Buckets for use in humidity regulators

Abstract

The invention relates to a barrel (10) for a humidity regulator, which is configured to receive a liquid volume, and comprises at least one plastic part (12) and at least one metal part (14), which together form a space (16) for receiving the liquid volume, wherein the at least one metal part (14) and the at least one plastic part (12) are attached to each other by means of a silicone seal (18). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a barrel for a humidity regulator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to one or more of the treatment, prevention and improvement of breathing-related disorders. The present technology also relates to medical devices or equipment and their uses. Background Art

[0002] 1.2.1 Human respiratory system and its disorders

[0003] The human respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the entrance to the patient's airway.

[0004] The airway includes a series of branch tubes, which become narrower, shorter and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lungs. The main function of the lungs is gas exchange, thereby allowing oxygen to move from the inhaled air to the venous blood and allowing carbon dioxide to move in the opposite direction. The trachea is divided into the left main bronchus and the right main bronchus, which are ultimately divided into terminal bronchioles. The bronchioles constitute the guiding airways and do not participate in gas exchange. Other divisions of the airway lead to respiratory bronchioles, and ultimately to alveoli. The honeycomb area of ​​the lungs is where gas exchange occurs, and is referred to as the respiratory zone. Referring to John B. West, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, the 9th edition of "Respiratory Physiology" published in 2012.

[0005] There is a range of respiratory disorders. Some disorders can be characterised by specific events such as apnea, hypopnea and hyperpnea.

[0006] Examples of respiratory disorders include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), respiratory insufficiency, obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disease (NMD), and chest wall disorders.

[0007] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), is characterized by events including upper airway obstruction or blockage during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a combination of an abnormally small upper airway and loss of normal muscle tone in the area of ​​the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal wall during sleep. The condition causes affected patients to stop breathing for periods of typically 30 to 120 seconds, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. The condition often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and may lead to cardiovascular disease and brain damage. Although the affected person may not be aware of the problem, the syndrome is a common disorder, particularly in middle-aged overweight men. See U.S. Patent No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0008] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep-disordered breathing. CSR is a disorder of the patient's respiratory controller, in which there are rhythmically alternating periods of hyperventilation and hypoventilation known as CSR cycles. CSR is characterized by repeated deoxygenation and reoxygenation of arterial blood. Due to repeated hypoxia, CSR can be harmful. In some patients, CSR is associated with repeated awakenings during sleep, which leads to severe sleep disruption, increased sympathetic nerve activity, and increased afterload. See U.S. Patent No. 6,532,959 (Berthon-Jones).

[0009] Respiratory failure is a general term for respiratory disorders in which the lungs are unable to expel enough oxygen or exhale enough CO2 to meet the patient's needs. Respiratory failure may include some or all of the disorders listed below.

[0010] People with respiratory insufficiency (a form of respiratory failure) may become abnormally short of breath during exercise.

[0011] Obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as the combination of severe obesity and conscious chronic hypercapnia in the absence of other known causes of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0012] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes any of a group of lower airway diseases that have certain common features. These diseases include increased resistance to air movement, prolonged exhalation phase of breathing, and loss of normal lung elasticity. Examples of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is caused by chronic smoking (the main risk factor), occupational exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms include: difficulty breathing on exertion, chronic cough, and sputum production.

[0013] A range of treatments have been used to treat or alleviate these conditions. In addition, these treatments can be used by otherwise healthy individuals to prevent the onset of breathing disorders. However, these treatments have a number of disadvantages.

[0014] 1.2.2 Therapy

[0015] Various therapies, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and invasive ventilation (IV) have been used to treat one or more of the above-mentioned breathing disorders.

[0016] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The mechanism of action is that the continuous positive airway pressure acts as a pneumatic splint and can prevent upper airway obstruction, for example by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Treatment of OSA by CPAP therapy can be voluntary, so if the patient finds one or more of the following in the device used to provide such treatment: uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, and unsightly, the patient may choose not to comply with the treatment.

[0017] Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilation support to patients through the upper airway to assist the patient's breathing and / or maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body by doing some or all of the work of breathing. Ventilatory support is provided through a non-invasive patient interface. NIV has been used to treat CSR and respiratory failure in the form of, for example, OHS, COPD, NMD, and chest wall disorders. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these therapies can be improved.

[0018] 1.2.3 Treatment system

[0019] These therapies can be provided by a therapeutic system or therapeutic device.Such systems and devices can also be used to screen, diagnose or monitor a condition without treating it.

[0020] The therapy system may include a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), air circuit, humidifier, patient interface, and data management.

[0021] Another form of treatment system is a jaw repositioning device.

[0022] 1.2.3.1 Patient interface

[0023] The patient coupling piece can be used to couple the respiratory device to the wearer of the respiratory device, for example, by providing an air flow to the entrance of the airway. The air flow can be provided to the nose and / or mouth via a mask, a tube leading to the mouth, or a tracheostomy tube leading to the patient's trachea. Depending on the therapy to be applied, the patient coupling piece can, for example, form a seal with the patient's facial area to facilitate the delivery of gas at a pressure that varies sufficiently with the ambient pressure - for example, at a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O relative to the ambient pressure to achieve treatment. For other forms of therapy, such as the delivery of oxygen, the patient coupling piece may not include a seal sufficient to facilitate the delivery of a gas supply at a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O to the airway.

[0024] CPAP therapy is very effective in treating certain breathing disorders if the patient complies with the treatment. If the mask is uncomfortable or difficult to use, the patient may not comply with the treatment. Since patients are often advised to wash the mask regularly, if the mask is difficult to clean (e.g., difficult to assemble or disassemble), the patient may not be able to clean the mask, which may affect patient compliance.

[0025] While a mask used for other applications (eg, pilots) may not be suitable for treating sleep-disordered breathing, a mask designed to treat sleep-disordered breathing may be suitable for other applications.

[0026] For these reasons, patient interfaces for delivering CPAP during sleep form a unique field.

[0027] 1.2.3.2 Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Devices

[0028] A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device can be used alone or as part of a system to implement one or more of the various therapies described above, such as by operating the device to generate an air flow for delivery to a joint leading to an airway. The air flow can be pressurized. Examples of RPT devices include CPAP devices and ventilators.

[0029] Air pressure generators are known in a range of applications, such as industrial-scale ventilation systems. However, air pressure generators for medical applications have special requirements that cannot be met by more general air pressure generators, such as reliability, size and weight requirements for medical devices. Furthermore, even devices designed for medical use may have disadvantages related to one or more of the following: comfort, noise, ease of use, efficacy, size, weight, manufacturability, cost and reliability.

[0030] One known RPT device for treating sleep-disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System manufactured by ResMed Limited. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. TM Ventilators such as the VIZIONE range of adult and pediatric ventilators can provide invasive and non-invasive non-dependent ventilatory support to a range of patients to treat a variety of conditions such as, but not limited to, NMD, OHS and COPD.

[0031] ResMed Elisée TM 150 ventilator and ResMed VS III TMRespirators can provide invasive and non-invasive dependent ventilation support suitable for adult or pediatric patients to treat a variety of conditions. These ventilators provide volume ventilation mode and pressure ventilation mode through a single or double-branch circuit. The RPT device typically includes a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or a compressed gas reservoir, and the RPT device is configured to supply an air flow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the air flow can be supplied to the patient's airway under positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected to a patient coupling member, such as the above-mentioned patient coupling member, via an air circuit.

[0032] 1.2.3.3 Humidity regulator

[0033] Delivering an air stream without humidity conditioning may result in airway drying. Using a humidity regulator with an RPT device and a patient interface produces humidity conditioned air that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases patient airway comfort. Additionally, in cooler climates, applying warm air to the facial area in and around the patient interface is generally more comfortable than applying cool air.

[0034] A range of artificial humidity regulation devices and systems are known, but they may not meet the special requirements of medical humidity regulators.

[0035] Medical humidifiers are used to increase the humidity and / or temperature of the air flow relative to the ambient air when needed, usually when the patient may be asleep or resting (e.g., in a hospital). Medical humidifiers for bedside placement may be smaller. Medical humidifiers can be configured to humidify and / or heat only the air flow delivered to the patient without humidifying and / or heating the patient's surroundings. For example, room-based systems (e.g., saunas, air conditioners, or evaporative coolers) can also humidify the air inhaled by the patient, but these systems will also humidify and / or heat the entire room, which may cause discomfort to the occupants. In addition, medical humidifiers may have more stringent safety restrictions than industrial humidifiers.

[0036] Respiratory humidifiers are available in a variety of forms and may be stand-alone devices coupled to an RPT device via an air circuit, in combination with an RPT device, or constructed to couple directly to an associated RPT device. While known passive humidifiers may provide some relief, heated humidifiers may typically be used to provide sufficient humidity and temperature to the air to provide patient comfort. The humidifier typically includes a water reservoir or bucket having a capacity of several hundred milliliters (ml), a heating element for heating the water in the reservoir, a controller for enabling the humidity level to vary, a gas inlet for receiving gas from a flow generator or RPT device, and a gas outlet adapted for connection to an air circuit that delivers the humidity conditioned gas to a patient interface.

[0037] Heated pass-through humidification is a common form of humidification used with RPT units. In this type of humidifier, the heating element may be incorporated into a heater plate that is located below and in thermal contact with the water bucket. Heat is therefore transferred from the heater plate to the water reservoir primarily by conduction. Air from the RPT unit passes over the hot water in the water bucket, causing water vapor to be absorbed by the air flow. ResMed H4i TM and H5i TM The humidifiers are examples of such heated, swept-over humidifiers, which are used in conjunction with the ResMed S8 and S9 CPAP devices, respectively.

[0038] Other humidity regulators may also be used, such as bubble humidity regulators or diffuser humidity regulators, jet humidity regulators or wick humidity regulators. In bubble humidity regulators or diffuser humidity regulators, air is conducted below the water surface and allows bubbles to return to the top. Jet humidity regulators produce a spray of water, and baffles or filters may be used to remove or evaporate particles before leaving the humidity regulator. Wicking humidity regulators use absorbent materials such as sponges or paper to absorb water by capillary action. The absorbent material is placed in or near at least a portion of the air flow path to allow the water in the absorbent material to evaporate and be absorbed into the air stream.

[0039] By using CounterStream TM Powered by ResMed HumiCare TM The D900 Humidifier offers an alternative form of humidity regulation, the ResMed HumiCare TM The D900 Humidifier directs air flow in a first direction over a large surface area while supplying heated water to the large surface area in a second, opposite direction. ResMedHumiCare TM The D900 humidifier can be used with a range of invasive and non-invasive ventilators.

[0040] Although many medical humidity regulators are known, they may have one or more disadvantages. Some medical humidity regulators may provide inadequate humidity regulation, and some medical humidity regulators are difficult or inconvenient for patients to use. In addition, some humidity regulators may be expensive to manufacture, so not every patient who may benefit from a humidity regulator may be provided with one. In addition, the humidity regulator and its liquid reservoir need to be substantially fluid tight, especially during prolonged use and extensive heating cycles.

[0041] Thus, it may be an object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective and liquid-tight barrel configured to receive a volume of liquid for use in a humidity regulator. A second object of the present invention may be to provide a cost-effective device for humidity regulating a flow of air delivered to a patient with little or no unintended fluid leakage. A third object of the present invention may be to provide a cost-effective device for treating a patient's respiratory disorder. A fourth object of the present invention may be to provide a cost-effective and rapid method for manufacturing a humidity regulator barrel configured to receive a volume of liquid. Summary of the invention

[0042] The present technology is intended to provide a medical device for monitoring, ameliorating, treating or preventing breathing disorders having one or more of improved comfort, cost, efficiency, ease of use and manufacturability.

[0043] A first aspect of the invention relates to a bucket configured to receive a volume of liquid for use in a humidity regulator. The bucket may also be referred to as a reservoir, in particular a water reservoir. The volume configured to receive the liquid may also be referred to as a receiving space, a receiving volume, or simply a volume or space.

[0044] The bucket comprises at least one plastic part and at least one metal part, and the at least one plastic part and the at least one metal together form a space for receiving the liquid volume. In particular, the metal part can be configured to facilitate heat transfer from a heat source, in particular from an external heat source, so as to heat the liquid in the water reservoir. By heating the liquid, a part of the liquid can be evaporated and the air flow is thus humidified. Preferably, the metal part forms at least a part of the bottom wall of the bucket. Compared with a bucket whose receiving space is formed only by a metal part, the plastic part can reduce the weight of the bucket and / or reduce the production cost. Compared with a humidifier having a bucket with a receiving space formed only by a plastic part, the metal part can improve the durability and efficiency of a humidifier having such a bucket. The bucket is particularly suitable for passover humidification.

[0045] However, the attachment of these two parts constitutes an additional manufacturing step that may increase the overall cost. In addition, the connection between the metal part and the plastic part should be fluid tight to prevent unexpected leakage.

[0046] Thus, the at least one metal component and the at least one plastic component are attached to each other by means of a silicone layer, which preferably can be a silicone seal. Such an attachment can be particularly cost-effective. In particular, if the silicone layer is configured as a silicone seal, unintended leakage can be prevented without requiring a seal in addition to the attachment means of the two components. Thus, the number of components can be reduced.

[0047] For example, the silicone layer may also be a discontinuous silicone layer, in particular, the silicone layer includes a stripe shape, a dot shape or other shapes. Any part of the silicone portion of the barrel that does not actually have a sealing effect but is still connected to the part of the silicone that serves as a seal may be considered as part of the silicone seal in the context of this application. For example, the entire inner silicone layer of the barrel may still be designated as a silicone seal.

[0048] Preferably, the silicone seal is at least partially arranged between two adjacent surfaces of the plastic component and the metal component, in particular, the silicone seal is at least partially arranged between any adjacent surfaces of the two components. Preferably, the silicone seal is arranged between any two corresponding surfaces of the metal component and the plastic component facing each other. In particular, there is only a small gap between those surfaces that are at least partially or completely filled by the silicone seal. The silicone seal can be arranged between any surfaces that overlap each other. Preferably, the silicone seal can be arranged between any two surfaces of the plastic component and the metal component that overlap each other in a top view, a bottom view and / or in a view observed from the inside of the receiving space.

[0049] The plastic part may contain polycarbonate or consist of polycarbonate. In particular, the plastic part may contain medical grade plastic material or consist of medical grade plastic material. The metal part may, for example, contain corrosion resistant metal or consist of corrosion resistant metal, and the corrosion resistant metal is in particular stainless steel. The metal material of the metal part may be medical grade. Preferably, the silicone is made of medical grade silicone, which is odorless, transparent, non-toxic and / or biocompatible.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the bucket, the silicone seal provides a fluid tight connection between the plastic component and the metal component. Unexpected leakage can therefore be prevented, and the silicone seal can therefore also be referred to as a silicone fluid seal. In particular, the silicone seal is configured to continue to properly seal the attachment between the metal component and the plastic component during the heating cycle of the humidity regulator. For example, the silicone seal can be adapted to absorb the different thermal expansions of the metal component and the plastic component during use of the humidity regulator, thereby not allowing unexpected leakage or at least while still substantially maintaining its sealing function.

[0051] Another preferred embodiment of the barrel, the thickness of the silicone seal is between 0.01mm and 0.2mm, preferably less than 0.01mm or 0.05mm. Despite the use of silicone, which is flexible in itself, this thickness of the silicone seal can provide a substantially rigid connection between the metal part and the plastic part. In addition, the thin silicone seal can reduce manufacturing costs. The thickness of the silicone seal can be measured, for example, as the thickness of the silicone layer and / or along an imaginary line perpendicular to and / or connecting at least two surfaces of the plastic part and the metal part adjacent to each other, and the at least two surfaces can be sealed and / or connected by the silicone seal. The thickness of the silicone seal can also be defined as the minimum thickness or average thickness of the silicone seal. The thickness can also be directly related to the gap size between the adjacent surfaces of the metal part and the plastic part.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment of the barrel, at least a portion of the metal part in contact with the silicone seal is treated with a silicone adhesion promoter, and / or at least a portion of the plastic part in contact with the silicone seal is treated with a silicone adhesion promoter. Typically, silicone, especially when injection molded, only adheres to plastic materials or metal materials. Therefore, in order to form a connection between the metal part and the plastic part, at least one of these parts can be treated with an adhesion promoter. This allows the silicone seal to be permanently and securely connected to both the metal part and the plastic part, particularly by a manufacturing step and / or during injection molding. For example, the adhesion promoter can be sprayed, surface treated, spread, plasma treated and / or corona treated.

[0053] Another preferred embodiment of the barrel, the silicone seal is formed by liquid silicone rubber. Liquid silicone rubber is easy to process and handle, and can also provide a particularly strong connection between the metal part and the plastic part.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the plastic parts and / or the metal parts are substantially rigid. In particular, the plastic parts and / or the metal parts can be considered to be non-flexible. In contrast, the silicone seal can be flexible and / or non-rigid. For example, the silicone seal can be more flexible, more resilient and / or less rigid than the metal parts and / or the plastic parts. The plastic parts and / or the metal parts can be substantially incompressible and / or non-stretchable. In contrast, the silicone seal can be stretchable and / or compressible. For example, the silicone seal is more stretchable and / or more compressible than the metal parts and / or the plastic parts.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the plastic part is substantially trough-shaped and has a bottom wall and a surrounding side wall extending from the bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall is a through hole, which is at least partially closed by the metal part and the silicone seal. The side wall can also be a single continuous side wall forming the outer circumference of the bucket. In a cross-sectional view, the side wall is then depicted as a plurality of side walls.

[0056] For example, the through hole is closed in a fluid-tight manner by a metal component and a silicone seal. Not all components that close the through hole need to be located outside, below and / or above the through hole. For example, some or all components that close the through hole can be located inside the through hole. The metal component itself can roughly close the through hole, while the silicone seal only closes the connection between the metal component and the plastic component, in particular the gap between the metal component and the plastic component. For example, the silicone seal can fill any remaining non-fluid-tight gaps between the metal component and the plastic component.

[0057] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the bucket is substantially trough-shaped and has a bottom wall and a surrounding side wall, wherein the plastic part is substantially sleeve-shaped and forms the side wall, while the bottom wall is substantially formed by the metal part. The silicone seal can also form a part of the side wall and / or the bottom wall, in particular a smaller part at the end of one or both parts. In addition, the side wall can be only one continuous side wall forming the outer periphery of the sleeve. The plastic part can also be annular and / or ring-shaped. The plastic part can also be considered as a through-piece without a bottom wall.

[0058] A bucket in which the plastic part only forms the side wall may be easier and / or cheaper to manufacture than a bucket with a plastic part that is groove-shaped as described in the previous embodiment. On the other hand, the previously described embodiment of the bucket with a groove-shaped plastic part can have a higher ratio of plastic parts relative to other parts, thereby potentially achieving a lighter and / or cheaper bucket.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the metal part is attached to the inner side or outer side of the side wall, and / or the inner side or outer side of the bottom wall. The inner side of the wall can be defined as the side forming the liquid receiving space. In particular, when the bucket is filled, the inner side can be any side that may contact with the liquid. The inner side can be defined as the side of the wall facing the receiving space. On the other hand, the outer side can be any side facing away from the space for accommodating liquid. The outer side can be defined as the side opposite to the inner side. In particular, the outer side of any wall may not usually contact the liquid filled into the bucket. For the bottom wall, the inner side of the bottom wall can be the upper side of the bottom wall, and the outer side of the bottom wall can be the lower side of the bottom wall. In this case, the upward direction can be defined by the receiving space for the liquid.

[0060] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the metal component is formed as and / or from a metal sheet, which is preferably a substantially flat metal sheet. In particular, the metal component can be a flat metal sheet. Such a metal component is easy to manufacture and cost-effective to manufacture. In particular, such a metal component can be simply stamped from a metal sheet.

[0061] Another preferred embodiment of the bucket, at least a portion of the metal part is dome-shaped, preferably dome-shaped in an outward direction. The outward direction can be defined in a manner similar to the inner side and the outer side. In particular, the outward direction can be a direction from the inner side of the wall to the outer side, can be a downward direction, and / or can be a direction away from the center of the receiving space. The dome-shaped metal part can improve the connection with the heating device, in particular with a heating device with a flat heating plate. The dome shape can improve the heat transfer from the heating device to the bucket and thus to the liquid contained in the bucket. When observed in a cross-sectional view, the dome shape of the metal part can cause the metal part to bend outwardly. The bottom wall of the bucket can be at least partially dome-shaped away from the receiving space for the liquid. In addition, the dome shape can also allow the thermal expansion of the metal part during the use of the humidity regulator to be compensated and at the same time also ensure improved heat transfer. Preferably, the metal part is formed as a dome-shaped metal plate.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the metal part and the plastic part are attached to each other only by means of a silicone seal. Therefore, the silicone seal preferably serves not only as a fluid seal between the plastic part and the metal part, but also as the only attachment means between the two parts. Therefore, no additional connection means are required, which may increase the cost, the number of parts, the weight and / or the manufacturing steps. The connection between the metal part and the plastic part only by means of a silicone seal can also provide advantages for thermal expansion compensation between the two parts.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the metal part and the plastic part can also be fixed to each other by additional connecting means, such as screws, clamps, snap connections or some form of permanent bonding such as welding or gluing. In this case, although the silicone seal also performs connection, the silicone seal is mainly used to close any non-fluid tight gap retained between the two parts. Another preferred embodiment of the barrel, at least a portion of the metal part and at least a portion of the plastic part overlap each other, and the silicone seal is at least arranged between the overlapping portions of the metal part and the plastic part. In particular, the silicone seal can be arranged in any overlapping portion, wherein the overlapping portion is defined as those overlapping portions observed from the space for receiving the volume of the liquid. Alternatively or additionally, the silicone seal can be arranged in any overlapping portion observed in the top view observed from the top of the barrel and / or in the bottom view observed from the bottom of the barrel. In particular, silicone can be arranged only between the overlapping portions. This can reduce the amount of silicone required for the barrel.

[0064] Another preferred embodiment of the barrel, the silicone seal covers at least a portion of the metal part, which does not overlap with the plastic part; and / or, the silicone seal covers at least a portion of the plastic part, which does not overlap with the metal part. Therefore, the silicone seal can extend beyond any overlapping portion. This can further improve the thermal expansion compensation of the two parts. In addition, the seal and connection can be stronger, especially during thermal expansion and contraction of the parts. Therefore, the silicone seal can also protect part of the surface of the metal part and part of the surface of the plastic part. For example, the silicone seal can also include a silicone layer covering part or all of the inner surface of the barrel. The silicone layer can be a discontinuous silicone layer that may have a stripe shape, a dot shape or other shape.

[0065] Another preferred embodiment of the barrel, the silicone layer - in particular the silicone seal - also covers at least a portion of the metal part or plastic part for protection of the surface, in particular for covering part or all of the inner surface of any surface of the receiving space forming the barrel. In this case, the silicone layer, the corresponding silicone seal can also be considered or used as a protective coating. In particular, if the entire surface of the metal part that may originally be in contact with the liquid contained in the receiving space is covered with a silicone seal, a non-corrosion-resistant metal or at least a metal with poor corrosion resistance can be used for the metal part. The inner surface coating of the metal part with a silicone seal can prevent corrosion. Therefore, the material cost can be reduced. The silicone seal can also cover at least a portion of the plastic part, in particular at least a portion of the portion forming the bottom wall of the plastic part and / or at least a portion of the portion forming the side wall.

[0066] The silicone seal may cover at least a portion of a metal component and / or a plastic component in an area where there is no overlap between the metal component and the plastic component. For example, the silicone seal may cover a surface of one of the components that would otherwise be touched in the absence of the component. In particular, the silicone seal may be used as a protective coating on the surface side of the metal component facing the receiving space and / or the surface side of the plastic component facing the receiving space. The silicone seal may also be a silicone cover of the metal component. The silicone cover may be any portion of the silicone seal that is not used as an attachment between the metal component and the plastic component. In particular, a portion of the silicone seal may be configured as a silicone covering layer that covers at least a portion of the metal component that would otherwise be in direct contact with the space for receiving the volume of liquid. Preferably, the silicone seal covers any portion of the surface of the metal component and / or the plastic component that forms a receiving space for the liquid.

[0067] Another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the entire inner surface of the metal part facing the space for receiving the liquid volume is coated with a silicone seal, in particular, the silicone seal is in the form of a silicone layer located on the surface of the metal part facing the space for receiving the liquid volume. Preferably, the layer covering the surface is a thin layer, so as not to inhibit the heat transfer from the heat source to the liquid contained in the receiving space. Preferably, more than 70%, 80%, 90% or the entire side of the metal part at least partially facing the holding space is covered by the silicone seal. In particular, this is preferred in the case where the metal part is formed as a metal plate or a dome-shaped metal plate.

[0068] Another preferred embodiment of the barrel, the silicone seal is formed as a labyrinth seal and / or a seal providing a spring effect, in particular, the silicone seal is formed as a labyrinth seal and / or a seal providing a spring effect by including a silicone spring element. For example, the silicone spring element can be a tortuous portion of the silicone seal and / or silicone layer. Another example of a silicone spring element is a silicone portion that is bent backwards in itself. Another example of a silicone spring element can be a portion that is bent relative to the direct connection and / or straight connection between two corresponding surfaces of a metal part and a plastic part connected to each other by a silicone seal. Therefore, the spring element can be an additional silicone material in addition to the material required to fill the gap between the plastic part and the metal part with just the fluid tightly. The silicone spring element can be configured to adapt to the relative movement and / or expansion of the plastic part and the metal part by changing its shape. In particular, the silicone spring element can adapt to the relative movement and / or expansion not only by deformation of the silicone material itself, such as stretching or compression, but also by changing and / or deforming the external shape and / or cross-sectional shape of the silicone spring element. Silicone seals providing a spring effect are not flat layers and / or have more flexibility than just (bulk) silicone, for example due to the inherent flexibility of the silicone seal. Labyrinth seals can provide improved fluid tightness between metal parts and plastic parts. In addition, labyrinth seals can provide a particularly strong connection between metal parts and plastic parts. For example, the labyrinth seal can include a channel in which the plastic part or the metal part is partially arranged. This can improve the connection between the parts by providing an at least partially interlocking connection.

[0069] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the silicone seal forms at least one channel with two opposite walls, and at least a part of the plastic part is arranged / received in the at least one channel. In this case, the silicone seal can not only form a material bond between the two parts but also an interlocking connection. The channel and the two opposite side walls can be part of or constitute the aforementioned labyrinth seal.

[0070] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the silicone seal forms at least one channel with two side walls, in which at least a portion of the metal component and / or the metal component is arranged / received. This configuration can provide advantages due to the generally higher thermal expansion coefficient of the metal component compared to the plastic component. In addition, this configuration can also provide an interlocking connection and / or can be part of or constitute a labyrinth seal.

[0071] In another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the bucket is configured to be associated with a lid, wherein the bucket includes a lid silicone seal, which is arranged to provide a fluid seal between the lid and the bucket when the lid is attached to the bucket, particularly when the lid is in a closed position. This can reduce or prevent any unexpected leakage between the bucket and the closed lid. For example, the lid can be attached in a removable manner and / or attached so that the lid can move between an open position and a closed position. In particular, the bucket can include a portion of a pivot mounting of the lid. The lid can pivot between an open position and a closed position. For example, the lid can be attached to the bucket by means of a pivot connector or a snap connector. The lid silicone seal can be attached to a plastic component, particularly to an upper side and / or upper edge of a plastic component. In particular, the lid silicone seal can be arranged around the last week of the bucket. The lid silicone seal can be configured to seal the connection between the lid (particularly the lid in the closed position) and the bucket, particularly the bucket body, in a substantially fluid-tight manner.

[0072] Another preferred embodiment of the bucket, the cover silicone seal and the silicone seal attaching the plastic part to the metal part are one-piece parts. Therefore, the number of parts and / or manufacturing steps can be reduced. This can also be described as extending the silicone seal along the plastic part at least almost to the upper edge, completely to the upper edge or slightly beyond the upper edge. The upper edge can be the end of the side wall, especially the upper end. In addition, the upward direction can be defined by the bottom wall and / or the receiving space for liquid. Preferably, the cover silicone seal is arranged on the inner side of the upper edge. The side wall can be partially or completely covered by the silicone seal on the side facing the receiving space (for example, the inner side). Therefore, the silicone seal can cover the entire inner side of the plastic part (and optionally also cover the metal part) and terminate at the upper cover silicone seal for sealing the connection between the bucket and the attached cover.

[0073] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a device for humidity regulating an air flow delivered to a patient. The device may include a barrel according to the first aspect of the present invention. In addition, the device may include a heating element for heating a liquid received in the barrel. The device may also be referred to as a humidity regulator. The humidity regulator may also include a barrel. Preferably, the humidity regulator is part of a respiratory system, in particular a system for treating a patient's respiratory disorder. Typically, the system includes a blower for delivering pressurized breathable gas to the patient, wherein the humidity regulator can increase the humidity and / or temperature of the gas. For this purpose, the humidity regulator includes a liquid reservoir configured to heat the liquid contained in the reservoir. Since the device according to the second aspect of the present invention may include a barrel according to the first aspect of the present invention, the improvements, features and embodiments of the first aspect may be considered as examples and embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, and the improvements, features and embodiments of the second aspect may be considered as examples and embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0074] For example, the heating element can be designed to heat a metal part of the bucket. This allows heat to be transferred to the liquid. In one embodiment, the heating element is an electrically heatable plate. Exemplary means for heating the metal part are electromagnetic induction, by applying an electric current directly to the metal part and / or by heat transfer, in particular direct heat transfer, preferably heat transfer from a hot plate of the heating element.

[0075] The third aspect of the invention relates to a device for treating a patient's respiratory disorder. The device may include a patient interface, a controllable motorized blower, and a barrel according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the controllable motorized blower is configured to produce an air supply at a positive pressure relative to the ambient pressure. Alternatively or additionally, the device for treating a patient's respiratory disorder may also include a device according to the second aspect of the invention, the device including a barrel according to the first aspect of the invention. Therefore, improvements, features and embodiments of the first and second aspects may be considered as examples and embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, and improvements, features and embodiments of the third aspect may be considered as examples and embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0076] The fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a humidity regulator barrel, which is configured to receive a liquid volume. Preferably, the method is used to manufacture a barrel according to the first aspect of the present invention. Therefore, the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is suitable for manufacturing improvements, features and embodiments of the first aspect. Therefore, any improvements, features and embodiments of the first aspect can be considered as examples and embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, and any improvements, features and embodiments of the fourth aspect can be considered as examples and embodiments of the first aspect. In particular, the barrel according to the first aspect of the present invention may include any features manufactured when adopting the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0077] Preferably, the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention comprises at least the following steps: providing at least one metal component; providing at least one plastic component; and attaching the at least one plastic component to the at least one metal component in a fluid-tight manner by means of a silicone seal, so that the metal component and the plastic component together form a fluid-tight space for receiving the liquid volume. The method is cost-effective and fast, because the connection means and the sealing means between the metal component and the plastic component do not have to be manufactured and / or installed separately. In addition, a particularly strong and light bucket can also be formed.

[0078] For example, the two parts can be attached to each other by applying silicone to one or both parts. The two parts can be attached to each other by means of a liquid silicone rubber introduced between the two parts, which hardens to form a silicone seal. The silicone seal can also form a space for receiving the liquid volume together with the metal part and the plastic part. For example, the silicone seal can be part of the side wall that defines the receiving space for the liquid.

[0079] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the plastic part and the metal part are pre-manufactured and inserted into the tool, wherein these parts are connected to each other in the following manner: by introducing silicone into the connection area between the metal part and the plastic part, in particular by introducing liquid silicone rubber into the area between the metal part and the plastic part, or by introducing silicone to attach two corresponding areas of the metal part and the plastic part. For this purpose, the silicone can be injection molded, in particular as liquid silicone rubber. Between can involve the connection space between the two parts at other adjacent surfaces. For the possible setting structure of the silicone seal, please also refer to other aspects of the present invention, the possible setting structure of the silicone seal predetermines the setting and / or introduction of silicone between the parts. The connection area can also be defined as the area where the metal part and the plastic part will and / or can at least partially contact each other to form the receiving space of the barrel in the absence of the silicone seal.

[0080] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the bucket is manufactured in a multi-component injection molding process, which in particular comprises injection molding a first component in a first injection molding step, injection molding a second component in a second injection molding step, and introducing a third component, wherein the first component is preferably a plastic component, and wherein the second component is preferably a silicone seal, and wherein the third component is preferably a metal component or a metal blank forming a metal sheet. This manufacturing method is fast. In particular, this manufacturing method may not necessarily require different tools for different components and / or for silicone seals.

[0081] Preferably, the silicone is injection molded between the metal component and the plastic component, in particular as liquid silicone rubber.Alternatively, the silicone seal may be formed after any injection molding process, for example by an applicator.

[0082] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the plastic part is first injection molded, then the metal part is introduced into the injection molding tool, and then the silicone seal is injection molded to connect the plastic part to the metal part, or the metal part is first introduced into the injection molding tool, then the plastic part is injection molded, and then the silicone seal is injection molded to connect the plastic part to the metal part. In particular, the silicone seal is injection molded on the metal part / metal blank and the plastic part present in the injection molding tool. Preferably, the injection molding of the silicone seal is the last manufacturing step. For example, a multi-component tool can be used to injection mold the plastic part first. Afterwards, for example, the half of the multi-component injection tool is changed and / or a movable part is added to the tool or the movable part is removed from the tool. In addition, the metal blank designed as the metal part or the metal part itself is inserted into the multi-component injection tool in its final shape. Afterwards, liquid silicone is injected into the multi-component injection tool to form a silicone seal between the metal part and the plastic part. Obviously, in this manufacturing process, there is no need to remove any parts from the multi-component injection tool and / or completely replace the tool itself before the barrel is completed. Therefore, the barrel can be continuously formed / manufactured in one injection molding machine. This method can be particularly cost-effective.

[0083] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, during the multi-component injection molding process, the first component is a plastic material injected into a two-component injection tool, and the second component is a silicone material, in particular a silicone rubber, injected into the two-component injection tool, and a metal component or a metal blank is inserted into the two-component injection tool as a third component. The metal component can be inserted as a rigid plate, in particular as a non-injection molded insert. For example, a pre-manufactured metal component or a metal blank can be used. The third component can be considered or designated as an insert and / or a non-injection molded component.

[0084] Typically, in the method according to the fourth aspect, a metal blank can be used instead of a finished metal part. In particular, the metal blank can be a flat metal sheet. If a metal blank is used, the metal sheet is preferably formed during the injection molding of the plastic part and / or the silicone seal to achieve the final shape of the metal sheet, for example to form the metal part. For example, the injection molding of plastic and / or silicone can deform the metal sheet into a dome-shaped metal part. This method can be particularly cost-effective. The process can require only one tool, in particular, the tool has removable parts or the tool can be replaced in the middle.

[0085] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the method comprises the use of a molding tool having two or more parts, and wherein, in particular when more than two mold parts are used, one or more of the mold parts are replaced and / or moved to mold different parts / components of the barrel. For example, the method and / or the molding tool may include a sliding member, replacing another tool part with a tool part, in particular a tool part with a different geometry, and / or switching another half shell part with a half shell part of the tool body. During the process / method and / or the replacement / replacement / movement of the tool parts, any intermediate products may preferably remain in the tool, in particular in the non-moved parts and / or in the parts remaining in the injection molding device.

[0086] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, silicone is applied to metal parts and plastic parts by means of a silicone coating tool, and the silicone coating tool is used to deform the metal into a desired final shape, the desired final shape being particularly a shape in which the surface of the metal part facing away from the holding space has at least a dome shape. The metal can be a metal blank, such as a flat metal plate. Preferably, the silicone coating tool can be an injection molding tool. Even more preferably, the silicone coating tool can be a tool or at least a part of the tool for injection molding plastic parts and / or silicone seals. Preferably, the silicone coating tool is the aforementioned multi-component injection tool. The deformation of the metal part or the metal blank into its desired final shape can be completed before, after or during the application of silicone, particularly the injection of silicone. Instead of forming the metal part or the metal blank by means of injecting plastic into the tool, the metal part or the metal blank can also be formed, for example, by the tool itself in a separate step, particularly by closing the tool and / or moving a part of the tool. For example, the two halves of an injection molding tool may be closed with sufficient force to deform a metal part or metal blank into its desired final shape.

[0087] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, the injection molding device used to provide the plastic part, in particular for manufacturing the plastic part, is also used to apply silicone. In particular, the injection molding device can be used to apply silicone to both the plastic part and the metal part. Preferably, the same injection molding device can be used to manufacture the entire bucket.

[0088] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, before attaching the plastic component to the metal component by means of silicone, an adhesion promoter is applied to at least a portion of the plastic component and / or the metal component. In particular, the adhesion promoter can be applied to a portion directly adjacent to and / or facing the connection space between the two components. For further details on the arrangement of the silicone seal and therefore the appropriate arrangement of the adhesion promoter, please refer to the description of other aspects of the present invention, in particular the first aspect.

[0089] Preferably, the adhesion promoter is sprayed onto appropriate surfaces of the plastic part and / or metal part. In the context of applying the adhesion promoter, the adhesion promoter can also be applied to the metal blank from which the metal part is subsequently formed. Preferably, the plastic part, the metal part and / or the metal blank remain for a predetermined evaporation time after the production of the finished barrel to avoid contact of the agent with the respiratory gases. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving space for the liquid can be cleaned after the application of the silicone seal. In other words: the reservoir can be washed after production, in particular after the application of the silicone. As a further or alternative measure, silicone can be applied to the entire surface that has been treated with the adhesion promoter.

[0090] Preferably, if the plastic part is formed in an injection moulding step, the adhesion promoter is only applied to the metal blank or metal part and the silicone, in particular the liquid silicone rubber, is chosen to be able to attach to the plastic part without any further adhesion promoter.

[0091] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect, a mask is applied to at least a portion of the metal part and / or the plastic part to seal the portion to be kept uncoated by silicone, wherein, preferably, the mask is removed after applying the silicone and / or the adhesion promoter. This allows certain parts of the surface to be reliably excluded from the attachment of silicone. In particular, through the mask, a non-region-specific application method for the adhesion promoter, such as spraying the adhesion promoter in a chamber, can be used while still reliably defining the actual treated portion of the surface. For example, the mask can be made of a masking tape. Alternatively or additionally, certain parts of the surface can be applied with an adhesion inhibitor. Some parts of the surface of the plastic part, the metal part and / or the metal blank can be treated non-adhesive to prevent the attachment of silicone.

[0092] Of course, a part of these aspects may form a sub-aspect of the present technology. In addition, each of the sub-aspects and / or aspects may be combined in various ways and also constitute other aspects or sub-aspects of the present technology.

[0093] Other features of the technology will be apparent by considering the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] The present technology is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements, and in which:

[0095] Figure 1A A system is shown including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of nasal pillows that receives a supply of air at a positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device 4000 is humidity conditioned in a humidity regulator 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. A bed partner 1100 is also shown. The patient is sleeping in a supine sleeping position.

[0096] Figure 1B A system is shown including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a nasal mask that receives a supply of air at a positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidity conditioned in a humidity regulator 5000 and delivered to the patient 1000 along an air circuit 4170.

[0097] Figure 1C A system is shown including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a full face mask that receives a supply of air at a positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidity conditioned in a humidity regulator 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. The patient is sleeping in a side-lying sleeping position.

[0098] Figure 2 A barrel configured to receive a volume of liquid for use in a humidity regulator is shown in cross-sectional schematic view.

[0099] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a bucket for use in a humidity regulator is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0100] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a bucket for use in a humidity regulator is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0101] Figure 5A An isometric view of a humidity regulator is shown.

[0102] Figure 5B An isometric view of the humidity regulator is shown showing the humidity regulator reservoir 5110 removed from the humidity regulator reservoir bracket 5130.

[0103] Figure 5C A schematic diagram of a humidity regulator is shown.

[0104] Figure 6 shows a method for use in a humidity regulator Figures 2 to 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the barrel in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] 3.1 Overview of Humidifier

[0106] In one form of the present technology, a humidity regulator 5000 (e.g., such as a humidity regulator 5000) is provided for changing the absolute humidity of air or gas for delivery to a patient relative to ambient air. Figure 5A Typically, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity of an air flow (relative to ambient air) and to increase the temperature of the air flow prior to delivery to the airway of a patient.

[0107] Humidifier 5000 may include a humidity regulator reservoir 5110, a humidity regulator inlet 5002 for receiving an air flow, and a humidity regulator outlet 5004 for delivering a humidity conditioned air flow. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in , the inlet and outlet of the humidity regulator reservoir 5110 can be humidity regulator inlet 5002 and humidity regulator outlet 5004, respectively. The humidity regulator 5000 can also include a humidity regulator base 5006, which can be adapted to receive the humidity regulator reservoir 5110 and include a heating element 5240.

[0108] 3.2 Humidity regulator components

[0109] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 Different embodiments of buckets for use in humidity regulators configured to receive a volume of liquid are shown. In particular, the illustrated embodiments of bucket 10 can be used or adapted to be used with humidity regulator 5000 according to FIGS. 1 and 5. The outer shape of bucket 10 should be understood to be primarily exemplary and can be adapted to follow the shapes of other components of humidity regulator 5000.

[0110] like Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figure 6 As can be observed in FIG. 1 , the bucket 10 includes at least one plastic component 12 and at least one metal component 14. The plastic component 12 and the metal component 14 together form a space 16 for receiving the liquid volume. In the bucket 10, the at least one metal component 14 and the at least one plastic component 12 are attached to each other by a silicone seal 18. In some embodiments, the silicone seal 18 is the only attachment means between the plastic component 12 and the metal component 14.

[0111] from Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figure 6 As can also be observed in the embodiment, the bucket 10 is generally trough-shaped so as to accommodate a predetermined volume of liquid. Therefore, in each embodiment, the metal component 14 forms at least a portion of the bottom wall of the bucket 10. In addition, the plastic component 12 forms at least a portion of one or more of the side walls of the bucket 10. The remaining portion of the one or more side walls of the bucket 10 can be formed by the metal component 14 or other components of the bucket 10. Generally, when the bottom wall is circular or oval, the bucket 10 is considered to have a continuous side wall along the outer circle of the bottom wall. Mentioning more than one side wall is more suitable for the case of a square or rectangular shaped bucket, wherein the side wall at each side of the rectangle can be considered as a separate side wall. Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figure 6 The barrel shown in is shown in cross-sectional view only and could represent either case.

[0112] Typically, the tub 10 is arranged so that the metal component 14 points downward so as to be in thermal contact with the heating plate. When the heating plate is activated, the heating plate heats the metal component 14 and thus heats the liquid contained in the space 16. The liquid can be inserted into the space 16 through the opening 20 located at the top of the tub 10. The opening 20, the bottom wall and / or the receiving space 16 can define an upward direction, a downward direction, an internal direction and / or an external direction of the tub 10, respectively.

[0113] The silicone seal 18 attaches the plastic part 12 to the metal part 14 in a fluid-tight manner. This is why the silicone seal 18 is called a "seal". However, sealing is not the only function achieved by the part 18. As mentioned above, the silicone seal 18 is also used as an attachment device between the plastic part 12 and the metal part 14. The silicone seal 18 is also used to at least partially compensate for the different degrees of thermal expansion and contraction of the metal part 14 and the plastic part 12 during the thermal cycle of the humidity regulator. For example, the silicone seal 18 can be flexible and compensate by being stretched and / or contracted without destroying the contact between the plastic part 12 and the metal part 14. In particular, the silicone seal 18 can maintain the seal between the plastic part 12 and the metal part 14 by adapting to this different thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic part 12 and the metal part 14, thereby not allowing any fluid to leak to the outside of the space 16 through the connection between these parts.

[0114] like Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figure 6As can also be observed in the figure, the plastic part 12 and the metal part 14 are attached to each other only by the silicone seal 18. Therefore, no additional connecting device is required. Further, the plastic part 12 and the silicone seal 18 can be manufactured together in an injection molding tool, especially in the same injection molding process. In this case, the metal part 14 can be set in the injection molding tool as an insert. Accordingly, both the plastic part 12 and the silicone seal 18 are directly injection molded on the metal part 14. For example, the plastic part 12 and the silicone seal 18 can be injection molded on the metal part 14 in two continuous molding steps. For example, the silicone seal 18 can be injection molded on the metal part 14 first, and then the plastic part 12 is injection molded, especially on the silicone seal 18. As an alternative, the plastic part 12 is first injection molded, and then the silicone seal 18 is injection molded between the two parts 12 and 14. These examples also allow the plastic part 12 to be manufactured independently of other parts. Another sequence is also possible. For example, the plastic part 12 can be injection molded first, the metal part 14 can then be introduced into the tool, and then the silicone seal 18 can be injection molded between the two parts 12 and 14. The silicone seal 18 can be used to connect the two parts 12, 14 to each other, especially to each other in a fluid-tight manner. For this purpose, the silicone can be configured to attach itself to the plastic of the plastic part 12, and the metal part 14 can be treated with an adhesion promoter to allow the attachment of the silicone. Preferably, the silicone seal 18 is made of liquid silicone rubber.

[0115] like Figure 2 As can be observed in the figure, the silicone seal 18 substantially closes the gap between the metal component 14 and the plastic component 12. In particular, when viewed from a bottom view or a top view, the silicone seal 18 is disposed at least at the overlapping area of ​​the plastic component 12 and the metal component 14. Since the bucket 10 is typically resting on the metal component 14 during use, this construction is particularly strong because the weight of the bucket during use strengthens the connection between the two components.

[0116] In accordance with Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the silicone seal 18 is formed as an annular member covering the outer periphery of the inner side portion of the metal component 14. Therefore, the middle area of ​​the metal component 14 is not covered by the silicone, so that heat transfer to the liquid in the space 16 is not inhibited. In the present embodiment, the bottom of the barrel 10 has a generally circular shape. However, as described above, the barrel 10 may also have any other shape, such as a substantially rectangular or square shape, particularly a substantially rectangular or square shape when viewed in a bottom view.

[0117] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a bucket 10 is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view. Figure 3 As can be observed in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the metal component 14 is non-flat (like Figure 2 ), but has a dome-shaped area 22. The dome-shaped area 22 can provide improved contact to the heating plate located below the tub 10. Therefore, the thermal efficiency of the humidity regulator with such a tub 10 can be improved.

[0118] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the metal component 14 is dome-shaped from the space 16 only in the area not overlapping with the plastic component 12 in the bottom view. The outer annular portion 24 of the metal component 14 has the same shape as that according to Figure 2 The metal component of the embodiment of the present invention is similar to the planar shape. This allows for easier and reliable connection between the metal component 14 and the plastic component 12 and the silicone seal 18. In an alternative embodiment, the entire metal component 14 can be dome-shaped. Such a dome-shaped metal component can be easy to manufacture.

[0119] according to Figure 3 The dome shape of the metal component 14 of the embodiment can be formed directly during the injection molding process of the silicone seal 18 and / or the plastic component 12. For example, a flat metal sheet blank can be formed into a dome shape by the pressure of the injection molding and / or the closing of the injection molding tool.

[0120] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a bucket 10 is shown. Figure 4 In the case of a silicone seal 18, a type of labyrinth seal is provided, the sealing of which between the plastic component 12 and the metal component 14 can be particularly reliable. Even in the case where a partial area of ​​the silicone seal 18 according to this embodiment is damaged in the overlapping area of ​​the plastic component 12 and the metal component 14, there is still a certain form of redundancy to prevent unexpected leakage of fluid from the space 16. For this purpose, the silicone seal 18 has two opposite wall portions 26 forming a channel 28. In this channel 28, a part of the plastic component 12 is received. This provides an interlocking connection of the components by the silicone seal 18. Alternatively or additionally, the metal component 14 can also be received in such a channel formed by the two side walls of the silicone seal 18 ( Figure 4 not shown).

[0121] like Figure 4As can also be observed in FIG. 1 , the embodiment of the bucket 10 shown therein includes a silicone seal 18 that covers the entire surface 30 of the metal part 14 facing the space 16. Although not absolutely necessary, the silicone seal 18 in this configuration can prevent the liquid contained in the space 16 from directly contacting the metal part 14. Therefore, for the metal part 14, a metal with a lower corrosion resistance than the metal used in other embodiments where the metal part 14 can have direct contact and exposure to the liquid in the space 16 can be used.

[0122] Although according to Figure 4 The lower side wall 26 of the silicone seal 18 also covers the surface 30 of the metal component 14 facing the space 16, but such a covering is not necessary for achieving corrosion protection of the metal component 14 in the embodiment described, because this covered part of the component 14 is not directly exposed to the heated liquid. However, in this case, this lower side wall of the opposite side wall 26 also constitutes part of the labyrinth seal and improves the connection between the metal component 14 and the plastic component 12.

[0123] As Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the metal component 14 may not overlap the plastic component 12, and the metal component 14 may be limited to not radially extend beyond the inner edge of the plastic component 12. Figure 6 ), there may be a gap between the outer periphery of the metal component 14 and the inner periphery of the plastic component 12, which gap may be bridged by the silicone seal 18. Due to the flexibility of the silicone seal 18, in this case, the metal component 14 can flex in the space, including moving toward and away from the space 16 through the bottom hole of the plastic component 12. This can provide a form of spring effect that can improve the connection between the metal component 14 and the hot plate on which the barrel 10 is placed. This can allow the use of barrels manufactured with higher manufacturing tolerances. The gap can be significant, such as Figure 6 As shown, or can be minimized to the extent that the metal component 14 and the periphery of the plastic component 12 are substantially in contact with each other ( Figure 6 not shown).

[0124] exist Figure 6In the case of the embodiment of the present invention, the element 34 provides the discussed spring function of the silicone seal 18. In the embodiment shown, the length of the spring element 34 exceeds the gap between the metal part 14 and the plastic part 12 that needs to be bridged. This excess length and the flexibility of the silicone seal can at least partially cause the spring effect. The spring element 34 can include an arc-shaped or otherwise curved portion of the silicone seal 18. The curved portion 34 can be deformed, in particular by changing the radius of the curved portion 34. Thus, according to Figure 6 The embodiment of the silicone seal 18 allows the metal part 14 to move upward not only due to possible compression and / or extension of the silicone seal 18 but also due to the excessive length and deformation of its cross-sectional shape. Therefore, the metal part 14 can be freely moved relative to the plastic part 12 in the hole 32 to change the position of the metal part 14 so as to achieve particularly good contact with the hot plate located below the barrel 10. Therefore, the heating efficiency of such a barrel 10 can be increased. In addition, such a barrel 10 can be more easily inserted into and removed from the humidity regulator with less force and / or with less risk of damaging the barrel 10.

[0125] Preferably, the silicone seal 18 is made of medical grade silicone. The thickness of the silicone seal is preferably between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.05 mm. With such a thickness, the silicone seal 18 does not unnecessarily inhibit heat transfer from the metal component 14 to the liquid in the space 16, even if the silicone seal 18 covers any portion of the surface of the metal component 14 that would otherwise be in contact with the liquid. Even with such a thin thickness, the silicone seal 18 is strong enough to attach the plastic component 12 to the metal component 14 while forming a reliable seal.

[0126] As can be seen in the figures showing an embodiment of the bucket 10, the plastic part 12 may be of generally through-shape, having a bottom wall 36 and a surrounding side wall 38 extending from the bottom wall 36. The bottom wall 36 has the through hole 32 already described, which is closed by the metal part 14 and / or the silicon seal 18. Figures 2 to 4In the embodiment, the size of the metal plate 14 is larger than the through hole 32. This structure provides benefits because it can limit the maximum range of movement of the metal component 14 in the upward direction. The bottom wall 36 of the plastic component can be used as an end stop for the metal component 14. In addition, the bottom wall 36 provides a surface that can be easily used for reliable attachment of the metal component 14 by the silicone seal 18. However, in an alternative embodiment, the plastic component 12 may include only the side wall 38 without the bottom wall 36. Such a plastic component 12 can be cheaper and faster to manufacture. In this case, the metal component 14 can also be substantially located in the through hole 32 of the plastic component 12. In this case, a portion of the silicone seal 18 may need to be laid on a portion of the side wall 38. This can be achieved by attaching the silicone seal 18 to a portion of at least one of the inner side or outer side of the side wall 38.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the metal component 14 is provided on the outer side of the plastic component 12 relative to the space 16. However, the metal component 14 may also be provided on the inner side.

[0128] In other embodiments, the silicone seal 18 can cover other surfaces of the plastic part 12 and / or the metal part 14. For example, the silicone seal 18 can substantially cover the entire inner surface of the side wall 38 and the bottom wall 36 of the plastic part 12. Again, in this case, the inner surface is the surface facing the space 16. In this case, the silicone seal 18 can also additionally protect the plastic part 12 from being exposed to heated liquid. This protective cover can provide enhanced scratch resistance and can also facilitate the cleaning of the space 16. In addition, the silicone seal 18 can also extend almost to the upper edge of the side wall 38 or even slightly beyond the edge. In this case, the silicone seal 18 can also form a cover silicone seal for attaching to the cover of the plastic part 12 at the upper side of the plastic part 12. This cover can be used to close the opening 20. The cover silicone seal is preferably a part of the silicone seal 18 and can prevent unexpected leakage between the cover and the plastic part 12. This can allow the direction of the bucket 10 to be changed without any liquid loss. This may facilitate a more comfortable grip of the bucket 10 when liquid is contained within the space 16 .

[0129] In the case where the liquid silicone seal 18 also includes a cover silicone seal in a one-piece construction, the silicone seal 18 and the cover silicone seal can be manufactured together in one step. For example, the silicone seal 18 can be formed together with its cover silicone seal in one injection molding step.

[0130] 3.2.1.1 Water storage tank

[0131] According to one arrangement, the humidity regulator 5000 may include a water reservoir 5110 configured to hold or maintain a volume of liquid (e.g., water) to be evaporated to humidity regulate the air flow. The water reservoir 5110 may be formed at least in part by a bucket 10. The water reservoir 5110 may be configured to maintain a predetermined maximum volume of water to provide sufficient humidity regulation at least during respiratory therapy, such as during a sleeping night. Typically, the reservoir 5110 is configured to maintain hundreds of milliliters of water, such as 300 milliliters (ml), 325 milliliters, 350 milliliters, or 400 milliliters of water. In other forms, the humidity regulator 5000 may be configured to receive a water supply from an external water source such as a building's water supply system.

[0132] According to one aspect, the water reservoir 5110 is configured to add humidity to the air flow from the RPT device 4000 as the air flow travels through the RPT device 4000. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured to cause the air flow to travel through the reservoir 5110 in a tortuous path while in contact with the volume of water in the reservoir 5110.

[0133] According to one form, the reservoir 5110 may be capable of Figure 5A and Figure 5B Shown, for example, removed from humidity regulator 5000 in a lateral direction.

[0134] The reservoir 5110 may also be configured to prevent liquid from escaping from the reservoir 5110, such as through any orifices and / or between subcomponents of the reservoir 5110, such as when the reservoir 5110 is displaced and / or rotated from its normal operating orientation. Since the air flow being humidity conditioned by the humidity regulator 5000 is typically pressurized, the reservoir 5110 may also be configured to prevent loss of pneumatic pressure due to leakage and / or flow resistance.

[0135] 3.2.1.2 Conduction part

[0136] According to one arrangement, the reservoir 5110 includes a conductive portion 5120 configured to allow efficient transfer of heat from the heating element 5240 to the liquid volume in the reservoir 5110. In one form, the conductive portion 5120 can be configured as a plate, such as plate 14, but other shapes may also be suitable. All or a portion of the conductive portion 5120 may be made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum (e.g., about 2 mm thick, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm), another thermally conductive metal, or some plastics. In some cases, suitable thermal conductivity can be achieved by having less conductive material with a suitable geometry.

[0137] 3.2.1.3 Humidity regulator storage bracket

[0138] In one form, the humidity regulator 5000 may include a humidity regulator reservoir cradle 5130 (eg, Figure 5B In some arrangements, the humidity regulator reservoir holder 5130 can include a locking feature such as a locking bar 5135 configured to retain the reservoir 5110 in the humidity regulator reservoir holder 5130 .

[0139] 3.2.1.4 Water level indicator

[0140] The humidity regulator reservoir 5110 may include a water level indicator 5150, such as FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B In some forms, the water level indicator 5150 can provide one or more indications to a user, such as the patient 1000 or a caregiver, regarding the amount of water volume in the humidifier reservoir 5110. The one or more indications provided by the water level indicator 5150 can include an indication of a maximum predetermined volume of water, any portion of the maximum predetermined volume of water, such as 25%, 50%, or 75%, or a volume, such as 200 ml, 300 ml, or 400 ml.

[0141] 3.2.1.5 Humidifier converter

[0142] Instead of including the above-described converter 4270 or in addition to including the converter 4270, the humidity regulator 5000 may include one or more humidity regulator converters (sensors) 5210. The humidity regulator converter 5210 may include one or more of an air pressure sensor 5212, an air flow converter 5214, a temperature sensor 5216, or a humidity sensor 5218, such as Figure 5C . The humidity regulator converter 5210 can generate one or more output signals, which can be transmitted to a controller, such as the central controller 4230 and / or the humidity regulator controller 5250. In some forms, the humidity regulator converter can be located outside the humidity regulator 5000 (such as in the air circuit 4170) and transmit the output signal to the controller.

[0143] 3.2.1.5.1 Pressure converter

[0144] In addition to or in place of the pressure sensor 4272 provided in the RPT device 4000 , one or more pressure transducers 5212 may be provided for the humidity regulator 5000 .

[0145] 3.2.1.5.2 Flow converter

[0146] In addition to or in place of the flow sensor 4274 provided in the RPT device 4000 , one or more flow transducers 5214 may be provided for the humidity regulator 5000 .

[0147] 3.2.1.5.3 Temperature converter

[0148] The humidity regulator 5000 may include one or more temperature transducers 5216. The one or more temperature transducers 5216 may be configured to measure one or more temperatures of, for example, the heating element 5240 and / or the air flow downstream of the humidity regulator outlet 5004. In some forms, the humidity regulator 5000 may also include a temperature sensor 5216 for detecting the temperature of the ambient air.

[0149] 3.2.1.5.4 Humidity Converter

[0150] In one form, the humidity regulator 5000 may include one or more humidity sensors 5218 for detecting the humidity of a gas, such as ambient air. The humidity sensor 5218 may be arranged in some form toward the humidity regulator outlet 5004 to measure the humidity of the gas delivered from the humidity regulator 5000. The humidity sensor may be an absolute humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor.

[0151] 3.2.1.6 Heating elements

[0152] In some cases, a heating element 5240 may be provided for the humidity regulator 5000 to provide heat input to one or more of the volume of water and / or the air flow in the humidity regulator reservoir 5110. The heating element 5240 may include a heat generating component, such as a resistive heating track. A suitable example of a heating element 5240 is a layered heating element, such as the heating element described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2012 / 171072, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0153] In some forms, the heating element 5240 may be disposed in the humidity regulator base 5006 where heat may be provided to the humidity regulator reservoir 5110 primarily by conduction, such as Figure 5B shown.

[0154] 3.2.1.7 Humidity regulator controller

[0155] According to one configuration of the present technology, the humidity regulator 5000 may include a humidity regulator controller 5250, such as Figure 5CIn one form, the humidity regulator controller 5250 may be part of the central controller 4230. In another form, the humidity regulator controller 5250 may be a separate controller that may communicate with the central controller 4230.

[0156] In one form, the humidity regulator controller 5250 may receive as inputs, for example, measurements of air flow, water in the reservoir 5110, and / or characteristics of the humidity regulator 5000, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and / or flow. The humidity regulator controller 5250 may also be configured to execute or implement a humidity regulator algorithm and / or deliver one or more output signals.

[0157] like Figure 5C As shown in , the humidity regulator controller 5250 may include one or more controllers, such as a central humidity regulator controller 5251, a heated air circuit controller 5254 configured to control the temperature of the heated air circuit 4171, and / or a heating element controller 5252 configured to control the temperature of the heating element 5240.

[0158] 3.3 Glossary

[0159] For purposes of this technology disclosure, in some forms of the technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply. In other forms of the technology, alternative definitions may apply.

[0160] 3.3.1 Summary

[0161] Air: In some forms of the present technology, air may be considered to refer to atmospheric air, and in other forms of the present technology, air may be considered to refer to some other combination of breathable gases, such as atmospheric air enriched with oxygen.

[0162] Environment: In certain forms of the present technology, the term environment will be taken to refer to (i) external to the treatment system or patient, and (ii) the immediate surroundings of the treatment system or patient.

[0163] For example, the ambient humidity with respect to a humidity regulator may be the humidity of the air immediately surrounding the humidity regulator, such as the humidity in the room where the patient sleeps. Such ambient humidity may be different from the humidity outside the room where the patient sleeps.

[0164] In another example, ambient pressure may be the pressure immediately surrounding the body or external to the body.

[0165] Flow: The volume (or mass) of air delivered per unit time. Flow may refer to an instantaneous quantity. In some cases, reference to flow will refer to a scalar quantity, i.e., a quantity having only magnitude. In other cases, reference to flow will refer to a vector quantity, i.e., a quantity having both magnitude and direction. Flow may be given the symbol Q. "Flow" is sometimes shortened to simply "flow" or "airflow."

[0166] Humidifier: The term humidifier will be deemed to refer to a humidity regulating device constructed and arranged to provide therapeutically beneficial amounts of water (H2O) vapor to an air flow to improve a patient's medical respiratory condition or constructed with a physical structure capable of providing such therapeutically beneficial amounts of water vapor.

[0167] Leakage: The word leakage is to be understood as an unintended flow of air. In one example, a leak may occur due to an incomplete seal between the mask and the patient's face. In another example, a leak to the environment may occur in the swivel elbow. A leak may also involve an unintended flow of liquid from a humidity regulator, in particular a barrel of the humidity regulator for receiving a liquid volume.

[0168] Patient: A person, whether or not they suffer from a respiratory illness.

[0169] Ventilator: A mechanical device that provides pressure support to a patient to perform some or all of the work of breathing.

[0170] 3.3.1.1 Materials

[0171] Silicone or Silicone Elastomer: A synthetic rubber. In this document, reference to silicone refers to either liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR). One form of commercially available LSR is SILASTIC manufactured by Dow Corning (included within the range of products sold under that trademark). Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker.

[0172] Polycarbonate: A thermoplastic polymer of bisphenol A carbonate.

[0173] 3.3.1.2 Mechanical properties

[0174] Elasticity: The ability of a material to absorb energy when elastically deformed and to release that energy when unloaded.

[0175] Resilient: Will release substantially all of its energy when unloaded. Includes, for example, some silicones and thermoplastic elastomers.

[0176] Hardness: The ability of a material to resist deformation (e.g., as described by Young's modulus, or the indentation hardness scale measured on a standardized sample size).

[0177] • "Soft" materials may include silicone or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and may deform easily, for example under finger pressure.

[0178] • "Hard" materials may include polycarbonate, polypropylene, steel or aluminum, and may not deform easily under finger pressure.

[0179] Stiffness (or rigidity) of a structure or component: The ability of a structure or component to resist deformation in response to an applied load. Loads can be forces or moments, such as compression, tension, bending, or torsion. A structure or component can offer different resistance in different directions.

[0180] Soft structure or component: A structure or component that will change shape, e.g. bend, within a relatively short period of time, e.g., within 1 second, when supporting its own weight.

[0181] Rigid structure or component: A structure or component that will not substantially change shape when subjected to loads typically experienced in use. Examples of such use may be, for example, establishing and maintaining a sealing relationship between a patient interface and an entrance to a patient's airway at a load of about 20 cmH2O to 30 cmH2O pressure.

[0182] As an example, an I-beam may include a different bending stiffness (resistance to bending loads) in a first direction than in an orthogonal second direction. In another example, a structure or component may be soft in a first direction and rigid in a second direction.

[0183] 3.4 Other Notes

[0184] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent Office patent file or register, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

[0185] Where a numerical range is provided, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, it is understood that each intermediate value to one tenth of the lower limit unit between the upper and lower limits of the range, and any other set value or intermediate value within the range are included within the scope of the present invention. The upper and lower limits of these intermediate ranges that may be independently included within the intermediate ranges are also included within the present invention, depending on any specifically excluded restrictions within the range. If the range includes one or two restrictions, the range excluding any one or two of those included restrictions is also included within the present invention.

[0186] Furthermore, where one or more values ​​are expressed herein as being implemented as part of the present invention, it should be understood that such values ​​may be approximate unless otherwise indicated and that such values ​​may be embodied to any suitable significant figures to the extent that practical technical implementation may permit or require it.

[0187] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0188] When a particular material is identified as being useful for constructing a component, obvious alternative materials having similar properties may be used as substitutes. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, any and all components described herein are understood to be capable of being manufactured, and thus may be manufactured together or separately.

[0189] It must be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include their plural equivalents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0190] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to disclose and describe methods and / or materials as the subject of those publications. The publications discussed herein are provided only for their disclosures before the filing date of the present application. Anything herein should not be construed as admitting that the present invention has no right to precede these publications due to prior inventions. In addition, the date of the publication provided may be different from the actual publication date, which may require separate confirmation.

[0191] The terms “include” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the elements, components or steps referred to may be present or utilized or combined with other elements, components or steps not explicitly referred to.

[0192] The subject headings used in the detailed description are included only for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the subject matter found in the entire disclosure or claims. The subject headings should not be used to construct the scope of the claims or the limitations of the claims.

[0193] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that these examples are merely illustrations of the principles and applications of the present invention. In some cases, terms and symbols may imply specific details that are not required for implementing the technology. For example, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used, unless otherwise specified, the terms "first" and "second" are not intended to represent any order, but may be used to distinguish different elements. In addition, although the processing steps in the method may be described or illustrated in order, such an ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering may be modified and / or these orderings may be performed simultaneously or even synchronously.

[0194] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative examples and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0195] Reference numerals list

[0196] 10 barrels

[0197] 12 Plastic parts

[0198] 14 Metal parts

[0199] 16 Space

[0200] 18 Silicone seal

[0201] 20 Opening

[0202] 22 Dome-shaped area

[0203] 24 Outer annular portion

[0204] 26 Opposite side wall

[0205] 28 channels

[0206] 30 Surface

[0207] 32 Through Holes

[0208] 34 Spring element

[0209] 36 bottom wall

[0210] 38 Sidewall

Claims

1. A bucket (10) for a humidity regulator configured to receive a volume of liquid, the humidity regulator comprising a humidity regulator base, the humidity regulator base comprising a heating element, the bucket (10) comprising: at least one plastic component (12); and at least one metal component (14), the at least one plastic component (12) and the at least one metal component (14) together forming a space (16) for receiving the liquid volume, wherein the bucket (10) is configured to be received by the humidity regulator base, wherein the barrel (10) is removable from the humidity regulator, wherein the at least one metal component (14) is configured to be in thermal contact with the heating element, wherein the at least one metal component (14) and the at least one plastic component (12) are attached to each other by means of a silicone seal (18), Wherein more than 70% of the surface of the metal component (14) facing the space (16) for receiving the liquid volume is coated by the silicone seal (18).

2. The bucket (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The silicone seal (18) provides a fluid tight connection between the plastic component (12) and the metal component (14).

3. The barrel (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The thickness of the silicone seal (18) is between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm.

4. The bucket (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The thickness of the silicone seal (18) is less than 0.1 mm or 0.05 mm.

5. The barrel (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least a portion of the metal component (14) and / or a portion of the plastic component (12) is treated with a silicone adhesion promoter.

6. The barrel (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The silicone seal (18) is formed of liquid silicone rubber.

7. The barrel (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plastic component (12) and / or the metal component (14) are rigid.

8. The barrel (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plastic component (12) is trough-shaped and has a bottom wall (36) and one or more surrounding side walls (38) extending from the bottom wall (36), wherein the bottom wall (36) has a through hole (32) which is closed by the metal component (14) and the silicone seal (18).

9. The barrel (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The barrel (10) is trough-shaped and has a bottom wall (36) and one or more surrounding side walls (38), wherein the plastic component (12) is sleeve-shaped and forms the one or more side walls (38), and the bottom wall (36) is formed by the metal component (14).

10. The bucket (10) according to claim 9, wherein The metal component (14) is attached to the inner or outer side of the one or more side walls (38), or to the inner or outer side of the bottom wall (36).

11. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The metal component (14) is formed as a metal plate.

12. The bucket (10) according to claim 11, wherein The metal component (14) is shaped as a flat metal plate.

13. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least a portion of the metal component (14) is dome-shaped.

14. Bucket (10) according to claim 13, wherein At least a portion of the metal component (14) is in a dome shape in an outward direction.

15. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The metal component (14) and the plastic component (12) are attached to each other only by means of the silicone seal (18).

16. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least a portion of the metal component (14) and at least a portion of the plastic component (12) overlap each other, and wherein the silicone seal (18) is arranged to extend at least between the overlapping portions of the metal component (14) and the plastic component (12).

17. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The silicone seal (18) covers at least a portion of the metal component (14), which portion of the metal component (14) does not overlap with the plastic component (12); and / or the silicone seal (18) covers at least a portion of the plastic component (12), which portion of the plastic component (12) does not overlap with the metal component (14).

18. Bucket (10) according to claim 17, wherein The silicone seal (18) also covers at least another portion of the metal component (14) and / or the plastic component (12) for surface protection.

19. Bucket (10) according to claim 18, wherein The protection of the surface is the protection of any surface forming the space (16) for receiving the barrel (10).

20. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The entire inner surface of the metal part (14) facing the space (16) for receiving the liquid volume is coated by the silicone seal (18).

21. Bucket (10) according to claim 20, wherein The silicone seal (18) is in the form of a silicone layer located on the surface of the metal component (14).

22. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The silicone seal (18) is formed as a labyrinth seal.

23. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The silicone seal (18) forms at least one channel (28) having two side walls (26), wherein at least a portion of the plastic component (12) and / or the metal component (14) is arranged / received in the channel (28).

24. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The silicone seal (18) is formed as a seal providing a spring effect.

25. Bucket (10) according to claim 24, wherein The silicone seal (18) is formed as a seal providing a spring effect by including a silicone spring element (34).

26. The bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The bucket (10) is configured to be associated with a cover, wherein the bucket (10) includes a cover silicone seal configured to provide a fluid seal between the cover and the bucket (10) when the cover is attached to the bucket (10).

27. Bucket (10) according to claim 26, wherein The lid silicone seal is configured to provide a fluid seal between the lid and the bucket (10) when the lid is in a closed position.

28. Bucket (10) according to claim 26, wherein The cover silicone seal and the silicone seal (18) attaching the plastic component (12) to the metal component (14) are a one-piece, one-piece component.

29. An apparatus (5000) for humidity conditioning a flow of air delivered to a patient, the apparatus (5000) comprising: The barrel (10) according to claim 1; A heating element (5240) is used to heat the liquid received in the barrel.

30. A device for treating a respiratory disorder in a patient, the device comprising: Patient interface (3000); a controllable motorized blower configured to produce a supply of air at a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure; as well as A bucket (10) according to claim 1 or 2 and / or a device (5000) according to claim 29.

31. A method for manufacturing a humidity regulator barrel (10) configured to receive a volume of liquid, the humidity regulator barrel (10) being a barrel (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, the method comprising at least the following steps: - providing at least one metal component (14); - providing at least one plastic part (12); and - attaching the at least one plastic component (12) to the at least one metal component (14) in a fluid-tight manner by means of a silicone seal (18), such that the metal component (14) and the plastic component (12) together form a fluid-tight space (16) for receiving the liquid volume, and more than 70% of the surface of the metal component (14) facing the space (16) for receiving the liquid volume is coated by the silicone seal (18).

32. The method according to claim 31, in, The plastic component (12) and the metal component (14) are prefabricated and inserted into a tool, wherein these components are connected to each other by introducing silicone into the connection area between the metal component (14) and the plastic component (12).

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: The metal component (14) and the plastic component (12) are connected to each other by introducing liquid silicone rubber into the connection area between these components.

34. The method according to claim 31 or 32, in, The barrel (10) is manufactured in a multi-component injection molding process, which includes injection molding a first component in a first injection molding step, injection molding a second component in a second injection molding step, and introducing a third component.

35. The method according to claim 34, in, The plastic component (12) is first injection molded, the metal component (14) is then introduced, and the silicone seal (18) is then injection molded to connect the plastic component (12) to the metal component (14), or the metal component (14) is first introduced into an injection molding tool, the plastic component (12) is then injection molded, and the silicone seal (18) is then injection molded to connect the plastic component (12) to the metal component (14).

36. The method according to claim 34, in, During the multi-component injection molding process, one component is a piece of plastic material injected into a two-component injection tool and one component is a piece of silicone material injected into the two-component injection tool, and the metal component (14) or metal blank is inserted into the two-component injection tool as a further component.

37. The method according to claim 36, in, The silicone material piece is a silicone rubber piece.

38. The method according to claim 34, in, The method includes using a molding tool having two or more mold parts.

39. The method according to claim 38, in, Where more than two mould parts are used, one or more of the mould parts are replaced and / or moved to mould a different part.

40. The method according to claim 31 or 32, in, The silicone is applied to the metal component (14) and the plastic component (12) by means of a silicone coating tool, and wherein the metal component (14) or the metal blank is deformed into a desired final shape using the silicone coating tool.

41. The method according to claim 40, in, The desired final shape is a shape in which the surface of the metal component (14) facing away from the holding space has at least a convex shape.

42. The method according to claim 34, in, The injection molding device used to provide the plastic component (12) is also used to apply the silicone.

43. The method according to claim 42, in, The injection molding device used to produce the plastic component (12) is also used to apply the silicone.

44. The method according to claim 31 or 32, in, Before attaching the plastic component (12) to the metal component (14) by means of the silicone, an adhesion promoter is applied to at least a portion of the plastic component (12) and / or the metal component (14).

45. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein: A mask is applied to at least a portion of the metal component (14) and / or the plastic component (12) to mask the portion that is to remain uncoated with silicone.

46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein: After applying the silicone and / or applying the adhesion promoter, the mask is removed.

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