Irradiation equipment and plasma devices

Abstract

This lighting instrument is provided with: a piezoelectric transformer which is housed in a housing; a first electrode which is connected to the piezoelectric transformer and to which voltage is applied from the piezoelectric transformer; and an irradiation port through which plasma generated by the first electrode and / or active gas generated by the plasma is discharged. At least part of the first electrode is disposed between the piezoelectric transformer and the irradiation port.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an irradiation tool and a plasma device. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology that uses plasma for purposes such as wound treatment has been proposed (see JP2017-508485A). The wound treatment device disclosed in JP2017-508485A performs plasma treatment on the wound by directing a plasma flow to the wound site to be treated. The wound treatment device in JP2017-508485A includes a housing and a piezoelectric transformer housed inside the housing. In the wound treatment device in JP2017-508485A, the piezoelectric transformer generates plasma using a high voltage generated at a high voltage end. DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION

[0003] When plasma is generated at the high-voltage end of a piezoelectric transformer, the tip of the instrument where the plasma is generated and irradiated becomes thicker according to the thickness of the piezoelectric transformer. In this case, it becomes difficult to use the instrument in applications where the tip of the instrument needs to be inserted into a narrow gap, such as inserting the tip of the instrument into the mouth of a person or animal in dental treatment.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an irradiation tool and a plasma device that can effectively solve such problems.

[0005] The irradiation device according to the present invention comprises a piezoelectric transformer housed in a housing, a first electrode connected to the piezoelectric transformer and to which a voltage is applied from the piezoelectric transformer, and an irradiation port for ejecting at least one of a plasma generated by the first electrode and an active gas generated by the plasma, and at least a portion of the first electrode is disposed between the piezoelectric transformer and the irradiation port.

[0006] The illumination device according to the present invention may comprise a second electrode facing at least a portion of the first electrode.

[0007] In the illumination instrument according to the present invention, the second electrode may surround the first electrode from a periphery centered on an axis of the first electrode.

[0008] In the illumination device according to the present invention, the first electrode has a first end portion located on the opposite side to the side connected to the piezoelectric transformer in the direction in which the axis of the first electrode extends, and in the illumination device according to the present invention, the second electrode may surround the first end portion from a periphery centered on the axis.

[0009] In the illumination instrument according to the present invention, the second electrode may have a dimension larger than a dimension of the first electrode in a direction in which an axis of the first electrode extends.

[0010] In the illumination instrument according to the present invention, the second electrode may have a dimension smaller than a dimension of the piezoelectric transformer in a radial direction perpendicular to an axis of the first electrode.

[0011] In the illumination instrument according to the present invention, the first electrode may have a dimension smaller than a dimension of the piezoelectric transformer in a radial direction perpendicular to an axis of the first electrode.

[0012] A plasma device according to the present invention includes the above-described irradiation tool, a power source that applies a voltage to the piezoelectric transformer, and a voltage supply line that connects the piezoelectric transformer and the power source.

[0013] According to the irradiation tool and plasma device of the present invention, the thickness of the tip portion of the irradiation tool can be kept small. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a plasma device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a plasma device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]1 is a cross-sectional view of an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the illumination device of FIG. 3 . [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the irradiation device of FIG. 3 taken along line VV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings accompanying this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the sake of ease of understanding.

[0016] Furthermore, terms used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and the extent thereof, such as "orthogonal" and "vertical," as well as values ​​of length and angle, are not to be bound by strict meanings, but are to be interpreted to include a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0017] The plasma device of the present invention is a plasma jet irradiation device or an active gas irradiation device. Both the plasma jet irradiation device and the active gas irradiation device generate plasma. The plasma jet irradiation device directly irradiates the generated plasma and active species to the irradiated object. The active species is generated by the reaction of the gas in the plasma or the gas around the plasma with the plasma. The active species is, for example, active oxygen species and active nitrogen species. The active oxygen species is, for example, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical, etc. The active nitrogen species is, for example, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxynitrite, peroxynitrous acid, dinitrogen trioxide, etc. The active gas irradiation device irradiates the irradiated object with an active gas containing active species. The active species is generated by the reaction of the gas in the plasma or the gas around the plasma with the plasma.

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the irradiation tool and plasma device will be described. The plasma device of this embodiment is, for example, an active gas irradiation device. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the active gas irradiation device 100 of this embodiment includes an irradiation tool 10, a supply unit 20, a gas pipeline 30, a voltage supply line 40, a supply source 70, a notification unit 80, and a control unit 90 (calculation unit).

[0019] The irradiation instrument 10 discharges the active gas generated in the irradiation instrument 10. The irradiation instrument 10 is operated by a doctor or the like, and has a shape, size, and weight that are easy to operate by a human hand. The irradiation instrument 10 is connected to the supply unit 20 by a gas pipe 30, a ground wire 31, and a voltage supply wire 40. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the irradiation instrument 10 includes an outer tube member 8 and a nozzle 9 that constitutes the tip of the irradiation instrument 10. The nozzle 9 is attached to the tip of a second electrode 5 described later. The nozzle 9 has a flow path for active gas inside. The flow path for active gas in the nozzle 9 is connected to the flow path for plasma generation gas inside the irradiation instrument 10. When the irradiation instrument 10 has the nozzle 9, the active gas is discharged from a nozzle irradiation port 9a located at the tip of the nozzle 9 through a flow path between a first electrode 4 and a second electrode 5 described later and inside the nozzle 9.

[0020] The gas pipeline 30 and the voltage supply line 40 are housed in one cable 32. In particular, the voltage supply line 40 connects the piezoelectric transformer 2 described later to an external power source. The power source applies a voltage to the piezoelectric transformer 2. The supply unit 20 supplies power and plasma generating gas to the irradiation device 10. The supply unit 20 houses a supply source 70. The supply source 70 houses a plasma generating gas. The supply unit 20 receives power from a power source such as a 100V household power source. In this case, the voltage supply line 40 connects the piezoelectric transformer 2 to the supply unit 20, thereby connecting the piezoelectric transformer 2 to the power source via the supply unit 20. The supply unit 20 may also be equipped with a rechargeable battery as a power source inside. In this case, the voltage supply line 40 connects the piezoelectric transformer 2 to the power source inside the supply unit 20.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional (longitudinal) view of the surface along the extension direction of the irradiation instrument 10 in the irradiation instrument 10. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the irradiation instrument 10 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along the line VV of the irradiation instrument 10 of FIG. 3. Note that in FIGS. 3 to 5, the outer tube member 8 and the nozzle 9 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation instrument 10 includes a first electrode 4 and a second electrode 5 facing at least a part of the first electrode 4. The first electrode 4 has an axis O1. Note that the axis O1 of the first electrode 4 is, for example, a virtual line segment that extends in the extension direction d1 of the first electrode 4 and is located in a range where the first electrode 4 is located in the direction d1. Hereinafter, the extension direction d1 of the axis O1 is also referred to as the axial direction d1.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation device 10 further includes a housing 1, a piezoelectric transformer 2, a tubular dielectric 3, O-rings 6a and 6b, a piezoelectric transformer case 7a, and cushioning materials 7b and 7c.

[0023] The piezoelectric transformer 2 boosts the applied voltage. The piezoelectric transformer 2 can boost the voltage applied from the power source and generate plasma using the high voltage. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the piezoelectric transformer 2 has an input region 2a that converts the applied voltage into mechanical vibration and an output region 2b that converts the vibration of the input region 2a into voltage. As shown in FIG. 3, a voltage supply line 40 is connected to the input region 2a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the voltage supply line 40 extends through a hole 7a1 provided in a piezoelectric transformer case 7a that houses the piezoelectric transformer 2. In addition, a first electrode 4, which will be described later, is connected to the output region 2b. A voltage applied from an external power source via the voltage supply line 40 is converted into mechanical vibration by the input region 2a. The vibration of the input region 2a is converted into voltage by the output region 2b and applied to the first electrode 4. The piezoelectric transformer 2 converts the voltage into mechanical vibration once, and then converts the mechanical vibration back into voltage, so that the voltage applied from the power source can be boosted and applied to the first electrode 4.

[0024] In this embodiment, the piezoelectric transformer 2 is housed in a housing 1, which will be described later. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the piezoelectric transformer 2 is housed in a piezoelectric transformer case 7a, and the piezoelectric transformer case 7a is housed in the housing 1.

[0025] The shape of the piezoelectric transformer 2 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped extending in an axial direction d1. The dimension w1 of the piezoelectric transformer 2 in a direction d2 perpendicular to the axis O1 (hereinafter also referred to as the radial direction d2) is, for example, 3 cm to 20 cm.

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a first buffer material 7b is provided between the piezoelectric transformer 2 and the piezoelectric transformer case 7a. The first buffer material 7b allows mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric transformer 2 while determining the positional relationship between the piezoelectric transformer 2 and the piezoelectric transformer case 7a. The material of the first buffer material 7b is not particularly limited as long as it does not greatly attenuate the mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric transformer 2. The material of the first buffer material 7b is, for example, a material that deforms elastically, such as rubber. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a second buffer material 7c is provided between the piezoelectric transformer case 7a and the housing 1. The material of the second buffer material 7c is, for example, the same as the material of the first buffer material 7b. Although not shown, the irradiation device 10 may not include the second buffer material 7c.

[0027] The piezoelectric transformer 2 can be made smaller than other transformers such as a wound transformer. Therefore, by using the piezoelectric transformer 2 as a transformer, the transformer can be housed in the housing 1 held by the user, and the irradiation device 10 can be made small while the transformer is made a part of the irradiation device 10.

[0028] The first electrode 4 is connected to the piezoelectric transformer 2, and is an electrode to which a voltage for generating plasma from the piezoelectric transformer 2 is applied. When a voltage is applied, the first electrode 4 generates plasma. At least a part of the first electrode 4 is disposed between the piezoelectric transformer 2 and an irradiation port 5a of the irradiation device 10, which will be described later. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the entire first electrode 4 is disposed between the piezoelectric transformer 2 and an irradiation port 5a of the irradiation device 10, which will be described later. As a result, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 4, plasma is generated between the piezoelectric transformer 2 and the irradiation port 5a. The first electrode 4 according to this embodiment has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction d1. The first electrode 4 has a first end 4a and a second end 4b located at both ends in the axial direction d1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation device 10 further includes a conductor 50 connected to the output region 2b of the piezoelectric transformer 2 and the second end 4b of the first electrode 4. The first electrode 4 is connected to the output region 2b of the piezoelectric transformer 2 via the conductor 50. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the conducting wire 50 extends through a hole 7a2 provided in the piezoelectric transformer case 7a.

[0029] The material of the first electrode 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and metals that can be used for electrodes of known plasma devices can be used. Examples of the material of the first electrode 4 include metals such as stainless steel, copper, and tungsten, and carbon. The material of the conductive wire 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive and flexible material that suppresses the mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric transformer 2 from being transmitted to the first electrode 4.

[0030] The voltage applied from the piezoelectric transformer 2 to the first electrode 4 is not particularly limited as long as plasma is generated between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5. When plasma is generated using a gas containing nitrogen as a main component as described below as the plasma generating gas, the voltage applied to the first electrode 4 is, for example, 0.5 kVpp or more and 20 kVpp or less. The voltage applied to the first electrode 4 is more preferably 2 kVpp or more and 18 kVpp or less, and even more preferably 5 kVpp or more and 15 kVpp or less. In addition, "pp" in "kVpp" is an abbreviation for peak to peak.

[0031] The second electrode 5 is an electrode facing at least a part of the first electrode 4. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the second electrode 5 faces a part of the first electrode 4. As an example, the second electrode 5 surrounds the first electrode 4 from a periphery centered on the axis O1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second electrode 5 surrounds the first end 4a, which is located on the opposite side to the side connected to the piezoelectric transformer 2 in the axial direction d1 of the first electrode 4, from a periphery centered on the axis O1. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the second electrode 5 surrounds a part of the first electrode 4 including the first end 4a from a periphery centered on the axis O1. In this embodiment, the second electrode 5 is a substantially cylindrical electrode that goes around a part of the first electrode 4. In this embodiment, the second electrode 5 is electrically grounded. Although not shown, the second electrode 5 is electrically grounded, for example, by being connected to a ground wire.

[0032] By providing the irradiation device 10 with the first electrode 4 to which a voltage is applied and the second electrode 5 which is grounded, the electric field for generating plasma can be strengthened when the plasma is generated by the first electrode 4. By supplying a plasma generating gas between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 and applying a voltage to the first electrode 4 facing the second electrode 5, a discharge is generated between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, and the plasma generating gas is ionized to generate plasma. In this case, it can be said that the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 generate plasma. In addition, the plasma is generated between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 which face each other.

[0033] In addition, the grounded second electrode 5 faces at least a part of the first electrode 4, and in particular, the second electrode 5 surrounds the first electrode 4 from the periphery centered on the axis O1, so that the electric field generated by the first electrode 4 can be suppressed by the second electrode 5. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the electric shock of the user who holds the irradiation instrument 10. From the viewpoint of suppressing the electric shock of the user, it is preferable that the dimension w3 in the axial direction d1 of the second electrode 5 shown in FIG. 3 is larger than the dimension w2 in the axial direction d1 of the first electrode 4. As a result, a wide range of the first electrode 4 is covered by the second electrode 5, and the electric shock of the user can be more effectively suppressed. When the electric shock of the user is sufficiently suppressed by the second electrode 5, the irradiation instrument 10 does not need to include other members having the function of a protective member that suppresses the electric shock of the user, such as the outer tube member 8 and the nozzle 9 described later. In this case, by omitting the other members having the function of a protective member, the thickness of the tip portion located on the tip side of the irradiation instrument 10 can be made thinner.

[0034] The material of the second electrode 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and metals used in electrodes of known plasma devices can be used. Examples of materials for the second electrode 5 include metals such as stainless steel, copper, and tungsten, and carbon.

[0035] The irradiation device 10 further includes an irradiation port 5a for discharging at least one of the generated plasma and the activated gas generated by the plasma. In Fig. 3, the irradiation port 5a is provided at the end of the second electrode 5 on the tip side (left side in Fig. 3) of the irradiation device 10. The irradiation port 5a connects the inner space 3a of the tubular dielectric 3 described later with the outside of the irradiation device 10.

[0036] The tubular dielectric 3 is a member having an inner hollow portion 3a. In the example shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the tubular dielectric 3 is a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction d1. As shown in Figs. 3 and 5, a first electrode 4 is disposed in the inner hollow portion 3a of the tubular dielectric 3.

[0037] 3 and 5, the first electrode 4 is disposed apart from the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3. The second electrode 5 is disposed in contact with the outer surface of the tubular dielectric 3.

[0038] A dielectric material used in a known plasma device can be used as the material of the tubular dielectric 3. The material of the tubular dielectric 3 is, for example, glass, ceramics, synthetic resin, etc. The lower the dielectric constant of the tubular dielectric 3, the more preferable it is.

[0039] The inner diameter R of the tubular dielectric 3 can be appropriately determined taking into consideration the dimension w4 in the radial direction d2 of the first electrode 4. The inner diameter R is determined so that a distance s, which will be described later, falls within a desired range.

[0040] When the first electrode 4 and the tubular dielectric 3 are disposed apart from each other, the distance s between the outer surface of the first electrode 4 and the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 0.05 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm. If the distance s is equal to or greater than the above lower limit, a desired amount of plasma generating gas can easily flow when the inner space 3a of the tubular dielectric 3 is used as a flow path for plasma generating gas, as described below. If the distance s is equal to or less than the above upper limit, plasma can be generated more efficiently and the temperature of the active gas can be lowered.

[0041] The housing 1 is a member that is held by a user and that houses the piezoelectric transformer 2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the housing 1 houses the piezoelectric transformer case 7a, thereby housing the piezoelectric transformer 2. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the housing 1 is a substantially cylindrical member extending in the axial direction d1. As an example, the housing 1 has a first portion 1a that houses the piezoelectric transformer 2 and a second portion 1b that houses at least a part of the first electrode 4. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, both the first portion 1a and the second portion 1b have a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction d1. Although not shown, the first portion 1a and the second portion 1b may have a polygonal cylindrical shape such as a rectangular cylindrical shape, a hexagonal cylindrical shape, or an octagonal cylindrical shape.

[0042] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the first portion 1a has an inclined surface 1e on the inside that is inclined with respect to the radial direction d2. The piezoelectric transformer case 7a has a case inclined surface 7a3 that is inclined with respect to the radial direction d2 so as to come into contact with the inclined surface 1e. The piezoelectric transformer case 7a is fixed to the case 1 by being pressed into the inside of the first portion 1a from the first portion 1a side of the case 1 (the right side in Fig. 3) so that the case inclined surface 7a3 comes into contact with the inclined surface 1e.

[0043] 3, a part of the second electrode 5 is inserted into the second portion 1b of the housing 1, and the second portion 1b and the second electrode 5 are in contact with each other. As an example, the housing 1 and the second electrode 5 are fixed to each other by a fixing means (not shown). For example, the housing 1 and the second electrode 5 have screw holes (not shown), and the second electrode 5 is screwed to the housing 1.

[0044] Also, a part of the tubular dielectric 3 is inserted into the second part 1b of the housing 1, and the second part 1b and the tubular dielectric 3 are in contact with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second electrode 5 contacts the tubular dielectric 3 from one side along the axis O1 via the O-ring 6a, and restricts the movement of the tubular dielectric 3 to one side along the axis O1. Also, the housing 1 contacts the tubular dielectric 3 from the other side along the axis O1 via the O-ring 6b, and restricts the movement of the tubular dielectric 3 to the other side along the axis O1. The O-rings 6a and 6b are members made of elastic resin material, and have an inner diameter that is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the tubular dielectric 3. As a result, the tubular dielectric 3 is held in a state in which its movement in the axial direction d1 is restricted.

[0045] The housing 1 may have a portion that contacts the first electrode 4, and the housing 1 may contact the first electrode 4 to restrict the movement of the first electrode 4. The piezoelectric transformer case 7a may contact the first electrode 4 to restrict the movement of the first electrode 4. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the piezoelectric transformer case 7a contacts the second end 4b of the first electrode 4 to restrict the movement of the first electrode 4 in the axial direction d1. The first electrode 4 has an expanded diameter portion 4c on the second end 4b side, which has the largest outward protruding length in the radial direction d2. The housing 1 contacts the expanded diameter portion 4c to restrict the movement of the first electrode 4 in the radial direction d2.

[0046] The material of the housing 1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an insulating material. Insulating materials include, for example, thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, etc. Thermoplastic resins include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyetherimide (PEI), polyacetal (POM), modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE), etc. Thermosetting resins include, for example, phenol resins, melamine resins, urea resins, epoxy resins, unsaturated polyester resins, silicone resins, etc. In addition, insulating materials can be used that are mainly made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are filled with glass short fibers, inorganic fillers, etc. and compounded. Such materials include, for example, Unilate (registered trademark) manufactured by Unitika Ltd. As the material for the housing 1, PEEK or mPPE is more preferable since it has the physical properties of a resin suitable for the material of the housing 1.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the irradiation device 10 includes an electrically grounded outer tube member 8. As an example, the outer tube member 8 is a conductive member having a substantially cylindrical shape and housing the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 in their entirety. By the irradiation device 10 including the outer tube member 8, the electric field generated by the irradiation device 10 can be suppressed, and the user who handles the irradiation device 10 can be effectively prevented from receiving an electric shock. Although not shown, the irradiation device 10 does not necessarily need to include the outer tube member 8.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the irradiation tool 10 includes a nozzle 9. The nozzle 9 may be a conductive material, or may be a resin material that does not have conductivity. When the nozzle 9 is conductive, the nozzle 9 suppresses the electric field generated by the irradiation tool 10, and effectively prevents the user who handles the irradiation tool 10 from getting an electric shock. Although not shown, the irradiation tool 10 may not include the nozzle 9. When the irradiation tool 10 does not include the nozzle 9, the irradiation tool 10 irradiates the active gas from the irradiation port 5a of the second electrode 5.

[0049] In the irradiation instrument 10, a plasma generating gas is supplied between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 from the supply unit 20. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the first electrode 4 and the tubular dielectric 3 are arranged at a distance from each other. In this case, the plasma generating gas may be supplied between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 by using the inner space 3a of the tubular dielectric 3 as a flow path for the plasma generating gas. In addition, although not shown, when the second electrode 5 is arranged at a distance from the tubular dielectric 3, the gap between the second electrode 5 and the tubular dielectric 3 may be used as a flow path for the plasma generating gas to supply the plasma generating gas between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5.

[0050] The method of supplying the plasma generating gas between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 is not particularly limited. Although not shown, a through hole may be provided in the housing 1. In this case, the plasma generating gas supplied to the irradiation instrument 10 via the gas pipe 30 is supplied to between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 via the through hole of the housing 1.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric transformer 2, which is a transformer for boosting an applied voltage, is housed in the housing 1 and is a part of the illumination device 10. Consider a case where the transformer is not housed in the housing 1 but is arranged outside the housing 1. In this case, the transformer and the first electrode 4 of the illumination device 10 are connected by wiring, so that a high voltage can be applied to the first electrode 4 using the transformer.

[0052] However, in this case, since the transformer is disposed outside the housing 1, it is necessary to connect the transformer and the first electrode 4 with a wiring having a sufficient length. The wiring connecting the transformer and the first electrode 4 is required to withstand the high voltage boosted by the transformer, and therefore becomes thick. For this reason, it is necessary to use a wiring having a sufficient length and being thick. If the wiring extending from the irradiation instrument 10 is thick, the wiring is likely to interfere with the operation of the irradiation instrument 10, and the operability of the irradiation instrument 10 is reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, when a high voltage is applied to the wiring, the wiring functions like a capacitor, and energy is stored in the wiring. In this case, in order to apply a voltage to the first electrode 4, the power source must supply excess power by the amount of energy stored in the wiring. Here, if the transformer is disposed outside the housing 1, the transformer outside the housing 1 and the first electrode 4 must be connected by wiring, and the length of the wiring to which the high voltage boosted by the transformer is applied becomes long. If the length of the wiring to which the high voltage is applied is long, the energy stored in the wiring becomes particularly large, and it becomes necessary to supply particularly large power from the power source.

[0054] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the piezoelectric transformer 2, which is a transformer, is housed in the housing 1 and is a part of the irradiation instrument 10. Therefore, the length of the conductor 50 connected to the piezoelectric transformer 2 and the first electrode 4 can be shortened. In addition, the voltage applied to the voltage supply line 40, which is a long wiring extending from the irradiation instrument 10 to the outside of the irradiation instrument 10, becomes a low voltage before being boosted by the piezoelectric transformer 2. Therefore, the voltage supply line 40 can be made thin, and the voltage supply line 40 is less likely to interfere with the operation of the irradiation instrument 10, thereby improving the operability of the irradiation instrument 10. In addition, it is suppressed that a high voltage is applied to the voltage supply line 40 and a large amount of energy is stored. Therefore, the power supplied by the power source can be kept small.

[0055] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the piezoelectric transformer 2 is a part of the irradiation tool 10, a low voltage before being boosted by the piezoelectric transformer 2 is applied to a part of the irradiation tool 10 that connects the piezoelectric transformer 2 to an external power source. Therefore, compared to a case where the transformer is located outside the irradiation tool 10, the proportion of a part inside the irradiation tool 10 to which a high voltage is applied can be reduced. This allows the number of protective members provided in the irradiation tool 10 to be reduced in order to prevent electric shock to the user, etc.

[0056] Next, the effect of the first electrode 4 connected to the piezoelectric transformer 2 and the second electrode 5 facing the first electrode 4 will be described. Let us consider a case where the irradiation device 10 does not have the first electrode 4 and generates plasma at the end of the output region 2b side of the piezoelectric transformer 2. In this case, the thickness of the tip part located at the tip side of the irradiation device 10 becomes thicker according to the thickness of the end part on the output region 2b side of the piezoelectric transformer 2. In addition, the thickness of the tip part of the irradiation device 10 and the thickness of the end part of the piezoelectric transformer 2 are the dimensions in the radial direction d2 of the tip part of the irradiation device 10 and the end part of the piezoelectric transformer 2 in the example shown in FIG. 3. And, since the dimensions of the piezoelectric transformer 2 must be determined according to the performance as a transformer required for the piezoelectric transformer 2, it is difficult to make the tip part of the irradiation device 10 thin by making the end part of the piezoelectric transformer 2 thin. If the tip part of the irradiation device 10 is thick, it becomes difficult to apply the irradiation device 10 to an application where the tip part of the irradiation device 10 is required to be inserted into a narrow gap.

[0057] In addition, the irradiation device 10 is required not to cause damage to the irradiation target irradiated with the active gas due to the action of the electric field of the piezoelectric transformer 2, and particularly, when the irradiation target is a person or an animal, not to electrocute the irradiation target. In order to suppress damage to the irradiation target due to the action of the electric field, it is also possible to irradiate the active gas with the end of the piezoelectric transformer 2 sufficiently away from the irradiation target. However, in this case, the distance between the part where the plasma is generated and the irradiation target becomes long, so the proportion of the active gas that is deactivated before reaching the irradiation target increases. In order to suppress damage to the irradiation target due to the action of the electric field while bringing the end of the piezoelectric transformer 2 closer to the irradiation target, it is also possible to provide a grounded electrode around the end of the piezoelectric transformer 2. However, in this case, the tip part of the irradiation device 10 becomes even thicker by the amount of the grounded electrode provided.

[0058] In contrast, the irradiation instrument 10 according to the present embodiment includes a first electrode 4 connected to the piezoelectric transformer 2 and to which a voltage is applied from the piezoelectric transformer 2. The thickness of the first electrode 4 can be determined regardless of the dimensions of the piezoelectric transformer 2. Therefore, by making the first electrode 4 thin, the tip portion of the irradiation instrument 10 can be made sufficiently thin, and the irradiation instrument 10 can be applied to applications in which the tip portion of the irradiation instrument 10 is required to be thinned, for example, applications in which the tip portion of the irradiation instrument 10 is required to be inserted into a narrow gap. In addition, by making the grounded second electrode 5 face at least a part of the first electrode 4, the tip portion of the irradiation instrument 10 can be made thinner than when the grounded electrode is provided around the end of the piezoelectric transformer 2 while suppressing damage caused by the action of the electric field on the irradiation target by the second electrode 5. Since the tip portion of the irradiation instrument 10 is sufficiently thin, the irradiation instrument 10 can be used, for example, as an intraoral treatment instrument or a dental treatment instrument. Furthermore, when the second electrode 5 surrounds the first end 4a from the periphery centered on the axis O1, the second electrode 5 can particularly effectively suppress damage to the irradiation target caused by the action of the electric field.

[0059] The dimension w4 of the first electrode 4 in the radial direction d2 can be appropriately determined taking into consideration the use of the active gas irradiation device 100 (i.e., the size of the irradiation instrument 10) and the like. When the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral treatment instrument, the dimension w4 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 20 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. If the dimension w4 is equal to or more than the above lower limit, the first electrode 4 can be easily manufactured. In addition, if the dimension w4 is equal to or more than the above lower limit, the tip portion of the irradiation instrument 10 can be sufficiently thinned. Also, if the dimension w4 is equal to or less than the above upper limit, the surface area of ​​the first electrode 4 is increased, and plasma can be generated more efficiently, and healing and the like can be further promoted. Also, if the dimension w4 is equal to or less than the above upper limit, plasma can be generated more efficiently and healing and the like can be further promoted without excessively enlarging the irradiation instrument 10.

[0060] 3, the dimension w4 of the first electrode 4 in the radial direction d2 is smaller than the dimension w1 of the piezoelectric transformer 2 in the radial direction d2. This allows the tip of the irradiation device 10 to be thinner than when the irradiation device 10 does not have the first electrode 4 and generates plasma at the end of the piezoelectric transformer 2.

[0061] When the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intra-oral treatment instrument, the dimension w5 of the second electrode 5 in the radial direction d2 is preferably 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less.

[0062] 3, the dimension w5 of the second electrode 5 in the radial direction d2 is smaller than the dimension w1 of the piezoelectric transformer 2 in the radial direction d2. This allows the tip of the irradiation device 10 to be thinner than when the irradiation device 10 generates plasma at the end of the piezoelectric transformer 2 while providing the second electrode 5.

[0063] 3, the dimension w7 of the second part 1b of the housing 1 in the radial direction d2 is smaller than the dimension w6 of the first part 1a of the housing 1 in the radial direction d2. When the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral treatment device, the dimension w7 of the second part 1b in the radial direction d2 is preferably 3 mm or more and 20 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less. This allows the thickness of the part of the irradiation device 10 where the second part 1b is located in the axial direction d1 to be sufficiently thin.

[0064] Next, referring to FIG. 1, details of the active gas irradiation device 100 of this embodiment other than the irradiation tool 10 will be described. The supply unit 20 as shown in FIG. 1 supplies electricity and plasma generating gas to the irradiation tool 10. The supply unit 20 can adjust the voltage and frequency applied to the first electrode 4 via the piezoelectric transformer 2. The supply unit 20 includes a supply unit housing 21 that houses a supply source 70. The supply unit housing 21 houses the supply source 70 in a detachable manner. This allows the supply source 70 of the plasma generating gas to be replaced when the gas in the supply source 70 housed in the supply unit housing 21 runs out.

[0065] The supply source 70 supplies plasma generating gas between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5. The supply source 70 is a pressure-resistant container containing the plasma generating gas therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the supply source 70 is detachably attached to a pipe 75 arranged in the supply unit housing 21. The pipe 75 connects the supply source 70 and the gas pipeline 30. A solenoid valve 71, a pressure regulator 73, a flow rate controller 74, and a pressure sensor 72 (amount sensor) are attached to the pipe 75.

[0066] When the solenoid valve 71 is in an open state, plasma generating gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the irradiation device 10 via the piping 75 and the gas pipeline 30. In the illustrated example, the solenoid valve 71 is not configured to adjust the valve opening degree, but is configured to only be switched between open and closed. The solenoid valve 71 may be configured to adjust the valve opening degree. The pressure regulator 73 is disposed between the solenoid valve 71 and the supply source 70. The pressure regulator 73 reduces the pressure of the plasma generating gas flowing from the supply source 70 to the solenoid valve 71 (reducing the pressure of the plasma generating gas).

[0067] The flow rate controller 74 is disposed between the solenoid valve 71 and the gas pipeline 30. The flow rate controller 74 adjusts the flow rate (amount supplied per unit time) of the plasma generating gas that has passed through the solenoid valve 71. The flow rate controller 74 adjusts the flow rate of the plasma generating gas to, for example, 3 L / min.

[0068] The pressure sensor 72 detects the remaining amount V1 of plasma generation gas in the supply source 70. The pressure sensor 72 measures the pressure (residual pressure) in the supply source 70 as the remaining amount V1. The pressure sensor 72 measures the pressure (primary pressure) of the plasma generation gas passing between the pressure regulator 73 and the supply source 70 (on the primary side of the pressure regulator 73) as the pressure of the supply source 70. As the pressure sensor 72, for example, the AP-V80 series (specifically, for example, AP-15S) from Keyence Corporation can be used.

[0069] The actual remaining amount V1 (volume) in the supply source 70 is calculated from the remaining pressure measured by the pressure sensor 72 and the capacity (internal volume) of the supply source 70. In the case where supply sources 70 of various capacities are used as the supply source 70, for example, the capacity for calculation may be set by selecting the actual capacity of the supply source 70 on a system screen of an input unit (not shown). In the case where supply sources 70 of a fixed capacity are used as the supply source 70, the control unit 90 may store the capacity in advance.

[0070] A joint 76 is provided at the end of the piping 75 on the supply source 70 side. The supply source 70 is detachably attached to the joint 76. By attaching and detaching the supply source 70 to the joint 76, the supply source 70 of the plasma generation gas can be replaced while the solenoid valve 71, the pressure regulator 73, the flow rate controller 74, and the pressure sensor 72 (hereinafter referred to as the "solenoid valve 71, etc.") are fixed to the supply unit housing 21. In this case, the common solenoid valve 71, etc. can be used for both the supply source 70 before replacement and the supply source 70 after replacement. Note that the solenoid valve 71, etc. may be fixed to the supply source 70 and be removable from the supply unit housing 21 together with the supply source 70.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 1, the gas pipeline 30 is a path for supplying plasma generating gas from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation tool 10. The gas pipeline 30 is connected to the rear end of the tubular dielectric 3 of the irradiation tool 10. There is no particular limitation on the material of the gas pipeline 30, and any material used for a known gas pipe can be applied. Examples of the material of the gas pipeline 30 include resin pipes and rubber tubes, and flexible materials are preferable.

[0072] The voltage supply line 40 is a wiring that supplies voltage from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation instrument 10. The voltage supply line 40 is connected to the piezoelectric transformer 2 as described above, and is also connected to a foot switch (not shown). There is no particular limitation on the material of the voltage supply line 40, and any material used for a known voltage supply line can be applied. Examples of the material of the voltage supply line 40 include a metal conductor coated with an insulating material.

[0073] The control unit 90 as shown in FIG. 2 is configured using an information processing device. That is, the control unit 90 includes a CPU (Central Processor Unit), a memory, and an auxiliary storage device, which are connected by a bus. The control unit 90 operates by executing a program. The control unit 90 may be built into the supply unit 20, for example. The control unit 90 controls the irradiation tool 10, the supply unit 20, and the notification unit 80.

[0074] A foot switch (not shown) is electrically connected to the control unit 90. When the foot switch is operated by a user of the irradiation device 10, an electrical signal is sent from the foot switch to the control unit 90. When the control unit 90 receives the electrical signal, the control unit 90 operates the solenoid valve 71 and the flow rate controller 74, and applies a voltage to the first electrode 4 via the piezoelectric transformer 2.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the user presses the foot switch once, the control unit 90 receives an electric signal. Then, the control unit 90 opens the solenoid valve 71 for a predetermined time, causes the flow rate controller 74 to adjust the flow rate of the plasma generating gas that has passed through the solenoid valve 71, and applies a voltage to the first electrode 4 via the piezoelectric transformer 2 for a predetermined time. As a result, a constant amount of plasma generating gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, and the active gas is continuously discharged from the nozzle irradiation port 9a for a certain time (for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds, 30 seconds in this embodiment).

[0076] That is, in this embodiment, the amount of active gas discharged per one press of the foot switch by the user is fixed. Such an operation of discharging a predetermined amount of active gas is called a unit operation. In this embodiment, the unit operation is one press of the foot switch by the user. The amount of active gas discharged per unit operation (the amount of plasma generating gas supplied from the supply source 70 to between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 per unit operation) may be a preset fixed value, or may be a variable value that can be set by operating an operation panel not shown, etc.

[0077] The control unit 90 calculates at least one of the remaining number of times N and the remaining time T of the plasma generating gas as the remaining information. In this embodiment, the control unit 90 calculates only the remaining number of times N of the remaining number of times N and the remaining time T as the remaining information. The remaining number of times N is the remaining number of unit operations in which the plasma generating gas can be supplied from the supply source 70 to between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 by the plasma generating gas remaining in the supply source 70. The remaining time T is the remaining time in which the plasma generating gas can be supplied from the supply source 70 to between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 by the plasma generating gas remaining in the supply source 70.

[0078] Both the remaining number of times N and the remaining time T can be calculated from the remaining amount V1 of plasma generation gas in the supply source 70. The remaining number of times N can be calculated (N=V1 / V2) based on the remaining amount V1 and the supply amount V2 of plasma generation gas per unit operation of the foot switch. In addition, the remaining number of times N is calculated by calculating the average value V2 (average value) of the usage amount (supply amount) of the plasma generation gas for the last few times and dividing the average value V2 (average value) by the remaining amount V1 of plasma generation gas. The remaining time T can be calculated (T=V1 / V3) based on the remaining amount V1 and the supply amount V3 of plasma generation gas supplied per unit time from the supply source 70 to between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5.

[0079] The notification unit 80 notifies at least one of the remaining number of times N and the remaining time T. In this embodiment, the notification unit 80 displays the remaining number of times N. The notification unit 80 displays the remaining number of times N calculated by the control unit 90 as a number. As the notification unit 80, for example, a display device capable of displaying any number or a mechanical counter may be adopted.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the notification unit 80 is provided integrally with the supply unit housing 21 on the outer surface of the supply unit housing 21, but may be provided independently of the supply unit 20. The notification unit 80 may display the remaining number of times N in a form other than numbers. For example, the notification unit 80 may have an analog display formed by a dial and hands. Furthermore, for example, the notification unit 80 may notify the remaining number of times N by a color display mode or a light illumination mode.

[0081] Furthermore, the notification unit 80 may notify the remaining number of times N by voice. In this case, the notification unit 80 may be, for example, a speaker or the like.

[0082] In the present embodiment, when a constant amount of plasma generating gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 when the user presses the foot switch, it is more convenient for the user to be informed of the remaining number of times N rather than the remaining time T.

[0083] Next, a method of using the active gas irradiation device 100 will be described. For example, a user such as a doctor moves the irradiation tool 10 and points the nozzle irradiation port 9a toward an object to be irradiated, which will be described later. In this state, the user presses a foot switch to supply electricity and plasma generating gas from a supply source 70 to the irradiation tool 10. The plasma generating gas supplied to the irradiation tool 10 flows into the inner space 3a of the tubular dielectric 3 from the rear end of the tubular dielectric 3. The plasma generating gas is ionized at the position where the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 face each other, and becomes plasma.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 face each other in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the plasma generation gas. The plasma generated at the position where the outer circumferential surface of the first electrode 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the second electrode 5 face each other changes its gas composition while flowing through the inner hollow portion 3a of the tubular dielectric 3, and becomes an activated gas containing active species such as radicals.

[0085] The generated activated gas is discharged from the nozzle irradiation port 9a. The discharged activated gas further activates a part of the gas in the vicinity of the nozzle irradiation port 9a to generate activated species. The activated gas containing these activated species is irradiated onto the object to be irradiated.

[0086] Examples of the irradiated object include cells, biological tissues, individual organisms, etc. Examples of biological tissues include organs such as internal organs, epithelial tissues covering the body surface and the inner surface of the body cavity, periodontal tissues such as gums, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum, teeth, bones, etc. Examples of individual organisms include mammals such as humans, dogs, cats, pigs, etc.; birds; fish, etc.

[0087] Examples of the plasma generating gas include rare gases such as helium, neon, argon, and krypton; nitrogen; and the like. These gases may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The plasma generating gas preferably contains nitrogen as a main component. Here, the term "containing nitrogen as a main component" means that the nitrogen content in the plasma generating gas is more than 50% by volume. That is, the nitrogen content in the plasma generating gas is preferably more than 50% by volume, more preferably 70% by volume or more, and particularly preferably 90% by volume to 100% by volume. In the plasma generating gas, gas components other than nitrogen are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include oxygen, rare gases, and the like.

[0088] When the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral treatment instrument, the oxygen concentration of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 1% by volume or less. If the oxygen concentration is equal to or less than the upper limit, the generation of ozone can be reduced.

[0089] The flow rate of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 1 L / min to 10 L / min. When the flow rate of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is equal to or higher than the lower limit, it is easy to suppress the rise in temperature of the irradiated surface of the irradiated object. When the flow rate of the plasma generating gas is equal to or lower than the upper limit, it is possible to further promote the cleaning, activation or healing of the irradiated object.

[0090] The temperature of the active gas irradiated from the nozzle irradiation port 9a is preferably 50°C or less, more preferably 45°C or less, and even more preferably 40°C or less. When the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the nozzle irradiation port 9a is equal to or less than the upper limit, it is easy to make the temperature of the irradiated surface equal to or less than 40°C. By making the temperature of the irradiated surface equal to or less than 40°C, even if the irradiated part is an affected part, the irritation to the affected part can be reduced. There is no particular limit to the lower limit of the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the nozzle irradiation port 9a, and it is, for example, 10°C or more. The temperature of the active gas is a value obtained by measuring the temperature of the active gas at the nozzle irradiation port 9a with a thermocouple.

[0091] The distance (irradiation distance) from the nozzle irradiation port 9a to the irradiated surface is preferably, for example, 0.01 mm to 10 mm. If the irradiation distance is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the temperature of the irradiated surface can be lowered, and irritation to the irradiated surface can be further alleviated. If the irradiation distance is equal to or less than the upper limit, the effect of healing can be further improved.

[0092] The temperature of the irradiated surface at a distance of 1 mm to 10 mm from the nozzle irradiation port 9a is preferably 40°C or less. If the temperature of the irradiated surface is 40°C or less, the stimulation to the irradiated surface can be reduced. The lower limit of the temperature of the irradiated surface is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10°C or more. The temperature of the irradiated surface can be adjusted by a combination of the AC voltage applied between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, the discharge amount of the active gas to be irradiated, the path from the tip 4d of the first electrode 4 to the nozzle irradiation port 9a, and the like. The temperature of the irradiated surface can be measured using a thermocouple.

[0093] Examples of active species (radicals, etc.) contained in the active gas include hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxynitrite, peroxynitrous acid, dinitrogen trioxide, etc. The type of active species contained in the active gas can be further adjusted, for example, to the type of plasma generating gas.

[0094] The density of hydroxyl radicals in the active gas (radical density) is preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 300 μmol / L. When the radical density is equal to or higher than the lower limit, it is easy to promote the cleaning, activation, or healing of abnormalities of the irradiated object selected from cells, living tissues, and individual organisms. When the radical density is equal to or lower than the upper limit, it is possible to reduce irritation to the irradiated surface.

[0095] The radical density can be measured, for example, by the following method. 0.2 mL of 0.2 mol / L DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide) solution is irradiated with active gas for 30 seconds. At this time, the distance from the nozzle irradiation port 9a to the liquid surface is set to 5.0 mm. The hydroxyl radical concentration of the solution irradiated with the active gas is measured using the electron spin resonance (ESR) method, and this is taken as the radical density.

[0096] The density of singlet oxygen in the active gas (singlet oxygen density) is preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 300 μmol / L. When the singlet oxygen density is equal to or higher than the lower limit, it is easy to promote the purification, activation, or healing of abnormalities of irradiated objects such as cells, living tissues, and individual organisms. When the singlet oxygen density is equal to or lower than the upper limit, it is possible to reduce irritation to the irradiated surface.

[0097] The singlet oxygen density can be measured, for example, by the following method. 0.4 mL of a 0.1 mol / L solution of TPC (2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-3-carboxamide) is irradiated with active gas for 30 seconds. At this time, the distance from the nozzle irradiation port 9a to the liquid surface is set to 5.0 mm. The singlet oxygen concentration of the solution irradiated with the active gas is measured using the electron spin resonance (ESR) method, and this is taken as the singlet oxygen density.

[0098] The flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the nozzle irradiation port 9a is preferably 1 L / min to 10 L / min. When the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the nozzle irradiation port 9a is equal to or higher than the lower limit, the effect of the active gas acting on the irradiated surface can be sufficiently enhanced. When the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the nozzle irradiation port 9a is less than the upper limit, the temperature of the irradiated surface of the active gas can be prevented from increasing excessively. In addition, when the irradiated surface is wet, the irradiated surface can be prevented from drying rapidly. Furthermore, when the irradiated surface is an affected area, irritation to the patient can be suppressed. In the active gas irradiating device 100, the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the nozzle irradiation port 9a can be adjusted by the supply amount of plasma generation gas to the tubular dielectric 3.

[0099] The active gas generated by the active gas irradiation device 100 has the effect of promoting the healing of injuries and abnormalities. By irradiating cells, biological tissues, or individual organisms with the active gas, the irradiated part can be purified, activated, or the healing of the irradiated part can be promoted.

[0100] When irradiating an active gas for the purpose of promoting the healing of a wound or an abnormality, the frequency, number of times, and duration of irradiation are not particularly limited. For example, when irradiating an affected area with an active gas at an irradiation amount of 1 L / min to 5.0 L / min, irradiation conditions such as 1 to 5 times a day, 10 seconds to 10 minutes each time, and 1 to 30 days are preferable from the viewpoint of promoting healing.

[0101] The active gas irradiation device 100 of this embodiment is particularly useful as an oral treatment instrument and a dental treatment instrument. The active gas irradiation device 100 of this embodiment is also suitable as an animal treatment instrument.

[0102] Although one embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples, the above-mentioned specific examples are not intended to limit the embodiment. The above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiment.

[0103] An example of the modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, parts that can be configured similarly to the above-mentioned specific example will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-mentioned specific example, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an example in which the first electrode 4 has a cylindrical shape has been described. However, the shape of the first electrode 4 is not limited to this. As an example, the first electrode 4 has a prismatic shape, particularly a quadrangular prism shape. In this case, the following action can also cause plasma to be generated by the first electrode 4 at the first end 4a side of the first electrode 4. By applying a voltage to the first electrode 4, a particularly high voltage is locally generated at the corner of the first electrode 4 located at the first end 4a side. This ionizes the gas around the corner, and plasma can be generated. As another example, the first electrode 4 may have a needle-like shape with a pointed first end 4a. In this case, a particularly high voltage is locally generated at the pointed first end 4a of the first electrode 4, and plasma can be generated around the first end 4a. Depending on the shape of the first electrode 4 or the conditions of the voltage applied to the first electrode 4, plasma can also be generated around the first end 4a of the first electrode 4. In the case where the first electrode 4 is capable of generating plasma on the first end 4 a side of the first electrode 4, the irradiation device 10 does not need to have the second electrode 5.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the example in which the illumination device 10 includes the first buffer material 7b provided between the piezoelectric transformer 2 and the piezoelectric transformer case 7a has been described. However, although not shown in the drawings, the illumination device 10 does not necessarily need to include the first buffer material 7b.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the illumination device 10 includes the conductor wire 50, and the first electrode 4 is connected to the output area 2b of the piezoelectric transformer 2 via the conductor wire 50. However, the method of connecting the first electrode 4 to the output area 2b of the piezoelectric transformer 2 is not limited to this. As another example, the first electrode 4 is connected to the output area 2b of the piezoelectric transformer 2 by soldering.

[0107] Furthermore, the irradiation device 10 may include one piezoelectric transformer 2 or multiple piezoelectric transformers 2. When the irradiation device 10 includes multiple piezoelectric transformers 2, the multiple piezoelectric transformers 2 may be housed in one housing 1. When the irradiation device 10 includes multiple piezoelectric transformers 2, each of the multiple piezoelectric transformers 2 is connected to the first electrode 4, and voltages are applied from the multiple piezoelectric transformers 2.

[0108] The following effects are obtained by applying a voltage from the multiple piezoelectric transformers 2 to the first electrode 4. Even if the capacitance of each of the multiple piezoelectric transformers 2 is small, a sufficient amount of plasma can be generated between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5. In addition, while ensuring the magnitude of the current flowing through the first electrode 4, the current flowing through each of the multiple piezoelectric transformers 2 can be made smaller compared to the case where a voltage is applied to the first electrode 4 from a single piezoelectric transformer 2 with a large capacity. In other words, the current can be distributed to each of the multiple piezoelectric transformers 2.

[0109] In addition, in the irradiation device 10, the dimension w8 in the axial direction d1 of the portion where the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 face each other can be particularly set to a length greater than 3 mm and smaller than 20 mm. By setting the dimension w8 to be smaller than 20 mm, the increase in the discharge current generated between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 is suppressed. Therefore, mechanical damage to the piezoelectric transformer 2 caused by a large current flow can be more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, by setting the dimension w8 to be greater than 3 mm, plasma is generated particularly efficiently between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, and a sufficient amount of active species is generated. Therefore, a sufficient amount of active species can be irradiated to the irradiated object using the irradiation device 10. As a result, a particularly sufficient therapeutic effect can be obtained, for example, when the irradiation device 10 is used as a treatment device. From the viewpoint of further improving the above effect, it is more preferable to set the dimension w8 to a length greater than 5 mm and smaller than 15 mm.

[0110] In addition, in the irradiation device 10, the distance w9 in the axial direction d1 between the part of the first electrode 4 facing the second electrode 5 and the output area 2b of the piezoelectric transformer 2 can be particularly greater than 1 mm and smaller than 100 mm. The effect of the distance w9 being smaller than 100 mm will be described. Between the part of the first electrode 4 facing the second electrode 5 and the output area 2b of the piezoelectric transformer 2, a transmission part that transmits a voltage from the output area 2b of the piezoelectric transformer 2 to the part of the first electrode 4 facing the second electrode 5 is located. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the part of the first electrode 4 located closer to the piezoelectric transformer 2 than the part facing the second electrode 5 and the conductor 50 correspond to the transmission part. Here, when a voltage is applied from the piezoelectric transformer 2 to the part of the first electrode 4 facing the second electrode 5, the voltage is also applied to the transmission part. In this case, the transmission part functions like a capacitor, and energy is stored in the transmission part. Therefore, in order to apply a voltage to the portion of the first electrode 4 facing the second electrode 5, it is necessary to supply a large amount of power corresponding to the amount of energy stored in the transmission portion. In other words, it is necessary to supply a large amount of power corresponding to the stray capacitance of the transmission portion. In this case, it may be necessary to increase the current flowing through the piezoelectric transformer 2. In contrast, by making the distance w9 smaller than 100 mm, the length of the transmission portion in the axial direction d1 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to apply a sufficient voltage to the portion of the first electrode 4 facing the second electrode 5 without having to reduce the stray capacitance of the transmission portion and increase the current flowing through the piezoelectric transformer 2. From the viewpoint of further improving the above effect, it is more preferable to set the distance w9 to a length greater than 1 mm and less than 40 mm.

[0111] In addition, the distance w10 in the axial direction d1 between the end where the irradiation port 5a of the second electrode 5 is provided and the first part 1a of the housing 1 that houses the piezoelectric transformer 2 can be particularly set to a length greater than 10 mm and smaller than 150 mm. The effect of the distance w10 being greater than 10 mm and smaller than 150 mm will be described. It is assumed that the irradiation instrument 10 is used as an intraoral treatment instrument or a dental treatment instrument. In addition, the distance w10 corresponds to the length of a part of the irradiation instrument 10 that is designed to be thin on the irradiation port 5a side of the first part 1a that houses the piezoelectric transformer 2, regardless of the dimensions of the piezoelectric transformer 2. By making the length of the part greater than 10 mm and smaller than 150 mm, it is possible to sufficiently facilitate the insertion of the tip part of the irradiation instrument 10 into the oral cavity and the operation of the irradiation instrument 10. From the viewpoint of further improving the above effect, it is more preferable to set the distance w10 to a length greater than 30 mm and smaller than 50 mm.

[0112] The aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned individual embodiments, but include various modifications that may be conceived by a person skilled in the art, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned contents. In other words, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present invention derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. a piezoelectric transformer housed in a housing; a first electrode connected to the piezoelectric transformer and to which a voltage is applied from the piezoelectric transformer; an irradiation port for discharging at least one of the plasma generated by the first electrode and the active gas generated by the plasma; At least a portion of the first electrode is disposed between the piezoelectric transformer and the irradiation port, The first electrode has a dimension in a radial direction perpendicular to an axis of the first electrode that is smaller than a dimension of the piezoelectric transformer.

2. 10. The illumination device of claim 1, comprising a second electrode facing at least a portion of the first electrode.

3. The illumination device according to claim 2 , wherein the second electrode surrounds the first electrode from a periphery centered on an axis of the first electrode.

4. the first electrode has a first end portion located on the opposite side to a side connected to the piezoelectric transformer in a direction in which an axis of the first electrode extends, The illumination device of claim 3 , wherein the second electrode surrounds the first end circumferentially about the axis.

5. 5. The illumination device according to claim 2, wherein the second electrode has a dimension larger than a dimension of the first electrode in a direction in which an axis of the first electrode extends.

6. A piezoelectric transformer housed in a housing; a first electrode connected to the piezoelectric transformer and to which a voltage is applied from the piezoelectric transformer; an irradiation port for discharging at least one of the plasma generated by the first electrode and an active gas generated by the plasma; a second electrode facing at least a portion of the first electrode; At least a portion of the first electrode is disposed between the piezoelectric transformer and the irradiation port, The second electrode has a dimension in a radial direction perpendicular to an axis of the first electrode that is smaller than a dimension of the piezoelectric transformer.

7. An illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a power source that applies a voltage to the piezoelectric transformer; a voltage supply line connecting the piezoelectric transformer and the power source.

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