Improved shroud for atmospheric pressure plasma jet coating deposition on a substrate

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for plasma coating of an object comprising an object profile, comprising the steps of: a. providing an exchangeable shroud (2) comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24) and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet comprises an edge (25) substantially coinciding with at least a part of the object profile, and whereby the shroud comprises an identification means, preferably in relation to the nozzle outlet edge; b. detachably attaching the exchangeable shroud to a jet outlet of a plasma jet generator; c. placing the object at the nozzle outlet such that the object profile fits the nozzle outlet edge within a distance of at least 0.1 mm and preferably at most 5 mm, thereby minimizing the gap between the nozzle outlet and the object; d. plasma coating the object with a low-temperature, oxygen-free plasma at an operating pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, preferably at most 10% above atmospheric pressure, by providing a plasma jet in the shroud via the plasma jet generator and injecting a coating precursor into the plasma jet in the shroud, thereby generating said operating pressure, thereby plasma coating the object in an oxygen-deficient plasma zone, whereby the method comprises the additional step of identifying the provided shroud prior to providing the plasma jet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of plasma deposition technology. Therefore, this invention may be classified under IPC H05H 1 / 24 and / or IPC B01J 19 / 08. Background Technology

[0002] Plasma deposition offers numerous advantages over other coating techniques, specifically wet coatings which apply a coating by immersing the object in a liquid containing the coating material. For example, plasma coating allows for very thin coating layers, allows for coating objects of various shapes, and results in minimal loss of the coating material.

[0003] Plasma coating technology can typically be divided into vacuum technology and atmospheric technology. This invention relates to atmospheric plasma coating, wherein the plasma pressure is close to atmospheric pressure. In practice, the plasma pressure may differ slightly from atmospheric pressure, for example, by a slight overpressure. Compared to vacuum plasma coating technology, atmospheric plasma coating technology has significant advantages because it does not require a vacuum chamber, and the coating process can be easily performed online.

[0004] Numerous plasma coating processes are disclosed in patent documents EP 0 217 399 A2, US 3,914,573 A, US 2017 / 095929 A1, and EP 1 875785 A1. These documents relate to specific types of plasma spray guns that heat plasma to 1000°C or higher and propel the plasma onto a substrate at high speed. For example, the method disclosed in US 3,914,573 A is typically used to coat metallic objects, such as steel, with material particles having melting temperatures much higher than the plasma temperature. High plasma temperatures are required to soften the material particles to enhance coating on the substrate.

[0005] Patent application DE 10 2017 217069 A1 discloses a rotating unit for a coating spray gun device for internal thermal coating. It proposes designing the rotary drive as a hollow shaft motor coaxial with the rotation axis of a tool holder, wherein the tool holder, coating material supply device, and process medium supply device are centrally located within the hollow shaft motor. This document specifically relates to providing a metallic coating for aluminum cylinder crankcases. The thermal coating processes disclosed herein are powder plasma spraying, wire spraying processes such as plasma transferred wire arc (PTWA) and arc wire spraying (LDS), or HVOF spraying (high-speed flame spraying). These are all intense high-temperature processes and are unsuitable for coating other types of substrates, particularly non-metallic substrates. Furthermore, these methods impose stringent conditions on the materials used in the equipment components, particularly the nozzle and its components. Additionally, the equipment in DE 102017 217069 A1 relates to specialized equipment designed to process only one type and shape of substrate.

[0006] However, the present invention relates to different types of atmospheric plasma coating processes and apparatus, which allow molecular substances to be coated onto all types of substrates, including metallic and non-metallic substrates, and particularly plastics and / or glassy substances having melting and / or flow temperatures far below 1000°C, sometimes even below 200°C, 150°C, 100°C, or even lower. Clearly, the plasma spray gun processes and specialized equipment disclosed in DE 10 2017 217069 A1, EP 0 217 399 A2, US 3,914,573 A, US2017 / 095929 A1, and EP 1 875 785 A1 cannot be used. Low-temperature plasma coating techniques are required, typically with plasma temperatures below 200°C.

[0007] JP 2008 / 130 503 A discloses an apparatus comprising an atmospheric pressure plasma jet generating device and a processing chamber. The plasma jet can be inserted into the processing chamber. The processing chamber comprises an upper and lower portion of resin spaced apart by a small gap, thereby configuring the apparatus to prevent ambient air from entering the processing chamber by overpressure, causing the gas to flow out of the processing chamber through the small gap.

[0008] This document discloses a solution to the problem of providing an atmospheric pressure plasma jet device that can extend the plasma jet to efficiently modify surfaces regardless of the surface shape of the material.

[0009] However, the apparatus described in this document is not suitable for coating deposition. The document specifically describes improvements in cleanliness and hydrophilicity as possible uses.

[0010] Furthermore, the apparatus described in this document is not suitable for online processing of continuous substrates. The document specifically describes an opening area adjustment device (or louvers) for loading and unloading the workpiece. It also describes that the size of the workpiece is substantially equal to the opening surface at the top of the processing chamber. Therefore, this document provides a batch processing chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, the device described in this document is not suitable for simple cleaning, long-term maintenance, and / or online treatment of multiple irregular surfaces.

[0012] JP 2007 / 323 812 A discloses an atmospheric pressure plasma device comprising a first reaction space and a mixed gas container including a mixed gas region. The device is configured to insert a main plasma jet from the first reaction space into the mixed gas region and to insert a mixed gas including reactive gases into the mixed gas region for collision with the main plasma.

[0013] The apparatus described in this document is not suitable for in-line plasma deposition on continuous substrates with irregular surfaces. Furthermore, the apparatus is not suitable for easy cleaning and / or long-term maintenance.

[0014] The present invention aims to solve at least some of the problems mentioned above. Therefore, the present invention aims to allow online atmospheric plasma coating of all types of substrates at low temperatures to obtain a uniform coating. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for plasma coating an object including an object outline, comprising the following steps:

[0016] a. Provide a replaceable shield (2) comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24) and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet comprises an edge (25) preferably substantially consistent with at least a portion of the object profile by means of the replaceable shield.

[0017] b. The replaceable shield is detachably attached to the jet outlet of the plasma jet generator;

[0018] c. Place the object at the nozzle exit so that the object's outline fits tightly against the nozzle exit edge, thereby minimizing the gap between the nozzle exit and the object;

[0019] d. Plasma coating of an object is performed using low-temperature, oxygen-free plasma at an operating pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, preferably at most 10% higher than atmospheric pressure, by providing a plasma jet within a shield via a plasma jet generator and injecting coating precursors into the plasma jet within the shield.

[0020] This allows for plasma coating of objects in an oxygen-deficient plasma region.

[0021] On the other hand, the present invention provides a kit for performing the method according to the invention, the kit comprising a plurality of replaceable shields (2), each shield comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24) and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet of each shield comprises a nozzle outlet edge substantially consistent with at least a portion of the object profile, preferably, each shield comprises a nozzle outlet having a nozzle outlet edge substantially consistent with a corresponding portion of the object profile or with at least a portion of the corresponding object profile of a plurality of types of objects.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for depositing a coating via atmospheric pressure plasma jet, the apparatus comprising:

[0023] - A plasma jet generator (1), the plasma jet generator including a jet outlet (12); and

[0024] - A nozzle, comprising an adapter (3) and a replaceable shroud (2), the shroud comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24), and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet.

[0025] The adapter is configured to detachably attach the shield to the plasma jet generator, thereby connecting the jet outlet and the jet inlet in a communicative manner.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for depositing a coating via atmospheric pressure plasma jet, the method comprising the following steps:

[0027] - Provides an atmospheric pressure plasma jet generator (1) including a jet outlet (12);

[0028] - Provide a shield (2) including a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24) and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet;

[0029] - The shield is detachably attached to the plasma jet generator, thereby connecting the jet outlet and the jet inlet in a communicative manner;

[0030] - A plasma jet is provided within the shield via a plasma jet generator, and a coating precursor is injected into the plasma jet within the shield, thereby generating overpressure within the shield relative to the environment; and

[0031] - The surface of the substrate and the nozzle outlet move relative to each other, thereby depositing a coating on the surface.

[0032] The nozzle outlet of the shroud can be positioned close to the surface of the substrate to be treated, and excessive inflow of ambient air can be prevented via overpressure within the shroud. During coating deposition, the shroud may deteriorate, for example, due to degradation of the inner wall of the shroud by the plasma jet and / or coating deposition on the inner wall of the shroud. Furthermore, and more importantly, when using substrates of different sizes and / or shapes, a single nozzle may not produce satisfactory results for each substrate. This invention allows for shroud replacement depending on the application. For in-line coating deposition on large flat surfaces, a shroud with a large, flat nozzle outlet can be used. For in-line coating deposition on non-flat surfaces, a shroud with a particularly suitable non-flat nozzle can be used. For processing limited irregular samples, where the sample can remain stationary and the jet can move, the nozzle outlet can be of a sufficiently small size to allow close adherence to the sample surface. This invention allows for in-line plasma coating of all types of objects at operating pressures above atmospheric pressure, preferably up to 10% above atmospheric pressure, generated by providing a plasma jet within the shroud via a plasma jet generator and injecting coating precursors into the plasma jet within the shroud. The consistency between the nozzle exit edge and the object contour, combined with the overpressure and the small gap between the nozzle exit edge and the object surface, allows the object surface to undergo an oxygen-deficient plasma region. This results in a superior coating, particularly in terms of uniformity and stability, including better adhesion between the coating and the surface and less degradation over time. Furthermore, the presence of the oxygen-deficient plasma region allows for the use of a large number of precursor molecules that would otherwise be unusable due to their reactivity with oxygen.

[0033] It should also be noted that the present invention preferably maintains the plasma temperature at a low level, preferably below 200°C, more preferably below 180°C, more preferably below 160°C, more preferably below 140°C, more preferably below 160°C, more preferably below 130°C, more preferably below 120°C, more preferably below 110°C, more preferably below 100°C, more preferably below 90°C, more preferably below 80°C, more preferably below 70°C, more preferably below 60°C, and more preferably below 50°C.

[0034] The shield of the present invention can be easily removed from the plasma jet generator and replaced with a replacement shield of the same type (e.g., in the case of repairing a defective shield), or with another shield of the same type but with a different nozzle exit edge, i.e., having a nozzle exit edge that substantially coincides with another part of the outline of another object or the outline of an object. In this case, it is important to start the plasma process when it can be ensured that the correctly positioned shield is installed. Therefore, another aspect of the invention relates to a replaceable shield (2) for an atmospheric pressure plasma device, the shield comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24), and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet comprises an edge (25) substantially coinciding with at least a part of the outline of an object, and thereby the shield includes an identification device preferably associated with the nozzle exit edge; herein, the identification device allows identification of the shield, preferably of the nozzle exit edge, and thus of the process for which the shield will be used. For example, the shield may be selected for plasma coating of a first part of a first type of object. Thus, the identification of the shield increases quality control, as it can be used to ensure that only the process of plasma coating for impregnation of the first part of the first type of object is performed. It should be clear that such a shield or a set of such shields may preferably be used in combination with the methods described in this document, or in the devices and kits described in this document.

[0035] The identification device for the shield may include an identification tag, such as a radio frequency identification tag (“RFID”), barcode, quick response (“QR”) code, grouped mechanical bits, key-like structure, etc. Preferably, the identification device includes RFID. Therefore, the present invention also relates to an apparatus for depositing a coating via atmospheric pressure plasma jet, the apparatus comprising:

[0036] - A plasma jet generator (1), the plasma jet generator including a jet outlet (12); and

[0037] - A nozzle, comprising an adapter (3) and a replaceable shroud (2), the shroud comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24), and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet.

[0038] The nozzle outlet includes an edge (25) that substantially conforms to at least a portion of the object's contour, and the shroud thereby includes an identification device associated with the nozzle outlet edge.

[0039] The adapter is configured to detachably attach the shield to the plasma jet generator, thereby connecting the jet outlet and the jet inlet in a communicative manner.

[0040] Therefore, the device includes an identification device reader module for reading the identification device associated with the nozzle exit edge.

[0041] Therefore, the identification device reader module can be selected based on the identification device itself; that is, if the identification device includes RFID, then the identification device reader module preferably includes an RFID tag reader module. Similarly, if the identification device includes RFID, barcode, QR code, grouped mechanical bits, or a key-like structure, then the device's identification device reader module preferably includes an RFID reader module, a barcode reader module, a QR code reader module, a grouped mechanical bit reader module, or a keyhole-like structure, respectively.

[0042] Correspondingly, the present invention relates to the method described above, comprising the following additional steps:

[0043] - Identify the provided shield before providing the plasma jet.

[0044] This identification can preferably be performed by reading an identification device mounted on the protective cover.

[0045] This identification step is also preferably performed in conjunction with the following steps:

[0046] - Prevents the provision of plasma jets if the identification of the provided shield does not correspond to a predetermined set of process conditions.

[0047] The pre-defined process conditions may be related to any or any combination of the following parameters:

[0048] - Nozzle exit edge, and / or

[0049] -Plasma parameters, such as gas flow rate, pressure, and temperature,

[0050] For example, this method can be performed to process objects with a specific object profile that requires processing with a shroud having a specific nozzle exit edge that conforms to the object profile. If an incorrect type of shroud is installed, the identification in the above method allows for the prevention of plasma jet delivery, for example by pausing the process and / or alerting the operator to the inconsistency between the required type of nozzle exit edge and the nozzle exit edge with the shroud installed.

[0051] Other advantages, features and examples of the present invention are disclosed in the detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figures 1a and 1b show perspective views of embodiments of the device according to the present invention.

[0053] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 3 show perspective views of embodiments of the protective cover according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 4 A perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter and shield according to the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figures 5a and 5b show a longitudinal view and a side view of an embodiment of the protective cover according to the present invention, respectively. Figure 6 A side view of an alternative embodiment of the shield according to the invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a device with a shield according to the invention is shown, which is particularly preferably used for plasma coating of powder.

[0057] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a device with a shield according to the invention is shown, which is particularly preferably used for plasma coating of fibers.

[0058] Figure 9 A perspective view of a shield according to the invention is shown, the shield having edges specially manufactured to conform to an axially symmetrical object. Detailed Implementation

[0059] This invention relates to replaceable shields, apparatus, and methods for depositing coatings via atmospheric pressure plasma jets. The invention also relates to a kit. The invention has been summarized in the corresponding sections above. Hereinafter, the invention will be described in detail, preferred embodiments discussed, and the invention illustrated by examples.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing this invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Further guidance, including terminology definitions, is provided to better understand the teachings of this invention.

[0061] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0062] As used in this article, “a,” “one,” and “the” refer to both singular and plural references, unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise. For example, “a compartment” refers to one or more compartments.

[0063] As used herein, the term "about" to refer to a measurable value such as a parameter, quantity, duration, etc., is intended to cover a specified value and variations relative to that specified value of + / - 20% or less, preferably + / - 10% or less, more preferably + / - 5% or less, even more preferably + / - 1% or less, and even more preferably + / - 0.1% or less, variations that have so far been applicable to implementation in the disclosed invention. However, it should be understood that the value referred to by the modifier "about" is itself specifically disclosed.

[0064] As used herein, “(plural) includes,” “including…(of)”, “(singular) includes,” and “compose of” are synonymous with “(plural) contains,” “including…(of)”, “(singular) contains,” or “(plural) contains,” “containing…(of)”, “(singular) contains,” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specify the presence of, for example, a component, and do not exclude or exclude the presence of additional undescribed components, features, elements, components, steps known in the art or disclosed herein.

[0065] The endpoint reference to the numerical range includes all numbers and fractions contained within that range, as well as the referenced endpoint.

[0066] In one aspect of the invention, a method for depositing a coating via an atmospheric pressure plasma jet is provided, the method comprising several steps. A plasma jet generator including a jet outlet is provided. A shroud is manufactured having an edge conforming to the contour of the object to be treated. The shroud includes a jet inlet, a nozzle outlet, and sidewalls extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet. The shroud is detachably attached to the plasma jet generator, whereby the jet outlet and jet inlet are communicatively connected. A plasma jet can be provided within the shroud via the plasma jet generator. A coating precursor can be injected into the plasma jet within the shroud. Therefore, an overpressure relative to the environment can be generated within the shroud. The surface of the substrate can move relative to the nozzle outlet, and a coating can thus be deposited on this surface.

[0067] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit. This kit can be configured for use in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet generator including a jet outlet. The nozzle kit may include an adapter and multiple replaceable shrouds. Each shroud includes a jet inlet, a nozzle outlet, and a sidewall extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet. The adapter can be configured to detachably attach one of the shrouds to the plasma jet generator, thereby communicatively connecting the jet outlet and the jet inlet.

[0068] In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for depositing a coating via atmospheric pressure plasma jet. The apparatus includes a plasma jet generator having a jet outlet. The apparatus also includes an adapter and a replaceable shroud. The shroud includes a jet inlet, a nozzle outlet, and a sidewall extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet. The adapter is configured to detachably attach the shroud to the plasma jet generator, thereby communicatively connecting the jet outlet and the jet inlet.

[0069] The nozzle kit according to the second aspect can be used with the apparatus according to the third aspect and / or the method according to the first aspect. The method according to the invention can be performed via the apparatus according to the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various aspects of the invention are therefore interconnected. Thus, every feature disclosed herein, whether foreshadowed or followed, may relate to every aspect of the invention, even if it has been disclosed in conjunction with a particular aspect.

[0070] As used herein, “atmospheric pressure” means pressure that is approximately equal to or roughly equal to the pressure of the surrounding environment. This term distinguishes current plasma technology from low-pressure and high-pressure plasma technologies, which require a considerable pressure difference between the reaction vessel and the environment. Therefore, those skilled in the art of plasma technology will understand that “atmospheric pressure” as used herein should not be interpreted as “standard atmosphere (atm)”, a pressure unit defined as 101,325 Pa.

[0071] As used herein, “communicating connection” refers to mass flow, i.e., fluid, gas, and / or plasma flow. The plasma jet generator’s communicating connection between the jet outlet and the jet inlet of the shroud is thus configured to allow the plasma jet exiting the jet outlet to enter the shroud via the jet inlet.

[0072] As used herein, “plasma jet” refers to a plasma jet and / or the afterglow of a plasma jet. For example, a coating precursor injected into a “plasma jet” inside a shield can refer to a coating precursor injected into a plasma jet and / or the afterglow of a plasma jet inside a shield.

[0073] The method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0074] a. Provide a replaceable shield (2) including a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24) and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet includes an edge (25) substantially consistent with at least a portion of the object's outline;

[0075] b. The replaceable shield is detachably attached to the jet outlet of the plasma jet generator;

[0076] c. Place the object at the nozzle exit so that the object's outline fits tightly against the nozzle exit edge, thereby minimizing the gap between the nozzle exit and the object;

[0077] d. Plasma coating of an object is performed using low-temperature, oxygen-free plasma at an operating pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, preferably at most 10% higher than atmospheric pressure, by providing a plasma jet within a shield via a plasma jet generator and injecting coating precursors into the plasma jet within the shield.

[0078] This allows for plasma coating of objects in an oxygen-deficient plasma region.

[0079] In step a, the replaceable region is specifically manufactured with an edge that conforms to at least a portion of the object's contour. Therefore, if different types of objects are to be coated, different shields can be manufactured, each shield having a consistent edge for the corresponding type of object. Thus, the method can also be applied to plasma coating of multiple types of objects, each type comprising a different object contour, wherein step a is performed for each type of object, thereby manufacturing multiple replaceable shields, each shield including a nozzle exit whose edge substantially conforms to at least a portion of the object contour of the corresponding object. In a preferred embodiment, the shields are manufactured using 3D printing technology, which allows for the fabrication of very complex edges in a fairly fast and reliable manner.

[0080] This method specifically involves low-temperature plasma. Therefore, preferably, the plasma temperature is below 120°C, more preferably below 70°C.

[0081] The kit of the present invention includes a plurality of replaceable shields (2), each shield including a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24) and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet of each shield includes a nozzle outlet edge substantially consistent with at least a portion of the object profile, preferably, each shield includes a nozzle outlet having a nozzle outlet edge substantially consistent with a corresponding portion of the object profile or at least a portion of the corresponding object profile of a variety of types of objects.

[0082] To facilitate the removal of the first shield and the attachment of the second shield, preferably, the shield is detachably attached to the jet outlet via an adapter (3) configured to detachably attach the shield to the plasma jet generator, thereby connecting it in communication with the jet outlet of the plasma jet generator and the jet inlet of the shield.

[0083] During step d, the object can move relative to the nozzle exit and edge, for example, to perform in-line coating. Therefore, the edge is preferably maintained at a distance of at least 0.1 mm and at most 5 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm and at most 2 mm, and more preferably at least 0.5 mm and at most 1 mm from the surface of the substrate.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the object contours are substantially the same along the longitudinal direction, and the relative motion includes relative translation along the longitudinal direction. This is especially true for plate-like or sheet-like objects that may be non-planar, i.e., have a non-flat cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the edge is a first edge circumferentially aligned with the object's contour, and thus the shroud includes a second edge, which is an object inlet edge circumferentially aligned with the object's contour, and thus the relative movement includes the movement of the object longitudinally from the object inlet edge through the processing chamber within the shroud to the first edge. This is particularly useful if the object is a fiber having a contour comprising a generally circular cross-section along the same longitudinal direction, preferably thus using the method of claim 9, wherein the first and second edges comprise circular openings having a diameter consistent with the cross-section of the fiber, thereby allowing the fiber to pass through the openings of the first and second edges. This is also particularly useful if the object is powder blown along the longitudinal direction, thereby forming a powder beam having a contour comprising a generally circular cross-section, the diameter of which is the same or varies along the longitudinal direction, preferably thus using the method of claim 9, wherein the first and second edges comprise corresponding circular openings, the diameters of which respectively correspond to the cross-sections of the powder beam at the positions of the first and second edges, thereby allowing the powder to pass through the openings of the first and second edges.

[0086] In another preferred embodiment, the object contour is substantially axially symmetric about a central axis, and the relative motion includes relative rotation about the central axis. Therefore, by rotating the object or shield, or both, about the central axis by, for example, 360° or an integer multiplied by 360° for multiple coating passes, the object surface can be treated quickly and reliably.

[0087] The kit preferably also includes a plasma jet generator, to which each of the plurality of shields may be attached. The kit may include one or more plasma jet generators, such as two, three, four or more.

[0088] The device of the present invention includes:

[0089] - A plasma jet generator (1), the plasma jet generator including a jet outlet (12); and

[0090] - A nozzle, comprising an adapter (3) and a replaceable shroud (2), the shroud comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24), and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet.

[0091] The adapter is configured to detachably attach the shield to the plasma jet generator, thereby connecting the jet outlet and the jet inlet in a communicative manner.

[0092] The nozzle outlet of the shroud can be positioned close to the surface of the substrate to be treated, and excessive inflow of ambient air can be prevented via overpressure inside the shroud. During coating deposition, the shroud may deteriorate and / or become contaminated, for example, due to degradation of the inner wall of the shroud by the plasma jet and / or coating deposition on the inner wall of the shroud. Furthermore, when using substrates of different sizes and / or shapes, a single nozzle may not produce satisfactory results for each substrate. This invention allows for shroud replacement depending on the application. For in-line coating deposition on large flat surfaces, a shroud with a large flat nozzle outlet and a large precursor production capacity can be used. For in-line coating deposition on non-flat surfaces, a shroud with a particularly suitable non-flat nozzle outlet can be used. For processing limited irregular samples, where the sample can remain stationary and the plasma jet generator can move, the nozzle outlet can be of a sufficiently small size to allow close following of the surface of the irregular sample. When a first coating precursor used in a first coating deposition on a first substrate is not desired in a second coating deposition on a second substrate, the nozzle can be replaced to avoid contamination by the first coating precursor during the second coating deposition.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the shroud includes a flange attached to a sidewall at the jet inlet. An adapter may include a retaining wall having an opening sized and shaped to retain the flange. The adapter and the plasma jet generator may include complementary attachment means configured to attach the adapter to the plasma jet generator. The adapter may be configured to press the flange of the shroud against the plasma jet generator via the retaining wall in a location where the jet outlet and jet inlet are communicatively connected. Preferably, the flange includes a flat surface surrounding the jet inlet. Preferably, the flange is adapted to press against the plasma jet generator via the adapter to prevent a large influx of ambient air into the shroud through the jet inlet. Thus, the flange serves the dual purpose of preventing a large influx of ambient air into the shroud through the jet inlet and attaching the shroud to the jet generator via the adapter. The shroud includes a length direction along which the jet inlet and nozzle outlet are spatially separated. Preferably, the flange is substantially perpendicular to the length direction. Preferably, the plane of the flange is substantially perpendicular to the length direction.

[0094] Preferably, the shield is monolithic. The shield can be manufactured via injection molding. The shield can be manufactured via 3D printing. Preferably, the shield comprises an insulating material, more preferably plastic. The nozzle outlet of the shield includes an edge. The nozzle outlet of the shield may include a flat edge, i.e., the nozzle outlet is flat. The nozzle outlet of the shield may include a non-flat edge, i.e., the nozzle outlet is non-flat. This allows for in-line coating of non-flat surfaces, thereby maintaining a small distance between each portion of the edge and the surface.

[0095] A coating precursor can be injected into a plasma jet within a shroud. The jet outlet of the plasma jet generator may include multiple outlet compartments. The plasma jet generator may be configured to provide a plasma jet from a first compartment and coat the precursor from a second compartment. The jet outlet may include two concentric cylindrical walls, thereby defining an inner compartment for providing the coating precursor and an outer compartment for providing the plasma jet. The jet outlet may also include a rectangular outlet divided into three compartments via two inner walls, thereby defining a middle compartment for providing the coating precursor and two outer compartments for providing the plasma jet.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the sidewall of the shield includes at least one precursor inlet, preferably at least two precursor inlets, such as two, three, four, or more precursor inlets. The precursor inlet may include a tubular hollow body comprising a first outer end communicating with the interior of the shield and a second outer end communicating with a precursor source. The tubular body may be cylindrical. The tubular body may include one or more bends. The coating precursor can be injected into the plasma jet within the shield through the at least one precursor inlet.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the jet outlet of the plasma jet generator includes an opening, and the jet inlet of the shroud includes an opening, whereby the opening of the jet inlet is larger than the opening of the jet outlet. This is advantageous because the expansion leads to a decrease in velocity and an increase in pressure, thereby contributing to the generation of overpressure relative to the environment inside the shroud. This is further advantageous because abrupt expansion can lead to turbulence and / or recirculation, and thus to mixing of components present in corresponding portions of the shroud. Preferably, the shroud includes a length between the jet inlet and the nozzle outlet, and the at least one precursor inlet is communicatively connected to the interior of the shroud at a distance from the jet inlet equal to at most 50%, preferably at most 40%, and more preferably at most 30% of the length. This is advantageous because the inflow of the precursor occurs in the same region where recirculation also occurs. This is further advantageous because the inflow of the precursor occurs in a direction substantially non-parallel to the plasma jet inflow at the jet inlet, preferably substantially perpendicular to the length direction, thereby further enhancing turbulence.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the sidewalls of the shield include a tapered portion. The tapered portion can widen the cross-section of the shield from the jet inlet to the jet outlet, for example, for depositing a coating on a large surface that is essentially flat. The tapered portion can cause the cross-section of the shield to narrow from the jet inlet to the jet outlet, for example, to concentrate coating deposition at a narrow point, thereby optionally creating a small nozzle outlet, thus achieving close conformity to irregular surfaces via movement of the nozzle outlet. Preferably, the tapered portion is adapted to have a nozzle outlet comprising an opening smaller than the jet inlet. Preferably, the tapered portion extends over at least 20% of the shield length.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle includes a homogenizing device. Preferably, the shroud includes the homogenizing device, preferably internally. The homogenizing device may include a flow disturbance element. The flow disturbance element may include a plurality of inclined surfaces. The flow disturbance element may include a plurality of layers, each layer including a plurality of inclined surfaces. The flow disturbance element may include a surface at an angle of at least 20° and at most 70° to the longitudinal direction of the shroud.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle is adapted for cooling. Preferably, the sidewall of the shroud includes a channel for the passage of cooling fluid. The channel is preferably located at a distance of up to 60%, more preferably up to 50%, and even more preferably up to 45% of the shroud length from the nozzle outlet.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may include a conveying device for in-line processing of flat or non-flat surfaces of a continuous substrate, wherein the apparatus is configured to hold each portion of the nozzle exit edge at a distance of at least 0.1 mm and at most 5 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm and at most 2 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm and at most 1 mm from the surface of the substrate. The method may include a step of relative movement between the surface of the substrate and the nozzle exit, wherein preferably, each portion of the edge is held at a distance of at least 0.1 mm and at most 5 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm and at most 2 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm and at most 1 mm from the surface of the substrate, thereby depositing a coating on the surface. A predetermined gap between the nozzle exit edge and the substrate surface is particularly suitable for preventing the inflow of ambient air via slight overpressure in the shroud, while allowing sufficient gas to flow out from the shroud.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the plasma jet generator is configured to generate a plasma jet via dielectric barrier discharge or corona discharge. Preferably, the plasma jet generator includes an AC power supply.

[0103] The present invention is further described by the following non-limiting embodiments, which further illustrate the invention and are not intended to, nor should they be construed as, limiting the scope of the invention.

[0104] Example

[0105] Example 1: First device

[0106] At least a portion of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in FIG1a. The device includes an atmospheric pressure plasma jet generator (1) and a nozzle, the nozzle including an adapter (3) and a shroud (2).

[0107] The plasma jet generator (1) includes a body (11) having a cylindrical outer end. The cylindrical outer end includes a sidewall (14) and an endwall (13) substantially perpendicular to the sidewall, in which a jet outlet (12) is disposed. The cylindrical outer end includes a diameter (d5). The jet outlet (12) has a diameter (d1). The plasma jet generator (1) includes two cylindrical walls that define two compartments in the jet outlet (12): an inner compartment for providing a coating precursor and an outer compartment for providing a plasma jet and / or afterglow. The plasma jet generator can be constructed, by way of example, according to claims 1 to 8 of EP 1 844 635 B1 and the corresponding portions of the specification.

[0108] The shield (2) includes a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24), and sidewalls (21a, 21b) extending from the jet inlet (22) to the nozzle outlet (24). The shield has a lengthwise direction along which the jet inlet (22) and the nozzle outlet (24) are spaced apart. The shield (2) includes a flange (26) at the jet inlet, which is attached to the sidewall (21a) at the edge (23) of the jet inlet (22) and surrounds the jet inlet (22). The jet inlet includes a diameter (d2). The nozzle outlet includes a diameter (d6). The shield includes a tapered portion (21a) located at a distance from the jet inlet equal to at most 50% of the length of the shield along the lengthwise direction. The tapered portion (21a) narrows the shield from the jet inlet toward the nozzle outlet, so that the nozzle outlet diameter (d6) is smaller than the jet inlet diameter (d2). The jet inlet diameter (d2) is larger than the jet outlet diameter (d3), thereby enabling the advantageous results described in the specific embodiment. The nozzle outlet includes a flat edge (25), i.e., the edge of the nozzle outlet is substantially in a plane. Preferably, the plane is substantially perpendicular to the length direction.

[0109] The adapter (3) includes a retaining wall (31) comprising a circular opening (32) having a diameter (d3) substantially equal to or slightly larger than the jet inlet diameter (d2) plus twice the thickness of the sidewall (21a). The opening (32) thus includes a flange (26) configured to retain the shield (2) and specifically to press the flange (26) against the end wall (13) of the plasma jet generator (1). The diameter (d4) of the retaining wall is substantially equal to the outer end diameter (d5). The adapter also includes two curved sidewall portions (33) for positioning on the sidewall (14) at the outer end of the plasma jet generator and two arms (34) including attachment devices (35) for attaching the adapter to the plasma jet generator, thereby pressing the flange (26) against the end wall (13) while maintaining communicative connection between the jet outlet (12) and the jet inlet (22). The attachment device may include a hole for attaching a resilient tensioning mechanism.

[0110] Example 2: Equipment

[0111] At least a portion of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in FIG1b. The device includes an atmospheric pressure plasma jet generator (1') and a nozzle, the nozzle including an adapter (3') and a shroud (2').

[0112] The plasma jet generator (1') includes a body (11') having a rectangular outer end. The rectangular outer end includes a sidewall (14') and an end wall (13') substantially perpendicular to the sidewall, and a jet outlet (12') is provided in the end wall. The rectangular outer end includes a height (h5) and a width (l5). The jet outlet (12') includes a height (h1) and a width (l1). The plasma jet generator (1') includes two inner walls defining three compartments in the jet outlet (12'): an inner compartment for providing a coating precursor and two outer compartments for providing a plasma jet and / or afterglow. The plasma jet generator can be constructed, by way of example, according to claims 9 to 15 of EP1 844 635 B9 and the corresponding portions of the specification.

[0113] The shroud (2') includes a jet inlet (22'), a nozzle outlet (24'), and a sidewall (21') extending from the jet inlet (22') to the nozzle outlet (24'); the shroud has a longitudinal direction along which the jet inlet (22') and the nozzle outlet (24') are spaced apart. The sidewall has a uniform rectangular cross-section that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The shroud (2') includes a flange (26') at the jet inlet, which is attached to the sidewall (21') at the edge (23') of the jet inlet (22') and surrounds the jet inlet (22'). The jet outlet and the nozzle outlet include a height (h2) and a width (l2). The nozzle outlet (24') includes a flat edge (25'), i.e., the edge of the nozzle outlet is substantially in a plane. Preferably, the plane is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0114] The adapter (3') includes a retaining wall (31') comprising a rectangular opening (32') whose height (h3) and width (l3) are substantially equal to or slightly greater than the jet inlet height (h2) and width (l2) plus twice the thickness of the sidewall (21'). The opening (32') thus includes dimensions and shape configured to retain a flange (26') for holding the shield (2') and specifically for pressing the flange (26') against the end wall (13') of the plasma jet generator (1'). The height (h4) and width (l4) of the retaining wall are substantially equal to the outer end height (h5) and width (l5), respectively. The adapter also includes two sidewall portions (33') for positioning on a sidewall (14') at the outer end of the plasma jet generator, and two arms (34') including attachment devices (35') for attaching the adapter to the plasma jet generator, thereby pressing the flange (26') against the endwall (13') while maintaining communicative connection between the jet outlet (12') and the jet inlet (22'). The attachment devices may include holes for attaching a resilient tensioning mechanism.

[0115] Example 3: Shield shape

[0116] In this example, refer to Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. The specific features disclosed in this example may relate to the shields in Examples 1 and 2 above.

[0117] The shroud includes a jet inlet (22”, 22”') and a nozzle outlet (24”, 24”'). The shroud also includes a lengthwise direction along which the jet inlet and nozzle outlet are spatially separated. The shroud also includes sidewalls (21a”, 21b”, 21”') extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet. The shroud includes a length along the lengthwise direction, i.e., the distance between the jet inlet and the nozzle outlet. The jet inlet includes a flat edge (23”) substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The shroud also includes a flange (26”, 26”') at the jet inlet and attached to the sidewall surrounding the jet inlet. The sidewalls of the shroud may include a uniform cross-section perpendicular to the lengthwise direction (Figures 2c and 2d). Alternatively, the sidewalls of the shroud may include a tapered portion (21a”) and a portion (21b”) having a uniform cross-section perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The sidewalls of the shield may include a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction, which may be circular (Figs. 2a and 2b), elliptical, rectangular (Figs. 2c and 2d), square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, rhomboid, octagonal, star-shaped, cross-shaped, etc. Preferably, the sidewalls of the shield include a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction, which includes a shape adapted to the shape of the jet outlet and includes one or more dimensions larger than the corresponding dimension of the jet outlet. Most preferably, the shape is circular or rectangular. The shield also includes a nozzle outlet edge (25”, 25”') at the nozzle outlet (24”, 24”'). The nozzle outlet edge may be flat (Figs. 2a and 2b). The nozzle outlet edge may lie in a plane perpendicular to the length direction. The nozzle outlet edge may also be non-flat (Figs. 2c and 2d). The nozzle outlet edge may thus include two portions, which include different distances to the flange. The nozzle outlet edge may thus include a portion having curvature along the length direction.

[0118] Example 4: Additional shield features

[0119] refer to Figure 3 The shield may include at least one, preferably at least two, precursor inlets (27). The precursor inlets are preferably connected to the shield via a sidewall, more preferably within a distance of up to 50% of the length of the jet inlet. Figure 3 The tapered portion (21a) of the sidewall is connected, or alternatively, the portion is connected via the straight portion of the sidewall (i.e., the portion parallel to the length direction).

[0120] refer to Figure 3 and 4The adapter may include a shroud for protruding the precursor inlet (27, 27””) and / or including a tapered portion (21””) to widen the shroud from the jet inlet (22””) toward the nozzle outlet (24””). The adapter may include a hinge (36”) and a locking mechanism (37”) for enabling the flange (26””) of the shroud to be surrounded so as to press the flange (26””) against the end wall of the plasma jet generator via the retaining wall (31”) of the adapter.

[0121] Figures 5a, 5b, and 6 show a view along the length direction, a side view perpendicular to the length direction, and a side view perpendicular to the length direction, respectively, of an embodiment of the shield according to the invention. The sidewall of the shield includes a channel for the passage of cooling fluid. The channel includes an inlet (29a), an outlet (29c), and a spiral portion (29b) within the sidewall extending from the channel inlet (29a) to the channel outlet (29c). This channel may be located at a distance equal to at most 50% of the length of the shield from the jet inlet (Figures 5a and 5b). Alternatively, and preferably, this channel may be located at a distance equal to at most 50% of the length of the shield from the nozzle outlet. Figure 6 The shroud also includes multiple layers of multiple flow disturbance elements (28). These layers are spaced apart along the length direction. Each element may include a surface at an angle of at least 20° and at most 70°, preferably at least 30° and at most 60° to the length direction, thereby configuring it to substantially change the flow direction, thereby achieving mixing of gas and / or plasma and / or afterglow components within the shroud. The multiple layers may be disposed at a distance equal to at most 50% of the shroud length from the nozzle outlet (Figures 5a and 5b). Alternatively and preferably, the multiple layers may be disposed at a distance equal to at most 50% of the shroud length from the jet inlet (Figures 5a and 5b). Figure 6 The cooling mechanism and the homogenizing device can therefore be located in the same part of the shield or in different parts of the shield.

[0122] Example 5: Powder Coating

[0123] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a device with a shield according to the invention is shown, which is particularly preferably used for plasma coating of powder.

[0124] An inert gas can be supplied at a predetermined flow rate at the inlet of the guiding system (40). Powder (41) can be added, for example, via a Venturi injector (42). The resulting powder beam is then guided to a coating apparatus (44) having a first plasma jet generator (45a) and a second plasma jet generator (45b), to which the inert gas and an aerosol (46a, 46b) containing the precursor are supplied. A shield (47) is detachably attached to the jet outlets of the two plasma jet generators (45a, 45b) via two adapters (48a, 48b), thereby communicating the jet inlets (49a, 49b) of the shield with the jet outlets of the plasma jet generators. The powder beam flows longitudinally (50) from the object inlet edge aligned with the circumference of the powder beam, passes through the plasma, and continues to be exposed to the plasma for a length (51), thereby allowing the coating of individual powder particles. The beam exits the shield through the object exit edge aligned with the circumference of the powder beam and is then collected in a collector system (52), such as a cyclone separator, for extracting the coated powder (54) from the inert gas (53). The coated powder can be returned to the inlet (40) for further coating cycles.

[0125] Example 6: Fiber Coating

[0126] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a device with a shield according to the invention is shown, which is particularly preferred for plasma coating of fibers.

[0127] The setup is similar to Example 5. Fibers (55) are drawn through a coating apparatus (44) having a first plasma jet generator (45a) and a second plasma jet generator (45b), to which inert gas and an aerosol containing precursors (46a, 46b) are supplied. A shield (47) is detachably attached to the jet outlets of the two plasma jet generators (45a, 45b) via two adapters (48a, 48b), thereby communicating the jet inlets (49a, 49b) of the shield with the jet outlets of the plasma jet generators. Fibers flow longitudinally (56) from the object inlet edge (57) aligned with the fiber circumferentially, through the plasma, and continue to be exposed to the plasma for a length (51). Fibers exit the shield through the object outlet edge (58) aligned with the fiber circumferentially. Coated powder can be returned to the inlet (57) for further coating cycles.

[0128] Example 7: Rotary Coating

[0129] Figure 9 A perspective view of a shield according to the invention is shown, the shield having edges specially manufactured to conform to an axially symmetrical object.

[0130] The shield (60) is specifically manufactured to handle an axially symmetric object (61) that includes a radial profile (62). The shield (60) thus includes a jet inlet (63) and a nozzle outlet that includes an edge (64) conforming to the radial profile (62). During plasma exposure of the object surface, the object rotates (65) about its central axis (66). The shield may have a flange near the jet inlet for easy and data-readable attachment to the jet outlet of a plasma jet generator, for example, as in the preceding example or... Figure 1A-5B As shown more clearly in [the text]. Note that in [the text]... Figure 9 In this case, the surface of the object can be slightly inserted into the edge (64) to minimize the gap between the object and the shield.

[0131] The shield (60) may be equipped with an identification device, such as RFID, preferably located near the jet inlet (63), so that it can be easily read by a corresponding identification device reader module (e.g., an RFID reader module), which may be located on or near the plasma jet generator. Thus, the device can be configured to read the identification device on the shield before the method of processing the object begins, and if the identification device is observed to not correspond to the nozzle exit edge required for processing in the intended manner, the process is maintained or at least an alarm message is provided. For example, the intended method may be specifically selected to process objects with a cylindrical shape, thus requiring, for example, a straight nozzle exit edge, and the inserted shield may have a slightly angled or curved nozzle exit edge, possibly in a way that makes it difficult for the operator to see. In that case, the device can identify from the identification device on the shield that an incorrect shield has been installed and the process needs to be maintained until the operator replaces the shield with the correct one.

Claims

1. A method for plasma coating an object including an object outline, the method comprising the following steps: a. Provide a replaceable shield (2) comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24) and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet comprises an edge (25) substantially consistent with at least a portion of the outline of the object, and thereby the shield comprises an identification device associated with the nozzle outlet edge; b. The replaceable shield is detachably attached to the jet outlet of the plasma jet generator; c. Place the object at the nozzle outlet such that the outline of the object fits tightly against the edge of the nozzle outlet within a distance of at least 0.1 mm and at most 5 mm, thereby minimizing the gap between the nozzle outlet and the object; d. Plasma coating of the object is performed using low-temperature, oxygen-free plasma at an operating pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, up to 10% higher than atmospheric pressure. This pressure is generated by providing a plasma jet within the shield via the plasma jet generator and injecting the coating precursor into the plasma jet within the shield. The object is thus plasma coated in an oxygen-deficient plasma region, and the method includes the following additional steps: - Identify the provided shield before providing the plasma jet. In step d, plasma is coated at a temperature below 120°C.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step d, plasma is coated at a temperature below 70°C.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shield is detachably attached to the jet outlet via an adapter (3) configured to detachably attach the shield to the plasma jet generator, thereby connecting it in communication with the jet outlet of the plasma jet generator and the jet inlet of the shield.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method is used to plasma coat multiple types of objects, each type of object including a different object profile, wherein step a is performed for each type of object, thereby producing multiple replaceable shields, each shield including a nozzle outlet, the nozzle outlet edge of which substantially coincides with at least a portion of the object profile of the corresponding object.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Step d includes the following steps: e. Move the surface of the object and the nozzle outlet relative to each other to deposit a coating on the surface.

6. An apparatus for depositing a coating on an object including an object contour via an atmospheric pressure plasma jet, the apparatus comprising: - Plasma jet generator (1), the plasma jet generator including a jet outlet (12); as well as - Nozzle, the nozzle including an adapter (3) and a replaceable shield (2), the shield including a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24) and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle outlet includes an edge (25) substantially consistent with at least a portion of the outline of the object, and thereby the shield includes an identification device associated with the nozzle outlet edge; The adapter is configured to detachably attach the shield to the plasma jet generator, thereby communicatively connecting the jet outlet and the jet inlet. Therefore, the device includes an identification device reader module for reading the identification device associated with the nozzle outlet edge. Thus, the device is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The device is configured to prevent the delivery of a plasma jet if the identification of the provided shield does not correspond to a predetermined set of process conditions, which are related to any or any combination of the following parameters: Nozzle exit edge, and / or Plasma parameters, including gas flow rate, pressure, and temperature.

8. The device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The device includes a conveying apparatus for online processing of flat or non-flat surfaces of a continuous substrate, wherein the apparatus is configured to hold each portion of the edge of the nozzle outlet at a distance of at least 0.1 mm and at most 5 mm from the surface of the substrate.

9. The device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The device includes a conveying apparatus for online processing of flat or non-flat surfaces of a continuous substrate, wherein the apparatus is configured to hold each portion of the edge of the nozzle outlet at a distance of at least 0.2 mm and at most 2 mm from the surface of the substrate.

10. The device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The device includes a conveying apparatus for online processing of flat or non-flat surfaces of a continuous substrate, wherein the apparatus is configured to hold each portion of the edge of the nozzle outlet at a distance of at least 0.5 mm and at most 1 mm from the surface of the substrate.

11. The device as described in any one of claims 6-10, characterized in that, The identification device for the shield includes an identification tag.

12. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The identification device includes RFID.

13. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The replaceable shield includes a flange (26) attached to the sidewall (21) at the jet inlet (22), and wherein the adapter includes a retaining wall (31) having an opening (32) having a size and shape suitable for securing the flange.

14. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The nozzle outlet of the shield includes a non-flat edge (25”').

15. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The sidewall of the shield includes at least one forebody inlet (27).

16. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The protective cover is made of plastic.

17. A kit for performing a method for plasma coating an object including an object contour as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 and / or for constructing an apparatus for depositing a coating on an object including an object contour as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 16, the kit comprising a plurality of replaceable shields (2), each replaceable shield comprising a jet inlet (22), a nozzle outlet (24), and a sidewall (21) extending from the jet inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein, The nozzle outlet includes an edge (25) that substantially coincides with at least a portion of the object's outline, and thus the shield includes an identification device. The kit also includes a plasma jet generator, each of the plurality of shields being attachable to the plasma jet generator.

18. The kit as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The identification device is associated with the nozzle exit edge; and / or The identification device is related to plasma parameters, including temperature.

19. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that, Includes an adapter (3) configured to detachably attach at least one of the shields, and each of the shields, to the plasma jet generator, thereby communicatively connecting the jet outlet of the plasma jet generator and the jet inlet of the shield attached to the plasma jet generator.

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