CONJUNTO DE CONECTORES DE FIBRA ÓPTICA, E, MÉTODO PARA TRANSMITIR UM SINAL ÓPTICO ENTRE PRIMEIRA E SEGUNDA FIBRAS ÓPTICAS
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RMSPUMPTOOLS
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
Smart Images
Figure 00000038_0000 
Figure 00000038_0001 
Figure 00000038_0002
Abstract
Description
/ 29 A set of fiber optic connectors, and a method for transmitting an optical signal between the first and second optical fibers.
[001] The present invention relates to a set of optical fiber connectors for connecting two optical fibers. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TECHNIQUE
[002] Optical fibers to be connected in a set of fiber optic connectors are normally terminated in a respective metallic optical arc in each part of the connector. Each metallic arc can accommodate multiple fibers. The metallic arcs interconnect to join opposing fibers within the coupled parts of the connector, allowing the transmission of the optical signal through the formed connector set.
[003] Document US 2017 / 0242210 describes a connector assembly useful for understanding the invention, having a guide assembly to control the movement of a metal arc within its connector portion during manufacturing. Document EP2977802 describes another connector assembly useful for understanding the invention. Documents US20180136412; JP2014063111 and EP1043611 describe other connector assemblies useful for understanding the invention, all of which are designed for use in normal air environments and none of which are adapted for use in harsh environments. SUMMARY
[004] The invention provides a set of fiber optic connectors comprising: first and second connector parts adapted for interconnection, each of the first and second connector parts having a geometric axis; a first optical fiber that terminates in a first metal arc in the first part of the connector, and a second optical fiber that terminates Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 54 / 82 / 29 in a second metal arc on the second part of the connector, the first and second metal arcs being adapted to interlock to transmit a signal between the first and second parts of the connector; wherein the second connector part comprises a guide assembly connected to the second metal arch and adapted to guide the interlocking of the first and second metal arches, the guide assembly having a housing adapted to receive the first metal arch during interlocking of the first and second metal arches; and in which at least one part of the guide assembly rotates around the geometric axis of the second connector part during the interlocking of the first and second metal arches.
[005] Optionally, the relative axial movement of the first and second metal arcs within the connector assembly drives the rotary movement of at least part of the guide assembly relative to the first metal arc between a first rotational position in which the first metal arc is axially away from the second metal arc and the first and second metal arcs are circumferentially misaligned and in which the first and second optical fibers are not communicating, and a second rotational position in which the first and second metal arcs are axially engaged and circumferentially aligned and the first and second optical fibers are communicating.
[006] Optionally, the rotating part of the guide assembly is free to rotate around the geometric axis of the second connector portion, and the circumferential position adopted by the guide assembly is influenced by the forces acting on it. Optionally, the accommodation is located in the rotating part of the guide assembly.
[007] The guide assembly optionally comprises a guide collar, which may optionally take the form of a sleeve, having an inner diameter with a geometric axis, which is typically coaxial with the axis Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 55 / 82 / 29 geometric of the first part of the connector.
[008] The guide assembly optionally houses the second metal bow. Optionally, the guide assembly comprises a body on which the second metal arc is mounted, and optionally a capture cone comprising the housing. Optionally, the metal arc, the body, and the capture cone in the guide assembly are rotatably connected, e.g., fixed together, so that they rotate freely together around the geometric axis of the second portion; in other words, they may optionally not be able to rotate independently of each other. Optionally, at least one portion of the metal arc may move axially relative to the body and optionally to the capture cone, and may optionally be tilted in an axial direction relative to the body and optionally to the capture cone by means of a resilient device such as a spring.
[009] Optionally, the guide assembly is mounted on the inner diameter of the second connector part, optionally on a bearing assembly (which is typically fixed to the inner diameter) that allows free rotation of the guide assembly within the inner diameter relative to the bearing assembly, around the geometric axis of the second connector part.
[0010] Optionally, the housing is radially offset from the geometric axis of the second connector part. Optionally, the housing is tapered, typically having circumferentially spaced tapered sides. Optionally, the housing has an outer end with an opening, and an inner end. Optionally, the outer end faces the first connector part and the coupling end of the second connector part. Optionally, the outer end of the housing has a mouth that is wider than a throat of the housing at the opposite inner end of the housing. Optionally, the outer end is adapted to receive the first metal arc and is circumferentially Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 56 / 82 / 29 larger than the first metal arc. Optionally, the inner end of the housing is circumferentially no larger, and optionally circumferentially smaller than the first metal arc, and typically the first metal arc cannot pass freely axially through an inner end of the housing.Optionally, as the first metal arc advances toward the open end of the housing, the housing narrows and (typically gradually) reduces the space available for relative movement between the first and second metal arcs, until the first metal arc is at the throat of the housing, at which point the sides of the housing typically enclose the first metal arc by at least two circumferentially separate sides of the first metal arc, resisting or preventing relative circumferential (and optionally axial) movement between the first and second metal arcs when the first metal arc is at the throat of the housing.
[0011] Optionally, each of the first and second metal arches incorporates more than one optical fiber, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 or more optical fibers.
[0012] Typically, the rotating part of the guide assembly is fixed (optionally, rotatably fixed) relative to the second metal arc, and rotates with the second metal arc around the central geometric axis of the second connector part. Optionally, the rotating part of the guide assembly rotates relative to both the first and second connector parts, around a common (optionally central) geometric axis when interconnected. Optionally, the range of rotation is limited by a pin fixed to the main connector part, and engaged in a slot (typically a curved slot) in the guide assembly. Optionally, the range of rotation is greater than 10°, typically greater than 20°, typically from 25 to 35°, and typically less than 40°.
[0013] Optionally at least one from the first and second arcs Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 57 / 82 / 29 of metal is arranged to move radially in relation to a common geometric axis of the first and second parts of the connector during coupling, for example, between a first radial position in which the distances between the common geometric axis and the first and second metal arcs are different, and a second radial position in which the distances between the common geometric axis and the first and second metal arcs are equal, without necessarily requiring that the first and second metal arcs be in circumferential alignment (in other words, in the second radial position, the first and second metal arcs may be at the same radial spacing, but may be circumferentially misaligned).
[0014] Preferably, the first metal arc and the first optical fiber terminating therein are housed inside a chamber, and the second metal arc and the second optical fiber terminating therein are housed inside a chamber. More preferably, at least one and preferably both said chambers are sealed when the first and second parts of the connector are separated from each other. Preferably, at least one and preferably both said chambers are arranged so as to be sealed when the first and second parts of the connector are brought into coupling connection with each other up to a final coupling step, so that each of the metal arcs is protected from exposure to the external environment before, during and after the sealing of the first and second parts of the connector.
[0015] Optionally, at least one of the metal arcs moves out of the chamber during coupling. Optionally, during coupling of the first and second connector parts, the metal arcs are able to move out of the chambers. Optionally, the metal arc in the first portion is adapted to move radially out of the chamber during connection, optionally, on a pivoting arm, which may optionally be radially tilted outwards with respect to the axis. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 58 / 82 / 29 geometric of the first part of the connector by a resilient device such as a spring.
[0016] The coupling of the first and second parts typically has three alignment steps, with each step typically improving the level of alignment of the metal arcs. Rough alignment is typically achieved by inserting a housing (e.g., an external tubular housing) of the second part (optionally forming a plug) into an inner diameter of a housing (e.g., an external tubular housing) of the first part (optionally forming a receptacle). Optionally, the first part incorporates a pin having a shaft that extends axially (optionally coaxial with the geometric axis of the first part) within the inner diameter of the tubular housing of the second part, and the pin shaft typically engages and optionally seats in a seal of the second part.
[0017] The guide assembly typically houses the second metal arc in the rotating part of the second connector part. This allows the second metal arc to rotate (e.g., with the guide assembly) relative to the geometric axis of the second connector part. The first metal arc in the first connector part is typically rotationally fixed relative to the geometric axis of the first connector part, but is typically mounted on the pivoting arm which is radially movable around a geometric pivot axis within the first connector part, typically being radially driven outward around the geometric pivot axis by the action of a resilient device such as a spring.
[0018] The second metal arch is typically housed in a metal arch housing in the body of the guide assembly, at an inner end of a capture cone. The capture cone and body are typically tubular. Optionally, the housing is symmetrical and shares a common geometric axis with the second metal arch. The interaction of the first Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 59 / 82 / 29. The metal arc with the guide assembly, e.g., with the housing, can typically determine the rotational orientation of the second metal arc with respect to the first and optionally, the second connector parts. The interaction of the first and second metal arcs can typically constitute an intermediate alignment step that can adjust and typically improve the alignment of the first and second metal arcs before the final coupling step of the two. Typically, as the first metal arc moves axially into the housing, it forces the rotationally floating guide assembly to rotate relative to the rotationally static first metal arc as the first metal arc moves axially into the throat, thus increasing the alignment of the first and second metal arcs.Thus, in some examples, the final rotational position of the second metal arc with respect to the second connector part is determined by the interaction of the first metal arc with the guide assembly (typically the housing) during interconnection, as the second metal arc rotates with the guide assembly to typically match the rotational position of the first metal arc.
[0019] The first and second metal arches typically incorporate at least two highly tolerated pins in one metal arch that align with high-tolerance holes in the other metal arch. This ensures that the first contact of the fibers from both halves of the connector is adjacent and aligned. This step can be considered the final fine-alignment step of the coupling.
[0020] The first part of the connector is typically attached to the well, e.g., to a wellhead or other manifold. Optionally, the first part of the connector forms a receptacle, and the second part of the connector forms a plug. Optionally, the first part of the connector has a catch cone at the coupling end that faces the second part of the connector. The first and second parts of the connector are brought together. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 60 / 82 / 29 approximate circumferential alignment between them, for example, approximately aligning the outer markers in the outer housings, before the rounded corner on a second part of the connector enters the inner diameter of a first part. Precise circumferential alignment at this stage is unnecessary, and it is sufficient that the relative circumferential alignment between the first and second parts of the connector be relatively rudimentary, e.g., ± 10-30°, e.g., ± 15°, due to the fact that a more precise circumferential alignment can be achieved in later stages of the coupling.
[0021] The first connector part optionally has a central inner diameter with an axial pin having an axis on which a sliding sleeve is mounted inside the inner diameter. A rounded corner at the end of the outer tubular housing in the second connector part typically moves into the inner diameter of the first connector part and seats on an outer end of the sliding sleeve, which is typically held in its axial position within the inner diameter, e.g., by a snap ring. The interaction provides the first step in rudimentary alignment between the two connector parts.The smaller diameter of the capture cone in the outer housing of the first connector part's receptacle typically has a tolerance close to, for example, 10%, or 5%, or 1 to 2% with the outer diameter of the second connector part, so that the passage of the rounded corner of the second connector part into the capture cone of the first connector part aligns the two connector parts on a common central geometric axis.
[0022] As the second part of the connector continues to advance into the inner diameter of the first part of the connector, the elastic ring that holds the sliding sleeve in place is released, and the sliding sleeve is freed to move axially within the inner diameter. As the sliding sleeve slides further into the inner diameter, it typically Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 61 / 82 / 29, discloses a window opening housing the first metal arc, which is typically mounted on a pivot arm, in a sealed chamber within the pin. In this example, the metal arcs in each of the first and second connector parts are protected in chambers (e.g., sealed chambers) before the final coupling steps, which are optionally pressure-compensated and may be filled with a fluid such as a gel, which may be thixotropic and optically compatible with optical fibers, and which optionally incorporates scavengers such as hydrogen scavengers, for example. Embodiments of the present invention, therefore, have the advantage that they can be used in harsh environments, such as underwater or in downhole applications, and the metal arcs are always protected from the external environment in the sense that they are retained in chambers (e.g., sealed chambers).(sealed chambers) when two parts are not connected and are also protected during the connection process so that they are never exposed to the potentially hostile external environment. Optionally, the chambers in the first and second parts of the connector can communicate when coupled. In this case, the first metal arc is mounted in a sealed chamber on the pin. The window is sealed by the sliding sleeve. Exposing the window opening as the sliding sleeve moves down the pin opens the chamber and releases the first metal arc to move radially outward on a pivot arm, which is typically radially angled outward by means of a coil, sheet, or torsion spring, etc.This moves the first metal arc radially to a position that is in radial alignment with the second metal arc (in other words, the distance between the common central geometric axis of the first and second connector parts and the first and second metal arcs is within a close tolerance, for example, within 10%, or 5%, or 1 to 2%, although at this stage of coupling, the rotational positions of the first and second metal arcs are not yet fully aligned (in other words, the... Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 62 / 82 / 29 the first and second metal arches may be in different circumferential positions, within an average of ±10 to 30° of the initial rudimentary circumferential alignment.
[0023] The continuous axial movement of the first and second parts of the connector together typically moves the first metal arc axially further into the guide assembly housing. The circumferential distance of the wide mouth at the open end of the housing on the guide assembly's catch cone is typically wide enough to accommodate the first metal arc when the first and second parts of the connector are in rudimentary circumferential alignment. In examples where the approximate circumference is ±15°, the wide mouth of the catch cone may be at least 30°, for example.
[0024] The continuous axial closure between the first and second parts of the connector moves the first and second metal arcs together, which causes the first metal arc to abut one of the conical edges of the capture cone in the guide assembly housing.Since the first metal arc is rotationally fixed to the first part of the connector, and since the second metal arc is free to rotate relative to the second part of the connector, this causes the relative rotation of the second metal arc with the guide assembly around the geometric axis of the second part of the connector relative to the first statically rotational metal arc, thus drawing the second metal arc in the guide assembly into a more precise circumferential alignment with the first metal arc as the first metal arc nudges the guide assembly into rotation around the common geometric axis relative to the circumferential position of the first metal arc, to adjust and typically to increase the level of alignment between the first and second metal arcs.
[0025] Additionally and optionally, a final alignment step, the alignment pins on one of the metal arches (by Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 63 / 82 / 29 example, the pins may optionally be in the second metal arch) enter the holes of the other metal arch.
[0026] Optionally, the assembly comprises an overtravel mechanism adapted to limit the force applied to the metal arches in an axial direction during connection.
[0027] Optionally, one of the first and second metal arches (e.g., the second metal arch) is axially inclined in a direction parallel to the common geometric axis, for example, at least by a compression spring, which drives the metal arches into axial contact. The axial coupling of the first and second metal arches in at least one stage of the coupling (e.g., in the final connection stage where the alignment pins on one metal arch enter the holes of the other) typically energizes the compression spring(s) and drives the first and second metal arches together in an axial direction relative to the first and second connector parts, typically until there is at least a 1 mm axial engagement between the metal arches (e.g., at least a 1 mm compression of the spring).
[0028] In some examples, this provides a necessary preload force for coupling, ensuring that the metal arches are axially engaged in contact. Continuous axial closure beyond this point optionally actuates the overtravel mechanism, limiting or preventing excessive axial force that could damage the delicate structure of the alignment pins and holes, as well as the fibers of the metal arches. Optionally, the overtravel mechanism specification spring allows an overtravel of up to +7mm in an axial direction while maintaining the typical 1mm engagement of the metal arches and adequate preload.
[0029] Optionally, at the ends of the first and second parts of the connector that are opposite the coupling ends, the optical fibers are terminated in optical fiber penetrators, and optionally, a Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 64 / 82 / 29 A continuous length of optical fiber extends between the metal arches and the penetrators, optionally avoiding the need for a fiber splice.
[0030] Optionally, the first and second metal arches are axially inclined together by a preload force of, for example, 10N when coupled, and the compression spring(s) that incline the guide assembly in the first part of the connector are typically calibrated to apply the necessary axial force and achieve the desired axial engagement of the metal arches (e.g., 1mm engagement) from first contact.
[0031] During the coupling sequence and after the desired preload is achieved, typically the shuttle pin engages with the guide assembly and drives the guide assembly back to the inner diameter of the second part of the connector, typically energizing the overtravel spring, and typically limiting the compression of the springs acting on the second metal arc, thus limiting any additional axial loads on the second metal arc. The ideal coupling position of the connector in one example is an additional stroke of 3.5mm, but a total overtravel of 7mm can be accommodated, giving an isolation tolerance of ±3.5mm.
[0032] The various aspects of the present invention can be practiced individually or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The various aspects of the invention may optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, optional features described in relation to one aspect can typically be combined alone or in conjunction with other features in different aspects of the invention. Any subject described in this descriptive report can be combined with any other subject in the descriptive report to form a new combination.
[0033] Various aspects of an invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Other aspects, features and Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 65 / 82 / 29. The advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire descriptive report, including the figures, which illustrate a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. An invention is also susceptible to other examples and different aspects, and its various details may be modified in several respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Consequently, each example described herein should be understood as having broad application and intended to illustrate a possible way of carrying out an invention, without intending to suggest that the scope of this descriptive report, including the claims, is limited to that example. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used in this document are used exclusively for descriptive purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the dimensions and numerical values included in this document are presented as examples illustrating a possible aspect of the claimed subject matter, without limiting the description to the specific dimensions or values mentioned. All numerical values in this document are understood to be modified by "approximately". All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein, are understood to include plural forms and vice versa.
[0034] Terms such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” or “encompassing” and their variations are intended to be broad and encompass the matter listed below, equivalents, and additional unmentioned matter, and are not intended to exclude other additives, components, whole numbers, or steps. Similarly, the term “comprising” is considered synonymous with the terms “including” or “containing” for applicable legal purposes. Therefore, throughout the descriptive report and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprising” or variations thereof, such as “comprises” or “comprising,” shall be understood as implying the inclusion of a whole number or group of Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 66 / 82 / 29 declared integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
[0035] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this descriptive report solely for the purpose of providing context for the present invention. It is neither suggested nor stated that any or all of these matters were part of the prior art basis or were common knowledge in the relevant field of the present invention.
[0036] In this document, whenever a composition, element, or group of elements is preceded by the transition phrase “comprising,” it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with the transition phrases “consisting especially of,” “consisting of,” “selected from the group consisting of,” “including,” or “is / is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element, or group of elements, and vice versa. In this document, the words “typically” or “optionally” should be understood to indicate optional or non-essential features of an invention that are present in some examples but may be omitted in others without departing from the scope of an invention.
[0037] References to directional and positional descriptions, such as upper and lower directions, for example, “up”, “down”, etc., should be interpreted by a qualified reader in the context of the examples described as referring to the orientation of features shown in the drawings, and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but rather as understood by the qualified recipient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] In the attached figures: Figure 1 shows the first and second parts of the connector. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 67 / 82 / 29 detached; Figure 2 shows the first and second parts of the connector decoupled; Figure 3 shows an expanded view of the coupling ends of the connector parts in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows an expanded view of the coupling ends of the connector parts in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a guide assembly of the second connector part of Figure 2; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view through the connector parts in an initial coupling stage where the metal arches are spaced apart; Figure 7a shows the same connector parts in a second connection stage, where the metal arcs have just made contact, with Figures 7b and 7c showing enlarged views of the internal components in the first and second parts of the connector during coupling; Figure 7b shows the same connector parts in a second connection stage, where the metal arcs have just made contact, with Figures 7a and 7c showing enlarged views of the internal components in the first and second parts of the connector during coupling; Figure 7c shows the same connector parts in a second connection stage, where the metal arcs have just made contact, with Figures 7a and 7b showing enlarged views of the internal components in the first and second parts of the connector during coupling; Figure 8a shows the same connector parts in a third and final connection step, in which the metal arcs are being joined in an axial direction, with Figures 8b and 8c showing enlarged views of the internal components in the first and second parts of the connector during coupling; Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 68 / 82 / 29 Figure 8b shows the same connector parts in a third and final connection step, in which the metal arcs are being joined in an axial direction, with Figures 8a and 8c showing enlarged views of the internal components in the first and second parts of the connector during coupling; Figure 8c shows the same connector parts in a third and final connection step, in which the metal arcs are being joined in an axial direction, with Figures 8a and 8b showing enlarged views of the internal components in the first and second parts of the connector during coupling; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the internal components around the guide assembly during coupling; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the internal components around the guide assembly during coupling; and Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the internal components around the guide assembly during coupling; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE EXAMPLES
[0039] With reference to the drawings, a set of fiber optic connectors has first and second connector parts 10, 50 adapted to interconnect along a common geometric axis shared by the two 10, 50 parts. In this example, the left-hand end of the first connector part shown in drawings 10 is facing downwards, and the right-hand end of the second connector 50 is facing upwards, but this can clearly be modified in different examples. Each 10, 50 part has at least one optical fiber (typically multiple optical fibers). Each optical fiber typically forms a continuous extension along each connector part, extending between a fixed end that typically houses a penetrator through which the optical fiber passes through the connector part end, and a coupling end, where Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 69 / 82 / 29 the optical fiber terminates in an optical metal arc. The first part of connector 10 has a first optical fiber that terminates in a first metal arc 13, and the second part of connector 50 has a second optical fiber that terminates in a second metal arc 53. When connected, the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 connect together to transmit a signal between the first and second optical fibers in the first and second parts of connector 10, 50.
[0040] The first connector part 10 is typically connected to a wellhead at its lower fixed end 10f. The penetrator at the fixed end 10f contains wellbore pressures in the well. The outer housing of the first connector part 10 typically forms a receptacle and has an open inner diameter 10b at the opposite coupling end 10m, which receives a rounded corner in a tubular outer housing at the coupling end 50m of the second connector part 50, typically arranged above the first connector part 10 in a vertical orientation, typically on a tree that is housed in the wellhead during the coupling process. The second connector part 50 typically forms a plug that is received within the receptacle of the first connector part 10. The upper fixed end 50f of the second connector part 50 similarly has a penetrator to seal the second connector part 50 at the top end.The first and second parts of connector 10, 50 are initially moved into approximate circumferential alignment with each other before coupling, for example, by approximately aligning the outer markers in the outer housings before deployment. Precise circumferential alignment at this stage is unnecessary, and it is sufficient that the relative circumferential alignment between the first and second parts of the connector is within approximately 30° and ±15°, since more precise circumferential alignment is achieved in later stages of the covering. The inner diameter 10b has a taper of... Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 70 / 82 / 29 annular capture formed in the opening of the outer housing. The smaller diameter of the capture cone has a tolerance close to, for example, within 3%, or 2%, or 1% with the outer diameter of the second part of connector 50, so that the passage of the rounded corner of the second part of connector 50 into the capture cone of inner diameter 10b aligns the two parts of connector relatively precisely on a common geometric axis.
[0041] The inner diameter 10b in the outer housing of the first connector part 10 houses an axially extending pin 15, which is coaxial with the long central geometric axis of the first connector part 10, and coaxial with the inner diameter 10b. The pin 15 supports a sliding sleeve 20, which extends radially between the outer surface of the pin 15 and the inner surface of the inner diameter 10b, and which is axially sliding along the inner diameter 10b and the axis of the pin 15. The sliding sleeve 20 has an inner end that faces the fixed end 10f and an outer end that faces the shaft or coupling end 10m of the connector part 10. The sliding sleeve 20 is held axially in place in the inner diameter of the housing by a snap ring, located in a recess in the inner surface of the inner diameter.
[0042] The tubular rounded corner at the 50m coupling end of the second connector part 50 enters the inner diameter of the housing of the first connector part 10 in the first coupling stage, and seats on the outer end of the sliding sleeve 20. A convex end of the pin 15 seats in a concave recess at the end of a shuttle pin 60 in the second connector part 50, pushing the shuttle pin 60 back into the housing of a second connector part 50 and energizing an extension spring inciting the shuttle pin 60 towards the 50m end. At this stage, the metal arcs 13, 53 have not yet made contact. The continuous relative closure of the two connector parts advances the rounded corner inwards. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 71 / 82 / 29 of the inner diameter 10b, and releases the elastic ring, and the rounded corner on the outer housing of the second part of the connector 50 continues to push the sliding sleeve 20 down the shaft of the pin 15, while the pin 15 in a first part of the connector continues to push the shuttle pin 60 into a second part of the connector 50 as best demonstrated in Figure 6 for example.
[0043] Pin 15 houses the first metal arc 13 in the first connector part 10, and in this example, the first metal arc is mounted on an arm 25 which is mounted on a pivot within the inner diameter of pin 15, adjacent to a window in pin 15, such that, in a configuration in which arm 25 is radially retracted, the first metal arc 13 is within the inner diameter of pin 15 and does not project out of the window, and in a second configuration, in which arm 25 is radially extended, the metal arc pivots radially outward toward the inner surface of the inner diameter 10b in the outer housing, and extends out of the window. Arm 25 is axially attached to pin 15. Arm 25 is typically driven to move the first metal arc 13 by a torsion spring, for example. Arm 25 is held in the first configuration with the first metal arc 13 inside the inner diameter of pin 15 when the sliding sleeve 20 is covering the window.The sliding movement of the sliding sleeve 20 over the pin 15 uncovers the window and allows radial movement of the spring-driven arm 25. This rotates the first metal arc 13 in an arc radially to a position that is in radial alignment with the second metal arc 53 (in other words, the distance between the common geometric axis of the first and second parts of the connector 10, 50 and the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 is within a close tolerance, for example, within 3%, or 2%, or 1%, although at this stage of the temple, the rotational position of the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 is not yet fully aligned (in other words, the first and second). Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 72 / 82 / 29 metal arcs may be in different circumferential positions, within ±10-30° of the initial rudimentary circumferential alignment). Note that pin 15 is fixed relative to the first part of connector 10, and therefore while arm 25 is free to move on the arc around the pivot, once it reaches the radially extended position, it is not subsequently axially movable relative to the first part of connector 10.
[0044] The sliding sleeve 20 typically seals the first metal arc 13 and optical fiber in a gel-filled environment. In this example, the metal arcs in each of the first and second parts of the connector are typically protected in sealed chambers that are pressure compensated, and filled with a fluid such as a thixotropic gel, which is optically compatible with the optical fibers.This provides the great advantage that the ends of the first and second optical fibers are protected within their respective chambers when the first 10 and second 50 parts of the connector are separated, and are also protected within their respective chambers for the initial interconnection steps and protected against the external environment during the last interconnection steps (by virtue of the arrangement that prevents the external environment from being able to come into contact with the ends of the optical fiber cable even when the first metal arc 13 is being placed in alignment with the second metal arc and / or is placed in contact with it during the interconnection process) and, therefore, embodiments of the present invention can be used in relatively hostile environments, such as underwater or down a borehole in an oil or gas well.Typically, the second part of the connector (optionally, an inner surface of the rounded corner of the second part of the connector) seals the pin before the sliding sleeve uncovers the window. In a decoupled state, the front seals of a second part of the connector 50 block fluid entry into the inner diameter of the second part of the connector 50, sealing against the shuttle pin 60. With the... Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 73 / 82 / 29 continuous axial closure, the shuttle pin 60 is pushed back into the inner diameter, the front seals are transferred to the sliding sleeve 20, and the integrity of the coupled connector pair is thus maintained, with the sliding sleeve 20 also sealing against the first part of the connector pin 15.
[0045] In the second part of connector 50, the second metal arc 53 is mounted on a guide assembly comprising in this example a guide collar 65, as can be better observed in Figure 5. The guide collar 65 is generally formed as a sleeve formed as a sliding fit in the outer housing and mounted around the shuttle pin axis 60, and is rotatably connected to the second metal arc 53, which rotates with the guide collar 65. In this example, the guide collar 65 is formed in several (e.g., two) parts, each part typically being formed as an annular sleeve with typically a common geometric axis. In this example, a guide collar body 65b is connected at an outer end (the one closest to the coupling end 50m) to a capture cone 65c.Typically at the other inner end (facing away from the coupling end 50m) the guide collar body 65b is rotationally connected to a bearing housing 62 which houses a bearing that allows free rotation of the guide collar body 65b (and typically the catch cone 65c which is typically attached to the guide collar body 65b) relative to the bearing housing 62 and the rest of the second connector part 50. The bearing housing is not essential, but the bearings reduce friction during rotation of the guide collar, which is beneficial.
[0046] The body 65b of the guide collar 65 typically has a segment offset from the geometric axis that forms a flat surface adapted to receive a second metal arch housing 53h. The second metal arch 53 is mounted in the metal arch housing 53h on the flat segment (optionally, mounted in a movable manner that allows axial movement of the Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 74 / 82 / 29 second metal arc 53 in relation to the guide collar 65 but not the rotary motion, and optionally, inclined towards the capture cone 65 and away from the bearing housing 62 by means of compression springs 54).
[0047] The housing 66 is adapted to guide the interconnection of the first and second metal arcs during connection. The housing 66 has circumferentially spaced conical sides and is adapted to receive the first metal arc 13 during coupling. The body 65b and the capture cone 65c of the guide collar 65 have a common central geometric axis that is coaxial with the geometric axis of the second connector part and the shuttle pin 60, and is therefore coaxial with the common geometric axis of the two connector parts 10, 50.The guide collar body 65b and the catch cone 65c are typically rotatable as a unit around the geometric axis of the second connector part (and therefore the common geometric axis) during the interconnection of the first and second metal arcs. In this example, the entire guide collar 65 is rotatable as a unit relative to the bearing assembly 62.
[0048] While the bearing housing 62 forms a generally annular ring, the body 65b and the capture cone 65c are not symmetrical about the central geometric axis, since the housing 66 and the second metal arc 53 are radially displaced from the central geometric axis. The body 65b and the capture cone 65c are typically fastened together by fasteners such as screws that extend through the parts, as can be seen in Figure 5, so that the assembly of the two components of the body 65b and capture cone 65c can rotate together as a single unit around the bearings in the bearing housing 62, which facilitates the rotary movement of the guide collar 65.
[0049] Housing 66 is symmetrically inclined with one open end (facing the coupling end 50m, in this case) adapted to receive the first metal arch 13, and one end Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 75 / 82 / 29 closed (facing away from the coupling end 50m in this case). The open end of housing 66 has a mouth that is wider than a throat of the housing at the opposite end of the housing. The throat of housing 66 and the second metal arc 53 are typically radially offset from the geometric axis by the same distance, so that they are in the same radial plane. The continuous axial movement of the first and second connector parts 10, 50 together typically moves the first metal arc 13 axially into the housing 66 of the guide collar 65, as shown in Figures 7a, b & c. The circumferential distance of the wide mouth of the catch cone on the guide collar 65 is typically wide enough to accept the first metal arch 13 when the first and second connector parts 10, 50 meet in a rudimentary circumferential alignment.In examples where the rudimentary circumferential alignment required for initial coupling is ±15°, a wide mouth of the capture cone can have at least the same angular dimension, e.g., 30° in this example.
[0050] The continuous axial closure between the first and second parts of connector 10, 50 beyond the position shown in Figure 6 closes the axial spacing between the first and second metal arcs 13, 53, moving them axially together, which causes the first metal arc to abut one of the conical edges of the capture cone in the housing 66. Because the first metal arc 13 is rotationally fixed to the first part of connector 10, and because the second metal arc 53 is free to rotate with the guide collar 65 around the geometric axis of the second part of connector 50, this axial closure between the metal arcs causes the relative rotation of the second metal arc (with the guide collar 65) around the geometric axis of the second part of connector 50 relative to the first statically rotational metal arc 13, thus rotating the second metal arc 53 in the guide collar 65 into a more precise circumferential alignment with the first arc. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 76 / 82 / 29 of metal 13. In other words, as the first metal arc 13 advances into the mouth of the housing 66, the housing 66 tapers and gradually reduces the space available for relative circumferential movement between the first and second metal arcs 13, 53, until the first metal arc 13 is in the throat of the housing 66, at which point the sides of the housing 66 engage the first metal arc 13 on at least two circumferentially distant sides of the housing 66, resisting or preventing relative circumferential movement between the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 outside the rotation alignment.Thus, the first metal arc 13 typically “nudges” the guide collar 65 to rotate around the common geometric axis, thereby increasing the circumferential alignment between the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 until the first metal arc 13 and the guide collar 65 are connected in a rotary manner and in tighter circumferential alignment when the first metal arc 13 is housed in the throat. The tapered sides of the housing are typically symmetrical around a central geometric axis.The second metal arc 53 mounted on the guide collar 65 is mounted in the throat and on the same geometric axis as the throat, so that when the first metal arc 13 advances axially in the throat and causes the guide collar 65 to rotate relative to the first metal arc 13, the first metal arc 13 propels the guide collar 65 and therefore the second metal arc 53 at the end of the throat and on the same geometric axis as the closest circumferential alignment with the axial, but rotationally static, movement of the first metal arc 13. This increases the circumferential alignment between the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 during closure.
[0051] In this example, the guide collar 65 is rotationally fixed to the second metal arc 53 (so that the two rotate together on the inner diameter of the second part of the connector 50) and is rotatable around the common geometric axis of the first and second parts of the connector 10, 50 Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 77 / 82 / 29 when interconnected. The relative rotation range is typically limited by a pin 68 that is rotationally fixed with respect to the first part of the connector 10, and which engages with a curved slot 69 in the guide assembly. In this example, the permitted relative rotation range is e.g., ± 15°.
[0052] As the relative axial movement of the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 within the second connector part progresses from the position shown in Figure 6 to the position shown in Figure 7, it can be observed that this drives the rotational movement of the guide collar 65 relative to the first metal arc 13 between a first rotational position in which the first metal arc 13 is axially displaced from the second metal arc 53 and the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 are circumferentially misaligned and in which the first and second optical fibers are not communicating, and a second rotational position in which the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 are axially engaged and circumferentially aligned and the first and second optical fibers are communicating.
[0053] The first and second metal arcs 13, 53 at their opposite coupling ends typically incorporate at least two highly tolerated pins in one metal arc that align with highly tolerated holes in the other metal arc. In the final shielding step just before the position in Figure 7, the pins enter the holes and ensure that the first contact of the fibers from both halves of the connector is adjacent and aligned.
[0054] Optionally, the assembly comprises an overtravel mechanism adapted to limit the force applied to the metal arches in an axial direction during connection. In this example, an overtravel sleeve 70 is housed in the inner diameter of the second connector portion 50, inclined outwards from the inner diameter by a spring 72. The overtravel sleeve 70, as can be best observed in Figures 7 and 8, with Figures 7b, 7c, 8b and 8c Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 78 / 82 / 29 shows detailed views of the interaction between the overtravel sleeve 70, the shuttle pin 60, and the guide collar 65 in the last two stages of the capsule. Figures 7a, b and c show the same view at different magnifications. Similarly, Figures 8a, b and c show the same view at different magnifications.
[0055] The spring 72 is preloaded in compression between a locking ring 74 fixed to the inner diameter at an inner end of the overstroke sleeve 70, and an inner end of the bearing housing 62 which is connected by a screw thread to an outer end of the overstroke sleeve 70. The spring 72 drives the overstroke sleeve 70 (and the bearing housing 62) in an axial direction out of the inner diameter of the second connector piece 50, but the locking ring 74 acts to limit the maximum extension beyond the position of Fig. 6. The bearing housing 62 has a radially inward extending collar 62c with an outer surface facing the lower end (coupling) 50m.
[0056] Optionally, one of the first and second metal arches (e.g., the second metal arch) is separately inclined relative to the bearing housing 62 axially in a direction parallel to the common geometric axis by at least one and typically a pair of springs 54 (as can be best observed in Figure 5) preloaded in compression between the second metal arch housing 53h and a shoulder on the body 65b of the guide collar 65 which impels the second metal arch 53 towards the open coupling end 50m of the second portion. The axial coupling of the first and second metal arches 13, 53 in at least one coupling step (e.g., in the final connection step shown in Figure 8 in which the alignment pins on one metal arc enter the holes of the other) typically energizes the springs 54 in the guide collar 65 and moves the first and second metal arcs together in an axial direction relative to the first and second connector parts 10, 50, typically, until there is at least. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 79 / 82 / 29 less about 1mm of axial engagement between the metal arches, or in other words about 1mm of detailing of the springs 54, as can be seen by contrasting Figures 7 and 8.
[0057] Figures 7a, b and c show the configuration as the metal arcs first touch and before the springs 54 are compressed, and show the same axial spacing between the metal arc housing 53f and the bearing housing 62 as in the previous step shown in Figure 6. Note that at this step, the locking ring 74 is limiting the extension of the overtravel sleeve 70 of a second part of the connector 50, and the overtravel spring 72 is not yet seeing any additional variation compared to the position in Figure 6 before the initial contact between the metal arcs 13, 53.
[0058] Note also that the outer surface of the collar 62c in the bearing housing and the inwardly oriented shoulder 60s on the shuttle pin 60 are still axially separated by about 1 mm, as shown in detail B in Figures 7b & c, and that in the position of Figure 7, the first and second metal arcs 13, 53 have just touched for the first time, and at this stage there is no axial force applied between them. Furthermore, in the position of Figure 7, the springs 54 do not exhibit any additional extension beyond the initial preload, and the axial spacing between the second metal arc 53 and the guide collar body 65b is the same as in Figure 6 (see detail A in Figure 7). Finally, as shown in Figure 7, the inner end of the sleeve 20 has not yet reached the bottom of the inner end of the inner diameter 10b.
[0059] Once the shoulder 60s and the outer surface of the collar 62c move beyond the position shown in Figure 7, the distance between the shoulder 60s on the shuttle pin 60 and the bearing housing 65b of the guide collar 65 is reduced, and the continuous movement of a second part of the connector 50 towards the inner diameter 10b of the first part of the connector 10 begins to compress the Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 80 / 82 / 29 springs 54 in addition to the initial preload. The additional load that can be applied to springs 54 is determined in this example by the distance that the first part of the connector can move beyond the position in Figure 7 when the first and second metal arcs first touch, until the protrusion 60s on the shuttle pin engages the outer surface of the collar 62c, which in this example is set at approximately 1mm.The additional axial movement of a second part of the connector 50 into the inner diameter 10b beyond the position where the shoulder 60s and the collar 62c engage typically drives the guide assembly 65 into the inner diameter 10b, but does not affect the loading on the springs 54, or the relative positions of the first and second metal arches 13, 53, because the shoulder 60s on the shuttle sleeve 60 pushes the bearing housing 62 as a whole and the guide assembly 65 to which it is attached further into the inner diameter of the second part of the connector 50, compressing the overstroke spring 72, and sliding the overstroke sleeve 70 into the inner diameter of the second position.
[0060] Figures 8a, b and c show the next (and final) step. In the position of Figure 8, the first and second metal arches 13, 53 are pressed together and the springs 54 are fully compressed to the desired additional load, but the axial distance between them has not changed since the initial engagement of the shoulder 60 and the collar 62c. Figure 8 shows the reduction in axial spacing between the metal arch housing 53f and the bearing housing 62 (in detail A), the axial engagement between the collar 62c and the body 65b of the guide collar 65 (in circle B), and the sliding of the overstroke sleeve 70 on the inner diameter of the second connector ring 50 relative to the locking ring 74, thus compressing the overstroke spring 72.
[0061] After compression of springs 54 and engagement of shoulder 60s in collar 62c, any continuous axial closure only compresses the overtravel spring 72, instead of applying any additional forces to Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 81 / 82 / 29 metal arches 13, 53, which typically move together with the shuttle pin 60 during axial closure between the first and second parts of the connector 10, 50, limiting or preventing excessive axial force that may tend to damage the delicate structure of the alignment pins and holes, and the fibers of the metal arch, and this can usefully control the preload force for the coupling.
[0062] As the axial closure continues, in the final step shown in Figures 8a, b and c, the bearing housing collar 62c (which is attached to the inner end of the guide collar 65) engages with the shoulder 60 on the shuttle pin (see detail of circle B in Figures 8b and c and contrast between the same sections in Figures 7b and c). Any further axial closure causes the shuttle pin shoulder 60s to also move the guide collar 65 axially with it, thus isolating any additional compressive force from the springs 54, which limits the axial loads between the metal arch 13 and 53 even if higher loads are applied during the overtravel beyond the step described.The ideal final coupling position of the connector in this example is an additional 3.5mm of travel from the second connecting portion 50 relative to the first connector position 10 beyond the position shown in Figure 7, but a total overtravel of 7mm can be accommodated, giving a coupling tolerance of ±3.5mm. Optionally, the compression spring 72 tilting the overtravel sleeve 70 allows an overtravel of up to +7mm in an axial direction, while the typical 1mm engagement of the metal arches 13 and 53 is maintained with adequate preload. Optionally, the first and second metal arches are axially inclined together by a preload force of, for example, 10N when coupled, and the compression springs 54 that incline the guide assembly in a first connector part are typically calibrated to apply the necessary axial force and to achieve the desired axial engagements of the metal arches (e.g., 1mm engagement) from first contact. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 82 / 82
Claims
1 / 8 CLAIMS 1. A set of fiber optic connectors, characterized in that it comprises: first and second connector parts adapted for interconnection, each of the first and second connector parts having a geometric axis; a first optical fiber terminating in a first metal arc in the first connector part, and a second optical fiber terminating in a second metal arc in the second connector part, the first and second metal arcs being adapted for interlocking to transmit a signal between the first and second connector parts; wherein the second connector part comprises a guide assembly connected to the second metal arc and adapted for guiding the interlocking of the first and second metal arcs, the guide assembly having a housing adapted for receiving the first metal arc during the interlocking of the first and second metal arcs;and wherein at least one part of the guide assembly rotates around the geometric axis of the second connector part during the interlocking of the first and second metal arches.
2. Optical fiber connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the relative axial movement of the first and second metal arcs within the connector assembly is adapted to drive the rotary movement of the rotating part of the guide assembly relative to the first metal arc between a first rotational position in which the first metal arc is axially displaced from the second metal arc and the first and second metal arcs are circumferentially misaligned and in which the first and second optical fibers are not communicating, and a second rotational position in which the first and second metal arcs are axially engaged and circumferentially aligned and the first and second optical fibers are communicating.
3. A set of fiber optic connectors according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide assembly comprises a guide collar in the form of a sleeve, having an inner diameter with a geometric axis that is coaxial with the geometric axis of the first connector part.
4. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has an outer end adapted to receive the first metal arc, and an inner end, wherein the outer end of the housing has a mouth that is circumferentially larger than the first metal arc, and wherein the inner end of the housing has a throat that, circumferentially, is not larger than the first metal arc, whereby, when the first metal arc is in the throat, the sides of the housing engage the first metal arc on at least two sides circumferentially distant from the first metal arc, resisting or preventing relative circumferential movement between the first and second metal arcs.
5. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing is symmetrical around a central geometric axis of the housing.
6. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide assembly is rotationally fixed with respect to the second metal arc, and is rotatable around a central geometric axis of the second connector part.
7. Fiber optic connector assembly according to Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 40 / 82 3 / 8 any of the previous claims, characterized in that the rotation range of the guide assembly relative to the second connector part is limited by a pin fixed to the first connector part, and engaged in a slot in the guide assembly.
8. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the first and second metal arcs is arranged to move radially with respect to a common geometric axis of the first and second connector parts during coupling, between a first radial position in which the distances between the common geometric axis and the first and second metal arcs are different, and a second radial position in which the distances between the common geometric axis and the first and second metal arcs are equal.
9. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction of the first metal arc with the guide assembly is adapted to change the rotational orientation of the second metal arc with respect to the first connector part.
10. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first metal arc is rotationally fixed to the first connector part, and the second metal arc is free to rotate relative to the second connector part.
11. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes an overtravel mechanism adapted to tilt the second metal arc axially in a direction parallel to the common geometric axis, which drives the first and second metal arcs into axial contact, and wherein the compression spring is adapted to keep the axial force transmitted between the first and second metal arcs during coupling within a limited range.
12. Fiber optic connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the overtravel mechanism comprises an overtravel sleeve inclined by an overtravel spring to propel the guide assembly in an axial direction against the first metal arc.
13. A set of fiber optic connectors according to claim 12, characterized in that it includes a stop member adapted to limit the relative movement of the first and second metal arches after the axial movement of the overtravel sleeve engages a shoulder with the stop member.
14. A set of fiber optic connectors according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, after engagement of the stop and shoulder members, the first and second metal arcs move together within the inner diameter of the first connector portion during axial movement of the second connector portion into the inner diameter of the first connector portion.
15. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second metal arc is inclined relative to the guide assembly in an axial direction towards the first metal arc by a resilient device held in compression between the second metal arc and a shoulder on the guide assembly.
16. A set of fiber optic connectors according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first metal arc and the first optical fiber terminating therein are housed within a chamber, and the second metal arc and the second optical fiber terminating therein are housed within a chamber. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 42 / 82 5 / 8 17. A set of fiber optic connectors according to claim 16, characterized in that both said chambers are sealed from the external environment when the first and second connector parts are separated from each other.
18. A set of fiber optic connectors according to claim 17, characterized in that both said chambers are arranged so as to be sealed when the first and second parts of the connector are brought into coupling connection with each other up to a final coupling stage, so that each of the metal arcs is protected against exposure to the external environment.
19. A method for transmitting an optical signal between first and second optical fibers, characterized in that it comprises terminating the first and second optical fibers in optical metal arcs housed in the respective first and second connector parts, the first and second metal arcs being adapted to interlock in order to transmit a signal between the first and second connector parts, and each of the first and second connector parts having a geometric axis; wherein the second connector part comprises a guide assembly connected to the second metal arc and adapted to guide the interlocking of the first and second metal arcs, the guide assembly having a housing adapted to receive the first metal arc during the interlocking of the first and second metal arcs; and wherein the method includes rotating the guide assembly around the geometric axis of the second connector part during the interlocking of the first and second metal arcs.
20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that it includes actuating the rotary motion of the guide assembly relative to the first metal arc between a first rotational position in which the first metal arc is axially displaced from the second metal arc and the first and second metal arcs are circumferentially misaligned and in which the first and second optical fibers are not communicating, and a second rotational position in which the first and second metal arcs are axially engaged and circumferentially aligned and the first and second optical fibers are communicating, wherein the rotary motion of the guide assembly is actuated by the relative axial motion of the first and second metal arcs.
21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the housing has an outer end adapted to receive the first metal arc, and an inner end, wherein the outer end of the housing has a mouth that is circumferentially larger than the first metal arc, and wherein the inner end of the housing has a throat that, circumferentially, is not larger than the first metal arc, and wherein the method includes moving the first metal arc axially into the throat until the sides of the housing engage the first metal arc on at least two sides circumferentially distant from the first metal arc, thus resisting or preventing relative circumferential movement between the first and second metal arcs.
22. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the housing is symmetrical about a central geometric axis of the housing.
23. Method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that it includes rotatably fixing the guide assembly to the second metal arch.
24. Method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that it includes rotatably attaching the first metal arc to the first connector part.
25. Method according to any of the claims in Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 44 / 82 7 / 8 19 to 24, characterized in that it includes limiting a range of rotation of the guide assembly relative to the second connector part.
26. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that it includes changing the rotational orientation of the second metal arc with respect to the first connector part by the interaction of the first metal arc with the guide assembly.
27. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that it includes limiting an axial force transmitted between the first and second metal arches during coupling.
28. A set of optical fiber connectors, characterized in that it comprises: first and second connector parts adapted for interconnection, each of the first and second connector parts having a geometric axis; a first optical fiber terminating in a first metal arc in the first connector part, and a second optical fiber terminating in a second metal arc in the second connector part, the first and second metal arcs being adapted for interconnection to transmit a signal between the first and second connector parts; wherein the first metal arc is rotationally fixed to the first connector part; wherein the second connector part comprises a guide assembly connected to the second metal arc and adapted for guiding the interconnection of the first and second metal arcs; wherein the guide assembly is rotationally fixed with respect to the second metal arc;wherein the guide assembly has a housing adapted to receive the first metal arch during the interlocking of the first and second metal arches; wherein at least one part of the guide assembly is freely rotatable around the geometric axis of the second connector part during the interlocking of the first and second metal arches;and wherein the relative axial movement of the first and second metal arcs within the connector assembly is adapted to drive the rotary movement of the guide assembly relative to the first metal arc between a first rotational position in which the first metal arc is axially displaced from the second metal arc and the first and second metal arcs are circumferentially misaligned and in which the first and second optical fibers are not communicating, and a second rotational position in which the first and second metal arcs are axially engaged and circumferentially aligned and the first and second optical fibers are communicating. Petition 870250083315, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 46 / 82;