Use of a universal locking cap, locking system for connectors, method for closing a connector

Abstract

Use of a universal closure cap (1) for selectively and individually closing each connector of a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector of the plurality of connectors has at least one coding lug arranged on an outer circumference of the connector and at least one locking hook, wherein each connector of the plurality of connectors differs from every other connector of the plurality of connectors in the arrangement of its at least one coding lug on its outer circumference, wherein the universal closure cap (1) comprises a connector receptacle (2) for selectively and individually receiving each connector of the plurality of connectors in a plugged-in state, wherein the connector receptacle (2) has at least one axial groove (3) and at least one locking hook receptacle (4), wherein the at least one locking hook receptacle (4) is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hook of each connector of the plurality of connectors when the universal locking cap (1) receives the connector in its mated state, wherein the at least one axial groove (3) is designed to accommodate at least one of the at least one coding lug of each connector of the plurality of connectors when the universal locking cap (1) accommodates the connector in its mated state.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to universal closure caps for connectors, the use of such a closure cap for closing a connector, closure systems for connectors and methods for closing connectors.

[0002] The invention lies in the field of connector technology, particularly in the field of connector protection technology and end cap technology. Modern connectors may have a similar geometric structure but, for example, include incompatible contact elements. If two incompatible connectors with similar shapes were to be connected, this might be possible in terms of physical connection, but would lead to damage to the contact elements. To avoid this, modern connectors are often equipped with a coding device that simultaneously enables proper connection and prevents two incompatible connectors from being connected. For example, round connectors may include coding lugs arranged at different angular intervals on an outer surface of the connector.A compatible connector is designed with grooves so that the two connectors can be connected in exactly one specific configuration. If two incompatible connectors are connected, the coding tabs and grooves will not align, thus preventing a connection. A similar principle applies to end caps, which are used to close coded connectors. Each coded connector therefore has exactly one matching, coded end cap. This results in increased material costs, especially since end caps cannot be directly replaced without providing the exact compatible cap. Furthermore, such an end cap requires complex assembly, as it can only be connected to the connector in one specific configuration.

[0003] US 2018 / 123280 A1 describes a dust cap intended to be attached to the receptacle of a bayonet-lock connector when a plug is not connected to the receptacle. The dust cap comprises a housing having at its front end an insertion part for insertion into a sleeve of the receptacle, the rotation of which is restricted. The housing further comprises a cover part at its rear end and a cantilever beam between the insertion part and the cover part, the cantilever beam extending in a direction that intersects an insertion direction of the insertion part. The dust cap further comprises a coupling having a cylindrical inner circumferential surface and a bayonet-lock projection on the inner circumferential surface at a front end of the coupling, the coupling being mounted so that it can rotate around the housing, and a rear end of the coupling being closed by the cover part.

[0004] US 4 902 238 A describes a protective cover for a multipole connector socket with an insert shell provided with several locking wedges arranged around the circumference of the insert shell to accommodate matching locking points on the protective cover, wherein the cover is provided with an additional anti-rotation locking means between the protective cover and the insert shell.

[0005] DE 10 2013 107 282 A1 describes a sealing cap for the media-tight sealing of a plug face of a connector, in particular a circular connector, wherein the sealing cap can be detachably fixed to a connector housing, wherein the sealing cap comprises means so that another, identical sealing cap can be detachably fixed to the sealing cap.

[0006] US 2014 / 199878 A1 describes a welding cable connection system comprising a first terminal and a terminal protection system. The first terminal incorporates a first locking feature. The terminal protection system comprises a cap, a base connected to the first terminal, and a lanyard connected to the base and the cap. The cap incorporates a first counter-locking feature. The cap is configured to be removable when coupled to the first terminal in a first-lock position to isolate the first terminal from an external environment.

[0007] CN 202 019 104 U describes an electrical communication connector plug and an electrical communication connection component. The plug, in particular, has a locking sleeve on a neck section, wherein a plurality of elastic prongs are integrally arranged on the front end portion of the locking sleeve. A locking wedge is arranged at the front end of each elastic prong, and the locking wedges are distributed along the elastic prong and radially rotated from the inside out at their circumferences. The locking wedges are axially limited from the front by the flange section, after the locking wedges have been distributed around the circumference of a chamfered wedge surface.At the rear ends of the locking wedges are beveled anti-loosening surfaces which are gradually lowered to the rear and are used to engage with corresponding rearward-facing structures in a corresponding socket.

[0008] DE 31 28 939 A1 describes a contact-forming coupling element that engages with another coupling element connected to a current-carrying cable, particularly for electric welding. In particular, the contact-forming coupling element can accommodate a blanking plug to seal it. DE 37 35 038 A1 describes a protective cap that can be arranged on a plug or socket of a plug connection. To reduce storage costs, it is designed to have a protective element for both the plug and the socket.DE 296 11 318 U1 describes a cover for housings of multipole connectors, with a rectangular circumferential frame adapted to the opening of the housing, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of hooking elements which are at least partially breakable and can optionally be engaged with corresponding complementary elements arranged on the housing.

[0009] DE 79 13 217 U1 describes a protective device for contact pins of plugs of electrical connectors, in which the contact pins arranged in a holding block are spaced apart and surrounded by a protective and guide tube, which is designed as part of the plug and is equipped with a guide rib on the outside of the tube.

[0010] DE 83 36 012 U1 describes a diagnostic socket for testing functional parts of a motor vehicle, consisting of a socket equipped with contact springs and a dust cap attached to each side.

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a universal closure cap, a closure system for connectors, and a method for closing a connector with increased efficiency and simplified assembly. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the claims.

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to a universal closure cap for sealing a connector, wherein the connector has at least one coding lug and at least one locking hook. The universal closure cap comprises a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, wherein the connector receptacle has at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle. The at least one locking hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hooks in the mated state. The at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lug in the mated state. The closure cap is designed such that a plurality of connectors can be individually closed using the closure cap.

[0013] In other words, the aspect of the invention relates to a universal closure cap for sealing a connector, wherein the connector has at least one coding lug and at least one locking hook. The closure cap includes a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, the connector receptacle having at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle. The at least one locking hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hooks in the mated state, and the at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lug in the mated state. In particular, the closure cap is designed such that each connector of a plurality of different connectors can be sealed by the closure cap.

[0014] The end cap can be designed to close a connector, which can in particular be a circular connector, although the end cap is not limited to such an embodiment. Rather, the end cap can be designed to close a connector, which is configured as a connector of any shape. Furthermore, the end cap can be designed to close a connector, which is configured to transmit current and / or data and / or electromagnetic radiation or fields. Finally, the end cap can be designed to close a connector, which is configured at least partially as a plug and / or at least partially as a socket.

[0015] The connector has at least one coding lug. Each coding lug can be designed as a structural element, a locking element, or a projection of the connector. The at least one coding lug has the function of preventing or blocking the connection of the connector to an incompatible connector.

[0016] The connector has at least one locking hook. Each locking hook can be designed as a hook element of the connector. The at least one locking hook has the function of fixing the connector in a connected state with a corresponding receptacle on the receptacle.

[0017] The end cap features a connector receptacle. This receptacle can be designed as a cylindrical bore or recess in the end cap. However, the receptacle is not limited to this shape and can have any shape or a shape adapted to the connector to be accommodated. Furthermore, the end cap is not limited to a single connector receptacle but can have at least one additional receptacle, whereby the at least two connector receptacles can be identical or at least partially different.

[0018] In this description, the term "plugged in" refers to the state in which a connector is inserted into the connector receptacle in such a way that the locking cap securely closes the connector, or in which a connector is inserted into the connector receptacle in a working position of the locking cap.

[0019] The connector receptacle has at least one axial groove, wherein the at least one axial groove is formed on an inner wall of the connector receptacle or the end cap. The axial groove extends, in particular, parallel to a central axis of the connector receptacle. The axial groove can be bounded by two side sections and a head side section, and can have at least substantially a constant depth. In particular, the two side sections can be formed parallel to the central axis, thereby enabling the guidance of the at least one coding lug during mating. The central axis can, in particular, correspond to a longitudinal axis of the connector receptacle or the end cap. The axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lugs of the connector.

[0020] The connector receptacle has at least one locking hook receptacle, which is formed on the inner wall of the connector receptacle or the end cap. The locking hook receptacle can be arranged directly adjacent to the at least one axial groove. The locking hook receptacle can be designed as a locking groove in a side wall of the connector receptacle and / or can have a substantially constant depth. The locking hook receptacle is specifically designed to engage with the at least one locking hook of a connector in the mated state. However, the locking hook receptacle can also be designed to additionally or alternatively accommodate or engage with other locking elements of a connector, such as friction locking elements. This secures the connector in the connector receptacle or the connector receptacle to the connector.

[0021] The end cap is designed so that a large number of connectors can be individually closed using the end cap. Specifically, "individually closeable" means that each connector among the many connectors can be individually, and especially sequentially, closed by the end cap. Therefore, the end cap can be used as a universal end cap for all connectors, particularly those with at least one differently coded coding tab.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one axial groove is designed to receive, in the mated state, at least one of the at least one coding lugs according to a plurality of possible different arrangements of the at least one coding lug. Here, "arrangement" refers to the orientation of the coding lugs, wherein the connector can be received by the cap even after rotation of the cap to the left or right and / or up or down in the circumferential direction. "Orientation" here refers to the relative positioning of the coding lugs on an outer circumference of the connector. Preferably, the plurality of possible arrangements comprises at least 2, more preferably at least 5 arrangements and / or a maximum of 10, more preferably a maximum of 7 arrangements.

[0023] An alternative aspect concerns a universal sealing cap for closing a connector, wherein the connector has at least one coding lug and at least one locking hook. The sealing cap includes a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, wherein the connector receptacle has at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle. The at least one locking hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hooks in the mated state, and wherein the at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lugs in the mated state according to a plurality of possible different arrangements of the at least one coding lug. For a description of the terms and components of the sealing cap, reference is made to the description of the first aspect.In particular, as described above, arrangement refers to the alignment of the coding lugs, whereby the connector can be received through the cap even after the cap has been rotated to the left or right and / or upwards or downwards.

[0024] Preferably, the closure cap is designed such that each connector of a plurality of different connectors can be closed by the closure cap, or that a plurality of connectors can be individually closed by means of the closure cap.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of possible arrangements comprises at least 2, preferably at least 5 arrangements and / or a maximum of 10, preferably a maximum of 7 arrangements.

[0026] The features described below are features of both of the above-mentioned aspects of the invention.

[0027] Preferably, the connector receptacle is designed to be essentially axially symmetrical with respect to a central axis of the connector receptacle.

[0028] Essentially, in the context of this description, "comprehensive" means minimal manufacturing and environmental deviations. An axially symmetrical design of the connector receptacle simplifies the production of the end cap and facilitates its assembly onto a connector. In a preferred embodiment, not only is the connector receptacle axially symmetrical with respect to the central axis, but other components of the end cap, or even the entire end cap, can also be axially symmetrical with respect to the central axis.

[0029] Preferably, the radius of the at least one latching hook receptacle with respect to a central axis of the connector receptacle is substantially larger than the radius of the at least one axial groove with respect to the central axis.

[0030] In other words, the at least one locking hook receptacle is at least partially deeper along a radial direction with respect to the central axis than the at least one axial groove. This allows the at least one locking hook of the connector to have a greater radial deflection with respect to the central axis when mated than if the locking hook were located in the at least one axial groove. This, in particular, prevents or makes it more difficult for a rotation of the locking cap to unintentionally or without resistance displace the at least one locking hook in the direction of rotation from the at least one locking hook receptacle into the at least one axial groove, which could cause the locking cap to detach from the connector. Thus, a secure fit of the locking cap to the connector is ensured.

[0031] Preferably, the radius of the at least one locking hook receptacle with respect to a central axis of the connector receptacle is substantially the same as the radius of the at least one axial groove with respect to the central axis. In other words, the at least one locking hook receptacle is the same depth in a radial direction with respect to the central axis as the at least one axial groove. This allows the at least one locking hook of the connector to have the same radial deflection with respect to the central axis when mated as when the locking hook is located in the at least one axial groove. Thus, the at least one locking hook can be moved from the at least one locking hook receptacle into the at least one axial groove by rotating the locking cap in the direction of rotation. This prevents such a rotation of the locking cap from causing lateral stress or bending of the at least one locking hook in the direction of rotation.Preferably, this also enables a simple and gentle method for removing the cap from the connector, as well as simplified production of the cap.

[0032] Preferably, at least one of the at least one axial groove has a groove length parallel to a central axis of the connector receptacle and a groove width, wherein the groove width corresponds to a circular arc with respect to the central axis with a central angle of at least approximately 30°, preferably at least approximately 40°, more preferably at least approximately 50° and at most approximately 160°, more preferably at most approximately 150°, and more preferably at most approximately 140°. The central angle lies in a plane that intersects the connector receptacle and is oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the connector axis. In particular, the central angle is determined by the angle between a first straight line in the plane, which runs between a first end of the axial groove in the plane and a point of intersection with the central axis, and a second straight line in the plane, which runs between a second end of the axial groove in the plane and the point of intersection with the central axis.Such a wide design of the at least one axial groove allows a connector to accommodate a variety of different connectors with differently arranged coding lugs in the connector receptacle. However, the end cap is not limited to the aforementioned angular intervals, but, particularly for connector receptacles with only one axial groove, can have a groove width corresponding to a circular arc about the central axis with a central angle of up to approximately 350°.

[0033] The groove widths of at least two axial grooves do not necessarily have to be identical.

[0034] Preferably, the connector receptacle has a circumferential annular groove, and the universal end cap further comprises a sealing element arranged in the annular groove. The annular groove can be formed on the inner wall of the connector receptacle or the end cap. In particular, the annular groove or the sealing element can be concentric with a central axis of the connector receptacle. This provides additional sealing of the connector in the mated state.

[0035] Preferably, the annular groove is arranged between the locking hook receptacles and a closed end of the connector receptacle. The closed end is, in particular, an end of the connector receptacle that faces an opening of the connector receptacle and / or corresponds to an end of the connector receptacle that has a penetration point with the central axis. This ensures that, in the mated state, the connector is pressed or held against the sealing element by the at least one locking hook, thus enabling a secure fit and a reliable seal.

[0036] Preferably, the sealing element is an O-ring. This ensures quick replacement of the sealing element. However, the sealing element is not limited to an O-ring; it can be any type of sealing element, such as a sealing gel, or any combination of sealing elements.

[0037] Preferably, the universal closure cap has a protection class of at least IP51, preferably at least IP68.

[0038] Preferably, the universal closure cap has at least one pull element on its outer surface for releasing the plugged-in state. This pull element can be designed to engage with a tool. In particular, the pull element can be arranged on the outer surface opposite the connector receptacle. This simplifies the process of releasing the plugged-in state.

[0039] Preferably, the universal closure cap has at least one marking element on its outer surface, wherein the at least one marking element marks at least one position of at least one axial groove or at least one locking hook receptacle. The marking element can mark one side and / or one center point and / or the entire shape of the at least one locking hook receptacle or the at least one axial groove. The marking can correspond to a radial projection of one side and / or one center point and / or the entire shape of the at least one locking hook receptacle or the at least one axial groove with respect to the central axis on the outer surface of the closure cap. Such a marking element enables secure assembly of the closure cap, since the design of the connector receptacle is at least partially visible from the outside.

[0040] Preferably, the universal sealing cap at least partially encloses the connector in the mated state. In particular, the sealing cap is designed as a protective element to better or more efficiently protect the connector in the mated state, at least partially, from external environmental influences, such as mechanical deformation or structural damage.

[0041] Preferably, the universal locking cap is designed such that the mated state can be released without damaging the cap and / or the connector. For example, the at least one locking hook receptacle can have beveled or rounded side walls, so that pulling or pushing on the cap along the central axis causes the locking hooks to move radially inwards relative to the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the connector receptacle can be designed such that rotating the cap around the central axis moves the locking hooks of the connector from the at least one locking hook receptacle into the at least one axial groove, thus releasing the mated state.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a universal closure cap according to one of the above-mentioned aspects or their embodiments for closing a connector. The universal closure cap can have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

[0043] Another aspect concerns a locking system for connectors, comprising a connector, wherein the connector has at least one coding lug and at least one locking hook. The locking system further comprises a universal locking cap with a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, wherein the connector receptacle has at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle. The at least one locking hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hooks in the mated state. The at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lug in the mated state. The locking cap is designed such that a plurality of connectors can be individually locked using the locking cap.Each connector of a multitude of different connectors can be closed by the locking cap. The connector is held in the connector receptacle. For a description of the terms and components of the locking cap, reference is made to the description of the first two aspects and their embodiments. In particular, the universal locking cap can have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

[0044] An alternative aspect concerns a locking system for connectors, comprising a connector, wherein the connector has at least one coding lug and at least one locking hook. The locking system further comprises a universal locking cap with a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, wherein the connector receptacle has at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle. The at least one locking hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hooks in the mated state. The at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lug in the mated state according to a plurality of possible different arrangements of the at least one coding lug. The connector is received in the connector receptacle.For a description of the terms and components of the closure cap, reference is made to the description of the first two aspects and their embodiments. In particular, the universal closure cap can have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

[0045] In a further aspect, a method for closing a connector is described, wherein the connector has at least one coding lug and at least one locking hook. The method comprises providing a universal closure cap comprising a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, wherein the connector receptacle has at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle. The at least one locking hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hooks in the mated state, wherein the at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lug in the mated state. The closure cap is designed such that each connector of a plurality of different connectors can be closed by the closure cap.The method further comprises inserting the connector into the connector receptacle. For a description of the terms and components of the end cap, reference is made to the description of the first two aspects and their embodiments. The universal end cap can, in particular, have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

[0046] Another aspect concerns a method for closing a connector, wherein the connector has at least one coding lug and at least one locking hook. The method comprises providing a universal closure cap comprising a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, wherein the connector receptacle has at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle. The at least one locking hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hooks in the mated state, wherein the at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lug in the mated state according to a plurality of possible different arrangements of the at least one coding lug. The method further comprises receiving the connector into the connector receptacle.For a description of the terms and components of the closure cap, reference is made to the description of the first two aspects and their embodiments. In particular, the universal closure cap can have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

[0047] The invention is further described below with reference to illustrative embodiments shown in the figures. These show: Fig. 1 A cross-sectional view of a closure cap without a sealing element; Fig. 2 A cross-sectional view of a closure cap according to Fig. 1 with sealing element; Fig. 3 A perspective frontal view of a closure cap according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 A perspective rear view of a closure cap according to Fig. 2; Fig. 5 A cross-sectional view of a connector receptacle of a closure cap according to Fig. 2.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a closure cap 1 without sealing element 8.

[0049] The end cap 1 is essentially cylindrical and has a central connector receptacle 2. The connector receptacle 2 is also essentially cylindrical. However, the end cap 1 is not limited to this shape. Rather, the shape of the end cap 1 can differ from the shape of the connector receptacle 2. In particular, the connector receptacle 2 has an opening at a first end of the end cap 1 and a closed end at a second end of the end cap 1, opposite the first end.

[0050] The connector receptacle 2 has in particular two axial grooves 3, but only one axial groove 3 is in Fig. 1 is visible. The axial groove 3 is designed to receive at least one coding lug of a connector to be received. For this purpose, the axial groove 3 is many times wider than the coding lugs to be received. Thus, in particular, a large number of different connectors, which differ from one another in the arrangement of their coding lugs, can be received by the connector receptacle 2 or closed by the end cap 1. In particular, the axial groove 3 is designed as a recess in a wall of the end cap 1 that surrounds the connector receptacle 2.

[0051] The end cap 1 further comprises two locking hook receptacles 4, both of which are only partially shown. The locking hook receptacles 4 are designed to engage with at least one locking hook of a received connector when the connector is inserted. The locking hook receptacles 4 are designed as locking grooves in a side wall surrounding the connector receptacle 2. The locking hook receptacles 4 also have at least one inclined surface 4A, which abuts the locking hook receptacle 4 towards the closed end and forms an obtuse angle with it. This protects the locking hooks of the connector from damage, which can occur, for example, from excessive force being applied to the connector receptacle 2. The connector receptacle 2 may also have at least one circular surface 4B.The at least one circular surface 4B is formed at the opening of the connector receptacle 2 and can essentially be directly adjacent to it. This particularly simplifies the mounting of the end cap 1 on a connector, since the at least one circular surface 4B facilitates the deflection of at least one locking hook.

[0052] The connector receptacle 2 further comprises an annular groove 5. The annular groove 5 is formed between the at least one axial groove 3 or the at least one locking hook receptacle 4 and the closed end. The annular groove 5 is concentric around a central axis Z of the connector receptacle 2 and is designed to accommodate a sealing element 8 (see Fig. 2) However, the annular groove 5 can also be configured according to other shapes, or a plurality of annular grooves 5 can be formed in the connector receptacle 2. The central axis Z can, in particular, correspond to a longitudinal axis of the connector receptacle 2.

[0053] The end cap 1 further comprises a pull element 6, which is arranged on an outer surface of the end cap 1 opposite the connector receptacle 2. In particular, the pull element 6 is arranged such that a pull can act on the pull element 6 along the central axis Z of the end cap 1. This enables efficient and rapid release of the plugged-in state. The pull element 6 also has a pull element bore 7, which is designed to simplify the application of a pull force to the pull element 6 or to allow engagement with a tool.

[0054] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a closure cap 1 according to Fig. 1 with a mounted sealing element 8. The sealing element 8 is arranged in the annular groove 5 and projects inwards into the connector receptacle 2. When inserted, the sealing element 8 is designed to come into contact with a received connector and to create a tight seal, in particular a fluid-tight and / or dust-tight seal. This protects particularly sensitive contact elements of the connector from external influences, e.g., liquid and / or dust or particles. The sealing element 8 can be designed as an O-ring and / or sealing gel.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective frontal view of a closure cap 1 according to Fig. 2. The opening of the connector receptacle 2 is visible here. The connector receptacle 2 has, in particular, two axial grooves 3 and two locking hook receptacles 4. In particular, the connector receptacle 2 can be designed to be axially symmetrical with respect to a central axis Z of the connector receptacle 2. However, the end cap 1 is not limited to such symmetry but can instead have any symmetry or no symmetry at all.

[0056] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of a closure cap 1 according to Fig. 2. The pulling element 6 is essentially cylindrical, but has at least one flat surface. This at least one flat surface allows tools to be efficiently attached to the pulling element 6 in order to exert a force on the pulling element 6 or the closure cap 1.

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector receptacle 2 of a closure cap 1 according to Fig. 2. The cross-section was determined in particular through the connector receptacle 2 and perpendicular to the central axis Z. The end cap 1 has two axial grooves 3 of different widths. One of the axial grooves 3 has a width corresponding to a circular arc with respect to the central axis Z and a central angle MW. The central angle MW is the angle between a first straight line connecting a first side wall of the axial groove 3 to the point where it intersects the central axis Z, and a second straight line connecting a second side wall of the axial groove 3 to the same point. These two lines intersect at the point where the central axis Z intersects, thus forming the central angle MW with respect to the axial groove 3.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, any combination of the features described above can be implemented. Reference symbol list 1 Universal sealing cap 2 connector mounts 3 Axial groove 4 locking hook mount 4A Sloping surface 4B Round surface 5 ring groove 6 pull element 7 Tension element bore 8 Sealing element Z central axis MW central angle

Claims

[1] Use of a universal closure cap (1) for selectively and individually closing each connector of a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector of the plurality of connectors has at least one coding lug arranged on an outer circumference of the connector and at least one locking hook, wherein each connector of the plurality of connectors differs from every other connector of the plurality of connectors in the arrangement of its at least one coding lug on its outer circumference, wherein the universal closure cap (1) comprises a connector receptacle (2) for selectively and individually receiving each connector of the plurality of connectors in a plugged-in state, wherein the connector receptacle (2) has at least one axial groove (3) and at least one locking hook receptacle (4), wherein the at least one locking hook receptacle (4) is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hook of each connector of the plurality of connectors when the universal locking cap (1) receives the connector in its mated state, wherein the at least one axial groove (3) is designed to accommodate at least one of the at least one coding lug of each connector of the plurality of connectors when the universal locking cap (1) accommodates the connector in its mated state. [2] Locking system for connectors, comprising: a plurality of connectors, each connector of the plurality of connectors having at least one coding lug arranged on an outer circumference of the connector and at least one locking hook, wherein each connector of the plurality of connectors differs from every other connector of the plurality of connectors in the arrangement of its at least one coding lug on its outer circumference, and a universal closure cap (1) for selectively and individually closing each connector of the plurality of connectors, wherein the universal closure cap (1) comprises a connector receptacle (2) for selectively and individually receiving each connector of the plurality of connectors in a mated state, wherein the connector receptacle (2) has at least one axial groove (3) and at least one latching hook receptacle (4), wherein the at least one locking hook receptacle (4) is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hook of each connector of the plurality of connectors when the universal locking cap (1) receives the connector in its mated state, wherein the at least one axial groove (3) is designed to accommodate at least one of the at least one coding lug of each connector of the plurality of connectors when the universal locking cap (1) accommodates the connector in its mated state. [3] A method for closing a connector of a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector of the plurality of connectors has at least one coding lug arranged on an outer circumference of the connector and at least one locking hook, wherein each connector of the plurality of connectors differs from each other connector of the plurality of connectors in the arrangement of its at least one coding lug on its outer circumference, the method comprising: Providing a universal closure cap (1) for selectively and individually closing each connector of the plurality of connectors, wherein the universal closure cap (1) comprises a connector receptacle (2) for selectively and individually receiving each connector of the plurality of connectors in a mated state, wherein the connector receptacle (2) has at least one axial groove (3) and at least one latching hook receptacle (4), wherein the at least one locking hook receptacle (4) is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one locking hook of each connector of the plurality of connectors when the universal locking cap (1) receives the connector in its mated state, wherein the at least one axial groove (3) is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lug of each connector of the plurality of connectors when the universal locking cap (1) receives the connector in its mated state; and Inserting one of the multiple connectors into the connector receptacle (2).

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