Plasma generating device for forming a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on an object to be treated, and associated method

Abstract

The invention relates to a plasma treatment device (28), comprising a plasma generating device (10) for forming a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on an object (12) to be treated; an electrode assembly (14) which has at least one electrode (18) and an electrode cover (20) that is made of a cover dielectric and completely covers the at least one electrode (18) at least towards the object (12); and at least one separating element (16), an object face (O) of which is to be placed on the object (12) and which is to be functionally connected to the electrode assembly. The separating element (16) is made of a separating element dielectric, can be reversibly physically separated from the electrode assembly (14), and has a structure on the object face (O), said structure comprising spaces (24) which are open towards the object (12) and in which a plasma (32) is formed when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode (18), and the separating element is functionally connected to the electrode assembly (14) and shields the surface (O) from the electrode assembly (14) in a liquid-tight manner. The plasma treatment device also comprises a control unit (30) which is designed to connect to the electrode assembly (14) and to apply high-voltage pulses to the electrode by means of the electrode assembly (14). The control unit (30) is designed to detect whether a specified separating element (16) is present between the electrode (18) and the object (12) and to output high-voltage pulses to the electrode (18) only if the specified separating element (16) is detected.

Description

[0001] Plasma generation device for forming a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on an object to be treated and associated method

[0002] The invention relates to a plasma treatment device comprising (a) a plasma generation device for forming a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on an object to be treated, comprising (i) an electrode arrangement comprising (I) at least one electrode and (II) an electrode cover made of a covering dielectric, which completely covers the at least one electrode at least towards the object, and (ii) at least one separating element for placing one side of the object on the object and for functionally connecting it to the electrode arrangement, wherein the separating element (I) is constructed of a separating element dielectric, (II) is reversibly physically separable from the electrode arrangement, (III) preferably has a structure on the object side with spaces open towards the object, in which a plasma forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode, (IV) is functionally connected to the electrode arrangement,and (V) shielding the surface in a liquid-tight manner against the electrode arrangement, and (b) a control unit configured to connect to the electrode arrangement and to apply high-voltage pulses to the electrode with the electrode arrangement.

[0003] If the separating element on the object side does not have a structure with spaces open towards the object in which a plasma forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode, the plasma treatment device preferably has a spacer element, in particular a spacer grid, which is separated from the separating element and is designed together with the separating element to form the open spaces when the separating element is arranged on the spacer element.

[0004] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for generating a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on a surface. A plasma treatment device of this type is known from DE 10 2019 130 213 A1. A disadvantage of such a system is that it can lead to unsatisfactory plasma treatment results in practice.

[0005] DE 10 2013 107 448 A1 describes a device for reducing germs using plasma. A dielectric foil is placed on the object to be disinfected and applied with voltage using a piezoelectric transformer. Metallization on the dielectric foil homogenizes the electric field.

[0006] DE 10 2017118 568 B3 describes a plasma treatment device having a head part that can be inserted into the body.

[0007] DE 10 2018 209 735 A1 discloses a plasma generation device that includes a spacer. The spacer determines the distance between a plasma source of the plasma generation device and the body surface to be treated.

[0008] From DE 10 2015117 715 A1 an electrode arrangement for a dielectric barrier plasma discharge is known in which a grid structure is used to create chambers between the surface of the object to be treated and the electrode arrangement in which chambers a plasma is formed when high voltage pulses are applied to the electrode of the plasma generation device.

[0009] A similar electrode arrangement is known from DE 10 2017116 800 A1, in which the spacer elements have less flexibility than a dielectric surrounding the electrode.

[0010] The invention particularly relates to a plasma generation device for generating a dielectric barrier plasma discharge on an object, in particular a living being, for example, a human or an animal, in particular for generating a dielectric barrier plasma discharge on the skin, in particular on a wound. When treating a wound, it should be ensured that it is not infected with germs. Therefore, the electrode arrangement or the spacer elements are always sterilized in this case.

[0011] It is desirable to keep the material requirements and costs for treating the object with the plasma generation device as low as possible.

[0012] The invention is based on the object of reducing disadvantages in the prior art. The invention solves this problem by a plasma treatment device having the features of claim 1.

[0013] According to a second aspect, the invention solves the problem by a method having the features of claim 13. Also according to the invention is a method for generating a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on a surface, comprising the steps of (i) arranging a, in particular sterile, separating element which (a) is constructed from a separating element dielectric, (b) is reversibly physically, in particular spatially, separable from the electrode arrangement, (c) has a structure on the object side with spaces open towards the object, in which a plasma forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode, (d) is functionally connected to the electrode arrangement and (e) is liquid-tight, on the surface so that the separating element rests with one object side on the surface, (ii) arranging an, in particular non-sterile, electrode arrangement separate from the separating element,which comprises (a) at least one electrode and (b) an electrode cover made of a covering dielectric, which completely covers the at least one electrode at least towards the object, and (iii) generating a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on the surface by applying high-voltage pulses to the electrode. The preferred embodiments described below apply to both aspects of the invention.

[0014] The electrode arrangement, the control unit and the separating element are preferably coordinated in such a way that the plasma generation between the object to be treated and the separating element is ensured.

[0015] An independent subject matter of the present invention is a plasma generation device comprising (a) an electrode arrangement (b) at least one separating element for placing with an object side onto the object and for functionally connecting to the electrode arrangement, wherein the separating element (i) is constructed from a separating element dielectric, (ii) is reversibly physically separable from the electrode arrangement, and (iii) has on the object side (0) a structure with spaces open towards the object, in which a plasma forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode and the separating element is functionally connected to the electrode arrangement, (iv) shields the surface in a liquid-tight manner against the electrode arrangement, wherein (v) the separating element has a spacer element, in particular a spacer grid, which is separate from the separating element and is formed together with the separating element to form the open spaces,when the separating element is arranged on the spacer element. The separating element without the spacer element could then also be called a separator element, which together with the spacer element forms the separating element. The preferred embodiments described below also apply to this subject matter of the invention.

[0016] An advantage of the invention is that the safety and reproducibility of the plasma treatment are ensured. The strength of the plasma that forms between the separating element and the surface to be treated depends in particular on the thickness of the separating element, the material of the separating element, and the height of the spacers formed on the separating element. The fact that no high-voltage pulses are emitted if no predefined separating element is detected ensures that high-voltage pulses are only emitted when it is certain that the corresponding separating element can be operated safely.

[0017] The feature of detecting whether a predetermined separating element is arranged between the electrode and the object is understood in particular to mean that it is automatically determined whether the separating element arranged between the electrode and the object meets a predetermined specification.

[0018] This specification can, for example, be an identifier that corresponds to a group of approved separating elements. If an identifier is detected that does not belong to a separating element specified for the electrode arrangement used, no high-voltage pulse is delivered to the electrode.

[0019] Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to automatically measure an electrical property of the separator. If the measured electrical property of the separator does not correspond to the electrical property of a given separator, no high-voltage pulse is delivered to the electrode.

[0020] It is possible, but not necessary, for the separation element to be detected while the separation element is arranged between the electrode and the object. It is also possible for the control unit to be designed to detect the separation element while it is not arranged between the electrode and the object, for example, before the separation element is placed on the object to be treated. It is also advantageous that the separation element can be manufactured separately and sterilized when used on a wound. It is unnecessary to sterilize the electrode arrangement in order to prevent germs from penetrating the object to be treated with the dielectrically impeded plasma discharge, since the separation element acts as a sterile barrier. In other words, no germs or germ-containing fluids can pass through the separation element onto the object, in particular the wound.Conversely, no germs from the object, especially the wound, can come into contact with the electrode arrangement.

[0021] If the object to be treated is not an open wound, sterilization is often unnecessary. In this case, it may be advantageous for the separating element to contain a conditioning substance that is applied to the object to be treated during the plasma treatment. For example, the object to be treated may be made of wood, so a wooden surface is treated.

[0022] Another advantage is that the object can be treated in an area that is significantly larger than the electrode or the electrode array. This is because it is possible to place the separating element on the object, for example, the wound, in such a way that the area to be treated, especially the wound, is completely covered. The separating element remains in this position, whereas the electrode array can be moved relative to the separating element and thus relative to the object after an area has been treated. This makes it possible, in particular, to treat areas of the object of different sizes with a single electrode array. This reduces the effort required for plasma treatments.

[0023] In particular, it is possible for several objects, in particular several wounds of different people, to be treated with the same electrode arrangement without it having to be sterilized, since a new separating element is used in each case. The electrode arrangement and the associated control unit can thus be used for a large number of treatments without sterilization, wherein different separating elements can be used for different treatments. It is possible to sterilize the separating elements after use. Alternatively, the separating elements can be designed as disposable parts. The electrode arrangement, on the other hand, is preferably not designed as a disposable part, but is intended for multiple use. The separating element is preferably flat. According to one embodiment, the separating element is designed as a film.For example, a separating element thickness of the separating element is at most 3 mm, in particular at most 2 mm, in particular at most 1 mm.

[0024] It is advantageous if the separating element has an extension of at least 30 mm, in particular at least 40 mm, preferably at least 50 mm, in at least one spatial direction. Preferably, the separating element has an extension of at least 30 mm, in particular at least 40 mm, preferably at least 50 mm, in two spatial directions.

[0025] In the context of the present description, the feature that the covering dielectric completely covers the at least one electrode, at least toward the object, is understood in particular to mean that electrical contact between the object and the electrode is excluded when the electrode cover is placed on the object. Preferably, the electrode cover completely covers the electrode, so that an operator cannot come into contact with the electrode during operation of the plasma generation device.

[0026] The feature that the separating element can be reversibly spatially separated from the electrode arrangement is understood in particular to mean that the electrode arrangement can be transferred from a state spatially separated from the electrode arrangement into a connected state in which the separating element is connected to the electrode arrangement, and that the separating element can then be spatially removed from the electrode arrangement again without damaging the electrode arrangement.

[0027] Spacers are understood to be, in particular, projections, such as webs that can form a grid structure, or nubs. The spacers preferably have a height of at least 0.1 mm, in particular at least 0.2 mm. This height corresponds to the clear height of the chamber that forms when the separating element is placed on the surface of the object.

[0028] Contamination refers, in particular, to bacteria and viruses. The separating element is preferably impermeable to viruses and / or bacteria, and in particular impermeable to liquids.

[0029] A high-voltage pulse is understood, in particular, to be a wave train that is short in time compared to the time interval between two wave trains. In particular, the time between two wave trains is at least ten times, especially at least one hundred times, longer than the duration of the wave train. It is possible, but not necessary, for the high-voltage pulse to comprise only one voltage spike. As a rule, a high-voltage pulse can be well described as a damped oscillation, particularly an exponential one, especially a sinusoidal oscillation.

[0030] The electrode assembly could also be referred to as the treatment head. This treatment head is movable relative to the separating element.

[0031] It's possible that the electrode array is also sterile, but this isn't necessary. Preferably, the electrode array is non-sterile. This saves on sterilization effort.

[0032] Preferably, the electrode cover is also puncture-proof. This means, in particular, that arcing and / or local destruction of the electrode cover does not occur when a voltage required to generate the plasma, for example, 30 kV, is applied to the electrode, the electrode cover is brought into contact with a conductive body, and there is no separating element between the electrode cover and the object.

[0033] The surface of the object to be treated is usually electrically conductive. The plasma generation device is preferably designed to use the object as a counter electrode.

[0034] The separating element with the spacers is intended for single use, i.e. it is either separate from the electrode arrangement or easily removable (for example, connected to the electrode arrangement with a pressure-sensitive adhesive).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the separating element has spacers between which chambers are formed when the separating element is placed on a surface of the object, wherein a plasma is formed in the chambers when the high voltage, preferably a high voltage pulse, is applied to the electrode.

[0036] Alternatively, the plasma treatment device preferably has a spacer element, in particular a spacer grid, which is separate from the separating element and is configured together with the separating element to form the open spaces when the separating element is arranged on the spacer element. It is possible for the spacer element to be larger than the separating element. It is then possible to place the spacer element on the surface to be treated, in particular a wound, and to move the electrode arrangement, to which the separating element may be attached, relative to the wound and thus relative to the spacer element.

[0037] Preferably, the separating element shields the surface of the object from the electrode arrangement in a liquid-tight manner. In particular, the separating element shields the surface of the object against contamination by the electrode arrangement.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the separating element has a separating element area that is larger than an electrode area by at least a factor of 1.5, in particular at least a factor of 2, preferably greater than a factor of 3, in particular greater than a factor of 4. Preferably, the separating element area is larger than the electrode area by at most a factor of 50, in particular at most a factor of 20, preferably at most a factor of 10.

[0039] The separator surface is, in particular, the surface area of ​​the separator when it is spread out on a plane. The electrode surface is, in particular, the surface area of ​​the electrode that faces the object during operation. The electrode surface does not lie directly on the separator, but is separated from the separator by the covering dielectric.

[0040] Because the separating element is larger than the electrode area, an area of ​​the object can be covered that is larger than the area of ​​the electrode arrangement.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the electrode arrangement is designed to be movable relative to the separating element during operation.

[0042] It is advantageous if the separating element is designed for connection, in particular by a material-to-material, form-fitting, and / or frictional connection, to the object to be treated. For example, the separating element can have adhesive at least in sections, for example, at least along one edge of the separating element, by means of which the separating element can be reversibly bonded to the object.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the separating element can be spread out such that it covers an area that is at least 0.3 times, in particular at least 0.35 times, the total surface area of ​​the separating element. For an ideally thin, flat separating element, the area covered by this separating element is exactly half the total surface area of ​​the separating element. For a pocket folded from this ideally thin, flat separating element by halving it, the area covered by this separating element is exactly one-quarter the total surface area of ​​the separating element. According to one embodiment, the separating element is not designed as a pocket.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the separating element has at least one connecting element for connecting the separating element to the electrode arrangement. The connecting element is preferably formed on an electrode contact side opposite the object side. The object side is the side of the separating element that rests on the object during operation and has the spacers.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the connecting element is designed for detachable connection to the electrode arrangement. For example, the connecting element is designed for positive connection, in particular for snapping or hooking. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element is designed for frictional connection to the electrode arrangement, in particular for clamping or bracing. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element can be designed as an adhesive element, in particular as a pressure-sensitive adhesive element.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the electrode arrangement has a connecting element for connecting, in particular in a form-fitting or material-fitting, in particular adhesive, manner, the electrode arrangement to the separating element.

[0047] Alternatively, both the connecting element and the electrode arrangement can each have a connecting element, in particular a hook-and-loop fastener part of a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein the two hook-and-loop fastener parts can be reversibly connected to one another.

[0048] The plasma generation device preferably has a vacuum attachment, which could also be referred to as a vacuum attachment device, which is designed to attach the separating element relative to the electrode assembly using negative pressure. The vacuum attachment preferably has a negative pressure generator. The vacuum attachment can be designed as a component that can be separated from the electrode assembly. The separating element is preferably made of a hydrophobic material. If the separating element is placed on a wound, the penetration of wound secretions into the separating element is thus prevented.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the separating element is flexible and / or elastic. This allows it to adapt to the relief of the object to be treated without excessive wrinkles. Flexible means repeatedly and reversibly bendable, in particular by at least 90°, in particular at least 180°, without breaking due to bending. Elastic means, in particular, entropy-elastic and / or rubber-elastic. According to one embodiment, the separating element is not dimensionally stable. In other words, the separating element deforms under its own weight. In particular, the separating element is preferably slack.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the separating element is constructed of open-pore foam, at least on its object side. Such a foam can be manufactured cost-effectively. Such a foam is also flexible and / or elastic, which can be advantageous for easily adapting to the surface of the object. Preferably, the foam is constructed of a hydrophobic material. With such a plastic foam, a more uniform plasma can be formed across the surface, thus avoiding plasma shadows that can occur with spacer layers made of studs or grids.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the separating element is constructed, at least on its object side, from a spacer fabric. A spacer fabric is understood, in particular, to be a double-faced textile in which the warp-knitted fabric surfaces are held apart by spacer-maintaining connecting threads, so-called pile threads. Such a spacer fabric is comparatively easy to produce.

[0052] Preferably, the separating element has a smooth surface on its electrode contact side, which is opposite the object side. This at least largely prevents an air space, and thus plasma development, between the separating element and the electrode arrangement.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the separating element has an auxiliary electrode surrounded by the separating element dielectric. An auxiliary electrode is understood to be an object that is electrically conductive enough that, when a high-voltage pulse is applied to the electrode, a plasma is generated between the auxiliary electrode and the surface of the body to be treated. In other words, the auxiliary electrode serves to spread the electric field extending from the electrode to the conductive body over a larger surface area.

[0054] The auxiliary electrode itself is not electrically connected, meaning it is not electrically connected to a voltage source. The auxiliary electrode is brought to a time-varying electrical potential solely by applying a voltage pulse to the electrode. The voltage between this potential and the object to be treated leads to a plasma discharge between the separating element and the object.

[0055] The auxiliary electrode is preferably made of metal, in particular a metal foil or a mesh of metallic wires or strips. The auxiliary electrode can also be formed by metallization, i.e., by a non-independent, dimensionally stable metal object. Alternatively, the auxiliary electrode can be formed by electrically conductive plastic, in particular electrically conductive silicone.

[0056] If the electrode contact side has an adhesive layer and an auxiliary electrode and the patient's body acts as a counter electrode, the area effective for plasma treatment can be reduced simply by folding the separating element back on itself at the points where no treatment is to take place.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the separating element has an edge region and an inner region at least partially surrounded by the edge region. The inner region is designed to be brought into contact with the wound, whereas the edge region is not designed to be brought into contact with the wound. It is possible, but not necessary, for the adhesive region to be formed in the edge region, so that the separating element can be attached to an area of ​​the living being that is not a wound.

[0058] It is advantageous if the partial electrode is formed in the interior region. Preferably, the partial electrode is also formed in the edge region. It is then possible to place the electrode arrangement on the separating element in the edge region and, by applying a high-voltage pulse to the electrode, to bring the auxiliary electrode to an electrical potential relative to the object to be treated, thus causing plasma to form between the edge region and the object to be treated. According to one embodiment, the structure with spaces open towards the object, in which the plasma forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode, is formed only in the interior region.

[0059] Preferably, the separating elements are individually sterile packaged.

[0060] Preferably, the separating element is designed as a pocket into which the electrode arrangement can be reversibly inserted.

[0061] It is advantageous if the electrode arrangement is flat. Alternatively or additionally, the separating element is flat.

[0062] Alternatively, the electrode assembly can be designed balloon-like and deformable. It is then possible to deform the electrode by placing it on the separator element, thereby increasing the contact area between the electrode and the separator elements. Preferably, the electrode assembly has a fluid-filled bladder. The fluid can be a liquid or a gas.

[0063] The spacers can be formed by spacer elements made of a spacer material. Preferably, the spacer material has the same flexibility as the cover dielectric or greater flexibility than the cover dielectric.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the spacer material preferably has the same elasticity as the cover dielectric or a lower elasticity than the cover dielectric. The elasticity is preferably determined on a 1 cm long rod with a square cross-section and a side length of 1 mm, applying a force of 0.1 N and holding it for 1 second.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the separating element is at least partially translucent or transparent, so that a wound is visible through the separating element.

[0066] In order to facilitate treatment, the separating element may preferably comprise orientation elements, for example orientation lines or orientation points.

[0067] This plasma treatment device preferably has a sensor for detecting a property, in particular an identifier, of the separating element. Based on this identifier, it can be determined whether the separating element can and / or may be operated together with the corresponding electrode arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the identifier can be used to determine the amplitude and / or frequency of the high-voltage pulses required to form a suitable plasma.

[0068] The separating element preferably has an identifier that can be read by the sensor. The identifier can be an optical code, for example, a barcode or 2D code. The identifier can also be an electrical identifier stored in a chip, in particular an RFID chip, or encoded by a resistance value or a resonant frequency of a metallic element. Alternatively or additionally, the identifier can be a mechanical identifier, which in particular consists of elevations and / or depressions on the separating element.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to emit high-voltage pulses with an amplitude and / or frequency selected based on the identifier. In particular, the control unit detects the identifier, reads a digital memory in which the amplitude and / or frequency is assigned to the identifier, and emits high-voltage pulses with the corresponding amplitude and / or frequency. Since the intensity of the plasma depends on the properties of the separating element, in particular its thickness, its material, and / or the thickness of the spacers, the amplitude can be selected such that the plasma intensity depends only slightly or not at all on the selection of the separating element. This achieves plasma treatment with reproducible results, regardless of the selection of the separating element.

[0070] The choice of separating element can, for example, depend on the degree of curvature of the surface to be treated. The more curved a surface is, the more elastic and / or thinner the most suitable separating element is. By adjusting the amplitude of the high-voltage pulses, the plasma treatment does not depend on the curvature. Preferably, the control unit is designed to automatically (i) measure an actual capacitance, an actual distance and / or an actual permittivity between the object and the electrode. Preferably, the control unit is designed to automatically (ii) deliver high-voltage pulses to the electrode only when the actual capacitance, the actual distance and / or the actual permittivity lies within a predetermined target range. Instead of target range, the term target interval could also be used. According to one embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed to automatically output an error message if no predetermined separating element is detected.This informs the user that a correct separator must be used to use the plasma treatment device.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is designed to automatically emit high-voltage pulses with a voltage and / or a frequency that depends on the actual capacitance, the actual distance and / or the actual permittivity.

[0072] For this purpose, the control unit is designed, for example, to determine the voltage and / or the frequency from the actual capacitance, the actual distance and / or the actual permittivity, for example by reading a database in which the respective suitable voltage and / or the suitable frequency is stored as a function of the actual capacitance, the actual distance and / or the actual permittivity.

[0073] The voltage and / or frequency can also depend on other parameters, such as the desired treatment. This ensures that high-voltage pulses with the wrong voltage or frequency are not delivered, even if an unsuitable separator is used.

[0074] For example, the plasma generation device has a safety device that includes a sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic field sensor for detecting the alternating electromagnetic field generated by the transformer, in particular the stray alternating field. The control unit is preferably designed to calculate a spectrum of the measured alternating field and to compare the spectrum with a target spectrum, for example, by determining the mean square deviation. If the spectrum of the measured alternating field deviates from the target spectrum by more than a predetermined amount, the emission of high-voltage pulses is suppressed.

[0075] The safety device can be designed to detect an electrical property of the separating element, for example its permittivity and / or its electrical conductivity.

[0076] Detecting the electrical conductivity is particularly advantageous if the separating element has an auxiliary electrode. The control unit can have a digital memory in which the at least one electrical property of predetermined separating elements is stored, i.e. of those separating elements with which safe operation is possible. According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (i) moving the electrode arrangement relative to the separating element and (ii) generating a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on the surface by applying high-voltage pulses to the electrode in a second region of the surface, which differs from a first region of the surface in which a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge was previously generated.

[0077] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Figure 1a shows a plasma generating device of a plasma treatment device according to the invention according to a first embodiment, in which the electrode arrangement is separated from the separating element, and the separating element rests on the object to be treated,

[0079] Figure 1 b shows the separating element in an extended arrangement,

[0080] Figure 1c shows the plasma generating device according to Figure 1a, in which the

[0081] Electrode arrangement rests on the separator,

[0082] Figure 1 d shows an alternative embodiment of a separating element for the plasma generating device,

[0083] Figure 2a shows a plasma generating device of a plasma treatment device according to the invention according to a second embodiment, in which the electrode is balloon-like in the state in which the electrode arrangement is separated from the separating element, and the separating element rests on the object to be treated,

[0084] Figure 2c shows a plasma generation device of a plasma treatment device according to the invention according to a third embodiment

[0085] Figure 3a shows a plasma generation device of a plasma treatment device according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment, in which the electrode arrangement is separated from the separating element, and the separating element rests on the object to be treated,

[0086] Figure 3b shows the plasma generating device according to Figure 3a, in which the electrode arrangement rests on the separating element and

[0087] Figure 4a shows an embodiment of a plasma treatment device according to the invention with a spacer fabric, Figure 4b shows a further embodiment of a plasma generation device according to the invention and a plasma treatment device according to the invention, in which the separating element has an edge region and an inner region and

[0088] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a plasma treatment device according to the invention, in which the separating element is constructed from a separator element and a spacer element.

[0089] Figure 1a shows a plasma generation device 10 for forming a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on an object 12 to be treated, which device comprises an electrode arrangement 14 and a separating element 16. The electrode arrangement 14 has an electrode 18 surrounded by an electrode cover 20 made of a covering dielectric, for example, silicone.

[0090] The electrode arrangement 14 also has a soft-elastic base body 21 which is connected to the flexible electrode 18 and the elastic electrode cover 20 in such a way that the electrode 18 can adapt to a curved surface when placed on this surface.

[0091] The separator 16 is constructed from a separator dielectric, which can be the cover dielectric, but this is not necessary. In this case, the separator dielectric is also silicone. The separator 16 is spatially separable from the electrode arrangement 14, as shown in Figure 1a.

[0092] On one side of the object 0, the separating element 16 has spacers 22.i (i = 1, 2, ...). Chambers 24.j (j = 1, 2, ...) are formed between adjacent spacers. It should be noted that the chambers can be completely enclosed laterally by the spacers 22.i, but this is not necessary. For example, the spacers can be nubs, so that the chambers 24.j are interconnected. During operation of the plasma generation device, when high-voltage pulses are applied to the electrode 18, a plasma forms in the chambers 24.j.

[0093] Alternatively, the spacers 22.i can form a spacer element that is movable, in particular separable, independently of the actual separating element 16. In this case, the separating element 16 without the spacer element can also be called a separator element, which together with the spacer element forms the separating element. The object shown in Figure 1a is, for example, a living being. The separating element 16 is arranged in the region of a wound 26. The separating element 16 thus shields the wound 26 in a way that is at least liquid-tight. This means that no contamination, in particular no germ-containing liquid, from the non-sterile electrode arrangement can penetrate into the wound 26.

[0094] The separating element 16 can have a schematically drawn adhesive region 25, by means of which the separating element 16 can be adhesively connected to the object 12.

[0095] Figure 1b shows the separating element 16 in the spread-out state, i.e., lying flat on a plane. In the spread-out state, the separating element area A can be calculated as the product of a separating element length L and a separating element width Bw. As Figure 1a shows, the separating element area Aw is smaller than an electrode area A of the electrode 18, which is calculated as the product of an electrode length Lw and an electrode width Bw running perpendicular to it. The separating element area Aw is significantly larger, in particular by at least a factor of 1.5, than the electrode area Aw. In this way, a large wound 26 can be treated with an electrode arrangement 14 whose electrode 18 has a significantly smaller area than the wound 26.

[0096] Figure 1a shows only one separating element 16. Preferably, the plasma generating device 10 has two, three, or more separating elements. These can be individually sterile packaged.

[0097] Figure 1a also shows a plasma treatment device 28 according to the invention, which, in addition to the plasma generation device 10, has a control unit 30 connected to the electrode arrangement 14 for applying high-voltage pulses to the electrode 18. The control unit 30 preferably has a battery (not shown) and a high-voltage pulse generator for generating high-voltage pulses. The high-voltage pulses preferably have an amplitude of at least 1 kV, in particular at least 10 kV and / or a maximum of 35 kV, in particular a maximum of 30 kV.

[0098] Preferably, the control unit 30 is designed such that the object 12 acts as a counter electrode to the electrode 18.

[0099] The control unit 30 is designed to detect the separating element 16. In the case shown in Figure 1a, the control unit 30 has a sensor 44 in the form of an RFID sensor, which is designed to detect an identifier 42 on an RFID chip 43.

[0100] Figure 1b shows that the separating element 16 can have auxiliary lines 19. These auxiliary lines 19 can be formed in a transparent area, but this is not necessary. The auxiliary lines facilitate the treatment of the wound, as double treatment or non-treatment of certain areas of the wound 26 is avoided.

[0101] Figure 1c shows the plasma treatment device 10 arranged on the separating element 16. When high-voltage pulses are applied to the electrode 18, a plasma 32 forms in the chambers 24.j. Figure 1c shows that the electrode arrangement 14 can be flexible, so that it can adapt to the shape of the separating element 16. A plasma generation device 10' is shown in dashed lines at a different position. Once the treatment is completed at the position occupied by the plasma generation device 10, which is shown in solid lines, it can be moved, in particular shifted, relative to the separating element until it reaches, for example, the intermediate position shown in dashed lines.

[0102] Irrespective of the features otherwise mentioned in connection with this exemplary embodiment, it is possible, but not necessary, for the separating element 16 to have a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 33 shown schematically in Figure 1 b.

[0103] Irrespective of the features otherwise mentioned in connection with this exemplary embodiment, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer can be formed on the electrode arrangement 14, as shown schematically in Figure 1a.

[0104] Figure 1d shows that—independently of the features otherwise mentioned in connection with this exemplary embodiment—the separating element 16 can have open-pore foam 35 on its object side. The separating element 16 has a back 36 to which the open-pore foam 35 is attached. The foam 35 can be made of polyurethane or silicone, for example. The back 36 is made of non-foamed plastic, for example, polyurethane or silicone. A separating element thickness is, for example, di6 = 2 mm.

[0105] As an alternative to the open-pore foam 35, the separating element 16 can have a spacer fabric on its object side 0. When the high-voltage pulse is applied to the electrode 18, the plasma forms in the chamber formed by an open pore bounded by the surface of the object.

[0106] Figure 2a shows a plasma generation device 10 according to a second embodiment. The electrode arrangement 14 is flexible. For example, the electrode arrangement 14 surrounds a bladder 34 filled with a fluid, for example, a gas or a liquid.

[0107] Figure 2b shows the state in which the electrode assembly 14 is placed on the separating element 16. The electrode assembly 14 has deformed to fit the contour of the separating element 16.

[0108] Figure 2b shows that the electrode arrangement 14 forms a spatially closed flexible shell around a soft-elastic core 31 and is covered on its outer surface by a thin layer of the flexible dielectric, the electrode cover 20, so that the electrode arrangement 14 can assume the shape of the separating element when placed on the separating element 16.

[0109] Figure 2c shows a further embodiment of a plasma generation device 10, which has a vacuum attachment 37 with a vacuum generator 38 for generating a vacuum. The vacuum generator 38 is connected to channel intake openings 40k, through which a vacuum is generated between the separating element 16 and the electrode assembly 14. In this way, the separating element 16 is reversibly attached to the electrode assembly 14. Unlike what is shown in Figure 2c, in this case too, the separating element area A can be larger than the electrode area A.

[0110] Figure 2c also shows that the separating element 16 can have an identifier 42, for example in the form of a barcode, which is detected by a sensor 44 of the control unit 30. The identifier 42 encodes, for example, a separating element thickness d of the separating element or its permittivity. Based on the information encoded in the identifier 42, the control unit 30 selects an amplitude Umax of the high-voltage pulse and / or its frequency.

[0111] Figure 3a shows a further embodiment of a plasma generation device 10 and a plasma treatment device 28 according to the invention, in which the electrode arrangement 14 has substantially the same size as the separating element 16. Figure 3b shows the plasma generation device 10 when the electrode arrangement 14 rests on the separating element 16.

[0112] Figure 4a shows a further embodiment of a plasma generation device 10 and a plasma treatment device 28 according to the invention, in which the separating element 16 comprises a spacer fabric 52. The advantage of the spacer fabric 52 is that it is easy to manufacture and sterilize. The spacer fabric 52 is preferably attached to a plastic backing 56. For example, the 56 is made of non-foamed plastic, in particular silicone.

[0113] Figure 4b shows a further embodiment of a plasma generation device 10 and a plasma treatment device 28 according to the invention, in which the separating element 16 has an edge region 58 and an inner region 60 at least partially surrounded by the edge region 58. The boundary between the two regions 58, 60 is shown in dashed lines. The inner region 60 is designed to be brought into contact with the wound 26. For this purpose, the inner region 60 has, for example, the chambers 24.j. The edge region can, for example, be designed such that it has no chambers 24.j. For example, the inner region 60 can have open-pore foam or spacer fabric 52.

[0114] Figure 4b also shows that the separating element 16—independent of the other elements shown in Figure 4b—has an auxiliary electrode 62. The auxiliary electrode 62 is not conductively connected to the electrode 18. In other words, the auxiliary electrode 62 and the electrode 18 are electrically insulated from each other. If the control unit 30 delivers a high-voltage pulse to the electrode 18, this generates a voltage in the auxiliary electrode 62 by induction. This voltage leads to an electric field between the auxiliary electrode 62 and the object 12 to be treated, so that the plasma 32 is formed.

[0115] The control unit 30 can be designed to detect an electrical property of the separating element 16, for example its permittivity and / or its electrical conductivity, by means of which the high-voltage pulses are generated.

[0116] Detecting the electrical conductivity is particularly advantageous if the separating element 16 has an auxiliary electrode 62. The control unit 30 can have a digital memory 64 in which at least one electrical property of predetermined separating elements 16 is stored, i.e., those separating elements with which safe operation is possible. If the control unit 30 detects that the electrode arrangement 14 is not resting on a predetermined separating element 16, the emission of the high-voltage pulse is suppressed.

[0117] Figure 4b also shows that by using the auxiliary electrode 62, it is possible to position the electrode assembly 14 in the edge region 58 and still cause the formation of the plasma 32 in the inner region 60 and thus in the area of ​​the wound 26. It is thus possible to treat the wound 26 with the plasma without having to exert pressure on the separating element 16 in the area of ​​the wound 26 via the electrode assembly 14.

[0118] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a plasma generation device 10 according to the invention, with an electrode arrangement 14 with the electrode and the electrode cover 20 made of covering dielectric, which completely covers the electrode 18 towards the object 12.

[0119] The spacers 22.i form a spacer element 66, which, together with a separator element 68, forms the separating element 16. The spacer element 66 is movable, in particular separable, independently of the actual separator element 68.

[0120] The separating element 16 is designed to be placed with one object side on the object 12 and to be functionally connected to the electrode arrangement 20. The separating element 68 can be connected to the electrode arrangement 14, for example, by means of a material fit, in particular by means of an adhesive, or by frictional engagement, for example by means of a clamp 70, or by form-fitting, but this is not necessary.

[0121] The separator element 68 is constructed from the separator dielectric, is reversibly physically separable from the electrode arrangement 68, and forms, with the spacer element 66 on the object side O, a structure with spaces open toward the object 12, in which a plasma forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode 18 and the separator element 68 is functionally connected to the spacer element 66 and the electrode arrangement 14. The separator element 68 shields the surface S of the object 12 from the electrode arrangement 14 in a liquid-tight manner. The separator element 68 is separable from the spacer element 66, which can in particular be a spacer grid or a spacer fabric. The spacer element 66 forms open spaces with the separator element 68 when the spacer element 66 is arranged on the separator element 68. List of Reference Symbols

[0122] 10 Plasma generation device 48 Adhesive

[0123] 12 Object 50 open-pore foam

[0124] 14 Electrode arrangement 52 Spacer fabric

[0125] 16 Separator 54 Dielectric layer

[0126] 18 Electrode 56 Back

[0127] 19 Auxiliary line 58 Margin area

[0128] 20 Electrode cover 60 Interior

[0129] 21 Base body 62 Auxiliary electrode

[0130] 22 spacers 64 digital memory

[0131] 24 Chamber 66 Spacer element

[0132] 25 Adhesive area 68 Separator element

[0133] 26 wound

[0134] 28 Plasma treatment device A Separation element surface

[0135] 30 Control unit A Electrode area

[0136] 31 core Bi6 separator width

[0137] 32 Plasma Up to Electrode Width

[0138] 33 Adhesive layer d Separator thickness

[0139] 34 Bladder Lie Separator Length

[0140] 35 Foam Lis Electrode Length

[0141] 36 back i running index (spacer)

[0142] 37 Vacuum fastening j Running index (chambers)

[0143] 38 Vacuum generator k Running index

[0144] 40 Opening 0 Object side

[0145] 42 Identification S Surface

[0146] 44 Sensor Umax amplitude of the high voltage

[0147] 46 non-foamed dielectric pulses

[0148] 43 RFID chip

Claims

Patent claims 1. Plasma treatment device (28) with (a) a plasma generating device (10) for forming a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on an object to be treated (12), with (i) an electrode arrangement (14) comprising at least one electrode (18) and an electrode cover (20) made of a covering dielectric, which completely covers the at least one electrode (18) at least towards the object (12), (ii) at least one separating element (16) for placing with an object side (0) on the object (12) and for functionally connecting to the electrode arrangement, wherein the separating element (16) (I) is constructed from a separator dielectric, (II) is reversibly physically separable from the electrode arrangement (14), (III) on the object side (0) has a structure with spaces (24) open towards the object (12), in which a plasma (32) forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode (18), (IV) is functionally connected to the electrode arrangement (14) and (V) the surface (0) is shielded liquid-tight against the electrode arrangement (14) and (b) a control unit (30) which is designed to be connected to the electrode arrangement (14) and to apply high-voltage pulses to the electrode with the electrode arrangement (14), characterized in that (c) the control unit (30) is designed to (i) detecting whether a predetermined separating element (16) is arranged between the electrode (18) and the object (12), and (ii) delivering high voltage pulses to the electrode (18) only when the predetermined separating element (16) is detected.

2. Plasma treatment device (28) according to claim 1, characterized by (a) a sensor (44) for detecting a property, in particular an identifier (42), of the separating element (16), (b) wherein the separating element (16) has an identifier (42) which can be read by means of the sensor (44).

3. Plasma treatment device (28) according to claim 2, characterized in that it can be determined on the basis of the identifier whether the separating element can and / or may be operated together with the corresponding electrode arrangement.

4. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (30) is designed to emit high-voltage pulses with an amplitude and / or frequency that is selected on the basis of the identifier.

5. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (30) is designed for automatic (i) measuring an actual capacitance, an actual distance and / or an actual permittivity between the object (12) and the electrode (18) or the electrode arrangement (14) and (ii) delivering high voltage pulses to the electrode (18) only when the actual capacitance, the actual distance and / or the actual permittivity is within a predetermined target range.

6. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (30) is designed to automatically output an error message if no predetermined separating element is detected.

7. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element is sterile and shields the surface (0) against contamination by the electrode arrangement (14).

8. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that (a) the separating element (16) has a connecting element for connecting the separating element (16) to the electrode arrangement (14), wherein the connecting element (i) is formed on an electrode contact side opposite the object side (0) and / or (ii) is designed for detachable connection to the electrode arrangement (14) and / or (b) the separating element (16) has an adhesive area (25) for fastening the separating element (16) to the object (12) to be treated and / or. (c) the plasma treatment device (28) has a vacuum fastening (38) which is designed to fasten the separating element (16) relative to the electrode arrangement (14) by means of negative pressure, wherein the vacuum fastening has a negative pressure generator (38) or is designed to be connected to the negative pressure generator (38).

9. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (16) (a) is constructed from a hydrophobic material, at least on its object side (0) is constructed from open-pore foam (35) and / or a spacer fabric and / or (b) has a surface on its electrode contact side that allows a flat contact with the electrode arrangement 10. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (16) has an auxiliary electrode (62) which is surrounded by the separating element dielectric and which has no connection to the high-voltage source, wherein an auxiliary electrode area over which the auxiliary electrode (62) extends is larger than the electrode area (Aw).

11. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (16) is designed as a pocket into which the electrode arrangement (14) can be reversibly inserted.

12. Plasma treatment device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode arrangement (14) is deformable, wherein the electrode arrangement (14) forms a spatially closed flexible shell around a soft-elastic core and is covered on its outer surface by a thin layer of the flexible dielectric, so that the electrode arrangement (14) can assume the shape of the separating element (16) along the contact surface when placed on the separating element.

13. Method for generating a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on a surface of an object (12) by means of a plasma treatment device (28) which (i) an electrode arrangement (14) comprising at least one electrode (18) and an electrode cover (20) made of a covering dielectric, which completely covers the at least one electrode (18) at least towards the object (12), (ii) at least one separating element (16) for placing with an object side (0) on the object (12) and for functionally connecting to the electrode arrangement, wherein the separating element (16) (I) is constructed from a separator dielectric, (II) is reversibly physically separable from the electrode arrangement (14) (III) on the object side (0) has a structure with spaces (24) open towards the object (12), in which a plasma (32) forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode (18), or is designed to cooperate with a spacer element, in particular a spacer grid, which is separated from the separating element and is designed together with the separating element to form the open spaces when the separating element is arranged on the spacer element, (IV) is functionally connected to the electrode arrangement (14) and (V) the surface (0) is liquid-tight against the electrode arrangement (14) and is preferably impermeable to contamination emanating from the surface, with the automatically performed steps: (i) detecting an identifier (42) of the separating element (16) by means of a sensor (44), (ii) Determine from the identifier whether the separator can and / or may be operated together with the corresponding electrode arrangement and (iii) delivering high-voltage pulses to the electrode (18) only if the separating element (16) can and / or may be operated together with the electrode arrangement.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by the steps (a) arranging the, in particular sterile, separating element (16) on the object side (0) so that a structure is formed with spaces (24) open towards the object (12), in which a plasma forms when a suitable high voltage is applied to the at least one electrode (18), (i) arranging an electrode arrangement (14), in particular a non-sterile one, which is separated from the separating element (16), (a) at least one electrode (18) and (b) an electrode cover (20) made of a covering dielectric, which completely covers the at least one electrode (18) at least towards the object (12), and (ii) generating a dielectrically impeded plasma discharge on the surface by applying high voltage pulses to the electrode (18).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by the automatically performed steps: (i) measuring an actual capacitance and / or an actual permittivity between the object and the electrode and (ii) Delivering high voltage pulses to the electrode only when the actual capacity and / or the actual permittivity is within a specified target range or (iii) delivering high voltage pulses to the electrode with an amplitude selected based on the actual capacitance and / or an actual permittivity and / or the identifier.

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