PLASMA DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasma device for treating surfaces, in particular textiles, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[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] Steam irons with a smoothing element for textile tightening are known from US 6 513 269 B1 and JP 2010 022703 A.

[0004] A plasma device for treating surfaces is known from US 2018 / 214586 A1.

[0005] Another example of a plasma device for treating surfaces is known from WO2017 / 162505 A1.

[0006] From CN 205 814 739 U, a portable sterilization and disinfection device is known, comprising: a housing, an energy storage device arranged in the housing, and a transformer connected to the energy storage device. A high-voltage discharge device is connected to the transformer and configured to generate ozone and negative ions by high-voltage discharge under the boost voltage output by the transformer.

[0007] From CN 108 771 767 A a ventilation device for ventilating and refreshing clothing is known.

[0008] 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.

[0009] However, a disadvantage of the plasma device known from the prior art, for example, is that it only inactivates odor molecules or destroys cell walls of bacteria, microbes, etc., but does not provide any further cleaning of the surface.

[0010] 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, by means of which, in particular, a simple and at the same time improved cleaning of the surfaces to be treated is made possible.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​attaching an additional cleaning device to a known plasma device, by means of which cleaning device in particular lint and hair can be picked up and a surface to be treated can thus be cleaned more effectively. The plasma device according to the invention has a particularly elongated housing in which a plasma source is arranged. Also arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing is a plateau surface with an electrode, preferably also running in the longitudinal direction, via which plasma can be or is applied to the surface to be treated. The electrode can be surrounded by a ceramic substrate. The plasma is generated directly on the surface of the plateau by igniting the electrode.According to the invention, at least one contact element for mechanically pretreating the surface is provided transversely next to the electrode or the plasma source, i.e., in the direction of travel of the plasma device upstream and / or upstream and downstream of the plasma source. This contact element interacts mechanically with the surface to be treated during operation of the plasma device. This allows at least a mechanical pre-cleaning of the surface to be carried out. According to the invention, the contact element has a higher coefficient of friction on textiles than the plateau surface and acts similarly to a lint roller or thread lifter, enabling lint or hair to be collected even before the surface to be treated is exposed to plasma, thereby enabling significantly improved and at the same time simple surface treatment, for example cleaning.With the plasma device according to the invention, it is possible to use non-thermal plasma, also known as cold plasma, specifically to eliminate odors and certain hydrocarbons. Such a plasma can also be used to kill bacteria, spores, viruses, etc. without requiring high temperatures. Plasma is generated by applying electrical energy to a gas or gas mixture, which ionizes atoms in the gas, i.e., electrons are removed from an atomic shell, leaving behind a positively charged atom. A gas consisting of a sufficiently high proportion of free ions and electrons is referred to as a plasma. The ions and electrons move as free charge carriers.A cold plasma, which can also be referred to as low-pressure plasma, produces particularly reactive particles, such as various oxygen and nitrogen species, which have a sufficiently long lifetime to damage organic compounds. These include atomic oxygen, superoxide radicals, ozone, hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These particles not only have a destructive effect on a wide variety of odor molecules, but also on cellular components such as cell walls. They are therefore capable of inactivating odors and damaging the cell walls of bacteria, germs, viruses, fungi, or similar microorganisms. These particles, when directly exposed to the plasma, become negatively charged due to the bombardment with the electrons present in the plasma.Due to the electrostatic repulsion, this leads to mechanical tensions that can even exceed the tensile strength and destroy odor molecules or cell walls. However, it is not only mechanical tension due to the charge that can destroy cell walls, but also the disruption of the charge balance of the odor molecules or the cell wall through various other electrostatic interactions and electrolysis, e.g., through changes in the permeability of the cell walls. One mechanism for the inactivation of microorganisms results from the very high-energy ions. Low-pressure plasmas or cold plasma are therefore particularly well suited to inactivating odors on textile fabrics or for treating common household surfaces in order to achieve odor activation. With the plasma device according to the invention, the odor-inactivating orThe cell wall-destroying effects of the plasma can be combined with the mechanical effects of the contact elements arranged to the side of the electrode or plasma source, thereby achieving significantly improved treatment / cleaning of the surfaces to be treated. Furthermore, it should be mentioned in this context that the contact elements, in particular those equipped with a higher coefficient of friction, enable a textile to be tightened, which can, for example, smooth out wrinkles and thus additionally assist the cleaning process with the plasma. The contact elements are preferably arranged on both sides of the plasma source, so that a cleaning process combined with the absorption of hair or lint can take place during both forward and backward movements. By absorbing lint or hair, the contact elements also prevent lint or lint from penetrating the surface.Hair can get into the plasma device, which can impair the cleaning effect of the plasma source over time. In addition, the contact elements can also protect the movement mechanism of the plasma source or the plateau surface from contamination, thus maintaining its long-term functionality.

[0013] In an alternative solution according to the invention, the contact element has a surface area with a friction coefficient that varies in the transverse direction of the plateau surface. The friction coefficient can increase away from the electrode, so that it also increases with increasing distance from the plateau surface. This makes it possible to achieve particularly effective smoothing of wrinkles or generally smoothing of the surface to be treated, whereby a uniform, predefined distance between the electrode and the surface to be treated and thus a consistently direct application of plasma to the surface to be treated is enabled. The distance between the plateau surface and the surface to be treated is preferably 0 mm in order to avoid excessive ozone development. Ozone is a molecule (O 3 ) made up of three oxygen atoms (O).An oxygen atom (O) is released from the short-lived ozone molecule, which reacts preferentially with the odor molecules or carbon compounds, chemically altering them. To prevent excessive ozone production when an activated plasma source is activated, care must be taken to avoid direct contact with the textile surface. A low ozone concentration is also desirable due to ozone-triggered respiratory irritation, as well as discoloration or discoloration. The changing coefficient of friction at the surface areas, and in particular the increase in the coefficient of friction with increasing distance from the electrode or plasma source, allows for reliable tightening of the surfaces to be treated, thus improving the cleaning effect.

[0014] In an advantageous development of the inventive solution, the contact elements are arranged on curved side surfaces of the housing adjacent to the plateau surface and serve as wrinkle smoothers. The increased coefficient of friction can be achieved, for example, by an appropriate coating, such as a coating made of rubber and / or silicone, but also by attaching bristles. The position of the contact elements on the curved side surfaces can enhance the smoothing effect of the textile to be treated. At the same time, the contact elements with the increased coefficient of friction can also extend further beyond the curved side surfaces, where the plasma device is usually held, thus enabling reliable gripping. Compared to smooth plastic surfaces, this can also simplify the handling and guidance of the plasma device during the treatment process.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the plasma device according to the invention, the contact elements are located between the plateau surface and a curved side surface, so that the side surface, by which the plasma device is usually gripped with the thumb and fingers, remains free. This allows the contact elements to be limited, thereby maintaining the smoothing or lint and / or hair-absorbing effect while avoiding the coating of additional surfaces, which results in cost advantages.

[0016] At least one contact element is expediently designed as a thread lifter. Using such a thread lifter, not only can the surface to be treated be tightened, but it is also possible to collect lint and / or hair, similar to a comb, thereby achieving an additional cleaning effect and, in particular, preventing such lint or hair from penetrating the interior of the housing and thereby impairing, for example, an adjustment mechanism of the plasma source or the plateau surface. Such thread lifters can, for example, have erecting elements, for example bristles that are aligned obliquely away from the plateau surface. Such thread lifters can also have erecting elements made of rubber, for example silicone, which can, for example, be designed merely as knobs or the like, but at the same time enable the collection of lint or hair as well as smoothing.

[0017] The contact elements with the thread lifter are expediently arranged on a bracket, preferably formed integrally with the housing, between the respective plateau surface and a corresponding curved side surface. Such a bracket, which has a wedge-shaped cross-section, allows the contact elements with the increased coefficient of friction to be arranged almost flush with the surface of the plateau surface. Such brackets also offer the possibility of providing corresponding recesses into which, for example, a contact element designed as a thread lifter or as a material strip with an increased coefficient of friction can be inserted. This, in turn, also enables the replacement of the contact elements with an increased coefficient of friction, for example, in the event of wear.Due to the one-piece design of the console with the housing, these can be manufactured together with the housing as a cost-effective plastic injection-molded part in a single work step.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, a UV light source is provided in addition to the plasma source, via which UV light can be applied to the surface to be treated. Using such a UV source, it is possible to destroy microbial DNA and thereby achieve an antibacterial or antimicrobial effect. Such a UV source for emitting UV light can be activated simultaneously with the plasma source or in addition to or alternatively to it, for example, via a corresponding switch on the housing of the plasma device.

[0019] The plateau surface is advantageously spring-loaded and extends beyond the housing of the plasma device when not in use. By spring-loading the plateau surface, or even the plasma source located in the housing, it is possible to guide the plateau surface close to the surface during the cleaning process, which can prevent, in particular, excessive ozone production by the plasma source. The spring-loaded plateau surface also shields the generated plasma from atmospheric oxygen, so that while sufficient oxygen is available for ozone production, the aforementioned excessive ozone production and its associated disadvantages are prevented.

[0020] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 a plasma device according to the invention in a side view from above, Fig. 2 the Fig. 1 shown plasma device in a side view from below in a first embodiment, Fig. 3 a representation as in Fig. 2, but in a second embodiment, Fig. 4 a sectional view through the plasma device according to the invention, corresponding to the Fig. 2 when not in use, Fig. 5 a representation as in Fig. 4 , but in use, Fig. 6 a sectional view through the according to the Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment of the plasma device according to the invention in the non-use state, Fig. 7 a representation as in Fig. 6 , but in used condition.

[0024] According to the Fig. 1 to 7, a plasma device 1 according to the invention for treating, in particular for refreshing, surfaces 2, for example textiles 3, comprises an elongated housing 4. In addition to textiles 3 with natural, plant, or animal fibers, for example cotton, sheep's wool, silk, linen, or felt, these textiles 3 can also comprise artificial fibers, such as nylon. Furthermore, the term "surface 2" should also include surfaces or objects made of ceramic, plastic, feathers, leather, glass, wood, or metal. A plasma source 5 is arranged in the elongated housing 4, which is capable of generating plasma, preferably non-thermal plasma, also referred to as cold plasma, specifically for the elimination of odors and certain hydrocarbons.

[0025] In addition to the three states of matter: solid, liquid, or gaseous, plasma is referred to as the fourth state of matter. If a gas or gas mixture is subjected to sufficient energy, for example, in the form of electrical energy, some of the gas's atoms become ionized. This means that electrons are removed from their atomic shells and move 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 as free charge carriers.

[0026] The antibacterial effect of plasma is due to heat, dehydration, shear stress, UV radiation, free radicals, and charges. In low-pressure plasmas, also known as cold plasmas, heat plays a minor role because 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 atomic oxygen, superoxide radicals, ozone, hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These particles have a destructive effect on a wide variety of odor components as well as cellular components.

[0027] 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 the 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 activation.

[0028] The housing 4 has a plateau surface 6 with at least one electrode 7, which also runs in the longitudinal direction 9 and is in particular slightly raised, via which the plasma can be applied or generated onto the surface 2 to be treated. In order to further support the cleaning effect of the surface 2, at least one contact element 8 is provided in the transverse direction 17 next to the electrode 7 or the plasma source 5, i.e., in the direction of movement upstream or upstream and downstream of the plasma source 5. This contact element 8 interacts mechanically with the surface 2 to be treated during operation of the plasma device 1. This contact element enables mechanical cleaning of the surface 2 to be treated, in particular due to a higher coefficient of friction on textiles 3 than the plateau surface 6.

[0029] For each plasma device 1, two contact elements 8 with an increased coefficient of friction on textiles 3 are usually provided, so that the plasma device 1 can be moved back and forth transversely to the longitudinal direction 9 in the operating state and a mechanical pre-cleaning takes place with each movement.

[0030] The contact elements 8 can be used, in particular, to pick up hair or lint or to smooth the surface 2 to be treated before it is exposed to plasma by means of the plasma source 5. The contact elements 8 can therefore also serve as smoothing elements 11. Such a contact element 8 can, for example, be designed in the form of individual knobs on the surface, whereby such knobs can be arranged in different rows, spacings, and heights and can be made of different materials, so that different effects or friction values ​​can occur. Alternatively, the contact element 8 can also have a friction-increasing varnish or coating, so that a textile 3 rubs against it and adheres, whereby the textile 3 can be tightened.It is also conceivable that a contact element 8 designed as a smoothing element 11 has an arrow shape in the direction of movement, whereby the textile 3 can also be stretched in a further direction.

[0031] The contact element 8 can alternatively also be designed as a thread lifter 10, as is the case with the embodiments of the plasma device 1 according to the invention according to the Fig. 2 , 4 and 5 Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the contact elements 8 are designed as smoothing elements 11 with a friction-increasing coating, as is the case in the embodiments according to the Fig. 3and 6 and 7. In the case of a contact element 8 designed as a thread lifter 10, thin elastic elements, for example bristles, similar to those in a rake or a comb, can be provided, which are aligned in particular at an angle of + / - 45°, i.e. generally obliquely pointing away from the plateau surface 6 or perpendicular to it. Such bristles or prongs can also be referred to as erecting elements 12. The erecting elements 12 can be designed in different rows, sometimes also at different heights or offset from one another. When textiles 3 are brushed over, lint, threads or hair are caught in or on the tips and, in particular, the penetration of such threads or lint or hair into the interior of the housing 4 is reliably prevented, whereby in particular the plasma source 5 is protected from contamination. The contact elements 8, in particular the thread lifters 10 orThe smoothing elements 11 can extend beyond the electrode 7 in the longitudinal direction 9. Alternatively, such a smoothing element 11 can also perform a wiping function, so that the surface 2 is swept over a wide area.

[0032] Furthermore, in the plasma device 1 according to the invention, it can be provided that the contact elements 8 have a friction coefficient that varies transversely to the longitudinal direction 9 of the plateau surface 6, in particular that the friction coefficient increases away from the electrode 7, i.e., increases with increasing distance from the electrode 7. This can tighten the textile 3, resulting in a surface 2 that runs parallel to the plateau surface 6 and can be optimally cleaned by the plasma.

[0033] Considering the embodiments of the plasma device 1 according to the invention according to the Fig. 3 to 7, it can be seen that the contact elements 8 are arranged on curved side surfaces 13 adjacent to the plateau surface 6. In this case, they serve primarily as wrinkle smoothers or smoothing elements 11. In such an embodiment, fingers may grip the contact elements 8 when using the plasma device 1, whereby reliable handling is possible due to the higher friction coefficient there. It is of course also conceivable that the contact elements 8 are located between the plateau surface 6 and the side surfaces 13, as is the case with the embodiment according to the Fig. 24 and 5. In the embodiments shown there, the contact elements 8 are designed as thread lifters 10. In addition to the plasma source 5, the plasma device 1 according to the invention can also have a UV light source, via which UV light can be applied to the surface 2 to be treated. An antibacterial or antimicrobial effect can also be achieved via UV radiation.

[0034] The plateau surface 6 or the plasma source 5 can also be spring-loaded and in a non-use state (cf. Fig. 4) extend beyond the housing 4 and also beyond the contact elements 8, for example, the thread lifters 10. If this plasma device 1 is placed on the surface 2 to be treated, the plasma source 5 or the plateau surface 6 is pressed into the housing 4, whereby a comparatively tight contact of the plateau surface 6 with the surface 2 to be treated and thus an optimized cleaning result can be achieved.

[0035] The contact elements 8 with the thread lifter 10 can be adjusted according to the Fig. 2 and 4 and 5 on a bracket 14, which is in particular formed integrally with the housing 4, between the plateau surface 6 and the curved side surface 13. The bracket 14 can also have a recess 15 into which the thread lifter 10 is embedded. It is theoretically also conceivable that the thread lifter 10 and thus also the contact element 8 are replaceable, for example, if the latter becomes worn.

[0036] The plasma source 5 can be activated via a switch 16, so that the plasma device 1 can theoretically also be used exclusively as a lint brush. The plasma source 5 is powered by a battery.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be provided that the plateau surface 6 and the contact element 8 are at different heights in use. This allows the textile 3 to relax and thus be fed to the plasma source 5 without creases. It is also conceivable for the thread lifter 10 or the individual bristles of the contact elements 8 to be arrow-shaped in the transverse direction 17 away from the plasma source 5, whereby a certain expansion and smoothing of the textile 3 can occur, similar to an iron.

[0038] Due to the direct contact of the plateau surface 6 with the surface 2 to be treated, the formation of ozone through reaction with oxygen from the ambient air can be largely avoided, whereby in particular discoloration and discolouration of the textile 3 can be avoided.

[0039] The contact elements 8 according to the invention can be used to mechanically pre-clean the surface 2 to be treated, followed by post-treatment using the plasma source 5 or UV light. The contact elements 8 can tighten the textile 3, thereby avoiding wrinkles and achieving direct contact between the plateau surface 6 and the surface 2 to be treated. This produces less ozone and simultaneously ensures that the entire surface 2 is covered by the plateau surface 6 and exposed to plasma. The contact elements 8 can also prevent unwanted penetration of hair, threads or lint between the plasma source 5 and the housing 4 into the interior of the housing 4 of the plasma device 1, thereby ensuring long-term functionality. List of reference symbols

[0040] 1Plasma device 2Surface 3Textile 4Elongated housing 5Plasma source 6Plateau surface 7Electrode 8Contact element 9Longitudinal direction 10Thread lifter 11Smoothing element 12Erecting element 13Curved side surface 14Console 15Recess 16Switch 17Transverse direction

Claims

1. Plasma apparatus (1) for treating surfaces (2), in particular for textiles (3), wherein a housing (4) is provided, in which a plasma source (5) is arranged, which has a plateau area (6) running in the longitudinal direction (9) of the housing (4) with at least one electrode (7), via which plasma can be brought out onto the surface (2) to be treated, wherein at least one contact element (8), which interacts mechanically with the surface (2) to be treated during operation of the plasma apparatus (1), is provided next to the electrode (7) or the plasma source (5) in the transverse direction (17) for the mechanical pretreatment of the surface (2), characterised in that the contact element (8) has a surface area with a coefficient of friction that varies in the transverse direction (17) of the plateau area (6), and / or that the contact element (8) has a higher coefficient of friction on textiles (3) than the plateau area (6).

2. Plasma apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coefficient of friction increases away from the at least one electrode (7).

3. Plasma apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (8) is arranged adjacent to the plateau area (6) on bent side areas (13), and is used as a smoothing element (11).

4. Plasma apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the contact element (8) lies between the plateau area (6) and a bent side area (13).

5. Plasma apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one contact element (8) is a thread lifter (10).

6. Plasma apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the contact element (8) is arranged on a bracket (14), which in particular is embodied in one piece with the housing (4), between the plateau area (6) and a bent side area (13).

7. Plasma apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the thread lifter (10) has aligning elements (12), which are oriented obliquely pointing away from the plateau area (6).

8. Plasma apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plateau area (6) is spring-loaded, and projects above the housing (4) and / or the contact element (8) in a non-use state of the plasma apparatus (1).

9. Plasma apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plateau area (6) in the use state and the contact element (8) lie at different height levels.