DEVICE FOR PRODUCING COLD PLASMA AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for treating human and / or animal surfaces, comprising a flat flexible multilayer system with a face which faces the surface to be treated and a face which faces away from the surface to be treated. The multilayer system comprises the following layers: namely a first electrode layer on the multilayer system face facing away from the surface to be treated, a second electrode layer on the multilayer system face facing the surface to be treated, said electrode layer having a plurality of recesses or being designed in a grid-like or meandering manner, a dielectricum layer which is arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and a spacer layer which is arranged adjacently to the second electrode layer on the multilayer system face facing the surface to be treated. The invention further relates to a cable, a generator unit for providing a high voltage, and a system.

Description

Device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma The invention relates to a device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces according to claim 1, a cable according to claim 12, a generator unit for providing a high voltage according to claim 14, and a system according to claim 16. In recent years, promising applications for the treatment of living tissue have been developed in plasma medicine through the collaboration of classical plasma physics and the life sciences. The focus of these plasma applications has been the use of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas for the decontamination and even sterilization of living tissue—that is, the killing of pathogens on or within living tissue. However, plasma treatment is not limited to disinfection and sterilization. Other applications that utilize the unique properties of plasma can also offer significant advantages for medicine. One potential application of plasma is promoting wound healing, such as chronic and / or postoperative wounds, as well as treating burns, abrasions, eye and mucous membrane infections, etc. Furthermore, its use for disinfection, wrinkle treatment, and / or other cosmetic procedures is also conceivable. Chronic wounds, in particular, such as those induced by diabetes, cause significant suffering for affected patients and are often associated with considerable burdens. Conventional therapies frequently fail to achieve the desired healing, often merely maintaining the status quo. A promising approach for treating chronic wounds is the use of cold plasmas, also known as atmospheric pressure plasmas. Plasma is considered the fourth state of matter and consists of ionized gas with unique physical properties. Plasma is electrically charged gas and conducts electricity. Furthermore, it contains a variety of radicals, such as free electrons, ions, and / or other excited species. Plasma also emits ultraviolet and visible light, as well as other electromagnetic fields. The development of biocompatible plasmas with temperatures below 40°C has given rise to a new and highly relevant field of research – plasma medicine. These "cold plasmas" form the basis for many different applications in plasma medicine. Known, available plasma sources have demonstrated their efficacy in clinical studies for the treatment of various skin diseases and / or chronic wounds. However, a significant drawback of these known plasma sources is that, to date, only small wound areas can be treated, as the sources themselves are relatively small. Furthermore, known plasma sources are difficult to control, meaning they are challenging to dose and handle. There is therefore a need for an improved, large-area plasma source for atmospheric pressure plasmas, particularly for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces. The object of the present invention is to provide a device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces, wherein a large-area plasma source, in particular approximately 400 cm², is to be provided. Furthermore, the plasma source should flexibly adapt to the topography of the surfaces to be treated, in particular to the different sizes and shapes of the application area. It is also an object of the invention to provide a cable, a generator, and a system for operating a plasma device for generating a large-area, cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces. The foregoing problem is solved according to the invention by a device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces according to claim 1, a cable according to claim 12, a generator unit for providing a high voltage according to claim 14, and a system according to claim 16. Items according to the dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention. A first aspect of the invention relates to a device, in particular a plasma device, for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces, comprising a flexible, planar multilayer system with a side facing the surface to be treated and a side facing away from the surface to be treated, wherein the multilayer system comprises the following layers, namely a first electrode layer on the side facing away from the surface to be treated, a second electrode layer on the side facing the surface to be treated, wherein the electrode layer has a plurality of recesses or is lattice-like or meander-shaped, and a dielectric layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.and at least one spacer or spacer layer is arranged adjacent to the second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system. The following is an exemplary description of the invention's concept, without being limiting. The device according to the invention, in particular the plasma device, is primarily used for treating human and / or animal surfaces, especially wounds, such as chronic and / or postoperative wounds. It is also used for treating burns, abrasions, eye and mucous membrane infections, etc. Use for disinfection, wrinkle treatment, and / or other cosmetic treatments is also conceivable. The device utilizes a special, flexible (optionally elastic) electrode arrangement with at least two electrode layers, namely a high-voltage electrode and a ground electrode, to generate a planar plasma, in particular a cold atmospheric pressure plasma, with the aid of a dielectric layer between the two electrodes.The device according to the invention is configured to adapt flexibly, in particular in a form-fitting manner, to arbitrarily curved surfaces, e.g., on a patient's face, and thus also makes skin areas inaccessible to known and inflexible plasma sources, such as the fingers or toes, accessible for plasma treatment. The device generates a planar plasma on one side of the device and is then placed with this side onto the surface to be treated, in particular onto the wound, so that the advantageous effects / properties of the plasma can act on or interact with the surface. According to the invention, at least four layers are provided to enable a flexible, large-area, dielectrically hindered surface discharge: two or three flexible electrodes, namely a first and a second electrode layer in a respective electrode plane, e.g., copper foils or other conductive materials; a flexible layer with a flexible and / or inflexible functional dielectric between the respective electrodes, e.g., silicone, Kapton, PVDF, ETFE; and a spacer layer. Preferably, the functional dielectric is flexible. However, inflexible materials, flexibly bonded to one another, can also be used. Preferably, but without limitation, a polymer is used. In other embodiments, elastomers, textiles, or, for example, ceramics embedded in a silicone matrix, or open-pore foams, such as chitinous materials like chitosan or chitosan patches, are used.To ignite the plasma, a high voltage is applied to one of the two electrodes, with the second electrode then being at ground potential and thus forming a counter electrode for the high-voltage electrode. A high-voltage field is then present between the two electrodes, with a short circuit in the form of an arc between the electrodes being prevented or suppressed by the dielectric layer. Instead, a large-area, dielectrically hindered atmospheric pressure plasma is formed. Since the plasma properties depend strongly on the gas space thickness, in particular on the gas volume between the ground electrode and the surface to be treated, especially the skin, a spacer layer is provided. This ensures a reliable and reproducible supply of a sufficient quantity of gas for generating a plasma with defined plasma properties.The gas to be ionized is either a supplied working gas or gas mixture and / or ambient air. The spacer layer can be designed in a variety of ways – without limiting the invention – for example, with ridges, recesses, nubs, foams from conventional wound dressings, and / or conventional wound dressings, etc., which can then each have different shapes and thicknesses. For example, the spacer layer can also be designed in the form of a self-adhesive edge with which the device is attached to the patient. The electrodes are preferably formed with conductive materials, in particular with metals, for example in the form of thin metal layers, foils, grids and / or with conductive polymer layers. These and other preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and specify in detail advantageous ways in which the invention can be realized or designed within the scope of the problem statement and with regard to further advantages. A preferred embodiment provides that the spacer layer is formed with at least one polymer, in particular an elastomer, and / or a textile fabric and with thicknesses of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In a suitable embodiment, the multilayer system may additionally include a first insulating layer, wherein the first insulating layer is arranged adjacent to the first electrode layer on the side of the multilayer system facing away from the surface to be treated. The first insulating layer is located on the side of the multilayer system facing away from the surface to be treated and, in a preferred embodiment, has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably 2 mm. The first insulating layer essentially serves to electrically insulate the first electrode layer, which is preferably designed as a high-voltage electrode layer, i.e., as an electrode layer to which a high voltage is applied. In a further embodiment, the first electrode layer is insulated on several sides, in particular on all sides.In an advantageous embodiment, the multilayer system may additionally include a second insulating layer, wherein the second insulating layer is arranged adjacent to the second electrode layer on the side of the multilayer system facing the surface to be treated. Preferably, the second insulating layer has a thickness between 10 μm and 300 μm. A further embodiment may provide that the multilayer system additionally includes a third insulating layer, wherein the third insulating layer is arranged adjacent to the spacer layer on the side of the multilayer system facing the surface to be treated. Preferably, the insulating layer is made of a skin- and / or wound-compatible material, preferably with antiseptic and / or atraumatic properties.In a further advantageous embodiment, the third insulating layer has a thickness between 50 μιτι and 300 μιτι, preferably 200 μιτι. In one embodiment, the multilayer system has dimensions with a length and width ranging from 5 cm to 25 cm. A particularly advantageous embodiment relates to a multilayer system in which the first electrode layer is continuous or formed with a plurality of recesses. In a suitable embodiment, the recesses in the first and / or second electrode layer between the conductive structures can be formed as holes, strips, meanders, honeycombs, circles, and / or squares. For example, the circular and / or honeycomb-shaped recesses can be formed as holes with a diameter of 3 mm to 5 mm, which are then arranged next to each other in a row and / or offset. In another embodiment, square recesses with dimensions of 3 mm x 3 mm to 5 mm x 5 mm, preferably 4 mm x 4 mm, are provided, wherein the webs between the recesses can have a width between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. Yet another embodiment uses strip-shaped recesses with a width between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably with a width of 6 mm.The strip-shaped cutouts are then arranged, for example, in parallel, circular, semicircular, spiral, and / or meandering patterns. A preferred embodiment provides that the device includes an information carrier, such as a chip, label, or other information and storage medium, on which operating parameters for operating the device are stored. Particularly when the device is used multiple times, it is advantageous that the device-specific data, especially the operating parameters for operating the device, are stored on or in an information and storage medium, such as a microchip, on or attached to the device, so that they can be read out before and / or during operation of the device.Possible data that are preferably stored include data about a treatment scheme, usage duration, lifespan, pulse pattern, intensity (amplitude of the supply voltage), an ID or serial number of the device, the number of previous applications, hygiene status (non-sterile, used, disinfected, sterile, etc.), errors or error messages during use of the device (e.g., breakdowns or short circuits, fluctuations in operating parameters), usability / usage status (e.g., valid or invalid). Reading the information carrier or storage medium can be done, for example, via cable, optically, or using wireless technology. Furthermore, such an information carrier also provides a security element that, for example, only authorizes operation of the device when the necessary conditions are met. The information carrier can also prevent multiple uses of a device, for example, if a device may only be used once for hygienic reasons. For such single-use devices, a barcode or QR code solution is preferable for cost reasons. In this case, the treatment parameters (operating parameters and a permissible indication) would be encoded, so that, for example, the authenticity (originality) of the device can be verified. This functionality can be implemented, for example, using an encrypted number sequence. A second aspect of the invention relates to a cable for connecting to a device according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the cable has a plug configured to provide a pluggable high-voltage connection between the device and the cable. The cable serves, on the one hand, to supply the (plasma) device according to the first aspect of the invention with high voltage; on the other hand, the cable is preferably also designed to transmit control signals between a power supply unit and the device. The signals are to be transmitted bidirectionally, for example, from the plasma device to a power supply / control unit and vice versa. The cable's primary function is to transmit the high voltage necessary for plasma generation from a high-voltage generator to the device. Key features of the cable include the safe transmission of the high voltage and reliable insulation both externally (protection against contact) and internally (dielectric strength). Furthermore, the cable must be flexible. The cable thus provides a high-voltage electrical connection between the device and the high-voltage generator, comprising at least one high-voltage conductor, an insulator, and a ground conductor. For electrical safety and EMC reasons, additional shielding is preferably provided, either connected to the ground conductor or independently to the protective earth (PE) conductor. The type of shielding depends primarily on the interference present. Particularly good shielding performance can be achieved with double shielding (metallic or...Metallized foil and a braided shield are used to achieve this. A biocompatible, disinfectable material is preferred for the outer insulation of the high-voltage cable, as in practice the cable is often fixed to the patient's body using an adhesive bandage. Furthermore, additional electrical (control) lines, such as a data line for communication with a memory chip integrated into the device, may be provided. Additionally or alternatively, double shielding and / or ferrite cores for EMC improvement, gas lines for supplying working gases, such as humidified air and / or noble gas(es) as well as special gas mixtures, or for the removal (extraction lines) of unwanted gas components such as ozone may be provided.To improve EMC characteristics, it may be necessary to integrate one or more additional electronic components, such as coils, capacitors, and filters, between the device according to the first aspect of the invention and the high-voltage cable. Furthermore, the aforementioned measures for improving electrical safety and EMC may also be provided between the device and the high-voltage cable. The cable can be connected to the device either permanently or via a plug-in system. The plug-in option allows for easy cable replacement in case of defects and / or for cleaning / disinfection purposes. Furthermore, all possible cable lengths from 1 m to 20 m are available. A preferred embodiment provides that the cable has a clamping device, wherein the clamping device is movable between an open and a closed position, and in the closed position the device is electrically connected to the cable, and in the open position the device is electrically disconnected from the cable. Preferably, the cable and clamping device are designed as (high-voltage) disposable products, with the disposable product being disposed of after processing, for example, if it may only be used once for hygienic reasons. Preferably, the cable connector has a ground and a high-voltage contact arranged laterally offset from each other. A third aspect of the invention relates to a generator unit for providing a high voltage for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma with a device according to the first aspect of the invention for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces, wherein the generator unit is configured to control the device. The generator unit serves as a central control unit for the (plasma) device and primarily provides the high voltage for the device via a high-voltage generator. The generator unit comprises a high-voltage generator with a control unit and at least one connection for the (plasma) device's power supply cable, as well as a mains connection with a main switch and, optionally, an integrated mains filter and a cooler for cooling the electronics. A gas connection with a gas flow controller and / or a compressor and / or an exhaust system is optionally provided. Furthermore, additional control units, microcontrollers, circuit boards, displays (especially touchscreen displays), membrane keypads, etc., are preferably provided for operating the generator unit. In a suitable design, the generator unit can be additionally configured to automatically read operating parameters for controlling the device from an information carrier, in particular a chip, a label, and / or other information and storage medium, in or on the device. Depending on the type of connected device, in particular its size and / or specific treatment parameters, the corresponding operating parameters are then read from an information carrier and made available to the generator unit. These can then, for example, also be displayed on the generator unit's display, in particular a touchscreen display. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a device according to the first aspect of the invention, a cable according to the second aspect of the invention, and a generator unit according to the third aspect of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. These figures are not necessarily to scale; rather, they are presented schematically and / or slightly distorted. The features disclosed in the description, the figures, and the claims can be essential for the realization of the invention, both individually and in any combination. Where appropriate, identical and / or similar features with identical or similar functions are designated with the same reference numerals. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the figures. Specifically, we show: Fig. 1: a perspective, schematic representation of a device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of surfaces, Fig. 2: an exploded view of the device shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment for a cable with a connector, Fig. 4: a schematic representation of an embodiment for a connector housing, Fig. 5: a perspective, schematic representation of a device for treating surfaces and a plug, Fig. 6: a preferred embodiment for a clamping device for a plug, Fig. 7: a preferred embodiment for a generator, Fig. 8: a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment for a system comprising a device, a generator and a cable for connecting the device to the generator, and Fig. 9: Preferred embodiments, in particular recesses in the electrode layer, for a device for treating surfaces. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma. The illustrated device 1, also called a plasma patch, is a large-area plasma source for treating human and / or animal surfaces, in particular for treating wounds and promoting wound healing. The device uses a special, flexible electrode arrangement with two electrode layers, namely a high-voltage electrode and a ground electrode, to generate a planar plasma by means of a dielectric layer between the two electrodes. The device is configured to be flexibly applied to arbitrarily curved surfaces and is therefore suitable for plasma treatment of diseased / damaged skin areas.The device 1 generates a planar plasma on one side of the device, which is then placed with this side onto the surface to be treated, in particular a wound, so that the advantageous effects / properties of the plasma can act on the surface. The device 1 comprises a flexible, planar multilayer system 2 with a side 3 facing the surface to be treated and a side 4 facing away from the surface to be treated. The multilayer system 2 is formed with several layers, which are described in detail in Fig. 2. The external dimensions, in particular the dimensions of the multilayer system 2, have a length L2 and a width B2 between 5 cm and 25 cm, preferably 20 cm x 20 cm. However, without limiting the invention, other shapes, i.e., not just square shapes, can also be provided. Preferably, these then fit snugly against the surface, e.g.,the face of a patient. Devices in the form of cuffs, pads, bed covers, sheets, or the like are also provided. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1, with a multi-layer system 2. The multi-layer system 2 comprises the following layers, namely (from bottom to top): - a first insulating layer 1 1 , - a first electrode layer 12, - a dielectric layer 13, - a second electrode layer 14, - a second insulating layer 15, - a spacer layer 16, and - a third insulating layer 17. The first insulating layer 11 is arranged on the side 4 of the multilayer system 2 facing away from the surface to be treated and has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably 2 mm. The first insulating layer 11 essentially serves to insulate the first electrode layer 12, which is preferably formed as a high-voltage layer, i.e., an electrode layer to which a high voltage is applied. The dielectric layer 13 is arranged between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14, the second electrode layer 14 preferably being a bulk electrode layer. The dielectric layer 13 essentially prevents a short circuit between the first and second electrode layers, particularly in the form of an arc.Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a second insulating layer 15 is arranged on the second electrode layer 14, which has a thickness between 10 μιτι and 300 μιτι. Above the second electrode layer 14 or the second insulating layer 15, i.e. on the side 3 of the multilayer system 2 facing the surface to be treated, the spacer layer 16 is arranged, which ensures that sufficient gas volume is provided so that a plasma can ignite. Finally, on the side 3 of the multilayer system 2 facing the surface to be treated and above the spacer layer 16, a third insulating layer 17 is arranged, which has a thickness between 100 μm and 300 μm, preferably 200 μm, and which is in direct contact with the surface to be treated. Preferably, the third insulating layer 17 is formed with a skin- and / or wound-compatible material, preferably with antiseptic and / or atraumatic properties. As shown in Fig. 2, the second electrode layer 14 is formed with a plurality of recesses, in particular in a grid-like pattern. However, without limiting the invention, the recesses can also be perforated, striped, meandering, honeycomb, circular and / or square. Furthermore, the spacer layer 16 can also be honeycomb-shaped, and—without limiting the invention—can also be realized by projections or ridges. Possible materials for the spacer layer 16 are polymers, elastomers, and / or silicones, or the like. In principle, a wide variety of materials can be used, such as inorganic or organic materials, in particular natural and / or synthetic materials, such as thermoplastics, thermosets, and / or elastomers. For further possible materials, reference is made, by way of example, to the book "Kunststoff-Taschenbuch" (28th edition) by Karl Oberbach and Hansjürgen Saechtling. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer layer is formed with projections and / or ridges having a height between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. The multilayer system shown in Fig. 2 has a total thickness d2 of 2 mm to 15 mm. The layers in direct contact with the surface to be treated are made of a heat-resistant, biocompatible, and chemically resistant plastic. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment for a cable 5 with a connector 30. The main function of the cable 5 is to transmit the high voltage necessary for generating a plasma from a high-voltage generator (not shown) to the device, wherein the cable comprises at least one high-voltage conductor, an insulator, and a ground wire (not shown). The connection of the cable to the device can optionally be made permanently or via a plug-in system, the plug-in version allowing for easy replacement of the cable in case of defects and / or for cleaning / disinfection purposes. Furthermore, all possible cable lengths from 1 m to 20 m are provided. The embodiment shown in Fig. 3 depicts a cable with a possible connector, wherein the connector 30 comprises a lower connector housing 31, an upper connector housing 32, and a clamping device 33. Furthermore, the connector 30 includes a first terminal 34 for the first electrode of the device (not shown), a second terminal 36 for a second electrode of a device, and a further terminal 35 for control signals and / or, for example, for reading operating parameters for the device, which are stored, for example, on a chip in the device. The clamping device 33 of the connector 30 shown is movable between a first open position and a second closed position. In the closed position, the device (not shown) is electrically connected to the cable 5, and in the open position, the device is electrically disconnected from the cable 5. Fig. 4 shows a possible embodiment of the interior of a connector 30, as illustrated and described, for example, in Fig. 3. The connector, in particular the lower connector housing 31, comprises a first clamping tongue 37 and a second clamping tongue 38, each configured to connect the first or second electrode of the device (not shown) to a high-voltage terminal 39 or a ground terminal 40 of the cable (not shown), the cable being connected to the connector 30 via the cable terminal 41. Furthermore, the connector 30 comprises at least one hinge 42. By means of the hinge 42, the clamping device 33 can be moved from the open to the closed position and vice versa.The clamping device, with its first clamping tongue 37 and second clamping tongue, interacts in such a way that, in the closed position, the first and / or second electrode of the device is electrically connected to the high-voltage terminal 39 or the ground terminal 40 of the cable. In the open position of the clamping device, the clamping tongues release the respective electrodes, so that they are no longer electrically connected to the cable. The plugs and clamping devices are designed to meet high-voltage requirements. Fig. 5 shows a perspective, schematic representation of a device 1 for treating surfaces, as shown and described, for example, in Fig. 1, together with a plug 30, as shown and described, for example, in Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 6 shows a preferred embodiment for a clamping device 33 for a connector (not shown), as described in Figs. 3 and 4. The displacement movement of the clamping device 33 from the open position A to the closed position B is shown schematically, with the arrow indicating the direction of movement of the clamping device during the displacement. Fig. 7 shows a preferred embodiment for a generator unit 70 for providing a high voltage to operate a device, as shown and described, for example, in Figs. 1 and 2. The generator unit 70 primarily serves to provide the high voltage to the device by means of a high-voltage generator. For this purpose, the generator unit 70 comprises a high-voltage generator with a control unit and at least one D-connection for the (supply) cable of the (plasma) device, as well as a mains connection with a mains switch (not shown).Optionally, a gas connection with a gas flow controller and / or a compressor and / or a filter and / or an extraction device is provided. Furthermore, a display 71, additional control units, microcontrollers, circuit boards, etc., are preferably provided for operating the generator unit. The generator unit 70 is also configured to interact with or communicate with a device, in particular to automatically read the operating parameters of a specific device, which are stored, for example, on a chip 80 (see also Fig. 8) in the device. Based on the read operating parameters, the generator unit can then be automatically configured without the need for manual parameter settings by a user. The operating parameters can also be displayed on the display or screen 71 of the generator unit 70. Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a system 100 with a device as shown, for example, in Figures 1 and 2, and a generator unit as described in Fig. 7, wherein the device and generator unit are connected via a cable 5 for control purposes. Fig. 9 shows various embodiments, in particular recesses in the first and / or second electrode layer of a device for treating surfaces, as illustrated and described, for example, in Figs. 1 and 2. Various embodiments are shown, each with a first electrode 12, a second electrode 14, and a dielectric layer 13 between the first and second electrodes 12, 14. Various shapes for recesses 90 in the second electrode 14 are shown, for example, perforated 91, strip-shaped 92, meandering 95, honeycomb-shaped 94, circular 96, and / or square recesses 93. Without limiting the invention, it is also possible for both electrodes, namely the first and second electrodes 12, 14, to be formed with recesses 90 in various shapes. List of reference symbols 1 Device 2 Multi-layer system 3 Facing side of the device 1 4. Far side of the device 1 5 cables 1 1 First insulating layer 12 First electrode layer, in particular high-voltage electrode layer 13 Dielectric layer 14 Second electrode layer, in particular ground electrode layer 15 Second insulating layer 16 spacer layer 17 Third insulating layer 30 plugs 31 Lower connector housing 32 Upper connector housing 33 Clamping device 34 Connection for the second electrode layer 14 35 Further connection 36 Connection for the first electrode layer 12 37 First clamping tongue 38 Second clamping tongue 39 High-voltage connection 40 Ground connection 41 cable connection 42 joint 70 Generator unit 71 Display 80 information carriers 90 Recess in the first and / or second electrode layer 91 Perforated recess 92 Strip-shaped recess 93 Square recess 94 honeycomb-shaped recesses 95 Meander-shaped recess 96 Circular and / or semicircular recesses 100 System A Open position of the clamping device 33 B Closed position of the clamping device 33 D2 Thickness of the multilayer system 2 L2 Length of the multilayer system 2 B2 Width of the multilayer system 2

Claims

Claims 1. Device (1) for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces, comprising a flexible, planar multilayer system (2) with a side (3) facing the surface to be treated and a side (4) facing away from the surface to be treated, wherein the multilayer system (2) comprises the following layers: - a first electrode layer (12) on the opposite side (4) of the multilayer system (2), - a second electrode layer (14) on the facing side (3) of the multilayer system (2), wherein the electrode layer has a plurality of recesses (90) or is lattice-like or meander-shaped, - a dielectric layer (13) arranged between the first electrode layer (12) and the second electrode layer (14), and - at least one spacer or spacer layer (16) is arranged adjacent to the second electrode layer (14) on the facing side (4) of the multilayer system (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacer layer (16) is formed with at least one polymer, in particular an elastomer, and / or a textile fabric and has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

3. Device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the multilayer system (2) additionally has a first insulating layer (1 1 ) wherein the first insulating layer (1 1 ) is arranged adjacent to the first electrode layer (12) on the side (4) of the multilayer system (2) facing away from the surface to be treated.

4. Device (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first insulating layer (1 1 ) has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably 2 mm.

5. Device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multilayer system (2) additionally has a second insulating layer (15), wherein the second insulating layer (15) is arranged adjacent to the second electrode layer (14) on the side (3) of the multilayer system (2) facing the surface to be treated.

6. Device (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second insulating layer (15) has a thickness between 10 μιτι and 300 μιτι.

7. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multilayer system (2) additionally comprises a third insulating layer (17), wherein the third insulating layer (17) is arranged adjacent to the spacer layer (16) on the side (3) of the multilayer system (2) facing the surface to be treated.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the third insulating layer (17) has a thickness between 50 μιμ and 300 μιμ, preferably 200 μιμ.

9. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first electrode layer (12) is continuous or with a A large number of recesses have been formed.

10. Device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses (90) in the first and / or second electrode layer (12, 14) are formed as perforations (91 ), stripes (92 ), meanders (95 ), honeycomb (94 ), circular (96 ) and / or squares (93 ). 1 1. Device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1 ) comprises an information carrier (80), in particular a chip, a label and / or another information and storage medium, on which at least one operating parameter for operating the device (1 ) is stored.

12. Cable (5) for connecting to a device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the cable (5) has a plug (30) configured to provide a pluggable high-voltage connection between the device (1) and the cable (5).

13. Cable (5) according to claim 12, characterized in that the cable has a clamping device (33), and the clamping device (33) is movable between an open position (A) and a closed position (B), wherein in the closed position (B) the device (1) is electrically connected to the cable (5) and in the open position (A) the device is electrically disconnected from the cable (5).

14. Generator unit (70) for providing a high voltage for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma with a device (1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 1 1 for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces, wherein the generator unit (70) is configured to control the device (1 ).

15. Generator unit (70) according to claim 14, characterized in that the generator unit (70) is additionally configured to read operating parameters for controlling the device from an information carrier (80), in particular a chip, a label and / or another information and storage medium, in or on the device (1).

16. System (100) comprising a device (1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 1 1 , a cable (5) according to claim 12 or 13 and a generator unit (70) according to claim 14 or 15.