PLASMA DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasma device for treating surfaces in textiles, according to claim 1, and a plasma device for treating surfaces according to claim 14. Further preferred inventive embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0002] DE 10 2011 100 751 A1 discloses a generic plasma device for inactivating, preferably, odor-relevant molecules and thus for refreshing surfaces, for example, textiles. The plasma device comprises a housing, an associated plasma source, and at least one spacer that ensures that a predefined distance is maintained between the plasma source and a surface to be treated, at which distance molecules attached to the surface to be treated can be inactivated by electrons from the plasma.

[0003] Plasma devices with a round housing are known, for example, from DE 10 2018 213144 A1, DE 10 2018 213143 A1 and DE 20 2018 006360 U1.

[0004] However, rapid cleaning of surfaces, such as textiles, is not always possible by washing or cleaning, so plasma devices are used for this purpose, by means of which bacteria, germs, viruses, spores, fungi and odor molecules in particular can be inactivated.

[0005] CN 205 814 739 U discloses a portable sterilization and disinfection machine comprising a housing, an energy storage device arranged in the housing, and a transformer. An output voltage of the energy storage device is amplified and configured via the transformer so that it can generate ozone and negative ions through high-voltage discharge at the boost voltage output by the transformer.

[0006] CN 108 771 767 A discloses a cleaning device for cleaning clothes, comprising a housing in which a receiving space for a fan is provided. Also provided in the receiving space is a separator that separates an air inlet area from a cleaning area. These areas are arranged vertically one above the other in operation. The cleaning device can be used to remove cigarette butts from the clothing to be treated, or to clean them.

[0007] A disadvantage of the devices known from the state of the art is that they are often heavy and uncomfortable to hold in one hand of a user, especially when used for longer periods, and thus impair the ease of use.

[0008] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least an alternative embodiment for a plasma device of the generic type, which in particular overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​designing a one-handed plasma device for treating surfaces, in particular for refreshing textiles, which can be designed in particular as a textile treatment plasma device, in such a way that it can be used comfortably with one hand over a long period of time by specifying a specific ratio of a center of mass M to a geometric center of mass G, i.e., to a volume center of mass. The plasma device according to the invention has an elongated, one-handed housing that can be easily and positively grasped by one hand of a user.A plasma source is arranged in the housing, which has a plateau surface running in the longitudinal direction of the housing and has at least one electrode, for example a slightly raised electrode with a ceramic substrate surrounding it, via which plasma can be generated and applied to the surface to be treated, for example the textile to be refreshed. According to the invention, a center of mass M and a geometric center of mass G have a distance A of less than 20 mm. Due to the inventively limited distance A between the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G, i.e. between the center of mass M and the center of volume, the hand-held plasma device can be easily moved, rotated, lifted and tilted, since only extremely small moments occur when tilting, rotating, etc. The inventive arrangement of the center of mass M also makes it possible to prevent a pressing movement of the user's hand.of the user in the activation direction. The elongated housing has a substantially oval cross-section and is thus optimally adapted to the palm of the hand. In order to be able to make operation equally comfortable for both right-handed and left-handed people, the plasma device according to the invention or its housing can be designed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center plane or transverse center plane. The maximum distance A between the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G of less than 20 mm, as specified according to the invention, can also create extremely pleasant ergonomics and thus easy and comfortable operation of the plasma device.

[0011] In addition to the three states of matter: solid, liquid, or gas, plasma is referred to as the fourth state of matter. If sufficient energy, for example in the form of electrical energy, is added to a gas or gas mixture, some of the atoms of the gas become ionized; this means that electrons are removed from their atomic shells and move around as free particles, leaving behind a positively charged atom. If a gas consists of a sufficiently high proportion of free ions and electrons, the state of matter is called plasma. Plasma is therefore matter whose constituents are partially charged components, ions and electrons, which move around as free charge carriers.

[0012] Non-thermal plasma, also known as cold plasma, can be used specifically to eliminate odors and certain hydrocarbons. Non-thermal plasmas are also used in medical technology, for example, in the treatment of slow-healing or non-healing wounds using a plasma pen, which utilizes the antimicrobial effect of "cold plasma."

[0013] The antibacterial effect of a plasma is due to heat, dehydration, shear stress, UV radiation, free radicals, and charges. In cold plasmas, such as those used in the plasma device according to the invention, heat plays a minor role, as these plasmas operate at room temperature. Such low-pressure plasmas produce particularly reactive particles, such as various oxygen or nitrogen species, which have a sufficiently long lifetime to damage organic compounds upon indirect exposure. These particles include, among others, atomic oxygen, superoxide radicals, ozone, hydroxyl radicals, nitrogen monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These particles exhibit a destructive effect on a wide variety of odor components as well as cellular components.If odor components, which usually consist of carbon compounds, as well as cell walls of bacteria, germs, viruses, fungi, or other similar microorganisms, are directly exposed to the plasma, they become negatively charged due to bombardment with the electrons present in the plasma. Due to electrostatic repulsion, this leads to mechanical stresses that can even exceed the tensile strength and destroy the odor molecule or cell wall. However, it is not only mechanical stresses caused by the charge that can destroy cell walls; the disruption of the charge balance of the odor molecules or cell walls can also occur due to various other electrostatic interactions and electrolysis, e.g., by changing the permeability of the cell walls. One mechanism for inactivating microorganisms also arises from the highly energetic ions. The plasma can be generated using a high frequency.Low-pressure plasmas are therefore particularly well suited for inactivating odors on textile fabrics or common household surfaces or the like in order to achieve odor inactivation.

[0014] The surfaces to be treated can be textile materials with natural, plant, or animal fibers, such as cotton, sheep's wool, silk, linen, felt, or artificial fibers such as nylon. Furthermore, the term "surface" also includes materials and objects made of ceramic, plastic, feathers, leather, glass, wood, or metal.

[0015] The odor-relevant molecules that can be neutralized with the plasma device according to the invention can be butyric acid, sweat, lingering cigarette smoke, or generally any odors that may be perceived as unpleasant. The plasma device is based on actively eliminating odors rather than masking unpleasant odors, e.g., with perfume. The plasma device according to the invention can also destroy non-odor-relevant molecules, such as allergens, protein molecules, prions, and the like.

[0016] In an advantageous development of the solution according to the invention, the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G have a distance A of less than 10 mm, in particular a distance A of less than 5 mm. This makes it possible to move the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G increasingly closer together, whereby increasingly less force is required for lifting, rotating and tilting and thus an increasingly comfortable use of the plasma device according to the invention is provided. The ideal case is a plasma device according to the invention in which the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G are identical. This ensures particularly ergonomic and comfortable use of the plasma device.

[0017] A geometric longitudinal axis of the plasma device expediently intersects a first circular area with a radius R 1 ≤ 5 mm, with the center of mass M forming a center point of this first circular area. This ensures that, even when the plasma device is pressed off-center onto the surface to be treated, reliable movement of the plasma device and activation of the plasma source can be ensured. With such an embodiment, it can thus be ensured that, even with a wide variety of attachment or pressing angles, reliable activation of the plasma source and thus reliable treatment, in particular refreshing, of surfaces to be treated, in particular textiles, can take place.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, a geometric transverse axis of the plasma device intersects a second circular area with a radius R 2 ≤ 5 mm, wherein the center of mass M forms a center point of this second circular area. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a geometric vertical axis of the plasma device intersects a third circular area with a radius R 3 ≤ 5 mm, wherein the center of mass M forms a center point of the third circular area. Even with such a limitation of the radius of the third or second circular area around a geometric vertical axis or geometric transverse axis, it can be ensured that the plasma source can be reliably activated if the plasma device is pressed off-center onto the surface to be treated, for example onto the textile to be treated.Ideally, the longitudinal axis, the transverse axis, and the vertical axis of the plasma device intersect a sphere with a radius of RK ≤ 5 mm, with the center of mass M of the plasma device representing the center of the sphere. This enables a user to move the hand-held plasma device with little force, in particular to tilt, yaw, or roll. In concrete terms, this means that only small torques are required when moving the plasma device in space, so that the plasma device according to the invention can be easily guided even in difficult-to-access areas of the surfaces to be treated, for example the textiles to be treated, but also under the armpits of people.

[0019] The plasma device is preferably designed to be symmetrical about at least the longitudinal axis, the transverse axis, or the vertical axis. This offers the great advantage that the plasma device can be easily grasped via its housing and is easy to handle, especially with regard to movement.

[0020] A switch for switching the plasma device according to the invention on and off is expediently provided, wherein the center of mass M and the switch are arranged offset from the geometric center of mass. The center of mass M arranged according to the invention makes it easier for a user to intuitively grasp the plasma device, wherein the center of mass M preferably lies in the palm of a hand and the switch is easy to operate with an index finger. Furthermore, such an arrangement of the center of mass M and the diametrically opposed switch enables operation of the plasma device according to the invention by both left- and right-handed users and overall enables easy and comfortable one-handed operation / use.

[0021] The plasma source is expediently spring-loaded and protrudes beyond the housing of the plasma device when not in use. Spring-loading the plasma source makes it possible to keep the plateau surface close to the surface during the cleaning process, which in particular can prevent excessive ozone production by the plasma source. The spring-loaded plateau surface also shields the emitted plasma from atmospheric oxygen, so that although sufficient oxygen is available for ozone production, the aforementioned excessive ozone production and its associated disadvantages do not occur. The disadvantages of excessive ozone production, particularly with prolonged exposure to the surface to be treated, such as a textile, are discoloration or discolouration of the surface and the risk of respiratory irritation.

[0022] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0023] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0025] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through a plasma device according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a top view of the plasma device according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the plasma device in a hand of a user in a non-use position, Fig. 4 is a view as in Fig. 3 , but in a position of use, Fig. 5 a view from above of a plasma device according to the invention during use.

[0026] According to the Fig. 1 to 5 , comprises a plasma device 1 according to the invention for treating surfaces 2, in particular for treating textiles 3 (cf. Fig. 4) has an elongated housing 4 with an oval cross-section, in which a plasma source 5 is arranged, which has a plateau surface 7 running in the longitudinal direction 6 of the housing 4 and has at least one electrode 8, via which plasma can be applied to the surface 2 to be treated. In order to enable the most convenient and easy operation and use of the plasma device 1 according to the invention, it is provided that a center of mass M and a geometric center of mass G have a distance A of less than 20 mm. Very preferably, the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G have a distance A of less than 10 mm, in particular a distance A of less than 5 mm.

[0027] The center of mass M is the point of a body, in this case the plasma device 1, at which the entire mass can be imagined to be concentrated. When the body is supported at the center of mass M, the body remains in equilibrium. The geometric center of mass G corresponds to the center of mass of a body made of homogeneous material, i.e., has the same density throughout. Different arrangements of individual components, as shown in the present plasma device 1, but also different density ratios, can lead to the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G, often also called the center of volume, not being identical.However, in order to ensure the most comfortable handling of the plasma device 1, the aim is to arrange the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G as close to each other as possible, whereby ideally the geometric center of mass G and the center of mass M are identical.

[0028] Furthermore, the center of mass M of the plasma device 1 should be located as centrally as possible along a rotational axis of a user's forearm. A center of gravity 9 of the plasma device 1 should be located as close as possible to the palm of the hand and, when the arm is extended, should also be perpendicular to the rotational axis of the forearm.

[0029] In order to be able to arrange the geometric center of gravity G and the center of mass M with the smallest possible distance A from each other, individual components of the plasma device 1, such as an energy storage device 10, a main board 11, the plasma source 5, a switch 12 and a holding frame 13 for the plasma source 5, must be arranged accordingly or adapted with regard to their weight.

[0030] The housing 4 typically comprises an upper housing part 14 and a lower housing part 15, which are connected to each other, for example, via a clip connection. The lower housing part 15 has an opening at the bottom through which the plasma source 5 protrudes outward from the housing 4.

[0031] By arranging the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G as close as possible, tilting of a movable plasma source 5 can be prevented, even if the plasma device 1 is pressed off-center. A comparatively small distance A between the center of mass M and the geometric center of mass G also makes it easy to handle the plasma device 1 with regard to movement on the surface 2 to be treated, whereby the plasma device 1 can be used with little effort. In addition, twisting, tilting, tipping, rolling, etc. of the plasma device 1 can take place without the need for large torques, so that it can be easily guided even in inaccessible locations, for example on the body under the armpit.

[0032] The plasma source 5 can also be spring-loaded and in a non-use state (cf. Fig. 3) protrude downwards beyond the housing 4 and in a state of use (cf. Fig. 4 ) be at least partially pressed into the housing 5 and thus lie flat with the plateau surface 7 on the surface 2 to be treated. This ensures even when the plasma device 1 is moved, whereby the plasma emitted by the plasma source 5 to treat the surface 2 does not come into contact with the ambient air and thus less ozone is generated, which could lead to discoloration or discolouration of the surface 2 to be treated, for example a textile 3, if exposed to it for a long time. This can also reduce the risk of respiratory tract irritation.

[0033] In an advantageous development of the solution according to the invention, a geometric longitudinal axis 16 intersects a first circular area 17 with a radius R 1 ≤ 5 mm, wherein the center of mass M forms a center point of the first circular area 17. The first circular area 17 runs according to the Fig. 1 orthogonal to the image plane and according to the Fig. 3 in the image plane. According to the Fig. 1 a centroidal axis 9 as well as the geometric longitudinal axis 16 runs horizontally in the image plane, with the center of mass M lying on the centroidal axis 9, while the geometric center of mass G lies on the geometric longitudinal axis 16. In Fig. 2 the geometric longitudinal axis 16 and the centroidal axis 9 are arranged one behind the other in the image plane, i.e. they are congruent. Fig. 3Both the center of gravity 9 and the geometric longitudinal axis 16 run orthogonally to the image plane, while a geometric transverse axis 18 and the geometric vertical axis 20 run in the image plane.

[0034] Looking at the Fig. 1 and 4 Furthermore, it can be seen that the geometric transverse axis 18 of the plasma device 1 intersects a second circular area 19 with a radius R 2 ≤ 5 mm, with the center of mass M representing a center point of the second circular area 19. The second circular area 19 runs according to the Fig. 4 perpendicular to the image plane and lies in Fig. 1 in the image plane.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, a geometric vertical axis 20, on which the geometric center of gravity G lies, intersects a third circular area 21 with a radius R 3 ≤ 5 mm, wherein the center of gravity M represents a center point of the third circular area 21. The third circular area 21 runs according to the Fig. 1, 3 and 4 horizontally in the image plane and according to Fig. 2 in the image plane.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the plasma device 1 according to the invention, the geometric longitudinal axis 16, the geometric transverse axis 18, and the geometric vertical axis 20 can intersect a sphere with a radius RK < 5 mm, with the center of mass M forming a center point of the sphere. Such a sphere would be spanned by the individual circular surfaces 17, 19, and 21.

[0037] The closest possible arrangement or identical arrangement of the center of mass and the geometric center of mass G enables comparatively easy twisting, rolling, pitching, inclining, etc. of the plasma device 1 without significant torque, thereby making handling and use of the plasma device 1 according to the invention comfortable for a user. Furthermore, the plasma device 1 can be designed symmetrically about at least the geometric longitudinal axis 16, the geometric transverse axis 18, or the geometric vertical axis 20, in particular rotationally symmetrically, whereby the plasma device 1 is easy to grasp haptically. This also makes it easy to handle.

[0038] In addition, it can be provided that the switch 12 for switching the plasma device 1 on and off and the center of mass M are arranged offset from the geometric center of mass G. The switch 12 can, for example, be arranged offset from the center of mass M, S. The offset switch 12 can enable easy activation or deactivation of the plasma device 1 by the user's index finger, thereby enabling intuitive use.

[0039] All in all, the plasma device 1 according to the invention and the preferably identical arrangement of the geometric center of gravity G and the center of mass M enable a comparatively simple and low-force use of the device, whereby a significant increase in comfort with regard to use can be achieved.

[0040] According to the Fig. 1, 3 and 4the geometric longitudinal axes 16 and the geometric transverse axis 18 are each arranged at a distance A offset from the center of mass M, whereby they can of course also pass through the center of mass M. List of reference symbols

[0041] 1Plasma device 2Surface 3Textile 4Housing 5Plasma source 6Longitudinal direction 7Plateau surface 8Electrode 9Cylindrical axis 10Energy storage 11Main board 12Switch 13Holding frame 14Housing upper part 15Housing lower part 16Geometric longitudinal axis 17First circular area 18Geometric transverse axis 19Second circular area 20Geometric vertical axis 21Third circular area

Claims

1. Plasma device (1) for treating surfaces (2) of fabrics (3), wherein the plasma device (1) has an elongate housing (4) which can be operated with one hand, in which a plasma source (5) is arranged, which has a plateau surface (7) running in the longitudinal direction (6) of the housing (4) with at least one electrode (8), by way of which the plasma can be produced and can be applied to the surface (2) to be treated, wherein a centre of gravity M of the plasma device (1) and a geometrical centre G of the plasma device (1) has a distance A of less than 20 mm.

2. Plasma device according to claim 1, wherein the plasma device has a cross-sectionally oval-shaped housing (4).

3. Plasma device according to claim 2, wherein the oval-shaped cross-section of the housing (4) is adjusted to the palm of a hand such that the housing (4) can be gripped in a form-fit manner by a hand of a user.

4. Plasma device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a holding frame (13) for the plasma source (5) is arranged accordingly and / or is adjusted in respect of its weight.

5. Plasma device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre of gravity M and the geometrical centre G has a distance A of less than 10 mm, in particular a distance A of less than 5 mm.

6. Plasma device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre of gravity M and the geometrical centre G are identical.

7. Plasma device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plasma source (5) is spring-loaded and in a non-use state of the plasma device (1) projects beyond the housing (4) and in a use state is impressed at least partially into the housing (4).

8. Plasma device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a geometrical longitudinal axis (16) of the plasma device (1) intersects a first circular surface (17) with a radius R1 ≤ 5,0 mm, wherein the centre of gravity M forms a centre point of the first circular surface (17).

9. Plasma device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a geometrical transverse axis (18) of the plasma device (1) intersects a second circular surface (19) with a radius R2 ≤ 5.0 mm, wherein the centre of gravity M forms a centre point of the second circular surface (19).

10. Plasma device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a geometrical vertical axis (20) of the plasma device (1) intersects a third circular surface (21) with a radius R3 ≤ 5.0 mm, wherein the centre of gravity M forms a centre point of the third circular surface (21).

11. Plasma device according to claim 8, 9, 10, wherein the geometrical longitudinal axis (16), the geometrical transverse axis (18) and the geometrical vertical axis (20) of the plasma device (1) intersect a ball with a radius RK < 5.0 mm, wherein the centre of gravity M forms a centre point of the ball.

12. Plasma device according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plasma device (1) is embodied symmetrically about at least the geometrical longitudinal axis (16), the geometrical transverse axis (18) or the geometrical vertical axis (20).

13. Plasma device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a switch (12) is provided for switching the plasma device (1) on and off, wherein the centre of gravity M and the switch (12) are arranged offset with respect to the geometrical centre G.

14. Plasma device (1) for treating surfaces (2) in particular of fabrics (3), wherein the plasma device (1) has an elongate housing (4) which can be operated with one hand, having a housing upper part (14) and a housing lower part (15), in which a plasma source (5) is arranged, which has a plateau surface (7) running in the longitudinal direction (6) of the housing (4) with at least one electrode (8), by way of which the plasma can be produced and can be applied to the surface (2) to be treated, wherein a centre of gravity M of the plasma device (1) and a geometrical centre G of the plasma device (1) are distanced from one another by a distance A, the distance A is less than 20 mm and the centre of gravity M is distanced from the geometrical centre G in the direction of the housing upper part (14).

15. Plasma device according to claim 14, wherein the plasma source (5) is spring-loaded and in a non-use state the plasma device (1) projects beyond the housing (4) and in a use state is impressed at least partially into the housing (4).