초록 ▼

A ready to attach actuation device module is provided for use with a dispenser, such as an ice or water dispenser in a refrigerator. The module includes an electrical actuation device, a wiring lead extending from the actuation device and an electrical connector attached at an end of the wiring lea

A ready to attach actuation device module is provided for use with a dispenser, such as an ice or water dispenser in a refrigerator. The module includes an electrical actuation device, a wiring lead extending from the actuation device and an electrical connector attached at an end of the wiring lead. A housing encloses the actuation device and at least a portion of the wiring lead. The module incorporates an attachment mechanism which is engageable with the dispenser. The housing includes all stylings for the actuation device module.

대표청구항 ▼

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1. A self contained actuator for refrigerator dispenser functions comprising: a housing, an actuation device located in said housing, a wiring lead leading from said actuation device and

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1. A self contained actuator for refrigerator dispenser functions comprising: a housing, an actuation device located in said housing, a wiring lead leading from said actuation device and exiting said housing to a distal end; an electrical connector at said distal end of said wiring lead; and an attachment mechanism engageable with a refrigeration appliance cabinet to secure said actuation device on said cabinet; said housing including all stylings to render said actuator complete; said housing being formed in two parts, a first part including said attachment mechanism, and a second part being a front cover including said stylings, with said two parts being secured together without the use of separate mechanical fasteners; said attachment mechanism comprising at least two springy clips extending from said first part of said housing and having an L shape, with a long leg portion extendable through an opening in a wall of the refrigeration appliance cabinet and pressable against a surface of said cabinet wall facing away from said housing to hold said housing against said cabinet wall and a short leg portion restable on a lower edge of said opening to support said housing on said cabinet wall, and at least one spring member positioned between said housing and said cabinet wall to press against a surface of said cabinet wall facing towards said housing. 2. A self contained actuator according to claim 1, wherein said actuation device comprises an electrical switch. 3. A self contained actuator according to claim 1, wherein said electrical connector is a male snap connector. 4. A self contained actuator according to claim 1, wherein said attachment mechanism includes an adhesive. 5. A self contained actuator according to claim 1, wherein said actuation device includes a printed circuit board. 6. A self contained actuator according to claim 1, wherein said housing includes a depressible pad. 7. A self contained actuator according to claim 1, wherein said actuation device includes a strain relief member for securing said wiring lead to said actuation device. 8. A self contained actuator according to claim 1, wherein said housing parts are secured together with an adhesive. 9. A self contained actuator according to claim 1, wherein said housing parts are secured together with a snap fit. 10. A ready to attach actuation device module for use with a dispenser comprising: an electrical actuation device; a wiring lead extending from said actuation device; an electrical connector attached at an end of said wiring lead; a housing enclosing said actuation device and at least a portion of said wiring lead and including all stylings for said actuation device module; and an attachment mechanism engageable with said dispenser; said housing being formed in two parts, a first part including said attachment mechanism, and a second part being a front cover including said stylings, with said two parts being secured together without the use of separate mechanical fasteners; said attachment mechanism comprising at least two springy clips extending from said first part of said housing and having an L shape, with a long leg portion extendable though an opening in a wall of the dispenser and pressable against a surface of said dispenser wall facing away from said housing to hold said housing against said dispenser wall and a short leg portion restable on a lower edge of said opening to support said housing on said dispenser wall, and at least one spring member positioned between said housing and said dispenser wall to press against a surface of said dispenser wall facing towards said housing. 11. A ready to attach actuation device module according to claim 10, wherein said actuation device comprises an electrical switch. 12. A ready to attach actuation device module according to claim 10, wherein said electrical connector is a male snap connector. 13. A ready to attach actuation device module according to claim 10, wherein said attachment mechanism includes an adhesive. 14. A ready to attach actuation device module according to claim 10, wherein said actuation device includes a printed circuit board. 15. A ready to attach actuation device module according to claim 10, wherein said housing includes a depressible pad. 16. A ready to attach actuation device module according to claim 10, wherein said actuation device includes a strain relief member for securing said wiring lead to said actuation device. 17. A ready to attach actuation device module according to claim 10, wherein said housing parts are secured together with an adhesive. 18. A ready to attach actuation device module according to claim 10, wherein said housing parts are secured together with a snap fit. 19. An appliance comprising: a dispenser with an electrically operated dispensing mechanism; and a ready to attach actuation device module comprising: an electrical actuation device; a wiring lead extending from said actuation device; an electrical connector attached at an end of said wiring lead; a housing enclosing said actuation device and at least a portion of said wiring lead and including all stylings for said actuation device module; and an attachment mechanism engageable with said dispenser; said housing being formed in two parts, a first part including said attachment mechanism, and a second part being a front cover including said stylings, with said two parts being secured together without the use of separate mechanical fasteners; said attachment mechanism comprising at least two clips extending from said first part of said housing and having an L shape, with a long leg portion extendable through an opening in a wall of the appliance and engageable against a surface of said appliance wall facing away from said housing to hold said housing against said appliance wall and a short leg portion restable on a lower edge of said opening to support said housing on said appliance wall, and at least one spring member positioned between said housing and said appliance wall to press against a surface of said appliance wall facing towards said housing.