DE102009010915A1 - Blood sugar measuring device has housing with lancet device and measuring unit, which fed blood sugar test strips for determining blood sugar level - Google Patents

Abstract

The blood sugar measuring device (1) has a housing (2) with a lancet device and a measuring unit, which fed blood sugar test strips for determining a the blood sugar level. The housing has a magazine for retaining multiple blood sugar test strips, which are evaluated by the measuring unit. An electronic circuit has Universal serial businterface for data communication.

Description

The The invention relates to a blood glucose meter according to Preamble of claim 1.

Blood glucose meters are known to measure blood sugar levels used in diabetes patients. This is with the relevant Patients first have a blood vessel in the outer dermal layer with a lancing device, z. As a lancet, opened and put a drop of the exiting blood on a test strip. The test strip is then an electronic Measuring unit that supplies the blood sugar level in the blood determined by measuring the electrical conductivity.

From the DE 198 24 036 A1 An analytical measuring device with a pen-shaped lancing device is known, which comprises an electronic measuring unit with a display for displaying the blood glucose measurement value, which can be plugged onto the lancing device. This results in the problem that in addition to the operation of the blood glucose meter at least one test strip is needed, which must be stored in a separate container and carried. The entrainment of such a separate container is usually cumbersome because the container must be sealed airtight to prevent premature aging of the test strips by the humidity contained in the ambient air, which adversely affects the measurement result. For this reason, the known containers have a cylindrical shape and are designed for hygienic reasons as well as for cost reasons to accommodate a larger number of test strips, which means that they require a comparatively large storage space due to their size. As a result, the blood glucose meter after the DE 198 24 036 A1 is stored together with the storage container for the test strips and the accessories also needed in a folder, which is relatively bulky and must always be carried by the patient in order to measure the blood sugar level at any time.

Accordingly It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact blood glucose meter to create, in which all to determine the blood sugar level required components housed in a housing are.

These The object is achieved by a blood glucose meter solved with the features of claim 1.

According to the Invention, a blood glucose meter includes a housing with a lancing aid and a measuring unit received therein, which is a blood sugar test strip for the determination of blood sugar level can be fed. In the housing is still a Magazine provided in which several blood sugar test strips, the can be evaluated in the measuring unit, can be recorded. The magazine preferably has such a size that prefers to find up to 10 test strips in the magazine.

By the combination of the components needed for blood glucose monitoring and the accessories in a housing will handle of the device for the patient in an advantageous Way, all that improves the measurement of blood sugar levels required functions space-saving housed in a device are and are carried as a unit everywhere can be. Due to the design of the test strip magazine is Furthermore, the possibility opened, at any time only one carry such stock of test strips, the approximately corresponds to the daily requirement of a patient.

at The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises Housing a first, the lancing device containing housing part, a second housing part containing the measuring unit and a third housing part, which the magazine for contains the blood sugar test strips. Here it is a special advantage if the three housing parts within the housing by positive connections, in particular positive connections, detachable mechanically interconnected, as the modular structure Measuring device in this case, if necessary, in its individual components disassemble to simplify the individual components Way to clean or replace. At the same time this offers Embodiment of the invention has the advantage that the individual Components in combination a compact and comparatively stable Form housing, which preferably made of impact-resistant plastic exists and therefore also mechanical stresses like smaller ones Falls or bumps without larger ones Damage survives.

To a further embodiment of the invention has the Magazine of the blood sugar measuring device according to the invention a sliding guided in the magazine housing Test strip cassette in which the test strips by resilient means in the direction perpendicular to the direction of ejection with a spring-elastic Force are applied to the test strips against a contact surface urges, which is approximately at the level of the discharge opening is arranged. This has the advantage that the test strips regardless of the number of test strips in the magazine and the location of the blood glucose meter according to the invention always in a relation to the ejection opening suitable Position can be spent, which is a smooth ejection of Guaranteed test strips.

By the use of elastic means, such. B. a helical compression spring made of metal or a bent tongue of plastic or the like, is advantageously an automatic supply of test strips ensured to the ejector, so after removal a test strip requires no manual intervention in the mechanism is to take a new test strip for ejection just before the To move ejector opening. In other words becomes when the magazine is full or partially full the next test strip always automatically in the for brought the ejection optimal position until the last Test strip was removed from the magazine. After the last test strip was taken from the magazine, or even before, the Cassette in which the test strips are located, to refill the Magazine easily removed from the case and be replenished.

The Test strip magazine comprises in the preferred embodiment The invention can be operated manually from the outside Ejection mechanism for the test strips, in an advantageous Way a guided inside the housing slider owns which z. B. with the help of a in the interior of the magazine protruding projection or hook on the on the contact surface adjacent test strips acts, which is equal to the Ejector opening is located.

In the same way it can be provided, the entire contact surface to design as a slide, which z. B. by one at the top out of the case of the magazine outstanding actuator button is linearly movable around the voltage applied to the slide test strip to move towards the discharge opening.

To another idea underlying the invention has the housing part in which the measuring unit is received is a base part in which an electronic circuit for transmission the measured values recorded by the measuring unit to an external one Data processing device, in particular to a computer housed can be. This advantageously allows the management a variety of blood glucose measurement values, especially in Connection with the date and time of a measurement made for one or more patients in the device stored and transmitted, with the measured values z. B. in an electronic database on the computer via recorded and evaluated over a longer period of time can be.

at a first embodiment of the invention, the electronic Circuit for data transmission include a USB interface, being in terms of a compact design and a good mechanical Connection of the housing unit containing the measuring unit with the housing part containing the lancing device of advantage is when the plug of the USB interface at the same time the form-fitting Connection to the housing part of the lancing device forms. Of Furthermore, the USB interface can also charge at the same time a rechargeable battery, which the measuring unit during the Operating supplied with electrical energy.

According to one another embodiment of the invention, in particular also at the same time in connection with the previously described USB interface is used, the electronic circuit can be a radio interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface or an infrared interface, for wireless data transmission. this makes possible advantageously a contactless data transmission over a distance of a few meters, which can also be done automatically as soon as the user of the invention Blood glucose meter in the reception area of a corresponding associated wireless transceiver unit moves z. B. may be provided on a computer mentioned above.

at According to another embodiment of the invention, the base part, as described above, the electronic circuit for data transmission contains, also be designed as a housing, in which alternatively instead of the electronic circuit further accumulator for supplying the measuring unit with electrical Energy can be accommodated. This gives the advantage that the weight of the blood glucose meter is total reduced, or the operating time in the case of an additional Total accumulator extended. By the extended Operating time of the device, this example, too on longer trips, z. B. on trips abroad, without one carry additional charger, with only a corresponding larger stock on blood sugar test strips for the entire duration of the trip in the usual airtight boxes in your luggage must be carried along, from which the magazine then for the daily requirements for test strips can be.

The housing of the device, which consists in particular of impact-resistant plastic, advantageously has a pen-like shape, ie the shape of a large pen on which the blood glucose meter according to the invention can be easily carried even in close-fitting pockets without the User disturbing or even restrict this in his freedom of movement. Furthermore, it can be provided if the test strip Maga. On the housing, in particular on the housing part zin, an elastic clip or clip is arranged, by means of which the device can be fixed in the manner of a ballpoint pen in the inner pocket of a jacket or on a belt.

The The invention will be described below with reference to the drawings a preferred embodiment.

In show the drawings:

1 a schematic representation of the blood sugar measuring device according to the invention in the assembled state,

2a a schematic representation of the lancing device in plan view,

2 B a schematic side view of the lancing device,

3a a schematic representation of the measuring unit in a plan view,

3b a schematic side view of the measuring unit,

4 a schematic representation of the test strip magazine with relaxed pressure element, removed cassette and sealing plug,

5a a schematic representation of the test strip magazine with inserted filled cassette and tensioned pressure element, and

5b a schematic representation of the test strip magazine of 5a when ejecting a blood sugar test strip.

Like the presentation of 1 can be removed, the blood glucose meter according to the invention comprises 1 a housing 2 , which has a first housing part 2a , a second housing part 2 B and a third housing part 2c has, which are positively connected to each other via connectors.

In the first housing part 2a is a lancing device 3 taken in a known manner a lancet 8th which, in the region of its tip, comprises an annular protective cap 10 surrounded by the tip of the lancet 8th withdrawn to avoid accidental injury when the lancet 8th in the in 2a and 2 B is shown in rest position. In the first housing part 2a is still a clamping mechanism 20 and a locking device 12 with a compressive elastic agent 16 and a externally operable mounted release button 14 arranged, with the help of which the lancet 8th against the force of two tension springs 18 tension. After tensioning the tension springs 18 can the lancet 8th by pressing a release button 14 , which the locking of the locking device 12 lifts, by the elastic forces of the tension springs 18 from the first housing part 2a be moved out to z in a known manner. B. to penetrate the finger of a person and there to create a bleeding skin opening.

As shown by 2a and 2 B has the lancing device 3 on the lancet 8th opposite end of a connector socket 22 on, for receiving a connector 24 of in 3a and 3b shown second housing part 2 B serves. The second housing part 2 B contains an electronic measuring unit 4 with an evaluation electronics 36 that with a sensor electronics 34 is connected, which is in the area of an opening 32 in the second housing part 2 B into which a blood sugar test strip is inserted 48 is insertable after it has been wetted with blood from the skin opening. The sensor electronics 34 detects in a known manner, in particular the electrical conductance of the blood-wetted area of an inserted into the opening test strip 48 , The conductance is determined by the transmitter 36 z. For example, a corresponding blood sugar measured value is assigned by a comparison with stored measured values, which is subsequently connected to a measured value display connected to the evaluation electronics 26 is issued.

In the second housing part 2 B can still use an electronic memory 38 and an electronic circuit 40 be arranged to store a larger number of detected blood glucose readings over a longer period of time and if necessary to transfer to an external computer not shown in detail, which has a correspondingly designed electronic data interface.

To the measuring unit 4 manually on and off, is on the second housing part 2 B still a control button 28 arranged, by means of which the measuring unit 4 and the remaining electronic components in the second housing part 2 B with an electrical power source not shown in detail, for. B. an accumulator, are connectable.

On the connector 24 opposite side of the second housing part 2 B is a pin-like projection 42 arranged, which has a slightly smaller diameter than the immediately adjacent central portion of the second housing part 2 B has. The lead 42 preferably tapers in the direction of the second housing part 2 B away conical and attacks - as in 1 shown - in a recess 43 in the third housing part 2c one, the shape of the projection in terms of their shape 42 is adapted so that in the assembled state of the measuring device according to the invention 1 the two housing parts 2 B and 2c are fixed together in the axial direction via a frictional connection. The same applies accordingly for the mechanical connection between the first and second housing part 2a and 2 B , which via the preferably designed as a USB plug connector 24 and the connection socket 22 will be produced.

As continue in the 4 . 5a and 5b is shown, the third housing part comprises 2c a magazine 6 in which several test strips 48 can be included, for. B. 5 to 10 test strips, which essentially correspond to the daily requirement of required test strips. The magazine 6 in this case comprises a displaceable in the third housing part 2c guided test strip cassette 46 , as shown by 4 via guides not shown in detail through the recess 43 and a downstream opening 45 through into the interior of the third housing part 2c is insertable. The test strip cassette 46 indicates at its the opening 45 facing the end of an insertion 47 for the test strips 48 on that through a stopper 44 is closable. The case of the cassette 46 owns in the opening 45 opposite side wall, an outlet opening 49 for the test strips 48 , with inserted cassette 46 with an ejection opening 52 in the third housing part 2c flees. In its lower part is the case of the cassette 46 with a passage opening 50 provided, which after the complete insertion of the cassette 46 as shown by 5a in the amount of a pressure bar 54 is located, which has elastic means 58 on a displaceable in the third housing part 2c recorded pressure element 56 supported. By applying the pressure element 56 from the outside with the hand or the thumb can this, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the test strip 48 extending direction, in the interior of the third housing part 2c Push. Here, the pressure bar extends 54 through the access opening 50 in the cartridge case, leaving the test strips 48 through the elastic means 58 with a resilient force under prestress against a contact surface 59 be crowded, which is in the amount of the exit opening 49 on the passage opening 50 located opposite side of the cassette housing. The contact surface 59 is preferred on a slider 60 formed, which is displaceable on the third housing part 2c is recorded and from the outside z. B. with your thumb in the direction of the outlet opening 49 or the ejection opening 52 to be moved. The slider 60 serves as ejection mechanism, with which the uppermost, on the contact surface 59 attached test strips 48 through the discharge opening 52 through from the magazine 6 lets move out, like this in 5b is indicated.

To the pressure element 56 after insertion into the interior of the third housing part 2c in the in 5a To lock shown biasing position, a locking device not shown in detail in the drawings may be provided, as described for. B. in a pen or the like is used, so that z. B. by pressing the Andruckelements again 56 the lock released and the pressure element 56 from the interior of the third housing part 2c can be moved out.

1

Blood glucose meter

2

casing

2a

first housing part

2 B

second housing part

2c

third housing part

3

lancing

4

measuring unit

6

magazine

8th

lancet

10

protective cap

12

locking device

14

release button

16

pressure elastic medium

18

mainspring

20

tensioning mechanism

22

connection socket

24

Interconnect, USB plug

26

Measurement display

28

control key

30

base part

32

opening for test strips

34

sensor electronics

36

evaluation

38

memory electronics

40

Communications electronics

42

head Start

43

recess

44

sealing plug

45

opening

46

cassette

47

insertion

48

test strips

49

outlet opening

50

Through opening

52

ejection port

54

pressure bar

56

presser

58

springy medium

59

contact surface

60

pusher

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19824036 A1 [0003, 0003]

Claims (10)

Blood glucose meter ( 1 ) comprising a housing ( 2 ) with a lancing device ( 3 ) and a measuring unit ( 4 ) containing a blood glucose test strip ( 48 ) can be supplied to determine the blood sugar level, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) continue a magazine ( 6 ) for receiving a plurality of blood sugar test strips ( 48 ) provided by the measuring unit ( 4 ) are evaluable. Blood glucose meter according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) a first, a second and a third form-fitting connectable housing part ( 2a . 2 B . 2c ), which the lancing device ( 3 ), the measuring unit ( 4 ) and the magazine ( 6 ) contains. Blood glucose meter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magazine ( 6 ) one slidable in the housing ( 2 ) guided test strip cassette ( 46 ) in which the test strips ( 48 ) via elastic means ( 58 ) are biased to a predetermined position relative to an ejection opening ( 52 ) to move. Blood glucose meter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test strip magazine ( 6 ) a manually operable from the outside ejection mechanism, in particular in the form of a slide ( 60 ), for the test strips ( 48 ) having. Blood glucose meter according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the second housing part ( 2 B ) a base part ( 30 ) comprising an electronic circuit for data transmission ( 40 ) of the measuring unit ( 4 ) recorded measured values to an external data processing device, in particular to a computer having. Blood glucose meter according to claim 5, characterized in that the electronic circuit for data transmission ( 40 ) comprises a USB interface. Blood glucose meter according to claim 5, characterized in that the electronic circuit for data transmission ( 40 ) comprises a radio interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface. Blood sugar measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that the base part ( 30 ) of the measuring unit ( 4 ) is replaceable by an empty housing. Blood glucose meter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) has a pen-like shape. Blood glucose meter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) has an elastic clip or a belt clip.