Plasma device for treating the body surface

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plasma device (1) for treating a body surface, the plasma device (1) comprising a handheld substrate (3) on which a plasma source (5) is disposed, the plasma source (5) being adapted to generate non-thermal plasma, and a spacer (7) configured to define a distance between the plasma source (5) and the body surface to be treated when assembled, the spacer (7) being removably connectable to the substrate (3) and / or the plasma source (5), and the plasma source (5) being removably connectable to the substrate (3). [Selected figure] Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasma device for treating a body surface.

[0002] This type of plasma device is particularly used for sterilizing and / or disinfecting a body surface, particularly a skin surface, and / or for treating wounds. In this case, the non-thermal plasma generated by the plasma device has a favorable effect on wounds due to its sterilizing / disinfecting properties and also has the efficacy of actively promoting wound healing. Depending on the specific use of the plasma device, a defined distance must be maintained between the plasma source of the plasma device, i.e., the location where the plasma is generated, and the treatment site, particularly the skin surface and / or the wound. Therefore, for this purpose, it is necessary to accurately position the plasma device vertically above the body surface to be treated. Moreover, the following must be noted. That is, the part of the plasma device that may come into contact with the surface to be treated or may otherwise become non-sterile cannot treat a plurality of different wounds, let alone be used in a plurality of different patients, unless it is sterilized or disinfected at least intermittently. Known plasma devices therefore particularly have room for improvement.

[0003] The underlying problem of the present invention is to provide a plasma device for treating a body surface that does not exhibit the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0004] This problem is solved by providing a plasma device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are shown in the dependent claims.

[0005] This problem is solved in particular by providing a plasma device as follows for treating the body surface. That is, this plasma device has a handheld substrate, and a plasma source provided for generating non-thermal plasma is arranged on the substrate. In addition, the plasma device has a spacer, and this spacer is configured to define the distance between the plasma source and the body surface to be treated in the assembled state. In this case, the spacer can be detachably connected to the substrate and / or the plasma source, and is preferably connected. By using the spacer, especially when the spacer is placed on the body surface by the end of the spacer on the side opposite to the plasma source, the predetermined distance defined by the spacer can be accurately and easily maintained between the plasma source and the body surface to be treated. Since the spacer can be detachably connected to the substrate and / or the plasma source, the spacer can be easily replaced. On the other hand, this enables the use of different spacers for different treatments, and thus especially different distances can also be used, and at that time, the spacer and the corresponding distance can be selected to be adapted to the intended treatment respectively. In this case, one spacer can be easily replaced with another spacer without difficulty. Moreover, by detachably fixing the spacer to the substrate and / or the plasma source, after using the spacer, it can be cleaned separately from the other parts of the plasma device, especially sterilized or disinfected, or even discarded. Particularly preferably, the spacer can be formed as a one-time use part for one-time use, that is, as a disposable item. Particularly preferably, the spacer can be sterilized, packaged and delivered, taken out of the sterilized package immediately before use, and connected to the substrate and / or the plasma source. Then, the spacer is used together with the plasma source. At that time, after the plasma treatment is completed, the spacer is removed from the substrate and the plasma source and discarded by a suitable method, especially as contaminated waste.

[0006] According to the present invention, further, the plasma source is configured to be detachably connected to the substrate. The plasma source may be contaminated in some cases by plasma treatment of the body surface, but this enables the plasma source to be cleaned by a simple method. In such a case, the plasma source can be removed from the substrate and cleaned, disinfected and / or sterilized separately from the substrate, particularly in an ultrasonic bath. In that case, the plasma source itself does not need to have electronic components, and thus, for example, it is possible to disinfect or sterilize the plasma source even under conditions where it would not be applicable without damaging a substrate having preferably electronic components such as a control device, an electrical storage device, particularly a battery or a cell.

[0007] In particular, the plasma source can have a fully encapsulated structure with only contacts guided outwards for contact connection by a control device, and thus, regardless of whether it is by any of chemical substances, water vapor, ultrasonic waves and / or treatment using an autoclave, the plasma source can be directly exposed to a relatively aggressive cleaning method, sterilization method or disinfection method.

[0008] Furthermore, due to the detachable connection between the plasma source and the substrate, even when the plasma source is damaged, the plasma source can be replaced by a simple method without the need to discard the substrate for that reason. However, conversely, if a failure occurs in the substrate, the substrate can also be replaced, and in this case, the plasma source can continue to be used with another substrate.

[0009] Thus, on the one hand, by means of a detachable spacer and on the other hand, by means of a detachable plasma source, especially when these are combined with each other, the following is achieved. That is, the part of the plasma device that comes into contact with the surface to be treated or that may otherwise become non-sterile is at least cleaned and further sterilized or disinfected, especially before being subsequently used in another patient, and this preferably especially applies to the plasma source, or is only used once if the above-mentioned part of the plasma device is formed as a disposable part, and this especially applies to the spacer. Therefore, the detachable spacer and the detachable plasma source are combined with each other so that the plasma device can be operated simply and economically, especially hygienically and reliably.

[0010] In particular, at that time, the spacer and the plasma source are configured to be separable from each other. Thus, for example, the spacer can be disposed of, while the plasma source can be cleaned, disinfected and / or sterilized and then used subsequently. That is, the plasma device as a whole includes at least three parts, namely, a base body, a plasma source and a spacer, and these can be separated from each other on the one hand, and on the other hand, the plasma device can be assembled by connecting the plasma source and the base body, and further by connecting the spacer and the plasma source and / or the base body.

[0011] That the plasma device is formed to be handheld especially means that the plasma device can be carried by the user and can be held, especially with one hand, during treatment. At that time, the plasma device is especially suitable, in terms of its size, for example, for a receiver, a shower head, etc., and thus corresponds to an object that is lightweight and can be easily held and operated with only one hand.

[0012] The plasma device is preferably formed as an independent device that can be operated independently of other devices. In this case, the plasma device is particularly cordless and is preferably formed as battery-powered or accumulator-powered. Therefore, the plasma device is not continuously connected to other devices or other apparatuses.

[0013] However, the plasma device is preferably assigned a charging station. On the one hand, for storing the plasma device and, on the other hand, preferably for charging an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery or accumulator, incorporated in the substrate, the substrate can be placed on this charging station.

[0014] The plasma source is particularly configured to generate plasma in ambient air. Therefore, in particular, a gas supply to the plasma source is not required, and thus the substrate can also be moved and operated independently of any other device accordingly.

[0015] Non-thermal plasma is understood to be, in particular, plasma as follows. That is, in the case of this plasma, the temperature representing the distribution of the kinetic energy of the electrons in the plasma, also referred to as the electron temperature, does not coincide with the temperature representing the distribution of the kinetic energy of the ions contained in the plasma, in particular atomic ions or molecular ions, also referred to as the ion temperature, and is particularly significantly higher than this temperature. In this case, the electron temperature is significantly higher than the ion temperature, and the ion temperature is preferably selected within the range of 25 °C to a maximum of 100 °C. This type of plasma is also referred to as cold plasma because of the relatively low ion temperature.

[0016] In this specification, a substance state in which charged fine particles charged with positive and negative charges are present adjacent to each other in the gas phase and are neutral in charge on average over a specific volume is particularly referred to as a plasma. Moreover, the plasma preferably contains uncharged atoms and / or molecules excited to vibrate and / or rotate electronically, which are also referred to as excited fine particles, and / or free radicals, that is, reactive atoms and / or molecules that are particularly uncharged as a whole, which are also referred to as reactive fine particles or reactive species.

[0017] The spacer preferably has an edge surrounding the periphery, particularly an edge closed around the periphery, and this edge surrounds the volume to be treated, particularly in a liquid-tight manner or leaving a gap, together with the body surface and the plasma source when using a plasma device to treat the body surface. In this way, on the one hand, the plasma chemical action can proceed without being disturbed by the influence of the surroundings inside the closed or almost closed volume, particularly without being affected by the influence of the gap wind. On the other hand, the user of the plasma device and the patient who is the object of use of the plasma device are protected from inhaling toxic substances generated inside the closed volume in some cases, particularly from inhaling ozone.

[0018] According to one development of the present invention, the spacer is configured to have a surrounding collar that, in the assembled state, covers a region of a part of the plasma source and the substrate. Thereby, the spacer is firmly held by the substrate and the plasma source. When the substrate and the plasma source have a non-circular geometric shape, at least in the region surrounded by the surrounding collar, the spacer is advantageously formed complementary to and closely placed on the geometric shape of the plasma source and the substrate, so that the spacer is fixed so as not to be mis-twisted relative to the plasma source and the substrate. The plasma source itself is detachably arranged relative to the substrate. In this case, the surrounding collar of the spacer covers a region of a part of the plasma source and the substrate simultaneously in the assembled state, and further, the plasma source is fixed by this collar so as not to be accidentally detached from the substrate.

[0019] In particular, the spacer has an edge that surrounds in a first direction along a virtual axis that starts from the central region and is perpendicular to the body surface to be treated in the treatment state. This edge extends in particular in the distal direction, i.e., towards the body surface to be treated. On the other hand, it has a surrounding collar in a second direction. This collar extends starting from the central region in the proximal direction, i.e., towards the plasma source and the substrate and away from the body surface to be treated. That the edge and the collar are formed to surround means in particular that they surround along a closed line around the virtual axis.

[0020] According to one development form of the present invention, the spacer is configured to have at least one first locking member, and in this case, the plasma source and / or the substrate has at least one second locking member, and in this case, the first locking member and the second locking member are adjusted to each other so that the first locking member and the second locking member can cooperate to hold the spacer in the substrate and / or the plasma source. In this way, the spacer can be locked to the substrate and / or the plasma source in a simple and detachable manner, and thus the spacer is securely held to the substrate and the plasma source, especially during treatment. What is possible here is that the spacer as well as the corresponding substrate and / or plasma source have two or more first locking members and two or more second locking members correspondingly assigned thereto. Particularly possible is that the spacer has one first locking member on each of two sides facing each other perpendicular to the virtual axis, and in this case, the corresponding substrate and / or plasma source has two second locking members arranged on two sides facing each other when viewed perpendicular to the virtual axis. In this way, for the purpose of holding the spacer in the substrate and / or the plasma source, a plurality of first locking members can cooperate with a plurality of second locking members assigned thereto.

[0021] At least one first locking member is preferably formed as a protrusion, especially in the shape of an undercut, or as a slot, and in this case, the second locking member is formed as a slot or a protrusion, especially an undercut, in a complementary manner. In this case, for the purpose of locking the spacer to the substrate and / or the plasma source, these locking members can cooperate in the form of a protrusion engaging with a slot. Particularly preferably, a protrusion or an undercut is formed as the first locking member on the spacer, and in this case, a slot is formed as the second locking member on the plasma source or the substrate, particularly preferably on the plasma source. However, the reverse form is also possible.

[0022] According to one development of the invention, the spacer is configured to have tabs extending from a peripheral edge or a peripheral color and extending, which in the assembled state extend in the direction of the substrate, and the spacer is provided for removing it from the substrate and / or the plasma source, especially manually. In this case, this tab extends in the proximal direction, especially when viewed along the virtual axis. This tab is formed so that it can be touched from the back by, especially, one finger or the thumb in order to remove the spacer from the plasma source and / or the substrate. In this case, by touching the tab from the back, the spacer can be removed from the substrate and / or the plasma source in a simple manner, especially with only one hand. Particularly preferably, this tab is oriented and / or aligned so that it can be touched from the back by the hand of the operator holding the substrate, especially by the thumb or another single finger. If this is done, the spacer can be removed from the plasma source and the substrate with one finger, for example the thumb or another single finger, and sent for disposal. This makes it possible to remove the spacer particularly hygienically and easily, without the other hand of the operator touching it, but rather by the simple finger movement of the operating hand, the spacer can be fed into the disposal container.

[0023] According to one development of the present invention, the spacer is configured to have an electronic identification device. This electronic identification device can be configured in a particularly simple form to ensure only that the spacer is used only once. This can be achieved by the unique identification of the spacer, as will be explained in more detail below, but it is also possible as follows. That is, the identification device has at least one switchable bit, and this bit indicates in the first switching state that the spacer has not yet been used. At that time, the switchable bit indicates in a second switching state different from the first switching state that the spacer has already been used once. In this case, the plasma device, in particular the control device of the plasma device, is preferably configured to switch at least one switchable bit of the electronic identification device from the first switching state to the second switching state before, during or after the use of the spacer. The switchable bit is advantageously queried before the use of the plasma device, and preferably the use of the plasma device is permitted only if the switchable bit is set in the first switching state, that is, only if it indicates that the spacer has not yet been used.

[0024] A predetermined dead time can be provided. The time since the use of the plasma device ended is detected and compared with the predetermined dead time. If the time detected until the next use of the plasma device exceeds the predetermined dead time, continued use with the same spacer is prevented, that is, in this case, the plasma device can be newly used only after replacing the spacer. New use of the plasma device with the same spacer is possible only within the predetermined dead time. The detection of this time preferably starts anew each time the individual use of the plasma device ends. Thereby, in particular, successive uses that follow one after another before the predetermined dead time elapses can be carried out using the same spacer, and on the other hand, for example, a relatively large planar area of the surface to be treated can be continuously treated by the plasma device without replacing the spacer. That is, generally, for the transition to another patient and / or for the transition to another unconnected site on the surface to be treated, for example, for the transition to another wound in the patient's body, a longer period is required than for a simple continuous treatment of a connected planar area, and thus in particular of the same wound that does not require spacer replacement.

[0025] However, in the case of more complex forms, the electronic identification device can achieve a particularly unambiguous identification of the spacer, for example by using an alphanumeric code or the like, in addition to or instead of at least one switchable bit. Advantageously additionally or alternatively, the distance defined between the plasma source and the surface to be treated by the spacer is also stored in the electronic identification device. In this way, the spacer can be easily, particularly automatically, identified, and on the one hand, it can be ensured that the appropriate spacer with the appropriate distance to be used is used for the selected treatment form, and / or on the other hand, it can be ensured that the spacer is used only once, or is used multiple times only at one site to be treated, or is used only a predetermined number of times. As a result, the safety of using the plasma device is enhanced, and in this case, the operator can be assisted in selecting the appropriate spacer and prevented from accidentally using the spacer multiple times. In this way, the operator can fully concentrate on the original treatment.

[0026] Advantageously, at least one parameter for plasma generation, i.e., in particular for operating the plasma device, is stored in the electronic identification device. This at least one parameter is advantageously specific to the intended use of the spacer having the electronic identification device, and / or this at least one parameter is specifically adjusted according to the form of the individual spacer. In particular, as a parameter of this kind, the treatment time for the treatment of the surface using the plasma device with the spacer can be stored, where the treatment time is particularly influenced by the spacer and in particular the volume surrounded by its edge around it.

[0027] A plasma device, particularly a control device of a plasma device, is preferably configured to start the plasma source, i.e., to start plasma generation for the first time, only when it is confirmed by an electronic identification device that spacers are present in the plasma source and / or on the substrate. Otherwise, i.e., when the spacers cannot be identified, plasma generation is preferably blocked, i.e., preferably the plasma source cannot be started or operated if the spacers are not arranged on the plasma source and / or on the substrate.

[0028] Data, parameters, etc. stored in the electronic identification device, particularly the at least one switchable bit described above for verifying the previous use of the spacers, are preferably also stored encrypted in the electronic identification device. The control device of the plasma device preferably has a decrypting device, which is provided for decrypting the encrypted data read from the electronic identification device. Thus, only a plasma device capable of decrypting the data stored in the electronic identification device can use the spacers. Conversely, if the control device of the plasma device cannot decrypt the data downloaded or read from the spacer or the electronic identification device of the spacer, this control device identifies the absence of the spacer and thus preferably blocks the operation of the plasma source.

[0029] The electronic identification device is preferably readable non - contact, so that contact connection of the spacer by the substrate and / or the plasma source is not required. In particular, the electronic identification device is preferably formed as an RFID tag (RFID - Tag), which represents the possibility of manufacturing the electronic identification device simply and at low cost.

[0030] According to one development of the invention, the electronic identification device is preferably integrated into a tab, which provides an arrangement of the electronic identification device that does not take up mounting space and is suitable for non - contact reading.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the main plane of the electronic identification device is configured to be positioned perpendicular to the electrode plane of the plasma source. In this way, the electromagnetic field generated during operation by the plasma source can be prevented from interfering with the contactless reading of the electronic identification device, because the electromagnetic field used for reading is oriented correspondingly perpendicular to the electromagnetic field generated by the plasma source. Here, the main plane of the electronic identification device is particularly understood to be the plane in which the inductance part of the oscillating circuit of the electronic identification device is arranged, and in particular, the plane in which the spirally wound coil part of the RFID tag is arranged. The electrode plane of the plasma source is particularly the plasma generation plane, that is, the plane in which non-thermal plasma is generated particularly in the form of surface wave microdischarge.

[0032] According to one development of the invention, the plasma device is configured to have a control device, as already mentioned several times, which is configured to read and / or write to the electronic identification device of the spacer, and advantageously to identify the spacer, preferably to permit only one-time use of the spacer or only locally multiple uses. In this way, in particular, it can be ensured that any spacer is used only once or at most locally multiple times.

[0033] For this purpose, preferably, at least one switchable bit is used in the electronic identification device, which bit is switched by the control device during plasma treatment, preferably before, during or after the use of the spacer, as described above. In this way, information on whether the spacer has already been used can be stored in the spacer itself, particularly in the electronic identification device.

[0034] However, the following is also possible. That is, the control device can store at least for a predetermined time the identification data of the spacers that have already been used, and can compare the currently read identification data of each spacer with the stored identification data. In practice, it is not necessary to retain the identification data of the used spacers for a long time, because it is impossible for a spacer that has already been used to be used again, not even after several days, weeks, months, or even years. Rather, the more frequent accidental error is probably that the spacer is not removed by mistake after being used in a certain patient and then continues to be used in another patient. In any case, it is desirable to stipulate in advance that, according to the instructions to the user of the plasma device, the spacer should be discarded immediately after being used once or, in some cases, locally multiple times. Therefore, it may be theoretically sufficient if the control device stores only the identification data of the spacer used immediately before. However, storing a larger number of identification data for the last used spacer can enhance safety. In this case, for example, a ring memory can be used. According to this, when new identification data is input and stored, the oldest identification data is always erased. However, it is also possible that the identification data is erased from the storage device after the elapse of a predetermined time. However, if a sufficiently large storage device can be used for the storage device, in some cases, the identification data does not need to be erased at all over the service life of the plasma device.

[0035] Therefore, the control device is preferably configured to compare the identification data of the currently read spacer with the identification data stored, and if the identification data of the spacer matches one of the stored identification data, reject the use of the currently installed spacer. If this is the case, for example, an alarm or an error message can be output, especially in the form of an optical signal, an acoustic signal, and / or, if the plasma device has a display, a text message. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can prevent the operation of the plasma device until a new spacer is installed.

[0036] Regarding the evaluation of the identification data for permitting the use of the spacer, especially for the purpose of permitting multiple local uses of the spacer, the predetermined dead time already described in the above description can be used. Here, multiple local uses mean that for a certain area unit, that is, especially for the purpose of treating one surface area, for example, one wound, the plasma device is applied and activated multiple times. In this case, since the area unit has a larger planar spread than the spacer or the plasma source, it is necessary to apply it multiple times to treat the entire area unit. Therefore, the storage of the current identification data in the so-called block list of the identification data is preferably performed only after the elapse of the predetermined dead time.

[0037] The control device is advantageously incorporated into the substrate. Particularly preferably, the control device is operably connected to the plasma source to operate the plasma source. That is, the control device is used especially for controlling the plasma source and especially for power supply. In this case, the control device itself can have a high-voltage source or can be formed as a high-voltage source. However, the control device can also be operably connected to a high-voltage source for the purpose of controlling the high-voltage source for power supply to the plasma source.

[0038] According to one development of the present invention, the spacer is configured to have a shielding member, which is permeable to non-thermal plasma, but at the same time, in the assembled state, the shielding member is configured to prevent contact between the body surface to be treated and the plasma source. This shielding member is preferably arranged inside the spacer, in particular, preferably in the central region located between the peripheral edge and the surrounding collar. According to one preferred form, the shielding member is formed as a grid. The shielding member enhances the electrical safety when handling the plasma device. In particular, this avoids accidentally touching the plasma source during the operation of the plasma source, that is, it also avoids soiling or contaminating the plasma source.

[0039] Therefore, it is preferred that the control device does not permit the operation of the plasma source only when a spacer that has not actually been used is arranged on the plasma source and / or the substrate, and in this case, this is preferably identified based on an electronic identification device.

[0040] The plasma source is preferably connectable to the substrate via a connecting device, and in this case, the connecting device preferably has a plug-in rotation mechanism in the form of a bayonet joint. Thereby, the plasma source can be easily and safely fixed to the substrate.

[0041] The alternative or additional connecting device is formed asymmetrically so that the plasma source can only be fixed to the substrate in a specific orientation. In this case, the term "orientation" here relates in particular to a specific rotational or angular position about a virtual axis, which virtual axis is preferably simultaneously the insertion axis of the connecting device formed as an insertion rotation mechanism, and in this case the virtual axis advantageously also forms the rotation axis of the insertion rotation mechanism. The insertion rotation mechanism is preferably formed as follows. That is, first, the insertion of the plasma source into the substrate along the virtual axis is carried out in the unlocked position, and then the plasma source is rotated about the virtual axis to the locked position. By means of the asymmetrically configured connecting device, the plasma source can always be fixed to the substrate in the correct orientation, which in particular enables a unique and safe contact connection of the plasma source.

[0042] In particular, the plasma source preferably has two electrodes, and always the same electrode of these electrodes must be connected to a high voltage, and at that time the other electrode must be connected to ground. By using an asymmetric connecting device, incorrect contact connections of the electrodes can be avoided, so that, for example, a high voltage is not erroneously applied to an electrode that should originally be connected to ground. This further enhances the electrical safety of the plasma device.

[0043] The connecting device is preferably asymmetrically configured by virtue of the device having asymmetric connecting means. For example, this can be achieved as follows. That is, the insertion rotating mechanism has an asymmetrically formed insertion receiving part and an asymmetrically formed insertion member such that the plasma source can only be inserted at a predetermined position. Alternatively or additionally preferably, at least one asymmetric and / or eccentrically, i.e., radially spaced from the virtual axis, arranged protrusion is provided on the plasma source and / or the substrate, in particular in the form of a snap hook, wherein the other member is selected from the substrate and the plasma source and has a correspondingly eccentrically arranged and / or asymmetric recess. The connection between the plasma source and the substrate can preferably be formed only when the eccentrically arranged protrusion engages with the eccentrically arranged recess and / or when the asymmetrically formed protrusion engages with the correspondingly asymmetrically formed recess. In the case of an incorrect angular position, preferably the protrusion and the recess do not overlap with each other, or in any case, they are not in an overlapping state that allows the insertion of the protrusion into the recess, and thus a gap or void remains between the plasma source and the substrate, and therefore the plasma source and the substrate cannot be firmly fixed.

[0044] However, by combining at least one such asymmetric and / or eccentrically arranged protrusion with a corresponding recess, it is also possible to use it to generate a preload of the plasma source in the substrate so that the plasma source is reliably and firmly held, additionally or alternatively to the orientation function described so far. For this purpose, preferably, at least one protrusion is formed elastically, and thus this protrusion is configured to provide an elastic preload, particularly along the virtual axis. In this case, the corresponding recess is preferably formed such that this recess pushes the elastic protrusion into a functional position where an elastic preload is applied, at least at the position where the plasma source is mounted. The recess can in particular be formed as an arcuate groove with a depth that varies in the circumferential direction, and thus the elastic protrusion can advantageously engage with the groove without load when the plasma source is first inserted into the substrate. In this case, while rotating the plasma source into its assembly position, the protrusion is pushed by the bottom surface of the groove with a decreasing depth in this direction into a position where a preload is applied.

[0045] Conversely, it is also possible to generate a preload during insertion by means of an elastic protrusion, in which case the load applied to the protrusion is at least partially reduced when the plasma source is assembled. In the case of this embodiment, the feedback feeling is improved for the user of the plasma device when assembling the plasma source.

[0046] According to one development of the invention, it is configured as follows. That is, the plasma source is provided to generate surface wave micro discharges (SMD - Surface Micro Discharges) in the ambient air in the discharge plane of this plasma source. This discharge plane is the plasma generation plane of the plasma source, where plasma is generated. It has been found that a plasma source configured in this way is suitable for treating the body surface by a special method. In particular, it is possible to generate plasma without the need to use the body surface itself as an electrode or connect it as an electrode.

[0047] The plasma source preferably has a first flat electrode and a second flat electrode, and in addition also has a dielectric, by which the first electrode and the second electrode are separated from each other. In this case, both electrodes are in mechanical direct contact with the dielectric, and in that case those electrodes are preferably in close contact with or embedded in the dielectric. In any case, the first electrode is arranged on the first side of the dielectric, and in that case the second electrode is arranged on the second side of the dielectric, and in this case furthermore, the stacking device consisting of the electrodes and the dielectric is formed on the same side of the body surface to be treated. That is, the body surface is not particularly arranged between the dielectric and one electrode on one side and between the dielectric and the other electrode on the other side, but rather all the electrodes and the dielectric are arranged on the same side of the body surface. The body surface is not used as an electrode or a counter electrode, and is not electrically contact-connected in particular.

[0048] In order to generate non-thermal plasma in the discharge plane assigned to one of the electrodes, a potential difference can be applied to these electrodes, particularly in the form of an alternating voltage.

[0049] Preferably, the first electrode is formed over the entire surface, and in that case the second electrode is formed in a structured manner and has a large number of edges, and finally surface wave microdischarges occur at those edges. The second electrode can be formed particularly as a grid or in a suitable manner. A high voltage is preferably applied to the first electrode, and in that case the second electrode is connected to or grounded to the ground. The second electrode is preferably on the distal side, that is, arranged facing the body surface to be treated, and in this case, the first electrode is on the proximal side, that is, arranged on the side opposite to the body surface to be treated. Thereby, the electrode connected to the ground and generating plasma faces the body surface, and thereby the electrical safety of the plasma device is additionally enhanced. In particular, the first electrode to which the high voltage is applied can be encapsulated and arranged inside the plasma source.

[0050] According to one development form of the present invention, the first electrode and the dielectric, and / or the second electrode and the dielectric, are configured to be pressed against each other by a preloading member or a pressing member. Therefore, an electrode device composed of the first electrode, the dielectric, and the second electrode can be provided at low cost and with optimal plasma generation. At this time, no gap remains between the electrode and the dielectric, or at most only a very small gap remains due to manufacturing. Advantageously, the electrode device is simultaneously pressed by a preloading member or a pressing member toward the wall of the plasma source, particularly toward the wall of the housing of the plasma source in which the electrode device is disposed inside.

[0051] Both electrodes can be placed on the dielectric without being fixed, and in this case, they can be pressed toward the dielectric by a preloading member or a pressing member. However, the first electrode can be coated or adhered on the dielectric, and in this case, only the second electrode is formed without being fixed and can be pressed toward the dielectric by the preloading force of the preloading member or the pressing force of the pressing member.

[0052] However, as another option, both electrodes can be coated or adhered on the dielectric.

[0053] Furthermore, at least one electrode selected from the first electrode and the second electrode can be embedded in the dielectric, and in this case, both electrodes can be embedded on opposite sides of each other in the dielectric.

[0054] The lamination direction of the laminate composed of the first electrode, the dielectric, and the second electrode extends particularly along an imaginary axis.

[0055] The electrode device is pressed against the wall of the housing, particularly in at least some regions, by a preloading member or a pressing member, particularly in the peripheral region, and in this case the corresponding housing wall has a central opening in the middle for passing through the plasma. Advantageously, the second electrode is exposed through this opening, and thus the plasma generated at the second electrode can pass through the corresponding wall of the plasma source.

[0056] According to one development of the invention, the electrode device and preferably the preloading member or the pressing member are arranged in the housing of the plasma source and are preferably configured to be cast and sealed in the housing. This enables encapsulation of the electrode device in a particularly suitable manner, and at the same time the entire plasma source can be cleaned in a simple manner and preferably sterilized or disinfected. In particular, for the purpose of cleaning or disinfecting the plasma source, the entire plasma source can be placed in an ultrasonic bath. The housing preferably has a wall with a central opening for passing through the plasma on its distal side, while the housing is preferably sealed on its proximal side, thus the back side, by a cover member, and in this case the cover member is preferably screwed to the housing or connected in another way. Advantageously, the cover member has a connecting device provided for connecting the plasma source to the substrate.

[0057] According to one development of the invention, the plasma device has a safety circuit, which is configured as follows. That is, this safety circuit switches an electrical contact connection provided for electrically connecting a high-voltage source with the plasma source arranged in the substrate so that no voltage and / or current occurs when the plasma source is removed from the substrate, and can generate a voltage and / or current at the electrical contact connection only when the plasma source is arranged in the substrate. This significantly enhances the electrical safety of the plasma device for the user. In particular, when the plasma source is separated from the substrate, the risk of electric shock is significantly reduced and preferably eliminated.

[0058] For this purpose, the safety circuit preferably has, at the end face of the substrate, a break point of the electrical conductor from the electrical storage device, in particular a storage battery or battery, to the high-voltage source. In this case, the plasma source has a bridging contact facing the end face in the mounted state on the substrate, and this bridging contact is configured and arranged to electrically bridge the break point when the plasma source is arranged on the substrate. On the contrary, when the plasma source is separated from the substrate, the electrical conductor leading to the high-voltage source is interrupted, and thus no power is supplied to the high-voltage source. Therefore, in this case, no current and / or voltage occurs in the electrical contact connection for the plasma source.

[0059] The break point preferably has two safety contact pins on the end face, which are electrically insulated from each other and spatially separated from each other. The bridging contact is preferably configured to electrically connect the safety contact pins to each other when the plasma source is arranged on the substrate. Advantageously, the bridging contact is formed as a contact plate or the like.

[0060] According to one development of the present invention, it is configured as follows. That is, the control device of the plasma device performs a function test of the electrode device by steps of obtaining at least one power parameter representing the characteristics of the plasma power of the electrode device, comparing the at least one power parameter with at least one predetermined target parameter value, obtaining a comparison result, and determining the functional normality of the electrode device based on this comparison result. The power parameter is particularly obtained during the operation of the electrode device, which particularly represents the current characteristics of the plasma power of the electrode device while the electrode device is operating.

[0061] By using this functional test, it is possible to reliably and accurately determine the functional integrity, especially at the first startup and particularly before using the electrode device. Therefore, in particular, the risks associated with the insufficient, degraded or non-functional operation of the electrode device can be avoided for the user or third party of the plasma device.

[0062] Advantageously, at least one action is selected depending on the comparison result. By doing so, it is possible to respond to the comparison result and thus also to the confirmed functional integrity of the electrode device, and to select an action adapted thereto.

[0063] The plasma power of the electrode device is understood to be the component of the power consumed by the electrode device that is directly used for the generation of non-thermal plasma and is particularly directly related to the generation rate of reactive particles contained in the plasma. If a parameter representing the characteristics of this plasma power is detected as a power parameter, the functional integrity of the electrode device can be estimated in a particularly safer and more reliable manner. This is because the power parameter directly provides information on plasma generation by the electrode device in this case.

[0064] Determining the functional integrity of the electrode device is understood to particularly mean the following. That is, whether the information transfer regarding the functional integrity of the electrode device is indirect by the selection of a specific action and / or direct by the output of a message describing or representing the functional integrity of the electrode device, this information transfer is derived. In this case, in line with the intention of a simple binary check of the functional integrity, that is, it is possible to determine whether the electrode device is operating normally or not. However, in particular, taking into account the determination of the current plasma power and in some cases the selection of an action according to the determined current plasma power, it is also possible to determine the functional integrity of the electrode device in a more complex manner.

[0065] Preferably, the plasma power is detected within the framework of a functional test as a power parameter or based on at least one power parameter.

[0066] According to one development of the invention, the action is configured to be selected from the group consisting of the following. That is, this group consists of outputting a "normal" signal, outputting a "countermeasure request" signal, outputting an "abnormal" signal, in particular notifying the operator of the electrode device of the current plasma power, matching the operating time or treatment time to the comparison result, ending the operation of the electrode device, and continuing the operation of the electrode device without taking additional measures, in particular without outputting a signal or notification. The "normal" signal is also referred to as a green signal, the "countermeasure request" signal is also referred to below as a yellow warning, and the "abnormal" signal is also referred to below as a red warning. In this case, the green signal indicates that the electrode device is operating as specified.

[0067] Specifically, a green signal can be output when at least one power parameter deviates from a predetermined target parameter value by only slightly more than a first predetermined limit value, for example, by only slightly more than 15%. A yellow warning notifies the operator of the electrode device of the following. That is, it is desirable to inspect the electrode device, and in doing so, it may be necessary in some cases to take further steps, such as cleaning the electrode device, cleaning the contacts, or other measures of this kind. Such a yellow warning is preferably output when the deviation of at least one power parameter from at least one predetermined target parameter value is greater than the first predetermined limit value, where the first predetermined limit value is smaller than a second predetermined limit value, and the second predetermined limit value is greater than the first predetermined limit value. The second predetermined limit value can be made to correspond, for example, to a 30% deviation from the predetermined target parameter value. A yellow warning can also be output when the deviation of at least one power parameter from at least one predetermined target parameter value is equal to the first predetermined limit value. A red warning can be output specifically when it is no longer useful to continue operating the electrode device due to insufficient functional normality, or when it is dangerous for the electrode device itself, for the operator, or for the person being treated by the electrode device. A red warning can be output specifically when at least one power parameter deviates from at least one predetermined target parameter value by only the second predetermined limit value or by more than the second predetermined limit value.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the function test, at least one predetermined target parameter value can be set as one target value. In this case, the power parameter is compared particularly accurately with one target value, and the functional normality of the electrode device is determined based on the comparison result. In particular, in this case, the deviation from the target value in the upward and downward directions when exceeding a predetermined limit value defined relative to at least the target value is an indicator that the functional normality of the electrode device is insufficient.

[0069] According to another embodiment of the function test, at least one predetermined target parameter value can be set as the minimum value. In this case, the power parameter is compared with the minimum value by checking whether the power parameter is greater than or less than the minimum value. In this case, if the power parameter is greater than or equal to the minimum value, the electrode device is functioning normally, and if the power parameter is less than the minimum value, the electrode device is not functioning normally. In this case, a range for a yellow warning can also be defined. In this case, this range extends from the minimum value to a predetermined limit value, and this limit value is smaller than the minimum value by a predetermined absolute value or a predetermined multiple. In this case, the range for a red warning extends from the predetermined limit value to an even smaller value, and here the range for a yellow warning is located between the predetermined limit value and the minimum value. The range for a green signal is located above the minimum value in this case.

[0070] In yet another embodiment of the functional test, conversely, the target parameter value can be defined as the maximum value by a corresponding method. In this case, if the power parameter has a value exceeding the maximum value, the electrode device is not functioning properly, and if the power parameter has a value less than or equal to the maximum value, the electrode device is functioning properly. In this case, the range of the green signal extends from an even smaller value, particularly from zero, to the maximum value, where the range of the yellow warning extends from the maximum value to a predefined limit value, and this limit value is greater than the predefined maximum value by a predefined absolute value or a predefined multiple. In this case, the range of the red warning extends from the predefined limit value to even higher values.

[0071] In yet another embodiment of the functional test, it is possible to provide two predefined target parameter values that are compared with at least one power parameter. In this case, these two predefined target parameter values define the limits of a numerical band or a numerical range, and in this case, the electrode device within this numerical band or numerical range is determined to be functioning properly. In particular, in this case, the first predefined target parameter value is defined as the minimum value of the numerical band or numerical range, and the second target parameter value greater than this is defined as the maximum value of the numerical band or numerical range. In this case, the range for the yellow warning is assigned to the maximum value and the minimum value, respectively, in accordance with the principles described for the minimum value and the maximum value so far.

[0072] As another option, instead of the range for the yellow alert extending in the direction of the range for the red alert starting from a predefined target parameter value as described above, it is also possible for the range to extend to the range of the green signal. In this case, for example, the predefined limit value assigned to the minimum value can be made larger than the minimum value, and the predefined limit value assigned to the maximum value can be made smaller than the maximum value. As another option, the yellow alert range can be defined such that it advantageously symmetrically includes the predefined target parameter value.

[0073] At least one predefined target parameter value is preferably selected depending on the desired operating mode of the electrode device, in particular depending on the desired plasma-chemical effect, in particular depending on the desired concentration of specific active species in the plasma. For example, on the one hand, for the case where it is desired that the generated non-thermal plasma substantially contains oxygen species, such as ozone (oxygen mode), or for the case where it is desired that the non-thermal plasma substantially contains nitrogen species, in particular nitrogen oxides (nitrogen mode), different target parameter values can be predefined, in particular forming the boundaries of one tolerance value range or one tolerance value band. It is also possible to select an intermediate range between these operating modes. In this case, the plasma-chemical effect depends strongly on the selected plasma power and can therefore be predefined thereby. Therefore, it is also necessary to check the functional integrity of the electrode device with respect to the plasma power depending on the selected operating mode.

[0074] The signals described here can be output, for example, as optical signals. In particular, it is possible to output the green signal as light emitting green, the yellow alert as light emitting yellow, and further the red alert as light emitting red. In order to output an optical signal, in particular light emitting diodes can be used.

[0075] However, the signal and / or notification can alternatively or additionally be output in text form, particularly on a display, and can also be output as an acoustic signal or acoustic message by vibration or by other suitable means.

[0076] In particular, by notifying the operator of the current plasma power, the operator can estimate the treatment result of the electrode device at a specific treatment time and, in some cases, can match the treatment time to the current plasma power. For example, if the electrode device has a current plasma power reduced compared to the nominal plasma power, the treatment time can be extended by the operator in a suitable manner to apply a specific plasma dose. However, this kind of matching of the treatment time can also preferably be carried out automatically, particularly depending on the comparison result. Advantageously, the operator is notified of the automatically changed treatment time or is prompted to operate the electrode device until the end of its autonomous operation, in which case the changed treatment time is taken into account almost automatically. In this case, the treatment time preferably coincides with the operating time of the electrode device, because the electrode device can advantageously only be operated during the actually performed treatment. In this case, the treatment particularly starts with the start of the electrode device and ends with the end of the operation of the electrode device.

[0077] If it is confirmed that the functional integrity of the electrode device has not deteriorated, its operation is preferably continued. In particular, if the functional test is carried out at the start of the electrode device, the operation of the electrode device can particularly be continued simultaneously with the output of a green signal. When the functional test is carried out during the operation of the electrode device, when it is confirmed that the functional integrity has not deteriorated, the operation is preferably continued without other measures being taken and particularly without a signal being output.

[0078] According to one development of the present invention, the function test is configured to be performed immediately after the start of the electrode device. In particular, every time the electrode device is started, immediately thereafter, a new function test can always be performed. In this way, the electrode device can be inspected immediately at startup, and preferably at that time, feedback is output to the operator of the electrode device as to whether the electrode device is functioning properly. In this way, it is always possible to confirm whether the electrode device is functioning properly before the original use of the electrode device, particularly before treatment of the body surface or a human being by the electrode device. In some cases, the original use of the electrode device is not performed, but rather the electrode device is inspected, cleaned, or sent for repair. This has the following advantages on the one hand. That is, the operator is notified early of problems with the electrode device, and as a result, incorrect treatment, or in some cases, the fact that treatment is not being performed is avoided, and at the same time, measures can be taken immediately to maintain or guarantee the functional integrity of the electrode device. In some cases, it is also advantageous to record whether or not the electrode device is functioning properly, or that the electrode device is functioning properly, immediately at startup for the treatment records that may be created.

[0079] The function test can be initialized by event control, for example by an external request, particularly by a manual request from the operator. However, particularly preferably, the function test is started automatically.

[0080] The plasma power can be determined in particular by various methods.

[0081] One preferred possibility is Fourier (or power spectrum) analysis, in which case only the power in the high-frequency spectral component is determined. Since a large number of small "spikes" (substantially like delta functions) are generated by the plasma discharge, the plasma power can be measured in the high-frequency region.

[0082] In another preferred measurement method, the plasma power is described by a Lissajous figure plane, which plane is generated by a phase space representation of a control voltage defined as the voltage applied to the electrode device by a high-frequency power source for plasma generation, with respect to a plasma voltage defined as the voltage actually applied during its operation via the electrode device. According to this, the control voltage is the unmodulated operating voltage of the plasma device, and the plasma voltage is a voltage modulated / deformed by the plasma discharge and phase-shifted relative to the control voltage, and this voltage drops via the electrode device. Here, preferably, instead of considering individual micro-discharges in the voltage transition, an appropriate average is considered. By the phase space representation, a closed curve is generated around the enclosed area. This enclosed area contains information regarding the deformation of the control voltage by the micro-discharge, as well as the phase shift between the control voltage and the plasma voltage, and thus forms a measure for the plasma power.

[0083] In practice, it is not always possible to utilize this phase space representation and / or directly measure the voltage transition for various reasons. In this case, the control voltage is the applied high voltage, or a voltage corresponding to the applied high voltage in terms of waveform, phase, and amplitude, and instead of the plasma voltage, a proxy voltage that drops via an electronic proxy structure connected in series with the electrode device is measured, which is also particularly called "proxy measurement". In this case, the proxy voltage represents two effects (deformation and phase shift) caused by the micro-discharge (including the original plasma power). The enclosed area of this "proxy measurement" or the proxy voltage itself also represents the plasma power.

[0084] There are various possibilities for performing this kind of "proxy measurement" that represents the plasma power.

[0085] 1. A phase space curve of the control voltage with respect to the proxy voltage is plotted, and the integral of the area thus plotted is formed.

[0086] 2. The proxy voltage is measured at a predetermined point on the sine curve of the control voltage. Optimally, the positioning of this point of the control voltage is selected to correspond to the maximum width and / or height of the Lissajous figure. This position is optimally located within the region of the maximum time gradient and / or the maximum phase difference between the control voltage and the proxy voltage.

[0087] A point that can be easily defined for this measurement is the zero crossing of the control voltage. The proxy voltage at this location is close to the maximum width or height of the Lissajous figure. The proxy voltage detected in this way is an easily measurable parameter representing the plasma voltage. For this purpose, an appropriate selection of the proportionality factor is also required, and this proportionality factor can be determined in particular by comparison with the enclosed area of the Lissajous figure.

[0088] Due to the "discretization" of the measurement, in the case of this kind of "peculiar" measurement, it may or may not accidentally coincide with a microdischarge. Therefore, in order to obtain a reliable result for the plasma power, preferably an average of sufficiently many measurements, preferably 256 measurements, is performed.

[0089] Therefore, according to one development of the present invention, at least one power parameter is configured to be detected in an electronic proxy structure connected in series with the electrode device, in particular in the electronic proxy structure of a plasma device, in particular as a proxy measurement. Thereby, it can be implemented even in a particularly portable and handheld small device, and nevertheless, a simple measurement of the power parameter representing the plasma power characteristics of the electrode device can be realized.

[0090] As used herein, an electronic proxy structure is understood to be, in particular, one electronic component or a plurality of the following electronic components that are electrically connected to each other either indirectly or directly and cooperate with each other, that is, an electronic component that is particularly suitable for performing proxy measurements thereon in order to determine at least one power parameter and thus the plasma power.

[0091] According to one development of the present invention, it is configured such that capacitance is used as the electronic proxy structure. In this case, capacitance is generally understood to be a structure that exhibits at least capacitive behavior, preferably a structure that exhibits substantially capacitive behavior, preferably an electronic structure that exhibits only capacitive behavior. Particularly preferably, at least one capacitor or capacitor device is used as the electronic proxy structure, and particularly preferably exactly one capacitor is used. It has been found that using capacitance as the electronic proxy structure within the framework of the functional test proposed herein enables particularly reliable information transmission regarding the actual plasma power of the electrode device.

[0092] Hereinafter, the capacitance of the electronic proxy structure, which is referred to as proxy capacitance, is preferably selected to be larger, particularly significantly larger, than the capacitance of the electrode device during plasma operation, which is referred to as device capacitance, and is preferably selected to be at least 500 to a maximum of 2000 times, preferably at least 750 to a maximum of 1500 times, preferably 1000 times larger.

[0093] Proxy voltage V proxy exhibits the following behavior with respect to the plasma voltage V plasma .

Equation

[0094] Here, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with examples.

[0095] (At the beginning of the preferred embodiment) The device capacitance is advantageously proportional to the total edge length L (the sum of all edge lengths) of the structured electrodes of the electrode device, where plasma generation occurs at those edges. In this case, the device capacitance is the proportionality coefficient c L multiplied by [Number] to obtain the following formula.

[0096] The device capacitance is, for example, 109 pF, and the plasma voltage is 3.5 kV pp (peak-to-peak). Furthermore, the total edge length L is 72 cm. Thus, c L = C a / L = 1.51, and such a value is common for SMD electrode devices, where c L is in the range of 1 < c L < 2.

[0097] For measurement technical reasons, it is desired that the value of the proxy voltage be, for example, 3 - 5 V pp . From this, scaling is performed (where C p >> C a ). [Number]

[0098] The magnitude of the plasma voltage is known based on the control voltage (generally several kV), and the desired proxy voltage is the same. For the electrode configuration and electrode structure form (for example, SMD, which defines c L ) substantially predetermined by the total edge length L, C p can be obtained.

[0099] Regarding the preferred electrode device, from Equation (3), (V proxy = 3.5 V ppand V plasma = 3.5 kV pp gives a reference value of C p = 100 nF. (At the end of the preferred embodiment)

[0100] According to one development of the invention, at least one power parameter is configured such that at least one value of the proxy voltage is measured at a specific phase angle of the control voltage, in particular at the zero crossing of the control voltage. Advantageously, as at least one power parameter, the average value PM of the proxy voltage at a specific phase angle of the control voltage is determined by averaging over a plurality of periods, in particular a large number of periods, of the control voltage. [Number] Here, in equation (4), V proxy,i (φ) is the value of the proxy voltage at a constant phase angle φ of the control voltage in period i, in particular at the zero crossing, where n is the number of periods of the control voltage over which the averaging is performed. In this case, according to one preferred embodiment, n = 256, and according to another preferred embodiment, n can take other values or even larger values. For a control voltage frequency of x kHz, if all measurements are made in successive consecutive periods, the calculation of the average value of the proxy voltage measured once per period without interruption will occur every 1 / (4x) seconds. In particular for high frequencies, it is also possible to measure only within a specific period (for example every 2 or 3 periods), or measure all 256 periods in succession and then omit a specific number of periods. Of course, the corresponding procedure needs to be considered to determine the plasma dosage.

[0101] In a control device for controlling an electrode device, advantageously, a correspondence between power parameters and the actual plasma power is stored, which is advantageously stored as a simple coefficient or as a more complex, preferably at least injective, advantageously bijective function, by means of which a single actual plasma power is unambiguously associated with a measured value of a power parameter.

[0102] According to one development of the invention, the power parameter is configured to be compared with a first upper target parameter value and a second lower target parameter value. In this case, the first upper target parameter value is greater than the second lower target parameter value. Depending on whether the power parameter value lies within a target parameter range bounded by the first target parameter value and the second target parameter value as limit values, at least one action is selected. Thus, a target parameter range is set by the first target parameter value and the second target parameter value, and it is desirable for the power parameter to lie within this range as specified, i.e., this means that if the power parameter lies within this target parameter range, the electrode device is functioning properly. On the other hand, if the power parameter is less than the second lower target parameter value or greater than the first upper target parameter value, the electrode device is not functioning properly and is unusable or can only be used limitedly. In this case, in particular, at least one action can be selected depending on how far the power parameter outside the target parameter range is from the first upper target parameter value or the second lower target parameter value. In this case, in particular, the range for a yellow warning and the range for a red warning can be separated by corresponding further limit values.

[0103] In this case, the upper limit power for plasma generation is considered by the first upper target parameter value. However, in this case, for example, due to corrosion of the dielectric of the electrode device, deposits on the dielectric, formation of leakage current, or other similar effects that increase the power consumption of the electrode device, this upper limit power may be exceeded. The lower limit power of the electrode device is considered by the second lower target parameter value. However, for example, due to contamination, deposits and / or corrosion of the conductive components of the electrodes of the electrode device, or other similar effects that reduce the power consumption of the electrode device, this lower limit power may be undershot.

[0104] According to one development of the present invention, the electrode device is configured to be operated for a predetermined time before at least one power parameter is determined. In this way, it is possible to ensure that, since a certain operating condition and / or equilibrium state has occurred with respect to the operation of the electrode device, the power parameter is appropriately detected in terms of the continuous operation of the electrode device.

[0105] Preferably, the electrode device is operated for a first predetermined time before at least one power parameter is initially determined. Thereafter, a function test is performed by initially determining at least one power parameter. If the result is positive, the plasma device can be used. If the result is negative, the electrode device is operated for a second predetermined time. Thereafter, a new function test is performed. This procedure can be continued until a positive result is obtained by the function test, or until a predetermined repetition limit is reached or exceeded, or until a predetermined maximum test time has elapsed. Thereafter, a final determination is made regarding the functional integrity of the electrode device or the plasma device. The first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, and optionally further predetermined times can have the same value or different values respectively, and can have, for example, a value of 15 seconds.

[0106] According to one development form of the present invention, the comparison result and / or at least one power parameter are configured to be recorded in an electronic storage device for later calling. The electronic storage device can be incorporated directly into the control device for controlling the electrodes, or can be provided outside thereof. In particular, this recording can be carried out by an external service provider, which is operably connected to the control device for the electrode device via a wired or wireless data connection, such as WLAN and / or Bluetooth for example. Particularly preferably, the comparison result and / or at least one power parameter are automatically recorded and / or are particularly preferably linked to at least one metadata, such as a timestamp, a description of the location where the electrode device is used, a description of the purpose or form of use of the electrode device, a description of specific parameters of the operation of the electrode device, or the like. By doing so, so to speak, a log regarding the operation of the plasma device can be created, and thus its functional normality and readiness for use, or generally its operation, can be tracked over time.

[0107] Advantageously, the plasma device can also be remotely monitored, read, and / or controlled via a wired or wireless operable connection, particularly a wireless connection, advantageously WLAN and / or Bluetooth, which is particularly preferably carried out via Internet access and / or a smartphone app.

[0108] Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0109]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0110] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a plasma device 1 for treating a body surface, particularly a skin surface, particularly preferably a wound. The plasma device 1 has a handheld base 3, and a plasma source 5 is disposed on the base 3. The plasma source 5 is detachably connectable to the base 3, and is preferably connected. In this case, in the exploded view of FIG. 1, the plasma source 5 is shown in a state removed from the base 3.

[0111] The plasma source 5 is provided for generating non-thermal plasma.

[0112] In addition to this, the plasma device 1 has a spacer 7, and the spacer 7 is provided for defining the distance between the plasma source 5 and a body surface to be treated (not shown) in an assembled state. The spacer 7 is detachably connectable to the base 3 and / or the plasma source 5, and is preferably connected.

[0113] In this way, an appropriate spacer 7 can be used together with the plasma source 5 and the base 3 for each treatment, and when various treatments are to be performed, a plurality of spacers 7 can be particularly exchanged with each other. Further, the spacer 7 can be formed as a one-time or disposable part that is preferably discarded after one treatment of the body surface. In this case, the time-consuming cleaning, disinfection or sterilization of the spacer 7 becomes unnecessary, and the plasma device 1 can be operated very hygienically, simply and at low cost.

[0114] The spacer 7 preferably has an edge 9 that surrounds it, and the edge 9, together with the body surface to be treated and the plasma source 5, surrounds a closed treatment volume.

[0115] In addition to this, the spacer 7 has a collar 11 that surrounds it, which covers a part of the plasma source 5 and the base body 3 in the assembled state. Here, the collar 11 provides an anti-twist function for the spacer 7 in the region of the plasma source 5, especially when the plasma source 5 and the base body 3 have a non-circular geometric cross-sectional shape here. In this case, by covering both members, the collar 11 also simultaneously prevents the plasma source 5 detachably arranged on the base body 3 from accidentally coming off the base body 3. In particular, when the plasma source 5 is fixed to the base body 3 by an insertion and rotation mechanism, since the collar 11 prevents the twisting of the plasma source 5 relative to the base body 3, the plasma source 5 will not come off.

[0116] The spacer 7 has tabs 13 that extend in the direction towards the plasma source 5 and the base body 3, thus in the proximal direction, starting from the edge 9 that surrounds it or starting from the collar 11 that surrounds it. The tabs 13 are provided for removing the spacer 7 from the base body 3 and / or the plasma source 5. In particular, the user of the plasma device 1 can easily touch the tabs 13 from the back with one finger of the hand that is also holding the base body 3, and accordingly can easily remove the spacer 7 from the plasma source 5 and the base body 3 and dispose of it. In this case, it is not necessary to hold the plasma device 1 with both hands, which is particularly suitable considering the risk of contamination.

[0117] The spacer 7 preferably has a shielding member 15 that is permeable to non-thermal plasma. However, the shielding member 15 is configured to prevent the body surface to be treated or other body parts from coming into contact with the plasma source 5 when attached to the plasma source 5 and / or the substrate 3. In the case of the embodiment illustrated herein, the shielding member 15 is formed as a grid. As another option, it can also be formed as a net, as an array of a plurality of struts or bars, or in other suitable manners.

[0118] The plasma source 5 is preferably detachably connectable to the substrate 3 via a connecting device 17, and is particularly connected. In this case, in FIG. 1, only the part of the connecting device 17 assigned to the substrate 3 can be seen, because the part of the connecting device 17 assigned to the plasma source 5 is hidden by the plasma source 5.

[0119] The connecting device 17 particularly has a plug-in rotation mechanism, which is preferably formed in the form of a bayonet joint. In this case, the plasma source 5 can be advantageously inserted into the substrate 3 along a virtual axis A at a predetermined angular position about this virtual axis A, and then rotated about the virtual axis A so that the plasma source 5 is fixed to the substrate 3, particularly locked.

[0120] Here, the connecting device 17 has two hook-shaped protrusions 19, 19' on the base body 3, and these protrusions 19, 19' can be inserted into the complementary insertion and rotation recesses 21, 21' shown in Fig. 2. At this time, by subsequently rotating the plasma source 5 about the virtual axis A, it can be tightened with the base body 3. In this case, the hook-shaped protrusions 19, 19' can be inserted into the insertion and rotation recesses 21, 21' at a predetermined first angular position of the plasma source 5 about the axis A by a method known per se. At this time, after rotating the plasma source 5 about the virtual axis A, these protrusions 19, 19' engage with the insertion and rotation recesses 21, 21' from the rear at different second angular positions so that they can no longer be pulled out from the insertion and rotation recesses 21, 21'. On the contrary, such pulling out can only be carried out when the plasma source 5 is rotated back to its first angular position about the virtual axis A again.

[0121] The connecting device 17 is preferably formed asymmetrically so that the plasma source 5 can only be fixed to the base body 3 in a predetermined orientation, particularly at a predetermined angular position about the virtual axis A. In this case, particularly here, the protrusions 19, 19' and the insertion and rotation recesses 21, 21' are asymmetric, that is, they are formed differently, particularly with different sizes respectively. Therefore, at least the larger one of the protrusions 19, 19' can only be inserted into the larger one of the two insertion and rotation recesses 21, 21'. In this case, particularly, the first protrusion 19 of the protrusions 19, 19' is formed larger than the second protrusion 19' of the protrusions 19, 19'. Correspondingly, the first insertion and rotation recess 21 is formed larger than the second insertion and rotation recess 21' of the insertion and rotation recesses 21, 21'.

[0122] In addition, the connecting device 17 here has at least one elastic projection 23, here preferably two elastically displaceable projections 23, 23' in the plasma source 5, and these projections 23, 23' engage in the recesses 25, 25' of the base body 3 which are complementarily formed and arranged in the assembled state. It is also possible to provide more than two elastic projections 23, 23' and corresponding recesses 25, 25'. The projections 23, 23' and the recesses 25, 25' preferably provide a preload on the plasma source 5 in the base body 3 in the assembled position and / or the insertion position. However, basically, this type of projection 23, 23' and recess 25, 25' can also be used additionally or alternatively to ensure the proper orientation of the plasma source 5 in the base body 3, especially when they are asymmetrically formed and / or arranged.

[0123] On the end face 27 of the base body 3 against which the plasma source 5 abuts in the assembled state, the connecting device 17 is arranged together with its base body-side member, and in FIG. 1, two further contact pins 29, 29' can also be seen on this end face 27, and these contact pins 29, 29' are provided for the electrical contact connection of the plasma source 5. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the plasma source 5 has corresponding complementary contact connection recesses 31, 31', and for the purpose of electrically contacting the plasma source 5, the contact pins 29, 29' engage in these contact connection recesses 31, 31' in the assembled state. Instead of the contact connection recesses, contact surfaces or equivalents can also be provided.

[0124] FIG. 2 shows yet another exploded assembly view of an embodiment of the plasma device 1 as seen from another line of sight. The same members and functionally identical members are given the same reference numerals, and thus reference may be made to the previous description only in their case. What can be seen from FIG. 2 is that the spacer 7 has at least one first locking member, preferably two first locking members, only one of which, here the first locking member 33, can be seen. The other first locking member is preferably arranged on the opposite side of the first locking member 33 with respect to the central plane of the plasma device 1 and is thus hidden in FIG. 2. The plasma source 5 here has at least one second locking member, advantageously exactly two second locking members 35, 35', and in this case the first locking member 33 and the second locking members 35 are adjusted to each other so that these first locking member 33 and second locking members 35 can cooperate to hold the spacer 7 in the plasma source 5. As another option, the second locking members 35, 35' can also be provided on the base 3.

[0125] The first locking member 33 is here formed as a projection or an undercut, in which case the second locking members 35, 35' are formed as slots into which the first locking member 33 can be locked and engaged.

[0126] The spacer 7 preferably has an electronic identification device, preferably the electronic identification device can be read non - contact. Particularly preferably, the electronic identification device is formed as an RFID tag. In this way, the spacer 7 can be identified by the control device 37 of the plasma device 1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0127] The electronic identification device is preferably integrated into the tab 13, and here it is particularly preferably accommodated in the accommodation slot 39 of the tab 13. In addition, preferably, the main plane of the electronic identification device is configured to be oriented perpendicular to the electrode plane 41 (see FIGS. 1 and 3), and thus simultaneously perpendicular to the end face 27. By doing so, the non-contact reading of the electronic identification device can be performed without generating electromagnetic interference related thereto even if the plasma source 5 is operating.

[0128] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the plasma device 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2. The same members and functionally identical members are given the same reference numerals, and thus reference is made to the previous description only for them. What can be particularly seen in FIG. 3 is that in the assembled state, the spacer 7 surrounds not only the periphery of the plasma source 5 but also partially the periphery of the substrate 3 by the collar 11. Moreover, it can be seen that in the assembled state, the plasma source 5 abuts against the end face 27, and at this time, the contact pins 29, 29' engage with the contact connection recesses 31, 31' or abut against the contact surface.

[0129] The plasma device 1 is preferably formed as a battery-driven type or a storage battery-driven type, and therefore has an electrical storage device 43 for storing electrical energy. The electrical storage device 43 is preferably formed as a battery or a storage battery. The electrical storage device 43 particularly serves to supply power to the plasma source 5 via the contact pins 29, 29' and further to the control device 37. In this case, the control device 37 is particularly configured to drive the plasma source 5 on the one hand and to read the electronic identification device of the spacer 7, preferably to identify the spacer 7, on the other hand. Preferably, the control device 37 is further configured to permit only one-time use of the same spacer 7. This can be achieved particularly as follows. That is, if the control device 37 identifies that the spacer 7 does not exist or that a spacer 7 that has already been used is about to be used again, the control device 37 shuts off or blocks the operation of the plasma source 5.

[0130] In this case, the control device 37 can also be configured to output an error message, an alarm or other appropriate notification to the user of the plasma device 1.

[0131] Moreover, the plasma device 1 preferably has a charging station (not shown), and the base body 3 can be inserted into this charging station for the purpose of charging the electrical storage device 43. Particularly in this case, the base body 3 can be made completely independent of other devices and moved, particularly cordlessly, as a result of which the operation of the plasma device 1 and the treatment of the body surface using the plasma device 1 become particularly easy.

[0132] Furthermore, the operating member 45 arranged on the substrate 3 can be seen as follows. That is, this operating member 45 can be easily and readily operated by the user of the plasma device 1, and in particular can be operated by the thumb of the hand of the user holding the substrate 3. The operating member 45 is preferably formed as a key, a push button, a touch sensor, or in other suitable manners. In particular, the operating concept regarding the plasma device 1 realized in the control device 37 advantageously follows a one-key operation, according to which at least all the basic operations of the plasma device 1 can be selected and / or activated and / or operated by the operation of this one operating member 45. However, of course, as another option, it is also possible that the plasma device 1 has a plurality of operating members. Furthermore, it is also possible that the plasma device 1 has a display device, particularly in a form incorporated into the substrate 3. In this case, the display device is preferably configured to be able to display, in particular, various menus, particularly context menus, for displaying the parameters of the plasma device 1. At this time, the operating member 45 can change its function according to the menu or context menu displayed on the display device. The display device can also be formed as a touch screen.

[0133] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the plasma source 5 of the embodiment of the plasma device 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 3. The same members and functionally identical members are given the same reference numerals, and thus reference may be made to the previous description only for those members. The plasma source 5 is preferably provided for generating a surface wave microdischarge in ambient air at the electrode plane 41, and the electrode plane 41 is the discharge plane of the plasma source 5, that is, the plasma generation plane. The plasma source 5 has a first flat electrode 47 and a second flat electrode 49, and these electrodes are separated from each other by a dielectric 51 in the assembled state, and in this case, both electrodes 47 and 49 are in direct mechanical contact with the dielectric 51, but are arranged on different sides of the same dielectric 51. In particular, these electrodes preferably abut tightly against the dielectric 51 or are embedded in the dielectric 51. In the case of the embodiment shown here, preferably the first electrode 47 is coated on the dielectric 51, and in this case the second electrode 49 is placed on the dielectric 51.

[0134] A potential difference, in particular an alternating voltage, is preferably applied to the electrodes 47, 49 via the contact pins 29, 29', whereby non-thermal plasma is generated at the electrode plane 41, that is, at the discharge plane.

[0135] The first electrode 47 is formed over the entire surface, while the second electrode 49 is preferably structured and is in particular formed as a grid electrode here. In this case, this electrode has a plurality of edges, and surface wave microdischarges are initiated at these edges, and in this case, non-thermal plasma is also formed at the edges of the second electrode 49.

[0136] A high voltage is preferably applied to the first electrode 47 during operation of the plasma source 5, while the second electrode 49, which is arranged on the distal side, that is, facing the body surface to be treated, is connected to or grounded to earth. This enhances the electrical safety of the operation of the plasma device 1.

[0137] In the case of the embodiment shown here, on the one hand, the first electrode 47 and the dielectric 51, and on the other hand, the second electrode 49, are pressed against each other by the pressing member 53 in the assembled state and simultaneously pressed towards the wall portion 55 of the plasma source 5. The wall portion 55 is preferably the wall portion of the housing 57 of the plasma source 5. The housing 57 particularly has a through-opening 59 for passing the plasma generated in the electrode plane 41, and therefore, in particular, the second electrode 49 is pressed towards the peripheral portion of the wall portion 55.

[0138] By the pressing member 53, the first electrode 47, the dielectric 51, and the second electrode 49 are pressed against each other in the assembled state in close contact, preferably without gaps, whereby non-thermal plasma can be generated with high efficiency at the second electrode 49.

[0139] The pressing member 53 preferably has a pressing collar that surrounds the periphery, and this pressing collar is configured to apply a pressing force along the outer frame to the dielectric 51 and is adjusted according to the size of the dielectric 51. In addition to this, the pressing member 53 preferably has at least one pressing web located inside, particularly centered, or advantageously a plurality of pressing webs symmetrically and eccentrically arranged, and these are configured to apply a pressing force to the first electrode 47 and the dielectric 51 in the inner region. By using at least one pressing web, preferably in particular, when the pressing force is caused only on the edge side of the generally brittle dielectric 51, it is possible to avoid damage to the dielectric 51 that may be a concern in some cases. The electrode device 58 composed of the first electrode 47, the dielectric 51, and the second electrode 49, and advantageously the pressing member 53, are arranged in the housing 57 in the assembled state. Preferably, at least the electrode device 58 is cast and sealed in the housing 57. Thereby, when the plasma source 5 is removed from the substrate 3, the plasma source 5 can be particularly easily cleaned and / or sterilized and / or disinfected. In particular, the plasma source 5 can be cleaned in a water tank or an ultrasonic tank without impairing the electrical operation or electrical safety of the plasma source 5.

[0140] On the side facing the end face 27 of the base body 3 in the assembled state, the housing 57 is sealed by a cover member 61, and this cover member 61 is preferably screwed to the housing 57. Therefore, a screw hole 63 and a screw 64 are schematically shown here, by which the cover member 61 can be screwed to the housing 57.

[0141] The cover member 61 and the pressing member 53 are integrally formed with each other in the case of the embodiment shown here.

[0142] What is important here is that when treating the body surface, both electrodes 47 and 49 are arranged on the same side of the body surface, in particular the body surface is not arranged between these electrodes, and furthermore the body surface itself does not form a counter electrode for the plasma electrode of the plasma source 5. In this way, for the treatment of the body surface, a stable and reproducible non-thermal plasma can be generated with predetermined characteristics.

[0143] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a safety circuit 65 for the plasma device 1.

[0144] This safety circuit 65 is configured as follows. That is, an electrical contact connection portion 67 provided for electrically connecting the plasma source 5 to a high-voltage source 69 disposed in the base body 3, which is realized by contact pins 29, 29' here, is switched so that no voltage and / or current occurs when the plasma source 5 is removed from the base body 3, and is configured so that a voltage and / or current occurs in the electrical contact connection portion 67 only when the plasma source 5 is disposed in the base body 3. The high-voltage source 69 is also shown in FIG. 3. The high-voltage source 69 is operably connected to the control device 37 so that the control device 37 can control the high-voltage source 69.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the safety circuit 65 has a cut-off point 71 of an electrical conductor 73 extending from the electrical storage device 43 to the high-voltage source 69 at the end face 27 of the substrate 3. The plasma source 5 has a bridging contact 75 facing the end face 27 when attached to the substrate 3, and this bridging contact 75 is configured and arranged to electrically bridge the cut-off point 71 when the plasma source 5 is disposed on the substrate 3. On the other hand, when the plasma source 5 is separated from the substrate 3, the electrical conductor 73 leading to the high-voltage source 69 is cut off, and thus no power is supplied to the high-voltage source 69. Therefore, in this case, no current and / or voltage is generated in the electrical contact connection 67 for the plasma source 5.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 1, the cut-off point 71 particularly has two safety contact pins 77, 77' on the end face 27, which are electrically insulated from each other and spatially separated from each other. The bridging contact 75 is preferably configured to electrically connect the safety contact pins 77, 77' to each other when the plasma source 5 is disposed on the substrate 3. Advantageously, the bridging contact 75 is formed as a contact plate 79 or the like.

[0147] That is, the safety mechanism of the safety circuit 65 is mechanically realized here by two additional contacts in the form of the safety contact pins 77, 77' on the substrate 3 and one common opposing contact in the plasma source 5 in the form of the bridging contact 75. When the plasma source 5 is separated from the substrate 3, the cut-off point 71 opens, and thus the high-voltage source 69 is separated from the electrical storage device 43. At this time, no current and / or voltage is generated in the contact pins 29, 29', and as a result, no high voltage is applied to the region of the end face 27 that is easily accessible to the user. That is, the safety mechanism is formed here as a mechanical safety switch in particular.

[0148] FIG. 6 schematically shows a circuit diagram for performing a functional test on the plasma device 1. The same members and functionally identical members are assigned the same reference numerals, and thus reference may be made to the previous description only for those members.

[0149] The plasma device 1 has an electronic proxy structure 104, which can be connected in series with the electrode device 58 and is here connected in series. The control device 37 is configured to detect at least one power parameter at the electronic proxy structure 104 connected in series with the electrode device 58. The electronic proxy structure 104 is here formed in particular as a capacitance 105.

[0150] As the power parameter, at least one value, in particular the average value, of the alternating voltage V(t) dropping through the electronic proxy structure 104 at a specific phase angle of the control voltage generated by the high-voltage source 69, i.e., the proxy voltage, is measured, which is in particular averaged over a plurality of periods of the control voltage, in particular according to the above formula (4). Preferably, the proxy voltage is detected as a function of time by the voltage measuring device 107.

[0151] The power parameter is advantageously compared with a first upper target parameter value and a second lower target parameter value, in which case at least one action is selected depending on whether at least one power parameter lies within a target parameter range with the first target parameter value and the second target parameter value as limit values.

[0152] Preclinical trials were carried out using the plasma source 5 for the purpose of determining a safe treatment area for treatment.

[0153] First, an effectiveness test was carried out. It was found that the plasma source 5 inactivates bacteria (including multi-resistant pathogens) and fungi very effectively. In this case, a significant reduction on the order of 4 to 5 digits is already achieved during a treatment time of only 60 seconds.

[0154] It was further found by another test that bacterial biofilms can also be inactivated. A reduction on the order of 3 digits was achieved within a treatment time of 60 seconds. After a treatment time of 10 minutes, complete reduction could be achieved.

[0155] Furthermore, safety tests were performed, in particular viability tests in eukaryotic cells (primary fibroblasts and keratinocytes), mutagenicity tests, wound healing efficacy assays (to analyze cell proliferation), and in vitro skin tests (histological analysis, cell death analysis or necrosis analysis).

[0156] These tests have shown that even in the worst-case scenario for individual eukaryotic cells, no damage occurs at treatment times of up to 3 minutes. The mutagenicity tests have shown no induction of mutations for any plasma treatment time (tested up to 5 minutes), and no damage of any kind has been seen in the in vitro skin tests for any treatment time. From this, it can be inferred that the treatment area is significantly larger than those mentioned here.

Claims

1. A plasma device (1) for treating a body surface, comprising: - a handheld substrate (3), on which - a plasma source (5) is disposed, which is provided for generating non-thermal plasma, and further - a spacer, which is configured to define a distance between the assembled plasma source (5) and the body surface to be treated, where - the spacer (7) is detachably connectable to the substrate (3) and / or the plasma source (5), and further where - the plasma source (5) is detachably connectable to the substrate (3), - the spacer (7) has at least one first locking member (33), and the plasma source (5) and / or the substrate (3) has at least one second locking member (35, 35'), and the first locking member (33) and the second locking member (35, 35') are adjusted relative to each other such that the first locking member (33) and the second locking member (35, 35') can cooperate to hold the spacer (7) on the substrate (3) and / or the plasma source (5), the plasma source (5) is connectable to the substrate (3) via a connecting device (17), and the connecting device (17) has a plug-in rotation mechanism, the spacer (7) has tabs (13) extending from a peripheral edge (9) or a peripheral collar (11), and the tabs (13) project towards the substrate (3) in the assembled state and are provided for removing the spacer (7) from the plasma source (5) by being pressed from the side of the substrate (3), A plasma device (1) for treating a body surface.

2. The plasma device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer (7) has the peripheral collar (11), and the collar (11) covers a partial area of the plasma source (5) and the substrate (3) in the assembled state.

3. The substrate (3) has a first portion extending in a first direction and configured to be held with one hand, and a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plasma source (5) and the spacer (7) are arranged in this order in the second direction on the second part. The tab (13) protrudes from the spacer (7) in a direction opposite to the second direction. The plasma device (1) according to claim 1. **Claim 4** The spacer (7) has an electronic identification device. The plasma device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. **Claim 5** The electronic identification device is incorporated in the tab (13) and / or the main plane of the electronic identification device is positioned perpendicular to the electrode plane (41) of the plasma source (5). The plasma device (1) according to claim 4, which cites claim 3. **Claim 6** The plasma device (1) has a control device (37), and the control device (37) is configured to read the electronic identification device of the spacer (7). The plasma device (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5. **Claim 7** The spacer (7) has a shielding member (15), the shielding member (15) is permeable to non-thermal plasma, and the shielding member (15) is configured to prevent contact between the body surface to be treated and the plasma source (5) in the assembled state. The plasma device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. **Claim 8** The connecting device (17) is formed asymmetrically so that the plasma source (5) can be fixed to the substrate (3) only in a specific orientation. The plasma device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. **Claim 9** The plasma source (5) is provided for generating surface wave microdischarge in the ambient air in the discharge plane of the plasma source (5). The plasma device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. **Claim 10** The plasma source (5) has an electrode device (58) composed of a first electrode (47), a dielectric (51) and a second electrode (49), and the first electrode (47) and the dielectric (51), and / or the second electrode (49) and the dielectric (51) are pressed against each other by a pressing member (53). The plasma device (1) according to claim 9. **Claim 11** The electrode device (58) is arranged in the housing (57) of the plasma source (5). The plasma device (1) according to claim 10. **Claim 12** The plasma device (1) has a safety circuit (65), and when the plasma source (5) is removed from the substrate (3), the safety circuit (65) switches the electrical contact connection part (67) of the plasma source (5) so that no voltage and / or current is generated, and can generate a voltage and / or current in the electrical contact connection part (67) only when the plasma source (5) is arranged on the substrate (3). The plasma device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is configured as such.

13. The control device (37) of the plasma device (1) performs a functional inspection of the electrode device (58) of the plasma device (1) composed of the first electrode (47), the dielectric (51), and the second electrode (49), - a step of obtaining at least one power parameter representing the plasma power characteristics of the electrode device (58), - a step of comparing the at least one power parameter with at least one predetermined target parameter value to obtain a comparison result, and - based on the comparison result, a step of determining the functional normality of the electrode device (58). The plasma device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is configured to be implemented by such steps.

14. The at least one power parameter is detected in an electronic proxy structure (104) connected in series to the electrode device (58). The plasma device (1) according to claim 13.

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