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

Controllers for use in ablutionary settings, for example shower controllers, typically comprise a mechanical input portion. By necessity, the mechanical input portion comprises parts that are required to move relative to each other. Clearances are required between these parts to enable relative motion. These clearances present a problem in the form of ‘dirt traps’, i.e. debris which is typically present in an ablutionary setting can become trapped within the clearances. A build-up of debris may inhibit or even prevent relative movement between parts, and/or can be challenging to remove during cleaning or maintenance.

There is therefore a requirement for a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting which mitigates the build-up of debris within the clearances between relatively moving parts.

A first aspect provides a controller for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting, comprising: an input member; a base member; an internal volume defined at least partially by the input member and the base member; a pivot joint configured to allow the input member to pivot relative to the base member from a neutral position to a control position; and an actuation point located at least partially within the internal volume and configured to be actuated by pivoting the input member to the control position.

The input member may comprise: an input panel comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; and at least one side wall extending away from the bottom surface of the input panel. The at least one side wall may extend away from the bottom surface of the input panel from an edge of the input panel. The at least one side wall may extend away from the bottom surface of the input panel inboard from an edge of the input panel. The at least one side wall of the input member may at least partially define the internal volume.

The input member may comprise a continuous side wall extending continuously in a direction parallel to the perimeter of the input panel. The continuous side wall may be formed from a single part or from multiple sections with each end of each section being joined to an end of an adjacent section. The input panel and the continuous side wall may be formed as a single part, for example by means of an injection moulding process.

The base member may comprise: a base panel comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface of the base panel facing the bottom surface of the input panel; and at least one side wall extending away from the top surface of the base panel. The at least one side wall may extend away from the top surface of the base panel from an edge of the base panel. The at least one side wall may extend away from the top surface of the base panel inboard from an edge of the base panel. The at least one side wall of the base member may at least partially define the internal volume.

The base member may comprise a continuous side wall extending continuously in a direction parallel to the perimeter of the base panel. The continuous side wall may be formed from a single part or from multiple sections with each end of each section being joined to an end of an adjacent section. The base panel and the continuous side wall may be formed as a single part, for example by means of an injection moulding process.

In embodiments in which both the input member and the base member comprise a continuous side wall, the continuous side walls may together provide a continuous barrier to the ingress of dirt or other debris into the internal volume of the controller which extends continuously around the side of the controller.

The at least one side wall of the input member and the at least one side wall of the base member may overlap. This may further inhibit the ingress of dirt or other debris into the internal volume of the controller. The shape of the input panel and/or the shape of the base panel may be square, circular or any other suitable shape.

The side wall(s) of the input member may be disposed outside a perimeter of the base member. For example, the side wall(s) of the input member may be disposed outside the side wall(s), if present, of the base member.

The controller may be configured such that the overlap between the side wall(s) of the input member and the side wall(s) of the base member is present when the base member is in the neutral position and/or when the base member is in the control position.

The controller may comprise a biasing means configured to return the input member to the neutral position from the control position. The biasing means may comprise a resilient biasing means. The biasing means may comprise a magnetic biasing means.

The pivot joint may be configured to allow the input member to pivot relative to the base member from the neutral positions to a plurality of control positions.

The controller may comprise a plurality of actuation points located at least partially within the internal volume, wherein each actuation point is configured to be actuated by pivoting the input member to one of the plurality of control positions.

For instance, the controller may comprise up to 10 actuation points located at least partially within the internal volume. The controller may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or 10 actuation points located at least partially within the internal volume.

Each actuation points may be configured to be coupled, in use, to a valve operable to control at least one characteristic (e.g. temperature or flow rate) of a fluid being delivered by an associated fluid delivery device, e.g. a shower or a faucet. Each actuation point may be coupled to one of the valves by any suitable means, e.g. mechanically, electrically, magnetically or optically. The controller may comprise one or more biasing means configured to return the input member to the neutral position from one or more of, e.g. each of, the plurality of control positions. One or more of the biasing means may comprise a resilient biasing means. One or more of the biasing means may comprise a magnetic biasing means.

The pivot joint may be configured to allow the input member to pivot relative to the base member about more than one axis.

The axes may intersect at a point aligned with the centre of the input member or offset from the centre of the input member.

The plurality of actuation points may be arranged irregularly or regularly about the point aligned with the centre of the input member. The plurality of actuation points may be arranged equidistantly about the point aligned with the centre of the input panel.

The pivot joint may comprise a ball joint.

One or more of the actuation points may be mechanically coupled to, or configured to be mechanically coupled to, a control member. When the controller is installed at a site of use, the control member(s) may be operable to adjust operation of at least one fluid delivery device such as a faucet or a shower.

One or more of the actuation points may comprise an electrical switch. The electrical switch may be electrically connected to, or configured to be electrically connected to, an electronic valve. When the controller is installed at a site of use, actuating the electrical switch(es) may adjust operation of at least one fluid delivery device such as a faucet or a shower. Where the or each actuation point comprises an electrical switch, the controller may constitute a digital controller for use in a wet environment, e.g. a digital shower and/or bath controller.

The controller may comprise a second input member.

The second input member may comprise a manually operable control member such as a button, a dial, a bezel, a lever or a handle. The manually operable control member may be operably connected to one or more of the actuation points. The one or more control members may be located at least partially within the internal volume.

The second input member may be coupled to a shaft extending through an aperture in the input member.

A second aspect provides a fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid delivery device; and a controller according to the first aspect, wherein the actuation point is 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 actuation point may be operably connected to the valve. The actuation point may be mechanically coupled to the valve. The actuation point may be electrically coupled to the valve.

Where the actuation point comprises an electrical switch, the electrical switch may from part of a control circuit used to control actuation of an electronic valve, e.g. a solenoid 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, or a faucet. 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 the first aspect may be employed mutatis mutandis in the second and other aspects.

Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures la and lb illustrate schematically a controller for use in an ablutionary setting according to an embodiment;

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate schematically a controller for use in an ablutionary setting according to another embodiment;

Figure 3a illustrates schematically a controller for use in an ablutionary setting according to a further embodiment;

Figure 3b illustrates schematically a further view of the controller of Figure 3a;

Figure 3c illustrates schematically part of the controller of Figures 3a and 3b; and Figure 4 illustrates schematically a fluid delivery system including the controller of Figures 3a, 3b and 3c.

Figures la and lb show schematic representations of a controller 10 for use in an ablutionary setting. The figures show a cross-sectioned side view of the controller 10. The controller 10 comprises an input member 11, a base member 12, an internal volume 13 (indicated by a dashed line) defined by the input member 11 and the base member 12, a pivot joint 14, and an actuation point 15. The pivot joint 14 is configured to allow the input member 11 to pivot relative to the base member 12 from a neutral position (as shown in Figure la) to a control position (as shown in Figure lb). The actuation point 15 is located within the internal volume 13 and is configured to be actuated by pivoting the input member to the control position.

The input member 11 comprises an input panel 111 and a plurality of side walls 112 (two of which are shown) extending away from a bottom surface of the input panel 111. Similarly, the base member 12 may comprises a base panel 121 and a plurality of side walls 122 (two of which are shown) extending away from a bottom surface of the base panel 121. A top surface of the base panel 121 faces a bottom surface of the input panel 111. The base panel 121 may be adapted to be fixed to a mounting surface such as a wall by any suitable means.

The number and configuration of side walls 112, 122 extending away from the bottom surface of the input panel 111 and the top surface of the base panel 121 respectively will depend on the general overall shape of the internal volume 13 and/or the controller 1, which may be varied depending upon design, e.g. aesthetic, preferences and considerations. Generally, the side wall(s) 112, 122 will extend completely around the internal volume 13. For instance, as shown in Figure la, the side walls 112, 122 may be disposed at or near an outer edge of the respective input panel 111 and base panel 121. Alternatively, the input panel 111 and/or the base panel 121 may extend beyond the respective side wall(s) 112, 122.

If, for example, the controller 1 had a circular overall shape, then the controller 1 could be configured such that the internal volume was cylindrical in form, in which case the input member 11 may comprise a single side wall 112 extending away from the bottom surface of the input panel 111, and the base member 12 may comprise a single side wall 122 extending away from the top surface of the base panel 121, the two side walls 112, 122 each extending completely around the internal volume 13.

One or both of the input member 11 and the base member 12 may comprise multiple side walls 112, 122. In such embodiments, the ends of each side wall may be adjoined to an end of an adjacent side wall.

The internal volume 13 is defined by the bottom surface of the input panel 111, the top surface of the base panel 121, the side walls 112 of the input member 11, and the side walls 122 of the base member 12, when the input member 11 is in the neutral position as shown in Figure la.

The side walls 112 of the input member 11 and the side walls 122 of the base member 12 overlap, when the input member 11 is in the neutral position, to define the internal volume 13.

The side wall(s) 112, 122 may overlap in the directions in which the side walls 112, 122 extend away from the bottom surface of the input panel 111 and the top surface of the base panel 121 respectively. Alternatively, the side wall(s) 112, 122 may extend away from the bottom surface of the input panel 111 and the top surface of the base panel 121 respectively to a respective point on the same plane, the plane lying in parallel to at least one of the input panel 111 and the base panel 121.

Figures 2a to 2c show schematic representations of a controller 20 for use in an ablutionary setting according to another embodiment. Like reference numerals are used to refer to like components between Figures la and lb and Figures 2a to 2c, but with a first digit of ‘2’ in Figures 2a to 2c in place of ‘ 1 ’ as used in Figures la and lb.

The input member 21 of the controller 20 is configured to pivot from the neutral position to either one of two control positions by means of the pivot joint 24. Figure 2a shows the input member 21 in the neutral position, Figure 2b shows the input member in a first one of the two control positions, and Figure 2c shows the input member in a second one of the two control positions.

In this embodiment, the controller 20 comprises two actuation points 25a, 25b located within the internal volume 23. In some embodiments, the controller 20 may comprise more than two actuation points, for example as described below with reference to Figures 3a to 3c. Each actuation point 25a, 25b of the embodiment of Figures 2a to 2c is configured to be actuated by pivoting the input member to a respective one of the two control positions. In some embodiments, one or more of the actuation points 25a, 25b is mechanically coupled to a mechanical control member. In some embodiments, one or more of the actuation points 25a, 25b may comprise an electrical switch. The controller 20 further comprises two resilient biasing members 26a, 26b each configured to return the input member 21 to the neutral position from a respective one of the two control positions. At least one of the resilient biasing members 26a, 26b may comprise a compression or tension spring, a piece of resilient material, or any other suitable resilient biasing member.

In use, a user of the controller 20 will apply pressure to the input member 21 to pivot the input member 21 to one of the two control positions. This will cause actuation of the respective actuation point 25a, 25b and compression or tension of the respective resilient biasing means 26a, 26b. Once the actuation point 25a, 25b has been actuated, the user will release the pressure applied to the input member 21 and the respective resilient biasing means 26a, 26b will apply a force to the input member 21 to return the input member 21 to the neutral position.

In alternative embodiments, a single resilient biasing member may be provided to return the input member 21 to the neutral position from each of the control positions. One or more resilient biasing members may also be provided in the embodiment of Figures la and lb to return the input member 11 to the neutral position from the control position.

The input member 21 may be configured to be pivoted to more than two control positions. In such embodiments, more than two actuation points may be located at least partially within the internal volume 23, with each actuation points being configured to be actuated upon pivoting the input member 21 to a respective one of the control positions. A plurality of resilient biasing members may also be provided, with each resilient biasing member being configured to return the input member 21 to the neutral position from a respective one of the control positions. In this case, the number of resilient biasing members may be equal to or greater than the number of control positions. Alternatively, fewer resilient biasing members than control positions may be provided, with each resilient biasing member being configured to return the input member 21 to the neutral position from more than one of the control positions.

Figures 3a to 3c show schematic representations of a controller 30 for use in an ablutionary setting according to another embodiment. Like reference numerals are used to refer to like components between Figures la and lb and Figures 3a to 3c, but with a first digit of ‘3’ in Figures 3a to 3c in place of ‘1’ as used in Figures la and lb.

In the example embodiment of Figures 3a to 3c, the pivot joint 34 comprises a ball joint. The pivot joint of any other embodiment of the invention may also be a ball joint. More generally, the pivot joint may comprise any joint configured to permit pivoting movement about at least one axis. It will be appreciated that a ball joint is an example of a pivot joint that may pivot in any direction, i.e. about an infinite number of axes. In embodiments, the pivot joint may be configured to pivot about a plurality of axes. The plurality of axes may intersect at a point aligned with the centre of the input panel or at a point offset from the centre of the input panel.

For instance, the pivot joint may be configured to pivot about a first axis and second axis, the second axis intersecting the first axis. The first axis and the second axis may intersect at a point aligned with the centre of the input panel or at a point offset from the centre of the input panel. The first axis and the second axis may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

Figure 3a shows a plan view of the controller 30, facing the top surface of the input panel 311. The input member 31 is configured to pivot relative to the base member (not shown in Figure 3a), by means of the ball joint (not shown in Figure 3a). This arrangement allows the input member 31 to be pivoted from the neutral position in any direction, meaning that the control position(s) may be arranged in a varied number of locations and combinations relative to the joint. The controller 30 comprises a first control position 313a, a second control position 313b and a third control position 313c. Each of the first, second and third control positions 313a, 313b, 313c has an actuation point (not shown) associated therewith, the actuation point being located at least partially in the internal volume. In some embodiments, one or more of the actuation points is mechanically coupled to a mechanical control member. In some embodiments, one or more of the actuation points may comprise an electrical switch. The input member 31 is pivotable to the first control position 313a by pivoting the input member 31 in a first direction about, the second control position 313b by pivoting the input member 31 in a second direction, and the third control position by pivoting the input member 31 in a third direction.

Figure 3b shows an isometric view of the controller 30. In this view, the top surface of the input panel 311, the side wall 312 of the input member 31, and the side wall 322 of the base member are visible.

The controller 30 further comprises a second input member 39. The second input member 39 comprises, for example, a rotatable dial or bezel operable to control, in use, a characteristic of a fluid being delivered. The second input member 39 may be operably connected to a shaft (not shown). The shaft may extend through an aperture in the input panel 311. The second input member 39 may be operably connected to one or more actuation points by any suitable combination of mechanical and/or non mechanical (e.g. electrical, magnetic or optical) means. In some embodiments, the second input member 39 may not be present.

Figure 3c shows the controller 30 with the input member 31 removed. The side walls 322 of the base member 32 are visible in this view. In this embodiment, the controller 30 comprises four resilient biasing members 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d mounted on the top surface of the base panel 321. The resilient biasing members 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d are arranged equidistantly about the centre of the base panel 321. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer resilient biasing members 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, which may not be arranged equidistantly about the centre of the base panel 321, may be provided.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically a fluid delivery system 40 for delivering water to a plurality of fluid delivery devices.

The fluid delivery system 40 comprises a first supply pipe 41 and a second supply pipe 42. The first supply pipe 41 and the second supply pipe 42 each convey water to a thermostatic mixer valve 43. The first supply pipe 41 carries hot water and the second supply pipe 42 carries cold water or vice versa.

An outlet pipe 44 carries water at a user-desired temperature from the thermostatic mixer valve 44 and communicates with a manifold 45 having three branches. Each branch of the manifold 45 has a shut-off valve 46a, 46b, 46c. In some embodiments, one or more of the shut-off valves 46a, 46b, 46c comprises an electronic valve, such as a solenoid valve. In some examples, one or more branches of the manifold 45 comprise a mechanical shut-off valve 46a, 46b, 46c. A fluid delivery device 47a, 47b, 47c is disposed downstream of each shut-off valve 46a, 46b, 46c. The shut-off valves 46a, 46b, 46c are each operable to permit or prevent flow to the fluid delivery device 47a, 47b, 47c downstream thereof.

The fluid delivery devices 47a, 47b, 47c 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 system 40 is controlled by a controller according to the present disclosure, e.g. the controller 30. As discussed above, the input panel 31 enables a user to actuate three actuation points.

In some embodiments, one or more of the actuation points may comprise an electrical switch, and one or more of the shut-off valves 46a, 46b, 46c may comprise an electronic valve, such as a solenoid valve. In such embodiments, one or more of the electrical switches is operably connected, either by a wired connection or a wireless connection, to one of the shut-off valves 46a, 46b, 46c. Thus, by pressing the input panel 31 to cause it to pivot to a control position associated with a given one of the three electrical switches, a user can open a given one of the shut-off valves 46a, 46b, 46c, thereby selecting a desired fluid delivery device 47a, 47b, 47c.

In some embodiments, one or more of the actuation points may be mechanically coupled to a mechanical control member. In such embodiments, one or more of the shut-off valves 46a, 46b, 46c comprises a mechanical valve. By pressing the input panel 31 to cause it to pivot to a control position associated with a given one of the three actuation points, a user can open a given one of the shut-off valves 46a, 46b, 46c, thereby selecting a desired fluid delivery device 47a, 47b, 47c.

The second input member 39 may be configured to provide user control of the thermostatic mixer valve 43.

A controller as disclosed herein may be employed to control any one or more fluid, e.g. water, characteristics associated with a fluid delivery system such as an ablutionary system.

While the example embodiments have been described as being suitable for use in an ablutionary setting, it should be understood that they may be suitable for use in wet environments other than an ablutionary setting.

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.