WO2019160151A1 - Plasma therapy apparatus and cover for plasma therapy apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a plasma therapy apparatus (100) comprising: a plasma generator; and a nozzle (11) for discharging at least one of plasma generated in the plasma generator and active gas generated by the plasma, wherein the hardness (hardness measured by Type-A durometer according to JIS K 6253) of the tip portion of the nozzle (11) is 0-60 degrees.

Description

Plasma therapy device and cover for plasma therapy device

The present invention relates to a plasma treatment apparatus and a cover for the plasma treatment apparatus.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-026052 filed in Japan on February 16, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, plasma treatment apparatuses for medical use such as dental treatment are known. The plasma treatment apparatus heals an affected part by irradiating the affected part such as a wound with plasma or active gas. The active gas is generated by plasma in a plasma treatment apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a plasma jet irradiation apparatus that performs dental treatment. The said plasma jet irradiation apparatus is equipped with the irradiation instrument which has a plasma jet irradiation means. The plasma jet irradiation apparatus irradiates an object with generated plasma and active species. The active species are generated by the reaction of the gas in the plasma or the gas around the plasma with the plasma.
Patent Document 2 discloses a plasma treatment apparatus that generates an active gas (active species) inside an irradiation instrument, discharges the active gas from a nozzle, and irradiates the affected area. The active gas is, for example, active oxygen or active nitrogen.

Japanese Patent No. 5441066 JP 2017-50267 A

During treatment with this type of plasma treatment device, if the treatment device (non-human animal) is used without anesthesia, the treatment subject moves, and the treatment subject contacts the tip of the nozzle and is treated. There is a risk of putting a physical burden on the person.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and when using the plasma device without anesthesia for the treatment subject, the treatment subject contacts the tip of the nozzle to the treatment subject. The purpose is to reduce the physical burden.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
A plasma treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes a plasma generator, and a nozzle that discharges at least one of the plasma generated in the plasma generator and the active gas generated by the plasma, and the tip of the nozzle is hard. The thickness (hardness measured by a type A durometer defined in JIS K 6253) is 0 degree or more and 60 degrees or less.

When the tip of the nozzle comes into contact with a treatment target site of a treatment subject (animal other than a human) or the vicinity thereof (hereinafter referred to as “treatment target site”) during treatment with the plasma treatment apparatus, It has been found that physical burden on the subject of treatment occurs. For example, when an animal as a treatment target is treated without anesthesia and the animal moves unexpectedly (for example, when used for a dog and is irradiated with plasma or active gas) When the dog is surprised), there is a high possibility that the tip of the nozzle will come into contact with the site to be treated. When the tip of the nozzle comes into contact with a treatment target site, the site may be damaged at the tip of the nozzle.
Therefore, in this plasma treatment apparatus, the hardness of the tip of the nozzle (the hardness measured by a type A durometer defined in JIS K 6253, hereinafter referred to as “hardness”) is 0 degree or more and 60 degrees or less. It is. Therefore, for example, compared to a case where the hardness of the tip of the nozzle is larger than 60 degrees, the tip of the nozzle is not too hard. Thereby, even if the tip of the nozzle comes into contact with the treatment target site of the treatment subject, the physical burden on the treatment subject can be reduced.

The nozzle includes a main body tube through which at least one of the plasma and the active gas passes, and a cover that covers the main body tube, and the cover is a hard material measured by a type A durometer defined in JIS K 6253. May be formed of a material having a thickness of 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and may form the tip of the nozzle.

In this case, the cover forms the tip of the nozzle. Therefore, even if the tip of the nozzle comes into contact with the treatment target site and the like and the tip of the nozzle is contaminated, the contamination can remain in the cover. Thereby, contamination of the main body tube can be suppressed. Further, for example, contamination can be removed from the nozzle by replacing the cover.

The main body tube may be made of metal, and the cover may be made of resin.

In this case, the main body tube is made of metal. Therefore, the main tube can pass the plasma and the active gas stably over a long period of time.
The cover is made of resin. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily reduce the weight and cost of the cover.

The front end portion of the cover may protrude with respect to the front end portion of the main body tube.

In this case, the front end of the cover protrudes from the front end of the main body tube. Therefore, for example, the distance from the distal end of the main body tube to the treatment target site while reducing the physical burden on the treatment target by using the tip of the cover in contact with the treatment target site (hereinafter referred to as the treatment target site) , "Irradiation distance") can be secured stably. In the plasma treatment apparatus, for example, the concentration of the active species that contributes to the treatment effect varies depending on the irradiation distance. Therefore, a favorable therapeutic effect is expected by ensuring the irradiation distance stably as described above.

A pressure relief portion for releasing the gas supplied into the front end portion of the cover through the main body tube to the outside may be formed at the front end portion of the cover.

In this case, a pressure relief portion is formed at the tip of the cover. Therefore, when the front end portion of the cover is used while being abutted against the site to be treated, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the front end portion of the cover. Thereby, it becomes possible to keep using the front-end | tip part of a cover in contact with a treatment object site | part, and can ensure the irradiation distance reliably stably.

You may further provide the housing | casing by which the said plasma generation part is arrange | positioned inside and the said nozzle is detachably mounted | worn.

In this case, the nozzle is detachably attached to the housing. Therefore, even if the tip of the nozzle comes into contact with the treatment target site and the tip of the nozzle is contaminated, the contamination can be removed by, for example, replacing the nozzle.

A cover for a plasma type treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes a plasma generation unit, and a nozzle that discharges at least one of plasma generated in the plasma generation unit and active gas generated by the plasma, and the nozzle includes: In a plasma treatment apparatus including a main body tube through which at least one of the plasma and the active gas passes, the cover is a cover that covers the main body tube, and the cover is measured by a type A durometer defined in JIS K 6253 It is made of a material having a hardness of 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and forms the tip of the nozzle.

In this case, the same effect as the plasma treatment apparatus including the cover can be achieved.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when using a plasma apparatus without anesthesia to a treatment subject, when a treatment subject contacts the front-end | tip part of a nozzle, the burden given to a treatment subject's body can be reduced.

It is a mimetic diagram showing a plasma type treatment device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the irradiation instrument which constitutes the plasma type treatment device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an xx cross-sectional view of the irradiation instrument of FIG. FIG. 3 is a yy sectional view of the irradiation instrument of FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the plasma type treatment apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of the irradiation instrument of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of the plasma type treatment apparatus which concerns on the 1st modification of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of the plasma type treatment apparatus which concerns on the 2nd modification of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of the plasma type treatment apparatus which concerns on the 3rd modification of this invention. It is a side view of the nozzle of the plasma type treatment apparatus concerning the 4th modification of the present invention. It is a side view of the nozzle of the plasma type treatment apparatus concerning the 5th modification of the present invention.

The plasma treatment apparatus of the present invention is a plasma jet irradiation apparatus or an active gas irradiation apparatus.
The plasma jet irradiation apparatus generates plasma. The plasma jet irradiation apparatus directly irradiates an object with generated plasma and active species. The active species are generated by the reaction of the gas in the plasma or the 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, peroxynitrite, and dinitrogen trioxide.
The active gas irradiation device generates plasma. The active gas irradiation apparatus irradiates an object with an active gas containing active species. The active species are generated by the reaction of the gas in the plasma or the gas around the plasma with the plasma.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the plasma treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described.
The plasma treatment apparatus of this embodiment is an active gas irradiation apparatus.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the active gas irradiation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an irradiation tool 10, a detection unit 15, a supply unit 20, a gas pipe 30, an electrical wiring 40, and a supply source 70. And a notification unit 80 and a control unit 90 (calculation unit).
The irradiation tool 10 discharges the active gas generated in the irradiation tool 10. The supply unit 20 supplies power and plasma generation gas to the irradiation tool 10. The supply unit 20 accommodates a supply source 70. The supply source 70 contains a plasma generating gas. The supply unit 20 is connected to a power source (not shown) such as a 100 V household power source. The gas pipe line 30 connects the irradiation tool 10 and the supply unit 20. The electrical wiring 40 connects the irradiation instrument 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 (longitudinal cross-sectional) view of the surface along the axis of the irradiation instrument 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the irradiation instrument 10 includes a long cowling 2 (housing), a nozzle 11 protruding from the tip of the cowling 2, and a plasma generator 12 positioned 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 cylindrical shape such as a square tube, a hexagonal tube, or an octagonal tube.

The head portion 2a is gradually narrowed 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, and may be a polygonal pyramid shape such as a quadrangular weight, a hexagonal weight, or an octagonal weight.
The head portion 2a has a fitting hole 2c at the tip. The fitting hole 2 c is a hole that receives the nozzle 11. The nozzle 11 is detachable from the head portion 2a. The head part 2a has a first active gas channel 7 extending in the direction of the tube axis O1 inside. The tube axis O1 is a tube axis of the body portion 2b.
The body portion 2b includes an operation switch 9 (operation portion) on the outer peripheral surface.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plasma generator 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 channel 7 and the gas channel 6 communicate with each other. The tube axis O1 is the same as the tube axis of the tubular dielectric 3.
The tubular dielectric 3 includes 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 circulates 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 around the tube axis O1.
In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the internal electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the external electrode 5 are opposed to each other with the tubular dielectric 3 interposed therebetween.

The plasma generator 12 can be detached from the cowling 2. For example, the plasma generator 12 is pulled out from the cowling 2 in the direction of the tube axis O1. For example, after the cowling 2 is disassembled into the head portion 2a and the body portion 2b, the plasma generation portion 12 may be configured so that the plasma generation portion 12 is pulled forward 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 direction of the axis O1).
For example, when the plasma generation unit 12 is damaged, the plasma generation unit 12 can be attached to the cowling 2 after the plasma generation unit 12 is detached from the cowling 2. At this time, the new plasma generator 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 of the nozzle 11 (the hardness measured by a type A durometer defined in JIS K 6253, hereinafter referred to as “hardness”) is 0 degree or more and 60 degrees or less. is there. In the present embodiment, the nozzle 11 includes a main body tube 1 through which at least one of plasma and 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 formed of a material having a hardness of 0 degrees to 60 degrees. Since the cover 13 is formed of a material having a hardness of 0 ° to 60 °, the hardness of at least the outer surface (outermost layer) of the tip portion of the nozzle 11 is 0 ° to 60 °. . The hardness of the cover 13 is preferably 10 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less, for example. If the hardness of the cover 13 (tip portion of the nozzle 11) is 0 degree or more, the cover 13 (tip portion of the nozzle 11) is not too soft, and the treatment target portion of the treatment subject is stably and uniformly. Can be irradiated with plasma. If the hardness of the cover 13 (tip portion of the nozzle 11) is 60 degrees or less, the cover 13 (tip portion of the nozzle 11) will not be too hard. Thereby, even if the cover 13 (tip portion of the nozzle 11) comes into contact with the treatment target site of the treatment subject, the physical burden on the treatment subject can be reduced. The cover 13 is a cover for the plasma treatment apparatus according to the present invention.

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 (cow ring 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 pipe 1 has a second active gas flow path 8 therein. The main body tube 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 main body tube 1 (the pedestal portion 1b and the irradiation tube 1c) is integrally formed of the same material. In the present embodiment, the main body tube 1 is formed of metal (for example, SUS (stainless steel)). There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the material of the main body pipe | tube 1, You may have insulation and may have electroconductivity. As a material of the main body tube 1, a material excellent in 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 cover 13 is made of a soft material having biocompatibility and insulation. In the present embodiment, the cover 13 is made of a resin (for example, a silicone resin, more specifically, a silicone resin having a hardness of about 20 degrees). Is formed. The cover 13 is formed of a material having a hardness of 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less as described above, and the material forming the cover 13 is softer than SUS (stainless steel) or ABS resin, and the body tube 1 And softer than the material forming the cowling 2. In other words, when a member having the same shape and the same size as the cover 13 is formed of SUS or ABS resin, the material forming the main body tube 1 or the material forming the cowling 2, the cover is covered rather than this member. 13 is easier to deform.
In the present specification, “having an insulating property” means that the material has a volume resistivity of 1.0 × 10 ¹³ Ω · cm or more, and 1.0 × 10 ¹³ It is preferable that it is Ω · cm or more.
The cover 13 preferably has transparency so that the position of the distal end portion (front end surface 1d) of the irradiation tube 1c of the main body tube 1 in the cover 13 can be confirmed from the outside. For example, the cover 13 preferably has a haze value of 70% or less. The haze value is measured according to the method specified in JIS.

The cover 13 is fitted to the irradiation tube 1c from the outside. The front end portion of the cover 13 protrudes with respect to the front end portion of the main body tube 1. In the illustrated example, the tip of the cover 13 protrudes to the front side of the tip (tip surface 1d) of the irradiation tube 1c. The cover 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The thickness of the cover 13 is, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. In addition, when the thickness of the cover 13 is less than 0.5 mm, the effect of reducing the burden described later is hardly exhibited. On the other hand, if the cover 13 is thicker than 5 mm, the entire nozzle 11 becomes too thick, and it may be difficult to treat (dental treatment), for example.

In the present embodiment, the cover 13 is integrally provided with the head cover 14. The head cover 14 covers the head part 2a, and in the illustrated example, is fitted to the head part 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 detachably attached to the main body tube 1 and the head portion 2a integrally. In order to improve the detachability of the cover 13 and the head cover 14, an uneven portion may be provided on the inner surface of the cover 13 or the head cover 14. By providing the concavo-convex 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 during attachment and detachment can be reduced.

The cover 13 (the connected body of the cover 13 and the head cover 14) may be manufactured, for example, by performing a secondary process after trial manufacture by extrusion molding. 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-described uneven portion is provided on the inner surface of the cover 13 as compared with the case where the cover 13 is subjected to trial processing by extrusion molding and then subjected to secondary processing. It is easy to make a cut or the like 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 an insulating material is preferable. 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 phenol resin, melamine resin, urea resin, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, silicone resin and the like.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the magnitude | size of the trunk | drum 2b, It can be set as the magnitude | size which is easy to hold | grip with a finger.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the material of the head part 2a, It may have insulation and does not need to have insulation. The material of the head part 2a is preferably a material excellent in wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Examples of the material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance include metals such as stainless steel. The material of the head part 2a and the body part 2b may be the same or different.
The size of the head portion 2a can be determined in consideration of the application of the active gas irradiation device 100 and the like. For example, when the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral therapeutic instrument, the size of the head portion 2a is preferably large enough to be inserted into the oral cavity.

As a material of the tubular dielectric 3, a dielectric material used for a known plasma apparatus can be applied. Examples of the material of the tubular dielectric 3 include glass, ceramics, and synthetic resin. The dielectric constant of the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably as low as possible.

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 within a desired range.

The internal electrode 4 includes a shaft portion extending in the direction of the tube axis O1 and a thread on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. The shaft portion may be solid or hollow. Among these, the shaft portion is preferably solid. If the shaft portion is solid, processing is easy and 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 form as 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 discharge start voltage is lowered. For this reason, plasma can be generated and maintained with low power.

The outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the application of the active gas irradiation device 100 (that is, the size of the irradiation tool 10) and the like. When the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral therapeutic instrument, the outer diameter d is preferably 0.5 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm. If the outer diameter d is not less than the above lower limit value, the internal electrode 4 can be easily manufactured. In addition, when the outer diameter d is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the surface area of the internal electrode 4 is increased, plasma can be generated more efficiently, and healing and the like can be further promoted. If the outer diameter d is less than or equal to the above upper limit value, plasma can be generated more efficiently and healing and the like can be further promoted without excessively increasing the irradiation tool 10.

The thread height h of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4. The outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4 is the outer diameter at the thread of the internal electrode 4.
The thread pitch p of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the length of the internal electrode 4 and the outer diameter d.

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 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, carbon, and the like.

As the internal electrode 4, JIS B 0205: 2001 metric screw standard products (M2, M2.2, M2.5, M3, M3.5, etc.), JIS B 2016: 1987 metric trapezoidal screw standard products (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.) A specification equivalent to the above is preferable. If the specifications are equivalent to those of these standard products, the cost is superior.

The distance s between the outer surface of the inner electrode 4 and the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3 (the distance between the thread of the inner electrode 4 and the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3) s is preferably 0.05 mm to 5 mm, and preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm. More preferred. When the distance s is equal to or greater than the lower limit, a desired amount of plasma generating gas can be easily passed. If 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, and carbon.

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 active gas irradiation device 100 and the like.
The opening diameter of the irradiation port 1a is preferably 0.5 mm to 5 mm, for example. If the opening diameter is equal to or larger than the lower limit, the pressure loss of the active gas can be suppressed. If the opening diameter is less than or equal to the above upper limit value, it is possible to increase the flow rate of the active gas to be irradiated and promote healing of the affected area.
The irradiation tube 1c is bent with respect to the tube axis O1.
The angle θ formed between the tube axis O2 and the tube axis O1 of the irradiation tube 1c can be determined in consideration of the application of the active gas irradiation device 100 and the like.

The sum of the distance L1 from the tip Q1 of the internal electrode 4 to the tip Q2 of the head portion 2a and the distance L2 from the tip Q2 to the irradiation port 1a (tip surface 1d of the main body tube 1) (ie, from the internal electrode 4 to the irradiation port) The distance to 1a) is appropriately determined in consideration of the size required for the active gas irradiation apparatus 100, the temperature of the surface that is irradiated with the irradiated active gas (irradiated surface), 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 effects such as cleaning, activation, and healing on the irradiated surface can be further enhanced. The tip Q2 is an intersection of the tube axis O1 and the tube axis O2.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the detection unit 15 detects an external force (impact force) applied to the irradiation tool 10. The detection unit 15 is closer to the plasma generation unit 12 than the nozzle 11. The detection unit 15 is disposed in the recess 16. The recessed part 16 is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the trunk | drum 2b. When the direction orthogonal to the tube axis O <b> 1 is a radial direction, the detection unit 15 is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the tubular dielectric 3. The detection unit 15 is formed in a tubular shape extending in the direction of the tube axis O1.
The detection unit 15 can be detached from the irradiation instrument 10. The detector 15 is taken out from the cowling 2 after the plasma generator 12 is detached 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 remains discolored without returning to the original color 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 changes color when an impact acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined impact acceleration (impact value) is applied, and the discolored state is maintained.

As the detection unit 15, for example, a Shockwatch (registered trademark) manufactured by Shockwatch can be used. Note that when the detection unit 15 is tubular as in the present embodiment, for example, an impact detection tube (for example, a shock watch (registered trademark) tube type) or the like can be employed as the detection unit 15. Furthermore, instead of the impact detection tube, for example, an impact detection label (for example, a shock watch (registered trademark) label type, etc.) or an impact detection indicator (for example, shock watch (registered trademark) MAG2000) is adopted. can do.

The detection unit 15 can be appropriately designed according to, for example, the strength (size, shape, material) of the tubular dielectric 3. By appropriately designing the detection unit 15, for example, it is possible to adjust a threshold value of impact acceleration related to discoloration of the detection unit 15.
The detection unit 15 is visible from the outside of the irradiation instrument 10. The cowling 2 is provided with an inspection window 17. The observation window 17 is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the detection unit 15 (recess 16). The detection unit 15 is visually recognized from the outside of the irradiation instrument 10 through the observation window 17.

The supply unit 20 as shown in FIG. 1 supplies electricity and plasma generating gas to the irradiation tool 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 a supply source 70. The housing | casing 21 accommodates the supply source 70 so that isolation | separation is possible. Thereby, when the gas in the supply source 70 accommodated in the housing | casing 21 runs out, the supply source 70 can be replaced | exchanged.

The supply source 70 supplies a plasma generation gas to the plasma generation unit 12. The supply source 70 is a pressure vessel in which a plasma generating gas is accommodated. As shown in FIG. 5, the supply source 70 is detachably attached to a pipe 75 disposed in the housing 21. The pipe 75 connects the supply source 70 and the gas pipe 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 electromagnetic valve 71 is opened, the plasma generating gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the irradiation tool 10 through the pipe 75 and the gas pipe 30. In the illustrated example, the electromagnetic valve 71 is not configured to be able to adjust the valve opening, but is configured to be capable of only switching between opening and closing. The electromagnetic valve 71 may be configured such that the valve opening degree can be adjusted.
The pressure regulator 73 is disposed between the electromagnetic valve 71 and the supply source 70. The pressure regulator 73 reduces the pressure of the plasma generating gas from the supply source 70 toward the electromagnetic valve 71 (decompresses the plasma generating gas).

The flow controller 74 is disposed between the electromagnetic valve 71 and the gas pipe 30. The flow rate controller 74 adjusts the flow rate (the supply amount per unit time) of the plasma generating gas that has passed through the electromagnetic 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 that passes 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, AP-V80 series (specifically, for example, AP-15S) manufactured by Keyence Corporation 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 / detaching the supply source 70 to / from the joint 76, the supply source 70 remains fixed to the casing 21 while the electromagnetic valve 71, the pressure regulator 73, the flow rate controller 74 and the pressure sensor 72 (hereinafter referred to as “electromagnetic valve 71 etc.”) are fixed. 70 can be exchanged. 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 electromagnetic valve 71 and the like may be fixed to the supply source 70 and detachable from the housing 21 integrally with the supply source 70.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gas pipe 30 is a path for supplying a plasma generating gas from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation instrument 10. The gas conduit 30 is connected to the rear end portion of the tubular dielectric 3 of the irradiation instrument 10. The material of the gas pipe 30 is not particularly limited, and a material used for a known gas pipe can be applied. Examples of the material of the gas pipe line 30 include resin piping and rubber tubes. As a material of the gas pipe line 30, a flexible material is preferable.

The electrical wiring 40 is a wiring that supplies electricity from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation instrument 10. The electrical wiring 40 is connected to the internal electrode 4, the external electrode 5, and the operation switch 9 of the irradiation instrument 10. The material of the electrical wiring 40 is not particularly limited, and a known material used for electrical wiring can be applied. Examples of the material of the electrical wiring 40 include a metal conductor covered with an insulating material.

The control unit 90 as shown in FIG. 5 is configured using an information processing apparatus. 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 control unit 90 may be incorporated in the supply unit 20, for example. The control unit 90 controls the irradiation instrument 10, the supply unit 20, and the notification unit 80.

An operation switch 9 of the irradiation instrument 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 electrical signal, the control unit 90 operates the electromagnetic 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 electrical signal. Then, the control unit 90 opens the electromagnetic valve 71 for a predetermined time, causes the flow rate controller 74 to adjust the flow rate of the plasma generating gas that has passed through the electromagnetic valve 71, and the voltage between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5. Is applied for a predetermined time. As a result, a constant amount of plasma generating gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the plasma generating unit 12, and the active gas is continuously supplied from the nozzle 11 for a certain period of time (for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds, in this embodiment, 30 seconds). Then discharged.

The controller 90 calculates the remaining number N (N is a natural number) of the plasma generating gas. The remaining number 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 N can be calculated (N = V1 / V2) based on the remaining amount V1 and the plasma generation gas supply amount V2 per operation of the operation switch 9.

The notification unit 80 notifies the remaining number N. The notification unit 80 displays the remaining number 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 employed, or a mechanical counter may be employed. The notification unit 80 may notify the remaining number N by voice. In this case, for example, a speaker or the like can be employed as the notification unit 80.

Next, the usage method of the active gas irradiation apparatus 100 is demonstrated.
For example, a user such as a doctor moves the irradiation tool 10 and directs the nozzle 11 toward an irradiation object to be described later. In this state, the operation switch 9 is pressed to supply electricity and plasma generating gas from the supply source 70 to the irradiation instrument 10.
The plasma generating gas supplied to the irradiation tool 10 flows from the rear end of the tubular dielectric 3 into the inner space of the tubular dielectric 3. The plasma generating gas is ionized at the position where the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other, 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 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 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. The discharged active gas further activates part of the gas near the irradiation port 1a to generate active species. The irradiated object is irradiated with an active gas containing these active species.

Examples of irradiated objects include cells, living tissues, living organisms, and the like.
Examples of biological tissues include internal organs, epithelial tissues that cover the body surface and inner surfaces of body cavities, gums, alveolar bone, periodontal tissues such as periodontal ligament and cementum, teeth, bones, and the like.
The living organism may be any of mammals such as humans, dogs, cats and pigs; birds; fishes and the like.

Examples of the plasma generating gas include noble 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, 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, and particularly preferably 90% by mass to 100% by mass. The gas component other than nitrogen in the plasma generating gas is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include oxygen and rare gases.

When the active gas irradiation device 100 is an intraoral therapeutic 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 less than or equal to the upper limit value, 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 equal to or higher than the lower limit, an increase in the temperature of the irradiated surface in the irradiated object can be easily suppressed. When the flow rate of the plasma generating gas is equal to or less than the upper limit value, it is possible to further promote the cleaning, activation, or healing of the irradiated object.

The AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 is preferably 5 kVpp to 20 kVpp. 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.
If the AC voltage to be applied is not more than the above upper limit value, the temperature of the generated plasma can be kept low. If the AC voltage to be applied is equal to or higher than the lower limit value, plasma can be generated more efficiently.

The frequency of 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. 4 kHz or more and less than 8 kHz is most preferable.
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, and further preferably 40 ° C. or lower.
When the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 11 is equal to or lower than the upper limit value, the temperature of the irradiated surface is easily set to 40 ° C. or lower. By setting the temperature of the irradiated surface to 40 ° C. or lower, even when the irradiated portion is an affected part, stimulation to the affected part can be reduced.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the lower limit of the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 11, For example, it is 10 degreeC or more.
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 (the front end surface 1d of the main body tube 1) to the irradiated surface is preferably, for example, 0.01 mm to 10 mm. If the irradiation distance is not less than the above lower limit value, the temperature of the irradiated surface can be lowered, and the stimulation to the irradiated surface can be further alleviated. If irradiation distance is below the said upper limit, effects, such as healing, are further improved.

The temperature of the irradiated surface at a position away from the irradiation port 1a (the tip surface 1d of the main body tube 1) by a distance of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less is preferably 40 ° C. or less. If the temperature of the irradiated surface is 40 ° C. or less, the stimulation to the irradiated surface can be reduced. Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the lower limit of the temperature of a to-be-irradiated surface, For example, it is 10 degreeC or more.
The temperature of the surface to be irradiated is the AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5, the discharge amount of the active gas to be irradiated, the tip Q1 of the internal electrode 4 to the irradiation port 1a (the tip surface 1d of the main tube 1). It can be adjusted by the combination of the way up to.
The temperature of the irradiated surface can be measured using a thermocouple.

The 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, peroxynitrite, and trioxide. Examples include dinitrogen. The type of active species contained in the active gas can be further adjusted to, for example, the type of gas for generating plasma.

The hydroxy radical density (radical density) in the active gas is preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 300 μmol / L. When the radical density is equal to or higher than the lower limit value, it is easy to promote cleaning, activation, or healing of an object to be irradiated selected from cells, living tissues, and living organisms. When the radical density is less than or equal to the above upper limit, stimulation to the irradiated surface can be reduced.

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

The singlet oxygen density (singlet oxygen density) in the active gas is preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 300 μmol / L. When the singlet oxygen density is equal to or higher than the lower limit, it is easy to promote cleaning, activation, or healing of abnormalities of irradiated objects such as cells, living tissues, and living organisms. When the amount is not more than the upper limit value, 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 TPC (2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-3-carboxamide) 0.1 mol / L solution. At this time, the distance from the irradiation port 1a to the liquid surface is set to 5.0 mm. About the said solution irradiated with the active gas, a singlet oxygen concentration is measured using an electron spin resonance (ESR) method, and this is made into a 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 equal to or higher 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 irradiated from the irradiation port 1a is less than the upper limit value, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the surface 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 irradiated surface is an affected area, stimulation to the patient can be suppressed.
In the active gas irradiation apparatus 100, the flow rate of the active gas irradiated 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 the healing of trauma and abnormalities. By irradiating a cell, a living tissue, or a living individual with an active gas, the irradiated portion can be cleaned, activated, or healed.

When the active gas is irradiated for the purpose of promoting the healing of trauma and abnormalities, 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 dose of 1 L / min to 5.0 L / min, irradiation conditions such as once to five times a day, 10 seconds to 10 minutes each time, and 1 to 30 days are set. From the viewpoint of promoting healing.

The active gas irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment is particularly useful as an intraoral therapeutic instrument and a dental therapeutic instrument. Moreover, the active gas irradiation apparatus 100 of this embodiment is also suitable as an animal treatment instrument (for example, a treatment apparatus for treating the oral cavity of an animal other than a human).

By the way, the inventor of the present application makes contact with the tip of the nozzle 11 in the vicinity of the treatment subject (animal) of the treatment subject (animal) or the vicinity thereof (hereinafter referred to as “treatment subject portion”) during the treatment with the active gas irradiation device 100. It was found that a physical burden on the subject of treatment occurs. For example, when an animal as a treatment target is treated without anesthesia and the animal moves unexpectedly (for example, when used for a dog and is irradiated with plasma or active gas) When the dog is surprised), the possibility that the tip of the nozzle 11 comes into contact with the treatment target site or the like increases. When the tip of the nozzle 11 comes into contact with a treatment target site or the like, the site may be damaged at the tip of the nozzle 11.

Therefore, in the active gas irradiation device 100 according to the present embodiment, the hardness of the tip portion of the nozzle 11 is not less than 0 degrees and not more than 60 degrees. Therefore, for example, compared to a case where the hardness of the tip of the nozzle 11 is greater than 60 degrees, the tip of the nozzle is not too hard. Thereby, even if the front-end | tip part of the nozzle 11 contacts the treatment object site | part etc. of a treatment subject, the physical burden of a treatment subject can be reduced.
The “tip portion” means a region within 5 mm from the tip of the nozzle 11 in the direction of the tube axis O2. Regarding the nozzle 11, the hardness of the region other than the tip portion may be the same as or different from the hardness of the tip portion. For example, if the region where the hardness of the tip is low is too large, the tip 11 may be deformed too easily and the operability may be reduced. Setting higher than this is also one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Further, in the nozzle 11, the region (tip portion) within 5 mm from the most advanced is made softest, and the hardness of the region other than the tip portion is set in two steps, three steps, etc. according to the portion covered by the main body tube 1. Thus, it may be hardened stepwise as it moves away from the tip.

The cover 13 forms the tip of the nozzle 11. Therefore, even if the tip portion of the nozzle 11 comes into contact with the treatment target site and the like and the tip portion of the nozzle 11 is contaminated, the contamination can remain in the cover 13. Thereby, contamination of the main body pipe | tube 1 can be suppressed. Further, for example, contamination can be removed from the nozzle 11 by replacing the cover 13 or the like.
In addition, when the cover 13 forms the tip of the nozzle 11 as described above, the hardness of the cover 13 is preferably 10 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less. If the hardness of the cover 13 is 10 degrees or more, the cover 13 (the tip of the nozzle 11) is not too soft, and the treatment target site of the treatment subject can be irradiated with plasma stably and uniformly. it can. If the hardness of the cover 13 is 40 degrees or more, the cover 13 (the tip portion of the nozzle 11) will not be too hard. Thereby, even if the cover 13 (tip portion of the nozzle 11) comes into contact with the treatment target site of the treatment subject, the physical burden on the treatment subject can be reduced. .

Moreover, when the cover 13 is formed of an insulating material as in the present embodiment, the leakage can be suppressed by the insulating cover 13 as described later. That is, even if an electrical leakage that reaches the main body tube 1 occurs in the plasma generator 12, the insulating cover 13 can suppress the transmission of the electrical leakage to the treatment subject.

The main body tube 1 is made of metal. Therefore, the main body tube 1 can pass the plasma and the active gas stably over a long period of time.
The cover 13 is made of resin. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily reduce the weight and cost of the cover 13.

As shown in FIG. 6, the front end portion of the cover 13 protrudes from the front end portion (the front end surface 1 d) of the main body tube 1. Therefore, for example, the distance from the distal end portion of the main body tube 1 to the treatment target portion while reducing the physical burden on the treatment subject by using the tip portion of the cover 13 against the treatment target portion. (Hereinafter referred to as “irradiation distance L3”) can be secured stably. In the active gas irradiation device 100, for example, the concentration of the active species that contributes to the therapeutic effect changes according to the irradiation distance L3. Therefore, a favorable therapeutic effect is expected by securing the irradiation distance L3 stably as described above. The irradiation distance L3 is the same as the distance at which the therapeutic effect is obtained, but is preferably shorter than that distance. The distance at which a therapeutic effect is obtained is defined from the lifetime of the active species. Further, when the tip of the cover 13 (tip of the nozzle 11) comes into contact with the treatment target site of the treatment subject, the irradiation distance L3 is 0.5 mm or more in order to reduce the impact on the treatment subject. It is preferable that In order not to be deactivated when plasma or active gas reaches the treatment target site of the treatment subject, the irradiation distance L3 is preferably equal to or less than the upper limit value defined by the lifetime of the active species.

A nozzle 11 is detachably attached to the cowling 2. Therefore, even if the tip of the nozzle 11 comes into contact with the treatment target site and the like and the tip of the nozzle 11 is contaminated, the contamination can be removed by, for example, replacing the nozzle 11.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment.

For example, you may employ | adopt each structure of the active gas irradiation apparatus 110,120,130,140,150 which concerns on a 1st modification as shown in FIGS. In addition, in the active gas irradiation apparatuses 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 according to the first to fifth modifications, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as the components in the embodiment, and the description thereof will be given. Omitted and only the differences will be described.

As in the active gas irradiation device 110 according to the first modification shown in FIG. 7, the tip of the cover 13 may not protrude from the tip of the main body tube 1.
The head cover 14 may not be provided like the active gas irradiation device 120 according to the second modification shown in FIG. Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the burden on the treatment subject who may be given from the tip of the nozzle 11 and to reduce the cost. On the other hand, when there is a head cover 14 like the active gas irradiation apparatus 100 according to the above embodiment or the active gas irradiation apparatus 110 according to the first modification, for example, the head cover 14 is formed of an insulating material. It is possible to take measures against electric leakage from the head portion 2a.

Like the active gas irradiation apparatus 130 according to the third modification shown in FIG. 9, the cover 13 may not be provided. In this modification, the nozzle 11 is formed only by the main body tube 1. The main body tube 1 is formed of the same material as that of the cover 13 in the active gas irradiation apparatus 100 of the above-described embodiment, and the hardness of the material forming the main body tube 1 is not less than 0 degrees and not more than 60 degrees.

As in the active gas irradiation apparatus 140 according to the fourth modification shown in FIG. 10, a pressure relief part (opening part) 141 may be formed at the tip of the cover 13. The pressure release portion 141 allows gas (active gas) supplied through the main body tube 1 and into the tip portion of the cover 13 to escape to the outside. The pressure release portion 141 passes through the tip of the cover 13. In the active gas irradiation device 140 according to the fourth modification shown in FIG. 10, the pressure release portion 141 does not open toward the front. Moreover, the pressure release part 151 may be formed in the front-end | tip part of the cover 13, like the active gas irradiation apparatus 150 which concerns on the 5th modification shown in FIG. The pressure release portion 151 allows gas (active gas) supplied through the main body tube 1 and into the tip portion of the cover 13 to escape to the outside. The pressure release portion 151 passes through the tip portion of the cover 13. In the active gas irradiation device 130 according to the fifth modification shown in FIG. 11, the pressure release portion 151 is opened forward, and is formed in a cutout shape at the front opening edge of the cover 13.
In these cases, pressure release portions 141 and 151 are formed at the tip of the cover 13. Therefore, when the front end portion of the cover 13 is used while being abutted against the treatment target site, it is possible to suppress the internal pressure of the front end portion of the cover 13 from excessively rising due to the active gas. Thereby, it becomes possible to keep using the front-end | tip part of the cover 13 against a treatment object site | part, and can ensure the irradiation distance L3 reliably stably.

The operation switch 9 may be different from that in the above embodiment. For example, instead of providing the operation switch 9 in the irradiation instrument 10, a foot pedal may be provided in the supply unit 20. In this case, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the step pedal is used as the operation unit and, for example, the plasma generation gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the plasma generation unit 12 when the user steps on the step pedal.
The notification unit 80 and the detection unit 15 may be omitted.

The shape of the internal electrode 4 of this embodiment described above is a screw shape. 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 have irregularities on the surface or may not have irregularities on the surface. As an internal electrode, the shape which has an unevenness | corrugation in an outer peripheral surface is preferable.
For example, the shape of the internal electrode may be a coil shape, or may be a rod shape or a cylindrical shape in which a plurality of protrusions, holes, and through holes are formed on the outer peripheral surface. The cross-sectional shape of the internal electrode is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a circle such as a perfect circle and an ellipse, and a polygon such as a quadrangle and a hexagon.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body pipe | tube 11 Nozzle 12 Plasma generation part 13 Cover 100,110,120,130,140,150 Active gas irradiation apparatus (plasma type treatment apparatus)

Claims (7)

1. A plasma generator;
   A nozzle that discharges at least one of the plasma generated in the plasma generation unit and the active gas generated by the plasma,
   The plasma type treatment apparatus in which the hardness of the tip of the nozzle (hardness measured by a type A durometer defined in JIS K 6253) is 0 degree or more and 60 degrees or less.
2. The nozzle is
   A main body tube through which at least one of the plasma and the active gas passes;
   A cover that covers the main body tube,
   2. The plasma type treatment according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a hardness measured by a type A durometer specified in JIS K 6253 of 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less and forms a tip portion of the nozzle. apparatus.
3. The main body tube is made of metal,
   The plasma treatment apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cover is made of resin.
4. The plasma therapy apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a distal end portion of the cover protrudes with respect to a distal end portion of the main body tube.
5. The plasma type treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a pressure relief portion for releasing gas supplied into the distal end portion of the cover through the main body tube to the outside is formed at the distal end portion of the cover.
6. The plasma treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a housing in which the plasma generation unit is disposed and the nozzle is detachably mounted.
7. A plasma generator;
   A nozzle that discharges at least one of the plasma generated in the plasma generation unit and the active gas generated by the plasma,
   In the plasma treatment apparatus comprising a main body tube through which at least one of the plasma and the active gas passes, the nozzle is a cover that covers the main body tube,
   The cover is a cover for a plasma type treatment apparatus having a hardness measured by a type A durometer defined in JIS K 6253 of 0 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less and forming a tip portion of the nozzle.

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