Heat exchanger for an appliance

Abstract

An improved heat exchanger for an appliance is provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a new condenser for a refrigerator that is formed from a conduit wound into the shape of a conical helix. Extensions from the surface of the conduit provide additional area for heat exchange. A fan can be aligned with the conical helix to further improve heat transfer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A refrigerator having a gas cooling device, comprising:
 a refrigerant system including a condenser portion for cooling a refrigerant, said condenser portion comprising:
 a thermally-conductive conduit wound in the shape of a conical helix, the conical helix defining a spiral axis; and 
 a plurality of radial spine fins projecting from the surface of said thermally-conductive conduit. 
   
     
     
         2 . A refrigerator having a gas cooling device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a fan to create an air flow over said thermally-conductive conduit. 
     
     
         3 . A refrigerator having a gas cooling device as in  claim 2 , wherein said the direction of the air flow is parallel to the spiral axis defined by the conical helix of said thermally-conductive conduit. 
     
     
         4 . A refrigerator having a gas cooling device as in  claim 3 , wherein the conical helix of said thermally-conductive conduit tapers in the direction opposite of the air flow. 
     
     
         5 . A refrigerator having a gas cooling device as in  claim 1 , wherein said thermally-conductive conduit comprises a copper tube. 
     
     
         6 . A refrigerator having a gas cooling device as in  claim 1 , wherein said refrigerator further comprises a compartment for receipt of said thermally-conductive conduit, said compartment configured for directing the flow air over said thermally-conductive conduit. 
     
     
         7 . A refrigerator having a gas cooling device as in  claim 1 , wherein said thermally-conductive conduit defines an air-flow passage within the conical helix, the air-flow passage being unobstructed such that air may flow freely through. 
     
     
         8 . A refrigerator having a gas cooling device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a fan positioned at an end of the conical helix of said thermally-conductive conduit having the largest radius. 
     
     
         9 . A gas cooling device for use in a refrigerator, the device comprising:
 a conduit for carrying refrigerant, said conduit formed into the shape of a conical helix having an axis about which the conical helix is coiled, said conduit having a surface; and   pin-like elements projecting from the surface of the conduit;   wherein said conduit and said pin-like elements are constructed from one or more thermally-conductive materials.   
     
     
         10 . A gas cooling device as in  claim 9 , further comprising a fan positioned at one end of said conduit to create a flow of air over said conduit and said pin-like elements. 
     
     
         11 . A gas cooling device as in  claim 10 , wherein the flow of air is along a direction perpendicular to the axis of said conduit. 
     
     
         12 . A gas cooling device as in  claim 10 , wherein said fan is positioned at the end of said conduit that has the largest radius from the axis of the conical helix. 
     
     
         13 . A gas cooling device as in  claim 10 , wherein the conical helix of said conduit tapers in a direction opposite to the direction of the flow of air. 
     
     
         14 . A gas cooling device as in  claim 9 , wherein said conduit comprises copper. 
     
     
         15 . A gas cooling device as in  claim 9 , where said conduit is installed within a condenser portion of a refrigerant loop on a refrigerator. 
     
     
         16 . A gas cooling device as in  claim 9 , wherein said conduit defines an air-flow passage within the conical helix, the air-flow passage being unobstructed such that air may flow over and through the conduit.