Patent Description:
Cooking appliances are installed in the kitchen and used to cook food items as the user wants. Cooking appliances can fall into different categories, based on a heat source or a type, and the sort of fuel.

Cooking appliances can be categorized into open cooking appliances and sealed cooking appliances, depending on the shape of a space where a food item is placed. Sealed cooking appliance comprise an oven, a microwave oven and the like, and open cooking appliances comprise a cooktop, a hob and the like.

In a sealed cooking appliance, a space in which a food item is placed is shielded, and the shielded space is heated to cook the food item. The sealed cooking appliance is provided with a cooking compartment in which a food item is placed and which is shielded when a food item is cooked. The cooking compartment is a space in which a food item is substantially cooked, in the cooking appliance.

Sealed cooking appliances can be categorized into gas ovens and electric ovens based on the type of a heat source.

Gas ovens use gas as a fuel and cook a food item by using flames or heat that are generated by supplying gas to a burner and igniting the burner.

Unlike gas ovens, electric ovens use electricity as a heat source and cook a food item by using heat that is emitted from a heater operating with electricity.

In recent years, steam ovens cooking a food item by using high-temperature steam have come on the market.

Steam ovens spray high-temperature steam into a cooking compartment. In the case of a steam oven that supplies steam into a cooking compartment, the steam oven can provide a function of adjusting humidity in the cooking compartment.

Ordinarily, a steam oven can comprise a cavity forming a cooking compartment, and a stem supply part supplying steam into the cooking compartment.

The steam supply part can comprise a steam generator generating steam, and a water tank supplying water to the steam generator. A water supply pipe can connect between the water tank and the steam generator, to move water in the water tank to the steam generator.

Additionally, the steam generator can comprise a water storage part accommodating water that is supplied from the water tank, and a heater heating water in the water storage part and generating steam.

In the above-described steam oven, water injected through the water tank flows into the water storage part through the water supply pipe, and the water having flown into the water storage part is heated by the heater, to generate steam. The steam generated can flow into the cooking compartment and heat a food item while circulating in the cooking compartment.

In the above-described steam oven, the water tank is provided in the form of a simple container that accommodates water. That is, in a conventional steam oven, a water tank provides a simple function of accommodating and supplying water, without providing another function in relation to improvement in user convenience.

<CIT> relates to a water supply device, and a steam supply device and a cooking device including the same. The device comprises a housing installed in a body of a cooking device; a water tank having a storage space formed therein to store water, wherein the water tank is installed at the housing to be movable between an insertion position at which the inlet port is located in the receiving space and a withdrawal position in which the inlet port is exposed to the outside of the receiving space; and a connector which is installed at the housing so as to be movable in a longitudinal direction inside the receiving space, and moves in the longitudinal direction to move the water tank to the insertion position or the withdrawal position.

<CIT> relates to another household appliance which comprises a liquid tank, wherein the tank is adapted for translational movement between a use position in which the tank is positioned within a housing of the household appliance and a servicing position in which the tank is at least partially extracted from the housing.

The object of the present invention is to provide a water supply device that can provide a variety of functions to improve user convenience.

The object of the present invention is to provide a water supply device that can have an improved structure ensuring ease of manufacturing and repairs.

These objects are achieved with the features of independent claim <NUM>. Preferred aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

A water supply device according to the invention comprises a housing having a front surface that is open; a slider being accommodated in the housing in a way that the slider is movable in a front-rear direction; a water tank being installed in the housing in a way that the water tank comes in and out of the housing in the front-rear direction, and connecting to the slider that moves forward to move forward together with the slider; a fixation part fixing the slider to prevent the slider from moving forward; and a speed-reduction inducing member.

According to the present invention, the water tank is provided apart from the slider in a way that the water tank is movable in the front-rear direction, relative to the slider.

Preferably, the slider comprises a rear surface frame being disposed at a rear side of the water tank, and the rear surface frame and a rear surface of the water tank are disposed to touch each other in the font-rear direction.

Preferably, as the slider moves forward, the rear surface frame may push and move the water tank forward, and as the water tank moves rearward, the water tank may push and move the rear surface frame rearward.

According to the present invention, the water supply device comprises the speed-reduction inducing member being disposed at the slider, and interfering with a front-rear movement of the water tank that connects to the slider.

According to the present invention, at least a portion of the water tank is inserted into the slider, such that the water tank connects to the slider, and the speed-reduction inducing member closely contacts a lateral surface of the water tank being inserted into the slider and generates a frictional force interfering with movement of the water tank, relative to the slider.

Preferably, the slider may further comprise a pair of lateral surface frames respectively extending forward from the rear surface frame and being respectively disposed to face a lateral surface of the water tank.

Preferably, at least a portion of the water tank is inserted into a space being surrounded by the rear surface frame and the pair of lateral surface frames.

The housing may comprise a bottom surface part being disposed at a lower side of the water tank; a lateral surface part protruding upward from the bottom surface part and being disposed in a lateral portion of the water tank; and a guide surface part extending in a direction where the guide surface part becomes far from the bottom surface part and being disposed at an upper side of the bottom surface part, while extending from the lateral surface part in a lateral direction.

Preferably, the guide surface part supports the lateral surface frame at a lower side of the slider, in a way that the lateral surface frame is movable in the front-rear direction.

Preferably, a pair of speed-reduction inducing members is spaced from each other in a lateral direction with the water tank therebetween, and, more preferably, each speed-reduction inducing member is disposed at the lateral surface frame.

According to the present invention, the speed-reduction inducing member comprises a pair of rollers being spaced from each other and disposed at the lateral surface frame in a way that the rollers rotate around an up-down axis.

According to the present invention, the rollers contact a lateral surface of the water tank closely, and generate the frictional force interfering with movement of the water tank.

The slider may comprise a rear surface frame being disposed at a rear side of the water tank, and a fixation projection protruding rearward from the rear surface frame.

Preferably, the fixation part is disposed at a rear side of the slider and coupled to the fixation projection.

Preferably, a pop-up member providing power for moving the slider is separated from the fixation part, forward. The pop-up member is disposed between the slider and the rear surface cover and elastically supports the slider at the rear side of the slider.

The slider may comprise a rear surface frame being disposed at a rear side of the water tank, and a guide projection protruding rearward from the rear surface frame.

The pop-up member may comprise a coil spring being provided in a way that the pop-up member is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction and being disposed between the rear surface cover and the rear surface frame.

Preferably, the guide projection is fitted into the coil spring while passing through the coil spring in the front-rear direction.

Preferably, the guide projection is coupled to the housing in a way that the guide projection is movable in the front-rear direction, while passing through the rear surface cover in the front-rear direction.

A steam supply device in another aspect of the present invention may comprise a steam generator operating to heat water and generate steam; and the water supply supplying water to be supplied to the steam generator.

A cooking appliance in another aspect of the present invention may comprise a main body having a cooking compartment therein; and the steam supply device being installed in the main body and supplying steam into the cooking compartment.

In the water supply device of the present invention, and the steam supply device and the cooking appliance comprising the water supply device, one water supply device may provide a variety of functions comprising a function of fixing the water tank to the inside of the main body or drawing the water tank from the main body simply based on a press, a function of controlling the operation of the steam supply device depending on the position of the water tank, a function of providing a smooth touch to allow the water tank to be drawn smoothly and the like, thereby enhancing user convenience effectively.

In the present invention, the water tank and the slider are provided as an individual component such that the water tank and the slider may connect in a separable manner, and the water tank may be movably installed in the housing through the slider.

The water supply device of the present invention may ensure a reduction in the manufacturing costs of a water supply device and improvement in the manufacturability of a water supply device, ensure ease of repairs of a water supply device and a decrease in repair costs of a water supply device, and ease of separation of a water tank for a wash or repairs and the like.

In the present invention, the steam heater may be prevented from operating unnecessarily in the state where water cannot be supplied, thereby preventing waste of power and an accident caused by overheating of the steam heater.

The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention, and together with the specification, explain the invention, wherein:.

The above-described aspects, features and advantages are specifically described hereafter with reference to accompanying drawings such that one having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can embody the invention easily. Detailed description of known technologies in relation to the subject matter of the invention is omitted if it is deemed to make the gist of the invention unnecessarily vague. Hereafter, preferred embodiments according to the invention are specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals can denote identical or similar components.

Thus, the components are not to be limited by the terms. Certainly, a first component can be a second component, unless stated to the contrary.

The accompanying drawings are provided for a better understanding of the embodiments set forth herein and are not intended to limit the technical invention. It is to be understood that all the modifications or replacements within the technical scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention. The sizes or thicknesses of the components in the drawings are exaggerated or reduced to ensure ease of understanding and the like. However, the protection scope of the subject matter of the invention is not to be interpreted in a limited way, because of the exaggerated or reduced thicknesses and sizes of the components.

The terms in the invention are used only to describe specific embodiments and not intended to limit the subject matter of the invention. In the invention, singular forms include plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In the invention, the terms "comprise", "being comprised of" and the like specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof but do not imply the exclusion of the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof.

The terms "first", "second" and the like are used herein only to distinguish one component from another component, and the components are not to be limited by the terms.

When any one component is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, any one component can be directly connected or coupled to another component, but an additional component can be "interposed" between the two components. When any one component is described as "being directly connected" or "being directly coupled" to another component, an additional component cannot be "interposed" between the two components.

When any one component is described as being "on (or under)" another component, any one component can be directly on (or under) another component, and an additional component can be interposed between the two components.

Unless otherwise defined, all the terms including technical or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries are to be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and unless explicitly defined herein, are not to be interpreted in an ideal way or an overly formal way.

In the state where a cooking appliance stands on a floor, a direction in which a door is installed with respect to the center of the cooking appliance is defined as a forward direction. Accordingly, a direction toward the inside of the cooking appliance with the door open is defined as a rearward direction. For convenience, the forward direction and the rearward direction can be referred to as a first direction. Then the forward direction can be referred to as one direction of the first direction, and the rearward direction can be referred to as the other direction of the first direction.

Additionally, a gravitational direction can be defined as a downward direction, and a direction opposite to the gravitational direction can be defined as an upward direction.

Further, a horizontal direction across a front-rear direction of the cooking appliance, i.e., a widthwise direction of the cooking appliance that is seen in front of the door of the cooking appliance, can be referred to as a left-right direction. For convenience, the left-right direction can be referred to as a second direction. Then the right side can be referred to as one side of the second direction, and the left side can be referred to as the other side of the second direction.

Further, the widthwise direction of the cooking appliance can also be referred to as a lateral direction. Then the right side can also be referred to as one side of the lateral direction, and the left side can be referred to as the other side of the lateral direction.

Additionally, the up-down direction can be referred to as a third direction. Then an upward direction can be referred to as one direction of the third direction, and the downward direction can be referred to as the other direction of the third direction.

Furthermore, the up-down direction can be referred to as a vertical direction. Then the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, i.e., the first direction and the second direction, can be referred to as a horizontal direction.

Throughout the invention, the terms "A and/or B" as used herein can denote A, B or A and B, and the terms "C to D" can denote C or greater and D or less, unless stated to the contrary.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a cooking appliance of one embodiment, <FIG> is a lateral cross-sectional view showing the inner structure of the cooking appliance of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a perspective view showing the cooking appliance of <FIG> with a cooking compartment open. Additionally, <FIG> is a perspective view showing the cooking appliance of <FIG> with a control panel open, and <FIG> is a plan view showing the inner structure of an electronic component compartment of the cooking appliance of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the exterior of the cooking appliance of one embodiment is formed by a main body <NUM>. The main body <NUM> may have a shape comprising an approximate rectangular cuboid shape. The main body <NUM> may be made of a material having a predetermined strength, to protect a plurality of components installed in the inner space of the main body <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may comprise a cavity <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> may form the skeleton of the main body <NUM>.

Additionally, the main body <NUM> may further comprise front panels <NUM>, <NUM>. A first front panel <NUM> as one of the front panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided.

The first front panel <NUM> may be disposed between the cavity <NUM> and a door <NUM>. The first front panel <NUM> may be disposed at the front side of the cavity <NUM> and form the front surface of the main body <NUM>.

In another example, the first front panel <NUM> is not formed apart from the cavity <NUM>, and the front surface of the cavity <NUM> may form the front surface of the main body <NUM>.

For example, the cavity <NUM> and the first front panel <NUM> may be provided at the main body <NUM> in a way that the cavity <NUM> and the first front panel <NUM> are integrally formed.

A cooking compartment <NUM> may be formed in the cavity <NUM>. Additionally, an open part may be formed inside the first front panel <NUM> and open the cooking compartment forward.

The cooking compartment <NUM> may be shaped into a cuboid the front surface of which is open. With the cooking compartment <NUM> closed, the cooking appliance may heat the inner space of the cooking compartment <NUM> to cook a food item.

That is, the inner space of the cooking compartment <NUM> may be a space in which a food item is substantially cooked, in the cooking appliance. Hereafter, the cooking appliance of the present invention is described with reference to a cooking appliance as an example.

The cooking appliance may be provided with a heating part that heats the cooking compartment <NUM>. As an example of the heating part, a convection part <NUM> may be provided at the rear side of the cooking compartment <NUM> and perform convection of hot air to heat the inner space of the cooking compartment <NUM>.

Additionally, an upper heater or an upper burner may be provided as an upper heating part <NUM>, at the upper side of the cooking compartment <NUM>, and heat the inner space of the cooking compartment <NUM> from above. Further, a lower heater or a lower burner may be provided as a heating part, at the lower side of the cooking compartment <NUM>, and heat the inner space of the cooking compartment <NUM> from below.

A door <NUM> may be swivably provided at the front side of the main body <NUM> and selectively open and close the cooking compartment <NUM>. The door <NUM> may open and close the cooking compartment <NUM> in a pull-down manner where the upper end of the door <NUM> swivels around the lower end thereof in the up-down direction.

The door <NUM> may be shaped into a cuboid and have a predetermined thickness, as a whole. Additionally, a handle <NUM> may be provided on the front surface of the door <NUM>, and gripped by the user when the user wants to swivel the door <NUM>.

Further, the door <NUM> may be provided with a see-through window. The see-through window may be made of a transparent material, e.g., glass or colorless plastic and the like. Depending on a cooking appliance to which a see-through window is applied, a see-through window may need to withstand high temperature and high pressure and have water resistance, heat resistance and the like.

An electronic component compartment <NUM> may be provided outside the cavity <NUM>, specifically, at the upper side of the cavity <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The electronic component compartment <NUM> may be disposed at the upper side of the cavity <NUM> and at the upper side of the cooking compartment <NUM> formed inside the cavity <NUM>.

A space for installing electronic components may be formed inside the electronic component compartment <NUM>. That is, in the cooking appliance, the electronic component compartment <NUM> may be a space for installing electronic components.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the front surface of the electronic component compartment <NUM> may be shielded by the front panels <NUM>, <NUM>. A second front panel <NUM> as one of the front panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided.

The second front panel <NUM> may be disposed between the electronic component compartment <NUM> and the control panel <NUM>, while blocking the front side of the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

In an example, the second front panel <NUM> may be disposed at the upper side of the first front panel <NUM>, and coupled to the first front panel <NUM>.

The second front panel <NUM> may protrude upward from the cavity <NUM> and define the front boundary surface of the electronic component compartment <NUM>. Specifically, most of the front side of the electronic component compartment <NUM> is blocked by the second front panel <NUM>. Additionally, a portion of the front side of the electronic component compartment <NUM>, i.e., a portion of the lower side of the electronic component compartment <NUM>, may be blocked by the first front panel <NUM>.

Further, an exhaust opening may be provided on the front panels <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment, the exhaust opening is provided on the first front panel <NUM>, for example.

The exhaust opening may be formed in a way that penetrates the first front panel <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The exhaust opening may form a passage on the front panel <NUM>, and allow air in the electronic component compartment <NUM> to pass through the first front panel <NUM> and to be discharged out of the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

In another example, the front panel <NUM>, <NUM> may not be provided apart from the cavity <NUM>, and the front surface of the cavity <NUM> may form the front surface of the main body <NUM>. At this time, the exhaust opening may be provided on the front surface of the cavity <NUM> having a space corresponding to the shape of the front panel <NUM>, <NUM>.

A control panel <NUM> may be provided in the upper portion of the front surface of the cooking appliance, i.e., on the front surface of the upper portion of the cavity <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may form a portion of the exterior of the front surface of the cooking appliance.

The control panel <NUM> may be disposed at the front of the electronic component compartment <NUM>. Additionally, the control panel <NUM> may be disposed at the front side of the second front panel <NUM>.

The control panel <NUM> may be provided to open and close the electronic component compartment <NUM> or the second front panel <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may be provided in a way that the control panel <NUM> swivels between a closing position where the control panel <NUM> blocks the electronic component compartment <NUM> or the second front panel <NUM>, and an opening position where the control panel <NUM> opens the electronic component compartment <NUM> or the second front panel <NUM> forward.

A display may be provided on the control panel <NUM>. The display may comprise an input part for adjusting an operation of the cooking appliance and a display displaying an operation state of the cooking appliance.

In an example, the input part and the display may be constituted by one panel. For example, the input part and the display may be formed into a touch panel to which a touch input of the user is supplied. The display may display a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) in relation to the driving of the cooking appliance.

A plurality of buttons may be displayed on the control panel <NUM> with the above display. For example, a knock-on button may be displayed on the control panel <NUM>, and used to set a function that enables the on/off of a lamp <NUM> installed in the cooking compartment <NUM>, based on a knock input of the user.

Additionally, a lamp button for setting a function of turning on/off a lamp manually, a button for setting an opening and closing operation of the control panel <NUM> and the like may be displayed on the control panel <NUM>.

In the case where the cooking appliance is an oven, a button for setting an operation of the heating part, a self-cleaning button for setting a self-cleaning function of the cooking compartment <NUM>, and the like may be displayed on the control panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lower boundary surface of the electronic component compartment <NUM> may be defined by an upper panel <NUM> disposed at the upper side of the cavity <NUM>. Additionally, the upper boundary surface of the electronic component compartment <NUM> may be defined by an electronic component compartment cover <NUM> that covers the electronic component compartment <NUM> from above.

Further, the lateral boundary surfaces and the rear boundary surface of the electronic component compartment <NUM> may be defined by the electronic component compartment cover <NUM>'s both lateral surfaces and rear surface, or defined by both lateral surfaces of the cavity <NUM> protruding toward the upper side of the cooking compartment <NUM> and by the rear surface of the electronic component compartment cover <NUM>.

A vent hole <NUM> may be formed on at least any one of both the lateral surfaces and the rear surface of the electronic component compartment cover <NUM>, and both the lateral surfaces of the cavity <NUM>. Through the vent hole <NUM>, external air may flow into the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

As described above, a variety of electronic components may be disposed in the electronic component compartment <NUM>. In an example, a circuit board may be disposed in the electronic component compartment <NUM>. Various types of elements, circuits and the like in relation to the receipt of a manipulation signal input through the control panel <NUM>, the generation of a control signal for controlling an operation of the heating part, input through the control panel <NUM>, and the like may be provided on the circuit board.

The upper panel <NUM> may comprise a blocking plate part <NUM> and a duct part <NUM>.

The blocking plate part <NUM> may be disposed to block between the cavity <NUM> and the electronic component compartment <NUM>. The blocking plate part <NUM> may be disposed at the upper side of the cavity <NUM> and define the lower boundary surface of the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

The duct part <NUM> may protrude upward from the blocking plate part <NUM>. The duct part <NUM> may form a passage that allows air in the electronic component compartment <NUM> to be discharged out of the electronic component compartment <NUM> through the duct part <NUM>. That is, the duct part <NUM> may form a passage that allows air suctioned by a fan module <NUM> described hereafter to flow to the exhaust opening.

The fan module <NUM> may be disposed in the electronic component compartment <NUM>. The fan module <NUM> may be disposed near the rear surface of the cavity <NUM>, i.e., in a position eccentric to the rear side in the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

The fan module <NUM> may comprise a turbo fan that is installed in the electronic component compartment <NUM>. The fan module <NUM> may suction external air through the rear side of the electronic component compartment <NUM>, and discharge the external air to the front side of the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

Based on an operation of the fan module <NUM>, external air may flow into the electronic component compartment <NUM> from the rear side and lateral sides of the cooking appliance.

For example, external air drawn through the lower portion of the main body <NUM> may pass through a space at the rear side of the cooking appliance, and then flow into the electronic component compartment <NUM> through the vent hole <NUM> formed at the rear side of the electronic component compartment <NUM>. Also, external air may flow into the electronic component compartment <NUM>, through the vent hole <NUM> formed at a lateral side of the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

Air drawn into the electronic component compartment <NUM> may cool electronic comp onents in the electronic component compartment <NUM>, while moving forward in the electr onic component compartment <NUM>.

Air drawn into the electronic component compartment <NUM> as described above may be suctioned into the duct part <NUM> by the fan module <NUM>. The air drawn into the duct part <NUM> may move forward in the duct part <NUM> and then be discharged to the front of the electronic component compartment <NUM> through the exhaust opening.

A water supply device <NUM> may be disposed in the electronic component compartment <NUM>. The water supply device <NUM> may supply water, needed to generate steam in a steam supply device (not illustrated), to the steam supply device.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing the configuration of a steam supply device of one embodiment.

The cooking appliance of the embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, may further comprise a steam supply device <NUM>.

The steam supply device <NUM> is installed in the main body <NUM> and provided to supply steam into the cooking compartment <NUM>. The steam supply device <NUM> may comprise a steam generator <NUM>, a water supply device <NUM> and a connection pipe <NUM>.

The steam generator <NUM> is provided to heat water and generate steam. In an example, the steam generator <NUM> may be disposed at the lower side of the main body <NUM>, and disposed at the lower side of the cooking compartment <NUM>.

However, the steam generator of the present invention is not limited. The steam generator <NUM> may be disposed in any optimal position considering a detailed configuration of the steam generator <NUM>, the structure of the cooking compartment <NUM> and steam supply efficiency based on the configuration and the structure.

The steam generator <NUM> may comprise a water storage <NUM> and a steam heater <NUM>. Water that is supplied from the water supply device <NUM> through the connection pipe <NUM> may be stored in the water storage <NUM>. The steam heater <NUM> may generate steam by heating the water stored in the water storage <NUM>.

The water supply device <NUM> is provided to store and supply water that is supplied to the steam generator <NUM>. In the embodiment, the water supply device <NUM> is disposed at the upper side of the main body <NUM> and disposed at the upper side of the cooking compartment <NUM>, for example.

However, the water supply device of the present invention is not limited. The water supply device <NUM> may be disposed in any position where the water supply device <NUM> is not greatly affected by heat in a high-temperature cooking compartment <NUM>, a water tank <NUM> is readily withdrawn, and water is supplied to the steam generator <NUM> smoothly.

The connection pipe <NUM> may connect the water supply device <NUM> and the steam generator <NUM>. The connection pipe <NUM> may form a passage that is needed to allow water supplied from the water supply device <NUM> to move to the steam generator <NUM>.

In an example, the connection pipe <NUM> may be formed as a flexible tube. In another example, the connection pipe <NUM> may be formed as a pipe made of a metallic material.

Additionally, the connection pipe <NUM> may connect to the steam generator <NUM> by bypassing the cooking compartment <NUM> from the water supply device <NUM>. In an example, the connection pipe <NUM> may connect to the steam generator <NUM> through a path in which the connection pipe <NUM> bypasses the rear side of the cooking compartment <NUM>. In another example, the connection pipe <NUM> may connect to the steam generator <NUM> through a path in which the connection pipe <NUM> bypasses a lateral side of the cooking compartment <NUM>.

At this time, water may be supplied from the water supply device <NUM>, based on force caused by a difference between the height or pressure of the water supply device <NUM> and the height or pressure of the water storage <NUM>, or power of a pump <NUM> disposed at the water storage <NUM> side or the connection pipe <NUM> side.

Further, the steam supply device <NUM> may further comprise a steam spray member <NUM>. The steam spray member <NUM> is provided to spray steam generated by the steam supplier <NUM> into the cooking compartment <NUM>.

The steam spray member <NUM> may be provided on the upper surface of the cavity <NUM>, and connect to the water storage <NUM> of the steam supplier <NUM> through a steam pipe <NUM>. The steam spray member <NUM> may form a passage that allows steam generated by the steam supplier <NUM> to spray downward from the upper portion of the cooking compartment <NUM> to the inside of the cooking compartment <NUM>.

In the cooking appliance of the present invention, water supplied from the water supply device <NUM> may flow into the water storage <NUM> through the connection pipe <NUM>, and the water having flown into the water storage <NUM> may be heated by the steam heater <NUM> to generate steam.

The generated steam may flow into the cooking compartment <NUM> through the steam spray member <NUM> and circulate in the cooking compartment <NUM>. The steam circulating in the cooking compartment <NUM> may be used to perform cooking in the cooking appliance.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a water supply device of one embodiment, and <FIG> is a perspective view showing that a water tank of the water supply device of <FIG> is withdrawn. <FIG> is a perspective view showing that a housing separates from the water supply device of <FIG>, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing that the water supply device of <FIG> is disassembled.

Referring to <FIG>, the water supply device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> and a water tank <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may be disposed in the electronic component compartment <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be coupled to the upper panel <NUM> and fixed to the inside of the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may be shaped into a box having an accommodation space therein. The housing <NUM> may form a skeleton needed to accommodate and install a variety of components constituting the water supply device <NUM>. Additionally, the housing <NUM> may serve as a coupling medium for coupling the water supply device <NUM> to the main body <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the housing <NUM> may be shaped into a cuboid box having an accommodation space therein, for example. The front surface of the housing <NUM> may be open forward. The accommodation space formed in the housing <NUM> may be open forward through the front surface of the housing <NUM>.

A water tank <NUM> and a slider <NUM> described hereafter are accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing <NUM>. The open front surface of the housing <NUM> is a passage that allows the water tank <NUM> installed in the housing <NUM> to be drawn out of the housing <NUM> and the main body <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> is provided to store water. A storage space for storing water may be formed in the water tank <NUM>. Water stored in the water tank <NUM> may be supplied to the steam generator <NUM> through the connection pipe <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> is installed in the housing <NUM> in a way that the water tank <NUM> can come into and out of the housing <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The water tank <NUM> may move forward and protrude to the front of the housing <NUM>, or move rearward and come into the housing <NUM> completely.

The water supply device <NUM> further comprises a slider <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodation space of the housing <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is accommodated in the housing <NUM> in a way that the slider <NUM> can move in the front-rear direction.

The slider <NUM> connects to the water tank <NUM> in the housing <NUM> and moves together with the water tank <NUM>. For example, the water tank <NUM> connects to the slider <NUM> such that the water tank <NUM> may move forward together with the slider <NUM>. Additionally, the slider <NUM> may connect to the water tank <NUM> such that the slider <NUM> may move rearward together with the water tank <NUM>.

In an example, the water tank <NUM> may be moved forward by the slider <NUM> that moves forward, and the slider <NUM> may move rearward by the water tank <NUM> that moves rearward.

A detailed structure and a detailed operation of the slider <NUM> are described hereafter.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may comprise a first housing 310a and a second housing 310b.

The first housing 310a may form a lower half of the housing <NUM>. The first housing 310a may comprise a bottom surface part <NUM> and a pair of first lateral surface parts <NUM>.

The bottom surface part <NUM> may form the bottom surface of the housing <NUM>, and be disposed at the lower side of the water tank <NUM>. The bottom surface part <NUM> may be disposed to face the bottom surface of the housing <NUM>.

At least a portion of the bottom surface part <NUM> may form a horizontal planar surface parallel with the bottom surface of the water tank <NUM>. The bottom surface part <NUM> may support the water tank <NUM> at the lower side of the water tank <NUM> in a way that the water tank <NUM> can move in the front-rear direction.

In an example, a first sliding projection <NUM> may be provided in the lower portion of the water tank <NUM>. The first sliding projection <NUM> may be formed in a way that the first sliding projection <NUM> protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the water tank <NUM>.

A pair of first sliding projections <NUM> may be disposed at the water tank <NUM> and spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in the lateral direction. The lateral length of each of the first sliding projections <NUM> may be much less than a lateral length of the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. That is, the first sliding projection <NUM> may be shaped into a long thin rod.

In the embodiment, the entire bottom surface of the water tank <NUM> may contact the bottom surface part <NUM> through the first sliding projection <NUM>, without contacting the bottom surface part <NUM>. That is, an area where the bottom surface of the water tank <NUM> contacts the housing <NUM> may be limited to an area where the first sliding projection <NUM> contacts the bottom surface part <NUM>.

The first sliding projection <NUM> formed as describe above may help to reduce an area of contact between the housing <NUM> and the water tank <NUM>, to reduce a frictional force that is generated at a time when the water tank <NUM> moves.

Additionally, the first lateral surface parts <NUM> may form a portion of the lateral surfaces of the housing <NUM> and connect to the bottom surface part <NUM>. The pair of first lateral surface parts <NUM> may extend upward from the end portions of both sides of the bottom surface part <NUM>, and each of the first lateral surface parts <NUM> may be disposed in the lateral portions of the water tank <NUM>.

The first housing 310a may further a first guide surface part <NUM>. The first guide surface part <NUM> may extend in a direction far from the bottom surface part <NUM>, while extending from the first lateral surface part <NUM> in the lateral direction.

The first guide surface part <NUM> may be formed in a way that the first guide surface part <NUM> extends from the upper end of the first lateral surface part <NUM> in the lateral direction. The first guide surface part <NUM> may be spaced from the bottom surface part <NUM> by the up-down length of the first lateral surface part <NUM>, while being disposed at the upper side of the bottom surface part <NUM>.

In an example, at least a portion of the bottom surface part <NUM> may form a horizontal planar surface parallel with the bottom surface of the water tank <NUM>. Further, the first guide surface part <NUM> may form a planar surface parallel with a horizontal planar surface formed at the bottom surface part <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the bottom surface part <NUM> may support the water tank <NUM> at the lower side of the water tank <NUM> in a way that the water tank <NUM> can move in the front-rear direction. Additionally, the first guide surface part <NUM> disposed at the upper side of the bottom surface part <NUM> may support the slider <NUM> at the lower side of the slider <NUM> described hereafter, in a way that the slider <NUM> can move in the front-rear direction.

The second housing 310b may form an upper half of the housing <NUM>. The first housing 310a and the second housing 310b may be formed separately, and may be coupled to each other in the up-down direction to form the housing <NUM>.

In an example, the second housing 310a may have a shape that is almost similar to a shape in which the first housing 310a is reversed in the up-down direction. The second housing 310b may comprise an upper surface part <NUM> and a pair of second lateral surface parts <NUM>.

The upper surface part <NUM> may from the upper surface of the housing <NUM>, and be disposed at the upper side of the water tank <NUM>. The second lateral surface parts <NUM> may form a portion of the lateral surfaces of the housing <NUM>, and connect to the upper surface part <NUM>. The pair of second lateral surface parts <NUM> may extend downward from the end portions of both sides of the upper surface part <NUM>, and each of the second lateral surface parts <NUM> may be disposed in the lateral portion of the water tank <NUM>.

Further, the second housing 310b may further comprise a second guide surface part <NUM>. The second guide surface part <NUM> may extend in a direction far from the upper surface part <NUM>, while extending from the second lateral surface part <NUM> in the lateral direction.

The second guide surface part <NUM> may be formed in a way that the second guide surface part <NUM> extends from the lower end of the second lateral surface part <NUM> in the lateral direction. The second guide surface part <NUM> may be spaced from the upper surface part <NUM> by the up-down length of the second lateral surface part <NUM>, while being disposed at the lower side of the upper surface part <NUM>.

Further, the first housing 310a may comprise a first coupling surface part <NUM>, and the second housing 310b may comprise a second coupling surface part <NUM>. The first coupling surface part <NUM> may be disposed respectively in both lateral portions of the first housing 310a, and the second coupling surface part <NUM> may be respectively disposed in both lateral portions of the second housing 310b.

The first coupling surface part <NUM> may be formed to extend upward from the end portion of the first guide surface part <NUM> in the lateral direction thereof. Further, the second coupling surface part <NUM> may be formed to extend downward from the end portion of the second guide surface part <NUM> in the lateral direction thereof.

The first coupling surface part <NUM> and the second coupling surface part <NUM> may be disposed to touch each other in the lateral direction. In the state where the first coupling surface part <NUM> and the second coupling surface part <NUM> are touched in the lateral direction as described above, the first coupling surface part <NUM> and the second coupling surface part <NUM> may be coupled.

The first coupling surface part <NUM> and the second coupling surface part <NUM> may be coupled in both lateral portions of the housing <NUM>, and based on a coupling between first coupling surface part <NUM> and the second coupling surface part <NUM>, the first housing 310a and the second housing 310b maybe coupled.

In the state where the first housing 310a and the second housing 310b are coupled, the bottom surface part <NUM> and the upper surface part <NUM> may be spaced from each other by an approximate up-down length of the water tank <NUM>, and the first guide surface part <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM> may be spaced from each other by an approximate up-down length of the slider <NUM>.

That is, the water tank <NUM> may be accommodated in a space formed between the bottom surface part <NUM> and the upper surface part <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> may be accommodated in a space formed between the first guide surface part <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM>.

In the space formed between the bottom surface part <NUM> and the upper surface part <NUM>, the bottom surface part <NUM> may support the water tank <NUM> in a way that the water tank <NUM> can move in the front-rear direction. In the space formed between the first guide surface part <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM>, the first guide surface part <NUM> may support the slider <NUM> in a way that the slider <NUM> can move in the front-rear direction.

The housing <NUM> may further comprise a rear surface cover 310c. The rear surface cover 310c may be disposed at the rear sides of the first housing 310a and the second housing 310b.

In a coupled body of the first housing 310a and the second housing 310b, the front surface and the rear surface of the coupled body are open. The rear surface cover 310c may cover the open rear surface of the coupled body of the first housing 310a and the second housing 310b, and form the rear surface of the housing <NUM>. The rear surface cover 310c may be disposed at the rear side of the slider <NUM> accommodated in the housing <NUM>.

Preferably, at least a portion of the housing <NUM> may made of a metallic material. In the embodiment, the first housing 310a and the second housing 310b may be made of a metallic material, and the rear surface cover 310b comprising a structure of a complex shape may be made of a plastic material, for example.

The first housing 310a and the second housing 310b made of a metallic material may be highly resistance against heat that is delivered through the cavity <NUM>. Further, the first housing 310a and the second housing 310b may be made of a metallic material having enough stiffness to protect the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> from an external impact.

In an example, the water tank <NUM> may be shaped into a cuboid box. For example, the water tank <NUM> may be shaped into a cuboid box corresponding to the shape of the accommodation space in the housing <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> may be installed in a way that the water tank <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction, while being installed in the housing <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> may be installed in the housing <NUM>, such that the entire area of the water tank <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodation space of the housing <NUM>, and may be withdrawn out of the housing <NUM> and the main body <NUM> through the open front surface of the housing <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the water tank <NUM> may be installed in the housing <NUM> in a way that the position of the water tank <NUM> is changeable to an insertion position and a withdrawal position.

In the embodiment, the insertion position is defined as a position of the water tank <NUM>, at a time when the entire area of the water tank <NUM> is inserted into the accommodation space of the housing <NUM>. In the case where the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, an input hole and a lid <NUM> that are disposed near the front surface of the water tank <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodation space of the housing <NUM>.

Additionally, in the embodiment, the withdrawal position is defined as a position of the water tank <NUM>, at a time when at least a partial area of the water tank <NUM> protrudes to the front sides of the accommodation space and the main body <NUM>. In the case where the water tank <NUM> is in the withdrawal position, at least a portion of the input hole and the lid <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> may be exposed out of the accommodation space and the main body <NUM>.

In the insertion position, the water tank <NUM> may be disposed in the electronic component compartment <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> may move to the withdrawal position while passing through the front panel <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the water tank <NUM> may be withdrawn forward from the cooking appliance while passing through the second front panel <NUM>.

Further, the input hole may be formed in the upper portion of the water tank <NUM>. The input hole may form a passage for inputting water to a storage space from the outside of the water tank <NUM>, at the water tank <NUM>, and may be disposed in a way that the input hole is eccentric to the front side of the water tank <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> may be disposed at the upper side of the input hole. The lid <NUM> may be provided to open and close the input hole at the upper side of the input hole.

A water tank nozzle <NUM> may be provided at the water tank <NUM>. The water tank nozzle <NUM> may form a passage for allowing water stored in the storage space of the water tank <NUM> to move out of the water tank <NUM>. At least a portion of the water tank nozzle <NUM> may protrude from the rear of the water tank <NUM>.

The portion of the water tank nozzle <NUM>, which is exposed to the outside, is formed to protrude from the rear side of the water tank <NUM> to face the rear surface of the housing <NUM>. Further, a tube supporter <NUM> may be provided on the rear surface of the housing <NUM>.

The tube supporter <NUM> may be disposed at the rear surface cover 310c. The tube supporter <NUM> may be provided in a way that the tube supporter <NUM> is detachably coupled to the water tank nozzle <NUM>.

In an example, the tube supporter <NUM> may be disposed in a way that the tube supporter <NUM> penetrates the rear surface cover 310c in the front-rear direction, while being disposed at the rear surface cover 310c. The anterior portion of the tube supporter <NUM> may be exposed to the water tank <NUM> side, and coupled detachably to the water tank nozzle <NUM>. The posterior portion of the tube supporter <NUM> may connect to the connection pipe <NUM>. That is, the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> may connect to each other based on their connection with the tube supporter <NUM>.

The tube supporter <NUM> may further comprise a gasket. The gasket may seal between the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the tube supporter <NUM> to prevent the leakage of water from between the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the tube supporter <NUM>.

The water tank nozzle <NUM> may be coupled to the tube supporter <NUM> at a time when the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position. At a time when the water tank nozzle <NUM> is coupled with the tube supporter <NUM>, the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> may connect to each other, making it possible to supply water to the steam generator <NUM>.

In the case where the water tank <NUM> moves to the withdrawal position, the water tank nozzle <NUM> may be decoupled from the tuber supporter <NUM>. As the water tank nozzle <NUM> is decoupled from the tube supporter <NUM>, the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> are disconnected from each other, and the supply of water to the steam generator <NUM> may be cut off.

<FIG> is a plan view showing that a first housing is removed from the water supply device of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along line "XII-XII" of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the water supply device <NUM> of the embodiment may further comprise a slider <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may be accommodated in the housing <NUM> in a way that the slider <NUM> can move in the front-rear direction, and comprise a rear surface frame <NUM>.

The rear surface frame <NUM> may be disposed at the rear side of the water tank <NUM>. The rear surface frame <NUM> may be shaped into a horizontal bar that extends in the lateral direction, and disposed to touch the rear surface of the water tank <NUM>.

The slider <NUM> may further comprise a pair of lateral surface frames <NUM>. Each of the lateral surface frames <NUM> may extend forward from the rear surface frame <NUM> and be disposed to face the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM>. The pair of lateral surface frames <NUM> formed as described above may be spaced from each other in the lateral direction, with the water tank <NUM> therebetween.

In an example, the slider <NUM> may be formed in a way that the rear surface frame <NUM> and the pair of lateral surface frames <NUM> connect in a "<IMG>" shape. As the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> connect, at least a portion of the water tank <NUM> may be inserted into a space that is surrounded by the rear surface frame <NUM> and the pair of lateral surface frames <NUM>.

As the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> connect as described above, the rear surface frame <NUM> may contact the rear surface of the water tank <NUM> closely, and each of the lateral surface frames <NUM> may contact each of the lateral surfaces of the water tank <NUM> closely.

Additionally, as the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> connect as described above, the water tank <NUM> is not fixed to the slider <NUM> or the slider <NUM> is not fixed to the water tank <NUM>. In the embodiment, the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> may keep connecting to each other, only in the state where a portion of the water tank <NUM> is inserted into the space surrounded by the rear surface frame <NUM> and the pair of lateral surface frames <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> connected as described above may move together, when necessary, while separating from each other readily. In an example, the water tank <NUM> may keep connecting to the slider <NUM>, such that the water tank <NUM> moves together with the slider <NUM> or the slider <NUM> moves together with the water tank <NUM>.

For example, in the case where the slider <NUM> moves forward at a time when the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, the water tank <NUM> may move together with the slider <NUM>. At this time, the rear surface frame <NUM> disposed at a rear side of the water tank <NUM> may push and move the water tank <NUM> forward, and the water tank <NUM> may move forward toward the insertion position.

Additionally, in the case where the water tank <NUM> moves rearward when the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, the slider <NUM> may move together with the water tank <NUM>. At this time, the water tank <NUM> may push and move the rear surface frame <NUM> rearward, and the slider <NUM> may move rearward together with the water tank <NUM> that moves toward the insertion position.

A portion of the slider <NUM>, specifically, the pair of lateral surface frames <NUM>, may be accommodated in the space formed between the first guide surface part <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM>. That is, each of the lateral surface frames <NUM> may be accommodated in the space that is surrounded by the first guide surface part <NUM>, the coupling surface part <NUM>, <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM>.

Each of the lateral surface frames <NUM> accommodated in the space may be supported by the first guide surface part <NUM> in a way that the lateral surface frame <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction.

In an example, a second sliding projection <NUM> may be provided in the lower portion of the lateral surface frame <NUM>. The second sliding projection <NUM> may be formed in a way that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the lateral surface frame <NUM>.

The lateral length of each of the second sliding projections <NUM> may be much less than the lateral length of the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> or the lateral length of the bottom surface of the lateral surface frame <NUM>. That is, the second sliding projection <NUM> may be shaped into a long thin rod.

The entire bottom surface of the lateral surface frame <NUM> may contact the first guide surface part <NUM> through the second sliding projection <NUM>, without contacting the first guide surface part <NUM>. That is, an area where the lateral surface frame <NUM> and the first guide surface part <NUM> contact each other may be limited to an area where the second sliding projection <NUM> and the first guide surface part <NUM> contact each other.

The second sliding projection <NUM> formed as described above may help to reduce a contact area between the housing <NUM> and the slider <NUM>, thereby reducing a frictional force that is generated as the slider <NUM> moves.

Further, a rail projection 313a may be provided in the housing <NUM>. The rail projection 313a may be respectively formed on the first guide surface part <NUM>. That is, in the housing <NUM>, a pair of rail projections 313a may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in the lateral direction. Each of the rail projections 313a may protrude upward from the first guide surface <NUM>, and extend in the front-rear direction.

An up-down length of the rail projection 313a may be less than an up-down length of the second sliding projection <NUM>. That is, the second sliding projection <NUM> may contact the first guide surface part <NUM>, while the rail projection 313a does not contact the bottom surface of the lateral surface frame <NUM>.

A lateral gap between the pair of rail projections 313a may be greater than a lateral gap between the pair of second sliding projections <NUM>. Further, the pair of second sliding projections <NUM> provided at the slider <NUM> may be disposed between the pair of rail projections 313a.

The second sliding projection <NUM> disposed between the pair of rail projections 313a as described above may move in the front-rear direction within an area limited between the pair of rail projections 313a. That is, the rail projection 313a may regulate the area where the rail projection 313a moves, and suppress a shake of the rail projection 313a while the rail projection 313a moves in the front-rear direction.

The slider <NUM> comprising the pair of lateral surface frames <NUM> that sit in the first guide surface part <NUM> in a slidable manner may be installed in the housing <NUM> in a way that the slider <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction.

Each of the lateral surface frames <NUM> may be disposed between the first guide surface part <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM>, and the first guide surface part <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM> may regulate an up-down position of each lateral surface frame <NUM>.

For example, an up-down gap between the first guide surface part <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM> may be set to a length corresponding to an up-down length of the lateral surface frame <NUM>. The first guide surface part <NUM> and the second guide surface part <NUM> disposed as described above may help to suppress the generation of an up-down flow of the slider <NUM>, and guide a front-rear movement of the slider <NUM> smoothly.

The water supply device <NUM> of the embodiment further comprises a fixation part <NUM>. The fixation part <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the housing <NUM>. In an example, the fixation part <NUM> may be disposed at the rear surface cover 310c.

The fixation part <NUM> may be provided to fix the slider <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may be accommodated in the housing <NUM> in a way that the slider <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction. The fixation part <NUM> fixes the slider <NUM> to prevent the slider <NUM> from moving forward.

As the water tank <NUM> moves to the insertion position, the slider <NUM> may be fixed by the fixation part <NUM>. Additionally, as the slider <NUM> is fixed by the fixation part <NUM>, the water tank <NUM> may remain in the insertion position.

A fixation projection <NUM> may be provided at the slider <NUM>. The fixation projection <NUM> may be provided at the rear surface frame <NUM> and protrude to the rear of the slider <NUM>. In the embodiment, the fixation projection <NUM> is shaped into a hook that protrudes rearward from the rear surface frame <NUM>, for example.

As the water tank <NUM> moves to the insertion position, the slider <NUM> connecting to the water tank <NUM> may move rearward together with the water tank <NUM>. At this time, the rear surface frame <NUM> and the fixation projection <NUM> may move to be near the fixation part <NUM>, and the fixation part <NUM> may be coupled to the fixation projection <NUM> and fix the slider <NUM>.

The fixation part <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the hook-shaped fixation projection <NUM>, to selectively fix the positions of the slider <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> coupled to the slider <NUM>.

In an example, the fixation part <NUM> may comprise a locking tool that enables the fixation part <NUM> to be fixed to and released from the fixation projection <NUM>, based on a press manipulation. In the case of a fixation part <NUM>, a press on the front surface of the water tank <NUM> connecting to the fixation projection <NUM> through the slider <NUM> is repeated, such that the fixation projection <NUM> and the locking tool are coupled or decoupled consecutively.

For example, in the case where the user presses the front surface of the water tank <NUM> to insert the fixation projection <NUM> into the fixation part <NUM>, the fixation part <NUM> may be coupled to the fixation projection <NUM> to fix the slider <NUM>. In this state, in the case where the user presses the front surface of the water tank <NUM> again, the fixation part <NUM> and the fixation projection <NUM> may be decoupled, and the slider <NUM> may be released.

The water supply device <NUM> of the embodiment may further comprise a pop-up member <NUM>. The pop-up member <NUM> may provide power of moving the slider <NUM> separated from the fixation part <NUM> forward. To put it another way, the pop-up member <NUM> may provide power of moving the water tank <NUM> to the withdrawal position.

The pop-up member <NUM> may be disposed between the slider <NUM> and the rear surface cover 310c. The pop-up member <NUM> may elastically support the slider <NUM> at the rear side of the slider <NUM>.

In an example, the pop-up member <NUM> may comprise a coil spring disposed between the rear surface frame <NUM> and the rear surface cover 310c. The coil spring provided as a pop-up member <NUM>, may be deformed elastically in the front-rear direction. The end portion of the rear side of the coil spring may be supported by the rear surface cover 310c, and the end portion of the front side of the coil spring may support the rear surface frame <NUM> from rearward.

A guide projection <NUM> may be provided at the slider <NUM>. The fixation projection <NUM> may be provided at the rear surface frame <NUM> and protrude toward the rear of the slider <NUM>. In the embodiment, the fixation projection <NUM> is shaped into a rod protruding rearward from the rear surface frame <NUM>, for example.

A plurality of guide projections <NUM> may be disposed at the slider <NUM> and spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in the lateral direction. In the embodiment, a pair of guide projections <NUM> may be provided at the slider <NUM>, for example.

In an example, the fixation projection <NUM> and the pair of guide projections <NUM> may be arranged at the rear surface frame <NUM> in the lateral direction, and the pair of guide projections <NUM> may be spaced from each other in the lateral direction, with the fixation projection <NUM> therebetween.

Preferably, the fixation projection <NUM> may be disposed at the center of the rear surface frame <NUM> in the lateral direction, and the pair of fixation projections <NUM> may be disposed in a way that the fixation projections are symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction, with respect to the fixation projection <NUM>.

Further, a plurality of pop-up members <NUM> may be disposed between the rear surface frame <NUM> and the rear surface cover 310c. In the embodiment, a pair of pop-up members <NUM> is provided at the water supply device <NUM>, for example.

In an example, the pair of pop-up members <NUM> may be disposed between the rear surface frame <NUM> and the rear surface cover 310c, and each of the pop-up members <NUM> may be coupled respectively to the guide projection <NUM>.

Additionally, each guide projection <NUM> may be fitted and coupled to the pop-up member <NUM>. Accordingly, each guide projection <NUM> may be fitted into the coil spring while passing through the coil spring in the front-rear direction.

The guide projection <NUM> fitted and coupled to the pop-up member <NUM> may support the pop-up member <NUM>, such that the pop-up member <NUM> may be prevented from escaping and being deformed in the lateral direction.

In the embodiment, the fixation projection <NUM> may be disposed at the center of the rear surface frame <NUM> in the lateral direction, the pair of fixation projections <NUM> may be disposed in a way that the fixation projections <NUM> are symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction, with respect to the fixation projection <NUM>, while the pair of pop-up members <NUM> may also be disposed in a way that the pop-up members <NUM> are symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction, with respect to the fixation projection <NUM>.

Accordingly, an elastic force provided by the pop-up member <NUM> is applied to the slider <NUM> in a way that the elastic force is not biased toward to any one of the left side and the right side. For example, a uniform power may be applied to the lateral surface frame <NUM> on the left side of the slider <NUM>, and the lateral surface frame <NUM> on the right of the slider <NUM>.

Further, power provided by the pop-up member <NUM> may be supplied to the water tank <NUM> connecting to the slider <NUM>, in a way that the power is not biased toward any one of the left side and the right side of the water tank <NUM>.

Thus, the slider <NUM> may smoothly move forward without biasing left or right. The water tank <NUM> being moved forward by the slider <NUM> may be drawn smoothly to the front of the cooking appliance in the state where the water tank <NUM> remains aligned in the left-right direction.

Further, the guide projection <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> in a way that the guide projection <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction.

In an example, the guide projection <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surface cover 310c while passing through the rear surface cover 310c in the front-rear direction. The guide projection <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surface cover 310c in a way that the guide projection <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction.

The guide projection <NUM>, coupled to the rear surface cover 310c in a way that the guide projection <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction as described above, may couple the slider <NUM> to the housing <NUM> in a way that the slider <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction. The guide projection <NUM> may support the slider <NUM> to prevent the slider <NUM> from escaping from the housing <NUM> and to allow the slider <NUM> to move reliably in the front-rear direction.

The guide projection <NUM> may be detachably fitted and coupled to the rear surface cover 310c. A plurality of hook members may be disposed in the end portion of the rear side of the guide projection <NUM>. Each of the plurality of hook members may be provided in a way that the plurality of hook members is elastically deformable in the direction of the diameter of each guide projection <NUM>.

The hook members provided in the end portion of the rear side of the guide projection <NUM> may be disposed at the rear side of the rear surface cover 310c, and regulate a forward movement of the guide projection <NUM>. In the case where the hook members are deformed to reduce a gap between the hook members, the slider <NUM> may separate from the rear surface cover 310c while the end portion of the rear side of the guide projection <NUM> escapes from the front side of the rear surface cover 310c.

Since the slider <NUM> is detachably provided at the housing <NUM>, the slider <NUM> may be readily separated and mounted to repair the pop-up member <NUM> or the fixation part <NUM> and to be replaced.

The water supply device <NUM> of the embodiment comprises a speed-reduction inducing member <NUM>. The speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> is disposed at the slider <NUM>. The speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> is provided to interfere with a front-rear movement of the water tank <NUM> connecting to the slider <NUM>, with respect to the slider <NUM>.

In an example, the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> may be disposed at the lateral surface frame <NUM>. The speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> may interfere with a front-rear movement of the water tank <NUM>, relative to the slider <NUM>, while contacting the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM> that is inserted into the slider <NUM>, i.e., the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM> that is disposed to face the lateral surface frame <NUM>.

A pair of speed-reduction inducing members <NUM> are provided at the slider <NUM>. In the embodiment, the pair of speed-reduction inducing members <NUM> may be spaced from each other in the lateral direction, with the water tank <NUM> therebetween. Each of the speed-reduction inducing members <NUM> may be provided at the lateral surface frame <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> comprises a roller, for example. Accordingly, the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> may comprise a roller that is provided to rotate around an up-down axis.

The roller may be disposed at the lateral surface frame <NUM>. Preferably, the roller may be disposed in the end portion of the front side of the lateral surface frame <NUM>, and contact the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM> connecting to the slider <NUM>. The roller may generate a frictional force that interferes with the movement of the water tank <NUM>.

In the embodiment, a roller may be installed such that a fictional force applied between the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> at a time when the water tank <NUM> moves may be greater than a friction force applied between the bottom surface of the water tank <NUM> and the bottom surface part <NUM> of the housing <NUM> at a time when the water tank <NUM> moves.

For example, a greater fictional force may be applied between the roller and the water tank <NUM> than between the bottom surface of the water tank <NUM> and the bottom surface part <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and a greater frictional force may be applied between a rotation axis rotatably supporting the roller and the roller than between the bottom surface of the water tank <NUM> and the bottom surface part <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> comprising the above-described roller may reduce a speed of movement of the water tank <NUM>, while interfering with a front-rear movement of the water tank <NUM>, relative to the slider <NUM>, in the state where the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> contacts the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM> closely.

In the embodiment, in the case where the slider <NUM> separates from the fixation part <NUM>, in the state where the water tank <NUM> is disposed in the insertion position and the slider <NUM> is fixed by the fixation part <NUM>, the slider <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> may be moved forward by an elastic force provided by the pop-up member <NUM>.

At this time, the water tank <NUM> may be filled with water or almost empty. In most cases, the water tank <NUM> is drawn to fill the water tank <NUM> with water. Accordingly, it is highly likely that the water tank <NUM> is empty at a time when the water tank <NUM> moves to the withdrawal position.

A water tank <NUM> that is empty weighs much less than a water tank <NUM> that is filled with water. At a time when the water tank <NUM> that is empty moves to the withdrawal position, based on the operation of the pop-up member <NUM>, the water tank <NUM> that is empty moves faster than the water tank <NUM> that is filled with water.

In the case where the water tank <NUM> moves to the withdrawal position too fast, the water tank <NUM> may escape forward out of the cooking appliance rapidly.

At this time, the user may be surprised by the water tank <NUM> escaping and injured by the water tank <NUM> falling downward, or the water tank <NUM> may be damaged.

To prevent this from happening, the elastic force of the pop-up member <NUM> may be reduced. However, at this time, the water tank <NUM> may hardly be drawn in the case where the water tank <NUM> is filled with water.

Considering the fact, in the embodiment, the speed of movement of the water tank <NUM>, instead of the elastic force of the pop-up member <NUM>, may be adjusted by the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM>.

Accordingly, in the state where the elastic force of the pop-up member <NUM> remains at a sufficiently high level, the speed of movement of the water tank <NUM> may be adjusted properly by the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM>, such that the water tank <NUM> may be drawn effectively.

Further, the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> may guide the insertion of the water tank <NUM>, at a time when the water tank <NUM> completely separating from the slider <NUM> is inserted into the slider <NUM>.

As the lateral surface frame <NUM> contacts the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM> more closely, the water tank <NUM> may move in the state of contacting the slider <NUM> more closely. As the water tank <NUM> contacts the slider <NUM> more closely, a lateral movement of the water tank <NUM> may be suppressed.

In the case where the lateral movement of the water tank <NUM> increases while the water tank <NUM> moves, noise may be made due to a collision between the water tank <NUM> and its surrounding structure, e.g., the slider <NUM>, the housing <NUM> and the like.

Additionally, in the case where the lateral movement of the water tank <NUM> increases while the water tank <NUM> moves, the water tank <NUM> may not be drawn properly, while moving to a position out of the input hole formed at the front panel.

Considering the fact, the lateral surface frame <NUM> may become close to the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM> sufficiently, such that the lateral movement of the water tank <NUM> may be suppressed, in the embodiment.

Thus, the lateral movement of the water tank <NUM> may be suppressed, and the generation of noise may be suppressed caused by a collision between the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM>, the housing <NUM> and the like. Further, the withdrawal path of the water tank <NUM> may be effectively guided into the input hole formed at the front panel, such that the water tank <NUM> is drawn accurately and smoothly.

As a gap between the lateral surface frame <NUM> and the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM> decreases as described above, the water tank <NUM> separated from the slider <NUM> is hardly inserted into the slider <NUM> again.

For example, as a distance between the lateral surface frame <NUM> and the lateral surface of the water tank <NUM> decreases, the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> connect properly, only when a lateral position of the water tank <NUM> is arranged accurately with respect to the slider <NUM>.

If not, the water tank <NUM> may not connect to the slider <NUM> properly, the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> repeat colliding, and the water tank <NUM> or the slider <NUM> may be damaged.

Further, the slider <NUM> inserted into the housing <NUM> is in a position that is hardly seen by the user, making it difficult for the user to find the position of the slider <NUM> and for the water tank <NUM> to be inserted into the slider <NUM> accurately.

However, in the embodiment, as long as the user pushes the water tank <NUM> into the housing <NUM> and the slider <NUM> in the housing, the insertion path of the water tank <NUM> may be guided by the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM>.

In the embodiment, as the water tank <NUM> moves rearward and contacts the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM>, the end portion of the rear side of the water tank <NUM> may slide along the curved surface of the roller. At this time, the end potion of the rear of the water tank <NUM> may move toward a space formed between the pair of speed-reduction inducing members <NUM>, i.e., the inner space of the slider <NUM>, and each roller in contact with the water tank <NUM> may rotate to allow the water tank <NUM> to move smoothly.

Thus, as long as the user pushes the water tank <NUM> into the cooking appliance regardless of the position of the slider <NUM>, the insertion path of the water tank <NUM> may be guided by the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM>, such that the water tank <NUM> is inserted effectively.

Preferably, the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> may be made of an elastically deformable material. The speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> is provided to absorb an impact caused by a collision with the water tank <NUM>, to reduce noise that may be generated while the water tank <NUM> is inserted, and suppressing damage to the water tank <NUM> or the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM>.

The water supply device <NUM> of the embodiment may further comprise an insertion sensing member <NUM>. The insertion sensing member <NUM> may be provided to sense whether the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position.

In an example, the insertion sensing member <NUM> may be provided in a way that the insertion sensing member <NUM> contacts the slider <NUM> and indirectly senses the position of the water tank <NUM>.

The insertion sensing member <NUM> may comprise a touch switch that contacts the slider <NUM>, specifically, the lateral surface frame <NUM>, and sense the position of the slider <NUM>.

At this time, in the case where the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, the insertion sensing member <NUM> may contact the slider <NUM> connecting to the water tank <NUM> and indirectly sense that the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position.

In another example, the insertion sensing member <NUM> may directly contact the water tank <NUM> and sense the position of the water tank <NUM>. In the case where the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, the insertion sensing member <NUM> may contact the end portion at the rear side of the water tank <NUM> and sense that the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position.

In the embodiment, in the case where the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> may connect to each other, making it possible to supply water to the steam generator <NUM>.

As the water tank <NUM> moves toward the withdrawal position and escapes from the insertion position, the water tank nozzle <NUM> is decoupled from the connection pipe <NUM>, and a supply of water to the steam generator <NUM> is cut off.

That is, in the case where the water tank <NUM> is outside the insertion position, water cannot be supplied to the steam generator <NUM>, and in the case where the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, water can be supplied to the steam generator <NUM>. The insertion sensing member <NUM> may sense whether the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, to sense whether water can be supplied to the steam generator <NUM>.

Additionally, the steam generator <NUM>, connecting to the water tank <NUM> based on a connection between the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM>, may operate only when the insertion sensing member <NUM> senses that the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position.

Accordingly, only in the case where the insertion sensing member <NUM> senses that the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, that is, the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> connect to each other, making it possible to supply water to the steam generator <NUM>, the steam heater <NUM> may operate to heat water stored in the water storage <NUM>.

In the case where the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> are disconnected such that water cannot be supplied to the steam generator <NUM>, a supply of power to the steam heater <NUM> may be cut off, to prevent the steam heater <NUM> from operating.

Thus, in the state where water cannot be supplied to the steam generator <NUM> and steam can hardly be generated although the steam heater <NUM> operates, the steam heater <NUM> may be prevented from operating, preventing waste of power and an accident caused by overheating of the steam heater <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing that a slider is fixed in the water supply device of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a view showing that a slider separates from the water supply device of <FIG>.

Hereafter, the operation and effect of the steam supply device of the embodiment are described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, while the steam supply device <NUM> of the embodiment may be installed in the main body <NUM> of the cooking appliance, the steam generator <NUM> may be disposed at the lower side of the cooking compartment <NUM>, and the water supply device <NUM> may be disposed at the upper side of the cooking compartment <NUM>, i.e., installed in the electronic component compartment <NUM>.

The water supply device <NUM> is provided to store and supply water to be supplied to the steam generator <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the water supply device <NUM> is provided in a way that the water tank <NUM> can be drawn from the housing <NUM> that is installed in the main body <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> may be installed in the housing <NUM> in a way that the position of the water tank <NUM> changes to the insertion position and the withdrawal position. In the state where the water tank <NUM> is fixed to the insertion position, the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> connect to each other, making it possible to supply water to the steam generator <NUM>. In the state where the water tank <NUM> is drawn to the withdrawal position, the user can put water into the water tank <NUM> through the input hole exposed out of the cooking appliance.

In the embodiment, the water tank <NUM> that is supplied with and store water to be provided to the steam generator <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> that couples the water tank <NUM> to the housing <NUM> in a movable manner may be provided apart from each other. Additionally, the water supply device <NUM> may be provided in a way that the water supply device <NUM> comprises the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> that connect to each other detachably.

The water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> may have a complex shape and structure in the case where the water tank <NUM> and the slider are formed integrally. However, since the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> are provided individually as described above, the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> may not have a complex structure and shape.

Thus, the manufacturability of the water supply device <NUM> may improve, and costs of manufacturing the water supply device <NUM> may decrease.

Further, since a component highly likely to be damaged structurally such as the slider <NUM> separates from the water supply device <NUM> readily, ease of repairs of the water supply device <NUM> may be ensured, repair costs of the water supply device <NUM> may decrease, and the separation of the water tank <NUM> from the housing <NUM> for a wash or repairs and the like may be performed readily and rapidly.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the case where the user pushes the water tank <NUM> rearward in the state where the water tank <NUM> is drawn to the front of the housing <NUM>, the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> move rearward.

In the case where the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> move up to the insertion position of the water tank <NUM>, the fixation projection <NUM> being provided and protruding at the rear side of the slider <NUM>, and the fixation part <NUM> being installed in the housing <NUM> may be coupled, and the water tank <NUM> may be fixed onto/into the housing <NUM> such that the water tank <NUM> may remain in the insertion position, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In the case where the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position as described above, the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> (see <FIG>) connect to each other, making it possible to supply water to the steam generator <NUM> (see <FIG>). The insertion sensing member <NUM> installed in the hosing <NUM> may sense whether the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position.

In the embodiment, in the case where the insertion sensing member <NUM> senses that the water tank <NUM> is in the insertion position, that is, only in the case where the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> connect to each other, making it possible to supply water to the steam generator <NUM>, the steam heater <NUM> may operate to heat water stored in the water storage <NUM>.

In the case where the water tank nozzle <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> disconnect, making it impossible to supply water to the steam generator <NUM>, a supply of power to the steam heater <NUM> is cut off to prevent the steam heater <NUM> from operating.

Thus, the cooking appliance may block the steam heater <NUM> from operating unnecessarily in the state where water cannot be supplied to the steam generator <NUM> and steam can hardly be generated although the steam heater <NUM> (see <FIG>) operates. The cooking appliance may prevent waste of power and an accident caused by overheating of the steam heater <NUM>.

In the case where the user manipulates the cooking appliance to enable an operation in relation to steam cooking in the state where the water supply device <NUM> connects to the steam generator <NUM>, water flowing from the water supply device <NUM> into the water storage <NUM> is heated by the steam heater <NUM> to generate steam. The generated steam may flow into the cooking compartment <NUM> though the steam pipe <NUM>, and the steam having flown into the cooking compartment <NUM> may be used to cook in the cooking compartment <NUM> while circulating in the cooking compartment <NUM>.

Further, the water tank <NUM> needs to be withdrawn to compensate for a water loss, wash itself or clean and repair the water supply device <NUM> and the like. In the embodiment, the water tank <NUM> is withdrawn based on a press of the front surface of the water tank <NUM>, for example.

For example, in the case where the user presses the front surface of the water tank <NUM> in the state where the fixation projection <NUM> is coupled to the fixation part <NUM>, the fixation projection <NUM> and the fixation part <NUM> may be decoupled as illustrated in <FIG>.

As the fixation projection <NUM> and the fixation part <NUM> are decoupled as described above, the elastic force of the pop-up member <NUM> pressed acts as power of moving the slider <NUM> forward.

Accordingly, the slider <NUM> moves forward, and the water tank <NUM> connecting to the slider <NUM> moves forward toward the withdrawal position, together with the slider <NUM>.

As the slider <NUM> moving forward stops, power of moving the water tank <NUM> forward stops acting, and the water tank <NUM> is affected only by the speed-reduction inducing member <NUM>.

The speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> provides resistance against the forward movement of the water tank <NUM>, thereby reducing a speed of forward movement of the water tank <NUM>. The speed-reduction inducing member <NUM> may control movement of the water tank <NUM> to prevent the water tank <NUM> from escaping rapidly from the front of the cooking appliance, as well as controlling movement of the water tank <NUM> to draw the water tank <NUM> smoothly.

In the water supply device <NUM> of the embodiment, and the steam supply device <NUM> and the cooking appliance with the water supply device <NUM>, one water supply device <NUM> may provide a variety of functions comprising a function of fixing the water tank <NUM> to the inside of the main body <NUM> or drawing the water tank <NUM> from the main body <NUM> simply based on a press, a function of controlling the operation of the steam supply device <NUM> depending on the position of the water tank <NUM>, a function of providing a smooth touch to allow the water tank <NUM> to be drawn smoothly and the like.

The cooking appliance of the embodiment with the water supply device <NUM> may provide improved user convenience to the user.

In the water supply device <NUM> of the embodiment, the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> may be provided as an individual component in a way that the water tank <NUM> and the slider <NUM> connect in a separable manner, and the water tank <NUM> may be installed in the housing <NUM> through the slider <NUM> in a movable manner.

The water supply device <NUM> may ensure a decrease in the manufacturing costs of the water supply device <NUM> and improvement in the manufacturability of the water supply device <NUM>, ensure ease of repairs of the water supply device <NUM> and a decrease in the repair costs of the water supply device <NUM>, and ensure ease of the separation of the water tank <NUM> for a wash or repairs and the like.

Claim 1:
A water supply device, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having a front surface that is open;
a slider (<NUM>) being accommodated in the housing (<NUM>) in a way that the slider (<NUM>) is movable in a front-rear direction;
a water tank (<NUM>) being installed in the housing (<NUM>) in a way that the water tank (<NUM>) comes in and out of the housing in the front-rear direction, and connecting to the slider (<NUM>) that moves forward to move forward together with the slider (<NUM>);
a fixation part (<NUM>) fixing the slider (<NUM>) to prevent the slider (<NUM>) from moving forward, and
wherein the water tank (<NUM>) is provided apart from the slider (<NUM>) in a way that the water tank (<NUM>) is movable in the front-rear direction, relative to the slider (<NUM>),
at least a portion of the water tank (<NUM>) is inserted into the slider (<NUM>), such that the water tank (<NUM>) connects to the slider (<NUM>), characterized by a speed-reduction inducing member (<NUM>) interfering with a front-rear movement of the water tank (<NUM>) that connects to the slider (<NUM>), relative to the slider (<NUM>), the speed-reduction inducing member (<NUM>) is disposed at the slider (<NUM>), closely contacts the water tank (<NUM>) being inserted into the slider (<NUM>), and generates a frictional force interfering with movement of the water tank (<NUM>), relative to the slider (<NUM>), and
the speed-reduction inducing member (<NUM>) comprises a pair of rollers that is spaced from each other in a lateral direction with the water tank (<NUM>) therebetween,
wherein each roller is disposed at the slider (<NUM>) in a rotatable manner, around an up-down axis, and closely contacts a lateral surface of the water tank (<NUM>) connecting to the slider (<NUM>).