Evaporator and air conditioner

Abstract

This application relates to an evaporator and an air conditioner. The evaporator includes a heat exchange tube and multiple fins. The multiple fins are sequentially arranged along the length of the heat exchange tube. The fins are at least divided into first fins and second fins. The first fin includes at least one fin, and the second fin includes at least one fin. Each fin of the first fin has at least one hydrophobic coating, and each fin of the second fin has at least one hydrophilic coating. At least one second fin is arranged adjacent to the first fin. The hydrophilic coating of the first fin and the hydrophobic coating of the second fin are arranged alternately. The first fin is located at both ends of the heat exchange tube along its length. This application, through the alternating arrangement of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings, makes the evaporator less prone to frost and ice formation, and achieves dual optimization of heat exchange efficiency and drainage performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an evaporator and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] The evaporator is one of the key components of a refrigeration system. Low-temperature, two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the surrounding air through the evaporator, absorbing heat during evaporation to achieve a cooling effect. However, the evaporator absorbs moisture from the air during this process. When the evaporator surface temperature drops below the dew point of the humid air, moisture in the air begins to condense into water droplets on the evaporator surface. These droplets accumulate to a certain level and then drip off as condensate.

[0003] If the internal temperature of the evaporator drops below 0 degrees Celsius and excessive condensation accumulates on the surface, frost will form. Alternatively, if the relative humidity in the air is too high, even if the internal temperature of the evaporator does not drop below 0 degrees Celsius, moisture in the low-temperature air environment can easily condense on the evaporator surface and form frost. Excessive frost reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, increases air resistance on the air side, thereby increasing the energy consumption of the evaporator and increasing the noise during operation. When frost completely blocks the airflow on the air side, a complete defrosting of the evaporator is required, increasing operating costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an evaporator and air conditioner that are not prone to frost formation and are easy to drain.

[0005] An evaporator includes a heat exchange tube and a plurality of fins. The plurality of fins are sequentially arranged along the length of the heat exchange tube. The fins are at least divided into a first fin and a second fin. The first fin includes at least one fin, and the second fin includes at least one fin. Each fin of the first fin has at least one hydrophobic coating, and each fin of the second fin has at least one hydrophilic coating. At least one second fin is arranged adjacent to the first fin. The hydrophilic coating of the first fin and the hydrophobic coating of the second fin are arranged alternately. The first fin is located at both ends of the heat exchange tube along its length.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first fin has only a hydrophobic coating, and the second fin has only a hydrophilic coating.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first fin has a plurality of fins, the second fin has a plurality of fins, and the number of fins in the first fin accounts for 10% to 20% of the total number of fins in the fin assembly.

[0008] In one embodiment, the number of fins in the first fin and the number of fins in the second fin are both single, and each fin includes two hydrophobic coatings spaced apart along the height direction of the evaporator and a hydrophilic coating located between the two hydrophobic coatings.

[0009] In one embodiment, the number of fins in the first fin and the number of fins in the second fin are both single, and each fin includes two hydrophobic coatings spaced apart along the width direction of the evaporator and a hydrophilic coating located between the two hydrophobic coatings.

[0010] In one embodiment, each of the hydrophobic coatings on the fins accounts for 10% to 20% of the corresponding fin surface area.

[0011] In one embodiment, the number of fins in the first fin and the number of fins in the second fin are both single. Each fin is provided with the hydrophilic coating and the hydrophobic coating. The hydrophilic coating is located near the middle or center of the corresponding fin, and the hydrophobic coating surrounds the outer edge of the hydrophilic coating.

[0012] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the hydrophobic coating is 20% to 40% of the corresponding fin surface area.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thickness of the hydrophilic coating is 0.1 mm to 1 mm;

[0014] And / or, the thickness of the hydrophobic coating is 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0015] This application also provides an air conditioner including an evaporator as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the evaporator provided in this application has a hydrophobic coating on the first fin, and the first fin is located at both ends of the heat exchange tube of the evaporator along its length. The second fin adjacent to the first fin has a hydrophilic coating, and the hydrophilic coating and the hydrophobic coating are arranged alternately. When the external air environment exchanges heat with the fins in the evaporator, the moisture in the air environment condenses on the fin surface. When the moisture encounters the hydrophobic coating on the first fin, the moisture can form droplets on the surface of the hydrophobic coating. Since the efficiency of heat exchange between the droplets on the hydrophobic coating and the fins is low, the frosting rate is relatively slow, thus preventing the droplets from frosting or freezing and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the fins. Furthermore, since the droplets do not adhere to the surface of the hydrophobic coating and will slide off quickly, the first fin and its surrounding environment are in a relatively dry state. Therefore, the first fins located at both ends of the heat exchange tube do not obstruct the flow of air between the outside air and the air between the fins inside the evaporator, allowing air to flow between the fins of the evaporator and exchange heat with them. Because of the alternating arrangement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings, when water or droplets encounter the hydrophilic coating, they can form a liquid film on its surface and spread and flow smoothly before leaving the fins. This prevents the liquid film from remaining on the fins, simplifying drainage and reducing humidity in the air. Furthermore, even if the internal temperature of the evaporator drops to the frosting temperature, frost is less likely to form on the fins, further improving heat exchange efficiency. In other words, this application, through the alternating arrangement of hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings, achieves dual optimization of heat exchange efficiency and drainage performance while preventing evaporator freezing and frosting. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an evaporator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first fin in one embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first fin in another embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first fin in other embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Reference numerals: 10, evaporator; 100, heat exchange tube; 200, fin; 210, first fin; 220, second fin; 201, hydrophobic coating; 202, hydrophilic coating; 20, compressor; 30, condenser; 40, throttling element; 50, connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0025] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] In modern industry and construction, heat exchangers are indispensable key components, and evaporators 10 are a specific type of heat exchanger, mainly used in refrigeration systems. The performance of evaporators 10 directly affects the energy efficiency and stability of the refrigeration system.

[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This application provides an evaporator 10. The evaporator includes a heat exchange tube 100 and a plurality of fins 200. The plurality of fins 200 are sequentially arranged along the length of the heat exchange tube 100. The fins 200 are at least divided into first fins 210 and second fins 220. The first fin 210 includes at least one fin 200, and the second fin 220 includes at least one fin 200. Each fin in the first fin 210 is provided with at least one hydrophobic coating, and each fin in the second fin is provided with at least one hydrophilic coating. At least one second fin is arranged adjacent to the first fin, and the hydrophilic coating of the first fin and the hydrophobic coating of the second fin are arranged alternately. The first fin is located at both ends of the heat exchange tube 100 along its length.

[0031] It is understandable that coating the surface of the fins 200 of the evaporator 10 with a hydrophobic coating 201 has the following advantages: the hydrophobic coating 201 can suppress the formation of frost on the surface of the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, delay the frosting cycle, and improve the low-temperature heat exchange. Furthermore, because the fins 200 with the hydrophobic coating 201 have less frost and a looser frost layer, compared to the evaporator 10 without the hydrophobic coating 201, the evaporator 10 with the hydrophobic coating 201 can shorten the time from the start of defrosting to the resumption of heating, thus improving the heating performance of the evaporator 10 with the hydrophobic coating 201. Moreover, due to the improved frosting characteristics, compared to the evaporator 10 without the hydrophobic coating 201, the air resistance of the evaporator 10 in low-humidity environments is also reduced, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the evaporator 10 and reducing the noise during operation.

[0032] It is also understandable that coating the surface of the fins 200 of the evaporator 10 with a hydrophilic coating 202 has the following advantages: First, the hydrophilic coating 202 can accelerate the flow of condensate on the surface of the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, allowing the condensate to spread into a water film on the hydrophilic coating 202 and reducing the residence time of the water film on the hydrophilic coating 202, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Second, in low-temperature environments, the hydrophilic coating 202 can reduce the formation of frost and ice because the water film has stronger fluidity and is less prone to freezing.

[0033] In this embodiment, hydrophilic coating 202 and hydrophobic coating 201 are alternately arranged in the evaporator 10. When the external air environment exchanges heat with the fins 200 in the evaporator 10, the moisture in the air environment will condense on the surface of the fins 200. When the moisture encounters the hydrophobic coating 201 in the first fin 210, the moisture can form droplets on the surface of the hydrophobic coating 201. Since the efficiency of heat exchange between the droplets on the hydrophobic coating 201 and the fins 200 is low, the frosting rate is relatively slow, thus preventing the droplets from frosting or freezing and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the fins 200. Furthermore, since the droplets do not adhere to the surface of the hydrophobic coating 201 and will slide off quickly, the first fin 210 and its surrounding environment are in a relatively dry state. Therefore, the first fins 210 located at both ends of the heat exchange tube 100 will not obstruct the flow of air between the outside air and the air between the fins 200 inside the evaporator 10, allowing the air to flow between the fins 200 of the evaporator 10 and exchange heat with the fins 200. Because the hydrophobic coating 201 and the hydrophilic coating 202 are arranged alternately, when water or droplets encounter the hydrophilic coating 202, the water or droplets can form a liquid film on the surface of the hydrophilic coating 202 and spread and flow smoothly, thus leaving the fins 200. The liquid film will not remain on the fins 200, making drainage from the fins 200 simpler and reducing the humidity in the air environment. At this time, even if the internal temperature of the evaporator 10 drops to the frosting temperature, frost is not easily condensed on the fins 200, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. In other words, this embodiment achieves dual optimization of heat exchange efficiency and drainage performance through the alternating arrangement of the hydrophilic coating 202 and the hydrophobic coating 201.

[0034] It should be noted that the first fins 210 are located at both ends of the heat exchange tube 100 along its length. That is, taking the sequential installation of fins 200 onto the heat exchange tube 100 as an example, the first fin 200 and the last fin 200 installed on the heat exchange tube 100 are both the first fins 210. Furthermore, along the length of the heat exchange tube 100, the intermediate region between the two ends of the heat exchange tube 100 can be entirely occupied by second fins 220, or the first fins 210 and the second fins 220 can be arranged alternately. This application does not impose any restrictions on this arrangement.

[0035] It is understandable that a fin 200 with at least a hydrophobic coating 201 is defined as a first fin 210. That is, multiple fins 200 in the evaporator need to be defined one by one. The number of first fins 210 can be multiple or a single one. If a fin 200 adjacent to a first fin 210 is the same as the first fin 210, or if a fin 200 adjacent to a first fin 210 does not have a hydrophilic coating 202 that is staggered with the hydrophobic coating 201 on the first fin 210, then that fin 200 is also defined as a first fin 210. Multiple first fins 210 can be arranged adjacently and sequentially mounted on the heat exchange tube 100, i.e., multiple sequentially adjacent first fins 210 are arranged in a group, and these multiple sequentially adjacent first fins 210 are defined as a first fin group. Similarly, each of the multiple second fins 220 can be arranged sequentially adjacently on the heat exchange tube 100, and these multiple sequentially adjacent second fins 220 are defined as a second fin group. In other embodiments, each of the multiple second fins 220 can also be arranged alternately with the first fins 210 on the heat exchange tube 100.

[0036] It is also understood that the first fin 210 may only have a hydrophobic coating 201, or it may have both a hydrophilic coating 202 and a hydrophobic coating 201. This application does not limit this, as long as the first fin 210 has at least some hydrophobic coating 201. When the first fin 210 only has a hydrophobic coating 201, the second fin 220 may only have a hydrophilic coating 202, or it may have both a hydrophilic coating 202 and a hydrophobic coating 201. In this case, the hydrophilic coating 202 on the second fin 220 is arranged alternately with the hydrophobic coating 201 on the first fin 210. When the first fin 210 is provided with both a hydrophilic coating 202 and a hydrophobic coating 201, the second fin 220 may only be provided with a hydrophilic coating 202. In this case, the hydrophilic coating 202 on the second fin 220 and the hydrophobic coating 201 on the first fin 210 are arranged alternately. Alternatively, the second coating may be provided with both a hydrophilic coating 202 and a hydrophobic coating 201. In this case, it is sufficient that the hydrophilic coating 202 on the second fin 220 and the hydrophobic coating 201 on the first fin 210 are arranged alternately.

[0037] It should be noted that, viewed along the length of the evaporator 10, the first fin 210 is provided with a hydrophobic coating, and the second fin 220 adjacent to the first fin 210 is provided with a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophobic coating and the hydrophilic coating are arranged in an alternating manner, whether they completely overlap, partially overlap, or are arranged side by side.

[0038] Furthermore, the central region of the evaporator 10 is coated with a hydrophilic coating 202. The central region refers to the area at least in one of the length, height, or width directions of the evaporator 10. This improves the drainage performance of the central region of the evaporator 10 and prevents frost formation there. It is understood that fans are typically installed outside the evaporator 10, especially at both ends of the heat exchange tube 100 along its length, to accelerate the flow of outside air. This allows air to pass more quickly through the fins 200 and heat exchange tubes 100 of the evaporator 10, more effectively absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and increasing the heat exchange rate between the air and the fins 200 and heat exchange tubes 100. Simultaneously, the fans can remove moisture between the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, reducing the relative humidity between the fins 200 and preventing frost formation. Moreover, appropriate airflow can help delay the frosting process, and when defrosting is required, the fans can accelerate the defrosting process, thereby saving energy consumption of the evaporator 10. Clearly, the airflow speed and intensity at the center of the evaporator 10 are lower than those around the evaporator 10. Even if frost forms on the hydrophilic coating 202, the condensate on the hydrophilic coating 202 will not form droplets, nor will it form water bridges between droplets. The frost layer will not cover the spaces between adjacent fins 200, nor will it obstruct airflow between adjacent fins 200. Therefore, it will not significantly affect the performance of the evaporator 10. Furthermore, the hydrophilic coating 202 located in the central region of the evaporator 10, due to its excellent hydrophilic properties, allows condensate to more easily wet and spread on the surface, quickly sliding away without adhering to the hydrophilic coating 202, thereby improving the drainage performance of the fins 200. In addition, by providing a hydrophilic coating 202 on the surface of the fins 200 in the central region of the evaporator 10, the water film can flow along a designated path to the desired location for convergence, facilitating centralized treatment.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first fin 210 is provided with only a hydrophobic coating 201, and the second fin 220 is provided with only a hydrophilic coating 202. In this way, the characteristics of the hydrophilic coating 202 and the hydrophobic coating 201 can be effectively combined, ensuring effective drainage of the hydrophilic coating 202, avoiding frost formation and improving heat exchange efficiency, and ensuring that the hydrophobic coating 201 performs the main drainage function, thus optimizing the drainage characteristics of the evaporator 10.

[0040] In one embodiment, the number of fins in the first fin 210 is multiple, and the number of fins in the second fin 220 is multiple. The number of fins in the first fin 210 accounts for 10% to 20% of the total number of fins in the fin assembly. It is understood that the number of fins in the second fin 220 is greater than the number of fins in the first fin 210. This ensures that no frost will form on the first fins 210 located at both ends of the heat exchange tube 100 along its length, and also ensures that no water bridges will form between adjacent first fins 210. This prevents water bridges from affecting the exchange of air between the outside and inside the fins 200, thus ensuring air can flow between the second fins 220, maintaining a low-humidity environment for the second fins 220, and preventing frost formation on the second fins 220 with the hydrophilic coating 202. This, in turn, ensures the normal operation and performance of the evaporator 10.

[0041] Furthermore, both ends of the heat exchange tube 100 are configured with first fin groups, and the number of first fins 210 in each first fin group accounts for 10% to 20% of the total number of fins 200. This ensures that no liquid droplets frost on the first fins 210 at both ends of the heat exchange tube 100, and also prevents water bridges from forming between adjacent first fins 210. This avoids water bridges affecting the exchange of air between the outside air and the air between the fins 200 in the middle of the evaporator 10, ensuring air flow between the fins 200 in the middle of the evaporator 10, maintaining a low-humidity environment for the fins 200 in the middle of the evaporator 10, and preventing easy frost formation on the fins 200, thus ensuring the normal operation and performance of the evaporator 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, illustratively, the number of first fins in each first fin group can also be 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, or 19% of the total number of fins 200 on the heat exchange tube 100, or any other value within the range of 10% to 20%. It is understood that for the two first fin groups located at opposite ends of the length of the heat exchange tube 100, the number of first fins 210 in each first fin group can be equal or unequal, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0043] Furthermore, apart from the two sets of first fin groups mentioned above, all other fins in fin 200 are second fin groups. That is, the number of second fins 220 is greater than the number of fins 200 in any one of the first fin groups, and the total number of second fins 220 is greater than the total number of first fins 210. This ensures that no frost will form on the first fins 210 at either end of the length of the heat exchange tube 100, and also ensures that no water bridges will form between adjacent first fins 210. This prevents frost from affecting the exchange of air between the outside and inside the fins 200, thus ensuring airflow between the second fins 220, maintaining a low-humidity environment for the second fins 220, preventing frost formation on the second fins 220 with the hydrophilic coating 202, and ultimately ensuring the normal operation and performance of the evaporator 10.

[0044] In one embodiment, the heat exchange tube 100 is provided with N sets of first fin groups and (N-1) sets of second fin groups, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3. It is sufficient to ensure that the first fin groups are located in the middle of the heat exchange tube 100, with both ends being first fin groups, and that each set of first fin groups alternates with each set of second fin groups. This simplifies the coating process for the evaporator 10. Illustratively, for an evaporator 10 without any coating, staggered coating or spraying can be applied according to the size of the coating tool used by the worker.

[0045] In one embodiment, the number of fins in the first fin 210 and the number of fins in the second fin 220 are both single; that is, all the first fins 210 are arranged as a single unit, and similarly, all the second fins 220 are also arranged as a single unit. Each fin 200 includes two hydrophobic coatings 201 spaced apart along the height direction of the evaporator 10 and a hydrophilic coating 202 located between the two hydrophobic coatings 201. It is understood that both the first fin 210 and the second fin 220 include two hydrophobic coatings 201 spaced apart along the height direction of the evaporator 10 and a hydrophilic coating 202 located between the two hydrophobic coatings 201. The first fin 210 and the second fin 220 can also be identical fins 200. In this case, the hydrophobic coatings 201 on the first fin 210 and the hydrophilic coatings 202 on the second fin 220 are also staggered, with the hydrophilic coatings 202 located in the central region of the evaporator 10 and the hydrophobic coatings 201 located on both sides of the evaporator 10. Thus, since the condensate on the hydrophilic coating 202 will not form droplets, nor will it form water bridges between droplets, the frost layer will not cover the space between adjacent fins 200, nor will it obstruct the flow of air between adjacent fins 200, thereby not significantly affecting the performance of the evaporator 10. Furthermore, the hydrophilic coating 202 located in the central region of the evaporator 10, due to its excellent hydrophilic properties, allows condensate to more easily wet and spread on the surface, quickly sliding without adhering to the hydrophilic coating 202, thereby improving the drainage performance of the fins 200. In addition, by providing the hydrophilic coating 202 on the surface of the fins 200 in the central region of the evaporator 10, the water film can flow along a designated path to the desired location for convergence, facilitating centralized treatment.

[0046] Furthermore, each hydrophobic coating 201 on the fin 200 occupies 10% to 20% of the corresponding fin 200 surface area. This ensures that no droplets will frost on the two hydrophobic coatings 201 at either end of the height direction of the evaporator 10 on each fin 200, and also ensures that no water bridges will form between the hydrophobic coatings 201 of adjacent fins 200. This prevents water bridge frost from affecting the exchange of air between the outside air and the hydrophilic coating 202 area of ​​the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, thus ensuring airflow between each fin 200, maintaining a low-humidity environment for the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, preventing easy frost formation on the fins 200, and ultimately ensuring the normal operation and performance of the evaporator 10.

[0047] In this embodiment, the area of ​​each hydrophobic coating 201 may also be 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% of the surface area of ​​the corresponding fin 200, or any other value in the range of 10% to 20%.

[0048] In one embodiment, the number of fins in the first fin 210 and the number of fins in the second fin 220 are both single. Similarly, all the first fins 210 and all the second fins 220 are arranged as a single unit. Each fin 200 includes two hydrophobic coatings 201 spaced apart along the width direction of the evaporator 10 and a hydrophilic coating 202 located between the two hydrophobic coatings 201. It is understood that both the first fin 210 and the second fin 220 include two hydrophobic coatings 201 spaced apart along the width direction of the evaporator 10 and a hydrophilic coating 202 located between the two hydrophobic coatings 201. The first fin 210 and the second fin 220 can also be identical fins 200. In this case, the hydrophobic coatings 201 on the first fin 210 and the hydrophilic coatings 202 on the second fin 220 are also staggered, with the hydrophilic coatings 202 located in the central region of the evaporator 10 and the hydrophobic coatings 201 located on both sides of the evaporator 10. Thus, since the condensate on the hydrophilic coating 202 will not form droplets, nor will it form water bridges between droplets, the frost layer will not cover the spaces between adjacent fins 200, nor will it obstruct the flow of air between adjacent fins 200, thereby not significantly affecting the performance of the evaporator 10. Furthermore, the hydrophilic coating 202 located in the central region of the evaporator 10, due to its excellent hydrophilic properties, allows condensate to more easily wet and spread on the surface, quickly sliding away without adhering to the hydrophilic coating 202, thereby improving the drainage performance of the fins 200. In addition, by providing the hydrophilic coating 202 on the surface of the fins 200 in the central region of the evaporator 10, the water film can flow along a designated path to the desired location for convergence, facilitating centralized treatment.

[0049] Furthermore, each hydrophobic coating 201 on the fin 200 occupies 10% to 20% of the corresponding fin 200 surface area. This ensures that no droplets will frost on the two hydrophobic coatings 201 located at both ends of the evaporator 10 width direction on each fin 200, and also ensures that no water bridges will form between the hydrophobic coatings 201 of adjacent fins 200. This prevents water bridge frost from affecting the exchange of air between the outside air and the hydrophilic coating 202 area of ​​the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, thus ensuring airflow between each fin 200, maintaining a low-humidity environment for the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, preventing easy frost formation on the fins 200, and ultimately ensuring the normal operation and performance of the evaporator 10.

[0050] In this embodiment, the area of ​​each hydrophobic coating 201 may also be 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% of the surface area of ​​the corresponding fin 200, or any other value in the range of 10% to 20%.

[0051] In one embodiment, the number of fins in the first fin 210 and the number of fins in the second fin 220 are both single. Similarly, all the first fins 210 and all the second fins 220 are arranged as a single unit. Each fin 200 is provided with a hydrophilic coating 202 and a hydrophobic coating 201. The hydrophilic coating 202 is located near the center or center of the corresponding fin 200, and the hydrophobic coating 201 surrounds the outer edge of the hydrophilic coating 202. It is understood that both the first fin 210 and the second fin 220 include two hydrophobic coatings 201 spaced apart along the height direction of the evaporator 10 and a hydrophilic coating 202 located between the two hydrophobic coatings 201. The first fin 210 and the second fin 220 can also be identical fins 200. At this point, the hydrophobic coating 201 on the first fin 210 and the hydrophilic coating 202 on the second fin 220 are also arranged in an alternating pattern, with the hydrophilic coating 202 located in the central region of the evaporator 10 and the hydrophobic coating 201 located in the edge region of the evaporator 10. Thus, since the condensate on the hydrophilic coating 202 will not form droplets, nor will it form water bridges between droplets, the frost layer will not cover the spaces between adjacent fins 200, nor will it obstruct the airflow between adjacent fins 200, thereby not significantly affecting the performance of the evaporator 10. Furthermore, the hydrophilic coating 202 located in the central region of the evaporator 10, due to its excellent hydrophilic properties, allows condensate to more easily wet and spread on the surface, quickly sliding away without adhering to the hydrophilic coating 202, thereby improving the drainage performance of the fins 200.

[0052] Furthermore, the area of ​​the hydrophobic coating 201 accounts for 20% to 40% of the surface area of ​​the corresponding fin 200. This ensures that no droplets will frost on the hydrophobic coating 201 located at the edge of the evaporator 10 on each fin 200, and also ensures that no water bridges will form between the hydrophobic coatings 201 of adjacent fins 200. This prevents water bridges from affecting the exchange of air between the outside air and the hydrophilic coating 202 area of ​​the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, thus ensuring airflow between each fin 200, maintaining a low-humidity environment for the fins 200 of the evaporator 10, preventing easy frost formation on the fins 200, and ultimately ensuring the normal operation and performance of the evaporator 10.

[0053] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the hydrophobic coating 201 may also be 22%, 24%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 32%, 34%, 36%, 38% of the surface area of ​​the corresponding fin 200, or any other value in the range of 20% to 40%.

[0054] In one embodiment, the thickness of the hydrophilic coating 202 is 0.1 mm to 1 mm. It is understood that if the thickness of the hydrophilic coating 202 is less than 0.1 mm, it cannot exert its hydrophilic effect; if the thickness is greater than 1 mm, the excessive thickness may affect the heat exchange performance of the fin 200. Therefore, setting the thickness of the hydrophilic coating 202 to 0.1 mm to 1 mm is very suitable in this embodiment. In this way, the hydrophilic coating 202 allows condensate in the air to more easily wet and spread on its surface, quickly sliding and preventing the formation of water bridges, thus improving the drainage of the fin 200, avoiding excessively high ambient humidity, preventing frost formation on the fin 200, and also not affecting the heat exchange between the fin 200 and the external air environment. Furthermore, setting the thickness of the hydrophilic coating 202 to 0.1 mm to 1 mm also ensures its durability.

[0055] Schematic, the thickness of the hydrophilic coating 202 may also be 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or any other value in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0056] In one embodiment, the thickness of the hydrophobic coating 201 is 0.1 mm to 1 mm. It is understood that if the thickness of the hydrophobic coating 201 is less than 0.1 mm, it cannot function as a hydrophobic layer; if the thickness of the hydrophilic coating 202 is greater than 1 mm, the excessive thickness of the hydrophobic coating 201 may affect the heat exchange performance of the fin 200. Therefore, setting the thickness of the hydrophobic coating 201 to 0.1 mm is appropriate in this embodiment. This ensures the durability of the hydrophobic coating 201 without affecting the heat exchange between the fin 200 and the external air environment.

[0057] In this embodiment, the thickness of the hydrophobic coating 201 may also be 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or any other value in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0058] Schematic, the surface of the hydrophobic coating 201 should achieve a stable contact angle of over 150° and a roll-off contact angle of less than 10° to ensure hydrophobic performance. Specifically, the hydrophobic coating 201 comprises 0.5% to 15% superhydrophobic nanoparticles, 1% to 15% hydrophobic resin, and the remainder being solvent. The superhydrophobic nanoparticles may be selected from at least one of silica, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide; the hydrophobic resin may be selected from at least one of acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and epoxy resin; and the solvent may be selected from at least one of ethyl acetoacetate, nitric acid, potassium tert-butoxide, ethanol, fluoroalkylsilane, cyclohexane, n-hexane, butyl acetate, acetone, and dimethyl ethaneamine. This application does not impose any limitations on these selections, as long as the hydrophobic performance of the hydrophobic coating 201 is guaranteed.

[0059] Specifically, in this embodiment, the contact angle of the droplet on the hydrophilic coating 202 is less than 40° to ensure the hydrophilic properties of the hydrophilic coating 202. Illustratively, the components of the hydrophilic coating 202 are selected from poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacrylonitrile, etc. This application does not impose any limitations on this, as long as the hydrophilic properties of the hydrophilic coating 202 can be guaranteed.

[0060] In addition, the evaporator 10 with hydrophilic coating 202 and hydrophobic coating 201 is applied to some air conditioning systems, especially in high humidity environments. Since both hydrophilic coating 202 and hydrophobic coating 201 can reduce the residence time of condensate on the fins 200, the growth of mold and bacteria can be reduced, thus improving the safety of the air conditioning system.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, this application also provides an air conditioner, including an evaporator 10 as described in any of the previous embodiments, and further including a compressor 20, a condenser 30, and a throttling device 40, wherein the evaporator 10, compressor 20, condenser 30, and throttling device 40 are sequentially connected and form a circulation loop. (Illustrative example follows.) Figure 5 As shown, the evaporator 10, compressor 20, condenser 30 and throttling device 40 can be connected in sequence using connecting pipes 50, or they can be connected using connecting blocks or valve islands. This application does not limit the connection method.

[0062] The above-mentioned evaporator 10 is applied to some air conditioners, especially in high humidity environments. Since the hydrophilic coating 202 reduces the residence time of condensate on the fins 200, the growth of mold and bacteria can be reduced, thus improving the safety of the air conditioner.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An evaporator, characterized in that, The device includes a heat exchange tube (100) and a plurality of fins (200). The plurality of fins (200) are sequentially disposed along the length of the heat exchange tube (100). Each fin (200) is at least divided into a first fin (210) and a second fin (220). The first fin (210) includes at least one fin (200), and the second fin (220) includes at least one fin (200). Each fin in the first fin (210)... The first fin (210) is provided with at least a hydrophobic coating (201), and each fin (200) of the second fin (220) is provided with at least a hydrophilic coating (202). At least one second fin (220) is arranged adjacent to the first fin (210). The hydrophilic coating (202) of the first fin (210) and the hydrophobic coating (201) of the second fin (220) are arranged alternately. The first fin (210) is located at both ends of the heat exchange tube (100) in the length direction.

2. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fin (210) is provided with only a hydrophobic coating (201), and the second fin (220) is provided with only a hydrophilic coating (202).

3. The evaporator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first fin (210) has multiple fins, the second fin (220) has multiple fins, and the number of fins in the first fin (210) accounts for 10% to 20% of the total number of fins.

4. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fin (210) and the second fin (220) each have a single fin. Each fin (200) includes two hydrophobic coatings (201) spaced apart along the height direction of the evaporator (10) and a hydrophilic coating (202) located between the two hydrophobic coatings (201).

5. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fin (210) and the second fin (220) each have a single fin. Each fin (200) includes two hydrophobic coatings (201) spaced apart along the width direction of the evaporator (10) and a hydrophilic coating (202) located between the two hydrophobic coatings (201).

6. The evaporator according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Each of the hydrophobic coatings (201) on the fin (200) accounts for 10% to 20% of the surface area of ​​the corresponding fin (200).

7. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fin (210) and the second fin (220) each have a single fin. Each fin (200) is provided with the hydrophilic coating (202) and the hydrophobic coating (201). The hydrophilic coating (202) is located near the middle or center of the corresponding fin (200), and the hydrophobic coating (201) surrounds the outer edge of the hydrophilic coating (202).

8. The evaporator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The area of ​​the hydrophobic coating (201) is 20% to 40% of the surface area of ​​the corresponding fin (200).

9. The evaporator according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The thickness of the hydrophilic coating (202) is 0.1 mm to 1 mm; And / or, the thickness of the hydrophobic coating (201) is 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the evaporator as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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