WO2025164447A1 - アプリケータ - Google Patents

アプリケータ

Info

Publication number
WO2025164447A1
WO2025164447A1 PCT/JP2025/001786 JP2025001786W WO2025164447A1 WO 2025164447 A1 WO2025164447 A1 WO 2025164447A1 JP 2025001786 W JP2025001786 W JP 2025001786W WO 2025164447 A1 WO2025164447 A1 WO 2025164447A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
microneedle device
applicator
skin
arm
piston
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/JP2025/001786
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
雄太 荒井
俊之 松戸
真平 西村
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co Inc
Original Assignee
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co Inc filed Critical Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co Inc
Priority to JP2025573624A priority Critical patent/JPWO2025164447A1/ja
Publication of WO2025164447A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025164447A1/ja
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M37/00—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin

Definitions

  • One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an applicator.
  • Patent Document 1 describes an application device that includes a housing and an impactor that impacts a microneedle array to accelerate the microneedles toward a target site.
  • Patent Document 2 describes a device that includes a microneedle array and a housing in which the microneedle array is disposed and that defines a chamber, with the microneedles penetrating the surface of the body.
  • Patent Document 3 describes a microneedle-based transdermal drug delivery device for administering a liquid drug to a user's skin.
  • An applicator for applying a microneedle device to the skin, and comprises: a main 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 main body; a switch having a piston provided at the free end of the arm that is pressed by a user toward the skin; a stopper that supports the microneedle device disposed within the main body so as to be positioned between the piston and the skin; and a visor that covers at least a portion of the periphery of the microneedle device when the microneedle device supported by the stopper is viewed from the top side in the vertical direction; and when the microneedle device moves toward the vertex, the visor stops the movement of the microneedle device toward the vertex.
  • the eaves portion is arranged to cover at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the microneedle device.
  • the microneedle device can be securely set into the applicator.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the applicator according to the first example, seen from above.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the applicator according to the first example, seen from below.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the process up to application of a microneedle device to the skin.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a first example, seen from above.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the process up to placing the microneedle device in the applicator.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of an applicator according to a second example, seen from above.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an applicator according to a second example, as viewed from below.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the process up to application of a microneedle device to the skin.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a second example, seen from above. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of an applicator according to a third example, as viewed from above. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV shown in FIG. 14.
  • FIG. 14 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. 10 is a diagram showing the microneedle device set in the applicator.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the process up to when the claw grips the microneedle device.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a third example, as viewed from above.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of an applicator according to a fourth example, seen from above. 21 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI shown in FIG. 20.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the microneedle device set in the applicator.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a fourth example, seen from above.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a fourth example, seen from above.
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view of an applicator according to a fifth example, as viewed from above.
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV shown in FIG. 24.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a fifth example, seen from above.
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view of an applicator according to a sixth example, seen from above.
  • FIG. 28 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII shown in FIG. 27.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an application kit according to a sixth example, seen from above.
  • 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.
  • any active ingredient e.g., a drug
  • Applying the microneedle device to the skin refers to the user operating 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.
  • the microneedle device to be applied to the skin is set in an applicator.
  • the state in which the microneedle device to be applied to the skin is set in an applicator is also referred to as the set state.
  • the state in which the microneedle device is not set in an applicator is also referred to as the natural state.
  • the applicator is provided as a component of an application kit.
  • the application kit includes the applicator and a stage for setting the microneedle device within the applicator.
  • the application kit may further include a microneedle device.
  • FIG. 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.
  • 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 material of the applicator 1A is 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 material of the applicator 1A may also be silicon, silicon dioxide, ceramic, or metal (stainless steel, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, etc.).
  • glass fiber or carbon fiber may be added to the above resin material.
  • the material of the applicator 1A may also be a mixture of two or more of the above materials.
  • the applicator 1A is formed integrally by introducing the above material into a mold.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 1 the outer edge of the microneedle device 11 in the set state is shown by a dotted line.
  • the microneedle device 11 has one or more microneedles 11a and a main surface 11b that supports the one or more microneedles 11a.
  • the main surface 11b has 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 that is 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 in 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 the portion that includes the side surface 11e.
  • the main surface 11b does not have to have a platform surface 11d.
  • 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.
  • Materials for the microneedle device 11 may include, for example, silicon, silicon dioxide, ceramic, metals (stainless steel, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, etc.), and synthetic or natural resin materials.
  • 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 materials.
  • Non-degradable polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, cyclic olefin copolymers, polycarbonate, polymethacrylic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, rigid polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymers, polyoxymethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyether ether ketone, and polystyrene may also be used.
  • liquid crystal polymers such as thermotropic liquid crystal polymers may also be used.
  • polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, pullulan, dextran, dextrin, or chondroitin sulfate, or cellulose derivatives may be used.
  • 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 the 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.
  • the main surface 11b is a base for supporting the microneedles 11a.
  • the area of the main surface 11b may be 0.5 cm 2 to 300 cm 2 , 1 cm 2 to 100 cm 2 , or 1 cm 2 to 50 cm 2.
  • the area of the main surface 11b may be 0.5 cm 2 to 10 cm 2 , 0.5 cm 2 to 5 cm 2 , 1 cm 2 to 5 cm 2 , 0.5 cm 2 to 3 cm 2 , or 1 cm 2 to 3 cm 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 edge portion 11c may be 5 ⁇ m, 20 ⁇ m, 50 ⁇ m, 300 ⁇ m, or 500 ⁇ m, and the upper limit of the thickness may be 2000 ⁇ m, 1500 ⁇ m, 1200 ⁇ m, 1000 ⁇ m, or 800 ⁇ m.
  • the microneedle 11a is a tiny structure that rises from the platform surface 11d.
  • the microneedle 11a has a tapered shape that narrows from the base where it connects to the platform surface 11d towards the tip.
  • the term "microneedle” is a concept that includes not only needle-shaped structures and structures that include a needle shape in the broad sense, but also structures with blunt tips.
  • the lower limit of the density of the microneedles 11a may be, for example, 0.05 needles/cm 2 , 1 needle/cm 2 , 50 needles/cm 2 , 75 needles/cm 2 , 100 needles/cm 2 , 150 needles/ cm 2 , 200 needles/cm 2 , 300 needles/cm 2 , 340 needles/cm 2, or 400 needles/cm 2.
  • the upper limit of the density may be, for example, 10,000 needles/cm 2 , 5,000 needles/cm 2 , 2,000 needles/cm 2 , 1,200 needles/cm 2 , 700 needles/cm 2 , 640 needles/cm 2 , or 340 needles/cm 2.
  • the lower limit of the density is a value calculated from the number of microneedles that can administer 1 mg of active ingredient and the required area.
  • the upper limit of the density is a limit value that takes into account the shape of the microneedles.
  • the lower limit of the length of the microneedle 11a may be 20 ⁇ m, 50 ⁇ m, 150 ⁇ m, 200 ⁇ m, or 300 ⁇ m, and the upper limit may be 1200 ⁇ m, 900 ⁇ m, or 500 ⁇ m.
  • the length of the microneedle 11a is the distance from the bottom where it connects to the platform surface 11d to the tip.
  • the reason for making the length of the microneedle 11a 20 ⁇ m or more is to ensure transdermal absorption of the active ingredient. By making the length of the microneedle 11a 900 ⁇ m or less, the microneedle 11a can be prevented from coming into contact with nerves, reducing the possibility of pain and avoiding the possibility of bleeding.
  • the length of the microneedle 11a is 500 ⁇ m or less, the amount of active ingredient that should enter the skin can be efficiently administered, and it is also possible to administer the active ingredient without perforating the basement membrane, for 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 it is possible that some of the microneedles 11a may penetrate the stratum corneum.
  • the microneedles 11a stretch and thin the epidermis, making it easier for the active ingredient to penetrate into the epidermis, but it is also possible that some of the active ingredient may enter the skin through holes formed in the stratum corneum.
  • the microneedle 11a has a three-dimensional shape.
  • 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. If the tip is flat, the area of the flat portion may be 20 to 600 ⁇ m 2 , or 50 to 250 ⁇ m 2. If the tip is rounded, the radius of curvature of the tip may be 2 to 100 ⁇ m, or 5 to 30 ⁇ m.
  • 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.
  • the main body 2 is a roughly 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 part 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 roughly 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 part that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1A is placed on the skin.
  • 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.
  • the two directions that extend along an imaginary horizontal plane perpendicular to the height direction D1 and that are perpendicular to each other are referred to as the lateral direction D2 and the width direction D3. Therefore, the height direction D1, lateral direction D2, and width direction D3 are perpendicular to each other.
  • the lateral direction D2 and the width direction D3 can all be referred to as directions from the first side 23 toward the center of the main body 2.
  • the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1A
  • the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1A.
  • 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 circumferentially 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.
  • the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (for example, the portion on the side of the fixed end 31a 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.
  • 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 roughly along the edge of the opening 21a and is connected to the inner surface of the first side portion 23.
  • 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.
  • the main body 2 is formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as the reference axis.
  • the bottom portion 21, the top portion 22, the first side portion 23, and the second side portion 24 are each formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as the reference axis.
  • the switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by the user.
  • the switch 3 has an arm 31 and a piston 32.
  • the arm 31 is a roughly 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 said to be 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, and may be, for example, 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.
  • the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1.
  • the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the arm 31 may also extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21.
  • the microneedle device 11 is positioned within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.
  • the piston 32, microneedle device 11, and bottom 21 (skin) are lined up in this order along the height direction D1.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1.
  • 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 comes into contact with the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston surface 32a may or may not come into contact with the microneedle device 11.
  • the entire switch 3 When viewing the applicator 1A along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21a. This prevents the switch 3 from coming into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.
  • the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover the entire switch 3, for example.
  • 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 the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side, for example. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 surfaces 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.
  • 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 a placement surface 4a on which the microneedle device 11 is placed in the set state.
  • the placement surface 4a is a surface facing upward and is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the placement surface 4a may also be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the stopper 4 is positioned 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.
  • the stopper 4 supports the peripheral 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.
  • 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 top 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31.
  • 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 top 22.
  • the arm 31 deforms toward the top 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.
  • 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.
  • the rib 5 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 together with the stopper 4.
  • the rib 5 is located at a different position from the stopper 4.
  • 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 located 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.
  • the applicator 1A may include a single rib 5 or two or more ribs 5.
  • the two ribs 5 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1, similar to the stopper 4.
  • the rib 5 contacts at least the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the applicator 1A includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, two eaves portions 6.
  • the two eaves portions 6 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as the 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.
  • the eaves portion 6 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.
  • the eaves 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. In other words, the eaves portion 6 is located above the stopper 4.
  • the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 eaves 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 less than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c.
  • the lower end 6a is the end of the eaves portion 6 located on the bottom 21 side in the height direction D1.
  • the upper end 4b is the end of the placement surface 4a located on the apex 22 side in the height direction D1.
  • the eaves 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 top 22 side along the height direction D1. As an example, the eaves portion 6 covers a portion of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eaves portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that the other portion of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1A, the eaves portion 6 is provided in two locations along the peripheral edge 11c.
  • 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.
  • the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 before it reaches the skin in response to the piston 32 moving 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the microneedle device 11 is supported from below by the stopper 4 and from the side by the rib 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.
  • the claws 71 may grip the platform surface 11d as long as they do not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.
  • the user further presses the switch 3, causing the microneedle device 11 pushed by the piston 32 to move over the protrusion 41, proceed downward, and reach the skin.
  • the rib 5 bends outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, allowing the microneedle device 11 to proceed smoothly downward. This causes the microneedles 11a to come into contact with or puncture the skin. In this way, the microneedle device 11 is applied to 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.
  • the claw 71 grips the microneedle device 11 before the microneedle device 11 passes over the protrusion 41.
  • 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.
  • the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin.
  • the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 before the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, as shown in scene S102.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the application kit 10A as seen 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.
  • the stage 12 is an article for placing the microneedle device 11 in the applicator 1A.
  • 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, 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. This operation positions the microneedle device 11 on the stage 12.
  • the user aligns the position of the applicator 1A with the stage 12 and inserts the applicator 1A into the stage 12 from above.
  • 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.
  • the microneedle device 11 climbs over the protrusion 41 of the stopper 4, thereby placing the microneedle device 11 on the placement surface 4a.
  • the rib 5 supports the microneedle device 11 from the side.
  • the stopper 4 and rib 5 bend outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, so the positional relationship between the microneedle device 11 and the columnar portion 121 does not change. By maintaining this positional relationship, the microneedle 11a does not come into contact with the columnar portion 121, and therefore, breaking of the microneedle 11a can be prevented. 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.
  • 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 above.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 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.
  • Applicator 1B comprises 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 applicator 1B is, for example, the same as the material of applicator 1A.
  • the configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in applicator 1B is, for example, the same as the configuration of the microneedle device 11 set in applicator 1A.
  • the main body 2 is a roughly 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 roughly circular shape.
  • An opening 21a is formed over most of the bottom 21 for inserting the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2.
  • 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.
  • the definitions of the height direction D1, the horizontal direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following explanation are the same as those used in the explanation of the first example.
  • the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1B, and the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1B.
  • 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 circumferentially 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.
  • the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (for example, the portion on the side of the fixed end 31a 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.
  • 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, allowing the movable portion 25 to bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the main body 2 is formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as the reference axis.
  • the bottom portion 21, top portion 22, first side portion 23, and movable portion 25 are each formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as the reference axis.
  • the switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by the user.
  • the switch 3 has 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 said to be the extension direction of the arm 31.
  • a large portion of the arm 31 is bifurcated and rod-shaped, 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, and may be, for example, 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 part attached to the free end 31b, with an opening formed in most of it.
  • the piston 32 has a piston surface 32a that faces the skin.
  • the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1.
  • the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the arm 31 may also extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21.
  • the microneedle device 11 is positioned within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.
  • the piston 32, microneedle device 11, and bottom 21 (skin) are lined up in this order along the height direction D1.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1.
  • 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 comes into contact with the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston surface 32a may or may not come into contact with the microneedle device 11.
  • the entire switch 3 When viewing the applicator 1B along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21a. This prevents the switch 3 from coming into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.
  • the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover the entire switch 3, for example.
  • 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 the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side, for example. 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.
  • the stopper 4 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 arranged in the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin.
  • the applicator 1B includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4.
  • the two stoppers 4 may be 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.
  • 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 part 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 other than the connection part with the movable part 25 and other components of the main body 2. Therefore, the stopper 4 can bend in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • 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 a placement surface 4a on which the microneedle device 11 is placed in the set state.
  • the placement surface 4a is a surface facing upward and is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the placement surface 4a may also be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the stopper 4 is positioned 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.
  • the stopper 4 supports the peripheral 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.
  • 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 top 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31.
  • 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 top 22.
  • the arm 31 deforms toward the top 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.
  • 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.
  • the rib 5 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 together with the stopper 4.
  • the rib 5 is located at a different position from the stopper 4.
  • 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 located 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.
  • the applicator 1B may include a single rib 5 or two or more ribs 5.
  • the two ribs 5 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1, similar to the stopper 4.
  • the rib 5 contacts at least the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the applicator 1B includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, one eaves portion 6.
  • the eaves portion 6 is arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as the 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.
  • 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 half located at the top in Figure 8) 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.
  • the eaves portion 6 does not come into contact with the switch 3 when the switch 3 moves.
  • the eaves 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. In other words, the eaves portion 6 is located above the stopper 4.
  • the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 eaves 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 less than the thickness of the peripheral portion 11c.
  • the lower end 6a is the end of the eaves portion 6 located on the bottom 21 side in the height direction D1.
  • the upper end 4b is the end of the placement surface 4a located on the apex 22 side in the height direction D1.
  • the eaves portion 6 is arranged 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 top 22 side along the height direction D1. As an example, the eaves portion 6 covers a portion of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eaves portion 6 is arranged 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 top 22 side along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1B, the eaves portion 6 is arranged in one location along the peripheral edge 11c.
  • 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.
  • the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 before it reaches the skin in response to the piston 32 moving 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the microneedle device 11 is supported from below by the stopper 4 and from the side by the rib 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.
  • the claws 71 may grip the platform surface 11d as long as they do not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.
  • 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.
  • the claw 71 grips the microneedle device 11 before the microneedle device 11 passes over the protrusion 41.
  • 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.
  • the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 when the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin.
  • the claw 71 may grip the microneedle device 11 before the user presses the switch 3 toward the skin, as shown in scene S202.
  • 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.
  • 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 come into contact with the platform surface 11d.
  • the process for placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 in the applicator 1B in the application kit 10B is the same as the process for the application kit 10A described with reference to Figure 7.
  • FIG. 14 is a plan view of the applicator 1C as viewed from above.
  • Figure 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV shown in Figure 14.
  • Figure 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI shown in Figure 14.
  • Figure 17 is a diagram showing a state in which a microneedle device 11 is set in the applicator 1C.
  • Figures 14 to 16 show the applicator 1C in its natural state.
  • the applicator 1C comprises 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.
  • 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 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 1C is placed on the skin.
  • the definitions of the height direction D1, the horizontal direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following explanation are the same as those used in the explanation of the first example.
  • the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1C
  • the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1C.
  • 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.
  • the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (for example, the portion on the side of the fixed end 31a 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.
  • 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.
  • the wall portion 26 is formed integrally with the bottom portion 21.
  • the wall portion 26 is a portion that is thicker in the height direction D1 than the bottom portion 21.
  • the main body 2 is formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as the reference axis.
  • the bottom portion 21, top portion 22, first side portion 23, and wall portion 26 are each formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as the reference axis.
  • the switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by the user.
  • the switch 3 has an arm 31 and a piston 32.
  • the arm 31 is a roughly 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 said to be 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, and may be, for example, 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.
  • the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1.
  • the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the arm 31 may also extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21.
  • the microneedle device 11 is positioned within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.
  • the piston 32, microneedle device 11, and bottom 21 (skin) are lined up in this order along the height direction D1.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1.
  • 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 comes into contact with the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston surface 32a may or may not come into contact with the microneedle device 11.
  • the entire switch 3 When viewing the applicator 1C along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21a. This prevents the switch 3 from coming into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.
  • the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover the entire switch 3, for example.
  • 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 the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side, for example. 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.
  • the stopper 4 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 arranged in the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin.
  • the applicator 1C includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4.
  • the two stoppers 4 may be arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as the reference axis.
  • 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. When set, 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 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 21.
  • Each stopper 4 has a columnar shape extending along the height direction D1.
  • 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).
  • the stopper 4 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 placed in the set state.
  • the arrangement surface 4a is a surface facing upward and is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the arrangement surface 4a may also be parallel to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the stopper 4 is positioned 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.
  • the stopper 4 supports the peripheral 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.
  • 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 top 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31.
  • 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 top 22.
  • the arm 31 deforms toward the top 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.
  • 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.
  • the rib 5 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 together with the stopper 4.
  • the rib 5 is located at a different position from the stopper 4.
  • 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 located 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.
  • 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.
  • the rib 5 extends downward from a portion of the first side portion 23 that protrudes toward the end portion 32b.
  • the applicator 1C may include a single rib 5, or two or more ribs 5.
  • two ribs 5 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1, as with the stopper 4.
  • the rib 5 contacts at least the side surface 11e of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the applicator 1C includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, two eaves portions 6.
  • the two eaves portions 6 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as the 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.
  • the eaves portion 6 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.
  • 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 eaves portion 6 may be formed integrally with the wall portion 26.
  • the eaves 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. In other words, the eaves portion 6 is located above the stopper 4.
  • the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 perspective of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 less than the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c.
  • the lower end 6a is the end of the eaves 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.
  • the upper end 4b is the upper end of the stopper 4.
  • the eaves 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 top 22 side along the height direction D1. As an example, the eaves portion 6 covers a portion of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eaves portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that the other portion of the peripheral edge 11c is visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1C, the eaves portion 6 is provided in two locations along the peripheral edge 11c.
  • 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.
  • the recovery mechanism 7 is a plurality of L-shaped members located outside the piston 32.
  • 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 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 22.
  • the vertical portion 73 has an upper end 73a located on the side of the top 22.
  • the upper end 73a is located outside the eaves portion 6 in the width direction D3. In other words, the eaves portion 6 is located further inward of the main body 2 than the upper end 73a.
  • the claws 71 are each located on the inner end 72a so as to protrude from the inner end 72a toward the piston 32.
  • 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 vertical portion 73 can reliably apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin without interfering with the microneedle device 11 and can hold the microneedle device 11.
  • the angle may be between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, or between 80 degrees and 100 degrees.
  • the microneedle device 11 is supported from below by the stopper 4 and from the side by the rib 5.
  • the piston 32 of the switch 3 is positioned above the microneedle device 11.
  • the microneedle device 11, pushed by the piston 32 slides downward on the placement surface 4a.
  • the rib 5 bends outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, allowing the microneedle device 11 to move smoothly downward.
  • the microneedle device 11, pushed by the piston 32 moves further downward than the placement surface 4a and reaches the skin. This causes the microneedles 11a to come into contact with or puncture the skin. In this way, the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin.
  • the microneedle device 11 is positioned below the applicator 1C.
  • the user inserts the microneedle device 11 into the main body 2.
  • 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.
  • the microneedle device 11 passes over the claw 71, the vertical portion 73 returns to its original position.
  • 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 Figure 17.
  • the user applies the microneedle device 11 to the skin.
  • the microneedle device 11 reaches the skin.
  • the claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 within the main body 2.
  • the vertical portion 73 begins to tilt toward the inside of the main body 2.
  • the canopy portion 6 is located further inside the main body 2 than the upper end 73a, so the range to which the vertical portion 73 tilts toward the inside of the main body 2 is limited. 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 claws 71 may grip the peripheral portion 11c. Alternatively, the claws 71 may grip the platform surface 11d as long as they do not come into contact with the microneedle 11a.
  • 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.
  • the visor portion 6 not only functions to stop the movement of the microneedle device 11 toward the apex 22, but also functions to limit the tilt of the vertical portion 73 toward the inside of the main body 2.
  • Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the application kit 10C as seen from above.
  • 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 come into contact with the platform surface 11d.
  • the process for placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 in the applicator 1C in the application kit 10C is the same as the process for the application kit 10A described with reference to Figure 7.
  • FIG. 20 is a plan view of the applicator 1D as seen from above.
  • Figure 21 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI shown in Figure 20.
  • Figure 22 is a diagram showing a state in which a microneedle device is set in the applicator 1D.
  • Figures 20 and 21 show the applicator 1D in its natural state.
  • the applicator 1D comprises 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.
  • the main body 2 is a structure that houses each component such as the switch 3, and is roughly rectangular 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 part 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 is roughly rectangular 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 part that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1D is placed on the skin.
  • the definitions of the height direction D1, the horizontal direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following explanation are the same as those used in the explanation of the first example.
  • the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1D
  • the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1D.
  • 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.
  • the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (for example, the portion on the side of the fixed end 31a 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.
  • 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.
  • the wall portion 26 is formed integrally with the bottom portion 21.
  • the wall portion 26 is a portion that is thicker in the height direction D1 than the bottom portion 21.
  • the main body 2 is formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as the reference axis.
  • the bottom portion 21, top portion 22, first side portion 23, and wall portion 26 are each formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as the reference axis.
  • the switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by the user.
  • the switch 3 has an arm 31 and a piston 32.
  • the arm 31 is a roughly 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 said to be 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, and may be, for example, 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.
  • the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1.
  • the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the arm 31 may also extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21.
  • the microneedle device 11 is positioned within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.
  • the piston 32, microneedle device 11, and bottom 21 (skin) are lined up in this order along the height direction D1.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1.
  • 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 comes into contact with the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston surface 32a may or may not come into contact with the microneedle device 11.
  • the entire switch 3 When viewing the applicator 1D along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21a. This prevents the switch 3 from coming into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.
  • 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.
  • the stopper 4 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 arranged within the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin.
  • the applicator 1D includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4.
  • the two stoppers 4 may be arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as the reference axis.
  • 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.
  • 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 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 21.
  • Each stopper 4 has a columnar shape extending along the height direction D1.
  • 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).
  • the stopper 4 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 placed in the set state.
  • the arrangement surface 4a is a surface facing upward and is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the arrangement surface 4a may also be parallel to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the stopper 4 is positioned 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.
  • the stopper 4 supports the peripheral 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.
  • 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 top 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31.
  • 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 top 22.
  • the arm 31 deforms toward the top 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.
  • 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.
  • the rib 5 is a component that supports the microneedle device 11 together with the stopper 4.
  • the rib 5 is located at a different position from the stopper 4.
  • 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 located 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 When viewed from the height direction D1, the rib 5 is provided with a protrusion 51 that protrudes toward the end 32b of the piston 32. 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.
  • the applicator 1D may include a single rib 5, or two or more ribs 5.
  • two ribs 5 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1 as a reference axis.
  • 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, provided that they do not come into contact with the microneedles 11a.
  • 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.
  • the applicator 1D includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, four eaves portions 6.
  • the four eaves portions 6 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as the 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.
  • the other two eaves portions 6 When viewed from the height direction D1, the other two eaves portions 6 are located inside the main body 2 relative to 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. This prevents the eaves portion 6 from coming into contact with the switch 3 when the switch 3 moves.
  • the eaves portion 6 may be formed integrally with the wall portion 26.
  • the eaves 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. In other words, the eaves portion 6 is located above the stopper 4.
  • the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 perspective of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves portion 6 and the upper end 4b of the placement surface 4a may be the same as or smaller than the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c of the microneedle device 11.
  • the lower end 6a is the end of the eaves 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.
  • the eaves 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 top 22 side along the height direction D1. As an example, the eaves portion 6 covers a portion of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eaves portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that other portions of the peripheral edge 11c are visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1D, the eaves portions 6 are provided at four locations along the peripheral edge 11c.
  • 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 ribs 5 bend outward in a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1, allowing the microneedle device 11 to move smoothly downward.
  • the microneedle device 11 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. In this manner, the microneedle device 11 is applied to the skin. As described above, with the applicator 1D, the user must press the switch 3 more firmly in order for the microneedle device 11 to overcome the protrusions 51. This allows the microneedle device 11 to more reliably reach the skin.
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the application kit 10D as seen from above.
  • 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 come into contact with the platform surface 11d.
  • the process for placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 in the applicator 1D in the application kit 10D is the same as the process for the application kit 10A described with reference to Figure 7.
  • FIG. 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.
  • the applicator 1E comprises 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.
  • 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), 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 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 1E is placed on the skin.
  • the definitions of the height direction D1, the horizontal direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following explanation are the same as those used in the explanation of the first example.
  • the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1E, and the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1E.
  • 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.
  • the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (for example, the portion on the side of the fixed end 31a 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.
  • 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 it and the first side portion 23.
  • 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.
  • the main body 2 is formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as the reference axis.
  • the bottom portion 21, the top portion 22, the first side portion 23, and the second side portion 24 are each formed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL1 as the reference axis.
  • 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, and may be, for example, 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.
  • the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1.
  • the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the arm 31 may also extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21.
  • the microneedle device 11 is positioned within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.
  • the piston 32, microneedle device 11, and bottom 21 (skin) are lined up in this order along the height direction D1.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1.
  • 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 comes into contact with the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston surface 32a may or may not come into contact with the microneedle device 11.
  • the entire switch 3 When viewing the applicator 1E along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21a. This prevents the switch 3 from coming into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.
  • the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover the entire switch 3, for example.
  • 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 the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side, for example. 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.
  • 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.
  • the applicator 1E includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4.
  • the two stoppers 4 may be 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.
  • 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.
  • the two stoppers 4 are arranged closer to the free end 24a of the second side portion 24 than to 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.
  • the stopper 4 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 placed in the set state.
  • the arrangement surface 4a is a surface facing upward and is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the arrangement surface 4a may also be parallel to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the stopper 4 is positioned 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.
  • the stopper 4 supports the peripheral 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.
  • 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 top 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31.
  • 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 top 22.
  • the arm 31 deforms toward the top 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the applicator 1E includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, three eaves portions 6.
  • one eaves 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 eaves 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 eaves 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.
  • the three eaves portions 6 protrude from the first side portion 23 or the second side portion 24 toward the inside of the main body 2.
  • 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.
  • the eaves 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. In other words, the eaves portion 6 is located above the stopper 4.
  • the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 perspective of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 less than the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c.
  • the lower end 6a is the end of the eaves 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.
  • the upper end 4b is the upper end of the stopper 4.
  • the eaves 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 top 22 side along the height direction D1. As an example, the eaves portion 6 covers a portion of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eaves portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that other portions of the peripheral edge 11c are visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1E, the eaves portions 6 are provided at three locations along the peripheral edge 11c.
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the application kit 10E as seen from above.
  • the stage 12 is an article for placing the microneedle device 11 in the applicator 1E.
  • 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, 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.
  • the process for placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 in the applicator 1E in the application kit 10E is the same as the process for the application kit 10A described with reference to Figure 7.
  • FIG. 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.
  • the applicator 1F comprises 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.
  • 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 part 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 is roughly diamond-shaped.
  • 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 part that faces the bottom 21, and is therefore positioned away from the skin when the applicator 1F is placed on the skin.
  • the definitions of the height direction D1, the horizontal direction D2, and the width direction D3 used in the following explanation are the same as those used in the explanation of the first example.
  • the side of the top 22 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the upper side of the applicator 1F
  • the side of the bottom 21 in the height direction D1 may sometimes be referred to as the lower side of the applicator 1F.
  • 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.
  • the height of a portion of the first side portion 23 from the bottom portion 21 (for example, the portion on the side of the fixed end 31a 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.
  • 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 it and the first side portion 23.
  • 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.
  • the main body 2 is formed to be point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the main body 2.
  • the bottom 21, top 22, and first side 23 are each formed to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line CL1 parallel to the lateral direction D2 as the reference axis.
  • the second side 24 is formed to be point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the main body 2.
  • the switch 3 is a component for pushing the microneedle device 11 toward the skin when operated by the user.
  • 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 that is parallel to the width direction D3 of the microneedle device 11 in the set state.
  • Each switch 3 has an arm 31 and a piston 32.
  • the arm 31 is a roughly 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 said to be 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.
  • the switch 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1.
  • the arm 31 extends parallel to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the arm 31 may also extend at an angle relative to the lateral direction D2 when viewed from the width direction D3.
  • the microneedle device 11 is located between the piston 32 and the bottom 21.
  • the microneedle device 11 is positioned within the main body 2 so that the bottom 21 is located between the piston 32 and the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.
  • the piston 32, microneedle device 11, and bottom 21 (skin) are lined up in this order along the height direction D1.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston 32 is pushed by the user toward the bottom 21 in the height direction D1.
  • 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 comes into contact with the microneedle device 11 when it is pushed by the user toward the skin.
  • the piston surface 32a may or may not come into contact with the microneedle device 11.
  • the entire switch 3 When viewing the applicator 1F along the height direction D1, the entire switch 3 is located inside the opening 21a. This prevents the switch 3 from coming into contact with the bottom 21 when the piston 32 is pressed toward the skin by the user.
  • the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover at least the piston 32, and does not cover the entire switch 3, for example.
  • 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 the entire switch 3 from the top 22 side, for example. 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.
  • 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.
  • the applicator 1F includes one or more stoppers 4, for example, two stoppers 4.
  • the two stoppers 4 may be arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as the reference axis.
  • 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.
  • the two stoppers 4 are arranged approximately in the center of the second side portion 24.
  • the stopper 4 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 placed in the set state.
  • the arrangement surface 4a is a surface facing upward and is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the arrangement surface 4a may also be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the height direction D1.
  • the stopper 4 supports the peripheral 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.
  • 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 top 22, generating an elastic force in the arm 31.
  • 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 top 22.
  • the arm 31 deforms toward the top 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the applicator 1F includes one or more eaves portions 6, for example, four eaves portions 6.
  • the four eaves portions 6 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the virtual center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 along the extension direction of the arm 31 as the reference axis.
  • Each eaves portion 6 is provided at the free end 24a or the fixed end 24b of the second side portion 24.
  • the eaves portion 6 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.
  • the eaves 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. In other words, the eaves portion 6 is located above the stopper 4.
  • the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 perspective of holding the microneedle device 11 more stably, the distance between the lower end 6a of the eaves 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 less than the thickness of the peripheral edge 11c.
  • the lower end 6a is the end of the eaves 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.
  • the upper end 4b is the upper end of the stopper 4.
  • the eaves 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 top 22 side along the height direction D1. As an example, the eaves portion 6 covers a portion of the peripheral edge 11c. As an example, the eaves portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that other portions of the peripheral edge 11c are visible when the microneedle device 11 is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1. In the applicator 1F, the eaves portions 6 are provided at four locations along the peripheral edge 11c.
  • the series of operations required to apply the microneedle device 11 to the skin is the same as that for applicator 1A, as described with reference to Figure 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 24 on which the stopper 4 is provided bends toward the first side 23, allowing the microneedle device 11 to move smoothly downward.
  • Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the application kit 10F as seen from above.
  • 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 come into contact with the platform surface 11d.
  • the process for placing the microneedle device 11 placed on the stage 12 in the applicator 1F in the application kit 10F is the same as the process for the application kit 10A described with reference to Figure 7.
  • 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.
  • 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 the elastic force, and the microneedle device 11 is held by the switch 3 and the stopper 4 and is supported against the elastic force. This allows the microneedle device 11 to be held stably.
  • the two stoppers 4 are arranged so as to be linearly 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.
  • the two stoppers 4 are positioned 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.
  • center line CL1 imaginary center line
  • Applicators 1A to 1D are provided with ribs 5 that are located at positions different from the stoppers 4 and contact the side surfaces 11e of the microneedle devices 11 supported by the stoppers 4. This allows the microneedle devices 11 to be held stably.
  • 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 of the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 without contacting the main surface 11b. This prevents the ribs 5 from contacting the microneedles 11a, and as a result, prevents the microneedles 11a from breaking.
  • the rib 5 is located on the imaginary center line (center line CL1) of the arm 31 that runs along the extension direction of the arm 31. This makes it easier for the user's pushing force 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.
  • the eaves portion 6 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the peripheral edge 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 on the applicator 1A.
  • the top 22 of the main body 2 does not cover the switch 3 when the applicator 1A to 1F is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1. Therefore, if the eaves 6 were not provided, there is a risk that the microneedle device 11 would protrude above the applicator 1A to 1F when the microneedle device 11 is placed inside the applicator 1A to 1F from below. However, since the eaves 6 is provided in applicators 1A to 1F, the microneedle device 11 can be prevented from protruding above the applicator 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.
  • the canopy portion 6 stops the movement of the microneedle device 11 toward the top 22. This allows the microneedle device 11 to be held stably and prevents the microneedle device 11 from popping out above the applicators 1A to 1F when the user operates the switch 3.
  • the eaves portion 6 covers part of the peripheral edge 11c, and is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that when the microneedle device 11 supported by the stopper 4 is viewed from the top 22 side along the height direction D1, the eaves portion 6 is provided partially along the peripheral edge 11c so that the other part of the peripheral edge 11c is visible. This allows the user to easily visually confirm the position of the microneedle device 11 even when the eaves portion 6 is provided.
  • the eaves portion 6 is formed to be linearly 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 allows the eaves portion 6 to more reliably stop movement of the microneedle device 11 toward the apex 22.
  • Applicators 1A to 1C are 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 removed from the skin together with applicators 1A to 1C. Therefore, the microneedle device 11 applied to the skin can be easily retrieved.
  • the retrieval mechanism 7 has two claws 71 that grip the microneedle device 11. This makes it easy to achieve a configuration in which the retrieval mechanism 7 holds the microneedle device 11.
  • each of the two claws 71 is 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.
  • the two claws 71 grasp the microneedle device 11 before it reaches the skin in response to the piston 32 moving toward the skin. This allows the microneedle device 11 to be securely held.
  • the applicators 1A and 1B are equipped with a stopper 4 that supports the microneedle device 11, which is arranged in the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin.
  • a stopper 4 that supports the microneedle device 11, which is arranged in the main body 2 so as to be positioned between the piston 32 and the skin.
  • 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 within the main body 2, even when the claws 71 are provided.
  • 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 the 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.
  • the two claws 71 grip the microneedle device 11 in response to the microneedle device 11 being applied to the skin. This allows the microneedle device 11 to be more securely gripped once it has been applied to the skin.
  • the applicator 1C is provided with a canopy portion 6 (block portion) that is located inside the main body 2 from the upper end 73a of the vertical portion 73 located on the apex 22 side and limits the extent to which the vertical portion 73 tilts 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.
  • a canopy portion 6 (block portion) that is located inside the main body 2 from the upper end 73a of the vertical portion 73 located on the apex 22 side and limits the extent to which the vertical portion 73 tilts 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.
  • the microneedle device 11 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 inside the applicator 1A to 1F from outside the applicator 1A to 1F. Therefore, the microneedle device 11 can be easily set into the applicator 1A to 1F.
  • 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 on the outside of the microneedle device 11. This restricts 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 applicator 1A, 1E.
  • the microneedle device 11 has a main surface 11b on which one or more microneedles 11a are provided, and the main surface 11b has a peripheral edge 11c that defines the outer edge of the microneedle device 11, and a platform surface 11d that is formed inside the peripheral edge 11c and rises from the peripheral edge 11c to support the one or more microneedles 11a, and the columnar portion 121 has a top surface 121a that supports the peripheral edge 11c without contacting the platform surface 11d.
  • the rib 5 may have a protrusion 51 that protrudes toward the end 32b of the piston 32 when viewed in the height direction D1, similar to applicator 1D. In this case, applicators 1A to 1C can hold the microneedle device 11 more stably.
  • the applicator 1A may further include two eaves portions 6 located on the same side of the piston 32 as the stopper 4. That is, the applicator 1A may include four eaves portions 6, with two eaves portions 6 positioned so that the piston 32 is sandwiched between the other two eaves portions 6. In the applicator 1A, the four eaves portions 6 may be positioned in the same positions as the four eaves portions 6 provided in the applicator 1D. In this case, the microneedle device 11 can be set more reliably by the applicator 1A.
  • the stopper 4 extends from the bottom 21 in the height direction D1, but the stopper 4 may also be arranged to extend from the inner surface of the first side 23 toward the center of the main body 2.
  • An applicator for applying a microneedle device to skin comprising: a main body having a bottom portion in contact with the skin, a top portion opposite the bottom portion, and a side portion extending along a height direction from the bottom portion to the top portion; a switch having an arm attached to the side so as to extend laterally from the side toward the center of the body, and a piston provided at a free end of the arm and pressed by a user toward the skin; a stopper for supporting the microneedle device disposed within the body so as to be positioned between the piston and the skin; a canopy portion provided to cover at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the microneedle device when the microneedle device supported by the stopper is viewed from the top side along the height direction; Equipped with When the microneedle device moves toward the apex, the overhanging portion stops the movement of the microneedle device toward the
  • Applicator (Appendix 2) the switch transmits an elastic force generated by the deformation of the arm toward the top to the microneedle device; the stopper supports the microneedle device against the elastic force; When the arm is deformed toward the apex and the microneedle device in contact with the switch moves toward the apex, the canopy portion stops the movement of the microneedle device toward the apex.
  • the applicator of claim 1. (Appendix 3) the overhanging portion covers a portion of the peripheral edge portion as the at least part of the peripheral edge portion; the eaves portion is partially provided along the peripheral edge portion so that another part of the peripheral edge portion can be seen when the microneedle device supported by the stopper is viewed from the top side along the height direction. 3.
  • the applicator of claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4)
  • the eave portion is formed so as to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line of the arm along the extension direction of the arm as a reference axis. 4.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Dermatology (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
PCT/JP2025/001786 2024-01-29 2025-01-21 アプリケータ Pending WO2025164447A1 (ja)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013500773A (ja) * 2009-07-31 2013-01-10 スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー 中空マイクロニードルアレイ
WO2016129184A1 (ja) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-18 株式会社 メドレックス マイクロニードルの穿刺装置及びマイクロニードルパッチの貼付装置
JP2022546459A (ja) * 2019-08-27 2022-11-04 エルテーエス ローマン テラピー－ジステーメ アーゲー マイクロアレイアプリケータ、及び、マイクロアレイに作用するプランジャを移動させるための方法

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013500773A (ja) * 2009-07-31 2013-01-10 スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー 中空マイクロニードルアレイ
WO2016129184A1 (ja) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-18 株式会社 メドレックス マイクロニードルの穿刺装置及びマイクロニードルパッチの貼付装置
JP2022546459A (ja) * 2019-08-27 2022-11-04 エルテーエス ローマン テラピー－ジステーメ アーゲー マイクロアレイアプリケータ、及び、マイクロアレイに作用するプランジャを移動させるための方法

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