GB2593004A

GB2593004A - Controller

Info

Publication number: GB2593004A
Application number: GB2013473.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harcourt Burns Richard; Colin Fagg Alexander
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-13
Filing date: 2020-08-27
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-27
Also published as: GB2593163A; WO2021181060A1; GB2593004B; GB202013473D0; GB202003680D0

Abstract

A controller 1 for use in a wet environment e.g. digital shower controller, including display 10 for displaying information related to fluid delivery e.g. temperature, the display 10 having a light source 11 e.g. LED LCD screen, arranged behind a semi-transparent layer 12 and optionally a transparent layer 13 e.g. polycarbonate. The semi-transparent layer may be between screen and transparent layer, or vice versa. The semi-transparent layer 13 absorbs or reflects light incident towards the screen and allows light transmitted from it to pass. The screen therefore appears hidden when information is not displayed. The screen may transmit light of a significantly higher intensity than typical ambient light, the semi-transparent layer only allowing light to pass above a predetermined intensity. The display 10 may include inputs to the controller 1, e.g. rotatable circular bezel or the display itself may act as a button/switch by pivoting about point 17 against biasing springs 16 with flexible seal 15. Also claimed is a method of manufacture of a controller with a semi-transparent layer integrally formed with a transparent layer.

Description

CONTROLLER

This disclosure relates to a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting. The disclosure also relates to a fluid delivery system, in particular a plumbing or ablutionary system comprising such a controller, and a method of manufacturing a controller.

Controllers for use in ablutionary settings include, for example, digital shower controllers. A digital shower controller typically comprises a manually operated mechanical input portion used to actuate an electronic switch. The electronic switch forms part of a control circuit which is typically used to control one or more characteristics of the water sprayed from the shower. For instance, the electronic switch may form part of a control circuit used to control actuation of an electronic valve, e.g. a solenoid valve. The electronic valve in turn may control the supply of water to a showerhead in response to actuation of the electronic switch.

It is known to provide a digital shower controller with an electronic display for indicating to a user various functions being performed by the controller. For example, the display may indicate a target water temperature which the controller will deliver through control of the electronic valve. Such displays typically reflect light when inactive, meaning that dirt located on the surface of the display is visible. In addition, the edges of the display may be visible relative to the surrounding housing of the controller. These effects result in an undesirable appearance.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting. The controller comprises a display for displaying information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system. The display comprises a light source and a semi-transparent laver. The light source and the semi-transparent layer are configured such that the semi-transparent layer absorbs or reflects light transmitted towards the light source and allows light transmitted from the light source to be transmitted from the display, such that the light source appears hidden when information is not displayed by the light source.

The display may comprise an input member of a control member to provide an input to the controller.

According to another aspect, there is provided a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting. The controller comprises a display for displaying information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system. The display comprises an input member of a control member to provide an input to the controller. The display may comprise a light source and a semi-transparent layer. The light source and the semi-transparent layer may be configured such that the semitransparent layer absorbs or reflects light transmitted towards the light source and allows light transmitted from the light source to be transmitted from the display, such that the light source appears hidden when information is not displayed by the light source The semi-transparent layer may have an opacity selected such that ambient lighting is reflected or absorbed by the semi-transparent layer and light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the semi-transparent layer.

The light source may be configured to transmit light having an intensity measured at the semi-transparent layer greater than an intensity of ambient lighting measured at the semi-transparent layer, Ambient lighting herein refers, for example, to light produced by a typical domestic ambient light source, such as an LED, CFL or halogen light bulb, within a typical domestic setting, such as an ablutionary setting (a bathroom for example). Such typical domestic light sources may emit light with an output in the range of 4-130 Watts. In use, the distance between the semi-transparent layer of the display and an ambient light source may be greater than 1 metre, greater than 2 metres, or greater than 5 metres, for example. The intensity of ambient indoor lighting measured at the semi-transparent layer typically may be in the range of 0.001-15 WrM2 (Watts per metres squared), for example.

A maximum distance between the light source and the semi-transparent layer may be selected such that light emitted by the light source, in use, is transmitted through the semi-transparent layer. A maximum distance between the light source and the semitransparent layer may be less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than I mm, for example. A maximum distance between the light source and the semi-transparent layer may be approximately 0 mm, for example, i.e. if the light source and the semi-transparent layer are in contact with one another across an entire surface area of a contacting surface of the light source and the semi-transparent layer.

The output of light transmitted by the light source may be in the range of 4-24 W, for example. The intensity of light transmitted by the light source measured at the semitransparent layer may be at least 3 kWm-2-and/or up to 2 MWm-2, for example. Therefore, due to the relative distances of the ambient light source and the light source of the display from the semi-transparent layer, the intensity of light from the light source of the display measured at the semi-transparent layer may be orders of magnitude greater than the intensity of light from the ambient light source measured at the semi-transparent layer.

Advantageously, when the light source is not turned on, the edges or outline of the light source or any part thereof will not be visible under ambient lighting conditions. The light source appearing hidden when information is not displayed (i.e. when the light source is not turned on) reduces the visibility of any dirt located on the display, In addition, it enables the light source to appear continuous with the surroundings of the display. This advantageously improves the aesthetic appearance of the controller over known controllers which have a display which is not hidden when information is not being displayed.

The semi-transparent layer may cover a major portion of the light source The semi-transparent layer may cover substantially all of the light source.

The display may be configured to provide one or more inputs to the controller. This dual functionality of the display, i.e, displaying information and providing one or more inputs to the controller, may remove the requirement for additional components.

The control member may provide an input to the controller. This removes the requirement for an additional part to provide an input member to the control member. The control member may comprise an electrical switch or a mechanical control member.

The controller may comprise a housing, The controller may further comprise a resilient biaser. The input member may be moveable with respect to the housing and the input member may be biased towards a neutral position by the resilient biaser. Providing a housing enables the controller to be easily installed as a single unit.

Biasing the input member towards a neutral position enables easy operation of the input to the controller.

The housing may comprise a diaphragm, and the resilient biaser may comprise the diaphragm. The diaphragm provides a flexible housing to enable ease of installation.

The resilient biaser comprising the diaphragm, for example forming the diaphragm from an elastic material, removes the requirement for a separate part to resiliently bias the input member towards the neutral position.

The input member may comprise a rocker. This enables the input member to be used to control a plurality of functions The controller may comprise a further input member. The further input member may not comprise the display. For example the further input member may comprise a bezel or a knob rotatable with respect to the display, or a lever or handle translatable with respect to the display.

The bezel may be removable from the rest of the controller. This may enable the bezel to be replaceable or interchangeable with different bezel designs. Alternatively, the bezel may not be removable from the rest of the controller. The bezel being removable may mean that the bezel can be easily removed by a user without the need for the use of tools. The bezel not being removable may mean that tools or other intervention outside of normal use of the controller may be required to remove the bezel.

The further input member may advantageously provide the controller with further 30 functionality.

The light source of any of the above described embodiments may be rectangular, e.g. square, and the semi-transparent laver may not be rectangular, e.g. square. In some embodiments, the shape of the light source may be any other shape that is different from the shape of the semi-transparent layer. In some embodiments, the shapes of the light source and the semi-transparent layer may all be different.

The semi-transparent layer hides the edges of the light source, both when information is displayed by the light source and when information is not displayed. As such, the shape of the display as a whole takes the appearance of the shape of the semitransparent layer. The light source may comprise an electronic screen, and rectangular, e.g. square, electronic screens are typically cheaper than round electronic screens, for example. The combination of a round semi-transparent layer may therefore allow for a rectangular, e.g. square, electronic screen to be used while the appearance of the display as a whole is round The light source may comprise an electronic screen. The electronic screen may comprise a liquid-crystal display. The liquid-crystal display may comprise a thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display. The controller may comprise one or more LEDs behind the liquid-crystal display to provide backlighting. The light source may comprise an LED screen.

The light source may comprise an LED. The light source may comprise an array of LEDs. One or more LEDs used to display information may be more suitable than an electronic screen in certain applications. LEDs in general require less power than electronic screens and so may be more suited to embodiments in which the controller is battery powered, for example.

The controller may be battery powered or may be configured to be powered by mains electricity. Where the controller is battery powered, the controller may comprise one or more batteries that are rechargeable. The batteries may be rechargeable by connecting the controller to a mains power supply, for example by means of a USB interface. Any suitable battery may be employed, e.g. one or more lithium ion batteries.

The semi-transparent layer of any of the above described embodiments may be black or white. A black semi-transparent layer may improve the legibility of information displayed by the light source, whereas a white semi-transparent layer may be better suited to environments in which the intensity of the ambient lighting is greater. The semi-transparent layer may be any suitable colour. Lighter colours in general will reflect more ambient lighting than they absorb and darker colours in general will absorb more ambient lighting than they reflect The colour of the semi-transparent layer may be selected depending on the intensity of ambient lighting measured at the semi-transparent laver and/or to produce a desired aesthetic appearance.

The display may further comprise a transparent layer. The transparent layer may protect the semi-transparent layer and/or the light source from damage, such as scratching, in use. The transparent layer may provide a structural component to provide a distance between the light source and the semi-transparent laver while allowing light emitted by the light source to be transmitted through the semitransparent layer.

The transparent layer may be curved at least in part. For nstance, an outer surface of I5 the transparent layer may be convex.

The transparent layer may comprise, or consist essentially of, a polymeric material, in particular a plastics material. Suitable materials may include a co-polyester variant, polycarbonate or poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) The transparent laver may have a minimum thickness of at least 1 mm or at least 2 mm. The transparent layer may have a maximum thickness of up to 5 mm or up to 10 mm.

The semi-transparent layer may be disposed on a surface of the transparent laver by any suitable means. The semi-transparent layer may be formed integrally with the transparent layer. For example, the semi-transparent layer may be formed integrally with the transparent layer using an in-mould labelling (IML) process The semi-transparent laver may be thinner than the transparent laver. The semi-transparent layer may have a substantially uniform thickness. The semi-transparent layer may have a thickness of up to or at least 0.1 mm or up to 0.2 mm.

The semi-transparent laver may be arranged between the light source and the transparent layer. Alternatively, the transparent layer may be arranged between the light source and the semi-transparent layer.

The display may comprise a further transparent layer. The transparent laver may be arranged between the semi-transparent layer and the further transparent layer. The further transparent layer may be formed integrally with the transparent layer, for example using an in-mould labelling (E1/1L) process. The semi-transparent layer may be formed integrally with the transparent layer on a first side of the transparent layer.

The further transparent layer may be formed integrally with the transparent layer on a second side of the transparent layer, opposite the first side of the transparent layer. The further transparent layer may further protect the semi-transparent layer and/or the light source from damage, such as scratching, in use.

The display may further comprise a masking film to hide one or more edges of the light source when information is displayed by the light source. The masking film may comprise an opaque portion which is arranged to overlay a portion of the light source which is not configured to display information. The opaque portion may overlay one or more edges of the light source. The masking film may comprise a transparent portion which is arranged to overlay a portion of the light source which is configured to display information. The masking film may be arranged between the light source and the semi-transparent layer. Where the display comprises a transparent layer, the masking film may be arranged between the semi-transparent layer and the transparent Ir.

The masking film may advantageously mitigate 'light bleed' effects at one or more edges of the light source which may otherwise cause the one or more edges of the light source to be visible when the light source is displaying information.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting, the controller comprising a display for displaying information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system. The display comprises a semi-transparent layer and a transparent layer. The method comprises forming the semi-transparent layer integrally with the transparent layer.

The display may comprise a further transparent layer. The method may comprise forming the further transparent laver integrally with the transparent laver.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting, the controller comprising a display for displaying information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system. The display comprises a light source, a semi-transparent layer, and a transparent laver. The method comprises providing a light source, a semi-transparent layer, and a transparent layer. The method further comprises arranging the semi-transparent layer between the light source and the transparent laver, or arranging the transparent layer between the light source and the semi-transparent layer.

The method may comprise applying the semi-transparent layer to the transparent layer using an in-mould labelling (EVIL) process. The method may comprise: inserting the semi-transparent layer into a mould; injecting molten material into the mould to form the transparent layer; and removing the transparent layer and the semi-transparent layer from the mould as a single piece The method may comprise applying the further transparent layer to the transparent layer using an in-mould labelling (1ML) process. The method may comprise: inserting the further transparent laver into a mould; injecting molten material into the mould to form the transparent layer; and removing the transparent layer and the semitransparent layer from the mould as a single piece.

The method may comprise: inserting both the semi-transparent layer and the further transparent layer into a mould; injecting molten material into the mould between the semi-transparent layer and the further transparent layer to form the transparent layer; and removing the transparent layer, the semi-transparent laver and the further transparent layer from the mould as a single piece The method may comprise forming the transparent layer using any suitable process, such as a plastic forming process, e.g. injection moulding, or an additive manufacturing process.

The semi-transparent layer and/or the further transparent layer may be applied to the transparent layer by any suitable process such as inkjet printing, laser printing, painting or adhesion.

According to another aspect, there is provided a fluid delivery system comprising the controller of any of the above described embodiments.

According to another aspect, there is provided a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid delivery device and the controller of any of the above described embodiments.

The controller may be operable to control one or more characteristics of the fluid delivered, in use, by the fluid delivery device.

The one or more characteristics of the fluid may comprise fluid flow and/or temperature.

The fluid delivery system may comprise a valve operable to control flow of fluid to the fluid delivery device and the controller may be operably connected to the valve.

The fluid delivery system may comprise a plurality of fluid delivery devices.

The controller may be configured to permit a user to select any combination of one or more of the fluid delivery devices The fluid delivery device(s) may comprise a sprayer, e.g. a shower head.

The fluid may be water.

The system may be coupled to a fluid supply, e.g. a plumbing system providing cold and/or hot water.

Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features of any of the above described aspects may be employed mutatis mutandis in any of the other above described aspects 20 25 30 Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller for use in a wet :" environment such as an ablutionary setting; Figures 2a and 2b each show a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; and Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 7a shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 7b shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of the controller of Figure 7a according to another embodiment.

Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 9 illustrates schematically a fluid delivery system; Figure 10 illustrates a method according to an embodiment; Figure 11 illustrates a method according to another embodiment; and Figures 12a-f shows a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment.

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 1, for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting. Figure 1 is merely illustrative, and is not indicative of the relative sizes of the components of the controller 1 or of the relative spacing between components of the controller 1. The controller 1 comprises a display 10 for displaying information related to the operation of an associated fluid delivery system. The display 10 comprises a light source 11 and a semi-transparent layer 13. The light source 11 and the semi-transparent layer 13 are configured such that the semi-transparent layer 13 absorbs or reflects light transmitted towards the fight source and allows light transmitted from the light source to be transmitted from the display, such that the light source appears hidden when information is not displayed by the light source 11.

In some embodiments, the display 10 may further comprise a masking film arranged to hide one or more edges of the light source 11.

Figures 2a and 2b each show a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 2, for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting. The controller 2 of Figures 2a and 2b has features in common with the controller 1 of Figure 1. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features. Figures 2a and 2b are merely illustrative, and are not indicative of the relative sizes of the components of the controller 2 or of the relative spacing between components of the controller 2. The controller 2 comprises a display 10 for displaying information related to the operation of an associated fluid delivery system. The display 10 comprises a light source 11, a transparent layer 12 and a semi-transparent layer 13. The light source I I, transparent layer 12 and semi-transparent layer 13 are configured such that the semi-transparent layer 13 absorbs or reflects light transmitted towards the light source and allows light transmitted from the light source to be transmitted from the display, such that the light source appears hidden when information is not displayed by the light source 11.

In the embodiment of Figure 2a, the transparent layer 12 is arranged between the light source 11 and the semi-transparent layer 13. in some embodiments, the display 10 may comprise a further transparent layer. The semi-transparent layer 13 may be arranged between the transparent laver 12 and the further transparent laver, such that the further transparent layer protects the semi-transparent layer 13, for example from scratching, in use. The further transparent layer may be formed integrally with the semi-transparent laver 13 In the embodiment of Figure 2b, the semi-transparent layer 13 is arranged between the light source 11 and the transparent layer 12. in some embodiments, the display 10 may comprise a further transparent layer. The transparent layer 12 may be arranged between the semi-transparent laver 13 and the further transparent laver, such that the further transparent layer protects the transparent layer 12, for example from scratching, in use. The further transparent layer may be formed integrally with the transparent layer 12.

The semi-transparent layer 13 does not substantially allow light to be transmitted to the light source 11 when information is not displayed by the light source 11. As such, substantially no light is reflected by the light source 11 when information is not displayed by the light source I I. in certain embodiments, the light source I I may comprise an electronic light source, such as an electronic screen or an LED. Information may not be displayed by the light source 11 when the light source 11 is inactive, for example when there is no power being supplied to the light source11.

When information is displayed by the light source 11, for example when power is provided to the light source I I, light is transmitted from the light source I I, through the transparent layer 12 and through the semi-transparent layer 13, allowing the information to be viewed by a user. I5

In use, the display 10 may be configured to display information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system, for example a domestic shower. In some embodiments, the light source 11 may comprise an electronic screen configured to display information in the form of plain text and/or symbols. For example, the electronic screen may display a target water temperature to be delivered by the shower. In some embodiments, the light source 11 may comprise an LED or an array of LEDs. The LED or LEDs may be configured to display information by illuminating or not illuminating. For example, the LED or LEDs may illuminate when a target water temperature to be delivered by the shower has been reached In use, the controller 1 of Figure 1 or the controller 2 of Figures 2a and 2b may be located within a typical domestic setting, such as an ablutionary setting (a bathroom for example). Within the domestic setting, there may be provided ambient indoor lighting produced by a typical domestic ambient light source, such as an LED. CFL or halogen light bulb. In the embodiments of Figure 1 and Figures 2a and 2b, the opacity of the semi-transparent layer 13 is such that the ambient indoor lighting is reflected or absorbed by the semi-transparent layer 13 and light emitted by the light source 11 is transmitted through the semi-transparent layer 13. The light source 11 may be configured to transmit light having an intensity measured at the semi-transparent layer greater than an intensity of the ambient indoor lighting measured at the semitransparent layer 13.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, there are no gaps between the light source 11 and the semi-transparent layer 13. In alternative embodiments, the light source 11 and the semi-transparent laver 13 may be spaced apart. In such embodiments, the distance between the light source 11 and the semi-transparent layer 13 may be less than lOmm. In some embodiments, the distance may be less than 5mm.

In the embodiment of Figure 2a, there are no gaps between the transparent layer 12 and the light source 11, or between the transparent layer 12 and the semi-transparent layer 13. The thickness of the transparent layer 12 may be less than lOmm such that the distance between the light source 11 and the semi-transparent layer 13 is less than 10mm. In some embodiments, the thickness and the corresponding distance may be less than 5mm, in alternative embodiments, the light source 1 I and the transparent layer 12 may be spaced apart, and/or the transparent layer 12 and the semi-transparent layer 13 may be spaced apart In the embodiment of Figure 2b, there are no gaps between the light source 11 and the semi-transparent layer 13. In alternative embodiments, the light source 11 and the semi-transparent layer 13 may be spaced apart, and/or the semi-transparent layer 13 and the transparent layer 12 may be spaced apart. In some embodiments, one or more of the light source 11, transparent layer 12 and semi-transparent layer 13 are curved relative to one or more of the others of the light source 11, transparent layer 12 and semi-transparent layer 13. As such, the distance between the light source 11 and semi-transparent layer 13 may vary over the surface areas of the light source 11 and semi-transparent layer 13. The maximum distance between the light source 11 and semi-transparent layer 13 is selected such that light emitted by the light source 11 is transmitted through the semi-transparent layer 13.

In the embodiments of Figure 1 and Figures 2a and 2b, the semi-transparent layer 13 over-lays the entire surface area of the light source 1 1. In some embodiments, the semi-transparent layer 13 may only over-lay a portion of the surface area of the light source 11. In embodiments in which the light source 11 comprises an electronic screen, for example, the semi-transparent layer 13 may only over-lay photo-active portions of the electronic screen.

In some embodiments, the maximum distance between the light source 11 and the semi-transparent layer 13, the light output of the light source 11 (for example as measured in lumens or Watts), and the opacity of the semi-transparent layer 13 are selected such that light emitted by the light source 11 is transmittcd through the semitransparent layer 13, and such that typical ambient indoor lighting is reflected or absorbed by the semi-transparent laver 13.

Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 3 according to an embodiment. The controller 3 of Figure 3 has features in common with the controller 2 of Figures 2a and 2b. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features. The display 10 of the controller 3 of Figure 3 provides an input member to a control member to provide an input to the controller 3. In another embodiment, the display 10 of the controller 3 of Figure 3 does not necessarily comprise the transparent layer 12 or the semi-transparent layer 13. in some examples, the display 10 of the controller 3 may only comprise a light source, such as an electronic screen, and may optionally comprise a transparent layer to protect the light source from damage in use.

The controller 3 comprises a housing 14 defining an internal volume 141. Housed within the internal volume 141, are electronic components (not shown) which are used to produce a control signal in response to an input to the controller 3, as well as provide power to the light source 11 and the rest of the controller 3. The controller 3 further comprises a seal 15 to prevent water ingress in to the internal volume 141, thereby protecting the electronic components. The display 10 is moveable within the housing 14. The seal 15 is flexible to facilitate movement of the display 10 within the housing 14. The controller 3 further comprises a resilient biaser 16 in the form of a spring. In other embodiments, the resilient biaser 16 may comprise a resilient material or any other suitable resilient biasing means. The display 10 is moveable towards a control position. The controller 3 is configured to produce an output signal when the display 10 is moved to the control position. The spring 16 biases the display 10 away from the control position, towards a neutral position. In other embodiments, one or more of the housing 14, seal 15 and resilient biaser 16 may not be present. The controller 3 of Figure 3 may provide an input member to a control member to provide an input to the controller 3 by any suitable means.

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 4 according to an embodiment. The controller 4 of Figure 4 has features in common with the controller 3 of Figure 3. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features.

The display 10 of the controller 4 comprises a rocker. The controller 4 comprises a pivot 17 which enables the display 10 to pivot within the housing 14 between multiple control positions and a neutral position. The controller 4 is configured to output a different control signal in dependence on which control position the display 10 is moved to. The controller comprises two springs 16 spaced from the pivot 17 to bias the display 10 towards the neutral position.

Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 5 according to an embodiment. The controller 5 of Figure 5 has features in common with the controller 3 of Figure 3. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features.

The housing 14 of the controller 5 comprises a diaphragm 18. As well as providing part of the housing 14, the diaphragm 18 also resiliently biases the display 10 towards a neutral position.

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 6 according to an embodiment. The controller 6 of Figure 6 has features in common with the controller 2 of Figure 2. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features.

The controller 6 does not comprise a housing and is instead configured to be installed in a recess 19 of a wall 20, for example a bathroom wall. The seal 16 provides a sealed volume within the recess 19 to house the electronic components of the controller 6.

Figure 7a shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a controller 7 according to an embodiment. The controller 7 may take the form of any one of the controllers described herein. The controller 7 of Figure 7a is shown with the transparent layer 12 present; however it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the transparent layer 12 may not be present.

The light source 11, the edges of which are indicated by the broken line in Figure 7a, of the controller 7 is square and the transparent layer 12 and the semi-transparent layer 13 are circular, in other embodiments, the shapes of the light source 11, transparent layer 12 and semi-transparent layer 13 may all be any shape such that the shape of the light source 11 is different to the shape of the transparent layer 12 and semi-transparent layer 13. In other embodiments the shapes of the light source 11, transparent layer 12 and semi-transparent layer 13 are all the same.

Figure 7b shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of the controller 7 of Figure 7a according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the controller 7 additionally comprises a masking film 22. The masking film 22 is arranged between the light source II and the semi-transparent layer 13. in other embodiments, the masking film 22 may be arranged between the semi-transparent layer 13 and the transparent layer 12. The masking film 22 comprises a first portion 221 and a second portion 222. The first portion 221 is transparent or semi-transparent to allow light transmitted from the light source 11 to be transmitted from the display 10 in the region of the first portion 221. The second portion 222 is opaque to inhibit light transmitted from the light source 11 to be transmitted from the display 10 in the region of the second portion 222.

In some embodiments, the first portion 221 is formed from a suitable transparent or semi-transparent material. In other embodiments, the first portion 221 is provided by an absence of material. The second portion 222 may be formed from any suitable opaque material The masking film 22 is arranged to hide one or more edges of the light source I I when information is displayed by the light source 11. In the embodiment of Figure 7b, this is achieved by aligning the second portion 222 of the masking film 22 with the edge of the light source 11, so that the second portion 222 overlays the edge of the light source 11. The light source 11 may be configured such that a portion of the light source 11 which is overlaid by the first portion 221 of the masking film 22 is configured to display information, and a portion of the light source 11 which is overlaid by the second portion 222 of the masking film 22 is not configured to display information. This means that the second portion 222 of the masking film 22 does not interfere with information displayed by the light source 11.

Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 8 according to an embodiment. The controller 8 may take the form of any one of the controllers described herein.

The controller 8 comprises a further input 21 comprising a bezel which is rotatable about the display 10. In some embodiments, the further input 21 alternatively or additionally comprises a lever or handle which is translatable relative to the display 10. The controller 8 is configured to produce a control signal in dependence on movement of the further input 21.

The transparent layer 12 of any of the above described embodiments may comprise a concave polycarbonate shell, in some embodiments, the transparent layer 12 is planar or convex. In some embodiments, the transparent layer 12 may be formed of any suitable plastic.

The semi-transparent layer 13 of any of the above described embodiments may be black, to absorb ambient indoor lighting, or white to reflect ambient indoor lighting. In some embodiments, the semi-transparent layer 13 may be any colour suitable to absorb or reflect ambient indoor lighting.

Figure 9 illustrates schematically a fluid delivery system 80 for delivering water to a plurality of fluid delivery devices The fluid delivery system 80 comprises a first supply pipe 81 and a second supply pipe 82. The first supply pipe 81 and the second supply pipe 82 each convey water to a thermostatic mixer valve 83. The first supply pipe 81 carries hot water and the second supply pipe 82 carries cold water or vice versa.

An outlet pipe 84 carries water at a user-desired temperature from the thermostatic mixer valve 83 and communicates with a manifold 85 having three branches.

Each branch of the manifold 85 has a solenoid shut-off valve 86a, 86b, 86c. A fluid delivery device 87a, 87b, 87c is disposed downstream of each solenoid shut-off valve 86a, 86b, 86c. The solenoid shut-off valves 86a, 86b, 86c are each operable to permit or prevent flow to the fluid delivery device 87a, 87b, 87c downstream thereof The fluid delivery devices 87a, 87b, 870 may for example include a plurality of shower sprayheads and/or may include a plurality of spray modes, e.g. provided by different sets of nozzles, from a shower sprayhead.

Operation of the fluid delivery system 80 is controlled by a controller 100. The controller 100 may take the form of any one of the controllers described herein. The controller 100 is operably connected, either by a wired connection or a wireless connection, to the thermostatic mixer valve 83. Examples of suitable wireless connection may comprise Bluetoothit or Wi-Fi. In use, a user activates the fluid delivery system 80 by means an input of the controller 100. For example, where the controller 100 of Figure 9 comprises the controller 3 of Figure 3, a user may apply pressure to the display 10 to move the display 10 to the control position. In response, the controller 100 sends a control signal to the thermostatic mixer valve 83 to deliver water to the manifold 85 and, where the light source 11 comprises an electronic screen, activates the electronic screen to display the temperature of the water delivered to the manifold 85. When the user releases the display 10, the spring 16 returns the display 10 to the neutral position. To deactivate the fluid delivery system 80, the user again presses the display 10 to move the display 10 to the control position. In response, the controller 10 sends a control signal to the thermostatic mixer valve 83 to stop the delivery of water to the manifold 85, and the power supply to the electronic screen 11 is interrupted. The electronic screen subsequently appears hidden.

The controller 100 is also operably connected, either by a wired connection or a wireless connection, to each of the solenoid shut-off valves 86a, 86b, 86c. Examples of suitable wireless connection may comprise Bluetootht or Wi-Fi. In one example, wherein the controller 3 of Figure 3 is used to control the fluid delivery system 80, the controller 1 is also configured to selectively operate the solenoid shut-off valves 86a, 86b, 86c in response to movement of the display 10 to the control position. This enables a user to select a desired fluid delivery device 87a, 87b, 87c. In another example, wherein the controller 3 of Figure 3 is used to control the fluid delivery system 80, and the controller 3 comprises a further input 21 as described with reference to Figure 8, the controller 3 may be configured to control the thermostatic mixer valve 83 by means of moving the display 10 between the control position and the neutral position, and control the solenoid shut-off valves 86a, 86b, 86c by means of the further input 21. In some embodiments, the controller 100 may also be configured to control the thermostatic mixer valve 83 to adjust the proportions of hot and cold water delivered from the supply pipes 81, 82 to the outlet pipe 84, thereby controlling the temperature of water delivered to the manifold 87 and ultimately to fluid delivery devices 87a, 87b, 87c, in response to actuation of the further input. For example, if the controller 3 of Figure 3 is used to control the fluid delivery system 80, and the controller 3 comprises a further input 21 as described with reference to Figure 8, the controller 3 may be configured to control the thermostatic mixer valve 83 by means of moving the display 10 between the control position and the neutral position, and control the proportions of hot and cold water delivered from the supply pipes 81, 82 by means of the further input 21.

In some embodiments, the light source 11 of the controller 100 is configured to display information relating to the temperature of water delivered to the manifold 85.

For example, in embodiments in which the light source 11 comprises and electronic screen, the electronic screen may be configured to display the temperature of water delivered to the manifold 85 in plain text. In other embodiments in which the light source 11 comprises one or more LEDs, the LED(s) may be configured to illuminate with a first colour, for example Hue, when the temperature of the water is below a target temperature, and illuminate with a second colour, for example red, when the temperature of the water reaches the target temperature. In some embodiments, the light source 11 is configured to display information relating to a currently selected fluid delivery device 87a, 87b, 87c. in some embodiments, the light source 11 may be configured to display information relating to the pressure of water being delivered by the fluid delivery devices 87a, 87b, 87e.

Figure 10 illustrates a method 90 of manufacturing a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting, the controller comprising a display for displaying information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system, according to an embodiment. The display comprises a light source, a semi-transparent laver, and a transparent layer. The method 90 comprises providing 91 a light source, a semitransparent layer, and a transparent layer. The method 90 further comprises arranging 92 the semi-transparent laver between the light source and the transparent layer, or arranging 92 the transparent layer between the light source and the semi-transparent layer.

Figure 11 illustrates a method 110 of manufacturing a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting, the controller comprising a display for displaying information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system, according to an embodiment. The method 110 comprises providing 101 a transparent laver. The method 110 further comprises forming 102 a semi-transparent laver integrally with the transparent layer. The method 110 further comprises forming 103 a further transparent layer integrally with the transparent layer. In some embodiments, the method 110 does not comprise forming 103 a further transparent layer integrally with the transparent layer.

The controller of either of the methods of Figure 10 or Figure II may comprise any one of the controllers described herein.

Figures 12a-f shows a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment. The method may be described as an in-mould labelling (TML) process.

The method begins by providing a mould 120 as shown in Figure 12a. The mould comprises a first part 120a and a second part I20b. The first part 120a and the second part 120b are attachable to one another. A semi-transparent layer 13 having the form of a film is inserted in to the mould 120 as shown in Figure 12b. The semi-transparent layer 13 may be secured to the first part 120a of the mould 120 to hold it in place during the moulding process. The first part 120a and the second part 120b of the mould 120 are then attached to one another as shown in Figure I2c. An opening 121 is provided at the top of the mould 120 when the first and second parts 120a, 120b are attached to one another. A nozzle 122 is then inserted in to the opening 121, as shown in Figure 12d. Molten material, such as molten polycarbonate or any other suitable plastics material, is then injected in to the mould 120 via the nozzle 122. This forms the transparent layer 12 as shown in Figure 12e. The nozzle 122 is then removed from the opening 121, the first and second parts 120a, 120b of the mould 120 are detached from one another, and the transparent layer 12 and the semi-transparent layer 13 are removed from the mould 120 as a single piece.

Alternatively, the semi-transparent layer 13 may be secured in the second part 120b of the mould 120 during the in-mould labelling process.

Where the display 10 comprises a further transparent layer, the in-mould labelling (IML) process may comprise securing the semi-transparent layer 13 to the first or second part 120b of the mould 120 and securing the further transparent layer to the other of the first or second part 120b of the mould 120, before injecting the molten material in to the mould 120 through the opening 121 via the nozzle 122. The nozzle 122 is then removed from the opening 121, the first and second parts I20a, 120b of the mould 120 are detached from one another, and the transparent layer 12, the further transparent layer and the semi-transparent layer 13 are removed from the mould 120 as a single piece.

The controllers disclosed herein provide a hidden until lit effect under ambient lighting conditions, which may sometimes be termed a dead front effect. As will be appreciated, the provision of this effect may depend inter cilia upon balancing the IS brightness of the light source with the transmissivity (opacity), thickness and proximity of the semi-transparent layer.

It will be understood that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSA controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting, comprising a display for displaying information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system, the display comprising: a light source; and a semi-transparent layer; wherein the light source and the semi-transparent layer are configured such that the semi-transparent layer absorbs or reflects light transmitted towards the light source and allows light transmitted from the light source to be transmitted from the display, such that the light source appears hidden when information is not displayed by the light source.
2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the semi-transparent laver comprises an opacity selected such that ambient indoor lighting is reflected or absorbed by the semi-transparent layer and light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the semi-transparent layer.
3 The controller of claim I or claim 2, wherein the light source is configured to transmit light having an intensity measured at the semi-transparent layer greater than an intensity of ambient indoor lighting measured at the semi-transparent layer.
4. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein a maximum distance between the light source and the semi-transparent layer is such that light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the semi-transparent layer.
5. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the display comp ses an nput member of a control member,
6. The controller of claim 5, wherein the control member comprises an electronic switch or a mechanical control member.
7. The controller of claim 5 or 6, comprising a housing and a resilient biaser, wherein the input member is moveable with respect to the housing and the input member is biased towards a neutral position by the resilient biaser.
8. The controller of claim 7, wherein the housing comprises a diaphragm and the resilient biaser comprises the diaphragm
9. The controller of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the input member comprises a rocker.
10. The controller of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the controller comprises a further input member, wherein the further input member does not comprise the display.
11. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the light source is square, and the semi-transparent layer is not square.
12. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the light source comprises an electronic screen.
13 The controller of claim 12, wherein the electronic screen comprises a liquid-crystal display or an LED screen.
14 The controller of claim 13, comprising one or more LEDs behind the liquid-crystal display to provide backlighting.
IS. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the light source comprises an LED.
16. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the semi-transparent layer is black or white.
17. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the display further comprises a transparent layer.
18. The controller of claim 17, wherein the semi-transparent layer is formed integrally with the transparent layer.
19. The controller of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the semi-transparent layer is arranged between the light source and the transparent layer.
20. The controller of claim 19, wherein the display comprises a further transparent layer, and the transparent layer is arranged between the semi-transparent layer and the further transparent layer.
21. The controller of any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the transparent layer comprises a concave formation
22. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the display further comprises a masking film to hide one or more edges of the light source when information is displayed by the light source.
23. A fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid delivery device; and the controller according to any of claims 1 to 22; wherein the controller is operable to control one or more characteristics of the fluid delivered, in use, by the fluid delivery device.
24. A method of manufacturing a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting, the controller comprising a display for displaying information related to the operation of a fluid delivery system, the display comprising a semi- transparent layer and a transparent layer, the method comprising forming the semi-transparent layer integrally with the transparent layer.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the display comprises a further transparent layer, and the method comprises forming the further transparent layer integrally with the transparent layer.