AU2006203256B2

AU2006203256B2 - Water-saving washing machine, washing method and controlling device thereof

Info

Publication number: AU2006203256B2
Application number: AU2006203256A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Chunhua Cao; Dezhi Jiang; Peishi Lv; Chongzheng Li; Liping Li; Yaobin Liu; Kaiming Wang; Xiaowei Wang; Sheng Xu
Original assignee: Haier Group Corp; Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd
Current assignee: Haier Group Corp; Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-29
Filing date: 2006-07-31
Publication date: 2010-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-31
Also published as: AU2006203256A1

Description

1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 HAIER GROUP CORPORATION, QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Water-saving washing machine, washing method and controlling device thereof The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns a water-saving washing machine and washing method, designed to include fully automatic washing machine and washing-only 5 machines. The invention also concerns a control device of the water-saving washing machine employing the said washing method. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 10 Washing machines are domestic appliances consuming a large amount of water. In the increasingly water-resources-depriving world, water-saving has become significantly important with many countries' paying great attentions to the study of water-saving technology of washing machines. The studies of water-saving technology are mainly in three areas: 1. designing water-saving structure for washing machine; 15 2.optimizing the washing program and method; 3. recovering the washing water. US5,606,878 disclosed a clothes washing machine which comprises: a washing tub with an outlet; a drum which is rotatable within the washing tub and adapted for containing articles to be washed; recirculation means for recovery and recirculation of liquids from the tub, said recirculation means comprising a tank for holding liquids 20 recovered from the tub, and a conduit for delivering liquid from the tank to a nozzle associated with a hydraulic distributor for distributing liquid to containers of substances used in a washing operation, said tank being internal to said clothes washing machine and part of a structure of the clothes washing machine; a transfer conduit connecting the outlet of said tub to an internal volume of said tank, wherein said transfer conduit feeds 25 into said tank from an upper side of the tank; and pumping means including a transfer pump for pumping liquid through the transfer conduit from the outlet of the tub to the tank. The usual methods adopted for enhancement of the better performance of a washing machine are waterfall flow, washing procedure combined by rinsing and 30 spinning extraction, elevation of rotating speed for spin, elevation of washing revolution, multiple water-level configuration, changeable water-level washing and rinsing et al. Currently, water-recovery technology is storing the last rinsing water of the washing machine for the reuse during next washing cycle. A tri-tank washing machine manufactured by Sanyo Corporation of Japan is applying such method. One tank is 35 specifically for water storage. After the last rinsing operation, the rinsing water is evacuated by a drainage pump to the water-storage tank on standby. At the time of the 2 next cycle, the water in the water-storage tank is extracted to the washing tank. But this method would bulk up the overall size of the washing machine. In this connection, this would not be the best designing scheme. US5,899,097 disclosed a water-saving device for washing machine and washing machine equipped with such a device. With a view to 5 saving water consumed in a washing machine, the water used during the last two rinsing operations is recovered in a recovery tank so that it may be used during the next washing cycle for the purpose of carrying out the pre-wash and washing operations and the first rinsing operation. The recovery tank is placed at a level which is higher than that of the washing unit. 10 The above mentioned structure and method are effective in bringing about an appreciable water saving effect, but share the drawback that the structure is complicated, and the tank is only used as reservoir. As a consequence, the water saving-washing machine takes more space and the manufacture cost is improved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 15 With a view of the above-mentioned disadvantages, it is an object of the present invention to provide a timesaving, water-saving, less space-occupying washing machine which is convenient for reuse of the recovered water with easy choice of washing methods. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a control device of the 20 water-saving washing machine for discharge, recovery and recirculation of water from the tub. It is yet another object of present invention to provide a method for controlling the water-saving operation of the water-saving washing machine by only to press the control keys. 25 According to the present invention, there is provided a water-saving washing machine with housing, water supply console designed on the upper part of the housing, fully automatic washing machine and washing-only machine arranged adjoining inside the housing a first water circuit constituted by pipe, valve and pump for connecting the fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine and transmitting the 30 water in the fully automatic washing machine into a washing-only machine, and a computer control panel disposed on the surface of washing machine. The water discharged conduits with drain valves are provided at the bottom of the fully automatic washing machine and washing-only machine separately; the first drain valve in the discharged conduit connecting with the fully automatic washing machine is a three-way 35 solenoid valve. One outlet of the first drain valve is connected with the inlet of the first drain pump through a water conduit; the other outlet is connected to the water drain hose 3 connecting with the outlet of the second drain valve located under the washing-only machine. The conduit connected with the outlet of the first drain pump is connected to a pipe extended upstream to the washing-only machine and connected to a reused water inlet for water fill of the washing-only machine through drainage conduit. 5 The water-saving washing machine further comprises a water circuit for recovery the water from the tub of washing-only machine to the tub of the fully automatic washing machine. The water circuit comprises a second drain valve connected with the bottom of the washing-only machine through a second water discharged conduit, one outlet of the second drain valve connected to the water drain hose and the other outlet connected to a 10 second drain pump of the washing-only machine, and the output of the drain pump is connected to a pipe extended upstream to the washing-only machine for transferring and storing water discharged from the washing tub of washing-only machine into the fully automatic washing machine for reuse. The fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine has water 15 supply pipes respectively, which are connected to the two water outlets of the three-way solenoid valve, the inlet of the three-way solenoid valve is connected to the general water inlet which is communicated to the water tap. The general water inlet is located on the water supply console. The reused water inlet is set at the upper part of the side wall of washing tub of washing-only machine. 20 A first washer lid and a second washer lid are provided on the top of the fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine separately. The computer control panel is arranged at the outer side of the fully automatic washing machine or the washing-only machine, and perpendicular to the water supply console. A first water level sensor for detecting the water level of water supplied into the 25 tub of fully automatic washing machine, and a second water level sensor for detecting the water level of water supplied into the tub of washing-only machine are provided separately inside the water supply console. A first air chamber is provided on the outer wall of the outer tab of the fully automatic washing machine, and a second air chamber is provided above the drain valve connected to the outlet at the bottom of the washing-only 30 machine. The first water level sensor is connected to the first air chamber through a first connector and the second level sensor is connected to the second air chamber through a second connector. Though the water-saving washing machine of the present invention comprises two washing machines, the outlet of the drain hose of the fully automatic washing 35 machine and that of the drain hose of the washing-only machine are converged into a general drainage pipe likewise for the sake of beauty, space saving and using 4 convenience. A general drain pump is provided in the general drain hose for upward drainage. The inlets for supplying reused water into the tub of any washing machine are located at the top of the tub just like the water supply means for introducing the tap water 5 disclosed in the prior art, and also such inlet may connected with water supply pipe so that the reused water and the tap water may be supplied into the tub through each intake of water supply pipe. A board is mounted inside the housing of water saving machine to form two containers for admitting and holding at least the tub of fully automatic washing machine, 10 while the other container itself may be the tub of washing only machine as disclosed in CN99121835.3, alternatively, a washing tub may be installed in the container. The washing machine is further provided with all other means which are required to ensure a correct operation thereof, but which are not specifically described here, since they are known in the art. 15 The control device for the water-saving washing machine of the present invention comprises a computer control panel fitted on the top surface of either the outside of the fully automatic washing machine or that of the washing-only machine for controlling the operation of each of the washing machine. The computer control panel is connected to the MCU through cables. When the washing or rinsing operation is completed, the first 20 drain valve and first drain pump located at the bottom of the fully automatic washing machine are driven by driven means according to the setting program in the MCU of fully automatic washing machine to discharge water from the fully automatic washing machine and transfer it into the washing-only machine for reuse. The control device for the water-saving washing machine of the present invention 25 further comprises the second drain valve and drain pump located at the bottom of the washing-only machine are driven by driven means according to the setting program in the MCU of washing-only machine to discharge water from the washing-only machine and transfer it into the fully automatic washing machine for reuse when the washing operation in the washing-only machine is finished. 30 The functional and control keys for the fully automatic washing machine, such as "FUNCTION", " WATER LEVEL", "COURSE" and "START/HOLD", and the functional and control keys for the washing-only machine such as "WASHING TIMER", "WATER LEVEL SELECTOR", "SIMUL WASHING" and "START/HOLD" are arranged on the control panel. A general water inlet is provided on 35 the water supply console, and a cover switch, stop switch, a first level sensor, a second water level sensor and three-way solenoid valve for water supply are sequentially 5 arranged inside the water supply console. The three-way solenoid valve for supplying water into the washing machine is controlled by the driven circuit according to the setting program and the control keys on the control panel. The first water level sensor is connected to the first air chamber through a first connector, while the second level sensor 5 is connected to the second air chamber through a second connector. The first water level sensor and the second level sensor are connected with the MCU, which controls the operation of three-way solenoid valve for water supply and the first drain pump under the fully automatic washing machine according to the detected information of water level and setting program. 10 In the other embodiment of the present invention, The functional and control keys for the fully automatic washing machine which comprise "FUNCTION", " WATER LEVEL", "COURSE", "WATER-SAVING SELECTOR" and "START/HOLD", and the functional and control keys for the washing-only machine which comprise "WASHING TIMER", "WATER LEVEL SELECTOR", "WATER SUPPLY/DRAIN", 15 "START/HOLD" and "WATER STORAGE FOR OTHER USE" etc are sequentially arranged on the control panel. In this embodiment, the other control devices is the same as that of described above except that MCU controls the operation of three-way solenoid valve for water supply, the first drain pump under the fully automatic washing machine, and the second drain pump under the washing-only machine according to the detected 20 information of water level and setting program. The drive circuit for the washing-only machine is a switch drive circuit. The emitter and collector of the switch triode NI are connected in series with the drive coil of the relay Ki for controlling the operation of the drain pump, and then connected to the power supply CN 1. The two ends of the drives coil are connected with the flywheel diode 25 DI in parallel, and the contact of the relay Ki is connected to the power supply and the motor of the drain pump. One end of connection point (A) for the base-biased circuit constituted by connecting a first resistance RI with a second resistance R2 in series is connected to the MCU, and the other end is grounded. Alternatively, the drive circuit for the washing-only machine is a switch drive 30 circuit. The emitter and collector of the switch triode (NI) are connected in series with the drive coil of the relay (KI) for controlling the drain pump, and then connected to the power supply (CN 1). The two ends of drive coil are connected to the flywheel diode (D1) in parallel, with the contact of the relay (Ki) connected to the power supply and the motor of drain pump. The base of the switch triode (NI) is connected to the MCU 35 through the amplifying circuit constituted by the transistor (P1). 6 Further, the drive circuit for the washing-only machine is a switch drive circuit. The emitter and collector of the switch triode (N 1) are connected in series to the motor (Ml) of drain pump and then connected to the power supply (CN1). The two ends of motor (M1) are connected in parallel with the flywheel diode D1, and one end point (A) 5 of base-biased circuit constituted by t connecting a first resistance RI with a second resistance R2 in series, and the other end is grounded. Further more, the drive circuit for the washing-only machine is a switch drive circuit. The emitter and collector of the switch triode (NI) are connected in series to the motor (M1) of drain pump and then connected to the power supply (CN 1), and the base 10 of the switch triode (NI) is connected to the MCU through the amplifying circuit constituted by the transistor (P1). The two ends of motor (Ml) are connected in parallel with the flywheel diode D1. The washing method for the water-saving washing machine equipped with a fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine in a housing, in which a 15 water circuit for discharge water from the fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine is provided comprises the steps of five successive cycle of a water supply operation, washing operation, rinsing operation, water drainage operation and spinning operation. A program of performing the water-saving washing operation in the tub of the washing-only machine successively or simultaneously with the fully automatic 20 washing machine is provided together with the key of SimulWash on the control panel of the washing-only machine; and a water-saving program is fixed in the control system of water-saving machine. During the operation of SimulWash process, water from the fully automatic washing machine is discharged automatically into the tub of the washing-only machine for washing the clothes. 25 When SimulWash is chosen, the washing method for the water-saving washing machine comprises the steps of: (1) choosing the SimulWash program (30') and the water-saving washing machine working under water-saving mode; (2) starting the water supply program (31') for water fill; 30 (3) turning on the water inlet solenoid valve and the tap water being introduced into the fully automatic washing machine (35'); (4) initiating the washing or rinsing course for the fully automatic washing machine when the water supply program is completed (36'); (5) executing draining program after the washing or rinsing course of the fully 35 automatic washing machine (37'); 7 (6) transferring the water into the tub of the washing-only machine (38') arranged at the side of the fully automatic washing machine by drain valve being on; and then, performing the programs of 39',310'simultaneously; (7) entering washing course for the washing-only machine (39'), and the program 5 of 312' being carried out after washing course; (8) spinning for the fully automatic washing machine 310'; (9) completing one cycle of the fully automatic washing machine after the dehydration 311', (10) draining the water in the washing-only machine out off the washing-only 10 machine (312' by drain valve and pump. The washing method for the water-saving washing machine equipped with a fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine in a housing, in which a interchangeable water circuit for discharge water from the fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine and for counterturn is provided comprises the 15 steps of five successive cycle of a water supply operation, washing operation, rinsing operation, water drainage operation and spinning operation. A program of performing water-saving washing operation together with the control keys is provided in the control means of water-saving washing machine, water can be discharged from the fully automatic washing machine or washing-only machine and introduced into the 20 washing-only machine or fully automatic washing machine for reuse, storage, or discharge to a specific container through a general drain pump. The fully automatic washing machine and washing-only machine operate successively. The water-saving washing method comprises: when the program of "WATER-SAVING SELECTOR" is chosen, user may chose to introduce storage water 25 in the washing only machine or the tap water into the fully automatic washing machine, to discharge and transfer washing water, I" and 2"d rising water into the washing-only machine respectively. In detail, the water-saving washing method comprises the step of: (1) choosing the fully automatic washing machine for washing the laundry and 30 preparing the water-saving washing procedure (30; (2) starting the water supply program (31) (3) starting the washing and/or rinsing operation (36); (4) starting to drain the water followed washing and/or rinsing (37); (5) determining whether to select the water storage procedure (38): if yes, perform 35 program (39); if no, jump to program (312); 8 (6) transferring the water from fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine by turning on the first drain valve and pump (39); (7) discharging the water out of the washing machine by turning on the general drainage valve (312); 5 (8) initiating spin (310) after completing drain; (9) completing one cycle after spinning dry (311). Furthermore, the control method among step (2) and (3) of describe in the above method further comprises the step of: (1) determining whether the program of storage water supply is chosen (32), and 10 continuing (33) if the program of storage water supply (32) being selected, otherwise turning to program (35); (2) transferring the water from the washing-only machine into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the second drain pump of the washing-only machine (33); 15 (3) determining whether the water in the fully automatic washing machine reaches the predetermined water level (34); and continuing program (35) if the water level in the fully automatic washing machine is insufficient, otherwise executing program (36); (4) supplying the tap water into the fully automatic washing machine by turning 20 on the water supply valve (35); (5) starting the washing and/or rinsing operation (36); The method for supplying water to the fully automatic washing machine through the drain pump under wash-only machine in program (33) comprises the steps of: (1) preparing for supplying the water (331); 25 (2) detecting whether the water has reached the predetermined level (332): if yes, perform step 3 of program (333); if no, jump to step 4 of program (334); (3) exiting the water supply program (333); (4) determining whether the program of storage water supply is chosen (334); and continuing step 3 of program (336) if storage water supply is selected, or else turning to 30 step (5) of program (335); (5) introducing the tap water directly to predetermined water level by turning on the solenoid valve (335), then jump to program (332); (6) transferring the water from the washing-only machine into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the second drain pump (336); 35 (7) determining whether the water level changes after supplying water for more than 1 minute (337): if no, return to procedure (332); if yes, perform procedure (338); 9 (8) detecting whether the predetermined water level has been reached after the storage water is pumped off (338): if yes, perform program (339); if no, perform program (340); (9) stopping water supply, and starting cycle (339); 5 (10) supplying the tap water to the predetermined water level (340). The water-saving washing method for the washing-only machine comprises the steps of: (1) preparing the washing-only machine for washing the laundry (40); (2) selecting water supply program (41); 10 (3) determining whether the water-saving procedure is chosen (42): if yes, performing step (4) of program (43); if no, performing step (7) of program (46); (4) waiting for the drainage of the fully automatic washing machine (43); (5) transferring the water from the fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine by turning on the first drain pump of the fully automatic washing 15 machine (44); (6) determining whether the water in the washing-only machine reaches the predetermined water level when the water in the fully automatic washing machine is drained off (45): if yes, performing the step (7) of program (46); if no, performing step (8) of program (47); 20 (7) starting washing operation (46); (8) supplying the tap water (47) to the predetermined water level for washing operation by turning on the solenoid valve; (9) selecting the procedure of drainage after the washing operation is finished (48); 25 (10) completing one cycle (49). The washing water, 1st and 2nd rising water in the fully automatic washing machine may also be introduced into the washing-only machine by pressing the control key of "WATER SUPPLY/DRAIN" in the control device of the washing-only machine without choosing the control key of "WATER-SAVING SELECTOR" in the fully 30 automatic washing machine. The procedure of drainage (48) in above mentioned step for the washing-only machine further comprises the steps of: (1) preparing for water drain program (481); (2) determining whether the procedure of storage water supply and water-saving 35 program is chosen (482): if yes, performing program (483); if no, performing program (484); 10 (3) discharging water into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the second drain pump (483) of washing-only machine, or into another container outside the washing machine; (4) discharging water outside the washing machine (484) by turning on the second 5 drain valve, and then to step (5) of program (485); (5) detecting whether the water has been drained off (485): if yes, continuing with program (486); if no, returning to program (482); (6) exiting the procedure of water drain (486) 10 The advantages of the present invention are as follows: 1. It associated a fully automatic washing machine with another washing-only machine through simple pipe connections, so that the water consumed by these two machines during use can be stored and recycled. It provides at least one water-saving solution for users' choice. 15 2. With the combination of the two washing machines together, the user can choose either of them to wash the laundry as needed. If there are a lot of or a big volume of clothes to be washed, the full automatic washing machine is chosen by the user to perform washing process, while the washing water is transferred into and stored in the washing-only machine; otherwise, the washing process is performed in the washing-only 20 machine, and spinning is carried out by the fully automatic washing machine. 3. By providing a pump at the output of the evacuation pipe of the full automatic washing machine and washing-only machine, the washing water can be drained and reused between the fully automatic washing machine and washing-only machine. That is, when the fully automatic washing machine is used to wash clothes firstly, the washing 25 water or rinsing water can be evacuated from the tube of fully automatic washing machine and introduced into the tube of washing-only machine according to the predetermined program so that the recovered water is stored in the tube of washing-only machine for the next washing or rinsing operation or for other uses. When the washing-only machine is used to wash clothes firstly, the washing water or rinsing water 30 can be evacuated from the tube of washing-only machine and transferred into the tube of fully automatic washing machine according to the predetermined program so that the recovered water is stored in the tube of washing-only machine for the next washing or rinsing operation, or for other uses. Since the washing-only machine has no function of dehydration, the fully automatic washing machine can be further used for dehydration for 35 the clothes washed by the washing-only machine.

II

In addition, when the water-saving procedure for the fully automatic washing machine is chosen, the user may either select to store the first rinsing water, secondary rinsing water, and washing water separately or simultaneously, or to supply the storage water. When the "WATER SUPPLY/DRAIN" procedure for the washing-only machine 5 is chosen, the user may either select to introduce the first rinsing water, secondary rinsing water, and washing water separately or at one time, or to drain water. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I a is a schematic structural view of a water-saving washing machine of the 10 present invention; FIG. lb is a schematic structural view of a water-saving washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1c is a schematic structural view of a water supply console with the cover being removed for the water-saving washing machine of the present invention; 15 FIG. Id is a schematic view of the control panel of a water-saving washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. le is a schematic structural view of a water-saving washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. If is a schematic view of the control panel of a water-saving washing 20 machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining a washing process without choosing the water-saving program the present invention; FIG. 3a is a flow chart of control procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 25 FIG. 3b is a flow chart of control procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow chart of control procedure when the washing operation is performed by washing-only machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 30 FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating the electrical construction according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating the electrical construction according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a specific implementation diagram illustrating the electrical construction 35 of the driven circuit for pump according to the present invention; 12 FIG. 7 is the other specific implementation diagram illustrating the electrical construction of the driven circuit for pump according to the present invention; FIG. 8 is the another specific implementation diagram illustrating the electrical construction of the driven circuit for pump according to the present invention; 5 FIG. 9 is the fourth specific implementation diagram illustrating the electrical construction of the driven circuit for pump according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a control flow chart of water supply when the water -saving procedure is chosen according to a the present invention; FIG. 11 is a control flow chart of water drain when the water -saving procedure is 10 chosen according to the present invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention shall be described in details by the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The general term "storage water", "recovered water", 15 "reused water" or " water" will be used in the following description to mean washing water, rinsing water or the mixer thereof. The Embodiment 1 The construction of the water-saving washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1 a, 1 b, and I c. The water saving washing machine 20 of the present invention comprises housing 1, water supply console 2 designed on the upper part of the housing, fully automatic washing machine 3 and washing-only machine 4 arranged adjoining inside the housing 1, computer control panel 13, wherein the fully automatic washing machine 3 is connected with the washing-only machine 4 through a water circuit for recovery the water from the tub which comprises a filter 6, a 25 first drain valve 7, a first drain pump 8 sequentially provided at the bottom of the fully automatic washing machine 3. The inlet of filter 6 is connected to the bottom of the fully automatic washing machine 3 through a first water discharged conduit 119 and the outlet of which connected to the input end of the drain valve 7, the outlet of drain valve 7 is connected to the inlet of a drain pump 8 through a second discharged conduit 120, the 30 outlet of the drain pump 8 is connected to a reused water inlet 122 of the washing-only machine 4 through drainage conduit 121. The fully automatic washing machine 3 and the washing-only machine 4 has a water supply pipe 15 and 112 respectively, which are connected to two water outlets of the three-way solenoid valve 9, the inlet of the three-way solenoid valve 9 is connected to 35 general water inlet 123 which is communicated to the water tap. 13 Though it is showed in the drawing that the reused water inlet 122 is set at the side wall of washing tub, it is preferred that the reused water inlet 122 and the connecting pipe is located above the washing tub, just like the water supply means (15 and 112) disclosed in the prior art, and also the connecting pipe of the reused water inlet 122 may connected 5 with water supply pipe 112 so that a general water intake is taken. Furthermore, the fully automatic washing machine 3 has a first washer lid (a first door) 14, and the washing-only machine 4 has a second washer lid (a second door) 110. The computer control panel 13 is arranged at the outer side of the fully automatic washing machine 3 or the washing-only machine 4, and perpendicular to the water 10 supply console 2. In other words, the computer control panel 13 is perpendicular to the water supply console 2, and may be arranged at either the outer side of the fully automatic washing machine 3 or the outer side of the washing-only machine 4. The functional and control keys, display light and the like for the fully automatic washing machine are designed on the computer control panel 13, as is the same as that of the fully 15 automatic washing machine disclosed in the prior art, and therefore will not be described in detailed herein. The specific circuit structure for the computer control panel 13 will be described in detail in the part of control system in the present application. A first water level sensor 16 for detecting the water level of water supplied into the tub of fully automatic washing machine, and a second water level sensor 114 for 20 detecting the water level of water supplied into the tub of washing-only machine are provided separately inside the water supply console 2. A first air chamber 17 is provided on the outer wall of the outer tab of the fully automatic washing machine 3, and a second air chamber 113 is provided above the drain valve connected to the outlet at the bottom of the washing-only machine 4. The first water level sensor 16 is connected to the first air 25 chamber 17 through a first connector and the second level sensor 114 is connected to the second air chamber 113 through a second connector. A second drain valve 115 is connected with the bottom of the washing-only machine 4 by a discharged pipe 118, and the outlet of the drain valve 115 is connected to the water drain hose 117. 30 Although the water-saving washing machine of the present invention comprises two washing machines, only one general outlet 10 is provided for the sake of aesthetics, space saving and convenience of use. The outlet of the water drain hose 19 of the fully automatic washing machine and that of the water drain hose 117 of the washing-only machine are converged into a general drain hose 10. A general drain pump 130 is 35 provided along the general drain hose 10 for upward drainage. The Embodiment 2 14 Referring to Figs. I a, Ic, and 1 e, the water-saving washing machine in the second embodiment further comprises a water transport loop for transferring and recycling the water discharged from the washing tub of washing-only machine into the fully automatic washing machine based on the first embodiment. 5 A second drain valve 115 connected with the bottom of the washing-only machine 4 through an discharged pipe 118 is a two-position three-way valve, with one outlet connected to the water drain hose 117 and the other outlet connected to a second drain pump 11 of the washing-only machine, wherein the output of the drain pump 11 is connected to the reused water supply inlet 124 of the fully automatic washing machine. 10 The water discharged from the washing tub of washing-only machine can be transferred into and stored in the tub of the fully automatic washing machine for reuse, or for washing and/or rinsing in the fully automatic washing machine. The outlet of the drain hose 19 of the fully automatic washing machine and that of the drain hose 117 of the washing-only machine are converged into a general drainage 15 pipe 10 likewise. The control device for the water-saving washing machine of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to Fig. Ic, Id I f and Fig 5-9, wherein Fig. I d is a diagram of the control panel according to the first embodiment, and Fig 5a is diagram of the control circuit for the water-saving part in the first embodiment. The control 20 device comprises: a computer control panel 13 located at the outer side of the fully automatic washing machine 3 or the washing-only machine 4, which is connected to the MCU with cables (as shown in Fig. I d and Fig.5), wherein the MCU is of the commonly used model for the fully automatic washing machine in the prior art, for example, MCS-48 series chip produced by Intel such as Models 8048, 8035, 8748, 8039, 8049, 25 8020 etc. The functional and control keys for the fully automatic washing machine, such as "FUNCTION", " WATER LEVEL", "COURSE" and "START/HOLD", and the functional and control keys for the washing-only machine such as "WASHING TIMER", "WATER LEVEL SELECTOR", "SIMUL WASHING" and "START/HOLD" are sequentially arranged on the control panel 13 as shown in Fig. 1 d. 30 Among which, the functional or control keys as "FUNCTION", " WATER LEVEL(SELECTOR)", "COURSE", "START/HOLD" and the "WASHING TIMES" are common used keys for washing machine disclosed in the prior art, and therefore will not be described herein. The control system of the present invention is different from that of the prior art in that the "SIMUL WASHING" program is provided in the water-saving 35 control system of the washing-only machine, which controls the first drain valve 7 and first drain pump 8 at the bottom of the fully automatic washing machine 3 to discharge 15 water from the fully automatic washing machine and transfer into the washing-only machine 4 for reuse. The valve 7 and pump 8 are connected to the MCU via a drive circuit. A cover switch 52, stop switch 51, a first level sensor 16, a second water level 5 sensor 114 and three-way solenoid valve 9 are sequentially arranged inside the water supply console 2 as shown in Fig. Ic, in which the three-way solenoid valve 9 is an integral valve which supplies water to the fully automatic washing machine and washing-only machine respectively. The first water level sensor 16 is connected to the first air chamber 17 through a first connector, while the second level sensor 114 is 10 connected to the second air chamber 113 through a second connector, and the connectors are plastic pipes. Fig. If is a diagram of the control panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention, while Fig. 5b is a diagram of control circuit for the control system of water-saving mode. The functional and control keys for the fully automatic washing 15 machine which comprise "FUNCTION", " WATER LEVEL", "COURSE", "WATER-SAVING SELECTOR" and "START/HOLD", and the functional and control keys for the washing-only machine which comprise "WASHING TIMER", "WATER LEVEL SELECTOR", "WATER SUPPLY/DRAIN", "START/HOLD" and "WATER STORAGE FOR OTHER USE" etc are sequentially arranged on the control panel 13 as 20 shown in Fig. If. The functional of control keys such as "FUNCTION", " WATER LEVEL (SELECTOR)", "COURSE", "WASHING TIMER", "WATER SUPPLY/DRAIN" and "START/HOLD" are the common used functional or control keys for the washing machine disclosed in the prior art, and therefore will not be described herein. A "WATER-SAVING SELECTOR" is provided in the control system 25 of the present invention comparing with the control system of washing machine in the prior art to discharge the water from the tub of fully automatic washing machine into the tub of washing-only machine for reuse by the operation of first drain valve 7 and first drain pump 8 at the bottom of the fully automatic washing machine 3, hereinto the word "water" may represent washing water and/or rinsing water. The first drain valve 7 and 30 first drain pump 8 are connected to the controller of MCU via a drive circuit. The water-saving washing machine of the present invention further comprises a functional key of ""WATER STORAGE FOR OTHER USE"", and the "WATER-SAVING SELECTOR" for the fully automatic washing machine which comprises the functional keys of "STORAGE WATER SUPPLY", "SAVING WASHING WATER", "SAVING 35 Is RINSING WATER" and "SAVING 2nd RINSING WATER". The water from the washing-only machine may be introduced into the fully automatic washing machine by 16 the second drain pump 11 for washing clothes in the fully automatic washing machine, or the water from the washing-only machine or the fully automatic washing machine may be discharged into a specific container through the drain pump. Fig.6 is the implementation diagram of the drive circuit for connecting the MCU 5 and the first drain valve 7 or the first drain pump 8 or the second drain pump 11. In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive circuit for the washing-only machine is a switch drive circuit, which comprises a power supply input CNI for supplying power to the second drain pump II of the washing-only machine and the drive circuit, a relay K I for controlling the operation of the second drain pump II of the washing-only machine, a 10 flywheel diode Dl for reducing the interference to the circuit when the second drain pump 11 of washing-only machine stops operation, at least a triode NI for driving the relay, a first resistance RI, a second resistance R2, and a connection point A for connecting to the MCU. The emitter and collector of the switch triode NI are connected in series with the drive coil of the relay Ki for controlling the operation of the second 15 drain pump 11, and then connected to the power supply CNi. The two ends of the drives coil are connected with the flywheel diode Dl in parallel, and the contact of the relay KI is connected to the power supply and the motor of second drain pump 11. The base of the switch triode NI is connected to the MCU through the amplifying circuit constituted by the transistor P1. CN 1 is a power supply input of 12V DC for supplying the electric 20 energy to DC pump Ml with a 12V current, and KI is the relay for controlling the MI. When a high level is applied to the end of A by MCU, NI is ON, KI is off, and M1 is activated. When a low level applied at the end of A by MCU, NI is OFF, KI is on and MI is deactivated. The drive circuit is the switch drive circuit. Furthermore, any other circuits that may carry out the drive circuit of the drain pump for 25 the washing-only machine can be used. Fig.7 shows a two-stage amplifying drive circuit, with the first-amplifying of the circuit is conducted by tube PI of NPN, and the second-amplifying is conducted by drive relay of tube P2 of PNP. The emitter and collector of the switch triode (NI) are connected in series with the drive coil of the relay (KI) for controlling the drain pump, 30 and then connected to the power supply (CN I). The two ends of drive coil are connected to the flywheel diode (DI) in parallel, with the contact of the relay (KI) connected to the power supply and the motor of drain pump. The base of the switch triode (NI) is connected to the MCU through the amplifying circuit constituted by the transistor (P1). Fig. 8 shows another two-stage amplifying drive circuit, which is different from 35 Fig. 7 in that the water drain pump is driven directly by P2 of PNP triode, and the flywheel diode Dl is provided for reducing the interference to the circuit caused by the 17 stops operation of the pump. The drive circuit is a switch drive circuit. The emitter and collector of the switch triode (NI) are connected in series to the motor (MI) of water drain pump and then connected to the power supply (CN 1). The two ends of motor (M1) are connected in parallel with the flywheel diode t diode D1, and the base of the switch 5 triode (N 1) is connected to the MCU through the amplifying circuit constituted by the transistor (P1). Fig. 9 shows a single-stage amplifying drive circuit, and the water drain pump is driven directly by Plof an NPN triode. A flywheel diode DI is provided for reducing the interference to the circuit caused by the stopping operation of the pump. The drive circuit 10 is a switch drive circuit in which the emitter and collector of the switch triode (NI) are connected in series to the motor (MI) of drain pump and then connected to the power supply (CN 1). The two ends of motor (M1) are connected in parallel with the flywheel diode Dl, and the end point (A) of base-biased circuit constituted by the first resistance (RI) and the second resistance (R2) is connected with MCU, and the other end is 15 grounded. The water-saving control method of the present invention will be described hereinafter. It is to be understood that the water-saving operation may be not chosen, so washing machine of the present invention may be operated according to the specific control flows chart as shown in Fig. 2, which is the same as or similar to that of the prior 20 art, and thereby will not be described in detail herein. The water-saving control flow chart of the water-saving washing machine of the present invention has different water-saving control methods in accordance with the above-described two different embodiments. A water drain pump and valve are provided only at the side of the fully automatic 25 washing machine for transferring the washing water and/or rinsing water from fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine within the water-saving machine of the present invention according to the first embodiment. The washing method for the water-saving washing machine of the present invention comprises the steps of five successive cycle constituted by a water supply operation, washing 30 operation, rinsing operation, water drainage operation and dehydration (spinning) operation. The fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine can be operated successively or simultaneously, a functional key of SimulWash is provided on the control panel of the washing-only machine for performing the washing operation in the tub of the washing-only machine simultaneously with the fully automatic washing 35 machine; and a water-saving program is set in the control system of water-saving machine. During the operation of SimulWash process, water from the fully automatic 18 washing machine is discharged automatically into the tub of the washing-only machine for washing the clothes. As shown in Fig. 3a, when SimulWash is chosen, the washing method for the water-saving washing machine comprises the steps of: 5 (1) choosing the SimulWash program (30') and the water-saving washing machine working under water-saving mode; (2) starting the water supply program (31') for water fill; (3) turning on the water inlet solenoid valve and the tap water being introduced into the fully automatic washing machine (35'); 10 (4) initiating the washing or rinsing course for the fully automatic washing machine when the water supply program is completed (36'); (5) executing draining program after the washing or rinsing course of the fully automatic washing machine (37'); (6) transferring the water into the tub of the washing-only machine (38') arranged 15 at the side of the fully automatic washing machine by drain valve being on; and then, performing the programs of 39',310'simultaneously; (7) entering washing course for the washing-only machine (39'), and the program of 312' being carried out after washing course; (8) spinning for the fully automatic washing machine 310'; 20 (9) completing one cycle of the fully automatic washing machine after the dehydration 31 ', (10) draining the water in the washing-only machine out off the washing-only machine (312' by drain valve and pump. The water-saving washing machine in the second embodiment of the present 25 invention further comprises a drain pump and water recycle loop at the bottom of the water-saving washing machine for introducing the water from the washing-only machine into the fully automatic washing machine, a functional key of "Store for Other Use" is provided on the control panel, and a "Storage Water Supply" program is provided in the control program of the fully automatic washing. The washing method of the 30 water-saving washing machine comprises the steps of water supply, washing, rinsing, draining and spin drying. The fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine may work separately, successively or simultaneously. A water-saving control program is designed in the program of the fully automatic washing machine and/or the washing-only machine for user's selection. When the water-saving program is chosen, 35 the user may select to drain the water from the fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine automatically for reuse, to drain the water from the washing-only 19 machine automatically into the fully automatic washing machine for reuse, or to drain the water from the washing-only machine or the fully automatic washing machine into a specified container through the general drainage pump for other uses according to his/her needs. The procedure of the water-saving control method to drain the water form the 5 fully automatic washing machine automatically to the washing-only machine for reuse is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Fig.3b shows the water-saving control method for the fully automatic washing machine in the second embodiment, said method comprises the steps of: (1) choosing the fully automatic washing machine for washing the laundry and 10 preparing the water-saving washing procedure (30); (2) starting the water supply program (31) (3) determining whether the procedure of storage water supply is chosen (32), and continuing step (4) if the procedure of storage water supply (32) being selected, otherwise turning to procedure (35); 15 (4) transferring the water from the washing-only machine into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the second drain pump of the washing-only machine (33); (5) determining whether the water in the fully automatic washing machine reaches the predetermined water level (34); and continuing step (5) if the water level in 20 the fully automatic washing machine is insufficient, otherwise executing program (36) of step (7); (6) supplying the tap water into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the water supply valve (35); (7) starting the washing and/or rinsing operation (36); 25 (8) starting to drain the water followed washing and/or rinsing (37); (9) determining whether to select the water storage procedure (38): if yes, perform step (10) of program (39); if no, jump to step (11) to perform program (312); (10) transferring the water from fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine by turning on the first drain valve and pump (39); 30 (11) discharging the water out of the washing machine by turning on the general drainage valve (312); (12) initiating spin (310) after completing drain; (13) completing one cycle after spinning dry (311). As shown in Fig. 10, the control method for supplying water described in above 35 mentioned step (3) comprises the steps of: (1) preparing for supplying the water (331); 20 (2) detecting whether the water has reached the predetermined level (332): if yes, perform step 3 of program (333); if no, jump to step 4 of program (334); (3) exiting the water supply program (333); (4) determining whether the program of storage water supply is chosen (334); and 5 continuing step 3 of program (336) if storage water supply is selected, or else turning to step (5) of program (335); (5) introducing the tap water directly to predetermined water level by turning on the solenoid valve (335), then jump to program (332); (6) transferring the water from the washing-only machine into the fully automatic 10 washing machine by turning on the second drain pump (336); (7) determining whether the water level changes after supplying water for more than 1 minute (337): if no, return to procedure (332); if yes, perform procedure (338); (8) detecting whether the predetermined water level has been reached after the storage water is pumped off (338): if yes, perform program (339); if no, perform program 15 (340); (9) stopping water supply, and starting cycle (339); (10) supplying the tap water to the predetermined water level (340). As shown in Fig.4, the water-saving washing method for the washing-only machine comprises the steps of: 20 (1) preparing the washing-only machine for washing the laundry (40); (2) selecting water supply program (41); (3) determining whether the water-saving procedure is chosen (42): if yes, performing step (4) of program (43); if no, performing step (7) of program (46); (4) waiting for the drainage of the fully automatic washing machine (43); 25 (5) transferring the water from the fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine by turning on the first drain pump of the fully automatic washing machine (44); (6) determining whether the water in the washing-only machine reaches the predetermined water level when the water in the fully automatic washing machine is 30 drained off (45): if yes, performing the step (7) of program (46); if no, performing step (8) of program (47); (7) starting washing operation (46); (8) supplying the tap water (47) to the predetermined water level for washing operation by turning on the solenoid valve; 35 (9) selecting the procedure of drainage after the washing operation is finished (48); 21 (10) completing one cycle (49). As shown in Fig. 12, the procedure of drainage (48) in above mentioned step (9) for the washing-only machine further comprises the steps of: (1) preparing for water drain program (481); 5 (2) determining whether the procedure of storage water supply and water-saving program is chosen (482): if yes, performing step (3) of program (483); if no, performing the step (4) of program (484); (3) discharging water into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the second drain pump (483) of washing-only machine, or into another container outside the 10 washing machine; (4) discharging water outside the washing machine (484) by turning on the second drain valve, and then to step (5) of program (485); (5) detecting whether the water has been drained off (485): if yes, continuing with step (6) of program (486); if no, returning to step (2) of program (482); 15 (6) exiting the procedure of water drain (486) Above all, the user can set whether to store the washing/rinsing water through functional keys, and can select to store either the washing water or the rinsing water or both, and the user can select whether to use the stored water only by pressing the keys. 22

Claims

1. A water-saving washing machine comprising: a housing, a fully automatic washing machine and a washing-only machine arranged 5 adjoining inside said housing a water supply console designed on an upper part of the housing, a first water circuit constituted by pipe, valve and pump for transmitting the water in the fully automatic washing machine into a washing-only machine, and computer control panel disposed on the surface of washing machine, 10 water discharged conduits with drain valves provided at the bottom of said fully automatic washing machine and washing-only machine separately; wherein, a first drain valve in said discharged conduit connecting with said fully automatic washing machine is a three-way solenoid valve, one outlet of said first drain valve is connected with an inlet of said first drain pump through a water conduit; the other outlet 15 is connected to a water drain hose connecting with the outlet of a second drain valve located under said washing-only machine, and a conduit connected with said outlet of said first drain pump is connected to a pipe extended upstream toward said washing-only machine and connected to a reused water inlet for water fill of the tub of washing-only machine through drainage conduit. 20

2. A water-saving washing machine of claim I further comprising a second water circuit constituted by pipes, a valve and a pump for recovery water from a tank of said washing-only machine to a tub of said fully automatic washing machine, wherein said second water circuit comprises a second drain valve connected with the bottom of said washing-only machine through a water discharged conduit, one outlet of said second 25 drain valve connected to said water drain hose and the other outlet connected to a second drain pump of said washing-only machine, and the output of said drain pump is connected to a pipe extended upstream toward the washing-only machine for transferring and storing water discharged from the washing tub of washing-only machine into the fully automatic washing machine for reuse. 30

3. A water-saving washing machine of claim 1 or 2 further comprising two water supply pipes for supplying water into said fully automatic washing machine and washing-only machine respectively, wherein said water supply pipes are connected to the two water outlets of the three-way solenoid valve separately, a inlet of said three-way solenoid valve is connected to a general water inlet which is communicated to a water 35 tap, and said general water inlet is located on the water supply console. 23

4. A water-saving washing machine of claim 1 or 2 further comprising a first washer lid and a second washer lid provided on the top of said fully automatic washing machine and washing-only machine separately, the computer control panel arranged on the top surface and with a space apart from the center part of the surface of said fully automatic 5 washing machine or washing-only machine, and perpendicular to the water supply console, a outlet of the drain hose of said fully automatic washing machine and that of the drain hose of the washing-only machine being converged into a general drainage pipe.

5. A water-saving washing machine of claim I or 2, wherein said pipe connected to the output of said drain pump has a reused water inlet set at the upper part of the side wall 10 of a tub of said washing-only machine, or said pipe connected to the output of said drain pump has a reused water inlet for supplying reused water into the tub of any washing machine are located at the top of the tub, or said inlet may connected with water supply pipe to supply the reused water and the tap water through each intake of water supply pipe. 15

6. A water-saving washing machine of claim I or 2, wherein a board is mounted inside the housing of water saving machine to form two apartments for admitting and holding at least the tub of fully automatic washing machine, the other apartment itself may be the tub of washing only machine.

7. A control device for the water-saving washing machine comprising: 20 a fully automatic washing machine and a washing-only machine arranged adjoining inside a housing a first water circuit constituted by pipes, a valve and a pump for transmitting the water in the fully automatic washing machine into a washing-only machine, a computer control panel disposed on the top surface of either the outside of the 25 fully automatic washing machine or that of the washing-only machine for controlling the operation of each of the washing machine, a water supply console designed on an upper part of a top surface of the said washing machine, said computer control panel connected to a MCU through cables, wherein 30 when the washing or rinsing operation is completed, the first drain valve and first drain pump located at the bottom of the fully automatic washing machine are driven by driven means according to the setting program in the MCU of fully automatic washing machine to discharge water from the fully automatic washing machine and transfer it into the washing-only machine for reuse through a water circuit connecting said fully automatic 35 washing machine and a washing-only machine. 24

8. A control device for the water-saving washing machine of claim 7, wherein a second water circuit constituted by pipes, a valve and a pump for recovery water from a tank of said washing-only machine to a tub of said fully automatic washing machine is provided, the second drain valve and drain pump located at the bottom of the 5 washing-only machine driven by driven means according to the setting program in the MCU of washing-only machine to discharge water from the washing-only machine and transfer it into the fully automatic washing machine for reuse through the connecting pipes when the washing operation in the washing-only machine is finished.

9. A control device for the water-saving washing machine of claim 7, wherein the 10 functional and control keys for the fully automatic washing machine of "FUNCTION", " WATER LEVEL", "COURSE" and "START/HOLD", and the functional and control keys for the washing-only machine of "WASHING TIMER", "WATER LEVEL SELECTOR", "SIM-UL WASH" and "START/HOLD" are arranged on the control panel, a general water inlet is provided on the water supply console; and a cover switch, 15 stop switch, a first level sensor, a second water level sensor and three-way solenoid valve for water supply are sequentially arranged inside the water supply console; the three-way solenoid valve for supplying water into the washing machine is controlled by the driven circuit according to the setting program and the control keys on the control panel; the first water level sensor is connected to the first air chamber through a first connector, 20 while the second level sensor is connected to the second air chamber through a second connector, and the first water level sensor and the second level sensor are connected with the MCU, which controls the operation of three-way solenoid valve for water supply and the first drain pump under the fully automatic washing machine according to the detected information of water level and setting program. 25

10. A control device for the water-saving washing machine of claim 8, wherein the functional and control keys for the fully automatic washing machine which comprise "FUNCTION", " WATER LEVEL", "COURSE", "WATER-SAVING SELECTOR" and "START/HOLD", and the functional and control keys for the washing-only machine which comprise "WASHING TIMER", "WATER LEVEL SELECTOR", "WATER 30 SUPPLY/DRAIN", "START/HOLD" and "WATER STORAGE FOR OTHER USE" are sequentially arranged on the control panel,, MCU controls the operation of three-way solenoid valve for water supply, the first drain pump under the fully automatic washing machine, and the second drain pump under the washing-only machine according to the detected information of water level and setting program. 35

11. A washing method for the water-saving washing machine equipped with a fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine in a housing, in which a first 25 water circuit for discharging water from the fully automatic washing machine into the washing-only machine is provided comprising the steps of five successive cycle of a water supply, operation, rinsing, water draining and spinning operation, wherein a program for performing the water-saving washing operation in a tub of said 5 washing-only machine independently or simultaneously with said fully automatic washing machine is provided together with the key of SimulWash on the control panel of the washing-only machine; and a water-saving program is fixed in the control device of water-saving machine, during the operation of SimulWash process, water from the fully automatic washing machine is discharged automatically into said tub of the 10 washing-only machine for reuse.

12. A washing method of claim 11, wherein the procedure for SimulWash comprises steps of: (1) choosing the SimulWash program and the water-saving washing machine working under water-saving mode; 15 (2) starting the water supply program for water fill; (3) turning on the water inlet solenoid valve and the tap water being introduced into the fully automatic washing machine; (4) initiating the washing or rinsing course for the fully automatic washing machine when the water supply program is completed; 20 (5) executing draining program after the washing or rinsing course of the fully automatic washing machine; (6) transferring the water into the tub of the washing-only machine arranged at the side of the fully automatic washing machine by drain valve being on; and then, performing the programs of 39',310'simultaneously; 25 (7) entering washing course for the washing-only machine, and the program of 312' being carried out after washing course; (8) spinning for the fully automatic washing machine 310'; (9) completing one cycle of the fully automatic washing machine after the dehydration 311', 30 (10) draining the water in the washing-only machine out off the washing-only machine (312' by drain valve and pump.

13. A washing method for the water-saving washing machine equipped with a fully automatic washing machine and the washing-only machine in a housing, in which a interchangeable water circuit for discharge water from the fully automatic washing 35 machine into the washing-only machine and for countertum is provided comprising the steps of five successive cycle of a water supply, washing, rinsing, drain and spinning 26 operation, wherein a program for performing water-saving washing operation together with the control keys is provided in the control means of water-saving washing machine, water discharged from the fully automatic washing machine or washing-only machine is introduced into the washing-only machine or fully automatic washing machine for reuse, 5 storage, or discharge to a specific container through a general drain pump.

14. The washing method of claim 13, wherein the procedure for water-saving washing method comprises: when the program of "WATER-SAVING SELECTOR" is chosen, user may chose to introduce storage water in the washing only machine or the tap water into the fully automatic washing machine, to discharge and transfer washing water, 10 Is' and 2 "d rising water into the washing-only machine respectively, and the water-saving washing method comprises the step of: (1) choosing the fully automatic washing machine for washing the laundry and preparing the water-saving washing procedure; (2) starting the water supply program 15 (3) starting the washing and/or rinsing operation; (4) starting to drain the water followed washing and/or rinsing; (5) determining whether to select the water storage procedure: if yes, perform program; if no, jump to program; (6) transferring the water from fully automatic washing machine into the 20 washing-only machine by turning on the first drain valve and pump; (7) discharging the water out of the washing machine by turning on the general drainage valve; (8) initiating spin after completing drain; (9) completing one cycle after spinning dry. 25

15. The washing method of claim 14, wherein the water the procedure of water supply comprises the step of: (1) determining whether the program of storage water supply is chosen, and continuing if the program of storage water supply being selected, otherwise turning to program; 30 (2) transferring the water from the washing-only machine into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the second drain pump of the washing-only machine; (3) determining whether the water in the fully automatic washing machine reaches the predetermined water level; and continuing program if the water level in the fully automatic washing machine is insufficient, otherwise executing program; 35 (4) supplying the tap water into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the water supply valve; 27 (5) starting the washing and/or rinsing operation.

16. The washing method of claim 15, wherein the procedure for supplying water to the fully automatic washing machine through the drain pump under wash-only machine in program comprises the steps of: 5 (1) preparing for supplying the water; (2) detecting whether the water has reached the predetermined level: if yes, perform step 3 of program; if no, jump to step 4 of program; (3) exiting the water supply program; (4) determining whether the program of storage water supply is chosen; and 10 continuing step 3 of program if storage water supply is selected, or else turning to step of program; (5) introducing the tap water directly to predetermined water level by turning on the solenoid valve, then jump to program; (6) transferring the water from the washing-only machine into the fully automatic 15 washing machine by turning on the second drain pump; (7) determining whether the water level changes after supplying water for more than 1 minute: if no, return to procedure; if yes, perform procedure; (8) detecting whether the predetermined water level has been reached after the storage water is pumped off: if yes, perform program; if no, perform program; 20 (9) stopping water supply, and starting cycle; (10) supplying the tap water to the predetermined water level.

17. The washing method of claim 13, wherein the procedure for operating washing-only machine comprises the steps of: (1) preparing the washing-only machine for washing the laundry; 25 (2) selecting water supply program; (3) determining whether the water-saving procedure is chosen: if yes, performing step of program; if no, performing step of program; (4) waiting for the drainage of the fully automatic washing machine; (5) transferring the water from the fully automatic washing machine into the 30 washing-only machine by turning on the first drain pump of the fully automatic washing machine; (6) determining whether the water in the washing-only machine reaches the predetermined water level when the water in the fully automatic washing machine is drained off : if yes, performing the step of program; if no, performing step of program; 35 (7) starting washing operation; 28 (8) supplying the tap water to the predetermined water level for washing operation by turning on the solenoid valve; (9) selecting the procedure of drainage after the washing operation is finished; and completing one cycle. 5

18. The washing method of claim 13, wherein the procedure of drainage for the washing-only machine further comprises the steps of: (1) preparing for water drain program; (2) determining whether the procedure of storage water supply and water-saving program is chosen: if yes, performing program; if no, performing program; 10 (3) discharging water into the fully automatic washing machine by turning on the second drain pump of washing-only machine, or into another container outside the washing machine; (4) discharging water outside the washing machine by turning on the second drain valve, and then to step of program; 15 (5) detecting whether the water has been drained off: if yes, continuing with program; if no, returning to program; (6) exiting the procedure of water drain. DATED this 31st day of July 2006 Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F.B. RICE & CO. 29