WO2025251189A1

WO2025251189A1 - Sound system for a refrigerator appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2025251189A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/097225
Authority: WO
Inventors: Niu ZHUGE; Christopher Hayward Osborne; Timothy Ray Jackson
Original assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2024-06-04
Filing date: 2024-06-04
Publication date: 2025-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-04

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance (100) defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction and includes a cabinet (102) defining a chilled chamber (122,124), a door (128) being rotatably mounted to the cabinet (102) to provide selective access to the chilled chamber (122,124), a control panel (160) mounted to a front of the door (128), a dispensing assembly (140) mounted to the door (128) and defining a dispenser recess (142), wherein a speaker void (228) is defined within the dispenser recess (142), and a speaker assembly (200) mounted within the door (128) behind the control panel (160), the speaker assembly (200) comprising a speaker housing (202) mounted within the speaker void (228), the speaker housing (202) defining a speaker enclosure and at least one housing alignment feature (250).

Description

SOUND SYSTEM FOR A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to sound systems for refrigerator appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include ice making assemblies mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment. The ice is stored in a storage bin and is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door.

Conventional refrigerator appliances may include one or more speakers or audible chime indicators for communicating operating statuses to a consumer. For example, if the consumer fails to fully shut the refrigerator door, a chime may sound to notify the consumer. However, conventional refrigerator audio devices are small, low power devices that have limited operating frequencies and poor audio quality. Moreover, space restrictions within confined spaces of conventional refrigerator appliances limit the ability to use larger, higher quality speakers, and result in various challenges in routing wiring to the location, or manufacturing concerns. Accordingly, conventional refrigerators have limited audio capabilities. Moreover, conventional audio devices are positioned in the refrigerator such that the generated sound has poor quality, e.g., particularly at high and low frequencies.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with improved audio features would be desirable. More particularly, a high quality, high power speaker assembly for use within a dispensing assembly of a refrigerator appliance would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door being rotatably mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber, a control panel mounted to a front of the door, a dispensing assembly mounted to the door and defining a dispenser recess, wherein a speaker void is defined within the dispenser recess, and a speaker assembly mounted within the door behind the control panel, the speaker assembly comprising a speaker housing mounted within the speaker void, the speaker housing defining a speaker enclosure and at least one housing alignment feature.

In another exemplary embodiment, a dispensing assembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a door and defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The dispensing assembly includes a dispenser recess defining a speaker void, a control panel positioned at least partially over the dispenser recess, and a speaker assembly mounted within the door behind the control panel, the speaker assembly comprising a speaker housing mounted within the speaker void, the speaker housing defining a speaker enclosure and at least one housing alignment feature.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber and freezer chamber shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a close-up view of a dispensing assembly of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a top, perspective view of the example dispensing assembly of FIG. 3 with a control panel removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a bottom, perspective view of the example dispensing assembly of FIG. 3 with the control panel removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides another perspective view of the example dispensing assembly of FIG. 3 with the control panel removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a speaker housing of the example dispensing assembly of FIG. 3 with the control panel removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the example dispensing assembly of FIG. 3 with a control panel removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of the example dispensing assembly of FIG. 3 with a control panel removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first, ” “second, ” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising. ” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both” ) . The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a, ” “an, ” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally, ” “about, ” “approximately, ” and “substantially, ” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration. ” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent second side 110 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent first side 108 of housing 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a side-by-side refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.

A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

Referring now generally to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on freezer door 130. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening freezer door 130. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 are an external part of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside refrigerator appliance 100, freezer door 130 may define an icebox 150 housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess 142. In this regard, for example, icebox 150 may define an ice making chamber for housing an ice making assembly, a storage mechanism, and a dispensing mechanism. Illustration and discussion of these features are omitted here for brevity.

A control panel 160 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 160 includes one or more selector inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputs 162 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 162. Additionally, a display 166, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 160. Display 166 may be in communication with controller 164, and may display information in response to signals from controller 164.

As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media) . In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM) . Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 1 through 9, a speaker assembly 200 that may be used with refrigerator appliance 100 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Specifically, as will be described in more detail below, speaker assembly 200 and dispenser recess 142 are designed to achieve a desired or targeted acoustic response from a speaker positioned within dispenser recess 142. Notably, as explained above, conventional refrigerator speakers or audio devices are small, low-power, and limited frequency devices incapable of providing rich audio content as facilitated by a speaker assembly 200. Moreover, conventional refrigerator appliances have limited space for receiving higher-quality speakers and have speakers oriented in a manner that generates less than desirable audio response or sound quality.

According to an example embodiment, speaker assembly 200 may generally include a speaker box or speaker housing 202 that contains a speaker driver 204 including a sound producing speaker cone (not shown) . According to the illustrated embodiment, speaker assembly 200 is positioned within dispenser recess 142 and is covered up by control panel 160. Specifically, speaker housing 202 may be concealed by control panel 160 for improved aesthetics. In addition to aesthetics, when control panel 160 is in place it further modifies the resulting audio output shaping it into the more desired response. In addition, according to an example embodiment, speaker assembly 200 and the sound producing speaker cone may generally be directed downward along the vertical direction V into dispenser recess 142.

Notably, the downward orientation of speaker assembly 200 may generate some audio issues particularly at boundary frequencies (e.g., such as reduced high/low frequency output or performance) . Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to an improved design of dispenser recess 142 in conjunction with the high-quality speaker assembly 200 to produce a synergistic effect with improved overall audio quality across the entire audible spectrum (e.g., between 20 Hz to about 20 kHz) . Although speaker assembly 200 is illustrated and described herein as including a single speaker, it should be appreciated that speaker assembly 200 may include any suitable number, type, configuration, and positioning of speakers while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, dispenser recess 142 may be specifically designed to facilitate an improved acoustic response from speaker assembly 200. In this regard, the geometry of dispenser recess 142 may act as a parabolic reflector, a sounding board, or a noise reflector particularly suited for improving the frequency response, recovering some of the high frequency output that would normally be lost by orienting the speaker downward and 90 degrees from the axis of the listener, etc. Specifically, according to an example embodiment, dispenser recess 142 may generally be defined by a back wall 210, sidewalls 212, and two arcuate corners 214 that join back wall 210 to sidewalls 212.

Specifically, as illustrated, back wall 210 may generally be a flat wall extending in a plane defined by the vertical direction V and the lateral direction L. Similarly, sidewalls 212 may generally be flat walls extending in a plane defined by the vertical direction V and the transverse direction T. Arcuate corners 214 may wrap around an axis defined by the vertical direction V to join back wall 210 to sidewalls 212. Notably, the orientation of speaker assembly 200 in conjunction with the geometry of dispenser recess 142 may provide a particularly suitable sound response.

Notably, the positioning of speaker assembly 200 within dispenser recess 142 may be important for determining the appropriate sound response of speaker assembly 200. For example, as illustrated, refrigerator appliance 100 may include a separator panel 220 that divides dispenser recess 142 into a dispensing region 222 and a mechanical compartment 224. In this regard, separator panel 220 may generally extend within a horizontal plane (e.g., defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T) . Dispensing region 222 may be positioned below separator panel 220, e.g., and may include actuating mechanism 148 and a space for receiving cups. By contrast, mechanical compartment 224 may be positioned above separator panel 220 and may be covered by control panel 160. Speaker assembly 200 may be positioned within mechanical compartment 224 and separator panel 220 may define a plurality of apertures 226 through which sound may pass into dispensing region 222.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 9, dispenser recess 142 may generally define a speaker void 228 and speaker assembly 200 may be carefully designed to fit within speaker void 228 while optimizing audio output of speaker assembly 200. In this regard, speaker void 228 may generally be defined by back wall 210, sidewalls 212, arcuate corners 214, control panel 160, separator panel 220, and/or an ice dispensing funnel 230 (e.g., within mechanical compartment 224) . Notably, due to the size restrictions within dispenser recess 142, it may be desirable to maximize the speaker assembly 200 within speaker void 228 for improved sound output. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a speaker housing 202 and speaker assembly 200 that maximizes speaker performance for the given speaker void 228.

In this regard, for example, speaker housing 202 may generally be defined by a front wall 232, a rear wall 234, a bottom wall 236, a top wall 238, and a plurality of sidewalls 240. The spacing, geometry, angle, and shape of walls 232-240 may be carefully designed or ideal acoustic sizing, reduced vibration, improved assembly, and improved durability of speaker housing 202. For example, walls 232-240 may fill the entire speaker void 228 and may improve manufacturability, as described in more detail below according to example embodiments.

Example, speaker housing 202 may define at least one housing alignment feature 250. In general, housing alignment features 250 may include any suitable geometries, bosses, protrusions, recesses, or extensions to facilitate proper and consistent installation of speaker housing 202. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9, housing alignment feature 250 may include an alignment geometry or recess 252 for engaging a complementary protrusion within dispenser recess 142. For example, alignment recess 252 may be defined within top wall 238 of speaker housing 202 and may be configured for engaging a fastener or alignment feature defined on ice dispensing funnel 230 or a protruding feature within dispenser recess 142.

In addition, as shown for example in FIG. 7, housing alignment feature 250 may include a protruding leg 254 that is received within a complementary recess defined on separator panel 220 or ice dispensing funnel 230. In this manner, an installation technician may slide protruding leg 254 into the complementary recess to ensure accurate and repeatable positioning of speaker housing 202. It should be appreciated that other alignment and installation geometries are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

According to still other example embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, housing alignment feature 250 may include a threaded boss 256 defined through bottom wall 236 of dispenser housing 202. Threaded boss 256 may be configured for receiving a mechanical fastener that passes through separator panel 220 for securing speaker housing 202 within dispenser recess 142. Notably, alignment of alignment recess 252 and protruding leg 254 may properly position speaker housing 202 such that threaded boss 256 is positioned over an attachment aperture defined in separator panel 220 (e.g., such that a mechanical fastener may pass therethrough into threaded boss 256) .

As illustrated schematically in FIG. 7, speaker assembly 200 may further include one or more pads, cushions, or vibration dampeners 258 positioned on speaker housing 202 for reducing vibrations, e.g., particularly at locations where speaker housing 202 is contacting other components or surfaces. According to the illustrated embodiment, vibration dampener 258 is positioned within alignment recess 252 to prevent vibration-related noise due to contact between alignment recess 252 and ice dispensing funnel 230. However, it should be appreciated that vibration dampeners 258 may be used on other locations of speaker housing while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 6 and 7, speaker housing 202 may further define at least one wiring retention feature 260. For example, wiring retention feature 260 may be a clip, groove, or other attachment point sized to receive a bundle of wires or a wiring connector. In this manner, an installation technician may install the wiring harness into the wiring retention feature 260 while installing speaker assembly 200. This wiring harness may remain within wiring retention feature 260 for the lifetime of speaker assembly 200, thereby reducing undesirable vibrations, rubbing, or wear on the wires.

In addition, dispensing assembly 140 may include a water line 270 passing through dispenser recess 142 and speaker housing 202 may define a water line support surface 272. In general, water line 270 is seated on water line support surface 272, which is designed to minimize vibrations and provide a compact and efficient routing of water line 270, e.g., thereby preventing kinks, rubbing, vibrations, etc. Although an example geometry is illustrated, it should be appreciated that this geometry may vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 7, speaker assembly 200 may further include one or more passive radiator elements 280. In general, passive radiator elements 280 may be positioned on or within speaker housing 202 to improve the acoustics of speaker assembly 200 (e.g., by boosting low frequency output of speaker assembly 200) . For example, as illustrated, speaker housing 202 may define one or more radiator apertures 282 and a support flange 284 that surrounds each of the radiator apertures 282 for receiving the passive radiator elements 280. According to the illustrated embodiments, passive radiator elements 280 include an acoustic diaphragm 286 (e.g., a rubber or metal diaphragm) positioned over the radiator apertures 282 and connected to the support flange 284 through a resilient border 288 (e.g., formed from rubber) . Other suitable acoustic radiator constructions are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

Notably, speaker assembly 200 may generally have a larger power than conventional refrigerator audio indicators. For example, speaker assembly 200 may have a power level that is greater than 3 watts, greater than 5 watts, or greater, e.g., such as between about 6 and 8 watts. In addition, speaker assembly 200 may be designed to generate a frequency range over the entire audible spectrum, e.g., between about 20 Hz and 20 kHz. For example, speaker assembly 200 may have a frequency range of between about 100 Hz and 18 kHz.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a compact speaker enclosure designed to fit in the refrigerator door dispenser recess area wherein the speaker is oriented such that the sound-producing cone faces down into the dispenser area. A top surface of the speaker enclosure may be designed to fit a passive radiator. The resulting speaker is capable of producing sound at a reasonable listening level (e.g., 75-77 dB SPL) with a low-frequency cutoff of around 140 Hz. The design may also incorporate features for routing and securing wiring to control and prevent vibration. Additionally, a recessed geometry boss may also be present that pushes the speaker down to minimize vibration.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

A refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, comprising:

a cabinet defining a chilled chamber;

a door being rotatably mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber;

a control panel mounted to a front of the door;

a dispensing assembly mounted to the door and defining a dispenser recess, wherein a speaker void is defined within the dispenser recess; and

a speaker assembly mounted within the door behind the control panel, the speaker assembly comprising a speaker housing mounted within the speaker void, the speaker housing defining a speaker enclosure and at least one housing alignment feature.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the at least one housing alignment feature is configured to engage a wall of the dispenser recess.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the at least one housing alignment feature is configured to engage a mechanical fastener or boss of the dispenser recess.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the speaker housing defines at least one wiring retention feature.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 4, wherein the wiring retention feature is a clip configured to secure a wiring harness or wiring connector.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the speaker housing is contoured for receipt within the speaker void.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the speaker assembly further comprises:

one or more passive radiator elements mounted to the speaker housing.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 7, wherein the passive radiator elements are configured to boost low frequency output from the speaker assembly.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 7, wherein the one of more passive radiator elements comprise a front passive radiator element on a front wall of the speaker housing and a top passive radiator element on a top wall of the speaker housing.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the speaker housing defines a radiator aperture and a support flange that surrounds the radiator aperture for receiving a passive radiator element.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the speaker void is defined between a sidewall and an ice dispensing funnel of the dispenser recess.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the dispensing assembly comprises a water line passing through the dispenser recess, and wherein the speaker housing defines a water line support surface, the water line being seated on the water line support surface.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the speaker assembly further comprises:

a pad or cushion positioned on an outer surface of the speaker housing.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the speaker assembly further comprises:

a speaker that is oriented downward along the vertical direction into the dispenser recess.
The refrigerator appliance of claim 14, wherein the speaker assembly comprises:

a sound producing speaker cone that is oriented parallel to the vertical direction.
A dispensing assembly for a refrigerator appliance, the refrigerator appliance comprising a door and defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the dispensing assembly comprising:

a dispenser recess defining a speaker void;

a control panel positioned at least partially over the dispenser recess; and

a speaker assembly mounted within the door behind the control panel, the speaker assembly comprising a speaker housing mounted within the speaker void, the speaker housing defining a speaker enclosure and at least one housing alignment feature.
The dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one housing alignment feature is configured to engage a wall of the dispenser recess.
The dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one housing alignment feature is configured to engage a mechanical fastener or boss of the dispenser recess.
The dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the speaker housing defines at least one wiring retention feature.
The dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the speaker assembly further comprises:

one or more passive radiator elements mounted to the speaker housing.