JP7032273B2 - Plasma irradiation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a plasma irradiation device.

Conventionally, for example, a plasma irradiation device for medical use such as dental treatment is known.
The plasma irradiation device heals the affected area by irradiating the affected area such as a wound with plasma or an active gas. The active gas is generated by plasma in the plasma irradiation device.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a plasma jet irradiation device that performs dental treatment. The plasma jet irradiation device includes an irradiation device having a plasma jet irradiation means. The plasma jet irradiation device irradiates the irradiated object with the generated plasma and the active species. The active species is produced by reacting a gas in the plasma or a gas around the plasma with the plasma.
Patent Document 2 discloses a plasma irradiation device that generates an active gas (active species) inside an irradiation device and discharges the active gas from a nozzle to irradiate the affected area. The active gas is, for example, active oxygen, active nitrogen, or the like.

Japanese Patent No. 5441066 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-50267

Since the user may drop the irradiation device during treatment, this type of plasma irradiation device has been desired to be improved so as not to drop. In particular, when the user changes the irradiation device during treatment, the irradiation device may be dropped. In addition, the irradiation device used for dental treatment has the patient's saliva and water adhered to it, and the surface of the irradiation device becomes wet and slippery, so that the user may drop the irradiation device. In addition, the surface of the irradiator may come into contact with the patient and stain the surface. Therefore, there has been a demand for a form in which dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device can be easily removed. Furthermore, since dental treatment requires detailed operations, the ease of holding and operability of the irradiation instrument has also been required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and prevents the user from dropping the irradiation device during treatment, easily removes dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device, and holds the irradiation device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a plasma irradiation device having excellent easiness and operability.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
The plasma irradiation device according to the present invention has a plasma generation unit, and is provided on the surface of the irradiation device and an irradiation device that discharges at least one of the plasma generated in the plasma generation unit and the active gas generated by the plasma. A fixing mechanism for fixing the user's hand holding the irradiation device.

The irradiation device is formed in a long shape whose length in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length in the lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the fixing mechanism is directed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the irradiation device. The recess may be provided, and the recess may be shortened in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the irradiation device in the radial direction.

The fixing mechanism may be an annular portion through which the fingers of the user of the irradiation device are inserted.

The fixing mechanism may be fine irregularities provided on the surface of the irradiation device.

The fixing mechanism may be a rubber grip provided on the surface of the irradiation device.

The fixing mechanism may be a strap having an annular member through which the fingers of the user of the irradiation device are inserted.

Further, in the above plasma irradiation device, the plasma generating unit may generate the plasma by a dielectric barrier discharge.

Further, in the above plasma irradiation device, the plasma generating unit may generate the plasma by using nitrogen gas.

According to the present invention, a plasma irradiation device that prevents the user from dropping the irradiation device during treatment, easily removes dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device, is easy to hold the irradiation device, and has excellent operability. Can be provided.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the plasma irradiation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a partial cross-sectional view of the irradiation apparatus which constitutes the plasma irradiation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is xx sectional view of the irradiation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line yy of the irradiation device of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the plasma irradiation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the main part of the irradiation apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which constitutes the plasma irradiation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on 1st modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on the 2nd modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on the 3rd modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on 4th modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on 5th modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on the 6th modification of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on 7th modification of this invention, (A) is a plan view, (B) is a perspective view. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on 8th modification of this invention, (A) is a plan view, (B) is a perspective view. It is a schematic diagram which shows the fixing mechanism of the irradiation apparatus which concerns on the 9th modification of this invention, (A) is a plan view, (B) is a perspective view.

An embodiment of the plasma irradiation device of the present invention will be described.
It should be noted that the present embodiment is specifically described in order to better understand the gist of the invention, and is not limited to the present invention unless otherwise specified.

The plasma irradiation device of the present invention is a plasma jet irradiation device or an active gas irradiation device.
The plasma jet irradiator generates plasma. The plasma jet irradiation device directly irradiates the irradiated object with the generated plasma and the active species. The active species is produced by reacting a gas in the plasma or a gas around the plasma with the plasma. Examples of the active species include active oxygen species and active nitrogen species. Examples of the active oxygen species include hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical and the like. Examples of the active nitrogen species include nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxynitrite, nitrite peroxide, and dinitrogen trioxide.

The active gas irradiation device generates plasma. The active gas irradiation device irradiates the irradiated object with an active gas containing an active species. The active species is produced by reacting a gas in the plasma or a gas around the plasma with the plasma.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the plasma irradiation device of the present invention will be described.
The plasma irradiation device of this embodiment is an active gas irradiation device.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the plasma irradiation device 200 of the present embodiment includes an irradiation device 10, a detection unit 15, a supply unit 20, a gas pipeline 30, an electrical wiring 40, and a supply source 70. , A notification unit 80, a control unit 90 (calculation unit), and a fixing mechanism 100.
The irradiation device 10 discharges the active gas generated in the irradiation device 10. The supply unit 20 supplies electric power and plasma generating gas to the irradiation device 10. The supply unit 20 houses the supply source 70. The supply source 70 contains a gas for generating plasma. The supply unit 20 is connected to, for example, a power source (not shown) such as a 100 V household power source. The gas pipeline 30 connects the irradiation device 10 and the supply unit 20. The electrical 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.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional (vertical cross-sectional) view of a surface of the irradiation device 10 along the axis.
As shown in FIG. 2, the irradiation device 10 includes a long cowling 2 (housing), a nozzle 11 protruding from the tip of the cowling 2, and a plasma generating unit 12 located in the cowling 2.
The cowling 2 includes a cylindrical body portion 2b and a head portion 2a that closes the tip of the body portion 2b. The body portion 2b is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal cylinder such as a square cylinder, a hexagonal cylinder, or an octagonal cylinder.

The head portion 2a has a tapered shape that gradually reduces in diameter toward the tip. That is, the head portion 2a in the present embodiment has a conical shape. The head portion 2a is not limited to a conical shape, but may be a polygonal weight such as a square weight, a hexagonal weight, or an octagonal weight.
The head portion 2a has a fitting hole 2c at the tip thereof. The fitting hole 2c is a hole for receiving the nozzle 11. The nozzle 11 is removable from the head portion 2a. The head portion 2a has a first active gas flow path 7 extending in the direction of the pipe axis O1 inside. The pipe shaft O1 is a pipe shaft of the body portion 2b.
The body portion 2b is provided with an operation switch 9 (operation portion) on the outer peripheral surface.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plasma generating unit 12 includes a tubular dielectric 3 (dielectric), an internal electrode 4, and an external electrode 5.
The tubular dielectric 3 is a cylindrical member extending in the direction of the tube axis O1. The tubular dielectric 3 has a gas flow path 6 extending in the direction of the tube axis O1 inside. The first active gas flow path 7 and the gas flow path 6 communicate with each other. The tube shaft O1 is the same as the tube shaft of the tubular dielectric 3.
The tubular dielectric 3 has an internal electrode 4 inside. The internal electrode 4 is a substantially columnar member extending in the direction of the tube axis O1. The internal electrode 4 is separated from the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3.
A part of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular dielectric 3 is provided with an external electrode 5 along the internal electrode 4. The external electrode 5 is an annular electrode that orbits along the outer peripheral surface of the tubular dielectric 3.
As shown in FIG. 3, the tubular dielectric 3, the internal electrode 4, and the external electrode 5 are located concentrically with the tube axis O1 as the center.
In the present embodiment, 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.

In the present embodiment, the plasma generating unit 12 generates plasma by a dielectric barrier discharge.
The plasma generation unit 12 generates plasma using, for example, nitrogen. In order to generate plasma using nitrogen, the voltage applied to the plasma generating unit 12 becomes high, and the shield required to prevent the electromagnetic wave radiated from the plasma generating unit 12 becomes heavy. Therefore, when the plasma generating portion 12 is dropped, the dielectric for generating the dielectric barrier discharge is easily broken.

The plasma generating unit 12 can be separated from the cowling 2. The plasma generation unit 12 is, for example, pulled out from the cowling 2 in the direction of the tube axis O1. For example, after the cowling 2 is disassembled into a head portion 2a and a body portion 2b, the plasma generating portion 12 may be configured so that the plasma generating portion 12 is pulled out to the front side with respect to the body portion 2b (note that the tube). The head portion 2a side is the front side and the body portion 2b side is the rear side along the axis O1 direction).
For example, when the plasma generating unit 12 is damaged, a new plasma generating unit 12 can be attached to the cowling 2 after the plasma generating unit 12 is separated from the cowling 2. At this time, the new plasma generating unit 12 can be inserted into the cowling 2 in the direction of the tube axis O1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the hardness of the tip portion of the nozzle 11 (hardness measured by a type A durometer defined in JIS K6253, hereinafter referred to as “hardness”) is 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. be. In the present embodiment, the nozzle 11 includes a main body tube 1 through which at least one of plasma and an active gas passes, and a cover 13 that covers the main body tube 1. The cover 13 forms the tip of the nozzle 11 and is made of a material having a hardness of 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. Since the cover 13 is made of a material having a hardness of 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, at least the outer surface (outermost layer) hardness of the tip portion of the nozzle 11 is 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. The hardness of the cover 13 is preferably, for example, 10 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

The main body tube 1 includes a pedestal portion 1b that fits into the fitting hole 2c, and an irradiation tube 1c that protrudes from the pedestal portion 1b. The pedestal portion 1b is detachably attached to the fitting hole 2c (cowling 2). The irradiation tube 1c is formed in a cylindrical shape. The pedestal portion 1b and the irradiation tube 1c are integrated. The main body tube 1 has a second active gas flow path 8 inside. The main body tube 1 has an irradiation port 1a at the tip thereof. The second active gas flow path 8 and the first active gas flow path 7 communicate with each other.

The main body tube 1 (pedestal portion 1b and irradiation tube 1c) is integrally formed of the same material. In this embodiment, the main body tube 1 is made of metal (for example, SUS (stainless steel) or the like). The material of the main body tube 1 is not particularly limited and may have insulating properties or conductive properties. As the material of the main body tube 1, a material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance is preferable. As a material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance, a metal such as stainless steel can be exemplified.

The cover 13 is made of a soft material having biocompatibility and insulating properties. In the present embodiment, the cover 13 is made of a resin (for example, a silicon resin, more specifically, a silicon resin having a hardness of about 20 degrees or the like). As described above, the cover 13 is made of a material having a hardness of 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. The material forming the cover 13 is softer than the material forming the SUS (stainless steel) or ABS resin, and is softer than the material forming the main body tube 1 or the cowling 2. In other words, when a member having the same shape and size as the cover 13 is formed of SUS, ABS resin, a material for forming the main body tube 1, or a material for forming the cowling 2, the cover is better than this member. 13 is more easily deformed.

The cover 13 is fitted to the irradiation tube 1c from the outside. The tip of the cover 13 projects with respect to the tip of the main body tube 1. In the illustrated example, the tip of the cover 13 projects forward from the tip of the irradiation tube 1c. The cover 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The wall thickness of the cover 13 is, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. If the wall thickness of the cover 13 is less than 0.5 mm, it becomes difficult to exert the effect of reducing the burden described later. On the other hand, if the wall thickness of the cover 13 exceeds 5 mm, the entire nozzle 11 becomes too thick, and for example, treatment (dental treatment) may be difficult.

In the present embodiment, the cover 13 is integrally provided with the head cover 14. The head cover 14 covers the head portion 2a, and in the illustrated example, the head cover 14 is fitted to the head portion 2a from the outside.
The cover 13 is detachably attached to the main body tube 1. In the present embodiment, the head cover 14 is also detachably attached to the head portion 2a. The cover 13 and the head cover 14 are integrally and detachably attached to the main body tube 1 and the head portion 2a. In addition, in order to improve the detachability of the cover 13 and the head cover 14, uneven portions may be provided on the inner surface of the cover 13 and the head cover 14. By providing the uneven portion, the contact area between the cover 13 and the head cover 14 and the main body tube 1 and the head portion 2a can be reduced, and the frictional resistance at the time of attachment / detachment can be reduced.

The cover 13 (connecting body of the cover 13 and the head cover 14) may be manufactured, for example, by performing a trial production by extrusion molding and then performing secondary processing. The cover 13 may be manufactured by, for example, vacuum casting, RIM molding, or injection molding. When the cover 13 is formed by vacuum casting, RIM molding, or injection molding, for example, the above-mentioned uneven portion may be provided on the inner surface of the cover 13 as compared with the case where the cover 13 is prototyped by extrusion molding and then subjected to secondary processing. , It becomes easy to make a notch in the cover 13. Therefore, it is preferable to form the cover 13 by vacuum casting, RIM molding, or injection molding.

As shown in FIG. 2, the material of the body portion 2b is not particularly limited, but a material having conductivity is preferable. The body portion 2b may be formed of a metal material, or may have a multilayer structure having an insulating material and a layer of the metal material on the surface thereof.
Examples of the metal material include stainless steel, titanium, aluminum and the like. Aluminum is preferable from the viewpoint of cost and lightness, and when aluminum is used, it is preferable that the surface is anodized.
The size of the body portion 2b is not particularly limited, and can be a size that can be easily grasped by fingers.

The material of the head portion 2a is not particularly limited and may or may not have an insulating property. The material of the head portion 2a is preferably a material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. As a material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance, a metal such as stainless steel can be exemplified. The materials of the head portion 2a and the body portion 2b may be the same or different.
The size of the head portion 2a can be determined in consideration of the application of the plasma irradiation device 200 and the like. For example, when the plasma irradiation device 200 is an oral treatment instrument, the size of the head portion 2a is preferably a size that can be inserted into the oral cavity.

As the material of the tubular dielectric 3, a dielectric material used in 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 more preferable.

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 the distance s described later is within a desired range.

The internal electrode 4 includes a shaft portion extending in the direction of the tube shaft O1 and a thread on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. The shaft portion may be solid or hollow. Above all, the shaft portion is preferably solid. If the shaft is solid, it is easy to process and the mechanical durability can be improved. The thread of the internal electrode 4 is a spiral thread that circulates 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 strengthened, and the discharge start voltage is lowered. Therefore, plasma can be generated and maintained with low power consumption.
The internal electrode 4 does not have to have irregularities such as threads on the outer peripheral surface. That is, the internal electrode 4 may be a cylindrical member having no unevenness on the outer peripheral surface.

The outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the application of the plasma irradiation device 200 (that is, the size of the irradiation device 10) and the like. When the plasma irradiation device 200 is an oral treatment instrument, the outer diameter d is preferably 0.5 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm. When the outer diameter d is at least the above lower limit value, the internal electrode 4 can be easily manufactured. In addition, when the outer diameter d is at least the above lower limit value, the surface area of the internal electrode 4 becomes large, plasma can be generated more efficiently, and healing and the like can be further promoted. When the outer diameter d is not more than the above upper limit value, plasma can be generated more efficiently and healing or the like can be further promoted without making the irradiation device 10 excessively large.

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 of the internal electrode 4, the outer diameter d, and the like. The pitch p is preferably 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm, still more preferably 0.2 mm 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 that can be used as 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, carbon and the like.

As the internal electrode 4, JIS B 0205: 2001 metric screw standard product (M2, M2.2, M2.5, M3, M3.5, etc.) and JIS B 2016: 1987 metric screw standard product (Tr8). × 1.5, Tr9 × 2, Tr9 × 1.5, etc.), JIS B 0206: 1973 unified coarse thread standard products (No. 1-64 UNC, No. 2-56 UNC, No. 3-48 UNC, etc.) The same specifications as the above are preferable. If the specifications are equivalent to those of these standard products, it is advantageous in terms of 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 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm. When the distance s is equal to or greater than the above lower limit value, a desired amount of plasma generating gas can be easily passed. When the distance s is not more than the above upper limit value, plasma can be generated more efficiently and the temperature of the active gas can be lowered.

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, carbon and the like.

The length of the flow path in the irradiation tube 1c in the nozzle 11 (that is, the distance L2) can be appropriately determined in consideration of the application of the plasma irradiation device 200 and the like.
The opening diameter of the irradiation port 1a is preferably, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm. When the opening diameter is at least the above lower limit value, the pressure loss of the active gas can be suppressed. When the opening diameter is not more than the above upper limit value, the flow velocity of the activated gas to be irradiated can be increased to promote healing of the affected area.
The irradiation tube 1c is bent with respect to the tube axis O1.
The angle θ formed by the tube axis O2 and the tube axis O1 of the irradiation tube 1c can be determined in consideration of the application of the plasma irradiation device 200 and the like.

The total of the distance L1 from the tip center point Q1 of the external electrode 5 to the tip Q2 of the head portion 2a and the distance L2 from the tip Q2 to the irradiation port 1a (that is, the distance from the internal electrode 4 to the irradiation port 1a) is It is appropriately determined in consideration of the size required for the plasma irradiation device 200, the temperature on the surface (irradiated surface) to which the irradiated active gas hits, and the like. 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 can be further increased, and the effects of purification, activation, healing and the like on the irradiated surface can be further enhanced. The tip Q2 is an intersection of the pipe shaft O1 and the pipe shaft O2.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the detection unit 15 detects an external force (impact force) applied to the irradiation device 10. The detection unit 15 is arranged closer to the plasma generation unit 12 than the nozzle 11. The detection unit 15 is arranged in the recess 16. The recess 16 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 2b. Assuming that the direction orthogonal to the tube axis O1 is the radial direction, the detection unit 15 is arranged outside the radial direction with respect to the tubular dielectric 3. The detection unit 15 is formed in a tubular shape extending in the tube axis O1 direction.
The detection unit 15 can be detached from the irradiation device 10. The detection unit 15 is taken out from the inside of the cowling 2 to the outside after the plasma generation unit 12 is separated from the cowling 2.

The detection unit 15 changes color when an external force is applied to the detection unit 15. In the present embodiment, the color of the detection unit 15 is different before and after an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the detection unit 15. The color of the detection unit 15 does not return to the original color and remains discolored after an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the detection unit 15. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 15 is discolored when an impact acceleration equal to or higher than a predetermined impact acceleration (impact value) is applied, and the discolored state is maintained.

As the detection unit 15, for example, a shock watch (registered trademark) manufactured by Shock Watch Co., Ltd. can be adopted. When the detection unit 15 is tubular as in the present embodiment, for example, an impact detection tube (for example, a tube type of a shock watch (registered trademark)) or the like can be adopted as the detection unit 15. Further, instead of the impact detection tube, for example, an impact detection label (for example, a label type of a shock watch (registered trademark)) or an impact detection display (for example, MAG2000 of a shock watch (registered trademark)) is adopted. can do.

The detection unit 15 can be appropriately designed, for example, in consideration of the strength (size, shape, material) of the tubular dielectric 3. By appropriately designing the detection unit 15, for example, the threshold value of the impact acceleration related to the discoloration of the detection unit 15 can be adjusted.
The detection unit 15 is visible from the outside of the irradiation device 10. The cowling 2 is provided with a peephole 17. The peephole 17 is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the detection unit 15 (recessed portion 16). The detection unit 15 is visually recognized from the outside of the irradiation device 10 through the peephole 17.

The supply unit 20 as shown in FIG. 1 supplies electricity and plasma generating gas to the irradiation device 10. The supply unit 20 can adjust the voltage and frequency applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5. The supply unit 20 includes a housing 21 that houses the supply source 70.
The housing 21 houses the supply source 70 in a detachable manner. As a result, when the gas in the supply source 70 housed in the housing 21 runs out, the supply source 70 can be replaced.

The supply source 70 supplies the plasma generation gas to the plasma generation unit 12. The supply source 70 is a pressure-resistant container in which a gas for plasma generation is housed. As shown in FIG. 5, the supply source 70 is detachably attached to the pipe 75 arranged in the housing 21. The pipe 75 connects the supply source 70 and the gas pipe line 30.
A solenoid valve 71, a pressure regulator 73, a flow rate controller 74, and a pressure sensor 72 (remaining amount sensor) are attached to the pipe 75.

When the solenoid valve 71 is opened, plasma generation gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the irradiation device 10 via the pipe 75 and the gas pipeline 30. In the illustrated example, the solenoid valve 71 does not have a configuration in which the valve opening degree can be adjusted, but has a configuration in which only opening and closing can be switched. The solenoid valve 71 may have a configuration in which the valve opening degree can be adjusted.
The pressure regulator 73 is arranged between the solenoid valve 71 and the supply source 70. The pressure regulator 73 reduces the pressure of the plasma generating gas (reducing the plasma generating gas) from the supply source 70 toward the solenoid valve 71.

The flow rate controller 74 is arranged between the solenoid valve 71 and the gas pipeline 30. The flow rate controller 74 adjusts the flow rate (supply amount per unit time) of the plasma generating gas that has passed through the solenoid valve 71. The flow rate controller 74 adjusts the flow rate of the plasma generating gas to, for example, 3 L / min.
The pressure sensor 72 detects the remaining amount V1 of the plasma generating gas in the supply source 70. The pressure sensor 72 measures the pressure (residual pressure) in the supply source 70 as the remaining amount V1. The pressure sensor 72 measures the pressure of the plasma generating gas passing between the pressure regulator 73 and the supply source 70 (primary side of the pressure regulator 73) as the pressure of the supply source 70. As the pressure sensor 72, for example, Keyence's AP-V80 series (specifically, for example, AP-15S) or the like can be adopted.

A joint 76 is provided at the end of the pipe 75 on the supply source 70 side. A supply source 70 is detachably attached to the joint 76. By attaching and detaching the supply source 70 to the joint 76, the solenoid valve 71, the pressure regulator 73, the flow controller 74, and the pressure sensor 72 (hereinafter referred to as “solenoid valve 71, etc.”) are fixed to the housing 21 and the supply source is maintained. The 70 can be replaced.
In this case, a common solenoid valve 71 or the like can be used for both the supply source 70 before replacement and the supply source 70 after replacement. The solenoid valve 71 or the like may be fixed to the supply source 70 and may be integrally detachable from the housing 21 together with the supply source 70.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gas pipeline 30 is a path for supplying plasma generation gas from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation device 10. The gas pipeline 30 is connected to the rear end of the tubular dielectric 3 of the irradiation device 10. The material of the gas pipe line 30 is not particularly limited, and a known material used for the gas pipe can be applied. As the material of the gas pipeline 30, for example, a resin pipe, a rubber tube, or the like can be exemplified, and a flexible material is preferable.

The electric wiring 40 is a wiring for supplying electricity from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation device 10. The electrical 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 the electric wiring can be applied.
As the material of the electric wiring 40, a metal conductor or the like coated with an insulating material can be exemplified.

The control unit 90 as shown in FIG. 5 is configured by using an information processing device. That is, the control unit 90 includes a CPU (Central Processor Unit) connected by a bus, a memory, and an auxiliary storage device. The control unit 90 operates by executing a program. The control unit 90 may be built in, for example, the supply unit 20. The control unit 90 controls the irradiation device 10, the supply unit 20, and the notification unit 80.

The operation switch 9 of the irradiation device 10 is electrically connected to the control unit 90. When the operation switch 9 is operated, an electric signal is sent from the operation switch 9 to the control unit 90. When the control unit 90 receives the electric signal, the control unit 90 operates the solenoid valve 71 and the flow rate controller 74, and applies a voltage between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5.

In the present embodiment, the operation switch 9 is a push button, and when the user presses the operation switch 9 once (the user operates the operation switch 9), the control unit 90 receives the electric signal. Then, the control unit 90 opens the solenoid valve 71 for a predetermined time to cause the flow controller 74 to adjust the flow rate of the plasma generating gas that has passed through the solenoid valve 71, and causes a voltage between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5. Is applied for a predetermined time. As a result, a certain amount of plasma generation gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the plasma generation unit 12, and the active gas continues for a certain period of time (for example, about several seconds to several tens of seconds, 30 seconds in this embodiment) from the nozzle 11. And is discharged.

The control unit 90 calculates the remaining number N of the plasma generating gas. The remaining number of times N is the remaining number of times that the plasma generation gas can be supplied from the supply source 70 to the plasma generation unit 12 by the plasma generation gas remaining in the supply source 70. The remaining number N can be calculated from the remaining amount V1 of the plasma generating gas in the supply source 70. The remaining number of times N can be calculated (N = V1 / V2) based on the remaining amount V1 and the supply amount V2 of the plasma generating gas per operation of the operation switch 9.

The notification unit 80 notifies the remaining number of times N. The notification unit 80 displays the remaining number of times N calculated by the control unit 90 as a number. As the notification unit 80, for example, a display device capable of displaying an arbitrary number may be adopted, or a mechanical counter may be adopted. The notification unit 80 may notify the remaining number of times N by voice. In this case, for example, a speaker or the like can be adopted as the notification unit 80.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing mechanism 100 is provided on the surface of the irradiation device 10. The fixing mechanism 100 is a mechanism for preventing the user's hand holding the irradiation device 10 from being displaced from the irradiation device 10. If the surface of the luminaire 10 is flat, the hand holding the illuminator 10 slips. That is, the fixing mechanism 100 is a mechanism for preventing the user's hand from slipping from the irradiation device 10.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the irradiation device 10 is formed in a long shape in which the length in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length in the lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The fixing mechanism 100 includes recesses 101 that are recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation device 10 and open on both sides of the irradiation device 10 in the lateral direction. Further, the recess 101 has a shorter length in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the irradiation device 10 in the radial direction. Further, the recess 101 is a space in which the fingers of the user's hand of the irradiation device 10 are arranged. A plurality of recesses 101 (three in the illustrated example) are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the irradiation device 10. The recesses 101 are provided at the same position in the circumferential direction. Each of the recesses 101 is provided in a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the irradiation device 10 where the nozzle 11 is located in the bending direction. As a result, when the user grips the irradiation device 10 from the side opposite to the bending direction of the nozzle 11 so as to shake hands with the irradiation device 10, the user's finger is arranged in the recess 101.
The size of the recess 101 is not particularly limited and is determined, for example, according to the size of the fingers of an average adult hand.

Next, a method of using the plasma irradiation device 200 will be described.
For example, a user such as a doctor holds the irradiation device 10 and moves the nozzle 11 toward an object to be irradiated, which will be described later. At this time, the user grips the irradiation device 10 with the finger of his / her hand (the hand that operates the irradiation device 10) along the recess 101 provided on the surface of the irradiation device 10. In this state, the operation switch 9 is pressed to supply electricity and plasma generation gas from the supply source 70 to the irradiation device 10.
The plasma generating gas supplied to the irradiation device 10 flows into the inner space of the tubular dielectric 3 from the rear end portion of the tubular dielectric 3. The plasma generating gas is ionized at a position where the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other to become plasma.

In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the plasma generating gas. The plasma generated at the position where the outer peripheral surface of the internal electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the external electrode 5 face each other includes the gas flow path 6, the first active gas flow path 7, and the second active gas flow path 8. In this order. During this period, 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. The discharged active gas further activates a part of the gas in the vicinity of the irradiation port 1a to generate an active species. The irradiated object is irradiated with an active gas containing these active species.

Examples of the irradiated object include cells, biological tissues, individual organisms, and the like.
Examples of the biological tissue include organs of internal organs, epithelial tissue covering the inner surface of the body surface and the body cavity, periodontal tissue such as gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum, teeth, bone and the like.
The individual organism may be any of mammals such as humans, dogs, cats and pigs; birds; fish and the like.

Examples of the plasma generating gas include rare gases such as helium, neon, argon, and krypton; nitrogen; and the like. 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, the term "nitrogen as a main component" means that the content of nitrogen in the plasma generating gas is more than 50% by volume.
That is, the nitrogen content in the plasma generating gas is preferably more than 50% by volume, more preferably 70% by volume or more, further preferably 80% by mass to 100% by mass, and particularly preferably 90% by mass to 100% by mass. The gas components other than nitrogen in the plasma generating gas are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include oxygen and rare gases.

When the plasma irradiation device 200 is an oral treatment instrument, the oxygen concentration of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 1% by volume or less. If the oxygen concentration is not more than the upper limit, the generation of ozone can be reduced.

The flow rate of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 1 L / min to 10 L / min.
When the flow rate of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is at least the above lower limit value, 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 not more than the upper limit value, the cleaning, activation or healing of the irradiated object 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 the potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the AC voltage waveform.
When the internal electrode 4 is a cylindrical member having no unevenness 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 where the internal electrode 4 having unevenness on the outer peripheral surface is used. be.
When the applied AC voltage is not more than the upper limit value, the temperature of the generated plasma can be suppressed low. If 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 and 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, it is 4 kHz or more and less than 8 kHz.
If the AC frequency is less than the upper limit, the temperature of the generated plasma can be kept low. If 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 11 is preferably 50 ° C. or lower, more preferably 45 ° C. or lower, still more preferably 40 ° C. or lower.
When the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 11 is not more than the upper limit value, the temperature of the irradiated surface is likely to be 40 ° C. or less. By setting the temperature of the irradiated surface to 40 ° C. or lower, irritation to the affected area can be reduced even when the irradiated area is the affected area.
The lower limit of the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 11 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 10 ° C. or higher.
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 irradiated surface is preferably, for example, 0.01 mm to 10 mm. When the irradiation distance is equal to or more than the above lower limit value, the temperature of the irradiated surface can be lowered and the irritation to the irradiated surface can be further alleviated. When the irradiation distance is not more than the above upper limit value, the effect of healing and the like can be further enhanced.

The temperature of the irradiated surface at a position separated from the irradiation port 1a at a distance of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less is preferably 40 ° C. or less. When the temperature of the irradiated surface is 40 ° C. or lower, the irritation to the irradiated surface can be reduced. The lower limit of the temperature of the irradiated surface is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10 ° C. or higher.
The temperature of the irradiated surface is adjusted by a combination of the AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5, the discharge amount of the activated gas to be irradiated, the length from the tip Q1 of the internal electrode 4 to the irradiation port 1a, and the like. can.
The temperature of the irradiated surface can be measured using a thermocouple.

Active species (radicals, etc.) contained in the active gas include hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxynitrite, nitrite peroxide, and trioxide. (2) Nitric oxide and the like can be exemplified. The type of active species contained in the active gas can be further adjusted to, for example, the type of plasma generating gas.

The density of hydroxyl radicals (radical density) in the active gas is preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 300 μmol / L, more preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 100 μmol / L, and further preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 50 μmol / L. preferable. When the radical density is at least the above lower limit value, it is easy to promote the cleaning, activation or healing of abnormalities of the irradiated object selected from cells, biological tissues and individual organisms. When the radical density is not more than the upper limit value, the irritation to the irradiated surface can be reduced.

The radical density can be measured, for example, by the following method.
Irradiate 0.2 mL of DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrrroline-N-oxide) 0.2 mol / L solution with an active gas 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 used as the radical density.

The density of singlet oxygen (singlet oxygen density) in the active gas is preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 300 μmol / L, more preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 100 μmol / L, and 0.1 μmol / L to 50 μmol / L. L is more preferred. When the singlet oxygen density is at least the above lower limit value, it is easy to promote the cleaning, activation or healing of abnormalities of irradiated objects such as cells, biological tissues and individual organisms. When it is not more than the upper limit value, the irritation to the irradiated surface can be reduced.

The singlet oxygen density can be measured by, for example, the following method.
Irradiate 0.4 mL of TPC (2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrrroline-3-carboxamide) 0.1 mol / L solution with an active gas for 30 seconds. 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 the singlet oxygen density.

The flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a is preferably 1 L / min to 10 L / min.
When the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a is at least the above lower limit value, the effect of the active gas acting on the irradiated surface can be sufficiently enhanced. When the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a is less than the upper limit value, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the surface to be irradiated with the active gas from rising excessively. In addition, when the irradiated surface is wet, rapid drying of the irradiated surface can be prevented. Furthermore, when the irradiated surface is the affected area, irritation to the patient can be suppressed.
In the plasma irradiation device 200, the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a can be adjusted by the amount of the plasma generating gas supplied to the tubular dielectric 3.

The active gas generated by the plasma irradiation device 200 has an effect of promoting healing of trauma and abnormalities. By irradiating a cell, a living tissue or an individual organism with an active gas, the cleansing, activation, or healing of the irradiated portion can be promoted.

When irradiating an active gas for the purpose of promoting healing of trauma or abnormality, the irradiation frequency, the number of irradiations, 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 L / min to 5.0 L / min, the irradiation conditions such as 1 to 5 times a day, 10 seconds to 10 minutes each time, 1 day to 30 days, etc. It is preferable from the viewpoint of promoting healing.

The plasma irradiation device 200 of the present embodiment is particularly useful as an oral treatment instrument and a dental treatment instrument. Further, the plasma irradiation device 200 of the present embodiment is also suitable as an animal treatment device (for example, a treatment device for treating the oral cavity of animals other than humans).

According to the plasma irradiation device 200 of the present embodiment, the irradiation device 10 is used by the user by grasping the irradiation device 10 with a finger along the fixing mechanism 100 (recessed portion 101) provided on the surface of the irradiation device 10. Since it is firmly fixed to the hand of the user, it is easy to hold the irradiation device 10 and has excellent operability, and it is possible to prevent the user 300 from dropping the irradiation device 10 during treatment. Therefore, the treatment can be appropriately performed. Further, the fixing mechanism 100 includes recesses 101 that are recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation device 10 and open on both sides of the irradiation device 10 in the lateral direction, and the recesses 101 are in the radial direction of the irradiation device 10. Since the length in the longitudinal direction becomes shorter toward the inside, dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device 10 is less likely to accumulate in the recess 101, and dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device 10 can be easily removed.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, the fixing mechanisms 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 according to the first modification to the ninth modification as shown in FIGS. 8 to 13 may be adopted. In the fixing mechanisms 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 according to the first modification to the ninth modification, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as the components in the embodiment. The explanation will be omitted, and only the differences will be explained.

The fixing mechanism 110 according to the first modification shown in FIG. 8 includes recesses 111 that are recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation device 10 and open on both sides of the irradiation device 10 in the lateral direction. Further, the recess 111 has a shorter length in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the irradiation device 10 in the radial direction. The recess 111 is provided, for example, over the entire circumference of the irradiation device 10. When the user grips the irradiation device 10 like a pen, a finger is placed in the recess 111.
The size of the recess 111 is not particularly limited and is determined, for example, according to the size of an average adult's hand.

The fixing mechanism 120 according to the second modification shown in FIG. 9 is an annular portion 121 through which the fingers of the user's hand of the irradiation device 10 are inserted. In this modification, the outer shape of the irradiation device 10 is in the form of a pistol, and the annular portion 121 is a portion in the form of the pistol through which a finger for pulling a trigger is inserted.
The size of the annular portion 121, in other words, the size (area) inside the annular portion 121 is not particularly limited, and is determined, for example, according to the size of the finger of an average adult hand.

The fixing mechanism 130 according to the third modification shown in FIG. 10 is a knurl (non-slip) 131. The knurl 131 is a fine unevenness provided on the surface of the cowling 2 of the irradiation device 10. The knurl 131 may be any of diagonal knurls, flatfish knurls, twill knurls and the like.
The size of the unevenness constituting the knurl 131 is not particularly limited, and is determined so that a sufficient frictional force is generated between the knurled 131 and the user's hand.

The fixing mechanism 140 according to the fourth modification shown in FIG. 11 is a rubber grip (non-slip) 141. The rubber grip 141 is provided on the surface of the cowling 2 of the irradiation device 10.
The rubber material of the rubber grip 141 is not particularly limited, and is determined so that a sufficient frictional force is generated between the rubber grip 141 and the user's hand.

The fixing mechanism 150 according to the fifth modification shown in FIG. 12 includes recesses 151 and 152 that are recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation device 10 and open on both sides of the irradiation device 10 in the lateral direction. Further, the recesses 151 and 152 become shorter in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the irradiation device 10 in the radial direction. Further, the recesses 151 and 152 are spaces in which the fingers of the user of the irradiation device 10 are arranged. A plurality of recesses 151 and 152 (six in the illustrated example) are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the irradiation device 10. The recess 151 and the recess 152 are provided so as to face each other on the surface of the cowling 2 of the irradiation device 10. That is, the recess 151 composed of three recesses provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the irradiation instrument 10 and the recess 152 composed of three recesses provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the irradiation instrument 10 irradiate. It is provided so as to face each other on the surface of the cowling 2 of the instrument 10. The size of the recesses 151 and 152 is not particularly limited and is determined, for example, according to the size of the fingers of an average adult hand. In particular, it is preferable that the size and position of the recess 151 and the recess 152 are provided so that the user's finger comes into close contact with either the recess 151 or the recess 152 when the user changes the irradiation device.
As a result, the irradiation device 10 is easy to hold and has excellent operability, and even if the user changes the irradiation device, it is possible to prevent the irradiation device 10 from falling. Further, the fixing mechanism 150 includes recesses 151 and 152 that are recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation device 10 and open on both sides of the irradiation device 10 in the lateral direction, and the recesses 151 and 152 are recesses 151 and 152. Since the length in the longitudinal direction becomes shorter toward the inside in the radial direction, dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device 10 is less likely to collect in the recesses 151 and 152, and dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device 10 is removed. Cheap.

The fixing mechanism 160 according to the sixth modification shown in FIG. 13 is a strap 161 having an annular member 162 through which the fingers of the user's hand of the irradiation device 10 are inserted. The strap 161 has an annular member 162 and a strap 163 that is connected to the annular member 162 and secures the strap 161 to the irradiation device 10.
The user does not drop the irradiation device 10 even if the user stops holding the irradiation device 10 by hand by inserting the finger of the hand through the annular member 162.

The fixing mechanism 170 according to the seventh modification shown in FIG. 14 is provided with a recess 171 recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation device 10 on the tip end side (nozzle 11 side) of the irradiation device 10. Further, the recess 171 becomes shorter in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the irradiation device 10 in the radial direction. Further, the recess 171 is a space in which the fingers of the user of the irradiation device 10 are arranged. The size of the recess 171 is not particularly limited and is determined, for example, according to the size of the fingers of an average adult hand. In particular, it is preferable that the size and position of the recess 171 are provided so that the user's finger comes into close contact with the recess 171 when the user changes the irradiation device.
As a result, the irradiation device 10 is easy to hold and has excellent operability, and even if the user changes the irradiation device, it is possible to prevent the irradiation device 10 from falling. Further, the fixing mechanism 170 includes a recess 171 that is recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation device 10, and the recess 171 becomes shorter in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the irradiation device 10 in the radial direction. Therefore, the dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device 10 is unlikely to accumulate in the recess 171 and the dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device 10 can be easily removed.

The fixing mechanism 180 according to the eighth modification shown in FIG. 15 includes a recess 181 recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation instrument 10 on the tip end side (nozzle 11 side) of the irradiation instrument 10. Further, the recess 181 has a shorter length in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the irradiation device 10 in the radial direction. Further, the recess 181 is a space in which the fingers of the user of the irradiation device 10 are arranged. The size of the recess 181 is not particularly limited and is determined, for example, according to the size of the fingers of an average adult hand. In particular, it is preferable that the size and position of the recess 181 are provided so that the user's finger comes into close contact with the recess 181 when the user changes the irradiation device.
As a result, the irradiation device 10 is easy to hold and has excellent operability, and even if the user changes the irradiation device, it is possible to prevent the irradiation device 10 from falling. Further, the fixing mechanism 180 includes a recess 181 that is recessed in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface 10a of the irradiation device 10, and the recess 181 becomes shorter in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the irradiation device 10 in the radial direction. Therefore, the dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device 10 is unlikely to accumulate in the recess 181 and the dirt adhering to the surface of the irradiation device 10 can be easily removed.

The fixing mechanism 190 according to the ninth modification shown in FIG. 16 is an annular portion 191 through which the fingers of the user's hand of the irradiation device 10 are inserted. In this modification, the outer shape of the irradiation device 10 is in the form of a pistol, and the annular portion 191 is a portion in the form of the pistol through which a finger for pulling a trigger is inserted. Further, the fixing mechanism 190 is located on the tip end side (nozzle 11 side) of the irradiation device 10.
The size of the annular portion 191, in other words, the size (area) inside the annular portion 191 is not particularly limited, and is determined, for example, according to the size of the finger of an average adult hand.

Among the above-mentioned fixing mechanisms, the fixing mechanism 100 shown in FIG. 7, the fixing mechanism 110 shown in FIG. 8, and the fixing mechanism shown in FIG. 12 are exhibited from the viewpoints of being adaptable to the oral cavity, easy to irradiate plasma, and excellent in maintainability. The mechanism 150, the fixing mechanism 170 shown in FIG. 14, and the fixing mechanism 180 shown in FIG. 15 are more preferable.

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 an operation unit and, for example, when the user steps on the foot pedal, the plasma generation gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the plasma generation unit 12.
The notification unit 80 and the detection unit 15 may be omitted.

The shape of the internal electrode 4 of the present embodiment described above is screw-shaped. However, 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 or may not have irregularities on the surface. The internal electrode preferably has a shape having irregularities on the outer peripheral surface.
For example, the shape of the internal electrode may be a coil shape, or a rod shape or a tubular shape having a plurality of protrusions, holes, and through holes formed on the outer peripheral surface. The cross-sectional shape of the internal electrode is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a circular shape such as a perfect circle and an ellipse, and a polygonal shape such as a quadrangle and a hexagon.

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

The plasma-type treatment kit of the present invention is useful for oral treatment, dental treatment, animal treatment and the like. Examples of diseases and symptoms that can be treated by irradiation with active gas include oral diseases such as gingival inflammation and periodontal disease, and skin wounds.
The therapeutic method of the present invention is effective in promoting healing of living tissues. The therapeutic method of the present invention is effective not only for the treatment of humans but also for the treatment of animals other than humans.

1 Main body tube 10 Irradiator 11 Nozzle 12 Plasma generator 13 Cover 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 Fixing mechanism 101, 111, 151, 152, 171, 181, 191 Recessed 121 , 191 Ring 131 Laurette 141 Rubber Grip 161 Strap 162 Ring Member 200 Plasma Irradiator

Claims (5)

An irradiation device that has a plasma generating part inside a long cowling and discharges at least one of the plasma generated in the plasma generating part and the active gas generated by the plasma.
A fixing mechanism provided on the surface of the irradiation device and fixing the user's hand holding the irradiation device is provided .
The fixing mechanism includes recesses that open on both sides of the cowling in the lateral direction.
The recess is a space in which the user's finger is arranged, and the length of the recess in the longitudinal direction of the cowling becomes shorter toward the inside in the radial direction of the cowling . The plasma irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the recess is provided over the entire circumference of the cowling . The plasma irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the cowling has a nozzle protruding from the tip of the cowling . The plasma irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the plasma generating unit generates the plasma by a dielectric barrier discharge. The plasma irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the plasma generating unit generates the plasma by using nitrogen gas.

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