EP3716412A1 - Universal closure cap, use, closure system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a universal closure cap for closing a connector, the connector having at least one coding nose and at least one locking hook, comprising a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a plugged-in state, the connector receptacle having at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle, the at least one latching hook receptacle is designed to come into engagement with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state, the at least one axial groove being designed to receive at least one of the at least one bait nose in the plugged-in state, the closure cap being designed such that that a large number of connectors can be closed individually by means of the closure cap. The invention also relates to a use of the closure cap, closure systems for plug connectors, and methods for closing a plug connector.

Description

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

The invention is in the field of connector technology, in particular in the field of connector protection technology or sealing cap technology. Modern plug connectors can have a similar geometrical structure, but for example comprise incompatible contact elements. If two incompatible plug connectors with a similar shape were to be connected, this would be possible in terms of shape under certain circumstances, but would damage the contact elements. In order to avoid this, modern plug connectors are often equipped with a coding device, which at the same time enables a proper connection to be established and prevents two incompatible plug connectors from being connected. For example, round plug-in connectors can comprise coding noses which are arranged on an outer surface of the plug-in connector at different angular distances. A compatible connector is designed with grooves so that the two connectors can be connected in exactly one arrangement. If two incompatible connectors are connected, the coding tabs and grooves do not fit into one another and the connection is thus prevented. A similar principle applies to sealing caps, which are used to close coded connectors. Each coded connector has exactly one matching-coded cap. This results in an increased cost of materials, in particular since closure caps cannot be exchanged directly without the exact compatible cap is provided. Furthermore, such a closure cap requires complex assembly, since the closure cap can be connected to the connector in just one arrangement.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a closure cap with increased efficiency and simplified assembly. This object is achieved in particular by universal closure caps for plug connectors, the use of such a closure cap for closing a plug connector, closure systems for plug connectors and methods for closing plug connectors.

One aspect of the invention relates to a universal closure cap for closing a plug connector, the plug connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook. The universal closure cap comprises a plug connector receptacle for receiving the plug connector in a plugged-in state, the plug connector receptacle having at least one axial groove and at least one latching hook receptacle. The at least one latching hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state. The at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding nose in the inserted state. The closure cap is designed in such a way that a large number of plug connectors can be closed individually by means of the closure cap.

In other words, the aspect of the invention relates to a universal closure cap for closing a plug connector, the plug connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook. Here, the closure cap comprises a plug connector receptacle for receiving the plug connector in a mated state, the plug connector receptacle having at least one axial groove and at least one latching hook receptacle. The at least one latching hook receptacle is designed to come into engagement with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the inserted state, and the at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding nose in the mated state. In particular, the closure cap is designed so that each connector of a multiplicity of different plug connectors can be closed by the closure cap.

The closure cap can be designed to close a plug connector, wherein the plug connector can in particular be a round plug connector, the closure cap not being restricted to such an embodiment. Rather, the closure cap can be designed to close a connector, the connector being designed as a connector of any shape. Furthermore, the closure cap can be designed to close a connector, the connector being designed to transmit power and / or data and / or electromagnetic radiation or fields. Furthermore, the closure cap can be designed to close a plug connector, the plug connector being at least partially designed as a plug and / or at least partially as a socket.

The connector has at least one coding nose. Each coding nose can be designed as a structural element or a blocking element or a projection of the connector. The at least one coding nose has at least the function of preventing or blocking a connection of the connector with an incompatible connector.

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

The closure cap has a connector receptacle. The connector receptacle can be designed as a cylindrical bore or recess in the closure cap. However, the connector receptacle is not limited to such a shape, but can have any shape or a shape adapted to the connector to be accommodated. The closure cap is also not limited to a single connector receptacle, but can have at least one further connector receptacle, wherein the at least two connector receptacles can be identical or at least partially different.

In the context of this description, the mated state is to be understood as the state in which a connector is received in the connector receptacle in such a way that the closure cap securely closes the connector, or in which a connector is received in the connector receptacle in a position of use of the closure cap.

The connector receptacle has at least one axial groove, the at least one axial groove being formed on an inner wall of the connector receptacle or the closure cap. The axial groove extends in particular parallel to a central axis of the connector receptacle. The axial groove can be delimited by two side sections and a head side section, and can have at least essentially a constant depth. In particular, the two side sections can be formed parallel to the central axis, which enables the at least one coding nose to be guided during production of the plugged-in state. The central axis can in particular correspond to a longitudinal axis of the plug connector receptacle or the closure cap. The axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lugs of the connector.

The connector receptacle has at least one latching hook receptacle, the at least one latching hook receptacle being formed on the inner wall of the connector receptacle or the closure cap. The at least one latching hook receptacle can be arranged directly adjacent to the at least one axial groove. The latching hook receptacle can be designed as a latching groove in a side wall of the connector receptacle and / or can at least have a substantially constant depth. The latching hook receptacle is designed in particular to come into engagement with the at least one latching hook of a plug connector in the mated state. However, the latching hook receptacle can also be designed to additionally or alternatively receive other fixing elements of a plug connector, for example frictional engagement elements, or to come into engagement with them. As a result, the connector is fixed in the connector receptacle or the connector receptacle on the connector.

The closure cap is designed in such a way that a large number of plug connectors can be closed individually by means of the closure cap. In particular, “individually lockable” is to be understood as meaning that each plug connector of the plurality of plug connectors can be closed individually or individually, in particular sequentially, by the closure cap. The sealing cap can thus be used as a universal sealing cap for all plug connectors, in particular plug connectors coded differently by the at least one coding nose.

The at least one axial groove is preferably designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding nose in the plugged-in state according to a large number of possible different arrangements of the at least one coding nose. Here, the arrangement is to be understood as the alignment of the coding lugs, the plug connector being able to be received by the closure cap even after the closure cap has been rotated to the left or right and / or upwards or downwards in the circumferential direction. The orientation here is to be understood as the relative positioning of the coding lugs on an outer circumference of the connector. The plurality of possible arrangements preferably comprises at least 2, preferably at least 5 arrangements and / or a maximum of 10, preferably a maximum of 7 arrangements.

An alternative aspect relates to a universal sealing cap for closing a plug connector, the plug connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook. The closure cap comprises a Connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, the connector receptacle having at least one axial groove and at least one latching hook receptacle. The at least one latching hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state, and the at least one axial groove is designed, in the plugged-in state, at least one of the at least one coding nose according to a large number of possible different arrangements of the to accommodate at least one coding nose. For a description of the terms and components of the closure cap, reference is made to the description of the first aspect. In particular, as described above, arrangement is to be understood as the alignment of the coding lugs, the plug connector being able to be received by the closure cap even after the closure cap has been rotated to the left or right and / or upwards or downwards.

The closure cap is preferably designed in such a way that each connector of a multiplicity of different connectors can be closed by the closure cap or that a multiplicity of connectors can be closed individually by means of the closure cap.

The plurality of possible arrangements preferably comprises at least 2, preferably at least 5 arrangements and / or a maximum of 10, preferably a maximum of 7 arrangements.

The features described below are features of both of the aforementioned aspects of the invention.

The plug connector receptacle is preferably designed to be essentially axially symmetrical with respect to a central axis of the plug connector receptacle.

In the context of this description, essentially means comprehensively minor manufacturing and environmental deviations. An axially symmetrical design of the plug connector receptacle enables the closure cap to be produced simplified, as well as a simplified assembly of the closure cap on a connector allows. In a preferred embodiment, not only is the plug connector receptacle axially symmetrical with respect to the central axis, but also other components of the closure cap or the entire closure cap can be designed axially symmetrically with respect to the central axis.

A radius of the at least one latching hook receptacle with respect to a central axis of the plug connector receptacle is preferably substantially greater than a radius of the at least one axial groove with respect to the central axis.

In other words, the at least one latching 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 enables the at least one latching hook of the connector to have a greater radial deflection with respect to the central axis in the plugged-in state than when the latching hook is arranged in the at least one axial groove. This in particular avoids or makes it more difficult that a rotation of the closure cap unintentionally or without resistance shifts the at least one latching hook in the direction of rotation from the at least one latching hook receptacle into the at least one axial groove, whereby the closure cap could be detached from the connector. This ensures a secure fit of the closure flap on the connector.

Preferably, a radius of the at least one latching hook receptacle with respect to a central axis of the connector receptacle is essentially the same size as a 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 enables the at least one latching hook of the plug connector to have the same radial deflection with respect to the central axis in the plugged-in state as when the latching hook is arranged in the at least one axial groove. Thus, by rotating the closure cap in the direction of rotation, the at least one locking hook can be removed from the at least one locking hook receptacle in which are displaced at least one axial groove. This prevents such a rotation of the closure cap from causing lateral loading or bending of the at least one latching hook in the direction of rotation. Preferably, this also enables a simple and gentle method of releasing the closure cap from the connector, as well as a simplified production of the closure cap.

At least one of the at least one axial groove preferably has a groove length parallel to a central axis of the connector receptacle and a groove width, the groove width being an arc of a circle with respect to the central axis with a central angle of at least about 30 °, preferably at least about 40 °, more preferably at least about 50 ° and a maximum of about 160 °, preferably a maximum of about 150 °, more preferably a maximum of about 140 °. The central angle lies in a plane which intersects the connector receptacle and is aligned perpendicular to the central axis of the connector axis. In particular, the center angle results from 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 of the central axis, and a second straight line in the plane, which runs between a second end of the axial groove runs in the plane and the point of intersection of the central axis. With such a wide design of the at least one axial groove, a plug connector of a plurality of different plug connectors with differently arranged coding lugs can be received in the plug connector receptacle. However, the closure cap is not limited to the above-mentioned angular intervals, but can have a groove width corresponding to an arc of a circle with respect to the central axis with a central angle of up to approximately 350 °, especially for connector receptacles with only one axial groove.

The groove widths of at least two axial grooves in particular do not have to be identical.

The connector receptacle preferably has a circumferential annular groove, wherein the universal closure cap also has a sealing element which is arranged in the annular groove. The annular groove can here be formed on the inner wall of the connector receptacle or the closure cap. The annular groove or the sealing element can in particular be designed concentrically with a central axis of the connector receptacle. This enables additional sealing of the connector in the plugged-in state.

The annular groove is preferably arranged between the latching hook receptacles and a closed end of the connector receptacle. The closed end is in particular an end of the plug connector receptacle which is opposite an opening in the plug connector receptacle and / or corresponds to an end of the plug connector receptacle which has a piercing point with the central axis. As a result, in the plugged-in state, the connector is pressed or held against the sealing element by the at least one latching hook, which enables a secure fit and a reliable seal.

The sealing element is preferably an O-ring. A quick replacement of the sealing element can hereby be guaranteed. However, the sealing element is not limited to an O-ring, but can be designed as any desired sealing element, for example a sealing gel, or any desired combination of sealing elements.

The universal sealing cap preferably has a protection class of at least IP51, preferably of at least IP68.

The universal sealing cap preferably has at least one pulling element on an outside of the universal sealing cap for releasing the plugged-in state. The pulling element can be designed to come into engagement with a tool. In particular, the tension element can be arranged opposite one another on the outside of the connector receptacle. This enables the plugged-in state to be released in a simplified manner. The universal closure cap preferably has at least one marking element on an outside of the universal closure cap, the at least one marking element marking at least one position of at least one axial groove or of at least one latching hook receptacle. The marking element can mark a side and / or a center point and / or the entire shape of the at least one latching 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 overall shape of the at least one latching hook receptacle or the at least one axial groove with respect to the central axis on the outside of the closure cap. Such a marking element enables secure assembly of the closure cap, since a structure of the connector receptacle is at least partially visible to the outside.

The universal sealing cap preferably at least partially encloses the plug connector in the plugged-in state. In particular, the closure cap is designed as a protective element in order to improve the plug connector in the plugged-in state or to protect it more efficiently, at least in part, from external environmental influences, for example mechanical deformations or structural damage.

The universal sealing cap is preferably designed in such a way that the plugged-in state can be released without damaging the sealing cap and / or the plug connector. For example, the at least one latching hook receptacle can be designed with beveled or rounded side walls, whereby pulling or pressing on the closure cap along the central axis causes a displacement of the latching hooks in the radial direction inward with respect to the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the connector receptacle can be designed such that a rotation of the closure cap about the central axis displaces the latching hooks of the connector from the at least one latching hook receptacle into the at least one axial groove, and thus can release the plugged-in state.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a use of a universal closure cap according to one of the above-mentioned aspects or the embodiments thereof for closing a plug connector. The universal closure cap can have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

Another aspect relates to a locking system for plug connectors, comprising a plug connector, the plug connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook. The locking system further comprises a universal locking cap with a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a plugged-in state, the connector receptacle having at least one axial groove and at least one latching hook receptacle. The at least one latching hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state. The at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding nose in the inserted state. The closure cap is designed in such a way that a multiplicity of plug connectors can be closed individually by means of the closure cap or that each connector of a multiplicity of different plug connectors can be closed by the closure cap. 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. The universal closure cap can in particular have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

An alternative aspect relates to a locking system for plug connectors, comprising a plug connector, the plug connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook. The locking system further comprises a universal locking cap with a connector receptacle for receiving the connector in a mated state, the connector receptacle has at least one axial groove and at least one locking hook receptacle. The at least one latching hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state. The at least one axial groove is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding nose in the plugged-in state according to a large number of possible different arrangements of the at least one coding nose. 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. The universal closure cap can in particular have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

Another aspect relates to a method for closing a plug connector, the plug connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook. The method comprises providing a universal closure cap comprising a plug connector receptacle for receiving the plug connector in a mated state, the plug connector receptacle having at least one axial groove and at least one latching hook receptacle. The at least one latching hook receptacle is designed to engage with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state, the at least one axial groove being designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding lug in the plugged-in state. The closure cap is designed so that each connector of a large number of different plug connectors can be closed by the closure cap. The method further includes receiving the connector 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. The universal closure cap can in particular have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

Another aspect relates to a method for closing a connector, the connector having at least one coding nose and at least one

Has locking hook. The method comprises providing a universal closure cap comprising a plug connector receptacle for receiving the plug connector in a mated state, the plug connector receptacle having at least one axial groove and at least one latching hook receptacle. The at least one latching hook receptacle is designed to come into engagement with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state, the at least one axial groove being designed, in the plugged-in state at least one of the at least one coding nose according to a large number of possible different arrangements of the at least to include a coding nose. The method further includes receiving the connector 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. The universal closure cap can in particular have any combination of the features disclosed in the description.

Figur 1

Eine Querschnittsansicht einer Verschlusskappe ohne Dichtelement;

Figur 2

Eine Querschnittsansicht einer Verschlusskappe gemäß Figur 1 mit Dichtelement;

Figur 3

Eine perspektivische Frontalansicht einer Verschlusskappe gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 4

Eine perspektivische Rückansicht einer Verschlusskappe gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 5

Eine Querschnittansicht einer Steckverbinderaufnahme einer Verschlusskappe gemäß Figur 2.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Querschnittsansicht einer Verschlusskappe 1 ohne Dichtelement 8. Die Verschlusskappe 1 ist hierbei im Wesentlichen zylinderförmig ausgebildet und weist eine zentrale Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 auf. Die Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 ist hierbei ebenfalls im Wesentlichen zylinderförmig ausgebildet. Die Verschlusskappe 1 ist jedoch nicht auf eine solche Form beschränkt. Vielmehr kann sich eine Form der Verschlusskappe 1 von einer Form der Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 unterscheiden. Die Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 weist insbesondere eine Öffnung an einem ersten Ende der Verschlusskappe 1 und ein geschlossenes Ende an einem zweiten, dem ersten Ende gegenüberliegendem Ende der Verschlusskappe 1 auf.The invention is described further below with reference to illustrative embodiments shown in figures. Show it:

Figure 1

A cross-sectional view of a closure cap without a sealing element;

Figure 2

A cross-sectional view of a closure cap according to Figure 1 with sealing element;

Figure 3

A perspective front view of a closure cap according to FIG Figure 2 ;

Figure 4

A perspective rear view of a closure cap according to Figure 2 ;

Figure 5

A cross-sectional view of a plug connector receptacle of a closure cap according to FIG Figure 2 .

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a closure cap 1 without a sealing element 8. The closure cap 1 is essentially cylindrical and has a central connector receptacle 2 . The connector receptacle 2 is also essentially cylindrical here. However, the cap 1 is not limited to such a shape. Rather, a shape of the closure cap 1 can differ from a shape of the connector receptacle 2 . The connector receptacle 2 in particular has an opening at a first end of the closure cap 1 and a closed end at a second end of the closure cap 1 opposite the first end.

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

The closure cap 1 also has two latching hook receptacles 4 , both latching hook receptacles 4 being only partially shown. The latching hook receptacles 4 are designed to come into engagement with at least one latching hook of a plug-in connector in a plugged-in state. Here, the latching hook receptacles 4 are designed as latching grooves in a side wall surrounding the connector receptacle 2 . The latching hook receptacles 4 also have at least one inclined surface 4A , the inclined surface 4A adjoining the latching hook receptacle 4 in the direction of the closed end and forming an obtuse angle with it. In this way, in particular the latching hooks of the plug connector can be protected from damage, which can occur, for example, if the plug connector is inserted too forcefully into the plug connector receptacle 2 . The connector receptacle 2 can also at least one Have round surface 4B . The at least one round surface 4B is formed here on the opening of the connector receptacle 2 and can essentially directly adjoin this. This in particular simplifies assembly of the closure cap 1 on a plug connector, since the at least one round surface 4B simplifies the deflection of at least one latching hook.

The connector receptacle 2 also has an annular groove 5 . The annular groove 5 is formed between the at least one axial groove 3 or the at least one latching 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 Figure 2 ). However, the annular groove 5 can also be formed in other shapes, or a plurality of annular grooves 5 can be formed in the connector receptacle 2 . The central axis Z can correspond in particular to a longitudinal axis of the connector receptacle 2 .

The closure cap 1 also has a tension element 6 , which is arranged on an outer side of the closure cap 1 and the connector receptacle 2 opposite one another. In particular, the tension element 6 is arranged such that a tension can act on the tension element 6 along the central axis Z of the closure cap 1 . This enables the plugged-in status to be released quickly and efficiently. The tension member 6 further includes a Zugelementbohrung 7, which is designed, and to engage with a tool engaged in order to simplify applying a pulling force on the tension member. 6

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a closure cap 1 according to Figure 1 with a mounted sealing element 8. The sealing element 8 is arranged in the annular groove 5 and protrudes inwardly into the connector receptacle 2 . In a plugged-in state, the sealing element 8 is designed to come into contact with an accommodated plug connector and to seal it off in a tight, in particular fluid-tight and / or dust-tight manner. This can be particularly sensitive

• Figur 3 zeigt eine perspektivische Frontalansicht einer Verschlusskappe 1 gemäß
• Figur 2. Hierbei ist die Öffnung der Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 sichtbar. Die Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 weist insbesondere zwei axiale Nuten 3 und zwei Rasthakenaufnahmen 4 auf. Insbesondere kann die Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 achsensymmetrisch bezüglich einer Zentralachse Z der Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 ausgebildet sein. Die Verschlusskappe 1 ist jedoch nicht auf eine solche Symmetrie beschränkt sondern kann vielmehr eine beliebige Symmetrie oder keine Symmetrie aufweisen.
• Figur 4 zeigt eine perspektivische Rückansicht einer Verschlusskappe 1 gemäß
• Figur 2. Das Zugelement 6 ist hierbei im Wesentlichen zylinderförmig ausgebildet, weist jedoch mindestens eine ebene Fläche auf. Die mindestens eine ebene Fläche ermöglicht ein effizientes Ansetzen von Werkzeugen an das Zugelement 6, um eine Kraft auf das Zugelement 6 bzw. die Verschlusskappe 1 auszuüben.
• Figur 5 zeigt eine Querschnittansicht einer Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 einer Verschlusskappe 1 gemäß Figur 2. Der Querschnitt wurde hierbei insbesondere durch die Steckverbinderaufnahme 2 und senkrecht zu der Zentralachse Z unternommen. Die Verschlusskappe 1 weist zwei axiale Nuten 3 auf, welche unterschiedlich breit ausgebildet sind. Eine der axialen Nuten 3 weist eine Nutenbreite auf, welche einem Kreisbogen bezüglich der Zentralachse Z mit einem Mittelpunktswinkel MW entspricht. Der Mittelpunktswinkel MW ergibt sich hierbei aus dem Winkel zwischen einer ersten Geraden, welche eine erste Seitenwand der axialen Nut 3 mit dem Durchstoßpunkt der Zentralachse Z verbindet, mit einer zweiten Geraden, welche eine zweite Seitenwand der axialen Nut 3 mit dem Durchstoßpunkt der Zentralachse Z verbindet. Beide Geraden schneiden einander in dem Durchstoßpunkt der Zentralachse Z, und bilden somit den Mittelpunktswinkel MW bezüglich der axialen Nut 3.

Contact element of the connector from external influences, such as liquid and / or dust or particles, are protected. The sealing element 8 can be designed as an O-ring and / or sealing gel.

• Figure 3 shows a perspective frontal view of a closure cap 1 according to
• Figure 2 . The opening of the connector receptacle 2 is visible here. The connector receptacle 2 has in particular two axial grooves 3 and two latching hook receptacles 4 . In particular, the connector receptacle 2 can be designed axially symmetrical with respect to a central axis Z of the connector receptacle 2 . However, the closure cap 1 is not restricted to such a symmetry, but rather can have any desired symmetry or no symmetry.
• Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of a closure cap 1 according to
• Figure 2 . The tension element 6 is essentially cylindrical, but has at least one flat surface. The at least one flat surface enables tools to be applied efficiently to the pulling element 6 in order to exert a force on the pulling element 6 or the closure cap 1 .
• Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector receptacle 2 of a closure cap 1 according to Figure 2 . The cross-section was made through the connector receptacle 2 and perpendicular to the central axis Z in particular. The closure cap 1 has two axial grooves 3 which are of different widths. One of the axial grooves 3 has a groove width which corresponds to an arc of a circle with respect to the central axis Z with a central angle MW . The midpoint angle MW results from the angle between a first straight line, which connects a first side wall of the axial groove 3 with the point of intersection of the central axis Z , with a second straight line, which connects a second side wall of the axial groove 3 with the point of intersection of the central axis Z . Both straight lines intersect at the point of intersection of the central axis Z , and thus form the central angle MW with respect to the axial groove 3 .

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, any combination of the features described above can be implemented.

List of reference symbols

1

Universal sealing cap

2

Connector receptacle

3

Axial groove

4th

Snap hook mount

4A

Bevel

4B

Round surface

5

Ring groove

6

Tension element

7th

Tension element bore

8th

Sealing element

Z

Central axis

MW

Center angle

Claims (15)

Universal closure cap (1) for closing a plug connector, the plug connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook, comprising: a connector receptacle (2) for receiving the connector in a mated state, the connector receptacle (2) having at least one axial groove (3) and at least one latching hook receptacle (4), wherein the at least one latching hook receptacle (4) is designed to come into engagement with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state, and wherein the at least one axial groove (3) is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding nose in the plugged-in state, wherein the closure cap (1) is designed in such a way that a multiplicity of plug connectors can be closed individually by means of the closure cap (1). Universal closure cap (1) for closing a plug connector, the plug connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook, comprising: a connector receptacle (2) for receiving the connector in a mated state, the connector receptacle (2) having at least one axial groove (3) and at least one latching hook receptacle (4), wherein the at least one latching hook receptacle (4) is designed to come into engagement with at least one of the at least one latching hook in the plugged-in state, and wherein the at least one axial groove (3) is designed to receive at least one of the at least one coding nose in the plugged-in state according to a plurality of possible different arrangements of the at least one coding nose. Universal closure cap (1) according to claim 2, wherein the closure cap (1) is designed so that each plug connector of a plurality of different plug connectors can be closed by the closure cap (1). Universal closure cap (1) according to Claim 2 or 3, the multiplicity of possible arrangements comprising at least 2, preferably at least 5 arrangements and / or a maximum of 10, preferably a maximum of 7 arrangements. Universal closure cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug connector receptacle (2) is essentially axially symmetrical with respect to a central axis (Z) of the plug connector receptacle (2). Universal closure cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a radius of the at least one locking hook receptacle (4) with respect to a central axis (Z) of the connector receptacle (2) is substantially greater than a radius of the at least one axial groove (3) with respect to the central axis (Z), or
wherein a radius of the at least one locking hook receptacle (4) with respect to a central axis (Z) of the connector receptacle (2) is essentially the same size as a radius of the at least one axial groove (3) with respect to the central axis (Z). Universal closure cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the at least one axial groove (3) has a groove length parallel to a central axis (Z) of the connector receptacle (2) and a groove width,
the groove width being an arc of a circle with respect to the central axis (Z) with a central angle (MW) of at least about 30 °, preferably at least about 40 °, more preferably at least about 50 ° and a maximum of about 160 °, preferably a maximum of about 150 °, more preferably a maximum corresponds to about 140 °. Universal sealing cap (1) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the connector receptacle (2) has a circumferential annular groove (5),
wherein the universal closure cap (1) furthermore has a sealing element (8) which is arranged in the annular groove (5). Universal closure cap (1) according to claim 8, wherein the annular groove (5) is arranged between the latching hook receptacles (4) and a closed end of the connector receptacle (2), and optionally,
wherein the sealing element (8) is an O-ring and / or wherein the universal sealing cap (1) has a protection class of at least IP51, preferably of at least IP68. Universal closure cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal closure cap (1) has at least one pulling element (6) on an outside of the universal closure cap (1) for releasing the plugged-in state, and, optionally,
wherein the tension element (6) is arranged on the outside of the connector receptacle (2) opposite. Universal closure cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal closure cap (1) has at least one marking element on an outside of the universal closure cap (1),
wherein the at least one marking element marks at least one position of at least one axial groove (3) or of at least one locking hook receptacle (4). Universal closure cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal closure cap (1) at least partially encloses the connector in the plugged-in state and at least partially protects it from external environmental influences. Use of a universal closure cap (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 for closing a plug connector. Locking system for connectors, comprising: a connector, the connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook, a universal closure cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 for closing a connector, wherein the connector is received in the connector receptacle (2). Method for closing a connector, the connector having at least one coding nose and at least one latching hook, comprising: Providing a universal closure cap (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 for closing a plug connector; and Acceptance of the connector in the connector receptacle (2).

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