastic force generated in the arm 31 to the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. At this time, the switch 3 contacts the microneedle device 11. The arm 31 may contact the microneedle device 11, or the piston surface 32a may contact the microneedle device 11. The stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 against the elastic force. In this way, the microneedle device 11 is supported against the elastic force by being held by the switch 3 and the stopper 4.

[0101] The rib 5 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 together with the stopper 4. The rib 5 is provided at a position different from the stopper 4. As an example, the rib 5 is located on the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31. The rib 5 is provided closer to the end 32b than the arm 31. Therefore, in the set state, the rib 5 mainly supports the portion of the microneedle device 11 on the end 32b side. The rib 5 extends from the top 22 to the bottom 21 along the height direction D1 and then bends toward the center of the main body 2, forming an L-shape. The tip surface 5a of the rib 5 faces the center of the main body 2. The rib 5 does not reach the bottom surface of the main body 2 in the height direction D1 and does not come into contact with the skin when the applicator 1C is placed on the skin. Because a gap is formed between the entire bottom and side surfaces of the rib 5 and other components of the main body 2, the rib 5 can bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1. In the applicator 1C, the rib 5 extends downward from a part of the first side portion 23 that protrudes toward the end portion 32b. As described above, the applicator 1C may include a single rib 5, or may include two or more ribs 5. For example, similar to the stopper 4, two ribs 5 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1 as a reference axis.

[0102] The rib 5 contacts at least the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. As an example, the tip surface 5a of the rib 5 contacts the side surface 11e and does not contact any part of the microneedle device 11 other than the side surface 11e. The rib 5 may press the microneedle device 11 toward the stopper 4. While the stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 from below, the rib 5 can be said to support the microneedle device 11 from the side.

[0103] The eaves portion 6 is a component that stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2 so that the microneedle device 11, which is inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a and moves toward the top portion 22, does not protrude from above the main body 2. As described above, the applicator 1C includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, two eaves portions 6. As an example, the two eaves portions 6 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. When viewed from the height direction D1, the two eaves portions 6 are positioned so as to sandwich the piston 32 in the width direction D3. When viewed from the height direction D1, the eaves portion 6 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap with the switch 3. As a result, the eaves portion 6 does not come into contact with the switch 3 when the switch 3 moves. In the applicator 1C, when viewed from the height direction D1, most of the eaves portion 6 extends along the lateral direction D2, and both ends of the eaves portion 6 are bent. The eave portion 6 may be formed integrally with the wall portion 26 .

[0104] The eave portion 6 is arranged so as to be closer to the apex 22 than the placement surface 4a of the stopper 4 in the height direction D1. That is, the eave portion 6 is located above the stopper 4. The distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a in the height direction D1 is greater than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. From the viewpoint of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a may be the same as the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11 or may be smaller than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c. The lower end 6a is the end of the eave portion 6 that is located on the bottom 21 side in the height direction D1. The upper end 4b is the end of the placement surface 4a that is located on the apex 22 side in the height direction D1. In the applicator 1C, the upper end 4b is the upper end of the stopper 4.

[0105] The eave portion 6 is provided so as to cover at least a part of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. As an example, the eave portion 6 covers a part of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eave portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that another part of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1C, the eave portions 6 are provided at two locations along the peripheral edge 11c.

[0106] The retrieval mechanism 7 is a component that holds the microneedle device 11 at least when the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin by the user operating the switch 3. The retrieval mechanism 7 has two claws 71 that grip the microneedle device 11. As an example, the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 at approximately the same time as the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin in response to the piston 32 moving toward the skin.

[0107] In the applicator 1C, the recovery mechanism 7 is a plurality of L-shaped members located outside the piston 32. As an example, the recovery mechanism 7 is two L-shaped members located on both sides of the piston 32 in the width direction D3. Each L-shaped member has a horizontal portion 72 extending along the width direction D3 and a vertical portion 73 extending along the height direction D1 to the top portion 22. The horizontal portion 72 is a rod-shaped portion extending from the inner surface of the first side portion 23 toward the inside of the main body 2. As an example, the horizontal portion 72 comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1C is placed on the skin. The horizontal portion 72 has an inner end 72a located inside the main body 2. The inner end 72a is located near the piston 32. The vertical portion 73 is a rod-shaped portion extending from the inner end 72a toward the top portion 22. The vertical portion 73 has an upper end 73a located on the side of the top portion 22. The upper end 73 a is located outside the overhanging portion 6 in the width direction D3. In other words, the overhanging portion 6 is provided more inward of the main body 2 than the upper end 73 a. In the applicator 1C, the claws 71 are provided on the inner end 72 a so as to protrude from the inner end 72 a toward the piston 32.

[0108] As an example, the angle formed between the horizontal portion 72 and the vertical portion 73 is 90 degrees. The angle does not have to be 90 degrees as long as the microneedle device 11 can be reliably applied to the skin and can be held without interference with the microneedle device 11 by the vertical portion 73. As an example, the angle may be 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, or 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less.

[0109] Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the operation up to applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin will be described.

[0110] In the set state, the microneedle device 11 is supported from below by the stopper 4 and from the sides by the ribs 5. At this time, the piston 32 of the switch 3 is located above the microneedle device 11. When the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, the microneedle device 11 pushed by the piston 32 advances downward while sliding on the placement surface 4a. At this time, the ribs 5 bend outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, so the microneedle device 11 advances smoothly downward. When the user presses the switch 3 further, the microneedle device 11 pushed by the piston 32 advances further downward than the placement surface 4a and reaches the skin. This causes the microneedles 11a to abut against or puncture the skin. As described above, the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin.

[0111] Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the operation up to when the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 will be described.

[0112] In the pre-setting state shown as scene S301, the microneedle device 11 is placed below the applicator 1C.

[0113] In scene S302, the user inserts the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2. At this time, the microneedle device 11 comes into contact with the claw 71 from below, causing the vertical portion 73 to tilt toward the outside of the main body 2. When the microneedle device 11 climbs over the claw 71, the vertical portion 73 returns to its original position. As a result of the above-mentioned insertion operation, as shown in scene S303, the microneedle device 11 enters between the piston 32 and the stopper 4 and is supported by the stopper 4. The state shown in scene S303 is the set state shown in FIG. 17 .

[0114] In scene S304, as described with reference to FIG. 17 , the user applies the microneedle device 11 to the skin. When the user presses the piston 32 toward the skin, the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin. At approximately the same time, the claw 71 grips the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2. If the user continues to press the piston 32 in this state, the vertical portion 73 begins to tilt toward the inside of the main body 2. However, in the applicator 1C, the canopy portion 6 is located further inside the main body 2 than the upper end 73 a, limiting the range of tilt of the vertical portion 73 toward the inside of the main body 2. This prevents the vertical portion 73 from tilting excessively toward the inside of the main body 2, so the microneedle device 11 remains within the main body 2. The claw 71 may grip the peripheral portion 11 c. Alternatively, the claw 71 may grip the platform surface 11 d as long as it does not come into contact with the microneedle 11 a.

[0115] In scene S305, the user stops pushing the piston 32, and the vertical portion 73 returns to its original position. The claws 71 continue to grip the microneedle device 11 even after the microneedle device 11 has been applied to the skin. Therefore, when the user removes the applicator 1C from the skin, the microneedle device 11 held by the claws 71 also moves away from the skin together with the applicator 1C.

[0116] As described above, the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 at approximately the same time as the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin. As another example, the claws 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 before the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin or after the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin.

[0117] As described above, in the applicator 1C, the canopy portion 6 has the function of stopping the movement of the microneedle device 11 toward the top 22, as well as the function of restricting the vertical portion 73 from tilting toward the inside of the main body 2.

[0118] [Application Kit According to Third Example] The configuration of an application kit 10C according to a third example will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the application kit 10C as viewed from above.

[0119] The stage 12 is an article for placing the microneedle device 11 in the applicator 1C. The stage 12 has a columnar portion 121 that extends along the height direction D1 and supports the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 is partially provided along the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 has a top surface 121a that supports the microneedle device 11. The top surface 121a is the surface that faces the microneedle device 11. As an example, the top surface 121a supports the peripheral portion 11c and does not contact the platform surface 11d.

[0120] In the application kit 10C, the process from placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 into the applicator 1C is the same as the process in the application kit 10A described with reference to FIG.

[0121] [Applicator according to the fourth example] The structure of an applicator 1D according to the fourth example will be described with reference to Figs. 20 to 22. Fig. 20 is a plan view of the applicator 1D as seen from above. Fig. 21 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which a microneedle device is set in the applicator 1D. Figs. 20 and 21 show the applicator 1D in its natural state.

[0122] The applicator 1D includes a main body 2, a switch 3, at least one stopper 4, at least one rib 5, and at least one canopy portion 6. The material of the applicator 1D is, for example, the same as the material of the applicator 1A. The configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1D is the same as the configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1A.

[0123] The main body 2 is a structure that houses each component such as the switch 3, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with two rounded corners. The main body 2 has a bottom 21, a top 22, a first side 23 (side), and a wall 26. The bottom 21 is the portion that comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1D is placed on the skin to apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin. The bottom 21 has a substantially rectangular shape with two rounded corners. An opening 21a is formed in approximately the center of the bottom 21 for inserting the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2. The top 22 is the portion that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1D is placed on the skin.

[0124] The definitions of the height direction D1, the lateral direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following description are the same as those used in the description of Example 1. In addition, the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1D, and the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1D.

[0125] The first side portion 23 extends along the height direction D1 and defines the outer periphery of the main body 2. As an example, the first side portion 23 extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 21 from the entire outer edge of the bottom portion 21 along the height direction D1. The top surface of the first side portion 23 may exist or function as the top portion 22. As an example, to improve user convenience, the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (e.g., the portion on the side of the fixed end 31 a of the arm 31) may be lower than the height of the other portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21.

[0126] The wall portion 26 extends from substantially the entire inner surface of the first side portion 23 toward the inside of the main body 2. In the applicator 1D, the wall portion 26 is formed integrally with the bottom portion 21. As an example, the wall portion 26 is a portion that is thicker in thickness in the height direction D1 than the bottom portion 21.

[0127] As an example, the main body 2 is formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as a reference axis. That is, the bottom portion 21, the top portion 22, the first side portion 23, and the wall portion 26 are each formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as a reference axis.

[0128] The switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by a user. The switch 3 includes an arm 31 and a piston 32. The arm 31 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped portion attached to the first side portion 23 so as to extend along the lateral direction D2. Therefore, the lateral direction D2 can also be considered the extension direction of the arm 31. The arm 31 has a fixed end 31a attached to the first side portion 23 and a free end 31b located opposite the fixed end 31a. The arm 31 can move in an arc along the height direction D1 with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum, and this movement allows the free end 31b to move along the height direction D1. The arm 31 may be made of a member or material that generates elastic force, such as an elastic member such as a leaf spring. Alternatively, the arm 31 may be a non-elastic member or a flexible member. The piston 32 is a plate-shaped portion attached to the free end 31b. The piston 32 has a piston surface 32a that faces the skin. In one example, the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1. In one example, the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3. The arm 31 may extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.

[0129] In the set state, the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21. The microneedle device 11 is disposed within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it contacts the skin. In other words, the piston 32, the microneedle device 11, and the bottom 21 (skin) are arranged in this order along the height direction D1. When applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin. In other words, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1. At this time, the arm 31 moves in an arc shape with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum in conjunction with the movement of the piston 32. The piston surface 32a contacts the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin. In the set state, the piston surface 32a may or may not contact the microneedle device 11.

[0130] When the applicator 1D is viewed along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21 a, so that the switch 3 does not come into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.

[0131] When the applicator 1D is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover, for example, the entire switch 3. The applicator 1D does not have a portion that covers the piston 32 from the top 22 side, and does not have a portion that covers, for example, the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side. Therefore, when the applicator 1D is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the piston 32 is exposed to the outside of the applicator 1D.

[0132] The stopper 4 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 disposed within the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin. As described above, the applicator 1D includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4. The two stoppers 4 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. As an example, the two stoppers 4 are positioned so as to sandwich the vicinity of the free end 31b of the arm 31 along the width direction D3. In the set state, the two stoppers 4 are arranged along the outer edge of the microneedle device 11. Each stopper 4 is attached across the inner surface of the bottom portion 21 that defines the opening 21a and the inner surface of the wall portion 26 that is continuous with the inner surface of the bottom portion 21. Each stopper 4 has a columnar shape extending along the height direction D1. As an example, the bottom surface of the stopper 4 is located on the same plane as the bottom surface of the main body 2 (the surface that comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1D is placed on the skin).

[0133] When viewed from the height direction D1, the stopper 4 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. Therefore, when the switch 3 moves, the stopper 4 does not come into contact with the switch 3. The stopper 4 has an arrangement surface 4a on which the microneedle device 11 is arranged in the set state. The arrangement surface 4a is an upward-facing surface that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1. The arrangement surface 4a may be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0134] The stopper 4 is arranged closer to the arm 31 than the end 32b of the piston 32 on the center line CL1. The end 32b is also the end of the switch 3 on the center line CL1 and is located on the opposite side from the fixed end 31a. Therefore, in the set state, the stopper 4 mainly supports the part of the microneedle device 11 on the arm 31 side. As an example, the stopper 4 supports the peripheral edge portion 11c. The stopper 4 may also support the platform surface 11d as long as it does not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.

[0135] When the arm 31 is capable of generating an elastic force, like an elastic member such as a leaf spring, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31. As an example, the microneedle device 11 inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a pushes the piston 32 upward, causing the arm 31 to deform toward the apex 22. Alternatively, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22 due to such an insertion operation by the user. The switch 3, for example, the piston 32, transmits the elastic force generated in the arm 31 to the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. At this time, the switch 3 contacts the microneedle device 11. The arm 31 may contact the microneedle device 11, or the piston surface 32a may contact the microneedle device 11. The stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 against the elastic force. In this way, the microneedle device 11 is supported against the elastic force by being held by the switch 3 and the stopper 4.

[0136] The rib 5 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 together with the stopper 4. The rib 5 is provided at a position different from the stopper 4. As an example, the rib 5 is located on the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31. The rib 5 is provided closer to the end 32b than the arm 31. Therefore, in the set state, the rib 5 mainly supports the portion of the microneedle device 11 on the end 32b side. The rib 5 extends along the height direction D1 from the top 22 to the bottom 21. The rib 5 does not reach the bottom surface of the main body 2 in the height direction D1 and does not come into contact with the skin when the applicator 1D is placed on the skin. The rib 5 is provided with a protrusion 51 that protrudes toward the end 32b of the piston 32 when viewed from the height direction D1. A gap is formed between the entire bottom and side surfaces of the rib 5 and other components of the main body 2, allowing the rib 5 to flex in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1. As described above, the applicator 1D may include a single rib 5 or two or more ribs 5. For example, similar to the stopper 4, two ribs 5 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1 as a reference axis.

[0137] The rib 5 contacts at least the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. The protrusions 51 of the rib 5 support the peripheral portion 11c from below. This allows the microneedle device 11 to be held more stably. The rib 5 may press the microneedle device 11 toward the stopper 4. While the stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 from below, the rib 5 can be said to support the microneedle device 11 from both the sides and below. The protrusions 51 of the rib 5 may support the platform surface 11d from below as long as they do not come into contact with the microneedles 11a.

[0138] The eaves portion 6 is a component that stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2 when it is inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a and moves toward the top portion 22, preventing it from jumping out from above the main body 2. As described above, the applicator 1D includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, four eaves portions 6. As an example, the four eaves portions 6 are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. Two eaves portions 6 are arranged closer to the end 32b of the piston 32 than the arm 31. The other two eaves portions 6 are arranged closer to the arm 31 than the end 32b. When viewed from the height direction D1, the other two eaves portions 6 are located more inward of the main body 2 than the stopper 4, and are positioned so as to sandwich the vicinity of the free end 31b of the arm 31. When viewed from the height direction D1, the eaves portion 6 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. As a result, when the switch 3 moves, the eaves portion 6 does not come into contact with the switch 3. The eaves portion 6 may be formed integrally with the wall portion 26.

[0139] The eave portion 6 is arranged so as to be closer to the apex 22 than the placement surface 4a of the stopper 4 in the height direction D1. That is, the eave portion 6 is located above the stopper 4. The distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a in the height direction D1 is greater than the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11. From the viewpoint of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a may be the same as the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 or may be smaller than the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c. The lower end 6a is the end of the eave portion 6 that is located on the bottom 21 side in the height direction D1. The upper end 4b is the end of the placement surface 4a that is located on the apex 22 side in the height direction D1. In the applicator 1D, the upper end 4b is the upper end of the stopper 4.

[0140] The eave portion 6 is provided so as to cover at least a part of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. As an example, the eave portion 6 covers a part of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eave portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that another part of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1D, the eave portions 6 are provided at four locations along the peripheral edge 11c.

[0141] Next, a series of operations up to application of the microneedle device 11 to the skin will be described with reference to FIG.

[0142] In the set state, the microneedle device 11 is supported from below by the stopper 4 and from the sides and below by the ribs 5. At this time, the piston 32 of the switch 3 is positioned above the microneedle device 11. When the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, the stopper 4 and the protrusion 51 of the rib 5 continue to support the microneedle device 11. When the microneedle device 11 is pushed by the piston 32 and overcomes the protrusion 51, the microneedle device 11 slides downward on the placement surface 4a. At this time, the rib 5 bends outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, so the microneedle device 11 moves smoothly downward.

[0143] When the user presses the switch 3 further, the microneedle device 11 pushed by the piston 32 advances further downward than the placement surface 4a and reaches the skin. This causes the microneedles 11a to abut against or puncture the skin. As described above, the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin. As described above, with the applicator 1D, the user needs to press the switch 3 firmly in order for the microneedle device 11 to overcome the protrusions 51. This allows the microneedle device 11 to reach the skin more reliably.

[0144] [Application Kit According to Fourth Example] The configuration of an application kit 10D according to a fourth example will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the application kit 10D as seen from above.

[0145] The stage 12 is an article for placing the microneedle device 11 in the applicator 1D. The stage 12 has a columnar portion 121 that extends along the height direction D1 and supports the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 is partially provided along the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 has a top surface 121a that supports the microneedle device 11. The top surface 121a is the surface that faces the microneedle device 11. As an example, the top surface 121a supports the peripheral portion 11c and does not contact the platform surface 11d.

[0146] In the application kit 10D, the process from placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 into the applicator 1D is the same as the process in the application kit 10A described with reference to FIG.

[0147] [Applicator According to Fifth Example] The structure of an applicator 1E according to a fifth example will be described with reference to Figures 24 and 25. Figure 24 is a plan view of the applicator 1E as seen from above. Figure 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV shown in Figure 24. Figures 24 and 25 show the applicator 1E in its natural state.

[0148] The applicator 1E includes a main body 2, a switch 3, at least one stopper 4, and at least one canopy portion 6. The material of the applicator 1E is, for example, the same as the material of the applicator 1A. The configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1E is the same as the configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1A.

[0149] The main body 2 is a structure that houses each component such as the switch 3, and is formed by combining a substantially cylindrical portion and a substantially truncated quadrangular pyramid portion. The main body 2 has a bottom 21, a top 22, a first side 23 (side portion), and a second side 24. The bottom 21 is the portion that comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1E is placed on the skin to apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin. The bottom 21 is formed by combining a substantially circular portion and a substantially trapezoidal portion. An opening 21a for inserting the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2 is formed in approximately the center of the bottom 21. The top 22 is the portion that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1E is placed on the skin.

[0150] The definitions of the height direction D1, the lateral direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following description are the same as those used in the description of Example 1. In addition, the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1E, and the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1E.

[0151] The first side portion 23 extends along the height direction D1 and defines the outer periphery of the main body 2. As an example, the first side portion 23 extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 21 from the entire outer edge of the bottom portion 21 along the height direction D1. The top surface of the first side portion 23 may exist or function as the top portion 22. As an example, to improve user convenience, the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (e.g., the portion on the side of the fixed end 31 a of the arm 31) may be lower than the height of the other portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21.

[0152] The second side portion 24 is connected to the first side portion 23 on the inside of the first side portion 23. The second side portion 24 extends in an arc shape so that a gap is formed between the second side portion 24 and the first side portion 23. In the set state, the second side portion 24 extends along the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. Because a gap is formed between the entire surface of the second side portion 24 and the first side portion 23, the second side portion 24 can bend toward the first side portion 23.

[0153] As an example, the main body 2 is formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as a reference axis. That is, the bottom portion 21, the top portion 22, the first side portion 23, and the second side portion 24 are each formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as a reference axis.

[0154] The switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by a user. The switch 3 includes an arm 31 and a piston 32. The arm 31 is a generally rectangular plate-shaped portion attached to the first side portion 23 so as to extend along the lateral direction D2. Therefore, the lateral direction D2 can also be considered the extension direction of the arm 31. The arm 31 has a fixed end 31a attached to the first side portion 23 and a free end 31b located opposite the fixed end 31a. Free ends 24a of the second side portion 24 are located on both sides of the free end 31b in the width direction D3. The arm 31 can move in an arc along the height direction D1 with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum, and this movement allows the free end 31b to move along the height direction D1. The arm 31 may be made of a member or material that generates elastic force, such as an elastic member such as a leaf spring. Alternatively, the arm 31 may be a non-elastic member or a flexible member. The piston 32 is a plate-shaped portion attached to the free end 31b. The piston 32 has a piston surface 32a that faces the skin. In one example, the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1. In one example, the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3. The arm 31 may extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.

[0155] In the set state, the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21. The microneedle device 11 is disposed within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it contacts the skin. In other words, the piston 32, the microneedle device 11, and the bottom 21 (skin) are arranged in this order along the height direction D1. When applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin. In other words, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1. At this time, the arm 31 moves in an arc shape with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum in conjunction with the movement of the piston 32. The piston surface 32a contacts the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin. In the set state, the piston surface 32a may or may not contact the microneedle device 11.

[0156] When the applicator 1E is viewed along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21 a, so that the switch 3 does not come into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.

[0157] When the applicator 1E is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover, for example, the entire switch 3. The applicator 1E does not have a portion that covers the piston 32 from the top 22 side, and does not have a portion that covers, for example, the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side. Therefore, when the applicator 1E is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the piston 32 is exposed to the outside of the applicator 1E.

[0158] The stopper 4 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 disposed within the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin. As described above, the applicator 1E includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4. The two stoppers 4 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. As an example, the two stoppers 4 are positioned so as to sandwich the vicinity of the free end 31b of the arm 31 along the width direction D3. In the applicator 1E, the two stoppers 4 are arranged closer to the free end 24a of the second side portion 24 than the fixed end 24b. The two stoppers 4 are arranged along the outer edge of the microneedle device 11 in the set state. Each stopper 4 protrudes from the inner surface of the second side portion 24 toward the inside of the main body 2.

[0159] When viewed from the height direction D1, the stopper 4 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. Therefore, when the switch 3 moves, the stopper 4 does not come into contact with the switch 3. The stopper 4 has an arrangement surface 4a on which the microneedle device 11 is arranged in the set state. The arrangement surface 4a is an upward-facing surface that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1. The arrangement surface 4a may be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0160] The stopper 4 is arranged closer to the arm 31 than the end 32b of the piston 32 on the center line CL1. The end 32b is also the end of the switch 3 on the center line CL1 and is located on the opposite side from the fixed end 31a. Therefore, in the set state, the stopper 4 mainly supports the part of the microneedle device 11 on the arm 31 side. As an example, the stopper 4 supports the peripheral edge portion 11c. The stopper 4 may also support the platform surface 11d as long as it does not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.

[0161] When the arm 31 is capable of generating an elastic force, like an elastic member such as a leaf spring, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31. As an example, the microneedle device 11 inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a pushes the piston 32 upward, causing the arm 31 to deform toward the apex 22. Alternatively, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22 due to such an insertion operation by the user. The switch 3, for example, the piston 32, transmits the elastic force generated in the arm 31 to the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. At this time, the switch 3 contacts the microneedle device 11. The arm 31 may contact the microneedle device 11, or the piston surface 32a may contact the microneedle device 11. The stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 against the elastic force. In this way, the microneedle device 11 is supported against the elastic force by being held by the switch 3 and the stopper 4.

[0162] The canopy portion 6 is a component that stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2 when it is inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a and moves toward the top portion 22, preventing it from jumping out from above the main body 2. As described above, the applicator 1E includes one or more canopy portions 6, for example, three canopy portions 6. As an example, one canopy portion 6 is located on the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 and is provided on the first side portion 23. The other two canopy portions 6 are located symmetrically with respect to the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 as a reference axis and are provided on the second side portion 24. These two canopy portions 6 are provided in the center of the second side portion 24 and are spaced apart from the free end 24a of the second side portion 24. When viewed from the height direction D1, the three canopy portions 6 protrude from the first side portion 23 or the second side portion 24 toward the inside of the main body 2. When viewed from the height direction D1, the canopy portion 6 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. As a result, the canopy portion 6 does not come into contact with the switch 3 when the switch 3 moves.

[0163] The eave portion 6 is arranged so as to be closer to the apex 22 than the placement surface 4a of the stopper 4 in the height direction D1. That is, the eave portion 6 is located above the stopper 4. The distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a in the height direction D1 is greater than the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11. From the viewpoint of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a may be the same as the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 or may be smaller than the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c. The lower end 6a is the end of the eave portion 6 that is located on the bottom 21 side in the height direction D1. The upper end 4b is the end of the placement surface 4a that is located on the apex 22 side in the height direction D1. In the applicator 1E, the upper end 4b is the upper end of the stopper 4.

[0164] The eave portion 6 is provided so as to cover at least a part of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. As an example, the eave portion 6 covers a part of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eave portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that another part of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1E, the eave portions 6 are provided at three locations along the peripheral edge 11c.

[0165] Next, a series of operations up to application of the microneedle device 11 to the skin when using the applicator 1E will be described. This operation is the same as the operation of the applicator 1A described with reference to FIG. 4 . That is, when the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, the microneedle device 11 overcomes the stopper 4 and reaches the skin. When the microneedle device 11 overcomes the stopper 4, the second side portion 24 on which the stopper 4 is provided bends toward the first side portion 23, so the microneedle device 11 moves smoothly downward. In the applicator 1E, the stopper 4 is located closer to the free end 24a than the fixed end 24b of the second side portion 24. Because the second side portion 24 is more likely to bend toward the first side portion 23 as it approaches the free end 24a, the stopper 4 is more likely to move toward the first side portion 23.

[0166] [Application Kit According to Fifth Example] The configuration of an application kit 10E according to a fifth example will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the application kit 10E as seen from above.

[0167] The stage 12 is an article for placing the microneedle device 11 in the applicator 1E. The stage 12 has a columnar portion 121 extending along the height direction D1 to support the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 is partially provided along the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 has a top surface 121a that supports the microneedle device 11 and a protrusion 121b that protrudes from the top surface 121a along the height direction D1. The top surface 121a is the surface that faces the microneedle device 11. As an example, the top surface 121a supports the peripheral portion 11c and does not contact the platform surface 11d. The protrusion 121b is located outside the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 supported by the columnar portion 121 is viewed from the side of the microneedle device 11 along the height direction D1. The protrusion 121b may or may not be in contact with the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11.

[0168] In the application kit 10E, the process from placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 into the applicator 1E is the same as the process in the application kit 10A described with reference to FIG.

[0169] [Applicator According to the Sixth Example] The structure of an applicator 1F according to the sixth example will be described with reference to Figures 27 and 28. Figure 27 is a plan view of the applicator 1F as seen from above. Figure 28 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII shown in Figure 27. Figures 27 and 28 show the applicator 1F in its natural state.

[0170] The applicator 1F includes a main body 2, at least one switch 3, at least one stopper 4, and at least one canopy portion 6. The material of the applicator 1F is, for example, the same as the material of the applicator 1A. The configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1F is the same as the configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in the applicator 1A.

[0171] The main body 2 is a roughly diamond-shaped structure that houses each component such as the switch 3. The main body 2 has a bottom 21, a top 22, a first side 23 (side), and a second side 24. The bottom 21 is the portion that comes into contact with the skin when the applicator 1F is placed on the skin to apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin. The bottom 21 has a roughly diamond shape. An opening 21a is formed in approximately the center of the bottom 21 for inserting the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2. The top 22 is the portion that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1F is placed on the skin.

[0172] The definitions of the height direction D1, the lateral direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following description are the same as those used in the description of Example 1. In addition, the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1F, and the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1F.

[0173] The first side portion 23 extends along the height direction D1 and defines the outer periphery of the main body 2. As an example, the first side portion 23 extends along the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 21 from the entire outer edge of the bottom portion 21 along the height direction D1. The top surface of the first side portion 23 may exist or function as the top portion 22. As an example, to improve user convenience, the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (e.g., the portion on the side of the fixed end 31 a of the arm 31) may be lower than the height of the other portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21.

[0174] The second side portion 24 is connected to the first side portion 23 on the inside of the first side portion 23. The second side portion 24 extends in an arc shape so that a gap is formed between the second side portion 24 and the first side portion 23. In the set state, the second side portion 24 extends along the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. Because a gap is formed between the entire surface of the second side portion 24 and the first side portion 23, the second side portion 24 can bend toward the first side portion 23.

[0175] As an example, the main body 2 is formed to be point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the main body 2. The bottom portion 21, the top portion 22, and the first side portion 23 are each formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as a reference axis. The second side portion 24 is formed to be point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the main body 2.

[0176] The switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin by user operation. As described above, the applicator 1F includes one or more switches 3, for example, two switches 3. The two switches 3 are positioned symmetrically with respect to an imaginary center line CL2 parallel to the width direction D3 of the microneedle device 11 in the set state. Each switch 3 includes an arm 31 and a piston 32. The arm 31 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped portion attached to the first side portion 23 so as to extend along the lateral direction D2. Therefore, the lateral direction D2 can also be considered the extension direction of the arm 31. The arm 31 has a fixed end 31a attached to the first side portion 23 and a free end 31b located opposite the fixed end 31a. The free end 24a of the second side portion 24 is located near the free end 31b. The arm 31 can move in an arc along the height direction D1 with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum, and this movement allows the free end 31b to move along the height direction D1. The arm 31 may be made of a member or material that generates elastic force, such as an elastic member such as a leaf spring. Alternatively, the arm 31 may be a non-elastic member or a flexible member. The piston 32 is a plate-shaped portion attached to the free end 31b. The piston 32 has a piston surface 32a that faces the skin. In one example, the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1. In one example, the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3. The arm 31 may extend at an angle with respect to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.

[0177] In the set state, the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21. The microneedle device 11 is disposed within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it contacts the skin. In other words, the piston 32, the microneedle device 11, and the bottom 21 (skin) are arranged in this order along the height direction D1. When applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin. In other words, the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1. At this time, the arm 31 moves in an arc shape with the fixed end 31a as a fulcrum in conjunction with the movement of the piston 32. The piston surface 32a contacts the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin. In the set state, the piston surface 32a may or may not contact the microneedle device 11.

[0178] When the applicator 1F is viewed along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21 a, so that the switch 3 does not come into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.

[0179] When the applicator 1F is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover, for example, the entire switch 3. The applicator 1F does not have a portion that covers the piston 32 from the top 22 side, and does not have a portion that covers, for example, the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side. Therefore, when the applicator 1F is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the piston 32 is exposed to the outside of the applicator 1F.

[0180] The stopper 4 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 disposed within the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin. As described above, the applicator 1F includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4. The two stoppers 4 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. As an example, the two stoppers 4 are positioned so as to sandwich the piston 32 along the width direction D3. The two stoppers 4 may be positioned on the center line CL2. The two stoppers 4 are arranged along the outer edge of the microneedle device 11 in the set state. Each stopper 4 protrudes from the inner surface of the second side portion 24 toward the inside of the main body 2. In the applicator 1F, the two stoppers 4 are arranged approximately in the center of the second side portion 24.

[0181] When viewed from the height direction D1, the stopper 4 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. Therefore, when the switch 3 moves, the protrusion 41 does not come into contact with the switch 3. The stopper 4 has an arrangement surface 4a on which the microneedle device 11 is arranged in the set state. The arrangement surface 4a is an upward-facing surface that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1. The arrangement surface 4a may be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.

[0182] As an example, the stopper 4 supports the peripheral edge 11c. The stopper 4 may support the platform surface 11d if it does not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.

[0183] When the arm 31 is capable of generating an elastic force, like an elastic member such as a leaf spring, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31. As an example, the microneedle device 11 inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a pushes the piston 32 upward, causing the arm 31 to deform toward the apex 22. Alternatively, the arm 31 deforms toward the apex 22 due to such an insertion operation by the user. The switch 3, for example, the piston 32, transmits the elastic force generated in the arm 31 to the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. At this time, the switch 3 contacts the microneedle device 11. The arm 31 may contact the microneedle device 11, or the piston surface 32a may contact the microneedle device 11. The stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 against the elastic force. In this way, the microneedle device 11 is supported against the elastic force by being held by the switch 3 and the stopper 4.

[0184] The canopy portion 6 is a component that stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2 when it is inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 21a and moves toward the top portion 22, preventing it from jumping out from above the main body 2. As described above, the applicator 1F includes one or more canopy portions 6, for example, four canopy portions 6. As an example, the four canopy portions 6 are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as a reference axis. Each canopy portion 6 is provided at the free end 24a or the fixed end 24b of the second side portion 24. When viewed from the height direction D1, the canopy portion 6 protrudes from the second side portion 24 toward the inside of the main body 2. When viewed from the height direction D1, the canopy portion 6 overlaps the opening 21a but does not overlap the switch 3. As a result, the canopy portion 6 does not come into contact with the switch 3 when the switch 3 moves.

[0185] The eave portion 6 is arranged so as to be closer to the apex 22 than the placement surface 4a of the stopper 4 in the height direction D1. That is, the eave portion 6 is located above the stopper 4. The distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a in the height direction D1 is greater than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. From the perspective of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eave portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a may be the same as the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11 or may be smaller than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c. The lower end 6a is the end of the eave portion 6 that is located on the bottom 21 side in the height direction D1. The upper end 4b is the end of the placement surface 4a that is located on the apex 22 side in the height direction D1. In the applicator 1F, the upper end 4b is the upper end of the stopper 4.

[0186] The eave portion 6 is provided so as to cover at least a part of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. As an example, the eave portion 6 covers a part of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eave portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that another part of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the side of the top 22 along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1F, the eave portions 6 are provided at four locations along the peripheral edge 11c.

[0187] When using applicator 1F, the series of operations up to applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin is the same as the operations for applicator 1A described with reference to Fig. 4. That is, when the user presses switch 3 toward the skin, the microneedle device 11 overcomes stopper 4 and reaches the skin. When the microneedle device 11 overcomes stopper 4, the second side portion 24 on which the stopper 4 is provided bends toward the first side portion 23, so that the microneedle device 11 moves smoothly downward.

[0188] [Application Kit According to Sixth Example] The configuration of an application kit 10F according to a sixth example will be described with reference to Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the application kit 10F as seen from above.

[0189] The stage 12 is an article for placing the microneedle device 11 in the applicator 1F. The stage 12 has a columnar portion 121 that extends along the height direction D1 and supports the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 is partially provided along the peripheral portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. The columnar portion 121 has a top surface 121a that supports the microneedle device 11. The top surface 121a is the surface that faces the microneedle device 11. As an example, the top surface 121a supports the peripheral portion 11c and does not contact the platform surface 11d.

[0190] In the application kit 10F, the process from placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 into the applicator 1F is the same as the process in the application kit 10A described with reference to FIG.

[0191] [Actions and Effects] In applicators 1A to 1F, the microneedle device 11, which is disposed within the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin, is supported by the stopper 4. This allows the piston 32 to be in stable contact with the microneedle device 11 when the user presses the piston 32 toward the skin. As a result, the microneedle device 11 is reliably pressed toward the skin. Therefore, the microneedle device 11 can be appropriately applied to the skin.

[0192] In applicators 1A to 1F, the switch 3 transmits the elastic force generated by the deformation of the arm 31 toward the top 22 to the microneedle device 11, the stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 against the elastic force, and the microneedle device 11 is supported against the elastic force by being gripped by the switch 3 and the stopper 4. This allows the microneedle device 11 to be held stably.

[0193] In applicators 1A to 1F, the two stoppers 4 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the reference axis, which is the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31. This ensures that when the piston 32 contacts the microneedle device 11, the pushing force of the user acts approximately uniformly on the two stoppers 4. This makes it easier to push the microneedle device 11 straight into the skin, and as a result, the microneedle device 11 can be properly applied to the skin.

[0194] In applicators 1A to 1E, the two stoppers 4 are provided closer to the arm 31 than the end of the piston 32 on the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31. When the stoppers 4 support the microneedle device 11 against the elastic force of the arm 31, the elastic force is more easily transmitted to the stoppers 4. Therefore, the microneedle device 11 can be held more stably.

[0195] The applicators 1A to 1D are provided with ribs 5 that are provided at positions different from the stoppers 4 and that come into contact with the side surfaces 11e of the microneedle devices 11 supported by the stoppers 4. This allows the microneedle devices 11 to be held stably.

[0196] In applicators 1A to 1C, the microneedle device 11 has a main surface 11b on which the microneedles 11a are provided, and the ribs 5 contact the side surfaces 11e without contacting the main surface 11b of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4. This prevents the ribs 5 from contacting the microneedles 11a, and as a result, prevents the microneedles 11a from breaking.

[0197] In applicators 1A to 1D, the rib 5 is located on the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 that is along the extension direction of the arm 31. This makes it easier for the pushing force of the user to act straight along the center line on the rib 5 when applying the microneedle device 11 to the skin, making it easier to push the microneedle device 11 into the skin.

[0198] In applicators 1A to 1F, the eaves portion 6 is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the peripheral edge portion 11c of the microneedle device 11. As a result, when the microneedle device 11 moves toward the apex 22, the eaves portion 6 stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2. Therefore, the microneedle device 11 can be securely set in the applicator 1A.

[0199] A supplement to the above-described effects will be provided. In the applicators 1A to 1F, the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover the switch 3 when the applicators 1A to 1F are viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1. Therefore, if the eaves 6 were not provided, there would be a risk that the microneedle device 11 would protrude above the applicators 1A to 1F when the microneedle device 11 is placed in the applicators 1A to 1F from below. However, since the eaves 6 is provided in the applicators 1A to 1F, the microneedle device 11 can be prevented from protruding above the applicators 1A to 1F.

[0200] In applicators 1A to 1F, the switch 3 transmits the elastic force generated by the deformation of the arm 31 toward the top 22 to the microneedle device 11, and the stopper 4 supports the microneedle device 11 against this elastic force. When the arm 31 is deformed toward the top 22 and the microneedle device 11 in contact with the switch 3 moves toward the top 22, the canopy portion 6 stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 toward the top 22. This makes it possible to stably hold the microneedle device 11 and prevent the microneedle device 11 from jumping out above the applicators 1A to 1F when the user operates the switch 3.

[0201] In applicators 1A to 1F, the eaves portion 6 covers part of the peripheral edge 11c, and is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that the other part of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1. This allows the user to easily visually recognize the position of the microneedle device 11 even when the eaves portion 6 is provided.

[0202] In the applicators 1A to 1F, the eaves portion 6 is formed to be symmetrical with respect to the reference axis, which is the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31. This makes it possible for the eaves portion 6 to more reliably stop movement of the microneedle device 11 toward the apex 22.

[0203] Applicators 1A to 1C are each equipped with at least a retrieval mechanism 7 that holds the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin by the user operating switch 3. As a result, when applicators 1A to 1C are removed from the skin, the microneedle device 11 applied to the skin is held by the retrieval mechanism 7 and is removed from the skin together with applicators 1A to 1C. Therefore, the microneedle device 11 applied to the skin can be easily retrieved.

[0204] In the applicators 1A to 1C, the retrieval mechanism 7 includes two claws 71 that grip the microneedle device 11. This makes it possible to easily realize a configuration in which the retrieval mechanism 7 holds the microneedle device 11.

[0205] In the applicators 1A and 1B, the two claws 71 are provided on the piston 32 so as to be positioned outside the piston surface 32a of the piston 32. This allows the claws 71 to easily grip the microneedle device 11 while the microneedle device 11 is in contact with the piston surface 32a.

[0206] In the applicators 1A and 1B, the two claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 before it reaches the skin in response to the movement of the piston 32 toward the skin, thereby enabling the microneedle device 11 to be held securely.

[0207] The applicators 1A and 1B are provided with a stopper 4 that supports the microneedle device 11 that is arranged in the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin. This allows the microneedle device 11 to be continuously supported by the stopper 4 when the two claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11. Therefore, the two claws 71 can grip the microneedle device 11 securely.

[0208] In applicators 1A to 1C, the two claws 71 do not grip the microneedle device 11 from the time the microneedle device 11 is inserted into the main body 2 toward the piston 32 until it is supported by the stopper 4. This makes it possible to easily position the microneedle device 11 in the main body 2 even when the claws 71 are provided.

[0209] In the applicator 1C, the recovery mechanism 7 is a plurality of L-shaped members located on the outside of the piston 32, and each of the plurality of L-shaped members has a horizontal portion 72 extending along the width direction D3, a vertical portion 73 extending from an inner end 72a of the horizontal portion 72 located inside the main body 2 to the top portion 22 along the height direction D1, and a claw 71 provided on the inner end 72a. By providing such a plurality of L-shaped members on the outside of the piston 32, the microneedle device 11 can be grasped by the plurality of claws 71 without interfering with the movement of the piston 32, which acts directly when the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin.

[0210] In the applicator 1C, the two claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 in response to the application of the microneedle device 11 to the skin. This makes it possible to more reliably grip the microneedle device 11 that has been applied to the skin.

[0211] The applicator 1C is provided with a canopy portion 6 (block portion) that is provided inside the main body 2 from the upper end 73a of the vertical portion 73 located on the apex 22 side and limits the range of tilt of the vertical portion 73 toward the inside of the main body 2. This prevents the vertical portion 73 from tilting excessively toward the inside of the main body 2, allowing the microneedle device 11 to remain within the main body 2.

[0212] In the application kits 10A to 10F, in response to the columnar portion 121 supporting the microneedle device 11 being inserted into the main body 2 toward the piston 32, the microneedle device 11 enters between the piston 32 and the stopper 4 and is supported by the stopper 4. This allows the microneedle device 11 to be easily placed in the applicators 1A to 1F from outside the applicators 1A to 1F. Therefore, the microneedle device 11 can be easily set in the applicators 1A to 1F.

[0213] In the application kits 10A and 10E, the columnar portion 121 has a top surface 121a that supports the microneedle device 11 and a protrusion 121b that protrudes from the top surface 121a, and when the microneedle device 11 supported by the columnar portion 121 is viewed from the side of the microneedle device 11 along the height direction D1, the protrusion 121b is located outside the microneedle device 11. This restricts movement of the microneedle device 11 along a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1, so that the microneedle device 11 can be securely set on the applicator 1A or 1E.

[0214] In the application kits 10A to 10F, the microneedle device 11 includes a main surface 11b on which one or more microneedles 11a are provided, a peripheral portion 11c defining the outer edge of the microneedle device 11, and a platform surface 11d formed inside the peripheral portion 11c and rising from the peripheral portion 11c to support the one or more microneedles 11a, and the columnar portion 121 includes a top surface 121a supporting the peripheral portion 11c without contacting the platform surface 11d. This limits movement of the microneedle device 11 along a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1, allowing the microneedle device 11 to be securely set on the applicators 1A to 1F. Furthermore, the columnar portion 121 can be prevented from coming into contact with the microneedles 11a.

[0215] [Modifications] The technology according to the present disclosure has been described in detail above based on various examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. The technology according to the present disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0216] In the applicators 1A to 1C, the rib 5 may have a protrusion 51 that protrudes toward the end 32b of the piston 32 when viewed from the height direction D1, similar to the applicator 1D. In this case, the applicators 1A to 1C can hold the microneedle device 11 more stably.

[0217] The applicator 1A may further include two eave portions 6 located on the same side of the piston 32 as the stopper 4. That is, the applicator 1A may include four eave portions 6, and two eave portions 6 may be positioned so that the piston 32 is sandwiched between the two eave portions 6 and the other two eave portions 6. In the applicator 1A, the four eave portions 6 may be provided in the same positions as the four eave portions 6 provided in the applicator 1D. In this case, the microneedle device 11 can be set more reliably by the applicator 1A.

[0218] In the applicator 1A, the stopper 4 extends from the bottom portion 21 in the height direction D1, but the stopper 4 may be provided so as to extend from the inner surface of the first side portion 23 toward the center of the main body 2.

[0219] [Supplementary Notes] As can be seen from the various examples above, the present disclosure includes the following aspects: (Supplementary Note 1) An applicator for applying a microneedle device to skin, comprising: a main body having a bottom that contacts the skin, a top that faces the bottom, and a side that extends in a height direction from the bottom to the top, a switch having an arm attached to the side so as to extend in a lateral direction from the side toward the center of the main body, and a piston provided at a free end of the arm that is pressed by a user toward the skin, and at least one stopper that supports the microneedle device arranged in the main body so as to be located between the piston and the skin. (Supplementary Note 2) The applicator according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the switch transmits an elastic force generated by deformation of the arm toward the apex to the microneedle device, the at least one stopper supports the microneedle device against the elastic force, and the microneedle device is supported against the elastic force by being gripped by the switch and the at least one stopper. (Supplementary Note 3) The applicator according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the at least one stopper includes two stoppers, and the two stoppers are arranged to be linearly symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line of the arm along the extension direction of the arm as a reference axis. (Supplementary Note 4) The applicator according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the two stoppers are arranged closer to the arm than to an end of the piston on the imaginary center line. (Supplementary Note 5) The applicator according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, further comprising a rib arranged at a position different from the stopper and in contact with at least a side surface of the microneedle device supported by the stopper. (Supplementary Note 6) The applicator according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the microneedle device has a main surface on which one or more microneedles are provided, and the rib contacts the side surface of the microneedle device supported by the stopper without contacting the main surface. (Supplementary Note 7) The applicator according to Supplementary Note 5 or 6, wherein the rib is located on a virtual center line of the arm along the extension direction of the arm.

[0220] 1A to 1F...applicator, 2...main body, 3...switch, 4...stopper, 5...rib, 11...microneedle device, 11a...microneedle, 11b...main surface, 11e...side surface, 21...bottom, 22...top, 23...first side (side), 31...arm, 31b...free end, 32...piston, 32b...end, CL1...center line, D1...height direction, D2...lateral direction.

Claims

1. An applicator for applying a microneedle device to the skin, comprising: a body having a bottom that contacts the skin, a top that faces the bottom, and a side that extends in a vertical direction from the bottom to the top; a switch having an arm attached to the side so as to extend in a horizontal direction from the side toward the center of the body, and a piston provided at the free end of the arm that is pressed by a user toward the skin; and at least one stopper that supports the microneedle device positioned within the body so as to be located between the piston and the skin.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the switch transmits an elastic force generated by the deformation of the arm toward the top to the microneedle device, the at least one stopper supports the microneedle device against the elastic force, and the microneedle device is supported against the elastic force by being gripped by the switch and the at least one stopper.

3. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein the at least one stopper includes two stoppers, and the two stoppers are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to a reference axis that is an imaginary center line of the arm along the extension direction of the arm.

4. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the two stoppers are provided closer to the arm than the ends of the piston on the imaginary center line.

5. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a rib provided at a position different from the stopper and contacting at least the side surface of the microneedle device supported by the stopper.

6. An applicator as described in claim 5, wherein the microneedle device has a main surface on which one or more microneedles are provided, and the rib contacts the side surface of the microneedle device supported by the stopper without contacting the main surface.

7. The applicator according to claim 5, wherein the rib is located on an imaginary center line of the arm along the extension direction of the arm.