GB2593163A

GB2593163A - Controller

Info

Publication number: GB2593163A
Application number: GB2003680.2A
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: 2020-03-13
Publication date: 2021-09-22
Also published as: GB2593004B; WO2021181060A1; GB202013473D0; GB2593004A; 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 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 disclosed is a fluid delivery system and a method of manufacture.

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, a semi-transparent layer, and a transparent laver. The semi-transparent layer is arranged between the light source and the transparent layer, or the transparent layer is arranged between the light source and the semi-transparent layer. The light source, transparent layer and semi-transparent layer are 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 IS 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 Win-2 (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 -and/or up to 2 A4Win2for 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 semitransparent 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 display may comprise an input member of a control member. 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 further input member may advantageously provide the controller with further functionality.

The light source of any of the above described embodiments may be rectangular, e.g. square, and one or both of the semi-transparent layer and the transparent layer may not IS 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 transparent layer and/or the semi-transparent layer. In some embodiments, the shapes of the light source, transparent layer and semi-transparent layer may all be different.

The combination of the semi-transparent layer and the 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 semi-transparent layer and/or the transparent 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 and/or 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.

The transparent layer may be curved at least in part. For instance, an outer surface of 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 layer 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 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 layer and/or to produce a desired aesthetic appearance.

The semi-transparent layer may be disposed on a surface of the transparent layer by any suitable means.

The semi-transparent layer may be thinner than the transparent layer. The semitransparent 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.

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 layer. 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 layer, 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 (WEL) 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 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 may be formed integrally with the transparent layer. The semi-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.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figures la and lb each show a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting; Figure 2 shows 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: and Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller according to another embodiment; Figure 8 illustrates schematically a fluid delivery system; Figure 9 illustrates a method according to an embodiment; Figure 10 illustrates a method according to another embodiment; and Figures 1 la-f shows a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment.

Figures la and lb each show a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 1, for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting. Figures la and lb are merely illustrative, and are 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, a transparent layer 12 and a semi-transparent layer 13. In the embodiment of Figure la, the transparent layer 12 is arranged between the light source 11 and the semitransparent layer 13. In the embodiment of Figure lb, the semi-transparent layer 13 is arranged between the light source 11 and the transparent layer 12. The light source 11, transparent layer 12 and semi-transparent layer 13 are configured such that the semitransparent 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.

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 11. In certain embodiments, the light source 11 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 soured l 1. When information is displayed by the light source 11, for example when power is provided to the light source 11, light is transmitted from the light source]], through the transparent layer 12 and through the semi-transparent layer 13, allowing the information to be viewed by a user.

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 may be located within a typical domestic setting, such as an IS ablutionmy 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 embodiment of Figures la and lb, 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 semi-transparent layer 13 In the embodiment of Figure la, there are no gaps between the transparent layer 12 and the light source I I. 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 lOmm. In some embodiments, the thickness and the corresponding distance may be less than lOmm. In alternative embodiments, the light source 11 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 lb, 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 Figures la and lb, the semi-transparent layer 13 over-lays the entire surface area of the light source 11. 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 transmitted through the semi-transparent layer 13, and such that typical ambient indoor lighting is reflected or absorbed by the semi-transparent layer 13.

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 2 according to an embodiment. The controller 2 of Figure 2 has features in common with the controller 1 of Figure 1. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features. The controller 2 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 2, as well as provide power to the light source 11 and the rest of the controller 2. The controller 1 further comprises a seal 15 to prevent water ingress in to the internal volume 141, thereby protecting the electronic components. The display 10 provides an input member to a control member (not shown) to provide an input to the controller 2. 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 2further comprises a resilient biaser 16 in the form of a spring. In other embodiments, the resilient biascr 16 may comprise a resilient material or any other suitable resilient biasing means. The display 10 is moveable towards a control position. The controller 2 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.

Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 3 according to an embodiment. The controller 3of Figure 3 has features in common with the controller 2 of Figure 2. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features.

The display 10 of the controller 3 comprises a rocker. The controller 3 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 3 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 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 1 of Figure 1. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features.

The housing 14 of the controller 4 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 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 2 of Figure 2. Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features.

The controller 5 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 15 provides a sealed volume within the recess 19 to house the electronic components of the controller 5.

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 6 according to an embodiment. The controller 6 may take the form of any one of the controllers 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

The light source 11, indicated by the broken line in Figure 6, of the controller 6 is square and the transparent layer 12 and the semi-transparent layer 13 are circular. In other embodiments, the shapes of the light source I I, transparent laver 12 and semitransparent 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 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a controller 7 according to an embodiment. The controller 7 may take the form of any one of the controllers 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

The controller 7 comprises a further input 20 comprising a bezel which is rotatable about the display 10. In some embodiments, the further input 20 alternatively or additionally comprises a lever or handle which is translatable relative to the display 10. The controller 7 is configured to produce a control signal in dependence on movement of the further input 20.

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 8 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, 86e, 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, 876, 87c downstream thereof The fluid delivery devices 87a, 87b, 87e 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 1-7. The controller 100 is operably connected, either by a wired connection or a wireless connection, to the thermostatic mixer valve 83. In use, a user activates the fluid delivery system 80 by means an input of the controller 100. For example, if the controller 1 of Figure 1 with the light source 11 comprising an electronic screen is used to control the fluid delivery system 80, a user may apply pressure to the display 10 to move the display 10 to the control position. In response, the controller 1 sends a control signal to the thermostatic mixer valve 83 to deliver water to the manifold 85 and 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 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, 86e. In one example, wherein the controller I of Figure 1 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, 87e. In another example, wherein the controller 7 of Figure 7 is used to control the fluid delivery system 80, the controller 7 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 20.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 I5 fluid delivery devices 87a, 87b, 87c, in response to actuation of the touch screen or the further input. For example, if the controller 7 of Figure 7 is used to control the fluid delivery system 80, the controller 7 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 20.

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 blue, 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 I I is configured to display information relating to a currently selected fluid delivery device 87a, 87b, 87e. 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 9 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 layer, and a transparent laver. The method 90 comprises providing 91 a light source, a semitransparent layer, and a transparent laver. The method 90 further comprises arranging 92 the semi-transparent layer between the light source and the transparent layer, or arranging 92 the transparent layer between the light source and the semi-transparent layer.

Figure 10 illustrates a method 110 of manufacturing a controller according to an embodiment. The method 110 comprises providing 101 a light source and a transparent layer. The method 110 further comprises forming 102 a semi-transparent layer integrally with the transparent laver. The method 110 further comprises IS arranging 103 the light source and the integral transparent and semi-transparent layers such that the semi-transparent layer is arranged between the light source and the transparent layer, or such that the transparent layer is arranged between the light source and the semi-transparent layer.

The controller of either of the methods of Figure 9 or Figure 10 may comprise any one of the controllers 1-7 described above.

Figures 1 la-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 1 la. The mould comprises a first part 120a and a second part 120b. The first part 120a and the second part 120b are attachable to one another. A semi-transparent laver 13 having the form of a film is inserted in to the mould 120 as shown in Figure 11b. 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 I20a and the second part 1206 of the mould 120 are then attached to one another as shown in Figure 11c. 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 I Id. 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 lie. The nozzle 122 is then removed from the opening 121, the first and second parts 1 20a, 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.

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 alia upon balancing the brightness of the light source with the transmissivity (opacity), thickness and proximity of the semi-transparent layer.

IS

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; a semi-transparent layer; and a transparent layer; wherein the semi-transparent layer is arranged between the light source and the transparent layer, or the transparent layer is arranged between the light source and the semi-transparent layer, and the light source, transparent layer and 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 layer 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 1 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 comprises an input 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 biascr, 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 5to 8, wherein the input member comprises a rocker.
10. The controller of any of claims 5to 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 one or both of the semi-transparent layer and the 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.
14. The controller of claim 13, comprising one or more LEDs behind the liquid-crystal display to provide backlighting.
15. The controller of claim 12, wherein the light source comprises an LED screen.
16. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the light source comprises an 30 LED.
17. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the transparent layer comprises a concave formation.
18. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the semi-transparent layer is black or white.
19. A fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid delivery device; and the controller according to any of claims 1 to 18; wherein the controller is operable to control one or more characteristics of the fluid delivered, in use, by the fluid delivery device.
20. The fluid delivery system of claim 19, wherein the one or more characteristics of the fluid comprise fluid flow and/or temperature.
21. The fluid delivery system of claim 19 or claim 20, comprising a valve operable to control flow of fluid to the fluid delivery device, the controller being operably connected to the valve.
22. The fluid delivery system of any one of claims 19 to 21, comprising a plurality of fluid delivery devices.
23. The fluid delivery system of claim 22, wherein the controller is configured to permit a user to select any combination of one or more of the fluid delivery devices.
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 light source a semi-transparent layer, and a transparent layer, the method comprising: providing a light source, a semi-transparent layer, and a transparent layer; and arranging the semi-transparent layer between the light source and the transparent layer, or arranging the transparent layer between the light source and the semi-transparent layer.
25. The method of claim 24, comprising forming the semi-transparent layer integrally with the transparent layer.