JP2020000405A - Plasma therapeutic device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a plasma therapeutic device that allows a user to recognize a plasma and an active gas discharged from a nozzle during therapy.SOLUTION: An active gas irradiation device 100 (plasma therapeutic device) includes: a plasma generation part for generating a plasma; a nozzle for discharging any one or both of a plasma and an active gas generated by the plasma; and a notification part 80 for notifying a user of any one or both of the plasma and the active gas discharged from the nozzle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a plasma therapy device.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a plasma treatment apparatus for irradiating an affected part such as a wound with plasma or an active gas generated by the plasma to cure the affected part in a dental treatment or the like. Examples of the plasma treatment device include a plasma jet irradiation device (for example, Patent Document 1) and an active gas irradiation device (for example, Patent Document 2). The plasma jet irradiation apparatus discharges plasma and active species generated by the plasma from a nozzle, and irradiates an object to be irradiated. The active gas irradiation device discharges an active gas containing active species generated by plasma from a nozzle and irradiates the object with the active gas.

Japanese Patent No. 544066 JP 2017-50267 A

Since the active gas in the active gas irradiation device is colorless, the user cannot recognize that the active gas is being discharged from the nozzle during treatment.
The plasma in the plasma jet irradiation device is colored. However, when a nozzle is inserted into the oral cavity or the like, it is difficult for the user to recognize that plasma is being discharged from the nozzle during treatment.

  The present invention provides a plasma therapy apparatus that allows a user to recognize that plasma or active gas is being discharged from a nozzle during therapy.

The present invention has the following aspects.
<1> A plasma generating unit for generating plasma, a nozzle for discharging one or both of the plasma and the active gas generated by the plasma, and one or both of the plasma and the active gas from the nozzle. A plasma treatment device comprising: a notifying unit for notifying that discharge is being performed.
<2> The plasma treatment apparatus according to <1>, wherein the notification unit emits at least one type selected from the group consisting of sound, light, and vibration.
<3> an operation unit for transmitting an electric signal for starting discharge of one or both of the plasma and the active gas from the nozzle by a user's operation, and an electric signal from the operation unit The plasma treatment apparatus according to <1> or <2>, further comprising: a control unit configured to control the notification unit based on the information.
<4> An ammeter for measuring an electric current supplied to the plasma generating unit, a voltmeter for measuring a voltage of the electric power supplied to the plasma generating unit, and a flow rate of a plasma generating gas supplied to the plasma generating unit. <1> or <2>, further comprising at least one type of measurement unit selected from the group consisting of flowmeters to be measured, and a control unit that controls the notification unit based on information from the measurement unit. Plasma treatment device.

  The plasma treatment apparatus of the present invention allows the user to recognize that plasma or active gas is being discharged from the nozzle during treatment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a plasma treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial sectional view of an irradiation instrument which constitutes a plasma treatment device of a first embodiment of the present invention. It is xx sectional drawing of the irradiation instrument of FIG. It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a plasma type treatment device of a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the plasma treatment apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention.

The plasma treatment apparatus of the present invention is a plasma generating unit that generates plasma, a nozzle that discharges one or both of plasma and active gas generated by plasma, and one or both of plasma and active gas from the nozzle. And a notifying unit for notifying that the liquid is discharged.
The plasma treatment device of the present invention may be a plasma jet irradiation device or an active gas irradiation device as long as it has a plasma generation unit, a nozzle, and a notification unit.

The plasma jet irradiation device generates plasma. The plasma jet irradiation device directly irradiates the object to be irradiated with the generated plasma and active species. The active species are generated by a reaction between a gas in the plasma or a gas around the plasma and the plasma. Examples of the active species include active oxygen species and active nitrogen species. Examples of the active oxygen species include a hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and a superoxide anion radical. Examples of the active nitrogen species include nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxynitrite, nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide and the like.
The active gas irradiation device generates plasma. The active gas irradiation device irradiates an irradiation target with an active gas containing active species. The active species are generated by a reaction between a gas in the plasma or a gas around the plasma and the plasma.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the plasma treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described.
The plasma treatment device of the present embodiment is an active gas irradiation device.
As shown in FIG. 1, the active gas irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment includes an irradiation device 10 (instrument), a supply unit 20, a gas pipeline 30, and an electric wiring 40.
The irradiation device 10 discharges the active gas generated in the irradiation device 10. The supply unit 20 supplies the irradiation device 10 with electricity and a gas for generating plasma. The gas line 30 connects the irradiation device 10 and the supply unit 20. The electric wiring 40 connects the irradiation device 10 and the supply unit 20. In the present embodiment, the gas pipeline 30 and the electrical wiring 40 are independent of each other, but the gas pipeline 30 and the electrical wiring 40 may be integrated.

(Irradiation equipment)
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the irradiation device 10 along the axis. FIG. 3 is an xx sectional view of the irradiation device of FIG.
The irradiation device 10 includes a long cowling 2, a nozzle 1 protruding from the tip of the cowling 2, a plasma generating unit 12 located in the cowling 2, and an operation switch 9 (operation) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cowling 2. Part).

The cowling 2 includes a body 2b and a head 2a that closes a tip of the body 2b.
The body 2b is a cylindrical member extending in the tube axis O1 direction. The body 2b is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal cylinder such as a square cylinder, a hexagonal cylinder, and an octagonal cylinder.

The material of the body 2b is not particularly limited, but is preferably a material having an insulating property. The body 2b may be formed of only an electrically insulating material, or may have a multilayer structure having an electrically insulating material and a metal material layer on its surface. Examples of the insulating material include a thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin), and the like. Examples of the thermosetting resin include a phenol resin, a melamine resin, a urea resin, an epoxy resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, and a silicone resin. Examples of the metal material include aluminum, copper, iron, and stainless steel.
The size of the body 2b is not particularly limited, and may be a size that can be easily grasped with fingers.

The head portion 2a is gradually narrowed toward the tip. That is, the head 2a has a conical shape. The head portion 2a is not limited to a conical shape, and may be a polygonal pyramid such as a quadrangular pyramid, a hexagonal pyramid, or an octagonal pyramid.
The head 2a has a fitting hole 2c at the tip. The fitting hole 2c is a hole for receiving the nozzle 1. The nozzle 1 is detachable from the head 2a. The head portion 2a has a first active gas flow path 7 extending in the tube axis O1 direction therein. The tube axis O1 is the tube axis of the body 2b.

The material of the head portion 2a is not particularly limited, and may have insulating properties or may not have insulating properties. As a material of the head portion 2a, a material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance is preferable. Examples of the material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance include metals such as stainless steel. The material of the head portion 2a and the body portion 2b may be the same or different.
The size of the head 2a can be determined in consideration of the use of the active gas irradiation device 100 and the like. For example, when the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral treatment instrument, the size of the head portion 2a is preferably a size that can be inserted into the oral cavity.

  The nozzle 1 includes a pedestal portion 1b fitted into the fitting hole 2c, and an irradiation tube 1c protruding from the pedestal portion 1b. The pedestal portion 1b and the irradiation tube 1c are integrated. The nozzle 1 has a second active gas flow path 8 therein. The nozzle 1 has an irradiation port 1a at the tip. The second active gas channel 8 and the first active gas channel 7 are in communication.

  The material of the nozzle 1 is not particularly limited, and may have an insulating property or a conductive property. As a material of the nozzle 1, a material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance is preferable. Examples of the material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance include metals such as stainless steel. The nozzle 1 may be of a disposable type in terms of hygiene. In this case, the material of the nozzle 1 is preferably a disposable material.

The length of the flow path in the irradiation tube 1c of the nozzle 1 (that is, the distance L2) can be appropriately determined in consideration of the use of the active gas irradiation device 100 and the like.
The opening diameter of the irradiation port 1a is preferably, for example, 0.5 to 5 mm. When the opening diameter is equal to or more than the lower limit, the pressure loss of the active gas can be suppressed. When the opening diameter is equal to or less than the upper limit, the flow rate of the active gas to be irradiated can be increased, and the healing of the affected part can be promoted.
The irradiation tube 1c is bent with respect to the tube axis O1.
The angle θ between the tube axis O2 and the tube axis O1 of the irradiation tube 1c can be determined in consideration of the use of the active gas irradiation device 100 and the like.

The plasma generation unit 12 includes a tubular dielectric 3, an internal electrode 4, and an external electrode 5.
The tubular dielectric 3, the internal electrode 4, and the external electrode 5 are concentrically located around the tube axis O1.
The outer peripheral surface of the internal electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the external electrode 5 face each other with the tubular dielectric 3 interposed therebetween.

  The tubular dielectric 3 is a cylindrical member extending in the tube axis O1 direction. The tubular dielectric 3 has therein a gas flow path 6 extending in the direction of the tube axis O1. The first active gas flow path 7 and the gas flow path 6 communicate with each other. Note that the tube axis O1 is the same as the tube axis of the tubular dielectric 3.

  As a material of the tubular dielectric 3, a dielectric material used for a known plasma device can be applied. Examples of the material of the tubular dielectric 3 include glass, ceramics, and synthetic resin. The lower the dielectric constant of the tubular dielectric 3, the better.

  The inner diameter R of the tubular dielectric 3 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4. The inner diameter R is determined so that a distance s described later is in a desired range.

The internal electrode 4 is a substantially columnar member extending in the tube axis O1 direction. The internal electrode 4 is located inside the tubular dielectric 3 and is separated from the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3.
The internal electrode 4 includes a shaft portion extending in the tube axis O1 direction, and a thread on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. The shaft may be solid or hollow. The shaft is preferably solid. If the shaft portion is solid, processing is easy and mechanical durability can be enhanced. The screw thread of the internal electrode 4 is a spiral screw thread orbiting in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion. The form of the internal electrode 4 is the same as that of the male screw.
Since the internal electrode 4 has a thread on the outer peripheral surface, the electric field at the tip of the thread is locally increased, and the firing voltage is reduced. Therefore, plasma can be generated and maintained with low power.
Note that the internal electrode 4 may not have unevenness such as a thread on the outer peripheral surface. That is, the internal electrode 4 may be a cylindrical member having no irregularities on the outer peripheral surface.

  The outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the use of the active gas irradiation device 100 (that is, the size of the irradiation device 10) and the like. When the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral treatment device, the outer diameter d is preferably 0.5 to 20 mm, more preferably 1 to 10 mm. When the outer diameter d is equal to or larger than the lower limit, the internal electrode 4 can be easily manufactured. In addition, when the outer diameter d is equal to or larger than the lower limit, the surface area of the internal electrode 4 is increased, and plasma is generated more efficiently, and healing and the like can be further promoted. When the outer diameter d is equal to or less than the above upper limit, plasma can be generated more efficiently without excessively increasing the size of the irradiation device 10, and healing and the like can be further promoted.

The height h of the thread of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4.
The pitch p of the thread of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the length, the outer diameter d, and the like of the internal electrode 4. The pitch p is preferably from 0.2 to 3.0 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 2.5 mm, even more preferably from 0.2 to 2.0 mm.

  The material of the internal electrode 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and a metal used for an electrode of a known plasma device can be applied. Examples of the material of the internal electrode 4 include metals such as stainless steel, copper, and tungsten, and carbon.

  As the internal electrode 4, JIS B 0205: Standard metric screws (M2, M2.2, M2.5, M3, M3.5, etc.) according to 2001, JIS B 2016: 1987 standard metric screws (Tr8) × 1.5, Tr9 × 2, Tr9 × 1.5, etc.), JIS B 0206: 1973, unified coarse thread standard products (No. 1-64UNC, No. 2-56UNC, No. 3-48UNC, etc.) Specifications equivalent to the above are preferable. If the specification is equivalent to these standard products, it is superior in cost.

  The distance s between the outer surface of the internal electrode 4 and the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 0.05 to 5 mm, and more preferably 0.1 to 1 mm. When the distance s is equal to or greater than the lower limit, a desired amount of the plasma generating gas can easily flow. When the distance s is equal to or less than the upper limit, plasma is generated more efficiently, and the temperature of the active gas can be lowered.

The length L3 of the region where the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other is preferably 1 to 50 mm, more preferably 3 to 40 mm, and still more preferably 5 to 30 mm. If the length L3 is equal to or greater than the lower limit, plasma generation locations can be increased and plasma can be generated more efficiently. When the length L3 is equal to or less than the upper limit, an increase in the temperature of the active gas can be more favorably suppressed. In the present embodiment, the length L3 is equal to the length of the external electrode 5.
The external electrode 5 may be divided into two or more in the direction of the tube axis O1. When the external electrode 5 is divided in the direction of the tube axis O1, the length L3 is the length of a region where the internal electrode 4 and the rear end to the front end of the two external electrodes are opposed to each other. It shall include the distance between the electrodes.

  The external electrode 5 is an annular electrode that goes around the outer peripheral surface of the tubular dielectric 3. The external electrode 5 exists on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular dielectric 3.

  The material of the external electrode 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and a metal used for an electrode of a known plasma device can be applied. Examples of the material of the external electrode 5 include metals such as stainless steel, copper, and tungsten, and carbon.

  The sum of the distance L1 from the tip Q1 of the region where the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other to the tip Q2 of the head 2a, and the distance L2 from the tip Q2 to the irradiation port 1a (that is, the internal electrode 4 The distance from the region facing the external electrode 5 to the irradiation port 1a) is appropriately determined in consideration of the size required for the active gas irradiation device 100, the temperature on the surface (surface to be irradiated) to which the irradiated active gas is applied, and the like. decide. If the sum of the distance L1 and the distance L2 is long, the temperature of the irradiated surface can be lowered. If the sum of the distance L1 and the distance L2 is short, the radical density of the active gas is further increased, and the effect of cleaning, activating, healing, etc. on the irradiated surface is further enhanced. Note that the tip Q2 is an intersection between the tube axis O1 and the tube axis O2.

The operation switch 9 transmits an electric signal for starting discharge of the active gas from the nozzle 1 when operated by a user.
The operation switch 9 is, for example, a push button. When the operation switch 9 is a push button, the operation switch 9 may have a configuration in which an electric signal is transmitted only once when the user presses the push button once, and the user keeps pressing the push button. During this time, a configuration in which the electric signal is continuously transmitted may be provided.

(Supply unit)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the active gas irradiation device 100.
The supply unit 20 includes a power supply unit 50, a gas adjustment unit 60, a gas supply source 70, a notification unit 80, a control unit 90, and a housing 21 that accommodates them.
The housing 21 houses the gas supply source 70 detachably. Thereby, when the gas in the gas supply source 70 accommodated in the housing 21 runs out, the gas supply source 70 can be replaced.

The power supply unit 50 includes a high-frequency high-voltage power supply (not shown) that supplies electricity for plasma generation to the plasma generation unit 12 of the irradiation apparatus 10, and a control unit 90 of the supply unit 20, which is a separate system, controls each device. And a power supply (not shown) for supplying electricity for operation and operation.
The high-frequency high-voltage power supply of the power supply unit 50 can adjust the voltage and frequency applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 of the plasma generation unit 12.
The power supply unit 50 is connected to an external power supply (not shown) such as a 100 V household power supply.
The power supply unit 50 includes an ammeter (measurement unit, not shown) that measures the current of electricity supplied to the plasma generation unit 12 and a voltmeter (measurement unit, not shown) that measures the voltage of electricity supplied to the plasma generation unit 12. ).

  The gas adjusting section 60 includes a gas pipe 65 that connects the gas supply source 70 and the gas pipeline 30. An electromagnetic valve 61, a pressure regulator 63, a flow controller 64, and a pressure sensor 62 are attached to the gas pipe 65.

  The electromagnetic valve 61 switches between start and stop of the supply of the plasma generating gas from the gas supply source 70 to the irradiation device 10 by switching between opening and closing. In the illustrated example, the electromagnetic valve 61 is not configured to be able to adjust the valve opening, but is configured to be able to switch only between opening and closing. Note that the electromagnetic valve 61 may have a configuration in which the valve opening can be adjusted.

  The pressure regulator 63 is arranged between the solenoid valve 61 and the gas supply source 70. The pressure regulator 63 reduces the pressure of the plasma generating gas from the gas supply source 70 toward the electromagnetic valve 61 (reduces the plasma generating gas).

The flow controller 64 is arranged between the solenoid valve 61 and the gas line 30. The flow rate controller 64 adjusts the flow rate (supply amount per unit time) of the plasma generating gas that has passed through the electromagnetic valve 61. The flow rate controller 64 adjusts the flow rate of the plasma generating gas to, for example, 3 L / min.
The flow controller 64 includes a flow meter (a measuring unit, not shown) that measures the flow rate of the plasma generating gas.

  The pressure sensor 62 measures the pressure (residual pressure) in the gas supply source 70. The pressure sensor 62 measures the pressure (primary pressure) of the plasma generation gas passing between the pressure regulator 63 and the gas supply source 70 (primary side of the pressure regulator 63) as the pressure of the gas supply source 70. As the pressure sensor 62, for example, an AP-V80 series (specifically, for example, AP-15S) of Keyence Corporation can be adopted.

  A joint 66 is provided at an end of the gas pipe 65 on the gas supply source 70 side. A gas supply source 70 is detachably attached to the joint 66. By attaching and detaching the gas supply source 70 to and from the joint 66, the gas supply source 70 can be replaced while the gas adjustment unit 60 is fixed to the housing 21. In this case, a common gas adjustment unit 60 can be used for both the gas supply source 70 before replacement and the gas supply source 70 after replacement. Note that the gas adjustment unit 60 may be fixed to the gas supply source 70 and may be detachable from the housing 21 integrally with the gas supply source 70.

  The gas supply source 70 supplies a plasma generation gas to the plasma generation unit 12. The gas supply source 70 is a pressure-resistant container containing a plasma generating gas therein. The gas supply source 70 is detachably attached to the gas adjustment unit 60 disposed in the housing 21.

The notification unit 92 is provided integrally with the housing 21 on the outer surface of the housing 21 of the supply unit 20.
The notification unit 80 is controlled by the control unit 90 and notifies that the active gas is being discharged from the nozzle 1.
The notification unit 80 has a configuration capable of emitting sound, light, vibration, and the like.
Examples of the notification unit 80 include a speaker, a lamp, a display, a vibrator, and a buzzer.

The control unit 90 is electrically connected to an electromagnetic valve 61, a pressure sensor 62, a flow controller 64, a power supply unit 50, a notification unit 80, and an operation switch 9 of the irradiation device 10.
The control unit 90 controls the solenoid valve 61, the flow controller 64, the power supply unit 50, and the notification unit 80.
The control unit 90 is configured using an information processing device. That is, the control unit 90 includes a CPU (Central Processor Unit), a memory, and an auxiliary storage device connected by a bus. The control unit 90 operates by executing a program.

  The operation switch 9 of the irradiation device 10 is electrically connected to the control unit 90 via the electric wiring 40. When the user operates the operation switch 9, an electric signal is sent from the operation switch 9 to the control unit 90. When the control unit 90 receives an electric signal from the operation switch 9, the control unit 90 operates the solenoid valve 61, the flow controller 64, the power supply unit 50, and the notification unit 80.

When the operation switch 9 is a push button and the electric signal is transmitted only once when the user presses the push button once, the control unit 90 includes, for example, an electromagnetic valve 61, a flow controller 64, and a power supply as follows. It controls the unit 50 and the notification unit 80.
When the control unit 90 receives an electric signal from the operation switch 9, the control unit 90 opens the electromagnetic valve 61 for a predetermined time and causes the flow controller 64 to adjust the flow rate of the plasma generating gas passing through the electromagnetic valve 61. Further, the control unit 90 controls the power supply unit 50 to apply a voltage between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 for a predetermined time. As a result, a certain amount of plasma generating gas is supplied from the gas supply source 70 to the plasma generating unit 12, and the active gas is continuously discharged from the nozzle 1 for a predetermined time (for example, about several seconds to several tens of seconds).
Further, the control unit 90 causes the notification unit 80 to notify that the active gas is being discharged from the nozzle for a predetermined time during which the active gas is discharged from the nozzle 1.

When the operation switch 9 is a push button and the electric signal is continuously transmitted while the user keeps pressing the push button, the control unit 90 includes, for example, the electromagnetic valve 61, the flow rate controller 64, and the power supply unit 50 as described below. And the notification unit 80.
While the control unit 90 receives the electric signal from the operation switch 9, the control unit 90 opens the solenoid valve 61 and causes the flow rate controller 64 to adjust the flow rate of the plasma generation gas passing through the solenoid valve 61. Further, the control unit 90 controls the power supply unit 50 to apply a voltage between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5. As a result, while the user keeps pressing the operation switch 9, the plasma generating gas is supplied from the gas supply source 70 to the plasma generating unit 12, and the active gas is continuously discharged from the nozzle 1.
Further, the control unit 90 causes the notification unit 80 to notify that the active gas is being discharged from the nozzle while the user keeps pressing the operation switch 9 and the operation switch 9 continues to transmit the electric signal.

(Gas pipeline)
The gas pipe 30 is a path for supplying a plasma generation gas from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation device 10. The gas conduit 30 is connected to the rear end of the tubular dielectric 3 of the irradiation device 10. The material of the gas pipe 30 is not particularly limited, and a known material used for a gas pipe can be applied. Examples of the material of the gas pipeline 30 include a resin pipe and a rubber tube, and a flexible material is preferable.

(Electric wiring)
The electric wiring 40 is a wiring for supplying electricity from the power supply unit 50 of the supply unit 20 to the plasma generation unit 12 of the irradiation device 10, and electrically connects the operation switch 9 of the irradiation device 10 and the control unit 90 of the supply unit 20. Wiring to be provided.
The electric wiring 40 is connected to the internal electrode 4, the external electrode 5 and the operation switch 9 of the irradiation device 10. The material of the electric wiring 40 is not particularly limited, and a known material used for electric wiring can be applied. Examples of the material of the electric wiring 40 include a metal conductor covered with an insulating material.

(how to use)
Next, a method of using the active gas irradiation device 100 will be described.
For example, a user such as a doctor moves the irradiation device 10 while holding it, and directs the nozzle 1 at an irradiation target described later. In this state, the operation switch 9 is pressed to supply a plasma generation gas from the gas supply source 70 of the supply unit 20 to the plasma generation unit 12 of the irradiation device 10 via the gas adjustment unit 60 and the gas pipe 30. Is supplied from the power supply unit 50 to the plasma generation unit 12 of the irradiation apparatus 10.
The gas for plasma generation supplied to the plasma generator 12 flows into the inner space of the tubular dielectric 3 from the rear end of the tubular dielectric 3. The plasma generating gas is ionized at a position where the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 to which the voltage is applied oppose, and becomes plasma.

  In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the plasma generating gas flows. The plasma generated at a position where the outer peripheral surface of the internal electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the external electrode 5 face each other has a gas flow path 6, a first active gas flow path 7, and a second active gas flow path 8. Flow in this order. During this time, the plasma flows while changing the gas composition, and becomes an active gas containing active species such as radicals.

The generated active gas is discharged from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 1. The discharged active gas further activates a part of the gas near the irradiation port 1a to generate an active species. An object to be irradiated is irradiated with an active gas containing these active species.
In addition, while the active gas is discharged from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 1, the notification unit 80 notifies the user that the active gas is being discharged from the nozzle 1 by emitting sound, light, vibration, or the like. .

As the irradiation object, for example, a cell, a living tissue, a living individual, and the like can be exemplified.
Examples of the living tissue include various organs (such as internal organs), epithelial tissue covering the surface of the body and the inner surface of the body cavity, periodontal tissue (gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, etc.), teeth, bones, and the like. Examples of diseases and symptoms that can be treated by irradiation with active gas include diseases in the oral cavity such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, and wounds on the skin.
Examples of living organisms include mammals (humans, dogs, cats, pigs, etc.), birds, fish and the like.

Examples of the plasma generating gas include a rare gas (such as helium, neon, argon, and krypton), nitrogen, oxygen, and air. These gases may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The plasma generating gas preferably contains nitrogen as a main component. Here, “mainly containing nitrogen” means that the content of nitrogen in the plasma generating gas is more than 50% by volume.
That is, the content of nitrogen in the plasma generation gas is preferably more than 50% by volume, more preferably 70% by volume or more, further preferably 80 to 100% by mass, and particularly preferably 90 to 100% by mass. Examples of gas components other than nitrogen in the plasma generating gas include oxygen, a rare gas, and the like.

  When the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral treatment device, the oxygen concentration of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 1% by volume or less. When the oxygen concentration is equal to or lower than the upper limit, generation of ozone can be reduced.

  The flow rate of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 1 to 10 L / min. When the flow rate of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is equal to or more than the above lower limit, it is easy to suppress an increase in the temperature of the irradiated surface of the irradiated object. When the flow rate of the plasma generating gas is equal to or less than the upper limit, cleaning, activation, or healing of the irradiation target can be further promoted.

The AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 is preferably 5 kVpp or more and 20 kVpp or less. Here, the unit “Vpp (Volt peak to peak)” representing the AC voltage is a potential difference between the highest value and the lowest value of the AC voltage waveform.
When the internal electrode 4 is a cylindrical member having no irregularities on the outer peripheral surface, the AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 is preferably 10 kVpp or more. When the internal electrode 4 having no unevenness on the outer peripheral surface is used, it is necessary to increase the AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 as compared with the case of using the internal electrode 4 having the unevenness on the outer peripheral surface. is there.
When the applied AC voltage is equal to or lower than the above upper limit, the temperature of the generated plasma can be kept low. When the applied AC voltage is equal to or higher than the lower limit, plasma can be generated more efficiently.

  The frequency of the alternating current applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 is preferably 0.5 kHz or more and less than 20 kHz, more preferably 1 kHz or more but less than 15 kHz, further preferably 2 kHz or more and less than 10 kHz, and particularly preferably 3 kHz or more and less than 9 kHz. Most preferably, 4 kHz or more and less than 8 kHz. When the frequency of the alternating current is lower than the upper limit, the temperature of the generated plasma can be kept low. When the AC frequency is equal to or higher than the lower limit, plasma can be generated more efficiently.

  The temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 1 is preferably 50 ° C or lower, more preferably 45 ° C or lower, and further preferably 40 ° C or lower. When the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 1 is equal to or lower than the upper limit, the temperature of the irradiated surface is easily reduced to 40 ° C or lower. By setting the temperature of the surface to be irradiated at 40 ° C. or less, even when the irradiated portion is the affected part, the stimulation to the affected part can be reduced. The lower limit of the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 1 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 10 ° C. The temperature of the active gas is a value obtained by measuring the temperature of the active gas at the irradiation port 1a with a thermocouple.

  The distance (irradiation distance) from the irradiation port 1a to the surface to be irradiated is preferably, for example, 1.0 to 10 mm. When the irradiation distance is equal to or more than the lower limit, the temperature of the irradiated surface can be lowered, and the stimulus to the irradiated surface can be further reduced. When the irradiation distance is equal to or less than the upper limit, effects such as healing can be further enhanced.

The temperature of the irradiated surface at a distance of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less from the irradiation port 1 a is preferably 40 ° C. or less. When the temperature of the surface to be irradiated is 40 ° C. or lower, the stimulation to the surface to be irradiated can be reduced. The lower limit of the temperature of the irradiated surface is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10 ° C.
The temperature of the surface to be irradiated is determined by the AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5, the discharge amount of the active gas to be applied, and the irradiation from the front end Q1 of the region where the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other. It can be adjusted by a combination of the distance to the mouth 1a. The temperature of the irradiated surface can be measured using a thermocouple.

  The active species contained in the active gas include hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxynitrite, peroxynitrite, nitrous oxide and the like. Can be illustrated. The type of the active species contained in the active gas can be adjusted by, for example, the type of the gas for generating plasma.

  The density (radical density) of hydroxyl radicals in the active gas is preferably from 0.1 to 300 μmol / L, more preferably from 0.1 to 100 μmol / L, even more preferably from 0.1 to 50 μmol / L. When the radical density is equal to or more than the above lower limit, it is easy to promote cleaning, activation, or abnormal abnormality healing of an irradiation target selected from cells, living tissues, and living organisms. When the radical density is equal to or less than the upper limit, the stimulation on the irradiated surface can be reduced.

The radical density can be measured, for example, by the following method.
The active gas is irradiated to 0.2 mL of a 0.2 mol / L solution of DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide) for 30 seconds. At this time, the distance from the irradiation port 1a to the liquid surface is 5.0 mm. The hydroxyl radical concentration of the solution irradiated with the active gas is measured by using an electron spin resonance (ESR) method, and this is defined as a radical density.

  The density of singlet oxygen (singlet oxygen density) in the active gas is preferably from 0.1 to 300 μmol / L, more preferably from 0.1 to 100 μmol / L, even more preferably from 0.1 to 50 μmol / L. When the singlet oxygen density is equal to or higher than the above lower limit, it is easy to promote the cleaning, activation, or healing of an object to be irradiated such as a cell, a living tissue, or a living individual. When the value is equal to or less than the above upper limit, stimulation to the irradiated surface can be reduced.

The singlet oxygen density can be measured, for example, by the following method.
An active gas is irradiated for 30 seconds to 0.4 mL of a 0.1 mol / L solution of TPC (2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-3-carboxamide). At this time, the distance from the irradiation port 1a to the liquid surface is 5.0 mm. The singlet oxygen concentration of the solution irradiated with the active gas is measured by using an electron spin resonance (ESR) method, and this is defined as a singlet oxygen density.

The flow rate of the active gas discharged from the irradiation port 1a is preferably 1 to 10 L / min.
When the flow rate of the active gas discharged from the irradiation port 1a is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the effect of the active gas acting on the irradiated surface can be sufficiently enhanced. When the flow rate of the active gas discharged from the irradiation port 1a is equal to or less than the upper limit, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the surface to be irradiated with the active gas from excessively increasing. In addition, when the irradiated surface is wet, rapid drying of the irradiated surface can be prevented. Furthermore, when the surface to be irradiated is an affected part, stimulation to the patient can be suppressed. In the active gas irradiation device 100, the flow rate of the active gas discharged from the irradiation port 1 a can be adjusted by the supply amount of the plasma generating gas to the tubular dielectric 3.

  The active gas generated by the active gas irradiation device 100 has an effect of promoting healing of wounds and abnormalities. By irradiating a cell, a living tissue or a living individual with an active gas, it is possible to promote the cleaning and activation of the irradiated part or the healing of the irradiated part.

  When irradiating active gas for the purpose of promoting healing of trauma or abnormalities, the frequency of irradiation, the number of times of irradiation, and the irradiation period are not particularly limited. For example, when irradiating the affected area with an active gas at an irradiation amount of 1 to 5.0 L / min, irradiation conditions such as 1 to 5 times a day, 10 seconds to 10 minutes each time, and 1 to 30 days promote healing. It is preferable from the viewpoint of doing.

  The active gas irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment is particularly useful as an intraoral treatment instrument and a dental treatment instrument. Further, the active gas irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment is also suitable as an animal treatment instrument.

(Mechanism of action)
In the active gas irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment described above, the notification unit 80 notifies that the active gas is being discharged from the nozzle 1. Therefore, the user can recognize that the active gas is being discharged from the nozzle 1 during the treatment.

<Second embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the plasma treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described.
The plasma treatment device of the present embodiment is an active gas irradiation device.
As shown in FIG. 5, the active gas irradiation device 100B of the present embodiment includes an irradiation device 10, a supply unit 20, a gas pipeline 30, and an electric wiring 40, as in the first embodiment.
The active gas irradiation device 100B of the present embodiment is the same as the active gas irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment except that the position where the notification unit 80 is provided is different from that of the first embodiment.

The notification unit 80 in the present embodiment is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cowling 2 of the irradiation device 10.
The electric wiring 40 is a wiring for supplying electricity from the power supply unit 50 of the supply unit 20 to the plasma generation unit 12 of the irradiation device 10, and electrically connects the operation switch 9 of the irradiation device 10 and the control unit 90 of the supply unit 20. Wiring and wiring for electrically connecting the notification unit 80 and the control unit 90 of the supply unit 20 are provided.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, the plasma-type treatment apparatus of the present invention has a plasma generation unit, a nozzle that discharges one or both of plasma and active gas, and discharges one or both of plasma and active gas from the nozzle. It is only necessary to provide a notifying unit for notifying the user, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the illustrated example, the power supply unit 50 is provided inside the housing 21 of the supply unit 20, but may be provided independently of the supply unit 20.
In the illustrated example, the control unit 90 is provided inside the housing 21 of the supply unit 20, but may be provided independently of the supply unit 20.
In the illustrated example, the notification unit 80 is provided integrally with the housing 21 on the outer surface of the housing 21 of the supply unit 20, or provided integrally with the cowling 2 on the outer peripheral surface of the cowling 2 of the irradiation device 10. May be provided independently of the supply unit 20 and the irradiation device 10.
In the illustrated example, the number of the supply units 20 is one. However, a plurality of supply units may be provided to supply two or more kinds of different or the same gas to the irradiation device 10.

  The operation switch 9 may be different from the above embodiment. For example, instead of providing the operation switch 9 on the irradiation device 10, a foot pedal may be provided on the supply unit 20. In this case, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the foot pedal is used as the operation unit, and the gas for generating plasma is supplied from the gas supply source 70 to the plasma generation unit 12 when the user steps on the foot pedal, for example.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 90 controls the notification unit 80 based on the electric signal from the operation switch 9. As another embodiment, the control unit 90 may control the notification unit based on information (current, voltage, gas flow rate, and the like) from the measurement unit instead of the electric signal from the operation switch 9. The measuring unit is an ammeter for measuring the electric current supplied to the plasma generating unit 12, a voltmeter for measuring the voltage of the electric power supplied to the plasma generating unit 12, and the flow rate of the plasma generating gas supplied to the plasma generating unit 12. At least one selected from the group consisting of flow meters that measure The control unit 90 according to the present embodiment determines that plasma is being generated in the plasma generation unit 12 when the current or voltage of electricity supplied to the plasma generation unit 12 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, for example. The notifying unit 80 notifies that the active gas is being discharged. Further, when the flow rate of the plasma generating gas supplied to the plasma generating unit 12 is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the control unit 90 determines that the plasma is being generated in the plasma generating unit 12 and sends the active gas from the nozzle 1. The notifying unit 80 notifies that the ink is being discharged.

In the above embodiment, the shape of the internal electrode 4 is a screw shape, but the shape of the internal electrode is not limited as long as plasma can be generated between the internal electrode and the external electrode.
The internal electrode may have irregularities on the surface or may not have irregularities on the surface. As the internal electrode, a shape having irregularities on the outer peripheral surface is preferable.
The shape of the internal electrode may be, for example, a coil shape, or a rod shape or a cylindrical shape having a plurality of protrusions, holes, and through holes formed on the outer peripheral surface. Examples of the cross-sectional shape of the internal electrode include a circle such as a perfect circle and an ellipse, and a polygon such as a square and a hexagon.

  In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be appropriately combined.

  The plasma treatment apparatus of the present invention is useful as an intraoral treatment instrument, a dental treatment instrument, an animal treatment instrument, and the like. The treatment method of the present invention is effective for promoting healing of living tissue. The treatment method of the present invention is effective for treating not only humans but also animals other than humans.

1 nozzle,
9 operation switches,
10 irradiation equipment,
12 plasma generator,
80 Notification Department,
90 control unit,
100 active gas irradiation device,
100B Active gas irradiation device.

Claims (4)

A plasma generation unit for generating plasma;
A nozzle that discharges one or both of the plasma and the active gas generated by the plasma,
And a notifying unit for notifying that one or both of the plasma and the active gas are being discharged from the nozzle.   The plasma treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit emits at least one selected from the group consisting of sound, light, and vibration. By operating by the user, an operating unit that transmits an electric signal for starting discharge of one or both of the plasma and the active gas from the nozzle,
The plasma treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit configured to control the notification unit based on an electric signal from the operation unit. An ammeter for measuring a current of electricity supplied to the plasma generating unit, a voltmeter for measuring a voltage of electricity supplied to the plasma generating unit, and a flow rate for measuring a flow rate of a plasma generating gas supplied to the plasma generating unit At least one measuring unit selected from the group consisting of
The plasma treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit configured to control the notification unit based on information from the measurement unit.

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