Rotary isolation switch and power converter

Abstract

The present application provides a rotary isolation switch and a power converter. The rotary isolation switch comprises a driving mechanism and a plurality of switch units which are sequentially arranged in a first direction. Each switch unit comprises a moving contact assembly, and the driving mechanism drives the moving contact assembly to rotate. The moving contact assembly adjacent to the driving mechanism is a first moving contact assembly, the driving mechanism is connected to the first moving contact assembly and is used for applying a rotating force to the first moving contact assembly, and two adjacent moving contact assemblies are inserted into each other. The switch unit farthest from the driving mechanism is a second switch unit. The second switch unit comprises an isolation cover plate, wherein the isolation cover plate comprises an observation hole and a reference mark, so that the rotation angle of a second moving contact assembly can be visualized, and the connection status of the rotary isolation switch can be determined on the basis of the position of the second moving contact assembly. The reference mark is located on the peripheral side of the observation hole, a pointer is arranged on one side of the second moving contact assembly facing the isolation cover plate, and the second moving contact assembly is rotated to achieve alignment between the pointer and the reference mark.

Description

A rotary isolating switch and a power converter

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on October 24, 2023, with application number 202322863929.4 and application name “A Rotary Isolating Switch and Power Converter”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of switchgear, and in particular to a rotary disconnector and a power converter. Background Art

[0004] In photovoltaic systems, rotary isolating switches are often used to achieve the purpose of individually isolating, protecting, and disconnecting photovoltaic panels. Rotary isolating switches are usually composed of several stacked contact assemblies. Each contact assembly includes a housing, a moving contact, and a static contact that cooperates with the moving contact. When the moving contact rotates, it engages or disconnects with the static contact. The synchronous rotation of the moving contacts in two adjacent layers of contact assemblies requires the cooperation of the moving contacts and the connecting mechanism of the two adjacent layers, thereby ensuring the synchronous rotation of the moving and static contacts inside the multi-layer housing. Since the connecting mechanisms of the two adjacent layers are often connected by plug-in connection, the rotation angle of each static contact has deviations due to the influence of the processing tolerance and assembly clearance of the connecting parts. Under the influence of this deviation, it cannot be guaranteed that the moving contacts of each layer are in full contact with their mating static contacts. Moreover, as the number of contact assembly layers increases, this deviation will increase, resulting in poor contact of the rotary isolating switch.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a rotary isolating switch and a power converter. The internal operation of the rotary isolating switch is visualized, thereby reducing the situation of poor contact of the rotary isolating switch.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a rotary isolating switch comprising a drive mechanism and a plurality of switch units, the drive mechanism and the plurality of switch units being arranged sequentially along a first direction, each switch unit comprising a movable contact assembly. The movable contact assembly adjacent to the drive mechanism is a first movable contact assembly, and the drive mechanism is connected to the first movable contact assembly to apply a rotational force to the first movable contact assembly. Two adjacent movable contact assemblies are plugged into each other to sequentially transmit the rotational force, so that the drive mechanism drives the movable contact assemblies of the plurality of switch units to rotate about an axis, the axis direction being the same as the first direction. The switch unit farthest from the drive mechanism is a second switch unit, and the movable contact assembly in the second switch unit is a second movable contact assembly. The second switch unit further comprises an isolation cover located on a side of the second movable contact assembly away from the drive mechanism. The isolation cover includes an observation hole and a reference mark, the reference mark being located around the observation hole, and the observation hole and the second movable contact assembly partially overlap in their vertical projections along the first direction. A pointer is provided on the side of the second moving contact assembly facing the isolation cover. The pointer aligns with a reference mark to enable the second moving contact assembly to rotate about its axis. An observation hole is provided for observing the internal workings of the rotary isolator from outside the rotary isolator. The observation hole and reference mark provided in the isolation cover allow visualization of the rotation angle of the second moving contact assembly, enabling real-time observation of the position of the second moving contact assembly. This allows the engagement status of the rotary isolator to be determined based on the position of the second contact assembly, thus reducing contact problems in the rotary isolator.

[0008] In one technical solution, the second moving contact assembly includes a connecting mechanism and a moving contact. The connecting mechanism includes a first housing and a second housing that are fastened together to form a receiving chamber, and the moving contact is fixedly mounted in the receiving chamber. The moving contact is fixedly connected to the connecting mechanism and can rotate along with the connecting mechanism about an axis. The connecting mechanism acts as a transmission component, transferring the rotational force of the drive mechanism to the stationary contact, ensuring reliable transmission of the rotational force.

[0009] In one technical solution, the second housing is located between the first housing and the isolation cover, and a pointer is positioned on the surface of the second housing facing the isolation cover. The pointer is perpendicular to the axis, with its extension passing through the axis. The pointer rotates with the second housing of the connecting mechanism, displaying the real-time position of the second moving contact assembly. By observing the positional relationship between the pointer and a reference mark, the rotation status of the moving contact in the second moving contact assembly can be determined.

[0010] In one technical solution, the switch unit further includes a stationary contact mounted on a peripheral side of a movable contact assembly, which includes a movable contact. When the drive mechanism rotates the movable contact assembly, the movable contact and the stationary contact in the movable contact assembly come into contact or separate from each other, thereby engaging or disconnecting the switch unit.

[0011] In one technical solution, the stationary contact includes a first surface, and the movable contact includes a contact portion. When the contact portion and the first surface are in contact, the switch unit is in an on state. The contact portion can slide along the first surface during rotation, with a large sliding range. This allows the movable contact to have sufficient adjustment space while remaining engaged, thereby improving the reliability of the contact between the movable and stationary contacts.

[0012] In one technical solution, the reference mark is a sector ring, the center of which is located on the axis. When the contact portion of the second moving contact assembly contacts the first surface, the vertical projection of the pointer along the first direction points toward the sector ring. Using the sector ring as a reference mark can more intuitively indicate whether the pointer is within the range of the switch unit engagement.

[0013] In one technical solution, the central angle of the fan ring is α. After multiple experimental tests, when α=7°, the pointer points to the fan ring area and all the switch units are in the engaged state.

[0014] In one technical solution, the observation hole is coaxially arranged with the movable contact assembly, or the observation hole is located on the circumferential side of the axis of the movable contact assembly. The observation hole is located in the above position, so that the working conditions inside the rotary disconnector can be observed more clearly.

[0015] In one technical solution, the rotary isolating switch further includes an isolation sheet covering the observation hole, the isolation sheet being made of a transparent insulating material. The isolation sheet seals the isolation cover plate and improves the insulation performance of the isolation cover plate.

[0016] In one technical solution, when the rotary isolating switch needs to connect 14 strings of photovoltaic panels, the number of the above-mentioned switch units is 12, which can achieve a better power generation effect.

[0017] In another aspect, the present application also provides a power converter comprising the aforementioned rotary isolating switch, a power conversion circuit, and a housing. The rotary isolating switch is fixed to the housing, and the power conversion circuit is located within the housing. The rotary isolating switch is configured to connect to a DC source and the power conversion circuit. When the rotary isolating switch is closed, the DC source supplies power to the power converter. When the rotary isolating switch is open, the DC source stops supplying power to the power converter. Because the internal components of the rotary isolating switch are visually accessible, poor contact is reduced, thereby ensuring reliable operation of the power converter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network of a photovoltaic power generation system;

[0019] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a rotary isolating switch in one embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG3 is a schematic top view of the rotary isolating switch according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a switch unit in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG5 is a partial schematic diagram of a moving contact assembly and a stationary contact in one embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG6 is a front view of a rotary disconnect switch according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an isolation cover plate according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a rotary isolating switch at another angle in one embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of the plugging of the first shell and the second shell of two adjacent connecting mechanisms in one embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a power converter in one embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure markings: 1-driving mechanism; 2-switch unit; 3-isolating cover; 4-moving contact assembly; 21-first switch unit; 41-first moving contact assembly; 22-second switch unit; 42-second moving contact assembly; 43-moving contact; 23-switch housing; 24-static contact; 241-first surface; 431-contact portion; 5-observation hole; 6-reference mark; 7-pointer; 8-isolating plate; 11-operating member; 12-core shaft; 44-connecting mechanism; 441-first housing; 442-second housing; 4411-second surface; 4421-third surface; 45-slot; 46-latch; 100-rotary isolating switch; 200-power conversion circuit; 300-housing; 400-DC source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same figure marks in the figures represent the same or similar structures, and thus their repeated description will be omitted. The words expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of the present application are all explained with reference to the accompanying drawings as examples, but changes can be made as needed, and the changes made are all included in the scope of protection of the present application. The drawings in the embodiments of the present application are only used to illustrate the relative position relationship and do not represent the true proportion.

[0030] It should be noted that the following description sets forth specific details to facilitate understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in a variety of other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar generalizations without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] In order to facilitate understanding of the rotary isolating switch provided in the embodiment of the present application, its application scenario is first introduced below. A photovoltaic power generation system is a system that uses solar energy to generate electricity. It provides people with clean, renewable energy by converting solar energy into electrical energy. Figure 1 is a network diagram of a photovoltaic power generation system. As shown in Figure 1, the photovoltaic power generation system includes an energy storage system and a photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic panel string in the photovoltaic module converts solar energy into direct current through the photovoltaic effect. The inverter converts the direct current output by the photovoltaic module into alternating current and further transmits the alternating current to the box-type substation. After the box-type substation converts the low-voltage alternating current output by the inverter into medium-voltage alternating current, it further transmits the alternating current to the booster station, the power grid or the box-type substation corresponding to the energy storage system. The energy storage system is used to store unstable electrical energy from the photovoltaic module. The energy storage system includes a plurality of battery clusters connected in parallel. The battery cluster outputs stable electrical energy to the power grid through the energy storage converter and the corresponding box-type substation.

[0032] Rotary disconnect switches are typically connected to battery clusters or photovoltaic panel strings. When maintenance, repair, or replacement of the battery cluster or photovoltaic panel string is required, the disconnect switch is opened to disconnect the circuit. This ensures that maintenance and repair of the photovoltaic power generation system does not pose a risk to personnel or equipment. Disconnect switches can also be used for regulation and control of photovoltaic power generation systems.

[0033] A rotary disconnector includes a multi-layer contact assembly. For example, if a 14-string photovoltaic panel string is connected to a rotary disconnector, the rotary disconnector requires at least 12 layers of contact assemblies. These multi-layer contact assemblies typically include a connecting mechanism and movable contacts, with the stationary contacts being installed in layers by interlocking them through the connecting mechanism. When the drive mechanism is rotated, the rotational motion and kinetic energy of the movable contacts closing and opening in each layer of the contact assembly are transmitted layer by layer through the connecting mechanism, achieving synchronized rotation. Because adjacent connecting mechanisms are plugged together, there are gaps, machining tolerances, or material deformation. Furthermore, the multi-layer contact assembly is enclosed within the housing of the rotary disconnector. Therefore, the rotation of the connecting mechanisms and movable contacts in each layer is not visible from the outside. After the drive mechanism is rotated, it is not possible to ensure that the movable contacts in each layer of the contact assembly are fully in contact with their mating stationary contacts. Especially with a large number of contact assemblies, the gaps or deformations between the connecting mechanisms can accumulate significantly, resulting in a significant kinetic energy deficiency in the movable contacts in the farthest contact assembly, leading to poor contact between the movable contacts and the stationary contacts in that layer. Only when the movable contact of the far-end contact assembly contacts the static contact can all the contact assemblies be in the engaged state.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotary isolating switch in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotary isolating switch in one embodiment of the present application from a top view. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a switch unit in one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figures 2-4, to address the aforementioned issues, an embodiment of the present application provides a rotary isolating switch comprising a drive mechanism 1 and a plurality of switch units 2. The drive mechanism 1 and the plurality of switch units 2 are arranged sequentially along a first direction M. Each switch unit 2 comprises a movable contact assembly 4. The movable contact assemblies 4 of the plurality of switch units 2 are arranged sequentially along the first direction M. The switch unit 2 adjacent to the drive mechanism 1 is the first switch unit 21. Accordingly, the movable contact assembly of the first switch unit 21 is the first movable contact assembly 41. The switch unit 2 farthest from the drive mechanism 1 is the second switch unit 22. Accordingly, the movable contact assembly 4 of the second switch unit 22 is the second movable contact assembly 42. The drive mechanism 1 is connected to the first movable contact assembly 41 to apply a rotational force to the first movable contact assembly 41. Every two adjacent moving contact assemblies 4 are plugged into each other along a first direction M, so that the drive mechanism 1 drives the moving contact assemblies 4 of the multiple switch units 2 to rotate respectively about an axis A, with the direction of the axis A being the same as the first direction M. The aforementioned rotational force is sequentially transmitted from the first moving contact assembly 41 closest to the drive mechanism 1 to the second moving contact assembly 42 farthest from the drive mechanism 1. In other words, the drive mechanism 1 applies the rotational force to the first moving contact assembly 41, which is then sequentially transmitted through multiple stages of the moving contact assemblies 4, ultimately transmitting the rotational force to the second moving contact assembly 42 farthest from the drive mechanism 1.

[0035] Figure 5 is a partial schematic diagram of a moving contact assembly and a stationary contact in one embodiment of the present application. In conjunction with Figures 4 and 5 , each switch unit 2 further includes a switch housing 23 and a stationary contact 24. The switch housing 23 has a housing space within which the stationary contact 24 and the moving contact assembly 4 are located. The stationary contact 24 is fixedly mounted to the inner wall of the switch housing 23 and is located around the moving contact assembly 4. The moving contact assembly 4 includes a moving contact 43. When the drive mechanism 1 drives the moving contact assembly 4 to rotate counterclockwise about axis A, the moving contact 43 rotates counterclockwise about axis A and contacts the stationary contact 24, causing the switch unit 2 to enter an engaged state. When the drive mechanism 1 drives the moving contact assembly 4 to rotate clockwise, the moving contact 43 rotates clockwise about axis A and separates from the stationary contact 24, causing the switch unit 2 to enter a disconnected state.

[0036] The stationary contact 24 has a first surface 241, and the movable contact 43 includes a contact portion 431. The movable contact 43 rotates counterclockwise relative to the stationary contact 24, causing the contact portion 431 to rotate relative to the first surface 241. When the movable contact 43 continues to rotate after contacting the stationary contact 24, the contact portion 431 slides along the first surface 241. During this process, the switch unit 2 remains engaged. When the movable contact 43 continues to rotate counterclockwise and separates from the stationary contact 24, the switch unit 2 enters the disconnected state. That is, when the movable contact 43 rotates counterclockwise about the axis A, the switch unit 2 remains engaged within a certain angular range (a first angular range, illustratively, 7°) from the time the contact portion 431 and the first surface 241 are initially in contact until they are completely separated. The contact portion slides on the first surface, allowing for a wide range of movement. This allows the movable contact 43 to maintain sufficient adjustment while remaining engaged, thereby improving the reliability of the contact between the movable contact 43 and the stationary contact 24.

[0037] Due to the deviation caused by the clearance fit between the movable contact assemblies 4, when the first movable contact assembly 41 is in the engaged position, the second movable contact assembly 42 located farthest from the drive mechanism 1 may still be in a state where its movable contact 43 is not in contact with the static contact 24. Therefore, the drive mechanism 1 needs to continue to rotate a certain angle to bring the movable contact 43 of the second movable contact assembly 42 located farthest into contact with the static contact 24, so that the movable contacts 43 in all movable contact assemblies 4 are in contact with the static contact 24.

[0038] In conjunction with Figures 2 and 3, the switch housing 23 of the second switch unit 22 is the second switch housing. The second switch housing includes an isolation cover 3, which is located on the side of the second switch housing away from the drive mechanism 1. In other words, the isolation cover 3 is located on the side of the second moving contact assembly 42 away from the drive mechanism 1. Observation holes 5 and reference marks 6 are provided in the isolation cover 3 to visualize the rotation angle of the second moving contact assembly 42, thereby achieving the effect of observing the position of the second moving contact assembly 42 in real time, and then determining the engagement status of the rotary isolating switch based on the position of the second contact assembly 42. When preparing the isolation cover 3, a through hole can be opened in the isolation cover 3 to serve as an observation hole 5. The observation hole 5 is used to observe the internal working conditions of the rotary isolating switch from the outside. Through the observation hole 5, the second moving contact assembly 42 adjacent to the isolation cover 3 can be observed. Specifically, when providing the reference mark 6, it can be positioned around the viewing hole 5, with the viewing hole 5 and the second moving contact assembly 42 partially overlapping in their vertical projections along the first direction M. This allows the rotation of the second moving contact assembly 42 to be visible through the viewing hole 5. A pointer 7 is provided on the side of the second moving contact assembly 42 facing the isolation cover 3. The pointer 7 is perpendicular to the axis A, and its extension passes through the axis A. The pointer 7 can be mounted on the surface of the second moving contact assembly 42 facing the isolation cover 3, or it can be embedded in the side of the second moving contact assembly 42 facing the isolation cover 3. The second moving contact assembly 42 rotates about the axis A with the pointer 7 aligned with the reference mark 6. When the drive mechanism 1 rotates the first moving contact assembly 41, the pointer 7 rotates relative to the reference mark 6 along with the second moving contact assembly 42 as the multiple moving contact assemblies 4 are transferred between the first and second moving contact assemblies 41 and 42. When the pointer 7 points to the reference mark 6, all switch units 2 are engaged. When the pointer 7 deviates from the reference mark 6 , the switch unit 2 is under-closed or over-closed. In the under-closed or over-closed state, the moving contact 43 is not in contact with the static contact 24 .

[0039] The rotary isolating switch further comprises an isolation plate 8 covering the observation hole 5, wherein the isolation plate 8 is made of a transparent insulating material. The isolation plate 8 seals the isolation cover 3 and improves the insulation performance of the isolation cover 3.

[0040] Figure 6 is a front view of a rotary disconnector according to one embodiment of the present application. In conjunction with Figures 5 and 6 , in one embodiment, the reference mark 6 may be a sector ring, the center of which is located on the axis A, and the central angle of the sector ring is α. When the contact portion 431 contacts the first surface 241, the vertical projection of the pointer 7 along the first direction M points to any position in the region where the sector ring is located. At this point, all switch units 2 containing the moving contact assemblies 4 are engaged.

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an isolation cover in one embodiment of the present application. In conjunction with Figures 5 and 7, in another embodiment, the reference mark 6 can also be an arc, located on the isolation plate 8. The central angle of the arc is α, and multiple reference points can be located on the arc. When the contact portion 431 contacts the first surface 241, the vertical projection of the pointer 7 along the first direction M points to any position within the arc area. At this point, all switch units 2 containing the moving contact assemblies 4 are engaged.

[0042] The central angle α of the reference mark is equal to the central angle β of the arc of the trajectory of the contact portion 431 sliding along the first surface 241. The central angle β is within a first angle range.

[0043] As shown in FIG2 or FIG6 , the shape of the observation hole 5 can be various. In a specific embodiment, the observation hole 5 can be a circular hole located at the center of the isolation cover 3 , and the observation hole 5 is coaxial with the moving contact assembly 4 .

[0044] In another specific embodiment, the observation hole 5 may be a circular hole (not shown in the figure) located at the center of the isolation cover 3 , and the observation hole 5 is coaxially arranged with the moving contact assembly 4 .

[0045] As shown in FIG7 , in another specific embodiment, the observation hole 5 may be a waist-shaped hole or an elliptical hole, and may be located around the center of the isolation cover 3 , for example, at the three o'clock or nine o'clock direction of the longitudinal section of the isolation cover 3 .

[0046] The observation hole is located in the position of some of the above embodiments, and the working conditions inside the rotary disconnector can be clearly monitored through the observation hole 5. When adjusting the second moving contact assembly 42, the rotation trajectory of the pointer 7 can be seen from the observation hole 5 in any of the above embodiments.

[0047] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotary disconnector in an embodiment of the present application from another angle. As shown in FIG8 , in one embodiment, the drive mechanism 1 includes an operating member 11 and a core shaft 12. The core shaft 12 extends in a first direction M, the operating member 11 is mounted on one end of the core shaft 12, and the first moving contact assembly (not shown in the figure) is mounted on the other end of the core shaft 12. By screwing the operating member 11, the core shaft 12 can be driven to rotate around the axis A, thereby causing the multiple moving contact assemblies 4 to also rotate around the axis A. The operating member 11 can be a knob, a handle, or other operating element.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, the movable contact assembly 4 includes a connecting mechanism 44, which includes a first shell 441 and a second shell 442. The first shell 441 and the second shell 442 are snap-fitted together to form a receiving cavity, and the movable contact 43 is fixedly installed in the receiving cavity. When preparing the first shell 441 and the second shell 442, a mounting groove can be provided on the surface of the first shell 441 or the second shell 442 facing the receiving cavity, and the movable contact 43 can be installed in the mounting groove.

[0049] The connecting mechanisms of every two adjacent moving contact assemblies are plugged into each other to form a transmission shaft, and the driving mechanism drives the transmission shaft to rotate so as to rotate the moving contacts.

[0050] The specific structure of the connecting mechanism 44 will be described below.

[0051] In one embodiment, the surface of the first housing 441 facing away from the accommodating cavity is a second surface 4411, and a slot 45 is provided in the center of the second surface 4411. The surface of the second housing 442 facing away from the accommodating cavity is a third surface 4421, and a latch 46 is provided in the center of the third surface 4421. The slot 45 and latch 46 are mutually adapted. Two adjacent connecting mechanisms 44 are connected by the insertion of the latch 46 into the slot 45.

[0052] The cross section of the latch can be square, triangular, rectangular, etc. The cross section is polygonal, and each polygon has corners, thereby forming edges for transmission, thereby improving the transmission effect of the latch.

[0053] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the first and second shells of two adjacent connecting mechanisms in one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9, in another embodiment, the surface of the first shell 441 facing away from the accommodating cavity is a second surface 4411. Three latches 46 are provided on the second surface 4411, and the latches 46 are located circumferentially to the axis A of the first shell 441. Correspondingly, the surface of the second shell 442 facing away from the accommodating cavity is a third surface 4421. Three slots 45 are provided on the third surface 4421, adapted for the latches 46. The slots 45 are located circumferentially to the axis A of the second shell 442. The three slots 45 engage with the latches 46, improving the reliability of the connection between the two adjacent connecting mechanisms 44.

[0054] 4 , the second housing 442 of the second moving contact assembly 42 is located between the first housing 441 and the isolation cover 3 , and the pointer 7 is provided on the surface of the second housing 442 facing the isolation cover 3 .

[0055] Continuing with Figure 2, in a specific embodiment, the rotary disconnector includes 12 switch units 2, using a sector ring as a reference marker 6, with a central angle α of 7°. When the drive mechanism 1 rotates the movable contact assembly 4 about the axis A and the pointer 7 points to the sector ring region, the movable contact 43 of the second contact assembly 42 contacts the stationary contact 24. At this point, all switch units 2 of the rotary disconnector are engaged.

[0056] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power converter according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG10 , another embodiment of the present application further provides a power converter comprising the rotary isolating switch 100, a power conversion circuit 200, and a housing 300 according to any of the above embodiments. The rotary isolating switch 100 is fixedly mounted to the housing 300, and the power conversion circuit 200 is mounted within the housing 300. The rotary isolating switch 100 is configured to connect to a DC source 400 and the power conversion circuit 200. Specifically, the DC source 400 may include multiple parallel-connected photovoltaic panel strings (not shown), each of which is connected to a corresponding switch unit 2 of the rotary isolating switch 100; alternatively, the DC source 400 may include multiple parallel-connected battery clusters (not shown), each of which is connected to a corresponding switch unit 2 of the rotary isolating switch 100. When the rotary isolating switch 100 is closed, the DC source 400 supplies power to the power converter; when the rotary isolating switch 100 is open, the DC source 400 stops supplying power to the power converter. A photovoltaic panel string or battery cluster is connected to the switch unit 2 of the rotary isolating switch. The observation hole 5 and reference mark 6 of the rotary isolating switch 100 allow visualization of the rotation angle of the second moving contact assembly 42, thereby enabling real-time observation of the position of the second contact assembly 42. Furthermore, the engagement status of the rotary isolating switch 100 can be determined based on the position of the second contact assembly 42. The operating status of the rotary isolating switch 100 can be observed, allowing the user to promptly adjust the drive assembly 2 based on the observed conditions to ensure that each switch unit 2 is engaged, thereby improving the reliability of the power converter.

[0057] It is worth noting that, in order to achieve the above visualization, an image acquisition device can be used to capture an image of the relative position of the pointer 7 and the reference mark 6, and then output for observation. Alternatively, the user can directly observe with the naked eye.

[0058] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the", and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0059] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "a specific embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically stated.

Claims

1. A power converter, characterized in that: The invention comprises a rotary isolating switch, a power conversion circuit and a housing, wherein the rotary isolating switch is fixed to the housing, the power conversion circuit is located inside the housing, the rotary isolating switch is used to be connected to a DC source and the power conversion circuit, when the rotary isolating switch is closed, the DC source supplies power to the power converter, when the rotary isolating switch is disconnected, the DC source stops supplying power to the power converter, and the DC source comprises a photovoltaic module and an energy storage battery; The rotary isolating switch comprises a driving mechanism and a plurality of switch units, wherein the driving mechanism and the plurality of switch units are sequentially arranged and installed along a first direction, and each of the switch units comprises a moving contact assembly; The switch unit adjacent to the driving mechanism is a first switch unit, the moving contact assembly in the first switch unit is a first moving contact assembly, the driving mechanism is connected to the first moving contact assembly to apply a rotational force to the first moving contact assembly, and two adjacent moving contact assemblies are plugged into each other to sequentially transmit the rotational force, so that the driving mechanism drives the moving contact assemblies of the plurality of switch units to rotate around an axis respectively, and the direction of the axis is the same as the first direction; The switch unit farthest from the driving mechanism is the second switch unit, the moving contact assembly in the second switch unit is the second moving contact assembly, the second switch unit also includes an isolation cover, the isolation cover is located on the side of the second moving contact assembly away from the driving mechanism, the isolation cover includes an observation hole and a reference mark, the observation hole and the second moving contact assembly respectively overlap in their vertical projections along the first direction, and the observation hole is used to observe the position of the second moving contact relative to the reference mark from outside the rotary isolating switch.

2. The power converter according to claim 1, characterized in that The reference mark is arranged on the periphery of the observation hole.

3. The power converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotary isolating switch also includes an isolation sheet covering the observation hole, and the isolation sheet is made of a transparent insulating material.

4. The power converter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reference mark is disposed on the isolation sheet.

5. The power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The observation hole is located at the center of the isolation cover plate, and the observation hole and the second moving contact are coaxially arranged.

6. The power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A pointer is provided on a side of the second moving contact assembly facing the isolation cover plate, and the pointer is perpendicular to the axis.

7. The power converter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second moving contact assembly includes a connecting mechanism and a moving contact. The connecting mechanism includes a first shell and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell are snap-fitted and connected to form an accommodating cavity. The moving contact is fixedly installed in the accommodating cavity.

8. The power converter according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second shell is located between the first shell and the isolation cover plate, the pointer is arranged on a surface of the second shell facing the isolation cover plate, and an extension line of the pointer passes through the axis.

9. The power converter according to claim 8, characterized in that: The switch unit also includes a static contact, which is installed on the peripheral side of the moving contact assembly, and the moving contact assembly includes a moving contact; when the driving mechanism drives the moving contact assembly to rotate, the moving contact in the moving contact assembly contacts or separates from the static contact.

10. The power converter according to claim 9, characterized in that: The stationary contact includes a first surface, and the moving contact includes a contact portion. When the contact portion and the first surface are in contact with each other, the switch unit is in a conducting state.

11. The power converter according to claim 10, characterized in that: The reference mark is a fan ring, the center of which is located at the axis; when the contact portion of the second moving contact assembly contacts the first surface, the vertical projection of the pointer along the first direction points to the fan ring.

12. The power converter according to claim 11, characterized in that When the second moving contact assembly rotates around the axis within a first angular range, the contact portion of the second moving contact assembly maintains contact with the first surface.

13. The power converter according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first angle range is equal to the central angle of the sector ring.

14. The power converter according to claim 13, characterized in that: The central angle of the fan ring is 7°.

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