Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a water supply device for the water supply of an ice cube maker and/or water dispenser of a refrigerator and/or freezer, comprising a water tank, which includes a filling hole for manually filling the water tank and an outlet connection for connecting the water tank to a supply conduit of the ice cube maker and/or water dispenser. The invention furthermore relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with such a water supply device. The invention is based on the idea to combine the advantages of a fixed water connection with the advantages of a manually fillable water tank. In accordance with the invention, it is proposed to use a manually fillable water tank on which a fixed water connection is provided for connection of the water tank to a stationary water conduit. The water supply device thereby can selectively be operated manually, in particular when no fixed water connection is provided, or automatically, when such fixed water connection is provided. In this way, the comfort of a fixed water connection is incorporated, but the presence of a stationary water conduit is no condition for mounting or operating the refrigerator with water supply point. In automatic operation, the combination of the manually fillable water tank with the fixed water connection also provides advantages over pure solutions with fixed water connection. Thus, a simple cleaning of the system can be achieved by adding a cleaning agent through the filling hole of the water tank. Other additives also can easily be added to the water to be dispensed. Moreover, when switching over to automatic operation, the first tank fill-up, in particular the water present in the supply conduit for an extended period, can be disposed of in a fast and uncomplicated way by draining the tank.

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First Claim