High voltage power distribution unit

Abstract

A high voltage power distribution unit includes a housing, a cover, and a protective plate. The housing accommodates the electrical device and has a top opening for receiving the lid. Once the cover is disposed over the housing, the housing and the cover form a closed structure. The guard plate is located on one side of the housing and has a receiving portion through which the output female connector is fitted.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A high voltage power distribution unit (HV PDU) is an electrical box that contains high voltage DC contactors and fuses. The HV PDU can be enclosed in an IP67 / 6K9K rated enclosure and can optimize power distribution using female wires and printed circuit board assemblies. The HV PDU can also have temperature sensing and current sensing capabilities to safely, reliably and efficiently distribute power from the high voltage battery module to the high voltage system of the environment, such as the high voltage system that supports hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0002] HV PDUs typically have an enclosure and a cover or lid for securely holding components. During maintenance, power to the PDU is disabled and the lid is removed. Some PDUs have a lid switch that is designed to automatically disable power to the PDU when the lid is removed. If the lid switch is poorly designed or corroded, components of the PDU may remain energized despite the fact that the lid is open, which could result in electric shock, fire, or worse.

[0003] It is with these and other considerations in mind that the present improvements may be useful. Summary of the invention

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] An exemplary embodiment of a high-voltage power distribution unit according to the present disclosure may include a housing, a cover, and a protective plate. The housing accommodates an electrical device and has a top opening for receiving the cover. Once the cover is disposed above the housing, the housing and the cover form a closed structure. The protective plate is located on one side of the housing and has a receiving portion through which the output female connector is assembled.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment of a power distribution unit according to the present disclosure may include a housing with a cover and a protective plate. The cover is disposed above the top opening of the housing to form a rectangular cubic structure for accommodating an electrical device. The protective plate has an output receiving portion for receiving an input female connector. The protective plate is connected to the cover. The cover cannot be removed from the housing before the input female connector is removed from the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figures 1A-1C is a schematic diagram illustrating a high voltage power distribution unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2A-2B is a diagram showing a method of performing a Figures 1A-1C Schematic diagram of a protection board used in a high voltage power distribution unit;

[0009] Figure 3A-3B is a schematic diagram showing a lid switch design of a prior art high voltage power distribution unit according to the prior art;

[0010] Figures 4A-4F is a diagram showing a method of performing a Figures 1A-1C Schematic diagram of the U-shaped trough design used in the high voltage power distribution unit;

[0011] Figures 5A-5E is a diagram showing a method of performing a Figures 1A-1C Schematic diagram of a hook design used in a high voltage power distribution unit;

[0012] Figures 6A-6E is a diagram showing a method of performing a Figures 1A-1C A schematic diagram of a convex ball design used in a high voltage power distribution unit; and

[0013] Figures 7A-7D is a diagram showing an opening according to an exemplary embodiment Figures 1A-1C A schematic diagram of the steps of sealing a cover of a high voltage power distribution unit; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The high voltage power distribution unit (HV PDU) provides mechanical devices to ensure that power is not supplied to the PDU once the cover is removed. The HV PDU features a pair of protective plates on both sides of the PDU housing. The protective plates move with the cover when it is removed from the housing. The HV PDU includes a U-groove design, hook features, and convex ball features to ensure high reliability and safety. The HV PDU does not need to rely on a poka-yoke process or post-assembly end-of-line process testing.

[0015] For convenience and clarity, terms such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," "transverse," "radial," "inner," "outer," "left," and "right" may be used herein to describe the relative position and orientation of each of the features and components relative to the geometry and orientation of other features and components appearing in the perspective, exploded perspective, and cross-sectional views provided herein. The terminology is not intended to be limiting and includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

[0016] Figures 1A-1C1 is a representative perspective view of a novel high voltage power distribution unit (HV PDU) 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The HV PDU 100 includes a housing 114 with an opening at the top and a cover 112 disposed above the opening of the housing 114 for enclosing components in the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 114 and the cover 112 together form a closed structure that is a rectangular cubic structure.

[0017] The HV PDU 100 supports three female connectors: an output female connector 106, a low voltage female connector 108, and an input female connector 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the output female connector 106 and the low voltage female connector 108 are disposed on a first side of a housing 114, while the input female connector 110 is disposed on an opposing second side of the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the output female connector 106, the low voltage female connector 108, and the input female connector 110 are inserted into the housing so that the connectors establish electrical connections to components within the housing 114 of the HVPDU 100.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the HV PDU 100 features a first protective panel 102 disposed on a first side of a housing 114 and a second protective panel 104 disposed on a second side of the housing. The first protective panel 102 features an output receiving portion 116 through which the output female connector 106 is fed and a low voltage receiving portion 118 through which the low voltage female connector 108 is fed. The second protective panel 104 features an input receiving portion 120 through which the input female connector 110 is fed. As will be shown and described herein, the first protective panel 102 and the second protective panel 104 are specifically designed to ensure safe maintenance of the HV PDU 100.

[0019] Figure 2A-2B According to an exemplary embodiment Figures 1A-1C A representative view of an HV PDU 100 . Figure 2A is a side view featuring the first protection plate 102, and Figure 2B 1 is a side view featuring the second protective plate 104. The first protective plate 102 is adjacent and parallel to a first side of the housing 114, while the second protective plate 104 is adjacent and parallel to an opposite second side of the housing. Thus, the housing 114 is sandwiched between the two protective plates 102 and 104.

[0020] like Figure 2AAs shown, the first protection plate 102 includes an output receiving portion 116 surrounding the output female connector 106 and a low voltage receiving portion 118 surrounding the low voltage female connector 108. Structurally, the first protection plate 102 has a front portion 214, a rear portion 216, and a connector portion 218. The output receiving portion 116 is located in the front portion 214, and the low voltage receiving portion 118 is disposed between the front portion 214 and the rear portion 216.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connector portion 218 is in a different plane than the front portion 214 and the back portion 216, while the front portion 214 and the back portion 216 are in the same plane (see Figure 1B In some embodiments, the front portion 214 , the rear portion 216 , and the connector portion 218 are formed of a single material, such as metal, wherein the connector portion 218 is parallel to the front portion 214 and the rear portion 216 .

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment, the first protective plate 102 also includes screws 202 and screws 204 located in the connector portion 218 for securing the first protective plate 104 to the HV PDU 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the screws 202 and 204 engage the cover 112 of the HVPDU 100.

[0023] The cover 112 has a front portion 210 and a rear portion 212. Figure 2A In the illustration of , the front portion 210 is on the left and the rear portion 212 is on the right. When removed from the housing 114, the front portion 210 of the cover 112 is lifted upward and disengaged from the housing 114, while the rear portion 212 of the cover 112 remains connected to the housing 114, such as by a hinge. In an exemplary embodiment, the first protective plate 102, which remains parallel to the side of the housing 114, rotates in an upward direction when the cover 112 is opened from the housing 114. When this happens, the front portion 214 of the first protective plate 102 is disposed above the housing 114, while the rear portion 216 blocks one or more of the output receiving portion 116 and the low voltage receiving portion 118.

[0024] like Figure 2B As shown, the second protection plate 104 includes an input receiving portion 120 surrounding the input female connector 110. Structurally, the second protection plate 104 has a front portion 220, a rear portion 222, and a connector portion 224. The input receiving portion 120 is located in the front portion 220.

[0025] In some embodiments, the connector portion 224 is in a different plane than the front portion 220 and the back portion 222, wherein the front portion 220 and the back portion 224 are in the same plane (see Figure 1AIn some embodiments, the front portion 220 , the rear portion 222 , and the connector portion 224 are formed of a single material, wherein the connector portion 224 is parallel to the front portion 220 and the rear portion 222 .

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, the second protective panel 104 further includes screws 206 and screws 208 located in the connector portion 224 for securing the second protective panel 104 to the HV PDU 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the screws 206 and 208 engage the cover 112 of the HV PDU 100.

[0027] exist Figure 2B , the front portion 210 of the cover 112 is on the right side and the rear portion 212 of the cover 112 is on the left side. When the cover 112 is removed from the housing 114, the front portion 210 is lifted upward and disengaged from the housing 114, while the rear portion 212 remains connected to the housing, such as by a hinge. In an exemplary embodiment, the second protective plate 104, which remains parallel to the side of the housing 114, rotates in an upward direction when the cover 112 is opened from the housing 114. When this occurs, the front portion 220 of the second protective plate 104 is disposed above the housing 114, while the rear portion 222 blocks the input receiving portion 120.

[0028] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the first protection plate 102 cannot be rotated until both the output female connector 106 and the low-pressure female connector 108 are removed (unplugged). Since the first protection plate 102 is connected to the cover 112, the cover 112 cannot be opened until both the output female connector 106 and the low-pressure female connector 108 are removed (unplugged).

[0029] Likewise, in an exemplary embodiment, the second protection plate 104 cannot be rotated until the input female connector 110 is removed. Because the second protection plate 104 is connected to the cover 112, the cover 112 also cannot be opened until the input female connector 110 is removed.

[0030] Figure 3A-3B is a representative diagram of an HV PDU 300 according to the prior art. Figure 3A is a top perspective view of the interior of the HV PDU 300, and Figure 3B 300 is a side view of the interior thereof. The HV PDU 300 is characterized by a lid switch 304 disposed inside the housing 302. The lid switch 304 is located on the inner wall of the housing 302, opposite to the female connector 306. Figure 3BAs shown in FIG. 3 , the lid switch 304 features a micro switch 310 that includes a lever 308 designed to electrically disconnect the circuit inside the HV PDU 300 once the cover (not shown) is lifted from the housing 302. The lever 308 causes the circuit inside the micro switch 310 to change from normally open (NO) to normally closed (NC), and vice versa, based on the movement of the cover. Thus, the lid switch 304 controls whether power is delivered to the HV PDU 300 when the cover is open.

[0031] Unfortunately, the cover switch 304 may be unreliable in operation. There may be a switch quality issue where the lever 308 does not work as designed. Alternatively, the lever 308 may erroneously set the cover switch 304 to NC or NO. During maintenance, the cover switch 304 may not be easily viewed until the cover of the HV PDU 300 has been removed. A defect in the cover switch 304 may result in malfunction of the PDU, electric shock, or worse.

[0032] The HV PDU 100 differs from the prior art HV PDU 300 in several aspects. The HV PDU 100 is a special mechanical design in which the first protection plate 102, the second protection plate 104, or both the first protection plate and the second protection plate are installed together with the cover 112 to ensure that the HV PDU 100 is 100% powered off in response to the opening of the cover 112. The mechanical design of the HV PDU 100 is more reliable than the lid switch 304 design of the prior art HV PDU 300. The HV PDU 100 can be implemented in a variety of different ways, as described and shown below.

[0033] Figures 4A-4F is a representative diagram of a U-channel design implemented in an HV PDU 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4A is a side cross-sectional view of the HV PDU 100, and Figure 4B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the HV PDU 100. Figure 4C is a perspective view of the cover 112, Figure 4D is a perspective view of the U-shaped slot portion of the HV PDU 100, Figure 4E is a detailed perspective view of the U-shaped groove section, and Figure 4F Detailed side view of the implementation of the U-shaped groove.

[0034] The cover 112, the housing 114 and the first protection plate 102 are Figure 4A Because this view is a cross-section, the second protective plate 104 is not visible. The figure shows the front joint area 408 and the rear joint area 410, wherein the rear joint area 410 is also shown in FIG. Figure 4B A detailed view of the feature.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 4C As shown, the cover 112 has a front column 404 and a rear column 406 ( Figure 4C When the cover 112 is disposed on the housing 114, the front post 404 occupies the post receiving portion 402 of the front engagement region 408 of the housing 114 ( Figure 4B Similarly, the rear post 406 occupies the rear engagement region 410 of the housing 114 ( Figure 4A ) at a second post receiving portion (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, the front post 404 and the rear post 406 help to properly position the cover 112 on the housing 114.

[0036] In the perspective view of the HV PDU 100 ( Figure 4D ), showing the first protection plate 102 and the second protection plate 104, wherein the housing 114 and the cover 112 are sandwiched therebetween. Also shown is the U-shaped groove area 412, wherein Figures 4E-4F A detailed view of the U-shaped groove area 412 is shown in FIG. The U-shaped groove area 412 of the second protective plate 104 is shown, but the principles shown and described herein also apply to the first protective plate 102.

[0037] A U-shaped slot 414 is provided in the connector portion 224 of the second protection plate 104. A U-shaped slot screw 416 fits into the U-shaped slot 414 and can move vertically in a downward direction along the axis of the U-shaped slot 414. The U-shaped slot screw 416 is attached to a bolt (not shown) that fits into the U-shaped slot and is received by a generally circular bolt opening 418 of the housing 114 of the HV PDU 100 ( Figure 4E In an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the U-shaped slot 414 is generally similar to a flat oval, pill, or U-shape, but may be different from the shape shown, such as a rectangle, for example, as long as the width of the U-shaped slot 414 is wider than the diameter of the bolt connected to the U-shaped slot screw 416, but narrower than the U-shaped slot screw 416.

[0038] Figure 4F1 shows the changes that occur in the U-shaped slot area 412 once the cover 112 of the HV PDU 100 is opened according to an exemplary embodiment. On the left side of the arrow, the U-shaped slot screw 416 is set at the top of the U-shaped slot 414. The cover 112 is flush with the housing 114. On the right side of the arrow, as indicated by the open space 420 between the cover 112 and the housing 114, the cover 112 is opened and the U-shaped slot screw 416 is set at the bottom of the U-shaped slot 414. Therefore, the U-shaped slot screw 416 moves vertically downward within the U-shaped slot 414. In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical movement of the U-shaped slot screw 416 does not exceed the height of the front column 404 and the rear column 406. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the U-shaped slot screw 416 is the rotation axis of the second protective plate 104. Therefore, the second protective plate 104 moves upward with the movement of the cover 112.

[0039] Figures 5A-5E is a representative diagram of a hook design of an HV PDU 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5A is a perspective view of the second protective plate 104 having a hook feature, Figure 5B is a detailed perspective view, and Figure 5C is its side view; Figure 5D is a perspective view of the second protective plate 104 mating with the cover 112 using a hook feature, and Figure 5E is a detailed perspective view thereof. The second protective plate 104 is Figures 5A-5E As a feature, the principles shown and described above can also be applied to the first protection plate 102 .

[0040] The inner side view of the second protection plate 104 is as follows Figure 5A As described above, the second protective plate 104 includes a front portion 220, a rear portion 222, and a connector portion 224. In the connector portion 224, there is a hook detail 502, which is Figure 5B Recall that the second protection plate 104 is connected to the cover 112 ( Figure 5C ). The hook detail 502 features a screw hole 506 and a screw hole 508, with the hook 504 disposed therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the hook 504 is a generally rectangular cube shape attached to the connector portion 224 of the second protective plate 104, with an upwardly curved portion at the distal end, forming a hook-like appearance. In an exemplary embodiment, the hook 504 is formed of the same material used for the second protective plate 104.

[0041] Figure 5C The hook 504 is shown just above the U-shaped slot area 412 , with the screws 206 and 208 located on either side of the hook 504 . Figure 5D-5EThe assembly detail 510 in FIG. 1 shows the hook 504 assembled into the hook slot 512 in the cover 112 of the HV PDU 100. Note that Figure 5E shows an inverted feature, where Figure 5C The U-shaped groove 414 below the hook detail 502 in Figure 5E . Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the screws 206 and 208 and the hooks 504 help secure the cover 112 to the second protection plate 104. In the exemplary embodiment, the hooks 504 ensure that even if the screws 206 and 208 are removed, the second protection plate 104 remains attached to the cover 112, which ensures safety during maintenance of the HV PDU 100.

[0042] Figures 6A-6E is a representative diagram of a convex ball design of an HV PDU 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the convex ball design in the first protection plate 102, and Figure 6B It is its detailed perspective drawing; Figure 6C is a perspective view of the convex ball design in the housing 114, and Fig.6D is a detailed perspective view thereof; and Fig. 6E 1 is a side view of the HV PDU 100. A convex ball design is shown for the first protection plate 102. However, the principle of the convex ball design is also applicable to the second protection plate 104.

[0043] exist Fig. 6A , an inside view of the first protective plate 102 is shown. The front portion 214, the rear portion 216, and the connector portion 218 are as previously shown. The output receiving portion 116 (for receiving the output female connector 106) and the low-pressure receiving portion 118 (for receiving the low-pressure female connector 108) are also shown. In the exemplary embodiment, the convex ball design detail 602 is shown as part of the connector portion 218 of the first protective plate 102. Figure 6B The convex ball design detail 602 is shown in more detail in FIG.

[0044] A protruding ball 604 is shown in the connector portion 218 of the first protective plate 102. Like the hook 504, the protruding ball 604 is located on the inside of the connector portion 218, adjacent to the side of the first protective plate 102 of the housing 114 to which it will be connected. The protruding ball 604 is also adjacent to the U-shaped groove 414. In the exemplary embodiment, the protruding ball 604 is a convex protrusion on the inside of the connector portion 218. Although the shape of the protruding ball 604 is substantially spherical, it may alternatively be in the shape of an elongated sphere or cylinder.

[0045] Figure 6C A convex ball detail 606 of the HV PDU 100 is shown, with a more detailed view at Fig.6DIn the convex ball detail 606 is a mounting groove 608 disposed along the rear surface of the housing 114. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting groove 608 is orthogonal to the rear surface of the connector portion 218 of the first protective plate 102. The mounting groove 608 is also just below the screw housing 612 of the housing 114, wherein the cover 112 is assembled into the screw housing 612. In the exemplary embodiment, when the cover 112 is opened (after the output female connector 106 and the low voltage female connector 108 of the first protective plate 102 are removed), once the cover 112 reaches the opening angle 610 ( Fig. 6E ), the convex ball 604 is assembled into the assembly groove 608.

[0046] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the protruding ball 604 and the mounting groove 608 provide a mechanism to lock the first protective plate 102 in place once the cover 112 is opened. This helps stabilize the cover 112 during maintenance, as components within the HV PDU 100 may be removed and other components added during maintenance operations. In an exemplary embodiment, once the cover 112 is fully opened from the housing 114, the protruding ball 604 and the mounting groove 608 prevent the cover 112 from moving.

[0047] Fig. 6E A second protective plate 104 is shown instead of the first protective plate 102, but the same principles apply. Note that once the cover 112 is in this position and the protruding ball 604 is locked into the mounting groove 608, the rear portion 222 of the second protective plate 104 blocks the input receiving portion 120 as designed. Similarly, once the cover 112 is fully opened, the first protective plate 102 will block the output receiving portion 116 and the low pressure receiving portion 118.

[0048] Figures 7A-7D is a representative diagram of an HV PDU 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7A The HV PDU 100 is shown when the female connector is removed. Figure 7B The HV PDU 100 is shown without the female connector. Figure 7C is a detailed view of the second protective plate 104 when the U-bolt feature has been engaged, and Fig.7D The HV PDU 100 is shown with the cover 112 rotated.

[0049] exist Fig. 7A, the output female connector 106 and the input female connector 110 have been removed from the HV PDU 100. Although not shown, the low voltage female connector 108 is also removed. The bolts connecting the cover 112 to the housing 114 are also removed. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 112 is secured using four bolts 702a, 702b, 702c and 702d (collectively referred to as "bolts 702"), which are loaded into corresponding bolt receiving portions 704a, 704b, 704c and 704d (collectively referred to as "bolt receiving portions 704"). The cover 112 can be secured to the housing 114 using more or fewer bolts 702. The order of removal does not matter, and the bolts 702 can be removed from the bolt receiving portions 704 before removing the output female connector 106 and the input female connector 110, or removed from the bolt receiving portions after removing the output female connector and the input female connector. The HV PDU 100 after removing the bolts 702 and connectors 106 and 110 is as shown. Figure 7B shown.

[0050] At this stage, the cover 112 can be removed from the housing 114 of the HV PDU 100. The removal of the cover 112 causes the U-shaped slot screw 416 to move upward in the U-shaped slot 414, as shown in FIG. Figure 7C The open space 420 shows that the cover 112 is moving away from the housing 114. The hook 504 also secures the first protective plate 102 (or the second protective plate 104) to the cover 112. Fig.7D In the fully open position, the cover 112 is fully opened, and the convex ball 604 is placed in the assembly groove 608, thereby ensuring that the cover 112 will not be closed before the maintenance is completed. In this fully open position, the second protection plate 104 blocks the input receiving portion 120 so that it cannot receive the input female connector 110.

[0051] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and beginning with "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. In addition, reference to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0052] Although the present invention relates to certain embodiments, many modifications, changes and variations of the embodiments are possible without departing from the field and scope of the present disclosure as defined in one or more of the appended claims. Therefore, the object of the present disclosure is not to be limited to the described embodiments, but to have the full scope defined by the language of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A high voltage power distribution unit, comprising: A housing for accommodating an electrical device, the housing having a top opening; a cover disposed above the top opening, wherein the housing and the cover form a closed structure; and A protection plate is disposed on the first side of the housing, the protection plate having an output receiving portion through which an output female connector is fitted.

2. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein: The cover cannot be removed from the housing before the output female connector is pulled out of the housing.

3. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 2, wherein: The protection plate is coupled to the cover using screws.

4. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 3, wherein: The protective plate further includes a connector portion that connects the protective plate to the cover, and the connector portion further includes a U-shaped groove that receives a second screw, wherein the second screw moves vertically downward in the U-shaped groove when the cover is removed from the housing.

5. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 4, wherein: The connector portion further includes a hook disposed between the screw and a third screw, wherein the hook fits into a hook slot of the cover.

6. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 5, wherein the connector portion further comprises a convex ball disposed adjacent to the U-shaped groove, wherein: When the cover is completely opened from the housing, the convex ball is fitted into the fitting groove of the housing.

7. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 6, wherein: The convex ball is a convex protrusion provided on the inner surface of the connector portion of the protection plate.

8. The high-voltage power distribution unit according to claim 1, further comprising a second protection plate disposed on a second side of the housing, the second side being opposite to the first side, the second protection plate having an input receiving portion through which an input female connector is fitted.

9. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 8, wherein: The cover cannot be removed from the housing before the input female connector is pulled out of the housing.

10. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 8, wherein: The second protective plate further includes a connector portion that connects the second protective plate to the cover, and the connector portion further includes a U-shaped groove that receives a screw, wherein when the cover is removed from the housing, the screw moves vertically downward in the U-shaped groove.

11. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 10, wherein: The connector portion further includes a hook disposed between the second screw and the third screw, wherein the hook fits into the hook slot of the cover.

12. The high voltage power distribution unit according to claim 11, wherein the connector portion further comprises a convex ball disposed adjacent to the U-shaped groove, wherein: When the cover is completely opened from the housing, the convex ball is fitted into the fitting groove of the housing.

13. A power distribution unit, comprising: a housing having a cover disposed over a top opening of the housing, the housing and the cover forming a rectangular cubic structure housing the electrical device; and a protective plate having an input receiving portion through which an input female connector fits, wherein the protective plate is coupled to the cover; Wherein, the cover cannot be removed from the housing before the input female connector is removed from the housing. 14 . The power distribution unit of claim 13 , further comprising a second protection plate having an output receiving portion through which the output female connector is fitted.

15. The power distribution unit according to claim 14, wherein: The second protection plate is coupled to the cover, and the cover cannot be removed from the housing before the output female connector is removed from the housing.

16. The power distribution unit according to claim 13, wherein: The protection plate further includes a hook disposed between a pair of screws, wherein the hook is fitted into a hook slot of the cover.

17. The power distribution unit of claim 13, wherein: The cover further includes a bolt, and the housing includes a bolt receiving portion, wherein the cover is fixed to the housing by fitting the bolt into the bolt receiving portion.

18. The power distribution unit according to claim 17, wherein: The bolt is removed from the bolt receiving portion before the cover is removed from the housing.

19. The power distribution unit of claim 13, wherein: The protective plate further includes a U-shaped slot and a screw, which is assembled through the U-shaped slot and received in the screw hole of the cover, wherein, in response to the cover being removed from the housing, the screw moves vertically in a downward direction within the U-shaped slot.

20. The power distribution unit of claim 19, wherein: The protective plate further includes a convex ball disposed on an inner surface of the protective plate adjacent to the housing, wherein the convex ball is received in an assembly groove of the housing when the cover is fully opened, wherein the convex ball and the assembly groove prevent the cover from moving.

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