Abstract
The invention relates to a device (1) for treating objects, in particular dental prosthetics and/or teeth, comprising a receiving volume (3) for receiving a cleaning fluid (5), a plasma source (7) configured to generate a non-thermal plasma (35), wherein the device (1) is configured for mixing a plasma product with the cleaning fluid (5), whereby an activated cleaning fluid can be generated, and wherein the device (1) is configured for using the activated cleaning fluid on an object, in particular on at least one dental prosthesis and/or at least one tooth.
Claims
1. A device for treating objects, comprising: a receiving volume arranged in a receiving container for receiving a cleaning fluid; and a plasma source configured to generate a nonthermal plasma, wherein the device is configured to mix a plasma product with cleaning fluid via a mixing apparatus, whereby an activated cleaning fluid can be generated, wherein the device is configured to take gas from an air space above a fill level of the cleaning fluid and to supply the gas via a conduit to the mixing apparatus arranged in the receiving volume below the fill level, wherein the plasma source is arranged and configured for generating the nonthermal plasma in the gas conveyed in the conduit, wherein the conduit is configured as a medium line having a media inlet which terminates in the air space above the fill level of the cleaning fluid in the receiving volume and a media outlet which terminates at the mixing apparatus, and wherein the device is configured to use the activated cleaning fluid on an object.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plasma source is arranged in the conduit.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a base which has a mounting surface for arranging the receiving container, and wherein a control apparatus and/or an electrical storage apparatus for the plasma source is arranged: in the base and/or in a covering apparatus assigned to the receiving volume.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the receiving container is configured to receive at least one dental prosthesis, and/or the device has an application apparatus for supplying the activated cleaning fluid into the mouth of a user.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has an arrangement region for arranging the receiving container, and wherein a covering apparatus can be moved on a main body of the device so that the covering apparatus is moved into a covering position covering the receiving container when the covering container is arranged in the arrangement region.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the mixing apparatus has: an atomizer, a ventilating apparatus, and/or the media outlet of the medium line having the plasma source.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the conduit has the media inlet arranged above the fill level of the cleaning fluid.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the conduit has an outlet below the fill level of the cleaning fluid.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the mixing apparatus is the outlet of the conduit.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the conduit has a conveying apparatus.
11. A method for treating the objects, comprising using the device of claim 1: to generate the non-thermal plasma; to mix the plasma product with the cleaning fluid; to activate the cleaning fluid with the plasma product, and to use the activated cleaning fluid on the object.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a ratio of an air volume in which the nonthermal plasma is generated to a volume of the cleaning fluid is selected to be at least 1:3 to at most 3:1.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein a duty cycle and or a performance of the plasma source for generating the nonthermal plasma is selected so that: active oxygen species or active nitrogen species predominate in the plasma product.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: water; an alcoholic solution; oxygen-enriched water, and/or a phosphate-buffered saline solution is used as the cleaning fluid.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the activated cleaning fluid is generated that has: a hydrogen peroxide content less than that of a threshold for nonprofessional dental whiteners applicable in the European Union on the date determining the priority of the present application, and/or the quality of drinking water.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. In the following:
(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a device for treating objects, in particular dental prosthetics and/or teeth;
(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic detailed representation of an exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1;
(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the device;
(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of the device;
(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the device;
(7) FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the device;
(8) FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the device;
(9) FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the device;
(10) FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of the relationship between a mixing time, the duty cycle of a plasma source, and the bactericidal effect of a cleaning fluid produced by means of the device according to the invention and a method according to the invention, and
(11) FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic representation of the efficiency of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for whitening objects, in particular for whitening teeth.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(12) FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for treating, in particular for cleaning, most particularly for disinfecting and/or whitening objects, in particular dental prosthetics and/or teeth. The device has a receiving volume 3 which is configured to receive cleaning fluid 5, wherein preferably water, in particular drinking or tap water, an alcoholic solution, water enriched with hydrogen, and/or a phosphate-buffered saline solution is used as the cleaning fluid 5.
(13) The device 1 has a plasma source 7 which is configured to generate a nonthermal plasma. The plasma source 7 is arranged in the exemplary embodiment portrayed here such that it can act on an air space 11 arranged in the receiving volume 3 above the fill level 9 of the cleaning fluid 5 which for example can be predetermined by a fill level marking. The plasma source 7 is integrated here on a covering apparatus 13 assigned to the receiving volume 3, in particular in the covering apparatus 13. The covering apparatus 13 is designed here as a cover for an in particular cup-like receiving container 15, wherein the receiving volume 3 is arranged in the receiving container 15. By means of the covering apparatus 13, the receiving container 15 can be covered, whereby the receiving volume 3 is provided as a closed volume.
(14) The exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown here has a base 17 that has a mounting surface 19 for arranging the receiving container 15. In this case in the exemplary embodiment shown here, a control unit apparatus (not shown) and/or an electrical storage apparatus (also not shown) for controlling and/or supplying the plasma source 7 is arranged in the base 17. The covering apparatus 13 and in particular the plasma source 7 arranged therein or thereupon is/are connected here by an electrical connecting line 21 to the base 17.
(15) It is alternatively however also possible for the control apparatus and/or the electrical storage apparatus, in particular together with the plasma source 7, to be arranged in the covering apparatus 13. In this case, it is also possible to dispense with the base 17.
(16) In the context of a preferred embodiment of the method for treating dental prosthetics and/or teeth, the cleaning fluid 5 is preferably arranged in the receiving container 15. The receiving container 15 is then closed with the assistance of the covering apparatus 13, and the nonthermal plasma is generated in the air space 11 by means of a plasma source 7.
(17) The device 1 is configured to mix a plasma product, in particular of the nonthermal plasma, with the cleaning fluid 5 in order to generate an activated cleaning fluid. Such mixing can in particular be carried out by shaking the receiving container 15 in the exemplary embodiment portrayed in FIG. 1 so that the active substances from the plasma are as it were shaken out of the plasma into the cleaning fluid 5, or absorbed into it so that the cleaning fluid is activated. Shaking preferably occurs when the receiving container 15 is in a covered state, wherein it is possible to use the covering apparatus 13 for covering. It is however also possible for a separate cover or separate, second covering apparatus to be provided without a plasma source so that, after the plasma is generated, the first covering apparatus 13 is removed, and the separate, second covering apparatus is placed on the receiving container 15. The receiving vessel 15 can then be shaken to activate cleaning fluid.
(18) The device 1 is moreover configured for using the activated cleaning fluid on at least one dental prosthetic and/or at least one tooth. With the device 1 portrayed here, it is easily possible in this case to arrange a digital prosthetic in the receiving container 15, in particular to insert it in the activated cleaning fluid so that it is preferably completely covered by the activated cleaning fluid. The dental prosthetic can then rest for a predetermined time in the receiving container 15 and thereby be cleaned, in particular disinfected, and/or whitened.
(19) The receiving container 15 is preferably designed like a toothbrush cup or toothbrush glass.
(20) It is also possible for the activated cleaning fluid to be used in the mouth of the user, for example by rinsing or gargling. Since the activated cleaning fluid preferably has the quality of drinking water, it is harmless when it is at least partially swallowed by the user.
(21) FIG. 2 shows a detailed representation of the device 1 according to FIG. 1, wherein in particular the plasma source 7 is further clarified. The same and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs so that reference is made to the preceding description. The plasma source 7 functions in this case according to the principle of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). In this case, a first electrode 23 is spaced by a dielectric 25 that for example can be designed as a glass plate from the second electrode 27, wherein the electrodes 23, 27 are each arranged here on opposite surfaces of the dielectric 25. In this case, the first electrode 23 is arranged on a side of the dielectric 25 facing the air space 11, wherein the second electrode 27 is arranged on a side of the dielectric 25 facing away from the air space 11. The first electrode 23 can also be embedded in the dielectric 25.
(22) The first electrode 23 is preferably designed as a grid electrode that can in particular be formed from individual conductor elements which are arranged distributed in the shape of a grid over the surface of the dielectric 25.
(23) The second electrode 27 is connected to an electrical power source 29, in particular a voltage source, in particular such that a potential different from ground can be applied to the second electrode 27. The power source 29 can in particular be configured as an alternating voltage source so that an alternating voltage can be applied to the second electrode 27.
(24) The first electrode 23 is preferably connected to a ground connection 31. It can be a ground connection 31 of the power source 29, or a ground connection 31 that is however external therefrom.
(25) Reverse contacting the electrodes 23, 27 is also possible, wherein however the first electrode 23 facing a user is preferably applied to ground for reasons of safety.
(26) The power source 29 is preferably part of a control apparatus 33 for controlling the plasma source 7. If the power source 29 is activated and a voltage, in particular an alternating voltage, is accordingly applied to the second electrode 27, a nonthermal plasma 35 (schematically indicated in this case) is generated in the air space 11.
(27) It is possible for both electrodes 23, 27 to be embedded in the dielectric 25 and hence in particular to be encapsulated. The electrode arrangement of the plasma source can be designed very thin, wherein in particular it can have a thickness or strength of at least 20 μm up to at most 500 μm, preferably up to at most 300 μm. The electrode arrangement is accordingly very flexible and can be readily brought into a shape that is useful for the device 1.
(28) FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the device 1. The same and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs so that reference is made to the preceding description. The exemplary embodiment portrayed here does not have a base 17. In this case, the control apparatus 33 and preferably the electrical storage apparatus for the plasma source 7 are preferably integrated in the covering apparatus 13. It is however also possible for this exemplary embodiment which is further explained in the following to have a base 17 and accordingly be designed like the exemplary embodiment portrayed in FIG. 1. It is also possible for the plasma source 7 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 to be designed as portrayed in FIG. 2.
(29) In the exemplary embodiment portrayed in FIG. 3, a mixing apparatus 37 is provided which is only schematically portrayed in this case. The mixing apparatus 37 can be designed as an atomizer, in particular as a piezo or ultrasonic atomizer, or also as a ventilation apparatus, in particular as an aerator. If the mixing apparatus 37 is designed as an aerator, it preferably has a porous ceramic through which plasma-containing air from the air space 11 can be introduced into the cleaning fluid 5. For this, preferably a fluid line is provided to the air space 11 that is not shown in FIG. 3. If the mixing device 37 is provided, bothersome shaking of the receiving container 15 or other parts of the device 1 is unnecessary. Instead, the mixing can be easy, comfortable and reproducible by means of the mixing device 37.
(30) FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of the device 1. The same and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs so that reference is made to the preceding description. In the present exemplary embodiment, the covering apparatus 13 and the base 17 are arranged on a common main body 39 of the device 1, wherein the control apparatus and/or the electrical storage apparatus for the plasma source 7 can be arranged in the main body 39 or integrated therein. Moreover, an apparatus which may be provided for operating the mixing apparatus 37 (not explicitly shown here) can be arranged in the main body 39 or integrated therein, for example a control apparatus for operating a piezo atomizer, or a pump for delivering plasma-containing gas or air to an aerator. The base 17 can in particular have a connecting apparatus integrated in the mounting surface 19 to which a leadthrough through a wall, in particular the floor, of the receiving container 15 can be connected for connecting the mixing apparatus 37 when the receiving container 15 is arranged on the mounting surface 19. The leadthrough can be an electrical leadthrough and/or a fluid leadthrough. Plasma-containing air or plasma-containing gas can also be removed from the air space 11 via the covering apparatus 13 which then preferably has a corresponding suction opening as well as a corresponding fluid line.
(31) In the exemplary embodiment of the device 1 portrayed here, the covering apparatus 13 is movably arranged on the main body 39, namely pivotable here in particular about a hinge axis 41. The covering apparatus 13 is therefore pivotable upward into an open position and downward into a covering position, wherein it covers the covering container 15 in the covering position. It is alternatively also possible for the covering device 13 to be pivotable into an open position about an oblique axis, in particular perpendicular to the hinge axis 41 to the side of the covering position portrayed in FIG. 4. It is also possible that the covering apparatus 13 can be provided on the main body 39 so as to be otherwise movable, in particular linearly movable as well, for example upward in order to be movable into an open position on the one hand and into a covering position on the other hand. The covering apparatus 13 is preferably arranged so as to be movable on the main body 39 so that it can be moved into the covering position when the receiving container 15 is arranged in an arrangement region 43 provided therefor. In this case, the covering apparatus 13 can in particular be automatically closed, wherein it is preferably also automatically openable, i.e., can be moved into its open position, when the receiving container 15 is removed from the arrangement region 43.
(32) Particularly preferably, the plasma source 7 can be automatically activated when the covering apparatus 13 is closed, and in particular when the receiving container 15 is arranged in the arrangement region 43.
(33) FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the device 1. The same and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs so that reference is made to the preceding description. With the exemplary embodiment portrayed here, the plasma source 7 is arranged separately from the receiving volume 3, wherein it is in particular arranged outside of the receiving container 15. The plasma source 7 is in particular arranged in a medium line 51, wherein the medium line 51 is designed to convey a gaseous medium. The plasma source 7 is arranged and configured such that a plasma can be generated by the plasma source 7 in the gaseous medium conveyed by the medium line 51. The medium line 51 has a media outlet 53 that terminates in the receiving volume 3 below the fill level 9, i.e., submersed in the cleaning fluid 5. In this case, it is in particular possible for the media outlet 53 to terminate in an aerator or ventilator.
(34) The medium line 51 has a media inlet 55 that terminates in the air space 11 above the relevant fill level 9 for the cleaning fluid 5. A delivery apparatus 57 is arranged in the medium line 51 that serves to deliver the gaseous medium along the medium line 51 from the media inlet 55 via the plasma source 7 to the media outlet 53. The plasma source 7 in this case is arranged in the medium line 51 downstream from the media inlet 55 and upstream from the media outlet 53. The delivery apparatus 57 is arranged upstream from the plasma source 7 in the exemplary embodiment portrayed here.
(35) The plasma source 7 can have a hollow electrode arrangement, in particular a cylindrical electrode arrangement or also one that has a polygonal cross-section, or also at least one planar electrode arrangement, or a stacked arrangement of planar electrodes. It is also possible for the plasma source 7 to have a perforated electrode arrangement through which the gaseous medium is conducted.
(36) The exemplary embodiment portrayed in FIG. 5 can preferably be combined with the exemplary embodiment portrayed in FIG. 4 such that the plasma source 7 is arranged on or in the main body 39, wherein the medium line 51 preferably extends through the main body 39 or along the main body 39. The delivery apparatus 57 is also preferably arranged on or in the main body 39. The media inlet 55 can preferably be integrated in the covering apparatus 13, or arranged in the covering apparatus 13. The media outlet 53 can in turn preferably be arranged on or in the base 17, in particular in the form of a leadthrough, in particular integrated in the base 17. The medium line 51 can then in particular run from the covering apparatus 13 through the main body 39 into the base 17.
(37) FIG. 6 shows a representation of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the device 1. The same and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs so that reference is made to the preceding description. In this case, a unit which in particular can be arranged separately from the receiving volume 3 and in particular separately from the receiving container 15 is portrayed here and has the plasma source 7, the delivery apparatus 57 and in part the medium line 51. This apparatus can be provided as a separate assembly. In this context it has a first line connector 59 which serves to connect to a section of the medium line 51 that runs to the media inlet 55, as well as a second line connector 61 which serves to connect to a section of the medium line 51 which leads to the media outlet 53. In this context, the plasma source 7 has two cylindrical electrode arrangements 7.1, 7.2. An electrical leadthrough 63 is also portrayed by means of which the electrode arrangement 7.1, 7.2 can be contacted.
(38) With the embodiments of the device 1 according to FIGS. 5 and 6, plasma-containing air can be guided via the air space 11, the medium line 51 and the cleaning fluid 5 in a circuit so that an active operating state of the device 1 can be established very quickly.
(39) In all of the exemplary embodiments of the device 1 described up to this point, it is possible to configure the receiving container 15 to receive at least one dental prosthetic. In particular, but not exclusively, it is additionally or alternatively possible in the exemplary embodiment portrayed in FIG. 4 to provide an application apparatus 45 which is configured to supply the active cleaning fluid into the mouth of a user. For this, the application apparatus 45 can in particular have an oral nozzle 47. The device 1 is accordingly preferably formed overall as an oral irrigator. The application apparatus 45 preferably has a hose connection 49 by means of which it is connected in particular to the main body 39. A pump, etc. can be arranged in the main body 39, wherein by means of this pump etc., activated cleaning fluid can be delivered from the receiving volume 3 through the hose connection 49 and the oral nozzle 47 into the mouth of the user. To remove the activated cleaning fluid from the receiving volume 3, a fluid leadthrough in particular in a wall, in particular a floor of the receiving container 15 can be used which can be connected to a corresponding connecting device or docking site in the mounting surface 19.
(40) In a preferred embodiment of the method proposed here, a ratio of an air volume and/or an air mass in which the nonthermal plasma is generated to a volume and/or mass of the cleaning fluid 5 of at least 1:3 to at most 3:1 is selected.
(41) A duty cycle and/or a performance of the plasma source 7 for generating the nonthermal plasma is preferably selected so that active oxygen species or active nitrogen species predominate in the nonthermal plasma.
(42) Preferably, an activated cleaning fluid is generated that has a hydrogen peroxide content below a threshold applicable in the European Union on the priority date of the application for nonprofessional teeth whitening, and/or that has the quality of drinking water.
(43) FIG. 7 shows a representation of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the device 1. The same and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs so that reference is made to the preceding description. The device 1 in this context has a gas separating apparatus 65 in the form of a nozzle 67 arranged on the receiving container 15 which terminates submersed, i.e., below the fill level 9 in the receiving volume 3. It is accordingly possible to pour out the activated cleaning fluid without simultaneously removing gaseous components, in particular ozone, of the plasma product.
(44) A check valve in the form of a ball valve 69 is integrated in the spout 67. A grating 71 prevents the shut-off ball of the ball valve 69 from falling out and can at the same time optionally be used to filter the cleaning fluid.
(45) The device 1 also has a heating apparatus 73 integrated in the covering apparatus 13 which in particular is provided to prevent undesired condensation.
(46) The receiving container 15 has a handle 75 in which in this context the control apparatus 33, for example, as well as preferably a battery, etc. is/are integrated.
(47) The mixing apparatus 37 is designed in this context as a piezo atomizer.
(48) The base 17 has an inductive voltage supply 77, wherein an induction coil 81 is integrated in a floor 79 of the receiving container. The inductive voltage supply is assigned a mains plug 82 in this context.
(49) FIG. 8 shows a representation of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the device 1. The same and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs so that reference is made to the preceding description. In the following, differences from the sixth exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 will be addressed in particular: In the exemplary embodiment portrayed here in FIG. 8, the fluid line 83 is integrated in the handle 75 by means of which the plasma-activated air, as indicated by arrows, can be removed from the air space 11 and supplied to the mixing apparatus 37 designed here as an aerator. For this, a fluid delivery device 85, preferably a membrane pump, is arranged in the fluid line 83.
(50) FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of the effectiveness of the method proposed in this context. In this case, a duty cycle t.sub.P for the plasma source 7 is plotted on the horizontal axis. A mixing time t.sub.M is plotted in minutes on the vertical axis as the time for mixing the plasma product with the cleaning fluid. Moreover, different limit curves for different volumes of water as the cleaning fluid are indicated in the diagram, wherein the volumes are assigned to the curves by arrows. Bacteria of the E. coli type were suspended in the volumes of water. Then the water was arranged in a receiving container. The plasma source was activated for the indicated duty cycle t.sub.P, and the thus-generated plasma product was mixed with water for the mixing time t.sub.M. The limit curves portrayed here show a limit for each indicated volume, above and to the right of which a region is indicated in which the bacteria were reduced in the water by more than 6 orders of magnitude. If the respective limit line is exceeded at higher duty cycles of the plasma source, and/or at higher mixing times, the reduction of bacteria in the water by plasma activation is more than 6 orders of magnitude. This can be expressed in particular as a so-called sterility assurance level (SAL), wherein an SAL value can also be used for evaluating a sterilization process. A reduction by 6 orders of magnitude means a reduction of the bacteria burden by a factor of 10.sup.6, which normally is also termed a 6-log reduction in terms of an SAL value.
(51) With reference to FIG. 9, it is shown that the method proposed here and the device proposed here are extremely efficient, and a significant reduction of a bacteria burden can be achieved within a short time. A similar case cannot be prevented for viruses because a reduction by more than 8 orders of magnitude was revealed in each experiment, so that nearly all of the viruses were deactivated within the measured times.
(52) FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic representation of the effectiveness of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for whitening objects, in particular teeth and/or dental prosthetics. In this case, a standardized gray value G in minutes of an object, in particular a dental prosthetic or a tooth is plotted here against a treatment time t. A first arrow P.sub.1 points in the direction of brighter, standardized gray values. A second arrow P.sub.2 points in the direction of darker, standardized gray values. A first top, solid curve shows the results of a whitening treatment with the method according to the invention using an activated cleaning fluid based on water with a hydrogen peroxide content of less than 0.1%. A second dashed curve portrayed below the first curve shows the results of a whitening treatment with a 1% aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. A third dotted curve arranged below the second curve shows the results of a treatment with non-activated water not containing hydrogen peroxide. A fourth dot-dashed curve portrayed below the third curve shows control values that were taken without any treatment. The error bar drawn in each case shows the bandwidth of the variation in the different experiments. It is clearly revealed that treatment with plasma-activated water as portrayed in the first solid curve provides a significantly better whitening effect over the same length of treatment than treatment with aqueous 1% hydrogen peroxide solution according to the second dashed curve.
(53) Overall, it is revealed that an option is created with the method proposed here, and the device 1 proposed here which is as simple as it is efficient, and simultaneously harmless with regard to the health the user, in particular for treating dental prosthetics and/or teeth.
