Steam condensation device in a dryer or combination washer/dryer

摘要

A steam condensation device is provided in a dryer or combination washer/dryer for condensing hot water vapor carried by hot air used to dry laundry in the dryer or combination washer/dryer. The steam condensation device includes a vertically extending tubular casing, at least one condenser conduit extending vertically within and spaced from the casing so as to define an annular space therebetween, and a spiral wall disposed between respective internal and external surfaces of the at least one condenser conduit and the casing. The spiral wall extends spirally toward the lower end of the at least one condenser conduit so as to define a spiral conveying path alongside the external surface of the at least one condenser conduit. The condensation device is arranged so that hot air circulating through the interior of the rotating basket containing laundry in the machine passes through the interior of the at least one condensor conduit. Cold water is supplied onto the spiral wall whereas it is conveyed spirally alongside the external surface of the at least one condenser conduit so as to cool the same. Thus, water vapor contained in the hot air passing through the interior of the at least one condenser conduit is cooled and consequently condensed.