1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine, and more particularly, to an apparatus for controlling a door of a drum type washing machine and method thereof.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Generally, a drum type washing machine according to a related art, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a washing tub 11 for washing a laundry inside, a dewatering tub (not shown in the drawing) outside the washing tub 11, a case 10 protecting the washing tub 11 and to hold various driving equipments (not shown in the drawing) for driving the washing tub 11, a door 20 provided on a front side of the case 10 for putting the laundry in/out of the washing tub 11, a detergent box 12 and a control unit 13 for an operation and control of the washing machine provided in an upper front part of the case 10.
The door 20 consists of a door body 21 hinge-coupled to an opening 15 of the case 10 to open/close and a window 22 installed at a central part of the door body 21 and formed of a transparent material enabling an inside of the washing tub 11 to be seen through the closed door body 21.
The drum type washing machine performs washing by rotating the washing tub 11, which holds the water, detergent, and laundry inside and has a plurality of protrusions provided inside, at low speed centering on a horizontal axis using shock energy generated from lifting the laundry to fall by the protrusions. Hence, compared to a pulsator type washing machine performing washing using a frictional force between the laundry and the water rotated by a pulsator, the drum type washing machine almost prevents entanglement and damage of the laundry as well as reduces its water consumption.
Yet, the door 20 of the drum type washing machine is installed on the front side of the case. If the door 20 is opened before the washing machine operates, water in the washing tub 11 may flood out. In order to prevent such a problem, a door lock assembly 30 and 30′ determining open/close of the door 20 is installed at contact areas of the door 20 and the case 10. When the washing machine is not in use, the door 20 is always locked to close the door 20.
The door lock function is automatically performed. In case that power is cut off, the door is definitely performed so that the door is not opened. Thus, in order to control the locking/unlocking of the door, a door control equipment is needed.
In a door control equipment of a washing machine according to a related art, a user firstly checks whether power is on or off. If the power is off, the door lock function is maintained. If the power is on, the door lock function is released to let the door open. Hence, when the power is off, it is unable to open the door. But, the door can be opened only if the power is on.
However, the related art door control equipment of the washing machine allows the door to be opened when the power is on even if the washing tub is filled with the water. Hence, the water in the washing tub cascades out to cause inconvenience to the user.