WO2009020257A1

WO2009020257A1 - Pulse oximeter apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009020257A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/005243
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dong Hwa Lee; Dong Kyu Seo
Original assignee: Charmcare Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-08-08
Filing date: 2007-10-24
Publication date: 2009-02-12
Also published as: KR100756654B1

Abstract

A pulse oximeter apparatus for measuring and displaying oxygen saturation level in human body is disclosed, by which user's convenience is enhanced. The present invention includes a main body (100) having a sensor for oxygen saturation level measurement and a detectable body (200) detachably attached to the main body (100) to display physical information including the oxygen saturation level. Accordingly, a small-sized portable pulse oximeter apparatus facilitates human information such as the saturation percentage or level of oxygen in human body to be checked, thereby enhancing user's convenience.

Description

PULSE OXIMETER APPARATUS

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a physical information measuring device for measuring physical information, and more particularly, to a pulse oximeter apparatus measuring oxygen saturation level. Background Art

[2] Generally, a pulse oximeter apparatus is a device for measuring the saturation level or percentage of oxygen in a human body using a sensor.

[3] In particular, the pulse oximeter apparatus checks a blood stream state of patient's finger, toe, or ear via a sensor and then displays a measured value of oxygen saturation through the measured information. Namely, the pulse oximeter apparatus is a device for measuring the saturation level of oxygen in arterial blood by a noninvasive scheme.

[4] The pulse oximeter apparatus are built into various types and widely used. R>r instance, a compact-sized pulse oximeter apparatus, which includes a sensor and display unit incorporated as one body, is developed and used portable. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] However, according to compact-sized pulse oximeter apparatus in the related art, a manipulator or a subject for measurement is not facilitated to read the numerical value of the oxygen saturation level or to manipulate the compact-sized pulse oximeter apparatus at various angles or in convenient posture, since the display unit for displaying a numerical value of an oxygen saturation level is incorporated as one body to a body housing having a sensor.

[6] Moreover, the subject needs to move his arm to read the numerical value of the oxygen saturation level while the compact-sized pulse oximeter apparatus is fixed to his finger, which degrades the accuracy of the oxygen saturation level. Technical Solution

[7] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a pulse oximeter apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and ds- advantages of the related art.

[8] An object of the present invention is to provide a pulse oximeter apparatus, by which user's convenience is enhanced using a detachable body.

[9] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the de- scription which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof as well as the appended drawings. [10] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a pulse oximeter apparatus according to the present invention includes a main body having a sensor for oxygen saturation level measurement and a detachable body detachably attached to the main body to display physical information including the oxygen saturation level. [11] The detachable body comprises a housing detachably attached to the main body and a display unit provided to the housing to dsplay the human body information. [12] The display unit comprises one of a segment a light emitting dode (LED) and a liquid crystal dsplay (LCD) [13] The main body can be a gripper type, the main body comprising a first body detachably attached to the detachable body and a second body rotatably connected to the first body. [14] And the first body comprises a first upper housing and a first lower housing coupled to the first upper housing, and the second body comprises a second upper housing and a second lower housing coupled to the second upper housing. [15] The first body is rotatably connected to the second body on a pivot, and the main body further comprises an elastic member providng an elastic grip between the first and second bodes.

[16] The detachable body is detachably attached to the main body by a fixing unit.

[17] The fixing unit comprises at least one magnet provided to at least one of the main body and the detachable body, the at least one magnet allows the detachable body to be detachably attached to the main body by a magnetic force. [18] The fixing unit may comprise a projection provided to any one of the main body and the detachable body and a receiving part provided to the other of the detachable body and the main body to receiving the projection therein. [19] The receiving part comprises a holder having a recess, wherein the projection is detachably coupled to the holder. [20] The receiving part may comprise a sheath type holder, wherein the projection is detachably coupled to the sheath type holder. [21] The fixing unit may comprise a hook provided to one of the main body and the detachable body. [22] In the meantime, one of the main body and the detachable body comprises a rail provided to an outside thereof, and the other comprises a guide portion guidng the rail, wherein the detachable body is slidngly mounted on the main body.

[23] And a signal from the sensor could be transmitted to the detachable body by wireless or wire communication.

[24] For this, the pulse oximeter apparatus further comprises a cable connecting the main body to the detachable body, wherein the signal from the sensor is delivered to the detachable body via the cable.

[25] The signal from the sensor could be transmitted to the detachable by near field communication.

[26] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pulse oximeter apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body including a first body, a second body rotatably connected to the first body, and an elastic member providing an elastic force between the first and second bodes, a detachable body having a housing detachably attached to the main body and a circuit board provided in the housing, and a fixing unit detachably attaching the detachable body to the main body.

[27] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Advantageous Effects

[28] Accordngly, the present invention provides the following effects or advantages.

[29] Rrst of all, the detachable body is detachably coupled to the main body. Hence, a user can check or manipulate the detachably body in a convenient posture or at various angles, by way of separating the detachable body from the main body. And, the pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to the present invention is very portable type.

[30] Secondly, the detachable body has the dsplay unit and can dsplay such physical information includng the saturation level of oxygen. Therefore, a subject to be measured can easily check and see the saturation level of oxygen via the detachable body by himself. Brief Description of the Drawings

[31] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understandng of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. [32] In the drawings:

[33] FlG. 1 is a perspective view of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a first embodment of the present invention; [34] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a first embodment of the present invention, in which a detachable body and a main body are separated from each other; [35] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a detachable body in the pulse oximeter apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ; [36] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first body of a main body in the pulse oximeter apparatus shown in FIG. 1; [37] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second body of a main body in the pulse oximeter apparatus shown in FIG. 1; [38] FIG. 6 is a lateral view of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to the present invention showing a finger being inserted into the pulse oximeter apparatus; [39] FIG. 7 is a schematic block dagram of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to the present invention; [40] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a second body accordng to another embodment for a pulse oximeter apparatus of the present invention; [41] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are lateral views of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a second embodment of the present invention; [42] FIG. 11 is a lateral view of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a third embodment of the present invention; [43] FIG. 12 is a lateral view of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a fourth embodment of the present invention; [44] FIG. 13 is a lateral view of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a fifth embodment of the present invention; [45] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a sixth embodment of the present invention; and [46] FIG. 15 is a lateral view of a main body for the pulse oximeter apparatus shown in

FIG. 14.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [47] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [48] A pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a first embodment of the present invention is explained with reference to FlGs. 1 to 5.

[49] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a pulse oximeter apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 100 and a detachable body 200.

[50] The main body 100 includes a first body 10 and a second body 20. And, the detachable body 200 is detachably attached to the main body 100.

[51] In this embodiment, the main body 100 is a gripper type, e.g., a finger-clip type by which a finger is inserted and clipped into the main body 100. In particular, a finger of a subject such as a patient is inserted between the first and second bodes 10 and 20 and then fixed in-between to measure the saturation level of oxygen. Of course, other specific parts of a human body can be fixed the in-between as well as the finger.

[52] The first body 10 is rotatably connected to the second body 20 to be pivot thereon.

[53] The detachable body 200 is applicable to various usages. For example, the detachable body 200 of the present embodiment displays physical information such as the saturation level or percentage of oxygen and the like. In this case, the physical information may include a pulse rate.

[54] However, the detachable body 200 is applicable to another usage. For instance, the detachable body 200 is usable for a manipulation/operation of the pulse oximeter apparatus such as on/off and the like.

[55] As described above, since the detachable body 200 is applicable for various usages to provide convenience in use as well as the physical information display, the usage of the detachable body 200 is not limited to the display of the physical information.

[56] Hence, a user or a subject of the pulse oximeter apparatus according to the present invention is able to apply the detachable body 200 to such a usage as a physical information check, a manipulation of the pulse oximeter apparatus, and the like at various angles or in a comfortable posture, while the detachable body 200 is separated from the main body 100.

[57] The detachable body 200 includes a display unit 210 for displaying physical information including the oxygen saturation level and the like. And, the detachable body 200 is electrically connected to the main body 100 via a cable 30.

[58] In particular, the display unit 210 is provided to a housing 220 of the detachable body 200. And, the housing 220 is detachably provided to the main body 100.

[59] The display unit 210 includes any one of a segment, a light emitting dode (LED) and a liquid crystal dsplay (LCD) to dsplay the oxygen saturation level. And a circuit board 230 is provided in the housing 220. [60] The main body 100 is provided with a sensor for sensing or detecting a physical state of the subject, and more particularly, with a sensor for measuring the oxygen saturation level. [61] And, a signal from the sensor is transmitted to the detachable body 200 via the cable 30 by method of wire communication. Hence, the user or subject is able to confirm a numerical value of the oxygen saturation level via the display unit 210. [62] Optionally, the detachable body 200 may display human body information in a manner of receiving the signal from the sensor by method of wireless communication.

In particular, in order to transmit the sensor signal to the detachable body 200 by wireless communication, a communication module (not shown) can be provided to the main body 100 and the detachable body 200. [63] The wireless communication can be carried out in various ways. R>r instance, the wireless communication is carried out by near field communication, more particularly, by one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and the like. [64] The present invention also discloses that a signal can be transmitted from the main body 100 to the detachable body 200 by wireless communication as described above.

Hence, the present invention overcomes the spatial limitations put on the wire connection between the detachable body 200 and the main body 100. [65] The pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to the present invention includes a power unit for supplying a power. [66] The power unit is provided to any one of the detachable body 200, the first body 10 and the second body 20. In the present embodiment, the power unit includes a battery

40 provided to the second body 20. Optionally, an electric power can be supplied to the pulse oximeter apparatus by an electric cable. [67] And, the detachable body 200 is detachably fixed to the main body 100 by a fixing unit (50, 60) [68] The detachable body 200, the main body 100 and the fixing unit (50, 60) are explained in detail with reference to FIGs. 3 to 5 as follows. [69] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a detachable body in the pulse oximeter apparatus shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first body of a main body in the pulse oximeter apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second body of a main body in the pulse oximeter apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [70] For clarity and convenience in explanation, the detachable body 200, the main body

100 and the fixing unit (50, 60) are explained on the basis of the state that the detachable body 200 is attached to an upper side of the main body 100. [71] Referring to FIG. 3, the housing 220 of the detachable body includes an upper case

221 and a lower case 222 coupled to a lower side of the upper case 221. [72] The housing 220 defines an exterior aspect of the detachable body 200. A lower side of the upper case 221 has an opening, and the lower case 222 is coupled to the lower side of the upper case 221 and forms a bottom of the housing 220. [73] The circuit board 230 is received in the housing 220 to be provided on the lower case 222. [74] The circuit board 230 includes a processor 231 shown in FIG. 6. The circuit board

230 is electrically connected to the main body 100 via the cable 30. And, the display unit 210 is provided on upper side of the circuit board 230. [75] The circuit board 230 receives a signal from a sensor provided to the main body

100. And, the display unit 210 displays the saturation percentage of oxygen. [76] A switch 240 is provided to the detachable body 200, more particularly, to one side of the circuit board 230 for switching a power supply. [77] And a switch button 250 is provided to the upper case 221 to manipulate the switch

240. In particular, the switch button 250 is provided over the switch 240. [78] The upper case 221 includes a seeing-through display window 211. In particular, the display windbw 211 is provided over the display unit 210 to cover the display unit

210. [79] The circuit board 230 includes a board connector 232 for the electrical connection to the cable 30. A first port part 31 which is one end of the cable 30 is connected to the board connector 232. [80] The first port part 31 of the cable 30 is connected to a first port connecting part 261 and 262 provided to the detachable body 200. And, the firs port connecting part 261 and 262 includes an upper recess 261 provided to the upper case 221 and a lower recess 262 provided to the lower case 222. [81] In particular, the first port connecting part has a hole shape formed by the upper and lower recesses 261 and 262. The first port part 31 is caught on an inner circumference of the first port connecting part and fixed to the detachable body 200. For this, a groove or a step portion is provided to the first port part 31.

[82] Meanwhile, the detachable body 200 is detachably attached to one side, more particularly, upper side of the main body 100. And this embodiment discloses the detachable body 200 detachably attached to the main body 100 by a magnetic force. [83] In particular, the fixing unit includes a magnet 50 and/or 60. And, the magnets 50 and 60 can be provided to at least one of the main body 100 and the detachable body 200.

[84] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, at least one magnet is provided to the main body

100 and the detachable body 200, respectively.

[85] For clarity and convenience in explanation, the magnet 50 provided to the detachable body 200 is named a first magnet 50 and the other magnet 60 provided to the main body 100 is named a second magnet 60.

[86] In this case, a pair of the first and second magnets 50 and 60 are arranged to face each other, whereby the detachable body 200 is detachably fixed to the main body by an attractive magnetic force in-between.

[87] In FIG. 3 and FIG.4, a pair of the first magnets 51 and 52 and a pair of the second magnets 61 and 62 are provided to the detachable body 200 and the main body 100, respectively. Optionally, the number of the first and second magnets or shapes thereof can be modfied.

[88] In particular, a first magnet receiving part 222a for receiving the first magnet 50 is provided within the housing 220, more particularly, on an inner surface of the lower case 222. And, a second magnet receiving part 1 Ia is provided within the main body 100 to receive the second magnet 60 therein.

[89] Thus, the detachable body 200 is attached to the main body 100 by the mutual attractive force between the first and second magnets 50 and 60 received in the first and second magnet receiving parts 222a and 1 Ia, respectively. If necessary, the detachable body 200 is easily separated from the main body 100 by predetermined force.

[90] In the present embodiment, the detachable body 200 is attached to the upper side of the first body 10. Alternatively, the detachable body 200 may be attached to the second body 20.

[91] Different from the configuration explained above, at least one magnet 50 is provided only to the detachable boy 200 and a magnet-attachable member, e.g., an iron-based member can be provided to the main body 100. Hence, the detachable body 200 can be fixed to the main body 100.

[92] On the contrary, at least one magnet 60 is provided only to the main body 100, more particularly, to the first body 10 and a magnet-attachable member, e.g., an iron- based member is provided to the detachable body 200. Hence, the detachable body 200 can be fixed to the main body 100.

[93] Furthermore, at least one alignment projection 270 is provided to either the detachable body 200 or the main body 100 and at least one alignment recess or slot 1 Ib for receiving the alignment projection 270 is provided to either the main body 100 or the detachable body 200. Hence, it is able to facilitate the alignment of the detachable body 200. And, it is also able to prevent the detachable body 200 from slipping on the main body 100.

[94] In this embodiment, the alignment projection 270 is provided to a bottom of the lower case 222 of the detachable body 200, and the alignmentgroove 1 Ib is provided to the upper side of the first body 10.

[95] Referring to FIGs. 4 to 6, the first body 10 of the main body 10 includes a first upper housing 11 and a first lower housing 12. The lower housing 12 is coupled to the first upper housing 11 to form an exterior aspect of the first body 10 together with the first upper housing 11.

[96] In particular, a lower end of the first upper housing 11 has an opening. The first lower housing 12 is coupled to the first upper housing 11 to form a bottom of the first body 10. This does not limit implementations for the shapes of the first upper and lower housings 11 and 12.

[97] The second magnet receiving part 1 Ia is provided within the first upper housing 11 to receive the second magnets 61 and 62 therein. And, the alignment groove 1 Ib is provided to an upper side of the first upper housing 11.

[98] A second port connecting part 13a and 13b is provided to the first body 10 to be connected to a second port part 32 that is the other end of the able 30. The second port connecting part includes an upper connecting recess 13a provided to the first upper housing 11 and a lower connecting recess 13b provided to the first lower housing 12.

[99] In particular, the second port connecting part 13a and 13b has a hole shape defined by the upper connecting recess 13a and the lower connecting recess 13b. The second port part 32 is caught on an inner circumference of the second port connecting part 13a and 13b and fixed to the first body 10. R»r this, a groove or a step portion is provided to the second port part 32.

[100] The second port part 32 is electrically connected to the sensor, for transmitting a signal sensed by the sensor to the circuit board.

[101] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sensor includes a light emitting unit 14 and a light receiving unit 23. And, a power is supplied to the sensor by the power supply unit.

[102] In this case, the light emitting unit 14 includes a light source provided to the first body 10 and the light receiving unit 23 includes a light sensor or a light detector provided to the second body 20. Alternatively, the light sensor or the light detector is provided to the first body 10 and the light source is provided to the second body 20.

[103] Hence, the pulse oximeter apparatus according to the present invention measures the saturation percentage of oxygen in arterial blood using the property that the intensity of light, which is emitted from the light source and then sensed by the light sensor after passing through a portion of a human body, and more particularly, through a finger, depends on a sensitive fraction between unsaturated hemoglobin and saturated hemoglobin in accordance with expansion and contraction of a pulsatile artery.

[104] The first body 10 is rotatably connected to the second body 20 on a pivot. In particular, a pair of tabs 15 are projected from a lower portions of both sides of the first upper housing 11, respectively. The first body 10 turns on a pair of the tabs 15. And, a pair of tab connecting portions 22a are provided to the second body 20, wherein the pair of the tabs 15 rotatably connected on the pair of tab connecting portions 22a.

[105] If the first body 10 is pivoted on a pair of the tabs 15, a space between one side of the first body 10 and one side of the second body 20 gets wider centering on a pair of the tabs 15 so as to enable a finger to be inserted therein.

[106] A first contact portion 12b is provided to one side of the first body 10. In particular, the first contact portion 12b is formed to be upwardly recessed into the bottom of the first lower housing 12.

[107] And, a second contact portion 21b is provided to one side of the second body 20. In particular, the second contact portion 21b is formed to be downwardly recessed into an upper side of the second body 20.

[108] Therefore, the first contact portion 12b and the second contact portion 21b define a finger grip part 12b and 21b.

[109] In addition to the above configuration, the main body 100 further includes an elastic member 70 to provide an elastic force between the first body 10 and the second body 20.

[110] In particular, the elastic member 70 provides an elastic grip between the first and second bodies 10 and 20 by the elasticity, for allowing a finger of a subject to be fixed in the finger grip part 12b and 21b.

[I l l] The elastic member 70 can include a general spring or one of members formed of various materials with various shapes. Preferably, the elastic member 70 includes a torsion spring shown in the drawings. Alternatively, the elastic member 70 includes a coil spring (not shown in the drawings)

[112] In a lateral view, the spring 70 has substantially ¹V or 'U' shape. One end portion 71 of the spring 70 centering on a bent portion of the spring 70 is connected to one side of the first body 10, and the other end portion 72 of the spring 70 is connected to one side of the second body 20.

[113] A spring connecting portion 12a is provided to the first body 10 to be connected to the one end portion 71 of the spring 70. And, a spring fixing portion 21a is provided to the second body 20 to enable the other end portion 72 of the spring 70 to be fixed thereto.

[114] Referring to FIG. 6, if both of the other side of the first body 10 and the other side of the second body 20 are simultaneously pressed, the space in the finger grip part 12b and 21b gets wider centering on a pair of the tabs 15.

[115] Then, a space sufficient for a finger to be inserted therein is formed between the opposing sides of the first and second bodes 10 and 20. And if the finger is disposed between the light source and the light sensor after a finger of a subject is fully inserted into the finger grip part 12b and 21b, it is able to measure the saturation percentage of oxygen.

[116] The light source 14 includes an LED light source. Alternatively, the light source 14 can include one of various light emitting sources.

[117] The light source 12 is electrically connected to the second port part 32 via an electrical connecting member (not shown in the drawings) such as a ribbon cable and the like, thereby transmitting/receiving electric signals to/from the circuit board 230.

[118] A configuration of the electrical connecting member such as the ribbon cable is apparent to those skilled in the art. Details of the electrical connecting member are omitted in the following description.

[119] The light emitting part, i.e., the light source 14 is provided to the lower side of the first body 10, and more particularly, to the first contact portion 12b. And, the light receiving unit, i.e., the light sensor is provided to the second contact portion 21b of the second body 21b to face the light source 14. Preferably, the light receiving unit includes a photodode or the like.

[120] Meanwhile, the second body 20 includes a second upper housing 21 and a second lower housing 22. The second lower housing 22 is coupled to the second upper housing to form an exterior aspect of the second body 20 together with the second upper housing 21.

[121] The second upper housing 21 is provided under the first lower housing 12. The spring fixing portion 21a is provided to a lower end of lateral sides of the second upper housing 21. A recessed portion for forming the second contact portion 21b is provided to the second upper housing 21. And, the light receiving unit 23 is provided to the second contact portion 21b.

[122] The pair of recesses for the tab connecting portions 22a are provided to each upper end of both sides of the second lower housing 22, more particularly, to portions cor- respondng to a pair of the tabs 15, respectively. The pair of the tabs 15 are connected in the tab connecting portions 22a, whereby the first body is rotatably coupled to the second body 20.

[123] A pair of the batteries 40 are received in the second body 20 to supply a electric power for operations of the pulse oximeter apparatus according to the present invention via an electrical connecting part such as the ribbon cable and the like. It is understood that the number of the batteries or the battery shape is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5.

[124] Besides, in order to minimize a weight applied to a finger by reducing a weight of the main body 100, the battery(s) 40 can be received in the detachable body 100.

[125] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to the present invention.

[126] Referring to FIG. 7, a circuit configuration of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to the present invention includes a main module and a measuring module.

[127] The main module is provided to the detachable body 200 and the measuring module is provided to the first and second bodes 10 and 20 together with the power unit 40.

[128] The main module includes the processor 231, the switch 240, the dsplay unit 210, and the circuit unit of the circuit board 230.

[129] And, the measuring module includes the power unit 40, the light source 14, and the light sensor 23.

[130] As a power is applied by the switch 240, if the power from the power unit 40 is supplied to the main module and the measuring module, light emitted from the light source 14 transmits a finger and is then detected by the light sensor 23. The measured saturation percentage of oxygen is dsplayed on the dsplay unit 210 to be read by a user.

[131] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a second body applied to a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to another embodment of the present invention.

[132] Referring to FIG. 8, at least one flat dsc type battery 40a is received in the second body 20a, thereby reducing thickness and weight of the second body 20. Alternatively, as mentioned in the foregoing description of the first embodment of the present invention, the at least one dsc type battery 40a is provided to either the detachable body 200 or the first body 10. [133] The second body 20 includes a second upper housing 21 having an open lower end and a second lower housing 22 having an open upper end. Every implementation capable of having a receiving space is applicable to the second body 20. [134] At least one battery receiving portion 22b is provided to the second lower housing

22 to receive the at least one battery 40a thereon. [135] A lateral side of the second upper housing 21 is inserted into the second lower housing 22 to be coupled thereto. [136] At least one spring fixing portion 21a is provided to a lateral side of the second upper housing 21 to fix the spring 70 thereto. And, at least one tab connecting portion

22c is provided to the second lower housing 22 to connect the corresponding tab 15 therein. [137] The rest of elements are identical to the second body 20 of the first embodment of the present invention. The same reference numbers will be used to refer to the same or like parts and iterative explanations are omitted in the following description.

Mode for the Invention [138] A pulse oximeter apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 as follows. [139] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are lateral view of a pulse oximeter apparatus according to a second embodment of the present invention. [140] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a pulse oximeter apparatus according to a second embodment of the present invention includes a detachable body 200, a main body

100, and a fixing unit 510/520. The main body 100 includes a first body 10 and a second body 20. [141] Snce the detachable body 200 and the main body 100 are identically applicable to those of the second embodment of the present invention except the fixing unit

510/520, details of the detachable body 200 and the main body 100 are omitted in the following description. [142] Accordng to the second embodment of the present invention, the fixing unit

510/520 includes one or more projections 510 and one or more receiving parts 520 receiving the one or more projections 510 therein. [143] The projection 510, as shown in FIG. 9, is provided to the detachable body 200 and the receiving part 520 is provided to the main body 100. [144] Alternatively, the projection 510, as shown in FIG. 10, is provided to the main body

100 and the receiving part 520 is provided to the detachable body 200. [145] The receiving part 520 includes a recess type holder, wherein the holder has a recess and the projection 510 is inserted to be detachably coupled to the holder. In particular, the projection 510 can be detachably locked in the receiving part 520 like a clip. [146] Preferably, the projection 510 is formed as one body of the detachable body 200 or the main body 100 to be elastically transformed within a predetermined range.

Optionally, a locking protrusion (not shown in the drawings) can be provided to an end portion of the projection 510 to be caught on an inner side of the receiving part 520. [147] And, the receiving part 520 is provided to an upper side of the first upper housing

11. [148] Alternatively, the projection 510 can be configured to be tightly fitted into the receiving part 520 by a predetermined force. [149] FIG. 11 is a lateral view of a pulse oximeter apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [150] Referring to FIG. 11, a pulse oximeter apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a fixing unit for fixing the detachable body 200 and the main body 100 to each other. [151] And, the fixing unit includes at least one projection and at least one receiving part

540 having a sheath type holder for receiving the at least one projection therein. [152] The sheath type receiving part 540 is formed as one body with the main body 100, more particularly, an upper side of the first upper housing 11 or with a lower side of the detachable body 200 in accordance with a position of the projection 530. [153] The elements of the first embodment of the present invention are identically applicable to the rest of elements of the second embodment of the present invention except the sheath type receiving part 540. [154] Pulse oximeter apparatuses accordng to another embodments of the present invention are explained with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 as follows. [155] FIG. 12 is a lateral view of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a fourth embodment of the present invention. [156] Referring to FIG. 12, a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a fourth embodment of the present invention includes a fixing unit 610 having a hook 610. [157] The hook 610 is provided to one of the detachable body 200 and the main body 100 to hold the other. [158] In the fourth embodment of the present invention, the hook 610 is incorporated in one body of the main body 100. The hook 610 is configured to drectly hold an outer surface of the detachable body 200. Alternatively, an engaging groove 620 or a step portion for locking the hook 610 therein can be provided to the detachable body 200.

[159] Preferably, a seating portion 630 is provided to the main body 100, more particularly, to an upper side of the first upper housing 11 to enable the detachable body 200 to be seated thereon.

[160] The seating portion 630 and/or the hook 610 can be built in one body of the first body 10. Alternatively, the seating portion 630 and/or the hook 610 is separately fabricated and then assembled to the first body 10, thereby becoming in one body of the main body 100.

[161] FIG. 13 is a lateral view dagram of a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a fifth embodment of the present invention.

[162] Referring to FIG. 13, a pulse oximeter apparatus accordng to a fifth embodment of the present invention includes a main body 300 and a detachable body 400 slidngly mounted on the main body 300.

[163] In particular, one of the detachable body 400 and the main body 300 includes a rail

310 and the other includes a guide portion 410 correspondng to the rail 310.

[164] In the fifth embodment of the present invention, the rail 310 is provided to an outer surface of the main body 300, more particularly, to an upper side of the first upper housing 11. And, the guide portion 410 is provided to an outer surface of the detachable body 410, more particularly, to a lower side of the lower case 222. Alternatively, a reverse configuration is possible as well.

[165] The rail 310 and the guide portion 410 are provided to the main body 300 and the detachable body 400 in their length drections, respectively, by which implementations of the rail and guide portion 310 and 410 are not restricted.

[ 166] Preferably, a pair of rails 310 are provided to the upper side of the first upper housing 11. It is understood that the number of the rails is not limited to this embodment only.

[167] The rail 310 can be configured convex or concave. Preferably, the rail 310 is configured in a convex shape projected from the upper side of the first upper housing 11. More preferably, a flange 311 is provided an upper end of the rail 310 to prevent the detachable body 400 from being detached from the rail 310.

[168] For instance, the rail 310 can be configured to have one of various shapes includng

T, 'π v-i r' and the like.

[169] The guide portion 410 can be configured to have one of various shapes (e.g., projection, groove, etc.) correspondng to the shape of the rail 310. [170] Preferably, the guide portion 410 is configured in a convex guide shape.

[171] As the detachable body 400 slides on the rail 310 of the main body 300, the guide portion 410 can be tightly fitted in the rail 310 by a prescribed force (tight-fitting) R>r instance, a gap between a pair of the rails 310 is configured to be gradually reduced in one drection. [172] Hence, the rail 310 and the guide portion 410 configure the fixing unit, thereby enabling the detachable body 400 to be detachably attached to the main body 300 without using a separate fixing unit. [173] Besides, the elements of the first embodiment of the present invention are identically applicable to the rest of elements of the second embodiment of the present invention except the above-explained configurations. And, relevant details are omitted in the following description. [174] Each of the pulse oximeter apparatuses according to the aforesaid embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured into a small-sized portable type. If a length of the cable 30 exceeds a prescribed value, the cable 30 may play a role as a portable necklace. [175] FIG. 14 is a perspective diagram of a pulse oximeter apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 15 is a lateral view diagram of a main body applied to the pulse oximeter apparatus shown in FIG. 14. [176] Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, a pulse oximeter apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 700 and a detachable body

200. [177] The main body 700 includes a housing 710 and a finger insertion hole 711 provided to the housing 710. [178] And, the finger insertion hole 711 is provided with the aforesaid light source 14 and the aforesaid light sensor 23.

[179] Sb, the main body 700 corresponds not to the gripper type but to a thimble type.

[180] A pad (not shown in the drawings) may be provided within the finger insertion hole

711 to come into contact with an finger. The pad can be formed of one of various materials. For instance, the pad can be formed of a silicon based material, a rubber based material or the like. [181] The detachable body 200 can be detachably attached to the main body 700 using one of the above-illustrated fixing units. [182] The rest of elements are identical to those of the above-explained embodiments of the present invention. And, iterative explanations are omitted in the following de- scription.

[183] As mentioned in the foregoing description, the oximeter accordng to the present invention is basically characterized in that the detachable body 200 is detachably attached to the main body 100/700. And, the configurations of the detachable body 200, the main body 100/700 and the fixing unit can be further modified into afferent configurations.

[184] While the present invention has been described and illustrated herein with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Industrial Applicability

[185] Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects or advantages.

[186] Rrst of all, a detachable body is detachably attached to a main body by one of various fixing units. Hence, the detachable body is facilitated to be detached/attached from/to the main body. And, the present invention is configured portable and usable no matter where or when.

[187] Secondly, the present invention provides a detachable body detachably attached to a min body, thereby enhancing user's convenience by providing a display unit, a manipulating unit, and the like to the detachable body.

[188] Thirdly, a display is provided to a detachable body, thereby facilitating a user to check or obtain human body information in a comfortable posture and/or at various angles.

Claims

[1] A pulse oximeter apparatus comprising: a main body having a sensor for oxygen saturation level measurement; and a detachable body detachably attached to the main body to display physical information inducing the oxygen saturation level. [2] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 1, the detachable body comprising: a housing detachably attached to the main body; and a display unit provided to the housing to display the human body information. [3] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 2, the display unit comprising: One of a segment; a light emitting dode (LED); and a liquid crystal display (LCD) [4] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is a gripper type, the main body comprising: a first body detachably attached to the detachable body; and a second body rotatably connected to the first body. [5] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first body comprises a first upper housing and a first lower housing coupled to the first upper housing, and wherein the second body comprises a second upper housing and a second lower housing coupled to the second upper housing. [6] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first body is rotatably connected to the second body on a pivot, and wherein the main body further comprises an elastic member providing an elastic grip between the first and second bodes. [7] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detachable body is detachably attached to the main body by a fixing unit. [8] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 7, the fixing unit comprising at least one magnet provided to at least one of the main body and the detachable body, the at least one magnet allowing the detachable body to be detachably attached to the main body by a magnetic force. [9] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 7, the fixing unit comprising: a projection provided to any one of the main body and the detachable body; and an receiving part provided to the other of the detachable body and the main body to receiving the projection therein. [10] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 9, the receiving part comprising a holder having a recess, the projection being detachably coupled to the holder. [11] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 9, the receiving part comprising a sheath type holder, the projection being detachably coupled to the sheath type holder. [12] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 7, the fixing unit comprising a hook provided to one of the main body and the detachable body. [13] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 1, one of the main body and the detachable body comprising a rail provided to an outside thereof; and the other comprising a guide portion guidng the rail; wherein the detachable body is slidngly mounted on the main body. [14] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 1, wherein a signal from the sensor is transmitted to the detachable body by wireless or wire communication. [15] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a cable connecting the main body to the detachable body, wherein the signal from the sensor is delivered to the detachable body via the cable. [16] The pulse oximeter apparatus of claim 14, wherein the signal from the sensor is transmitted to the detachable by near field communication.