DEVICE FOR GENERATING A COLD ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE PLASMA

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and/or animal surfaces, comprising a flexible, planar multilayer system with a side facing the surface to be treated and a side facing away from the surface to be treated, wherein the multilayer system comprises the following layers, namely a first electrode layer on the facing away side of the multilayer system, second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system, wherein the electrode layer has a plurality of recesses or is formed in a grid-like or meander-shaped fashion, a dielectric layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and a spacer layer arranged adjacent the second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system. In addition, the invention relates to a cable, a generator unit for providing a high voltage, and a system.

Claims

1. A device (1) for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and/or animal surfaces, comprising a flexible, planar multilayer system (2) with a side (3) facing the surface to be treated and a side (4) facing away from the surface to be treated, the multilayer system (2) comprises the following layers: a first electrode layer (12) on the facing away side (4) of the multilayer system (2), a second electrode layer (14) on the facing side (3) of the multilayer system (2), wherein the electrode layer comprises a plurality of recesses (90) or is formed like a grid or meandering, a dielectric layer (13) arranged between the first electrode layer (12) and the second electrode layer (14), and at least one spacer or a spacer layer (16) arranged adjacent to the second electrode layer (14) on the facing side (4) of the multilayer system (2).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer layer (16) is formed with at least one polymer, in particular an elastomer, and/or a textile fabric and with a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the multilayer system (2) additionally comprises a first insulating layer (11), wherein the first insulating layer (11) is arranged adjacent to the first electrode layer (12) on the side (4) of the multilayer system (2) facing away from the surface to be treated.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first insulating layer (11) has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably of 2 mm.

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the multilayer system (2) additionally comprises a second insulating layer (15), wherein the second insulating layer (15) is arranged adjacent to the second electrode layer (14) on the side (3) of the multilayer system (2) facing the surface to be treated.

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second insulating layer (15) has a thickness of between 10 μm and 300 μm.

7. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the multilayer system (2) additionally comprises a third insulating layer (17), wherein the third insulating layer (17) is arranged adjacent to the spacer layer (16) on the side (3) of the multilayer system (2) facing the surface to be treated.

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the third insulating layer (17) has a thickness of between 50 μm and 300 μm, preferably of 200 μm.

9. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode layer (12) is formed continuously or with a plurality of recesses.

10. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the recesses (90) in the first and/or second electrode layer (12, 14) have a hole-shaped (91), strip-shaped (92), meandering (95), honeycomb-shaped (94), circular (96) and/or square (93) design.

11. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the device (1) comprises an information carrier (80), in particular a chip, a label and/or another information and storage medium, on which at least one operating parameter for operating the device (1) is stored.

12. A cable (5) for connecting to a device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cable (5) has a plug (30) configured to provide a plug-in high-voltage connection between the device (1) and the cable (5).

13. The cable (5) according to claim 12, wherein the cable has a clamping device (33), and wherein the clamping device (33) can be displaced between an open position (A) and a closed position (B), wherein in the closed position (B) the device (1) is electrically connected to the cable (5) and in the open position (B) the device is electrically disconnected from the cable (5).

14. A generator unit (70) for providing a high-voltage for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma, comprising a device (1) according to claim 1 for the treatment of human and/or animal surfaces, wherein the generator unit (70) is configured to control the device (1).

15. The generator unit (70) according to claim 14, wherein the generator unit (70) is additionally configured to read operating parameters for controlling the device from an information carrier (80), in particular a chip, a label and/or another information storage medium, in or at the device (1).

16. System (100) with a device (1) according to claim 1 a cable (5) for connecting to the device (1), wherein the cable (5) has a plug (30) configured to provide a plug-in high-voltage connection between the device (1) and the cable (5) and wherein the cable particularly has a clamping device (33), and wherein the clamping device (33) can be displaced between an open position (A) and a closed position (B), wherein in the closed position (B) the device (1) is electrically connected to the cable (5) and in the open position (B) the device is electrically disconnected from the cable (5), and a generator unit (70) for providing a high-voltage for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma, wherein the generator unit (70) is configured to control the device (1), and wherein the generator unit (70) is particularly additionally configured to read operating parameters for controlling the device from an information carrier (80), in particular a chip, a label and/or another information storage medium, in or at the device (1).

Description

[0047] In detail:

[0048] FIG. 1: shows a perspective, schematic representation of a device for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of surfaces;

[0049] FIG. 2: shows an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0050] FIG. 3: shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment for a cable with a plug;

[0051] FIG. 4: a schematic representation of an embodiment for a plug housing;

[0052] FIG. 5: a perspective, schematic representation of a device for treating surfaces and a plug;

[0053] FIG. 6: a preferred embodiment for a clamping device for a plug;

[0054] FIG. 7: a preferred embodiment for a generator;

[0055] FIG. 8: a schematic representation for a preferred embodiment for a system with a device, a generator and a cable for connecting the device to the generator, and

[0056] FIG. 9: preferred embodiments, in particular recesses in the electrode layer, for a device for treating surfaces.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma. The illustrated device 1, also called plasma patch, is a large-area plasma source for the treatment of human and/or animal surfaces, in particular for treating wounds and promoting the healing of wounds. The device makes use of a special, flexible electrode arrangement with two electrode layers, namely a high-voltage electrode and a ground electrode, for producing an extensive plasma by means of a dielectric layer between the two electrodes, wherein the device is configured to be flexibly placed on arbitrarily curved surfaces and thus suitable for the plasma treatment of diseased/damaged skin areas. In this case, the device 1 produces an extensive plasma on one side of the device, wherein the device is then placed with this side on the surface to be treated, in particular on a wound, so that the advantageous effects/properties of the plasma can take effect on the surface.

[0058] The device 1 comprises a flexible, extensive multilayer system 2 with a side 3 facing the surface to be treated and a side 4 facing away from the surface to be treated. The multilayer system 2 is thereby formed with several layers, which are described in detail in FIG. 2. The outer dimensions, in particular the dimensions of the multilayer system 2, have a length L2 and a width B2 between 5 cm to 25 cm, preferably 20 cm×20 cm. Without limiting the invention, however, other shapes, not only square shapes, can also be provided. Preferably, they then fit positively to the surface, for example, the face of a patient. Also provided are devices in the form of cuffs, pads, bed covers, bed sheets or the like.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the device 1 shown in FIG. 1, with a multilayer system 2. The multilayer system 2 comprises the following layers, namely (from below): [0060] a first insulating layer 11, [0061] a first electrode layer 12, [0062] a dielectric layer 13, [0063] a second electrode layer 14, [0064] a second insulating layer 15, [0065] a spacer layer 16, and [0066] a third insulating layer 17.

[0067] The first insulating layer 11 is arranged on the side 4 of the multilayer system 2 facing away from the surface to be treated and has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably of 2 mm. The first insulating layer 11 is essentially for insulating the first electrode layer 12, which is preferably formed as a high-voltage layer, that is, an electrode layer to which a high voltage is applied.

[0068] The dielectric layer 13 is arranged between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14, the second electrode layer 14 preferably being designed as a ground electrode layer. The dielectric layer 13 essentially prevents a short circuit between the first and second electrode layer, in particular in the form of an electrical arc.

[0069] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, on the second electrode layer 14 a second insulating layer 15 is arranged that has a thickness of between 10 μm and 300 μm.

[0070] Above the second electrode layer 14 or the second insulating layer 15, that is to say on the side 3 of the multilayer system 2 facing the surface to be treated, the spacer layer 16 is then arranged, which ensures that sufficient gas volumes are provided so that a plasma can ignite.

[0071] Finally, a third insulating layer 17 is arranged on the side 3 of the multilayer system 2 facing the surface to be treated and above the spacer layer 16. The third insulating layer 17 has a thickness of between 100 μm and 300 μm, preferably of 200 μm, and is in direct contact with the surface to be treated. Preferably, the third insulating layer 17 is then formed with a skin- and/or wound-compatible material, preferably with antiseptic and/or atraumatic properties.

[0072] In the present case, as shown in FIG. 2, the second electrode layer 14 is formed with a plurality of recesses, in particular grid-like. Without restricting the invention, however, the recesses can also be designed in the form of holes, strips, meanders, honeycomb, circular and/or square.

[0073] Furthermore, the spacer layer 16 can also be formed in the form of a honeycomb, wherein the spacer layer 16 can also be realized by means of projections or webs without restriction of the invention. Possible materials for the spacer layer 16 are polymers, elastomers and/or silicones or the like. In principle, a large number of possible materials can be used, such as, for example, inorganic or organic materials, in particular natural and/or synthetic materials, such as thermoplastics, thermosets and/or elastomers. For further possible materials reference is also made, for example, to the book “Kunststoff-Taschenbuch” (28th edition) by Karl Oberbach and Hansjürgen Saechtling. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer layer is formed with projections and/or webs, which have a height between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

[0074] Overall, the multilayer system shown in FIG. 2 has a thickness D2 of between 2 mm and 15 mm. Here, it is provided that the layers, which are in direct contact with the surface to be treated, are formed from a heat-resistant, biocompatible and chemically stable plastics.

[0075] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment for a cable 5 with a plug 30. The essential task of the cable 5 is to transmit the high voltage necessary for the generation of a plasma from a high voltage generator (not shown) to the device, wherein the cable comprises at least one HV conductor, an insulator and a ground line (not shown). The connection of the cable to the device can optionally be fixed or via a plugging system, whereby the plug variant permits a simple replacement of the cable in the event of defects and/or for cleaning/disinfecting purposes. Furthermore, all possible cable lengths from 1 m to 20 m are provided.

[0076] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 shows a cable with a possible plug, the plug 30 comprising a lower plug housing 31, an upper plug housing 32 and a clamping device 33. In addition, the plug 30 comprises a first terminal 34 for the first electrode of the device (not shown), a second terminal 36 for a second electrode of a device, and a further terminal 35 for control signals and or, for example, for reading operational parameters for the device that are for example stored on a chip in the device.

[0077] The illustrated clamping device 33 of the plug 30 is displaceable between a first open position and a second closed position. Here, the device (not shown) is electrically connected to the cable 5 in the closed position, and in the open position the device is then electrically disconnected from the cable 5.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows a possible embodiment of the interior of a plug 30, as is shown and described, for example, in FIG. 3. The connector, in particular the lower plug housing 31, comprises a first clamping tongue 37 and a second clamping tongue 38 each configured to connect the first or second electrode of the device (not shown) to a high voltage terminal 39 or a ground terminal 40 of the cable (not shown), wherein the cable is connected to the plug 30 via the cable connection 41. Furthermore, the plug 30 comprises at least one joint 42. By means of the joint 42, the clamping device 33 can be displaced from the open to the closed position and vice versa. Here, the clamping device interacts with the first clamping tongue 37 and the second clamping tongue such that, in the closed position, the first and/or second electrode of the device is electrically connected to the high-voltage connection 39 or the ground connection 40 of the cable. In the open position of the clamping device, the clamping tongues release the respective electrodes so that they are no longer electrically connected to the cable. Plugs and clamping devices are designed in such a way that they meet high voltage requirements.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a perspective, schematic representation of a device 1 for treating surfaces, as is illustrated and described, for example, in FIG. 1, together with a plug 30, as is shown and described, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0080] FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment for a clamping device 33 for a plug (not shown) as is described in FIGS. 3 and 4. Schematically shown is the displacement movement of the clamping device 33 from the open position A to the closed position B, the arrow indicating the direction of movement of the clamping device during the displacement.

[0081] FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment for a generator unit 70 for providing a high voltage for operating a device, as is illustrated and described, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. The generator unit 70 serves primarily to provide the high voltage by means of a high voltage generator for the device. For this purpose, the generator unit 70 comprises a high-voltage generator with a control unit and at least one connection for the (supply) cable of the (plasma) device and a mains connection with mains switch (not shown). Optionally, a gas connection is provided with a gas flow controller and/or a compressor and/or a filter and/or a suction device. Furthermore, a display 71, further control units, microcontrollers, boards, etc., are preferably provided for operating the generator unit.

[0082] The generator unit 70 is also configured to interact with a device, in particular to automatically read out the operating parameters of a particular device which are stored, for example, on a chip 80 (see also FIG. 8) in the device. Based on the read-out operating parameters, the generator unit can then be set automatically without having to set the parameter setting manually by a user at the generator unit. The operating parameters can then also be displayed on the display or screen 71 of the generator unit 70.

[0083] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment for a system 100 with a device, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, of a generator unit as described in FIG. 7, wherein the device and generator unit are controllably connected by means of a Cable 5.

[0084] FIG. 9 shows various embodiments, in particular recesses in the first and second electrode layer of a device for treating surfaces, as is shown and described, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. Various embodiments are shown, each having a first electrode 12, a second electrode 14, and a dielectric layer 13 between the first and second electrode 12, 14. Various shapes for recesses 90 in the second electrode 14 are shown, for example, hole-shaped 91, strip-shaped 92, meandering 95, honeycomb-shaped 94, circular 96 and/or square recesses 93. Without restricting the invention, it may also be provided that both the first and second electrodes 12, 14 are formed with recesses 90 in various shapes.

REFERENCE LIST

[0085] 1 device [0086] 2 Multilayer system [0087] 3 Facing side of the device 1 [0088] 4 Facing away side of device 1 [0089] 5 Cable [0090] 11 First insulating layer [0091] 12 First electrode layer, in particular high-voltage electrode layer [0092] 13 Dielectric layer [0093] 14 Second electrode layer, in particular ground electrode layer [0094] 15 Second insulating layer [0095] 16 Spacer layer [0096] 17 Third insulating layer [0097] 30 Plug [0098] 31 Lower plug housing [0099] 32 Top plug housing [0100] 33 Clamping device [0101] 34 Connection for the second electrode layer 14 [0102] 35 Additional Connection [0103] 36 Connection for the first electrode layer 12 [0104] 37 First clamping tongue [0105] 38 Second clamping tongue [0106] 39 High voltage connection [0107] 40 Ground connection [0108] 41 Cable connection [0109] 42 Joint [0110] 70 Generator unit [0111] 71 Display [0112] 80 Information carriers [0113] 90 Recess in the first and/or second electrode layer [0114] 91 Hole-shaped recess [0115] 92 Strip-shaped recess [0116] 93 Square recess [0117] 94 Honeycomb-shaped recess [0118] 95 Meandering recess [0119] 96 Circular and/or semi-circular recess [0120] 100 System [0121] A Open position of the clamping device 33 [0122] B Closed position of the clamping device 33 [0123] D2 Thickness of the multilayer system 2 [0124] L2 Length of the multilayer system 2 [0125] B2 Width of the multilayer system 2