DE102020111800A1 - DEVICE FOR DISINFECTING - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for disinfection (50), comprising - a base module (40, 42) and - a mounting module (30, 32).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of invention

The invention relates to a device for disinfection for the production of a low-germ or germ-reduced product by means of cold atmospheric plasmas with an exchangeable protective atmosphere system.

Since time immemorial mankind has been confronted with viral or bacterial infectious diseases. Pandemic virus infections occur more frequently and at ever shorter intervals in our society, see Spanish flu 1918, SARS-CoV 2002/2003, bird flu 2004, swine flu 2009/2010, SARS-CoV-2 / Covid 19 2019/2020. Antibiotic resistance is just as common in bacterial infections.

In order to avoid infections, in addition to general hygiene measures, various disinfection and decontamination measures are possible, especially in everyday clinical and medical life, but also in everyday social life.

With disinfection, the number of infectious agents is reduced to such an extent that transmission or infection is no longer possible. There is no one hundred percent reduction in germs.

In addition to chemical disinfection with chemical agents (alcohols, aldehydes, halogens, phenol, oxidizing agents), physical disinfection by means of radiation, dry heat or moist heat is used.

For many products used in medicine, such as protective clothing and face masks, however, the established sterilization and disinfection processes using high temperatures or radioactive radiation or through the action of highly reactive chemicals are usually not applicable without damaging these products.

State of the art

An alternative method to established physical sterilization and disinfection processes is the use of plasma such as low-pressure plasma or atmospheric cold plasma to inactivate or kill microorganisms; see: M oreau M, Orange N, Feuilloley MGJ. Nonthermal plasma technologies: new tools for bio-decontamination. Biotechnol Adv 2008; 26: 610-617 ; Ehlbeck, J., et al., “Low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma sources for microbial decontamination, Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics, 2011. 44 .

According to the definition, plasma is an ionized gas, which is often referred to as the fourth state of matter of matter. Plasmas occur as natural phenomena, see lightning in nature or are technically generated by the application of electrical fields. In the process, highly excited particles and radicals are generated, which in turn can trigger chemical reactions at low temperatures.

Plasma treatment leads to lethal damage to the components of pathogen cells such as their cell walls, membranes or DNA. The lethal damage is the result of oxidation of cell components, the accumulation of charged particles on the cell surface, the drop in the pH value with the loss of pH regulation as well as the collapse of the membrane potential and the production of energy.

It is well known that plasma has a proven antibacterial and virucidal effect and thus inactivates and kills microorganisms, viruses and multi-resistant pathogens efficiently and predictably.

In medical technology, plasma has been used successfully for years for surface sterilization and decontamination of heat-sensitive materials and medical products. Both low-pressure and atmospheric cold plasma are used with the use of various gases such as oxygen or argon.

The plasma systems used are almost exclusively used in the industrial environment for the preparation of sterile goods and hardly at all in the clinical environment, such as clinics and practices. Most of the larger industrial plants and devices are not suitable for use in a clinic or doctor's office due to their design and specification as well as their usability.

Since virus infections have become more common and more and more often take on pandemic proportions, hygiene awareness in our society has been increasing steadily. Especially in the everyday life of clinics, medical, dental and surgical practices, there is a very high need for protective equipment such as mouth and nose protection (MSN or face masks) and protective gowns. Political measures to avoid the spread of virus infections, such as exit restrictions or the obligation to take protective measures such as wearing face masks, also arise in industry as well as in the private, domestic sector an equally high demand for, for example, face masks.

Face masks are designed to reduce and prevent the transmission of pathogens through secretion droplets. Face masks consist of one or more layers of paper or fleece as well as an integrated flexible metal bracket and are usually fixed behind the ears or on the back of the head with a tape or rubber band. A distinction is made between simple paper or cloth masks and particle-filtering respiratory protection masks (FFP masks), which also protect against the inhalation of microparticles.

Most face masks, as medical products of risk class I, are disposable and must be disposed of after a single use. In exceptional cases, a face mask can be reused after decontamination. The high demand for face masks, 12 billion per year in Germany alone, as well as the associated waste issue with high CO2 emissions are not only a problem in Germany.

Alternative solutions are urgent to cover the high demand for face masks or protective clothing, as well as to avoid a high volume of garbage. The reuse of face masks is therefore obvious, but requires a validated reprocessing process for safe decontamination and disinfection. This makes an active contribution to avoiding waste, reducing CO2 emissions and ensuring protective masks or clothing for clinical staff and the general public.

There is currently no validated solution available that can be used in a short time of just a few minutes to gently and non-damaging reprocessing, decontamination and disinfection of face masks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a more flexible and locally usable device for decontamination and disinfection compared to the prior art, of face masks.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

The reprocessing by decontamination of used face masks and other contaminated goods can be carried out by a quick, user-friendly and practical process using atmospheric cold plasma. All other disinfection and sterilization processes are either destructive or impractical for other reasons and therefore unsuitable.

The present invention relates to the use of a mobile and smart plasma disinfection device for the fast, safe and validated decontamination and disinfection of medical and non-medical face masks and respiratory masks or other contaminated goods in the clinical environment of clinics and practices as well as in the industrial or domestic environment, without that their function is impaired or damaged.

It is about a combination of process and use, in this case atmospheric cold plasma in the form of a plasma generator in connection with a smart, safe, user-friendly, quickly deployable and quickly implementable simple use in the form of a mobile table-top and / or wall-mounted device for the multifunctional use in clinics, doctors and dentists, in industry or for domestic use.

The core technology of the disinfection device consists of a basic module with an integrated plasma generator as well as an exchangeable protective atmosphere system in which atmospheric cold plasma (ozone, active oxygen O3,) is generated and thus disinfects the used face masks or other contaminated goods and removes possible germs (bacteria, viruses) freed.

According to the invention, a base module is proposed in a first aspect, having a first housing with at least one first plasma generator for generating a plasma, a first connection detection unit which has mechanical and / or electrical interfaces that are suitable with mechanical and / or electrical interfaces of a second connection detection unit a mounting module to form a disinfection device to be coupled. The disinfection device consists of a base module and a mounting module. The base module that has the plasma generator can thus be configured separately from the mounting module.

For example, basic modules with plasma generators of different power are conceivable, depending on the intended application. A base module can also be connected to various mounting modules in which the sample to be disinfected is received. The first and second connection detection units must be coordinated with one another. For example is it is necessary that electrical contacts of the base module which are to be connected to electrical contacts of the mounting module are arranged at positions so that when connecting the base module to the mounting module, the electrical contacts of the respective modules can establish an electrical connection.

In an advantageous embodiment, the base module and the mounting module are connected to one another by means of a bayonet lock or a screw thread lock. In a further embodiment, the mechanical interface can have a form-fitting, counter-rotating and resilient sliding mechanism. The mechanical connection between the base module and the mounting module is advantageously reversible.

In an advantageous embodiment, the base module can have several plasma generators and several connection detection units, so that a connection unit is provided for each plasma generator, with which a mounting module can be connected to the base module. This means that several samples can be disinfected or contaminated in parallel.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first connection detection unit has a gas line, one end of the gas line being connected to the plasma generator and another end of the gas line being connectable to the mounting module, so that plasma generated by the plasma generator passes through the gas line from the plasma generator can flow to the mounting module. The generated plasma is channeled through the gas line and can flow into the mounting module without loss.

• - einen ersten Zustand, in welchem das Ventil geschlossen ist und dadurch die Gasleitung geschlossen ist,
• - einen zweiten Zustand, in welchem das Ventil geöffnet ist und Gas aus der Gasleitung ausströmen kann,
• - wobei im ersten Zustand das Basismodul und das Halterungsmodul räumlich voneinander getrennt sind, und wobei
• - durch eine mechanische und/oder elektrische Verbindung des Basismoduls mit dem Halterungsmodul der zweite Zustand erreichbar ist.

In an advantageous embodiment, the gas line has a valve which can assume two states,

• - a first state in which the valve is closed and thereby the gas line is closed,
• - a second state in which the valve is open and gas can flow out of the gas line,
• - wherein in the first state the base module and the mounting module are spatially separated from one another, and wherein
• - The second state can be achieved by a mechanical and / or electrical connection between the base module and the mounting module.

This ensures that the valve is only opened and plasma can flow out of the gas line when the base module and the mounting module are connected to one another.

In an advantageous embodiment, the base module has a fan with which ambient air can be sucked in from outside the first housing and plasma generated from the ambient air by the plasma generator can be conducted through the gas line into the mounting module.

The ambient air contains oxygen, which is converted into active oxygen or ozone by the plasma generator. The ozone can be used for disinfection or decontamination. The ambient air can advantageously be used to generate plasma for disinfection or decontamination, which air can be sucked into the first housing by means of the fan through ventilation grids arranged on the first housing and can be fed to the plasma generator. The fan also has the function of feeding the generated plasma through the gas line to the holding module, in which samples are placed for disinfection. Another advantage is that the path of the gas from which the plasma is generated to the location at which the plasma is used for disinfection, that is to say the mounting module, is very short. This is because the ambient air is immediately available in the vicinity of the base module, and the further distance is determined by the size of the base module and the mounting module. For effective disinfection, fans with a fan output that allow a flow rate of 1-3 m ³ / min can be used.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first connection detection unit has at least one first magnetic contact, which can be electrically connected to a second magnetic contact of the mounting module, so that it can be determined on the basis of the electrical connection of the first and second magnetic contacts whether the base module with the mounting module connected is. This can be used to determine whether the disinfection device is ready for use. An electronic unit in which the necessary signal processing and evaluation can be carried out can advantageously be provided in the base module. Furthermore, a display device can signal to a user whether the base module and the mounting module are connected to one another.

• - einen ersten Zustand, in welchem die Abschaltvorrichtung inaktiv ist und der Plasmagenerator aktivierbar ist,
• - einen zweiten Zustand, in welchem die Abschaltvorrichtung aktiv ist, und der Plasmagenerator nicht aktivierbar ist, wobei
• - durch eine Trennung einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen dem ersten magnetischen Kontakt und dem zweiten magnetischen Kontakt (18) der zweite Zustand erreichbar ist, und wobei
• - durch Herstellung einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen dem ersten magnetischen Kontakt und dem zweiten magnetischen Kontakt (15, 18) der erste Zustand erreichbar ist.

In an advantageous embodiment, the base module has a switch-off device which is suitable for automatically switching off the plasma generator and which has two states,

• - a first state in which the switch-off device is inactive and the plasma generator can be activated,
• - A second state in which the shutdown device is active and the plasma generator cannot be activated, wherein
• - by separating an electrical connection between the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact ( 18th ) the second state is achievable, and where
• - by establishing an electrical connection between the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact ( 15th , 18th ) the first state can be reached.

This ensures that the plasma generator can only be activated when an electrical connection has been established between the first and second magnetic contacts, in other words when the base module and the mounting module are electrically connected to one another. The plasma generator generates plasma accordingly when the plasma is connected to the connected second housing of the mounting module as a collecting container. An uncontrolled generation of plasma that flows into the environment is avoided.

In an advantageous embodiment, the base module is integrated into a closure which is suitable for closing a second housing of the holding module. This achieves a compact design, since the base module is integrated into the second housing of the mounting module. The closure can be designed as a cover. The closure can have magnetic contacts which interact with magnetic contacts of the second housing, so that the closure is additionally secured by the magnetic force. Furthermore, it can be determined via the magnetic contact whether the closure is connected to the second housing. A disconnection device can be connected to the magnetic contact, which ensures that the plasma generator can only be active when the closure is in contact with the second housing. In this embodiment of the mounting module, an electrical interface is provided on the opposite side of the lock, to which a power source can be connected. This has the advantage that the disinfection device can be transported more easily as a compact unit, without a power supply unit with an associated cable or a battery station.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the base module has a transmitter and receiver unit which can receive and / or send data and measured values. This can be done via a cable connection or a common radio connection such as Bluetooth, WLAN or a cellular network such as LTE.

Furthermore, the base module advantageously has evaluation electronics with which received data and measured values can be evaluated and passed on to a signal unit.

• - ein zweites Gehäuse, mit
• - einer Aufnahmevorrichtung für die Aufnahme eines zu desinfizierenden Gegenstands,
• - eine zweite Verbindungsdetektionseinheit, welche mechanische und/oder elektrische Schnittstellen aufweist, welche geeignet sind mit mechanischen und/oder elektrischen Schnittstellen einer ersten Verbindungsdetektionseinheit eines Basismoduls zur Ausbildung eines Desinfektionsgerätes, gekoppelt zu werden.

In a second aspect of the invention, a mounting module is proposed, having

• - a second housing, with
• - a receiving device for receiving an object to be disinfected,
• a second connection detection unit which has mechanical and / or electrical interfaces which are suitable for being coupled to mechanical and / or electrical interfaces of a first connection detection unit of a base module for forming a disinfection device.

In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving device has a grid-like structure. A grid-like structure is advantageous compared to a container with a continuous surface, since fewer contact points are formed between the sample and the grid-like structure, which counteract decontamination. The grid-like structure can have a sieve insert.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second housing has a closing means with which the second housing can be closed in a gas-tight manner, the closing means being removable, in particular when the base module and the mounting module are connected to one another. The use of the closure means is advantageous if the second housing or the mounting module is to be transported and it is to be avoided that contaminants get into the second housing during transport. The locking means is before the connection of the mounting module with the base module.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second housing has one or more measuring units for measuring the ozone concentration and / or the oxygen concentration. This is advantageous, on the one hand, as to whether there is a sufficient concentration for the disinfection. If the concentration is too low, conclusions can be drawn about a leak in the gas line or a defect in the plasma generator. On the other hand, too high an ozone concentration can affect human health. One or more measuring units are advantageously electrically coupled to the base module so that the measured values can be transmitted to evaluation electronics in the base module. This can be done via a cable connection, or via a radio signal. Furthermore, a moisture sensor can advantageously be provided which enables a measurement to be made as to whether the prevailing environment enables adequate disinfection. Excessive humidity can counteract ozone decontamination.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second housing has a catalyst for breaking down the plasma. The catalyst can for example be arranged on the closure. Alternatively, a filter can also be provided.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second housing has a ventilation system with a plasma supply line which is coupled to the gas line of the base module and which has a smaller cross section than the gas line. This is intended to enable a faster flow of the plasma into the second housing. The plasma supply line can advantageously be designed as a cavity in the housing wall of the second housing.

• - ein Basismodul gemäß einer der vorherigen Ausgestaltungen,
• - ein Halterungsmodul gemäß einer der vorherigen Ausgestaltungen.

In a third aspect of the invention, a device for disinfection is proposed, having

• - a basic module according to one of the previous configurations,
• - A mounting module according to one of the previous embodiments.

The device for disinfection is advantageously assembled using exchangeable and configurable modules. This enables increased flexibility.

In particular, it is advantageous that the base module, the mounting module and the device for disinfection have a size and weight so that they can be easily transported by a single person.

The size of the base module is preferably in the range of 200 mm - 300 mm in diameter with a height of 70 mm - 150 mm. The weight of the base module is preferably in the range from 1,000 g to 4,500 g.

The size of the mounting module is preferably in the range of 150 mm - 300 mm in diameter with a height of 70 mm - 90 mm. The weight of the mounting module is preferably in the range from 200 g to 500 g.

• - ein Gehäuse,
• - wenigstens einen Plasmagenerator zur Generierung von Plasma, und/oder
• - einen Lüfter mit welchem Umgebungsluft von außerhalb des Gehäuses ansaugbar ist und durch den Plasmagenerator aus der Umgebungsluft generiertes Plasma durch die Gasleitung in das Gehäuse leitbar ist
• - eine Aufnahmevorrichtung für die Aufnahme eines zu desinfizierenden Gegenstands, und/oder
• - einen Katalysator zum Abbau des Plasmas, und/oder
• - einen Indikator, und/oder
• - einen Verschluss in welchen der Plasmagenerator integriert ist.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a device for disinfection is proposed, having

• - a housing,
• - At least one plasma generator for generating plasma, and / or
• - A fan with which ambient air can be sucked in from outside the housing and plasma generated from the ambient air by the plasma generator can be conducted through the gas line into the housing
• - A receiving device for receiving an object to be disinfected, and / or
• - A catalyst to break down the plasma, and / or
• - an indicator, and / or
• - a closure in which the plasma generator is integrated.

The device for disinfection is housed in a housing. The mechanical and electrical connections that were provided between the base module and the mounting module are not required in this integrated device.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, a disinfection set having a device for disinfection and an electrical evaluation unit arranged separately from the device with software with which the device can be operated, configured and / or maintained is proposed. It is advantageous if the disinfection device is spatially separated from the operator. For example, this can shorten the time in which a user handles contaminated samples. The user can place the sample in the receiving device and then, for example, operate the device in another room. The device can also be configured without having direct contact with the device. Maintenance could also be carried out inexpensively by a service provider who would not have to be on-site specifically for maintenance.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, a disinfection set having a device for disinfection and a computer program product for operating, configuring and / or maintaining the device for disinfection is proposed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the software is designed as an app.

The mobile disinfection device can be used as a tabletop device (standing device) or optionally as a wall device (for wall mounting).

1. 1. Medizinischen und nicht medizinischen Einweg- und Mehrweg-Mundschutzmasken
2. 2. Medizinprodukten, welche einen keimarmen Zustand erfordern
3. 3. Medizinischen Instrumenten, welche einen keimarmen Zustand erfordern
4. 4. Dentalen Prothesen, Zahnspangen, prothetischen Komponenten, Implantatkomponenten und zahntechnischen Instrumenten
5. 5. Pharmazeutischen Produkten, welche einen keimarmen Zustand erfordern
6. 6. Labordiagnostischen Produkten und Instrumenten, welche einen keimarmen Zustand erfordern
7. 7. Orthopädischen Prothesen und Orthesen
8. 8. Brillen und Brillengestelle
9. 9. Schmuck, Uhren, Schlüssel (Alltagsgebrauchsgegenstände?)
10. 10. Babyartikel wie Schnuller, Milchpumpen, Babyflaschen, welche einen keimarmen Zustand erfordern
11. 11. Händen (Händedesinfektion - evtl. weitere, andere Auslegung des Gerätes)
12. 12. Schutzkleidung und Kleidung

The modular disinfection device is particularly suitable for decontamination using cold atmospheric plasmas (active oxygen O3, ozone) and for producing a sterile, low-germ or germ-reduced state of:

1. 1. Medical and non-medical disposable and reusable face masks
2. 2. Medical devices that require a low-germ state
3. 3. Medical instruments that require a sterile condition
4. 4. Dental prostheses, braces, prosthetic components, implant components and dental instruments
5. 5. Pharmaceutical products that require a low-germ state
6. 6. Laboratory diagnostic products and instruments that require a sterile condition
7. 7. Orthopedic prostheses and orthotics
8. 8. Glasses and glasses frames
9. 9. Jewelry, watches, keys (everyday objects?)
10. 10. Baby items such as pacifiers, breast pumps, baby bottles, which require a low-germ state
11. 11. Hands (hand disinfection - possibly other, different design of the device)
12. 12. Protective clothing and clothing

Figure list

• 1 ein schematische Darstellung Schutzatmosphärenmodul.
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Basismoduls.
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Schutzatmosphärenmodul.
• 4 schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Basismoduls.
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer Desinfektionsvorrichtung gemäß eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels.
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer Desinfektionsvorrichtung gemäß eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels.

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. They show schematically:

• 1 a schematic representation of the protective atmosphere module.
• 2 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a base module.
• 3 shows a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a protective atmosphere module.
• 4th schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a basic module.
• 5 a schematic representation of a disinfection device according to a first embodiment.
• 6th a schematic representation of a disinfection device according to a second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same reference symbols designate the same or comparable components.

1 shows a schematic representation of a protective atmosphere module 30th . The protective atmosphere module 30th has a protective atmosphere housing 11 on, which is made, for example, of plastic. The protective atmosphere housing 11 has, for example, a cylindrical body with a circular base and which can be closed in a gas-tight manner. The protective atmosphere housing 11 can also have a different shape, for example a cuboid with a rectangular base or a cube with a square base. The protective atmosphere housing 11 is preferably designed in a bowl-shaped and flat manner. The protective atmosphere housing 11 can consist of a plastic, preferably of polypropylene. The protective atmosphere housing 11 has two opposite sides (or surfaces), one side being a protective atmosphere interface unit 14th which can have mechanical and / or electrical connections that can be connected to mechanical and / or electrical counterparts that are attached to a base module 40 (please refer 2 ) are arranged. The protective atmosphere interface unit 6th can have two to six or more interfaces. The multiple interfaces are, so to speak, the respective counterparts at which the two modules can be joined together in different variants. Mechanical joining components such as a bayonet lock or valve lock are also contained directly in the interfaces. In addition, components could be contained directly in the interfaces, as described, for example, fans or generators or E contacts. The E contacts are for conducting energy from one component to another, or in the form of an included sensor they can also serve as opening protection against accidental opening while the plasma generator is active.

There are also electrical contacts on this side 15th arranged, which with electrical contacts 7th of the basic module 40 can come into electrical contact. By connecting the electrical contacts 7th , 15th it can be determined whether the protective atmosphere module 30th with the basic module 40 connected is. The protective atmosphere module can pass through a gas-tight barrier 17th be closed to ensure the transport and storage of the goods in a protective atmosphere.

The other side has a clasp 12th of the protective atmosphere housing 11 on. Of the Clasp 12th is mechanically connected to the protective atmosphere housing 11 connected and by magnetic contacts 18th held. The magnetic contacts can also be used to determine whether the closure is with the protective atmosphere housing 11 connected or not. The closure 12th has a catalyst 20th or a replaceable filter through which the plasma can be broken down before it escapes into the room. The closure 12th is suitable for the protective atmosphere housing 11 to close gas-tight.

A grid insert 13th is in the protective atmosphere housing 11 arranged. In the grid insert 13th a sample, e.g. a respirator or other object for decontamination or disinfection by a plasma, can be placed in it. A grid insert 13th is advantageous over a container with a continuous surface because there are fewer contact points between the sample and the grid insert 13th which counteract decontamination. In addition, a shell (not shown here) can be provided in which the grid insert 13th is placed in it. The cross section of the grid insert 13th is the cross-section has a circular cross-section. But it is also possible that the grid insert 13th has a different cross-section, such as oval or rectangular.

Protective atmosphere housing 11 also has one or more depressions 21 in which dirt or decontamination material can be collected. This dirt or decontamination material is created during decontamination.

The protective atmosphere housing 11 also has a ventilation system 16 on which gas, for example ozone or another plasma, enters the protective atmosphere housing 11 can flow to disinfect samples for disinfection.

The protective atmosphere housing 11 also has an indicator 19th for ozone measurement, for wear measurement and to display a successful or completed disinfection.

2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a base module 40 . The basic module 40 has a base module housing 1 on. The basic module housing 1 has a base, the diameter of which is greater than its height. The basic module housing 1 has recessed grips on the side with which the base module 40 or an entire disinfection device 50 (please refer 3 ) can be worn. The basic module housing 1 is made of a metallic material, preferably painted aluminum or stainless steel. This enables appropriate heat dissipation.

However, it is also possible for the basic module housing to be made from a plastic, preferably from polypropylene or polycarbonate.

In the basic module housing 1 is a plasma generator 4th arranged. The basic module housing 1 has two ventilation grilles 3 on which are on opposite sides of the base module housing 1 are arranged, and through which ambient air into the interior of the base module housing 1 got. The plasma generator 4th is suitable for generating active oxygen or ozone from the ambient air. The plasma generator 4th is with a fan 5 connected, which that by the plasma generator 4th generated plasma through an opening in the base module housing 1 into the protective atmosphere housing 11 promotes. Furthermore, the fan works to ensure that the ozone is homogeneous or uniform in the protective atmosphere housing 11 is distributed so that the sample to be disinfected is disinfected / decontaminated equally at all points. The plasma generator 4th additionally generates an air flow.

The basic module housing 1 further comprises base interface unit 6th which can be designed as mechanical and / or electrical connections that can be connected to mechanical and / or electrical counterparts that are attached to a protective atmosphere module 40 are arranged. The base interface unit is corresponding 6th on the protective atmosphere module 40 facing side arranged. The basic interface unit 6th can have two to six or more interfaces. The plasma generator 4th can between the fan 5 and the base interface unit 6th be arranged. But it is also possible that the fan 5 in the base interface unit 6th is integrated.

The basic module housing 1 also has an energy source, for example an accumulator 8th on which the plasma generator 4th , the fan 5 , as well as the electrical contacts 7th , 15th Supplied with energy in the assembled state. In addition, a connection for a mains plug can be provided so that the disinfection device 50 can also be supplied with energy via the power grid. The disinfection device is preferred 50 with an accumulator 8th operated, which is exchangeable, as this provides the desired mobility and flexibility with regard to the location of the disinfection device 50 enables. The basic module housing 1 has a battery level indicator (not shown), which shows the remaining energy of the battery door 8th indicates. The basic module 40 also has a charging interface for charging the accumulator 8th on, for example a USB interface. The basic module 40 has an actuating means with which the base module 40 can be switched on and off. The actuating means can be a button or a switch. Furthermore, the basic module 40 a Activation button for the plasma generator 4th on, as well as a lighting means, for example an LED, by means of which it is indicated whether the plasma generator is activated or not. For example, “red” can be used to indicate activation and “blue” to indicate deactivation. Furthermore, the basic module 40 an integrated sound module that can be switched off 9 as an acoustic signal generator, by means of which, for example, the beginning and / or the end of a decontamination is indicated.

The basic module 40 also has a mechanical interface via which the protective atmosphere module 30th , can be connected. The mechanical interface is on the base module housing 1 mounted and can for example have a bayonet lock or a screw thread lock. In a further embodiment, the mechanical interface can have a form-fitting, counter-rotating and resilient sliding mechanism. A combination of the connections mentioned is also conceivable. The basic module 40 also has electronic components 10 on, for example evaluation electronics, with which received data and measured values can be evaluated and passed on to a signal unit.

Furthermore, the base module has a transmitter and receiver unit which can receive and / or send data and measured values. This can be done via a cable connection or a common radio connection such as Bluetooth, WLAN or a cellular network such as LTE.

3 shows a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a protective atmosphere module 32 . Inside the protective atmosphere housing 11 are in addition to the in 1 named components of the plasma generator 4th and the fan 5 in the lock 12th integrated. The ambient air that is sucked in by the fan is generated by the plasma generator 4th converted into plasma and passed by the plasma generator 4th directly into the protective atmosphere housing 11 in which the samples are disinfected. Here the fan generates 5 an air stream, which the plasma or ozone in the protective atmosphere housing 11 promoted. Furthermore, the fan works to ensure that the ozone is homogeneous or uniform in the protective atmosphere housing 11 is distributed so that the sample to be disinfected is disinfected / decontaminated equally at all points. The plasma generator 4th additionally generates an air flow. The protective atmosphere interface unit 14th has a connection for an external power supply. Furthermore, the protective atmosphere housing 11 through a gas-tight barrier 17th sealed gas-tight. Also on the protective atmosphere housing 11 Protective atmosphere E-contacts 15th arranged, via which it can be determined whether the protective atmosphere module 32 is connected to an energy source.

4th shows a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a base module 42 . The basic module 42 includes three plasma generators 4th , which are next to each other in the base module housing 1 are arranged. Correspondingly, each plasma generator has a fan 5 as well as interfaces 6th assigned. Via the interfaces 6th of the basic module 42 can each have protective atmosphere modules 30th with the basic module 42 be connected electrically and mechanically. The plasma generators 4th can be controlled in parallel or individually.

The basic module 42 can also be used for more than three plasma generators 4th be interpreted. These can be arranged next to one another or in a different arrangement, for example along a circular line.

5 shows a schematic representation of a disinfection device 50 according to a first embodiment. The disinfection device 50 has a basic module 40 corresponding 2 and a protective atmosphere module 30th corresponding 1 on. The basic module 40 and the protective atmosphere module 30th are about the interfaces 14th of the protective atmosphere module 30th and the interfaces 6th of the basic module 40 electrically and mechanically connected to each other. Via a gas line (not shown) leading from the plasma generator 4th in the basic module 40 to a ventilation system 16 in the protective atmosphere module 30th can lead the generated plasma by means of the fan 5 for disinfection in the housing 1 of the protective atmosphere module 30th to get promoted.

The basic module 40 and the protective atmosphere module 30th are mechanically reversible, for example by means of a bayonet lock, positively connected to one another.

During operation, a sample to be disinfected or decontaminated is placed in the grid insert 13th of the protective atmosphere module 30th placed. Then the protective atmosphere housing 11 by means of the lock 12th locked. Pressing a power button turns the fan on 5 , as well as the plasma generator 4th put into operation so that the generated plasma enters the protective atmosphere housing 11 escapes and the sample to be disinfected penetrates and disinfects in a short time unit of approx. 1-5 minutes. After 1-5 minutes the closure will open 12th opened and the disinfected sample can be taken. The ozone or oxygen concentration in the protective atmosphere housing can be measured using a sensor or a measuring device 11 be determined. As soon as the respective value has a has exceeded a predetermined value, the requirement for disinfection is met and the plasma generator 4th can be switched off. A control and regulation unit, which is designed as an electronic component, can be installed in the mounting module 30th be provided which has this function described, so that the plasma generator is automated 4th is switched off as soon as the predetermined value of the ozone or oxygen concentration has been reached.

6th shows a schematic representation of a disinfection device 52 according to a second embodiment. The components of the disinfection device 52 are inside the protective atmosphere housing 11 arranged. In addition to the in 1 The components mentioned are the plasma generator 4th and the fan 5 in the lock 12th integrated. The ambient air that is sucked in by the fan is generated by the plasma generator 4th converted into plasma and passed by the plasma generator 4th directly into the protective atmosphere housing 11 in which the samples are disinfected. The protective atmosphere interface unit 14th has a connection for an external power supply. Furthermore, the protective atmosphere housing 11 through a gas-tight barrier 17th sealed gas-tight. Also on the protective atmosphere housing 11 Protective atmosphere E-contacts 15th arranged, via which it can be determined whether the protective atmosphere module 32 is connected to an energy source. Furthermore, the disinfection device 52 an energy source, for example an accumulator 8th on which the plasma generator 4th , the fan 5 , as well as the electrical contacts 7th , 15th Supplied with energy in the assembled state. In addition, a connection for a mains plug can be provided so that the disinfection device 52 can also be supplied with energy via the power grid. The disinfection device is preferred 52 with an accumulator 8th operated, which is exchangeable, as this provides the desired mobility and flexibility with regard to the location of the disinfection device 52 enables. Furthermore, the disinfection device 52 an integrated sound module that can be switched off 9 as an acoustic signal generator, by means of which, for example, the beginning and / or the end of a decontamination is indicated.

The disinfection device 52 also has electronic components 10 on, for example evaluation electronics, with which received data and measured values can be evaluated and passed on to a signal unit.

Furthermore, the disinfection device 52 a transmitter and receiver unit which can receive and / or send data and measured values. This can be done via a cable connection or a common radio connection such as Bluetooth, WLAN or a cellular network such as LTE.

The device according to the invention is preferably suitable for use in medical facilities.

List of reference symbols

1

Base module housing

2

Recessed grip

3

Ventilation grille

4th

Plasma generator

5

Fan

6th

Basic interfaces

7th

Basic E contacts

8th

accumulator

9

Sound module

10

Electronic components

11

Protective atmosphere housing

12th

Clasp

13th

Grid insert

14th

Protective atmosphere interface unit

15th

Protective atmosphere E contacts

16

Ventilation system

17th

barrier

18th

Magnetic E-contacts closure

19th

indicator

20th

catalyst

21

deepening

30, 32

Protective atmosphere module

40, 42

Basic module

50, 52

Disinfection device

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Non-patent literature cited

• oreau M, Orange N, Feuilloley MGJ. Nonthermal plasma technologies: new tools for bio-decontamination. Biotechnol Adv 2008; 26: 610-617 [0007]
• Ehlbeck, J., et al., “Low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma sources for microbial decontamination, Journal of Physics D-Applied Physics, 2011. 44 [0007]

Claims (15)

Base module (40, 42), having - Having a first housing (1) - At least one plasma generator (4) for generating a plasma, - A first connection detection unit (6) which has mechanical and / or electrical interfaces which are suitable for mechanical and / or electrical interfaces of a second connection detection unit (14) of a mounting module (30, 32) for forming a disinfection device (50) will. Basic module (40, 42) according to Claim 1 , wherein the first connection detection unit (6) has a gas line, one end of the gas line being connected to the plasma generator and another end of the gas line being connectable to the mounting module (30, 32), so that plasma generated by the plasma generator, can flow through the gas line from the plasma generator (4) to the mounting module (30, 32). Base module (40, 42) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 The gas line has a valve which can assume two states - a first state in which the valve is closed and the gas line is thereby closed, - a second state in which the valve is open and gas can flow out of the gas line, - wherein in the first state the base module (40, 42) and the mounting module (30) are spatially separated from each other, and wherein - by a mechanical and / or electrical connection of the base module (40, 42) to the mounting module (30, 32) of second state is achievable. Base module (40, 42) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , having a fan (5) with which ambient air can be drawn in from outside the first housing (1) and plasma generated from the ambient air by the plasma generator (4) can be conducted through the gas line into the mounting module (30, 32). Base module (40, 42) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , wherein the first connection detection unit (6) has at least one first magnetic contact (7) which can be electrically connected to a second magnetic contact (15, 18) of the mounting module (30, 32), so that on the basis of the electrical connection of the first ( 7) and second magnetic contact (15, 18) it can be determined whether the base module (40, 42) is connected to the mounting module (30, 32). Basic module (40, 42) according to Claim 5 , having a switch-off device which is suitable for automatically switching off the plasma generator (4) and which has two states, - a first state in which the switch-off device is inactive and the plasma generator (4) can be activated, - a second state in which the Disconnection device is active and the plasma generator (4) cannot be activated, wherein - by separating an electrical connection between the first magnetic contact (7) and the second magnetic contact (15, 18), the second state can be achieved, and wherein - by Establishing an electrical connection between the first magnetic contact (7) and the second magnetic contact (15, 18), the first state can be achieved. Base module (40, 42) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base module (40, 42) is integrated in a closure (12) which is suitable for closing a second housing (11) of the holding module (30, 32). Having mounting module (30, 32), - A second housing (11), having - a receiving device (13) for receiving an object to be disinfected, - A second connection detection unit (14) which has mechanical and / or electrical interfaces which are suitable for mechanical and / or electrical interfaces of the first connection detection unit (6) of a base module (40, 42) for forming a disinfection device (50) will. Holder module (30, 32) Claim 8 , wherein the receiving device (13) has a grid-shaped structure. Mounting module (30, 32) according to one of the Claims 8 or 9 , wherein the second housing (11) has a closing means (17) with which the second housing (11) can be closed in a gas-tight manner, the closing means being removable, in particular when the base module (40, 42) and the mounting module (30, 32) be connected to each other. Mounting module (30, 32) according to one of the Claims 8 until 10 , wherein the second housing (11) has a catalyst (20) for breaking down the plasma. Device for disinfection (50), comprising - a base module (40, 42) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th , and - a mounting module (30, 32) according to one of the Claims 8 until 11 . Device for disinfection (52), having - a housing (1, 11), - at least one plasma generator (4) for generating plasma, and / or - a fan (5) with which ambient air can be sucked in from outside the housing (1,11) and through the plasma generator (4) Plasma generated from the ambient air can be guided through the gas line into the housing (1, 11) - a receiving device (13) for receiving an object to be disinfected, and / or - a catalyst (20) for breaking down the plasma, and / or - an indicator (19), and / or - a closure (12) in which the plasma generator (4) is integrated. Disinfection set, comprising - a device (50, 52) for disinfection according to one of the Claims 12 or 13th and - an electronic evaluation unit which is arranged separately from the device (50, 52) and has software with which the device (50, 52) can be operated, configured and / or maintained, Disinfection set, comprising - a device (50, 52) for disinfection according to one of the Claims 12 or 13th and - a computer program product for operating, configuring and / or maintaining the device (50, 52) for disinfection.

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