Controller

Abstract

A controller for use in a wet environment, the controller comprising: a manually operable input device connected to a base shell, the manually operable input device comprising: a first manual input member, and a second manual input member, wherein the second manual input member is movable relative to the first manual input member; and a sealed environment at least partially disposed within the base shell, the sealed environment accommodating one or more electronic components suitable for controlling at least one function of a fluid delivery device such as a bath accessory, the one or more electronic components being configured to be actuated in response to user-initiated movement of the first manual input member and user-initiated movement of the second manual input member; wherein the first manual input member and the second manual input member are at least partially disposed outside the sealed environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a controller for use in a wet environment such as a bathing scene. The present disclosure also relates to a fluid delivery system, in particular a pipe or bathing system, comprising such a controller. Background Art

[0002] Controllers for use in bathing scenarios include, for example, digital shower controllers. Digital shower controllers typically include a manually operated mechanical input portion and an electronic component configured to output a control signal based on the movement or position of the mechanical input portion. The electronic components can be located in a sealed environment to protect these components from water during use. In use, the controller can be used to control one or more characteristics of the water ejected from the shower according to the control signal. For example, the controller can be used to control the actuation of an electronic valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) according to the control signal. The electronic valve can in turn control the mixing of the hot water supply and the cold water supply to control the temperature of the water delivered by a fluid delivery device (e.g., a shower head). Summary of the invention

[0003] A first aspect provides a controller for use in a humid environment, the controller comprising:

[0004] A manually operable input device connected to the base housing, the manually operable input device comprising:

[0005] a first manual input means; and

[0006] a second manual input member, wherein the second manual input member is movable relative to the first manual input member; and

[0007] a sealed environment at least partially disposed within the base housing, the sealed environment housing one or more electronic components adapted to control at least one function of a fluid delivery device, such as a bath accessory, the one or more electronic components configured to be actuated in response to movement of a first user-initiated manual input member and movement of a second user-initiated manual input member;

[0008] Wherein, the first manual input member and the second manual input member are at least partially arranged outside the sealed environment.

[0009] The first manual input member and / or the second manual input member may be disposed substantially completely outside of the sealed environment.

[0010] The second manual input member is movable relative to the first manual input member, for example, rotatable relative to the first manual input member. When the second manual input member moves (eg, rotates) relative to the first manual input member, the first manual input member cannot move (eg, rotate).

[0011] The manually operable input device may include one or more additional manual input members. For example, the manually operable input device may include a third manual input member, and optionally a fourth manual input member, and further optionally a fifth manual input member, and further optionally a sixth manual input member, etc.

[0012] One or more of the manual input members may be movable along an arc around the axis. The arc may be bounded. Alternatively, the arc may be continuous, i.e., the manual input member may be rotatable around the axis without any restrictions. The one or more manual input members movable along an arc around the axis may include a rotary dial, a seat, a lever or a handle.

[0013] One or more of the manual input members may be slidable, for example slidable within a slot or groove. The slidable manual input member may comprise a lever or a handle.

[0014] One or more of the manual input members may include a touch screen or a keyboard. The touch screen or the keyboard may be configured so that the touch screen or the keyboard does not rotate.

[0015] One or more of the manual input members may include a button. The button may include an input portion. The input portion may include a linear button or a rocker.

[0016] In an example embodiment: the first manual input member may include a button including an input portion; the second manual input member may include a rotary dial or bezel rotatable around a periphery of the input portion.

[0017] In use, the input portion of the button may not rotate, and the rotary dial or bezel may be rotatable relative to the input portion of the button.

[0018] The rotating dial or bezel may be located outside the sealed environment.

[0019] An input portion of the button may be at least partially located outside the sealed environment.

[0020] The one or more seals may comprise a diaphragm seal arranged to be compressed by actuation of the input portion of the button.

[0021] The button may include an actuation portion extending from the input portion into the sealed environment, and the one or more electronic components may include a contact portion arranged to be actuated by the actuation portion.

[0022] Movement of the actuation part may be sensed by a contactless sensor arranged to detect movement of the actuation part and output a signal to one or more electronic components.

[0023] In embodiments including a button, the input portion may be resiliently biased. The input portion may be resiliently biased away from one or more seals. The input portion may be resiliently biased by one or more resilient biasing elements. The one or more resilient biasing elements may include, for example, one or more springs, but any suitable resilient biasing element may be employed.

[0024] The one or more seals may comprise any suitable sealing means, such as a diaphragm seal and / or an O-ring seal.The one or more seals may be made of any suitable material.

[0025] In embodiments comprising a button, the diaphragm seal may be arranged to be compressed by actuation of the input portion.

[0026] In example embodiments, there may be no seal between the input portion of the button and the rotary dial or bezel.

[0027] The rotating dial or seat may be configured so that the rotating dial or seat can rotate freely. The rotating dial or seat may be configured to rotate between two predetermined limits. The rotating dial or seat may be configured to rotate incrementally. The rotating dial or seat may be configured to rotate about a single axis of rotation that passes through or is close to a center point of a manual input member disposed within the periphery of the rotating dial or seat. The manual input member disposed within the periphery of the rotating dial or seat may include a button, a touch screen, and / or a keyboard.

[0028] The controller may include a non-contact position sensing system including a first portion disposed on or in one or more of the manual input members and a second portion disposed within a sealed environment, wherein user-initiated movement of the manual input member results in movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The first portion or the second portion may be configured to detect movement of the other of the first portion and the second portion and output a signal based on user-initiated movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The non-contact position sensing system may be configured such that: in use, the first portion and the second portion are never located in the same plane and are never radially offset from each other relative to an axis extending vertically from the base housing and passing through the manually operable input device.

[0029] Examples of suitable non-contact position sensing systems may include magnetic sensing systems or optical sensing systems.

[0030] In an example embodiment, the first part may include one or more magnets and the second part may include one or more sensors arranged to detect movement of the magnets. The sensors may include, for example, one or more Hall effect sensors and / or one or more reed switches.

[0031] The controller may include a magnetic sensing system. The magnetic sensing system may include one or more magnets and one or more sensors.

[0032] One or more sensors may be located within a sealed environment, and one or more magnets may be arranged outside the sealed environment. Alternatively, one or more magnets and one or more sensors may be located within a sealed environment. Alternatively, one or more sensors may be located within a sealed environment, and one or more magnets may be located within another separate sealed environment. Alternatively, at least one magnet may be located outside the sealed environment, and at least one magnet may be located within the sealed environment. Alternatively, there may be no magnet within the sealed environment. Alternatively, all magnets may be located within the sealed environment.

[0033] The magnetic sensing system may include multiple magnets and multiple sensors. The magnetic sensing system may include more sensors than magnets. The magnetic sensing system may include multiple magnets. The magnetic sensing system may include up to five magnets or up to four magnets. The magnetic sensing system may include four or more sensors, five or more sensors, six or more sensors, seven or more sensors, or eight or more sensors. In an example embodiment, the magnetic sensing system may include three magnets and eight sensors.

[0034] The magnet may be disposed within the rotating dial or bezel such that the magnet rotates with the rotating dial or bezel.

[0035] One or more magnets may be disposed in or on a magnet holder. The magnet holder may include a waterproof seal arranged to extend at least partially around the one or more magnets. The magnet holder and the waterproof seal may form a second sealed environment around the one or more magnets. The magnet holder may be attached to a rotating dial and / or a seat ring so that the magnet holder is arranged to rotate with the rotating dial. The magnet holder may be connected to the rotating dial in a detachable manner.

[0036] The magnet holder may be pivotable, slidable or rotatable relative to the button. The magnet holder may be continuously rotatable relative to the button. The magnet holder may be rotatable relative to the button within a fixed angle range.

[0037] In order to be suitable for use in a humid environment, it is generally necessary to protect the magnet so as to inhibit corrosion. For example, the magnet can be protected by means such as a coating of a polymer (e.g., a resin) or electroplating containing a metal (e.g., nickel). The need for such a treatment may make the magnet relatively more expensive than the sensor. In some example embodiments, the controller may include a magnetic sensing system that includes fewer magnets than the sensor. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the controller may be relatively reduced. Another benefit may be that relatively less magnetic material may be required, which may help limit manufacturing costs and / or minimize possible supply problems.

[0038] The optical sensing system may include one or more light sources and one or more optical sensors. One or more light sources or one or more optical sensors may be located within the sealed environment, and the other of the one or more light sources and one or more optical sensors may be arranged in or on one or more of the manual input members.

[0039] One or more magnets may include at least a first magnet and a second magnet. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be less than one-quarter of the circumference of the magnet holder and / or the seat ring. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be greater than one-quarter of the circumference of the magnet holder and / or the seat ring. The first magnet and the second magnet may be arranged on the periphery of a nominal circle. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be less than 180 degrees of the nominal circle. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be less than 160 degrees or less than 140 degrees. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be in the range of 115 degrees to 125 degrees. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be 120 degrees. One or more magnets may be arranged on the periphery of the first nominal circle.

[0040] The plurality of sensors may be spaced equidistantly from each other. The plurality of sensors may include four or more sensors. The plurality of sensors may include eight or more sensors. The plurality of sensors may include sixteen sensors. Any suitable number of sensors may be provided, wherein the number of sensors is greater than the number of magnets. The plurality of sensors may be arranged on the periphery of the second nominal circle.

[0041] The first nominal circle may lie in a first plane and the second nominal circle may lie in a second plane, the second plane being parallel to the first plane.The first nominal circle may be aligned with the second nominal circle.

[0042] The plurality of sensors may be spaced apart from the plurality of magnets in an axial direction, wherein the axis may be an axis of rotation of the bezel and / or the rotary dial. The nominal circle around which the plurality of magnets may be arranged may include a diameter substantially similar to the nominal circle around which the plurality of sensors may be arranged. The plurality of sensors may be arranged closer to the electronic component than the plurality of magnets.

[0043] In some embodiments, the controller may include a processor configured to receive signals from each sensor and to differentiate the signal output from each sensor. In some embodiments, the controller may form part of a broader control system including a processor configured to receive signals from each sensor and to differentiate the signal output from each sensor.

[0044] The processor may be configured to output a control signal based on a signal received from a sensor. The processor may be configured to output a control signal based on the order and / or quantity of the signals received from the sensor. For example, the processor may be configured to determine the direction of rotation and / or amount of rotation of the magnet and / or magnet holder based on the order and quantity of the signals received from the sensor. For example, the processor may be configured to output a control signal based on the direction of rotation and / or amount of rotation of the magnet and / or magnet / magnet holder. For example, in the case where the controller forms part of a fluid delivery system in use, the controller may be operable to increase or decrease the temperature of water delivered by a fluid delivery device of the fluid delivery system by a given amount based on the direction of rotation and / or amount of rotation of the magnet and / or magnet holder.

[0045] In some embodiments, the magnet and / or magnet holder can rotate relative to the housing within a fixed angle range. In such an embodiment, the sensor can be arranged along the arc of a nominal circle. The sensors can be spaced equidistantly from each other along the arc of the nominal circle. The center angle of the arc can be substantially equal to the fixed rotation angle range of the magnet holder.

[0046] Any suitable type of sensor or magnet may be used. At least one of the sensors may include a Hall Effect sensor. At least one of the sensors may include a sensor other than a Hall Effect sensor, such as a reed switch.

[0047] At least one of the magnets may include a rare earth magnet.

[0048] The base housing may include a rear surface. The rear surface may be adapted to be fixed to a mounting surface, such as a wall, in use.

[0049] In some embodiments, the rear surface may include one or more openings adapted for one or more cables or wires to extend therethrough. One or more seals may be arranged to provide a substantially waterproof seal around the cables or wires extending through the openings in the rear surface of the base housing.

[0050] A manually operable input device may extend from the front face of the base housing.

[0051] For example, the controller may include a digital shower controller for a bathroom. A wet environment may include a bathing scene.

[0052] For example, the electronic component may be operable to control at least one function of a bath accessory in response to movement of one or more of the manual input members initiated by a user.For example, the bath accessory may include a shower or a faucet.

[0053] A second aspect provides a controller for use in a humid environment, the controller comprising:

[0054] a manually operable input device connected to the base housing, the manually operable input device comprising a first manual input member; and

[0055] a non-contact position sensing system comprising a first portion disposed on or in a first manual input member and a second portion disposed within a base housing, wherein user-initiated movement of the first manual input member causes movement of the first portion relative to the second portion;

[0056] wherein the first portion or the second portion is configured to detect movement of the other of the first portion and the second portion and output a signal based on user initiated movement of the first portion relative to the second portion;

[0057] Therein, the contactless position sensing system is configured such that, in use, the first portion and the second portion are never located in the same plane and are never radially offset from one another relative to an axis extending vertically from the base housing and passing through the manually operable input device.

[0058] The second portion may be disposed within a sealed environment disposed at least partially within the base housing.

[0059] The sealed environment may house one or more electronic components adapted to control at least one function of a fluid delivery device, such as a bath fitting, the one or more electronic components configured to be actuated in response to user-initiated movement of the first manual input member.

[0060] The first manual input member may be at least partially disposed outside the sealed environment. The first manual input member may be substantially completely disposed outside the sealed environment.

[0061] The manually operable input device may include a second manual input member. The second manual input member may be movable relative to the first manual input member, for example, rotatable relative to the first manual input member. When the second manual input member moves (e.g. rotates) relative to the first manual input member, the first manual input member cannot move (e.g. rotate).

[0062] The manually operable input device may include one or more additional manual input members. For example, the manually operable input device may include a third manual input member, and optionally a fourth manual input member, and further optionally a fifth manual input member, and further optionally a sixth manual input member, etc.

[0063] One or more of the manual input members may be movable along an arc around the axis. The arc may be bounded. Alternatively, the arc may be continuous, i.e., the manual input member may be rotatable around the axis without any restrictions. The one or more manual input members movable along an arc around the axis may include a rotary dial, a seat, a lever or a handle.

[0064] One or more of the manual input members may be slidable, for example slidable within a slot or groove. The slidable manual input member may comprise a lever or a handle.

[0065] One or more of the manual input members may include a touch screen or a keyboard. The touch screen or the keyboard may be configured so that the touch screen or the keyboard does not rotate.

[0066] One or more of the manual input members may include a button. The button may include an input portion. The input portion may include a linear button or a rocker.

[0067] In an example embodiment: the first manual input member may include a button including an input portion; the second manual input member may include a rotary dial or bezel rotatable around a periphery of the input portion.

[0068] In use, the input portion of the button may not rotate, and the rotary dial or bezel may be rotatable relative to the input portion of the button.

[0069] The rotating dial or bezel may be located outside the sealed environment.

[0070] An input portion of the button may be at least partially located outside the sealed environment.

[0071] The one or more seals may comprise a diaphragm seal arranged to be compressed by actuation of the input portion of the button.

[0072] The button may include an actuation portion extending from the input portion into the sealed environment, and the one or more electronic components may include a contact portion arranged to be actuated by the actuation portion.

[0073] Movement of the actuation portion may be sensed by a contactless sensor arranged to detect movement of the actuation portion and output a signal to one or more electronic components.

[0074] In embodiments including a button, the input portion may be resiliently biased. The input portion may be resiliently biased away from one or more seals. The input portion may be resiliently biased by one or more resilient biasing elements. The one or more resilient biasing elements may include, for example, one or more springs, but any suitable resilient biasing element may be employed.

[0075] The rotating dial or seat may be configured so that the rotating dial or seat can rotate freely. The rotating dial or seat may be configured to rotate between two predetermined limits. The rotating dial or seat may be configured to rotate incrementally. The rotating dial or seat may be configured to rotate about a single axis of rotation that passes through or is close to a center point of a manual input member disposed within the periphery of the rotating dial or seat. The manual input member disposed within the periphery of the rotating dial or seat may include a button, a touch screen, and / or a keyboard.

[0076] Examples of suitable non-contact position sensing systems may include magnetic sensing systems or optical sensing systems.

[0077] In an example embodiment, the first part may include one or more magnets and the second part may include one or more sensors arranged to detect movement of the magnets. The sensors may include, for example, one or more Hall effect sensors and / or one or more reed switches.

[0078] The controller may include a magnetic sensing system. The magnetic sensing system may include one or more magnets and one or more sensors.

[0079] One or more sensors may be located within a sealed environment, and one or more magnets may be arranged outside the sealed environment. Alternatively, one or more magnets and one or more sensors may be located within a sealed environment. Alternatively, one or more sensors may be located within a sealed environment, and one or more magnets may be located within another separate sealed environment. Alternatively, at least one magnet may be located outside the sealed environment, and at least one magnet may be located within the sealed environment. Alternatively, there may be no magnet within the sealed environment. Alternatively, all magnets may be located within the sealed environment.

[0080] The magnetic sensing system may include multiple magnets and multiple sensors. The magnetic sensing system may include more sensors than magnets. The magnetic sensing system may include multiple magnets. The magnetic sensing system may include up to five magnets or up to four magnets. The magnetic sensing system may include four or more sensors, five or more sensors, six or more sensors, seven or more sensors, or eight or more sensors. In an example embodiment, the magnetic sensing system may include three magnets and eight sensors.

[0081] The magnet may be disposed within the rotating dial or bezel such that the magnet rotates with the rotating dial or bezel.

[0082] One or more magnets may be disposed in or on a magnet holder. The magnet holder may include a waterproof seal arranged to extend at least partially around one or more magnets. The magnet holder and the waterproof seal may form a second sealed environment around one or more magnets. The magnet holder may be attached to a rotating dial and / or a seat ring so that the magnet holder is arranged to rotate with the rotating dial. The magnet holder may be connected to the rotating dial in a detachable manner.

[0083] The magnet holder may be pivotable, slidable or rotatable relative to the button. The magnet holder may be continuously rotatable relative to the button. The magnet holder may be rotatable relative to the button within a fixed angle range.

[0084] In order to be suitable for use in a humid environment, it is generally necessary to protect the magnet so as to inhibit corrosion. For example, the magnet can be protected by means such as a polymer (e.g., a resin, a coating or a metal, such as nickel, electroplating). The need for such a treatment may make the magnet relatively more expensive than the sensor. In some example embodiments, the controller may include a magnetic sensing system that includes fewer magnets than the sensor. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the controller can be relatively reduced. Another benefit may be that relatively less magnetic material may be required, which can help limit manufacturing costs and / or minimize possible supply problems.

[0085] The optical sensing system may include one or more light sources and one or more optical sensors. One or more light sources or one or more optical sensors may be located in a sealed environment, and the other of the one or more light sources and one or more optical sensors may be arranged in or on one or more of the manual input members.

[0086] One or more magnets may include at least a first magnet and a second magnet. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be less than one-quarter of the circumference of the magnet holder and / or the seat ring. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be greater than one-quarter of the circumference of the magnet holder and / or the seat ring. The first magnet and the second magnet may be arranged on the periphery of a nominal circle. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be less than 180 degrees of the nominal circle. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be less than 160 degrees or less than 140 degrees. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be in the range of 115 degrees to 125 degrees. The distance between the center of the first magnet and the center of the second magnet may be 120 degrees. One or more magnets may be arranged on the periphery of the first nominal circle.

[0087] The plurality of sensors may be spaced equidistantly from each other. The plurality of sensors may include four or more sensors. The plurality of sensors may include eight or more sensors. The plurality of sensors may include sixteen sensors. Any suitable number of sensors may be provided, wherein the number of sensors is greater than the number of magnets. The plurality of sensors may be arranged on the periphery of the second nominal circle.

[0088] The first nominal circle may lie in a first plane and the second nominal circle may lie in a second plane, the second plane being parallel to the first plane.The first nominal circle may be aligned with the second nominal circle.

[0089] The plurality of sensors may be spaced apart from the plurality of magnets in an axial direction, wherein the axis may be an axis of rotation of the bezel and / or the rotary dial. The nominal circle around which the plurality of magnets may be arranged may include a diameter substantially similar to the nominal circle around which the plurality of sensors may be arranged. The plurality of sensors may be arranged closer to the electronic component than the plurality of magnets.

[0090] In some embodiments, the controller may include a processor configured to receive signals from each sensor and to differentiate the signal output from each sensor. In some embodiments, the controller may form part of a broader control system including a processor configured to receive signals from each sensor and to differentiate the signal output from each sensor.

[0091] The processor may be configured to output a control signal based on a signal received from a sensor. The processor may be configured to output a control signal based on the order and / or quantity of the signals received from the sensor. For example, the processor may be configured to determine the direction of rotation and / or amount of rotation of the magnet and / or magnet holder based on the order and quantity of the signals received from the sensor. For example, the processor may be configured to output a control signal based on the direction of rotation and / or amount of rotation of the magnet and / or magnet / magnet holder. For example, in the case where the controller forms part of a fluid delivery system in use, the controller may be operable to increase or decrease the temperature of water delivered by a fluid delivery device of the fluid delivery system by a given amount based on the direction of rotation and / or amount of rotation of the magnet and / or magnet holder.

[0092] In some embodiments, the magnet and / or magnet holder can rotate relative to the housing within a fixed angle range. In such an embodiment, the sensor can be arranged along the arc of a nominal circle. The sensors can be spaced equidistantly from each other along the arc of the nominal circle. The center angle of the arc can be substantially equal to the fixed rotation angle range of the magnet holder.

[0093] Any suitable type of sensor or magnet may be used. At least one of the sensors may include a Hall Effect sensor. At least one of the sensors may include a sensor other than a Hall Effect sensor, such as a reed switch.

[0094] At least one of the magnets may include a rare earth magnet.

[0095] The base housing may include a rear surface. The rear surface may be adapted to be fixed to a mounting surface, such as a wall, in use.

[0096] In some embodiments, the rear surface may include one or more openings adapted for one or more cables or wires to extend therethrough. One or more seals may be arranged to provide a substantially waterproof seal around the cables or wires extending through the openings in the rear surface of the base housing.

[0097] A manually operable input device may extend from the front face of the base housing.

[0098] For example, the controller may include a digital shower controller for a bathroom. A wet environment may include a bathing scene.

[0099] For example, the electronic component may be operable to control at least one function of a bath accessory in response to movement of one or more of the manual input members initiated by a user.For example, the bath accessory may include a shower or a faucet.

[0100] Another aspect provides a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system comprises a fluid delivery device and a controller according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein. The controller is operable to control one or more properties of a fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device in use.

[0101] The one or more characteristics of the fluid may include fluid flow rate and / or temperature.

[0102] The controller may be operably connected to one or more valves upstream of the fluid delivery device.

[0103] The fluid delivery system may include a flow valve operable to control the flow of fluid to the fluid delivery device. The controller may be operable to control the flow valve.

[0104] The fluid delivery system may include a temperature valve operable to control the temperature of the fluid passed to the fluid delivery device.The controller may be operable to control the temperature valve.

[0105] The controller may be operably connected to a mixing valve, such as a thermostatic mixing valve.

[0106] The fluid delivery system may comprise a plurality of fluid delivery devices.The controller may be operable to control one or more properties of a fluid delivered, in use, by each of the plurality of fluid delivery devices.

[0107] For example, the fluid delivery devices may each include a sprayer, a shower head, or a faucet.

[0108] The fluid delivery system may be coupled to a fluid supply, such as a plumbing system that provides cold and / or hot water.

[0109] Unless mutually exclusive, any of the features of any of the above-mentioned aspects may be used in any of the other above-mentioned aspects mutatis mutandis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0111] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of the controller;

[0112] Figure 2 a cross-sectional rear view showing the rotary dial and buttons of the controller; and

[0113] Figure 3 A fluid delivery system is shown schematically. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , controller 1 is shown.

[0115] The controller 1 comprises a base housing 2. The base housing 2 is generally in the form of a panel having an internal volume. The base housing 2 has a front face 28 and a rear face 24. The rear face 24 is adapted to facilitate fixing the base housing 2 to a mounting surface (not shown) such as a wall in use.

[0116] The manually operable input device 8 protrudes from the front face 28 of the base housing 2. The manually operable input device 8 comprises a button 6 and a bezel 4. The bezel 4 is rotatable about an axis 3, which is perpendicular to the front face 28 of the base housing 2. The button 6 is disposed in the bezel 4 and is linearly movable in a direction along the axis 3. The axis 3 passes through the center of the button 6.

[0117] The button 6 comprises an input portion 30 having a circular outer surface 31 intended to be pressed by a user. A first annular wall 33 and a second annular wall 35 extend in a direction away from the outer surface 31. The first annular wall 33 extends a greater distance in a direction away from the outer surface 31 than the second annular wall 35. The first annular wall 33 and the second annular wall 35 are arranged concentrically around the axis 3. The second annular wall 35 is located radially outside the first annular wall 33.

[0118] Radially outside the second annular wall 35, an element 37 having a hook 39 at its distal end extends in a direction away from the outer surface 31. The element 37 extends through an opening 41 in the stationary element 40 so that the hook 39 snaps onto the lower side 42 of the stationary element 40.

[0119] The input portion 30 is resiliently biased toward the first position by three circumferentially equidistantly spaced springs 43 extending between the lower side of the input portion 30 and the stationary element 40. The hook 39 snapped onto the lower side 42 of the stationary element 41 resists the force of the spring 43 after the user stops pressing the button 6, thereby holding the input portion 30 in the first position for the user to press the button 6 again later.

[0120] The push button 6 also comprises an actuation portion 34 connected to the input portion 30 . The first annular wall 33 is housed in an annular opening 341 in a first end of the actuation portion 34 .

[0121] The stationary element 40 extends around the second annular wall 35. The stationary element 40 is disposed radially outside the second annular wall 35. The second annular wall 40 is disposed radially outside the actuating portion 34.

[0122] The stationary element 40 sits on top of and is connected to a collar 50 that protrudes from within the base housing 2 .

[0123] The first sealing element 60 is configured to provide a watertight seal between the second annular wall 35 and the actuation portion 34 and between the stationary element 40 and the collar 50 .

[0124] Adjacent to the front face 28 of the base housing 2, the seat ring 4 includes three magnet holders 10, each of which contains a magnet 12. Each magnet 12 can be held and sealed within the magnet holder 10 by any suitable means. The magnets 12 are arranged around a first nominal circle 13 ( Figure 2 ) are arranged at regular intervals, the first nominal circle 13 is located at Figure 1 The first dotted line 5 in the figure is in the first plane indicated.

[0125] The second sealing element 70 is configured to provide a watertight seal between the seat ring 4 and the collar 50 .

[0126] The combination of the first sealing element 60 and the second sealing element 70 means that water cannot enter the base panel 2 through the manually operable input device 8 .

[0127] A printed circuit board (PCB) 16 is disposed within the base panel 2 and extends laterally below the manually operable input device 8 .

[0128] PCB 16 is located Figure 1 In a second plane indicated by dashed line 7. The second plane is parallel to the first plane.

[0129] The PCB 16 includes a contact point 36 positioned in line with the actuation portion 34. Eight Hall effect sensors 14 are arranged on the PCB 16. The Hall effect sensors 14 are positioned at regular intervals around a second nominal circle (not shown) located in a second plane. The second nominal circle is aligned with the first nominal circle 13.

[0130] The PCB 16 is disposed on the support frame 18. The cable 26 extends through the opening 22 in the rear surface 24 of the base housing 2. The third sealing element 80 is configured to provide a waterproof seal around the cable 26 because the third sealing element 80 passes through the opening 22. The cable 26 provides an electrical connection for supplying power to the controller 1 and a data connection for transmitting information to and from other devices that may be operably connected to the controller 1. Such other devices may include, for example, one or more valves operable to control the flow of water to the fluid delivery device.

[0131] It will be appreciated that the printed circuit board 16 is within the sealed environment. The bezel 4 is located outside the sealed environment. The majority of the input portion 30 of the button 6 is located outside the sealed environment. The only portion of the input portion 30 that extends into the sealed environment is the first annular wall 33.

[0132] The operation of the controller 1 will now be described. The controller 1 includes a manually operable input device 8, which includes two input members, namely, a button 6 and a seat ring 4. A user can operate the controller 1 by pressing the button 6 and / or rotating the seat ring 4. In an exemplary embodiment, pressing the button 6 can be used to turn the associated fluid delivery device on and off, while rotating the seat ring 4 can be used to control the water temperature and / or flow rate.

[0133] To operate button 6, the user presses input portion 30 to force second end 38 of actuation portion 34 into contact with contact point 36 on PCB 16. When the user stops pressing input portion 30, spring 43 is used to cause button 6 to return to the first position ready for the user to press input portion 30 again.

[0134] When the user rotates the bezel 4, the magnet 12 moves relative to the Hall effect sensors 14. Each Hall effect sensor 14 is configured to output a signal depending on the position of the magnet 12 relative to the sensor 14.

[0135] Figure 3 A bathing system 100 is schematically shown. Bathing system 100 includes a controller 102, a fluid delivery device 106, and a valve 104. Controller 102 is a controller according to the present disclosure, such as controller 1, and is operable to control one or more properties of a fluid delivered by fluid delivery device 106 during use. Pipe 108 provides a device for transmitting a fluid flow from valve 104 to fluid delivery device 106. Controller 102 is operably connected to valve 104 to enable a user to control one or more properties of a fluid delivered by fluid delivery device 106 during use. Therefore, at least one function of bathing system 100 is controlled by controller 102. Typically, valve 104 may include a mixing valve, such as a thermostatic mixing valve. Controller 102 may be configured to provide user control of fluid temperature and / or flow rate.

[0136] The system 100 may include more than one fluid delivery device. In such an example embodiment, the controller 102 may be configured to enable a user to select one or more of the fluid delivery devices at any given time.

[0137] For example, the fluid delivery devices may each include a sprayer, a shower head, or a faucet.

[0138] Various modifications may be made to the example embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0139] Although example embodiments have been described as being suitable for use in a bathing setting, it will be appreciated that they may be suitable for use in wet environments other than bathing settings.

[0140] Unless mutually exclusive, any feature may be used alone or in combination with any other features, and the present disclosure extends to all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A controller for use in a humid environment, the controller comprising: A manually operable input device connected to the base housing, the manually operable input device comprising: a first manual input means; and a second manual input member, wherein the second manual input member is movable relative to the first manual input member; and a sealed environment at least partially disposed within the base housing, the sealed environment housing one or more electronic components adapted to control at least a fluid delivery function of a fluid delivery device including a bath accessory, the one or more electronic components configured to be actuated in response to user-initiated movement of the first manual input member and user-initiated movement of the second manual input member; wherein the first manual input member and the second manual input member are at least partially disposed outside the sealed environment; One of the first manual input member and the second manual input member includes an input portion and an actuating portion extending from the input portion into the sealed environment, the input portion including a first annular wall, the first annular wall being accommodated in a first end of the actuating portion, the second end of the actuating portion being used to actuate the one or more electronic components, the input portion also including a second annular wall radially arranged outside the actuating portion and the first annular wall, the second annular wall forming a part of the sealed environment, so that the first annular wall is the only part of the input portion extending into the sealed environment.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: When the second manual input member moves, the first manual input member does not move.

3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The manually operable input device comprises one or more further manual input members.

4. The controller according to claim 3, wherein: One or more of the manual input members, including the first manual input member, the second manual input member, and one or more additional manual input members, are movable in an arc about an axis.

5. The controller according to claim 4, wherein: The one or more manual input members movable in an arc about an axis include a rotary dial, a bezel, a lever, or a handle.

6. The controller according to claim 3, wherein: One or more of the manual input members including the first manual input member, the second manual input member and one or more further manual input members are slidable.

7. The controller according to claim 3, wherein: One or more of the manual input members, including the first manual input member, the second manual input member and one or more further manual input members, comprises a touch screen or a keyboard.

8. The controller according to claim 3, wherein: One or more of the manual input members, including the first manual input member, the second manual input member and one or more further manual input members, comprises a button.

9. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: The input portion includes a linear button or a joystick.

10. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first manual input member comprises a button comprising the input portion; and the second manual input member comprises a rotary dial or bezel rotatable about a periphery of the input portion.

11. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more electronic components comprise a contact portion arranged to be actuated by the actuation portion.

12. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: The movement of the actuation part is sensed by a contactless sensor arranged to detect the movement of the actuation part and output a signal to the one or more electronic components.

13. A controller according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a non-contact position sensing system, the non-contact position sensing system comprising: a first portion disposed on one or both of the first manual input member and the second manual input member and a second portion disposed within the base housing, the second portion also being disposed within the sealed environment, wherein user-initiated movement of one of the first manual input member and the second manual input member results in movement of the first portion relative to the second portion; and wherein the first portion or the second portion is configured to detect movement of the other of the first portion and the second portion and output a signal based on user-initiated movement of the first portion relative to the second portion.

14. The controller according to claim 13, wherein: The non-contact position sensing system is configured such that, in use, the first and second portions do not lie in the same plane and are not radially offset from one another relative to an axis extending vertically from the base housing and through the manually operable input device.

15. The controller according to claim 14, wherein: The non-contact position sensing system includes a magnetic sensing system or an optical sensing system.

16. A controller for use in a wet environment, the controller comprising: a manually operable input device connected to the base housing, the manually operable input device comprising a first manual input member; as well as a non-contact position sensing system comprising a first portion disposed on the first manual input member and a second portion disposed within the base housing, wherein user-initiated movement of the first manual input member causes movement of the first portion relative to the second portion; wherein the first portion or the second portion is configured to detect movement of the other of the first portion and the second portion and output a signal in accordance with user initiated movement of the first portion relative to the second portion; wherein the contactless position sensing system is configured such that, in use, the first portion and the second portion are not located in the same plane and are not radially offset from each other relative to an axis extending vertically from the base housing and passing through the manually operable input device, The controller also includes a sealed environment at least partially disposed within the base housing, the first portion including an input portion and an actuating portion extending from the input portion into the sealed environment, the input portion including a first annular wall received in a first end of the actuating portion, the input portion also including a second annular wall radially disposed outside the actuating portion and the first annular wall, the second annular wall forming a portion of the sealed environment, such that the first annular wall is the only portion of the input portion extending into the sealed environment.

17. The controller according to claim 16, wherein: The second portion is disposed within the sealed environment.

18. The controller according to claim 17, wherein: The sealed environment houses one or more electronic components adapted to control at least a fluid delivery function of a fluid delivery device including a bath accessory, the one or more electronic components being configured to be actuated in response to user initiated movement of the first manual input member.

19. A fluid delivery system comprising a fluid delivery device and a controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller may be operable to control one or more of the flow rate, flow rate and temperature of a fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device in use.

20. The fluid delivery system of claim 19, wherein: The controller is operably connected to one or more valves upstream of the fluid delivery device.

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