Patent Publication Number: US-6217358-B1

Title: Connector coupling structure

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a connector coupling structure which is used in, for example, vehicle door and is preferable for coupling female and male connectors having multiple poles with each other or uncoupling them. 
     2. Description of the Relevant Art 
     In a vehicle door, a switch unit such as a power window switch unit is installed on a door trim by fitting a connector of wire harness placed on the door panel to a connector of switch unit to be installed on the door panel through a door trim. 
     FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an installation procedure of a conventional connector for vehicle door. 
     First, a wire harness  102  is placed on a door panel  101  and next waterproof sheet  103  is bonded to this door panel  101 . A switch unit such as a power window switch unit is installed on a door trim  105  and a connector  107  of the switch unit  104  is fit to a connector  106  which is connected to an end of the wire harness  102  placed in the door panel  101  and finally the door trim  105  is installed on the door panel  101 . 
     A connector coupling structure suitable for this kind of use has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 9-55262. 
     FIGS. 2A to  2 D are diagrams for explaining a conventional connector coupling structure. 
     In the conventional connector coupling structure, as shown in FIG. 2A, a female connector  205  provided on an electrical device  204  is fit to a male connector  201  which is inserted into an insertion hole  208   a  of a connector mounting plate  208  through a mounting opening  209   a  of an instrumental panel  209 . This male connector  201  has a flexible engaging piece  202 . Prior to fitting of the male connector  201 , a protrusion  202   a  provided on the engaging piece  202  is engaged with a fitting hole  208   a  of the connector mounting plate  208 . As shown in FIGS. 2B,  2 C, the female connector  205  is inserted through the mounting opening  209   a  of the instrumental panel  209  and fit to the male connector  201 . As a result, when the female connector  205  is normally fit to the male connector  201 , the engaging piece  202  deflects downward so that a hook portion  203  on a front end of the engaging piece  202  is embedded into a recess hole  206  of the female connector  205 . When the electrical device  204  is further pressed from this condition, as shown in FIG. 2D, the male connector  201  is forced up to an assembly position, so that the female connector  205  is locked within the mounting opening  209   a  of the instrumental panel  209  through a locking piece  204   a  of the electrical device  204 . 
     According to the installation procedure of the conventional vehicle connectors, after the switch unit  104  is installed on the door trim  105 , the connector  107  of the switch unit  104  is fit to the connector  106  connected to the end of the wire harness  102  placed in the door panel  101 . Thus, the coupling of both the connectors  106 ,  107  is carried out by manual sensing method (the manual sensing work portion is indicated by symbol B in FIG. 1) so that work efficiency is poor. Further, because the connector  106  is located at an end of the long wire harness  102 , when the door trim  105  is installed on the door panel  101  after the connector  107  of the switch unit  104  is fit to the connector connected to the end of the wire harness  102  placed in the door panel  101 , catching of the wire harness  102  or the like occurs thereby leading to a connection failure of the wire harness  102 , disconnection or the like. 
     In the above described conventional connector coupling structure, because there is formed a tapered face  202   b  on a rear portion of the protrusion  202   a  of the engaging piece  202  of the male connector  201 , the male connector  201  is likely to retract on halfway of coupling of both the connectors  201 ,  205 , so that it is difficult to install both the connectors  201 ,  205  at a normal position with both the connectors being coupled with each other completely. For example, if both the connectors  201 ,  205  are uncoupled for maintenance and inspection, the male connector  201  remains drooping behind the connector mounting plate  208 , so that it is impossible to couple both the connectors  201 ,  205  with each other again when the maintenance and inspection is completed. If the wire harness connected to the male connector  201  is pulled for some reason after both the connectors  201 ,  205  are fit to each other, there is a fear that the connectors  201 ,  205  may be uncoupled because there is no locking means provided between both the connectors  201  and  205 . Further, because both the connectors  201 ,  205  are fit to each other by only a holding force between a female terminal (not shown) of the male connector  201  and a male terminal  207  of the female connector  205 , the fitting force between both the connectors  201  and  205  is insufficient so that it is weak against a vibration, thereby often producing looseness, abnormal noise and the like. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been achieved with such points in view. 
     It therefore is an object of the present invention to provide a connector coupling structure enabling the female and male connectors to be coupled with each other and preventing a wire connection failure. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector coupling structure enabling the female and male connectors to slide easily relative to a holder in a coupling completion condition, capable of preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise and excellent in anti-vibration performance. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a connector coupling structure enabling the coupling of the female and male connectors to be carried out easily and accurately. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a connector coupling structure capable of preventing slippage of both the connectors from the coupling state. 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure in which one of female and male connectors is installed on a mounting base in such a waiting condition that it projects through a holder and the one connector is capable of being freely coupled with the other connector in a direction of the projected waiting condition of the one connector, the connector coupling structure being so that the one connector is provided freely slidably in the holder and after the other connector is coupled with the one connector, both the connectors are freely slidable relative to the holder in a coupling completion condition toward the mounting base. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, both the female and male connectors can be easily coupled with each other and the coupling thereof can be easily confirmed thereby improving work efficiency. Further because the pulling out of the wire is not needed, catching of the wire or the like is prevented so that a connection failure of the wire, disconnection and the like are prevented. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure according to the first aspect wherein the holder is cylindrical in shape and both the coupled connectors are slidably provided in the cylindrical holder. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, both the coupled connectors slide linearly toward the mounting base thereby shortening an installation time to the mounting base. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure according to the first aspect wherein the switch installed on a other connector is installed in a switch mounting hole provided in another mounting base and the switch installed in the switch mounting hole is lockable with a locking means. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, an installation error between the mounting base and other mounting base and looseness are absorbed so that both the connectors are never loose or vibrated thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise due to vibration or the like. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure in which one of female and male connectors is installed on a mounting base in such a waiting condition that it projects through a holder and the one connector is capable of being freely coupled with the other connector in a direction of the projected waiting condition of the one connector, the connector coupling structure being so constructed that a clearance is provided between the holder and the one connector such that the one connector is provided slidably in the holder and when the coupling of the one connector and the other connector is completed, both the connectors are freely slidable relative to the holder in the coupling completion condition toward the mounting base. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, because the female and male connectors are aligned with each other, they are coupled with each other smoothly. Both the connectors slide easily relative to the holder in the completely coupled condition and installed to the mounting base. As a result, vibration and the like are prevented improving anti-vibration performance thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure according to the fourth aspect wherein a switch installed on the other connector is installed in a switch mounting hole provided in another mounting base and the clearance between the holder and the one connector is set so as to be larger than the clearance between the switch mounting hole and the switch. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, an installation error between the mounting base and other mounting base and looseness are absorbed where the sliding of both the connectors in the coupling completion condition ends, so that both the connectors are never loose or vibrated thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure in which one of female and male connectors is installed on a mounting base in such a waiting condition that it projects through a holder and the one connector is capable of being freely coupled with the other connector in a direction of the projected waiting condition of the one connector, the connector coupling structure being so constructed that a hood of the one connector is provided slidably in the holder; the holder and hood of the one connector are each provided with an engaging means for holding the one connector in the projected waiting condition, the other connector is provided with a holding means for holding the engagement of each of the engaging means when both of the connectors are coupled with each other and provided with a holding release means for releasing the engagement of each of the engaging means when the coupling of both the connectors is complete; and when the coupling of both the connectors is complete, both the connectors are slidable relative to the holder in the completely coupled condition toward the mounting base. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, because the hood of one connector is provided slidably in the holder, the sliding performance of the one connector relative to the holder is improved. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure according to the sixth aspect wherein the hood cylindrical in shape so that the cylindrical hood acts as a guide for the holder and the other connector. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, the other connector slides smoothly relative to one connector, so that both the connectors are coupled with each other securely. Further, the coupled connectors slide relative to the holder smoothly. As a result, vibration and the like are prevented improving anti-vibration performance thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. 
     An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure according to the sixth aspect wherein the one connector comprises a housing having a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers and a hood for covering the housing. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, a plurality of connector housings using a pressure welding terminal, crimping terminal or the like can be used at the same time, thereby increasing general purpose usability. 
     A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure in which one of female and male connectors is installed on a mounting base in such a waiting condition that it projects through a holder and the one connector is capable of being freely coupled with the other connector in a direction of the projected waiting condition of the one connector, the connector coupling structure being so constructed that the one connector is provided slidably in the holder; the holder and one connector are each provided with an engaging means for holding the one connector in the projected waiting condition; the other connector is provided with a holding means for holding the engagement of each of the engaging means when both the connectors are coupled with each other and a holding releasing means for releasing the engagement of each of the engaging means when both the coupling of both the connectors is completed and released; and both the connectors are freely slidable relative to the holder when the coupling of both the connectors is completed and released. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, the coupling and uncoupling of both the connectors are carried out easily and accurately. Further, because the engaging means of the holder and the engaging means of one connector are disposed at the same position and the other connector contains the holding means and holding releasing means, the entire size of the connector can be reduced. 
     A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure according to the ninth aspect wherein a uncoupling face of the holding releasing means is a tapered face. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, the engagement between the engaging means of the holder and one connector can be released easily. Therefore, the other connector is easily released from one connector so that the uncoupling of both the connectors for maintenance and inspection and re-coupling thereof can be carried out easily and accurately. 
     An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure in which one of female and male connectors is installed on a mounting base in such a waiting condition that it projects through a holder; the one connector is capable of being freely coupled with the other connector in a direction of the projected waiting condition of the one connector; the one connector is provided slidably in the holder; the holder and one connector are provided each with an engaging means for holding the one connector in the projected waiting condition; the other connector is provided with a holding means for holding the engagement of each of the engaging means when both the connectors are coupled with each other and a holding releasing means for releasing the engagement of each of the engaging means when both the coupling of both the connectors is complete; and both the connectors are freely slidable relative to the holder toward the mounting base in the completely coupled condition when the coupling of both the connectors is complete, the connector coupling structure being so constructed that the engaging means of the holder is constituted with a flexible arm having an engaging portion at an end thereof; the engaging means of the one connector is constituted with a flexible engaging piece having an engaging portion to be fit to/released from the engaging portion of the flexible arm; and the flexible engaging piece is freely contactable with a side wall in the vicinity of the flexible arm of the holder. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, unnecessary warpage of the flexible engaging piece of one connector toward the side wall of the holder is prevented, so that uncoupling of both the connectors when both the connectors are coupled with each other and the coupling thereof is completed is prevented. 
     A twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a connector coupling structure according to the eleventh aspect wherein the width of the flexible engaging piece is set so as to be larger than the width of the engaging portion of the flexible arm. 
     According to the connector coupling structure, even if an unexpected load is applied to one connector or the like, the uncoupling of both the connectors can be prevented. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
     The above and further objects and novel features of the present invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a disassembed perspective view of a conventional vehicle door; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view of conventional female and male connectors prior to coupling thereof; 
     FIG. 2A is a sectional view of the conventional female and male connectors at the time of the coupling thereof; 
     FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the conventional female and male connectors on halfway of the coupling thereof at a normal position; 
     FIG. 2C is a sectional view of the conventional female and male connectors when the coupling thereof is completed; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state prior to the coupling of the female and male connectors in a connector coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hood of the male connector of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state prior to the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a state of the initial period of the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state on halfway of the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 3 is completed; 
     FIG. 9 is a disassembly perspective view of the vehicle door to which the connector coupling structure of FIG. 3 is applied; 
     FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a state prior to the installation of the female and male connectors having the connector coupling structure applied to the vehicle door switch; 
     FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the state in which the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 10 is completed; 
     FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the installation of the vehicle door switch is completed; 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state prior to the coupling of the female and male connectors in a connector coupling structure according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a state prior to the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a side view showing a state prior to the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 16 is a lateral sectional view showing a state of the initial period of the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 17 is a lateral sectional view showing a state on halfway of the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state of the initial period of the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the coupling of the connectors of FIG. 13 is completed; and 
     FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the installation of the connectors of FIG. 13 is completed. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     There will be detailed below the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like members are designated by like reference character. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state prior to coupling of a female connector and a male connector to be used in a connector coupling structure of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state prior to the coupling of the female connector and male connector. FIG. 9 is a disassembly perspective view of a vehicle door employing the same connector coupling structure. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state prior to installation of the female connector and male connector having the connector coupling structure employed in the same vehicle door. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3,  10 , of the male connector  20  and female connector  30  both made of synthetic resin, the male connector (one connector of them)  20  is to be installed on a door panel (mounting base)  50  through a holder  10  made of synthetic resin such that it projects from the door panel  50 . The female connector  30  (other connector) remains capable of being freely coupled with the male connector  20  projected from this holder  10 . This female connector  30  is installed on a switch  41  of a switch unit  40  such as a power window switch unit or the like through a substrate (not shown). The switch unit  40  is to be installed on a switch mounting hole (switch mounting portion)  61  formed on a door trim (other mounting base)  60 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 3,  5 ,  6 , the holder  10  comprises a cylindrical body  11  formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular cylinder with upper and lower walls  11   a,    11   b  and left and right side walls  11   c,    11   d  and a mounting bracket  12  formed integrally with the lower wall  11   b  of this cylindrical body so as to project therefrom. Each of the left side wall  11   c  and right side wall  11   d  has a pair of slits  13 ,  13  provided in the center thereof and a L-shaped flexible arm (engaging means)  14  is formed between the pair of the slits  13  and  13  so as to project therefrom. As shown in FIG. 6, a protrusion (engaging portion)  15  having a trapezoidal section is formed inside of a front end of each of the pair of the flexible arms (engaging means)  14 ,  14  so as to project therefrom. A rear portion of each protrusion  15  has a tapered face  15   a.    
     As shown in FIG. 5, in the center of the front end of the inside faces of the upper wall  11   a  and lower wall  11   b  of the cylindrical body  11  of the holder  10  are formed a pair of stoppers  16 ,  16  for restricting an amount of projection of the male connector  20  forward integrally with both the walls such that they project therefrom. A clearance is provided on the entire circumference between the cylindrical body  11  of the holder  10  and the hood  22  of the male connector  20  which will be described later, so that the hood  22  of the male connector  20  is supported freely slidably within the cylindrical body  11  of the holder  10 . That is, when the coupling of the male connector  20  and female connector  30  is completed, both the connectors  20 ,  30  are freely slidable downward of the door panel  50  with respect to the cylindrical body  11  of the holder  10  in the coupling completion condition. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3,  5  to  8 , the male connector  20  comprises a housing  21  containing a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers  21   a  for accommodating a female terminal (terminal)  27  and a hood  22  for covering this housing  21 . A base portion  21   b  of this housing  21  is installed in a base portion  22   b  of the hood  22  by pressure insertion such that it is centered by the base portion  22   b  of the hood  22 . As shown in FIGS. 3,  4 , the hood  22  is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular cylinder with the upper and lower walls and left and right side walls and acts to guide for the holder  10  and female connector  30 . In the center of each of the left and right side walls of the substantially rectangular cylindrical hood  22  are formed a pair of slits  23 ,  23  and a flexible engaging piece (engaging means)  24  of a U-shape is formed integrally with each side wall between the pair of the slits  23  and  23  so that it is fit to and released from the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10 . The width of this flexible engaging piece  24  is set so as to be larger than the width of the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and each of the flexible engaging pieces  24  is freely contactable with the left side wall  11   c  and right side wall  11   d  in the vicinity of each flexible arm  14  of the cylindrical body  11  of the holder  10 . 
     When as shown in FIG. 6, when the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  engages with an engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the hood  22  of the male connector  20 , the male connector  20  waits for the female connector  30  to be fit thereto while being projected a predetermined length from the holder  10 . That is, because the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  engages with the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the hood  22  of the male connector  20 , the retraction of the male connector  20  with respect to the holder  10  is restricted. When the male connector  20  is at this projected waiting position, both the connectors  20 ,  30  can be fit to or released from each other. As shown in FIGS. 4,  5 , in the center of a bottom side of each of the vertical walls of the hood  22  of the male connector  20  is formed a stopper receiving portion  26  integrally therewith such that they project therefrom. When the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  engages with the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the hood  22  of the male connector  20 , each stopper receiving portion  26  of the hood  22  of the male connector  20  engages with each stopper  16  of the cylindrical body  11  of the holder  10  so that the forward projection of the male connector  20  is restricted. As shown in FIGS. 5 to  9 , wire  28  constituting wire harness W is connected by pressure welding or crimping to a rear end of each female terminal  27  of the housing  21  of the male connector  20 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 3,  6  to  8 , the female connector  30  has a base portion  31  structured in the form of blocks including a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers  31   a  for accommodating male terminals (terminals)  37 . Its front portion is a hood portion  32  of a rectangular cylinder which is formed integrally with the base portion  31  and in which respective male terminals  37  are exposed. When both the connectors  20 ,  30  are fit to each other, the hood portion  32  of the female connector  30  is inserted in between the housing  21  and hood  22  of the male connector  20  so that the terminals  27 ,  37  of the respective connectors  20 ,  30  are electrically connected to each other. Further, in the center of the front side of the outer surface of each of both sides of the hood portion  32  of the female connector  30  is formed a protrusion  33  integrally therewith, which acts as a holding means for holding the engagement between the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  and as a holding releasing means for releasing the engagement between the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  when the coupling of both the connectors  20  and  30  is completed or both the connectors are uncoupled from each other at the same time. This protrusion  33  is formed substantially in the shape of a triangle and a front side thereof is a tapered face (engaging face)  33   a  and a rear side thereof is also a tapered face (releasing face)  33   b.    
     As shown in FIGS. 6,  8  to  12 , a switch unit  40  comprises a switch  41 , the female, connector  30  fixed to this switch  41  through a substrate or the like (not shown) and leaf springs  42  (locking means) of V-shaped metal each which is fixed to a top side of each of both sides of the aforementioned switch  41  by screwing or the like for locking the switch  41  mounted in a switch mounting hole  61  of the door trim (other mounting base)  60 . As shown in FIG. 8, a mounting clearance t′ between the switch  41  of the switch unit  40  and the switch moupting hole  61  of the door trim  60  is set so as to be smaller than a clearance t between the cylindrical body  11  of the holder  10  and hood  22  of the male connector  20  (t&gt;t′). Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a waterproof sheet  51  is bonded to the door panel  50 . 
     According to the connector coupling structure of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the male connector  20  of the wire harness W placed on the door panel  50  is connected to the female connector  30  of the switch unit  40  to be mounted on the door panel  50  through a door trim  60 , first a waterproof sheet  51  is stretched over the door panel  50  and then the wire harness W is placed over the waterproof sheet  51  on the door panel  50 . Then, the door trim  60  is installed on the door panel  50  in which the wire harness is placed. Then, the female connector  30  of the switch unit  40  is installed in the switch mounting hole  61  of the door trim  60  and finally, the female connector  30  is fit to the male connector  20  connected to an end of the wire harness W. 
     In this case, as shown in FIGS. 10 to  12 , the male connector  20  of the wire harness W is installed on the door panel  50  through the holder  10  of the male connector  20  and the male connector  20  is kept in a waiting position such that it projects toward the switch mounting hole  61  of the door trim  60 . When the switch unit  40  is installed in the switch mounting hole  61 , the female connector  30  of the switch unit  40  is fit to the male connector  20  of the wire harness W. The coupling of both the connectors  20  and  30  will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to  8 . In the initial state of the coupling of the male connector  20  and female connector  30  as shown in FIG. 6, the projected waiting condition of the male connector  20  is held by the engagement between the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20 . In the halfway process of the coupling of the male connector  20  and female connector  30  as shown in FIG. 7, each of the flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  is elastically deformed outward by a pressing force of each protrusion  33  of the female connector  30  so that the engagement between the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  is securely maintained. 
     If the coupling of both the connectors  20  and  30  is completed as shown in FIG. 8, each protrusion  33  of the female connector  30  enters the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20 . At this time, the tapered face  33   a  of each protrusion  33  of the female connector  30  presses the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  outward so that each of the flexible arms  14  is elastically deformed outward. As a result, the engagement between the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  is released, so that both the connectors  20 ,  30  coupled with each other slide together downward in the holder  10 . 
     If this slide is completed, the switch  41  installed in the switch mounting hole  61  of the door trim  60  is locked by an elastic urging force of the leaf spring  42  as shown in FIG. 8, so that the installation of the switch unit  40  to the door panel  50  is completed. 
     At this time, both the connectors  20 ,  30  coupled with each other are locked by the engagement between the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  and each protrusion  33  of the female connector  30 . Further, each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  is freely contactable with the left side wall  11   c  and right side wall  11   d  and the width of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  is set so as to be larger than the width of the protrusion  15  of the flexible arm  14  of the holder  10 . Therefore, even if the wire harness connected to the male connector  20  is pulled for some reason after both the connectors  20 ,  30  are coupled with each other, the coupling of the connectors  20 ,  30  is never lost. 
     If the switch  41  of the switch unit  40  is pulled upward as shown in FIG. 7 when both the connectors  20 ,  30  are released from the coupling condition thereof shown in FIG. 8 for maintenance and inspection, the tapered face  33   b  of each protrusion  33  of the female connector  30  presses the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  outward so that each flexible arm  14  is deflected outward. As a result, each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  is exposed from the holder  10 , so that the protrusion  15  of each flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  engages with the engaging hole  25  of each flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  (this position is the same position as the projected waiting position of the male connector  20  prior to the fitting). Then, by pulling the switch  41  of the switch unit  40  further upward, the female connector  30  is released from the male connector  20  smoothly. If the female connector  30  is coupled with the male connector  20  again after the maintenance and inspection is completed also, because the male connector  20  is located at the projected waiting position which is projected with respect to the holder  10 , it is easy to fit the female connector  30  to the male connector  20 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the male connector  20  is provided on the holder  10  slidably relative thereto and after the female connector  20  is coupled with the male connector  20 , both the connectors  20 ,  30  are capable of sliding relative to the holder  10  downward of the door panel  50 . Therefore, both the connectors  20 ,  30  can be coupled with each other easily thereby improving work efficiency. Further, it is not necessary to pull out each wire constituting the wire harness W, and therefore catching of the wire  28  can be prevented thereby preventing a connection failure and disconnection of the wire  28  and the like. 
     Because the holder  10  is formed in the rectangular cylindrical shape and the connectors  20 ,  30  coupled with each other are provided slidably in this rectangular cylindrical holder  10 , the connectors  20 ,  30  coupled with each other can be slid linearly downward of the door panel  50 , so that the installation time of the connectors to the door panel  50  can be largely reduced. Further, because the switch  41  installed to the female connector  30  is installed in the switch mounting hole  61  provided in the door trim  60  such that the switch  41  installed to the switch mounting hole  61  can be freely locked by means of the leaf spring  42 , installation looseness of the connectors  20 ,  30  between the door panel  50  and door trim  60  can be absorbed thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise due to vibration or the like. 
     Further, by providing a clearance t between the holder  10  and the male connector  20 , the male connector  20  is provided in the holder  10  slidably relative thereto, so that both the connectors  20 ,  30  coupled with each other are capable of sliding relative to the holder  10  toward the door panel  50  in the coupling completion condition. Thus, both the connectors  20 ,  30  are aligned with each other and coupled with each other smoothly. Further, both the connectors  20 ,  30  are slid easily relative to the holder  10  in the coupling completion condition and installed to the door panel  50 . As a result, vibration and the like are prevented thereby improving anti-vibration performance and preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. Because the switch  41  installed to the female connector  30  is installed to the switch mounting hole  61  provided in the door trim  60  and the clearance t′ between the switch mounting hole  61  and switch  41  is set so as to be larger than the clearance t between the holder  10  and male connector  20 , the installation error between the door panel  50  and door trim  60  is absorbed when the sliding of both the connectors  20 ,  30  in the coupling completion condition ends, so that there never occurs a looseness or vibration of both the connectors  20 ,  30  thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. 
     Further because the hood  22  of the male connector  20  is formed in the substantially rectangular cylindrical shape and acts as a guide for the holder  10  and female connector  30 , the female connector  30  slides smoothly relative to the male connector  20  so that both the connectors  20 ,  30  are coupled with each other accurately and the coupled connectors  20 ,  30  slide smoothly relative to the holder  10 . Consequently, vibration and the like are prevented improving anti-vibration performance, thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. Further, the male connector  20  is constituted with the housing  21  and substantially rectangular cylindrical hood  22 , many connector housings using a pressure welding terminal, crimping terminal or the like can be used at the same time, thereby improving general purpose usability. 
     Thus, the engagement between the flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector is maintained securely until the coupling of both the connectors  20 ,  30  is completed by the protrusion  33  of the female connector  30 , the coupling of both the connectors  20 ,  30  can be ensured thereby improving the reliability. Further, when both the connectors  20 ,  30  are coupled with each other, the engagement between the flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  is released by the protrusion  33  of the female connector  30 . Therefore, it can be confirmed that the coupling of both the connectors  20 ,  30  is completed when both the connectors  20 ,  30  slide relative to the holder  10 , so that the coupling of both the connectors  20 ,  30  can be confirmed easily. Therefore, both the connectors  20 ,  30  can be aligned with each other and coupled with each other smoothly and both the connectors  20 ,  30  can be slid relative to the holder  10  easily in the coupled condition and installed to the door panel  50 . As a result, vibration and the like can be prevented improving anti-vibration performance thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. Further where the sliding of both the connectors  20 ,  30  in the coupling completion condition relative to the holder  10  is completed, an installation error between the door panel  50  and door trim  60  can be absorbed, so that looseness and vibration of both the connectors  20 ,  30 , abnormal noise and the like can be prevented excellently. 
     Further, because the retraction position of the male connector  20  at the projected waiting position is restricted by the engagement between the protrusion  15  of the flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the engaging hole  25  of the flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20 , both the connectors  20 ,  30  can be coupled with each other easily. Further, because the flexible arm  14  of the holder  10  and the flexible engaging piece  24  of the male connector  20  are disposed at the same position and the holding means and holding releasing means of the female connector  30  are constituted with the same protrusion  33 , the size of the entire connector can be reduced. Further because the forward waiting position of the male connector  20  is restricted by the engagement between the stopper  16  of the holder  10  and stopper receiving portion  26  of the male connector  20 , the coupling position and uncoupling position of both the connectors  20 ,  30  can be always set to the same position, so that the uncoupling of both the connectors  20 ,  30  for maintenance and inspection and coupling thereof again can be carried out easily. 
     Although according to the present embodiment, the forward projected waiting position of the male connector  20  relative to the holder  10  is restricted by the engagement between the stopper  16  at the front portion of the holder  10  and stopper receiving portion  26  at the rear portion of the male connector  20 , the retraction position of the male connector  20  relative to the holder  10  may be restricted by the engagement between the stopper  17  at the rear portion of the holder  10  and the stopper receiving portion  26  at the rear portion of the male connector  20  as shown in FIG.  12 . 
     Although in the present embodiment, the metallic leaf spring is used as the locking means, the locking means may be constituted with other elastically deformable member. Meanwhile, the connector coupling structure can be applied to other fields than vehicle door. 
     A connector coupling structure according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to  20 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 13 to  20 , of male and female connectors  80 ,  90  of synthetic resin, the male connector (one connector)  80  is installed on the door panel (mounting base)  50  in such a condition that it is projected through a holder  70  of synthetic resin. The female connector (other connector)  90  is capable of being coupled with or uncoupled from the male connector  80  projected from the holder  70  in the waiting condition. This female connector  90  is installed to the switch  41  of the switch unit  40  like power window switch unit through a substrate and the switch unit  40  is installed in a switch mounting hole (switch mounting portion)  61  formed on a door trim (other mounting base)  60 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 13 to  15 , the holder  70  comprises a plate body  71  having a substantially rectangular engagement hole (engaging means)  73  provided in the center of that substantially rectangular plate body and a mounting bracket  72  formed integrally with the plate body  71  so as to project from the center of the bottom portion thereof. An engaging concave portion  74  is formed in the center of each of left and right sides of a peripheral wall  73   a  of the engagement hole  73  of the plate body  71 . A pair of long projecting pieces  75 ,  75  extending backward are formed integrally with the peripheral wall  73   a  so as to project therefrom in the center of each of upper and lower portions of back portion of the peripheral wall  73   a  of the engagement hole  73  of the plate body  71 . Further, a clearance is provided entirely between the peripheral wall  73   a  of the engagement hole  73  of the plate body  71  and the hood  82  of the male connector  80 , so that the hood  82  of the male connector  80  is supported slidably within the engagement hole  73  of the plate body  71  of the holder  70 . That is, the male connector  80  and female connector  90  are supported slidably in the coupling completion condition downward of the door panel  50  relative to the engagement hole  73  of the plate body  71  of the holder  70 . 
     As shown in FIG. 13, the male connector  80  comprises a housing  81  having a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers  81   a  for accommodating female terminals (terminal) (not shown) and a hood  82   b  for covering this housing  81 . A base portion  81   b  of this housing  81  is assembled into a base portion  82   b  of the hood  82  by pressing or the like such that it is aligned therewith. As shown in FIGS. 13,  14 , the hood  82  is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape with upper and lower walls and left and right side walls and acts as a guide for the holder  70  and female connector  90 . A pair of long holes  83 ,  83  are formed in the center of each of the left and right side walls of this substantially rectangular cylindrical hood  82 . A flat T-letter shaped flexible arm (engaging means)  84  having an protrusion (engaging portion)  85  which is fit to or released from each concave portion  74  in the peripheral wall  73   a  of the engaging hole  73  of the plate body  71  of the holder  70  is formed between each pair of the long holes  83 ,  83 . The protrusion  85  is formed integrally with the flexible arm  84  so as to project therefrom so that the width of the protrusion  85  of each flexible arm  84  is larger than the width of the engaging concave portion  74  in the plate body  71  of the holder  70 . Each protrusion  85  is formed in a trapezoidal section and a tapered face  85   a  is formed on a front portion of each protrusion  84 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 14,  15 , when each engaging concave portion  74  of the engaging hole  73  of the plate body  71  of the holder  70  engages with the protrusion  85  of each flexible arm  84  of the hood  82  of the male connector  80 , the male connector  80  waits for the female connector  90  to be coupled therewith such that it projects from the holder  70  at a predetermined distance. That is, the retraction of the male connector  80  relative to the holder  70  is restricted by engagement between each engaging concave portion  74  of the engaging hole  73  of the plate body  71  of the holder  70  and the protrusion  85  of each flexible arm  84  of the hood  82 . The projected waiting condition of the male connector  80  provided when this engagement is attained is a position for coupling or uncoupling both the connectors  80 ,  90 . As shown in FIGS. 14,  15 , in the vicinity of a rear portion of the long hole  83  in each of the left and right side walls of the hood  82  of the male connector  80  are formed a pair of stoppers  86  integrally therewith. Then, the rear portion of the peripheral wall  73   a  of the engaging hole  73  of the plate body  71  of the holder  70  engages with each stopper  86  of the hood  82  of the male connector  80  so as to restrict the forward projection amount of the male connector  80 . Further, wire (not shown) constituting the wire harness W is connected by pressure welding or crimping to a rear portion of each female terminal (not shown) of the housing  81  of the male connector  80 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 13,  14 , a U-shaped cutout  87  is formed in the center of each of the upper and lower side walls of the substantially rectangular cylindrical hood  82  of the male connector  80 . Within each of the cutouts  87  is formed a rectangular plate-like flexible engaging piece (engaging means)  88  having a protrusion (engaging portion)  89  to be fit to or released from a front end portion  92   a  of the hood  92  of the female connector  90 , integrally therewith. Each flexible engaging piece  88  is disposed at a position opposing each long projecting piece  75  of the holder  71 . A front portion of the protrusion  89  of each flexible engaging piece  88  is a tapered face (engaging face)  89   a  and a rear portion thereof is also a tapered face (releasing face)  89   b.    
     As shown in FIGS. 13,  16 ,  17 , the female connector  90  includes a base portion  91  formed in a block shape having a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers  91   a  for accommodating the male terminals (terminals) and a front portion thereof is a rectangular cylindrical hood portion  92  which is formed interaglly with the base portion  91  so as to project therefrom and in which male terminals  97  are exposed. When both the connectors  80 ,  90  are coupled with each other, the hood portion  92  of the female connector  90  is inserted in between the housing  81  of the male connector  80  and hood  82 , so that the terminals of both the connectors  80 ,  90  are electrically connected to each other. In the center of an outside surface of both sides of the base portion  91  of the female connector  90  is formed a flexible releasing arm (holding releasing means)  93  having a protrusion  94  for releasing the engagement between each engaging concave portion  74  of the engaging hole  73  of the plate body  71  of the holder  70  and the protrusion  85  of each flexible arm  84  such that it extends in parallel to the hood portion  92 , integrally therewith. The protrusion  94  of this releasing arm  93  warps the flexible arm  84  and is formed in a trapezoidal section. A rear portion of each protrusion  94  is a tapered face (releasing face)  94   a.  The projected waiting condition of the male connector  80  is maintained by the engagement between the protrusion  85  of the flexible arm  84  of the male connector  80  and the engaging concave portion  74  of the engaging hole  73  of the holder  70 . Then, the engagement between the protrusion  85  of the flexible arm  84  and the engaging concave portion  74  of the engaging hole  73  of the holder  70  is released by the protrusion  94  of the flexible releasing arm  93  of the female connector  90 , so that the protrusion  94  of the releasing arm  93  passes through the engaging concave portion  74  of the engaging hole  73 , thereby releasing the projected waiting condition of the male connector  80 . 
     The hood (holding means)  92  of the female connector  90  is formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape and a front end portion  92   a  thereof comes into contact with and presses the protrusion  89  of each flexible engaging piece  88  of the male connector  80  when the male connector  80  and female connector  90  are coupled with each other so as to warp the flexible engaging piece  88  outward, thereby functioning as a holding means for holding the engagement between the holder  70  and male connector  80 . In the center of the upper and lower wall portions of the hood portion  92  of the female connector  90  is formed a rectangular groove hole (releasing concave portion)  95  into which the protrusion  89  of the flexible engaging piece  88  is to be inserted, acting as a holding releasing means for releasing the engagement between the holder  70  and male connector  80 . A tapered face (releasing portion)  96  is formed between the hood portion  92  and a front end portion of the groove hole  95 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 15,  20 , the switch unit  40  comprises the switch  41 , the female connector  90  fixed to this switch  41  through a substrate or the like (not shown) and metallic V-shaped leaf springs (locking means)  42  which are installed on a upper portion of both side walls of the switch  41  by screwing or the like for locking the switch  41  installed in the switch mounting hole  61  of the door trim (other mounting base)  60  in the door trim  60 . A clearance t between the plate body  11  of the holder  10  and the hood  82  of the male connector  80  is set so as to be larger than a clearance t′ between the switch  41  of the switch unit  40  and the switch mounting hole  61  of the door trim  60  as shown in FIG. 20 (t&gt;t′). 
     The clearance t is provided between the holder  70  and male connector  80  such that the male connector  80  is slidable relative to the holder  70 . When the coupling of the male connector  80  and female connector  90  is completed, both the connectors  80 ,  90  in the coupling completion condition are freely slidable relative to the holder  70  toward the door panel  50 . Therefore, like the previously described embodiment, both the connectors  80 ,  90  are aligned with each other and coupled with each other smoothly. Further, both the connectors  80 ,  90  in the coupling completion condition are slid easily relative to the holder  70  and installed to the door panel. As a result, vibration and the like are prevented improving anti-vibration performance thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. Because the switch  41  installed on the female connector  90  is installed in the switch mounting hole  61  provided in the door trim  60  and the clearance t between the holder  70  and male connector  80  is set so as to be larger than the clearance t′ provided between the switch mounting hole  61  and switch  41 , the installation error between the door panel  50  and door trim  60  is absorbed where the sliding of both the connectors  80 ,  90  in the coupling completion condition ends, thereby preventing looseness and vibration of both the connectors  80 ,  90  and an occurrence of abnormal noise. 
     According to the present embodiment also, because the hood  82  of the male connector  80  is provided on the holder  70  slidably relative thereto, the sliding performance of the male connector  80  relative to the holder  70  is improved. Further, because the hood  82  of the male connector  80  is formed in the substantially rectangular cylindrical shape and acts as a guide for the holder  70  and female connector  90 , the female connector  90  slides smoothly relative to the male connector  80  so that both the connectors  80 ,  90  are coupled with each other securely and the coupled connectors  80 ,  90  slide smoothly relative to the holder  70 . Consequently, vibration and the like are prevented improving the anti-vibration performance thereby preventing an occurrence of abnormal noise. Further, because the male connector  80  comprises the housing  81  and substantially rectangular cylindrical hood  82 , many connector housings using the pressure welding terminal, crimping terminal or the like can be used at the same time thereby improving general purpose usability. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.