Pipe joints or couplings – Screw – Interrupted thread
Utility Patent
1997-06-27
2001-01-02
Reichard, Lynne A. (Department: 3626)
Pipe joints or couplings
Screw
Interrupted thread
C285S330000, C285S913000, C166S242600, C403S364000
Utility Patent
active
06168213
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a mechanism and method for securely and quickly connecting two members. One application for such connectors is with the Completion Insertion and Retrieval under Pressure system, herein referred to as CIRP system currently offered by Schlumberger Perforating and Testing. The Schlumberger CIRP system is used to insert tools in a pressurized wellbore. The connector used in the existing CIRP system uses a conventional spiral wound wire spring to maintain the connector in its locked position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In some applications, it may be desirable to increase the torque available to keep a connector in its locked position. Increased torque may be advantageous in a CIRP system because the connector may be subject to extreme forces. Also, as the connector diameter decreases, the engagement torque available from a conventional spiral wound wire spring decreases significantly because the usable spring size is reduced.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a significant increase in the torque available to secure a connector in a locked position as compared to the torque available from a similarly sized conventional spiral wound wire spring. Because one embodiment of the present invention provides increased torque density, smaller connectors are possible that have sufficient engagement torque to remain in their locked position in abusive environments.
Another embodiment is a connector having a receiver. The receiver has a receiver gripping surface at a first end and a fork at a second end. A stinger has a stinger fork that is concentric with and adjacent the receiver fork. A sleeve has a first end adjacent the receiver fork and a sleeve gripping surface at its second end. The sleeve is rotationally engageable with the receiver fork. A first cam is connected to the sleeve remote from the sleeve gripping surface. The first cam is concentric with and adjacent the receiver. A cam engagement member is adjacent the first cam. The cam engagement member slidingly engages the first cam. The cam engagement member is also adjacent the receiver and is rotationally restrained relative to the receiver. A compressive member support is connected to the receiver. Interposed between the compressive member support and the first cam is a compressive member.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the above-described first cam has a helical surface that is inclined approximately 20 to 30 degrees from a plane perpendicular to the axis of the receiver.
In another alternative embodiment, the above-described stinger fork has stinger fork teeth on its exterior surface, and the above-described receiver has receiver fork teeth on its exterior surface. The stinger fork teeth and receiver fork teeth slidingly engage sleeve teeth on the interior surface of the above-described sleeve.
In yet another alternative embodiment, a protective member is connected to the receiver and circumscribes the above-described first cam, cam engagement member, and compressive member.
In another embodiment of the invention, a connector has a receiver. The receiver has a gripping surface at its first end and a receiver fork at the second end. A stinger has a stinger fork adjacent the receiver fork. A sleeve has a first end adjacent the receiver fork and a sleeve gripping surface at a second end. The sleeve is rotationally engageable with the receiver fork and the stinger fork. A first cam is connected to the sleeve remote from the sleeve gripping surface. The first cam is concentric with and adjacent the receiver. Also, the first cam is axially restrained relative to the receiver. A second cam is adjacent the first cam. The second cam slidingly engages the first cam. The second cam is concentric with and adjacent the receiver, and the second cam is rotationally restrained relative to the receiver. A spring ring support is connected to the receiver. A spring ring is interposed between the second cam and the spring ring support.
In another embodiment, a connector has a receiver. The receiver has a plurality of pinion teeth at a first end and a plurality of forks at a second end. A stinger has a plurality of stinger forks that are adjacent the receiver forks. A locking sleeve has a first end adjacent the receiver forks. The locking sleeve has a plurality of pinion teeth at a second end. The locking sleeve is rotationally engageable with receiver forks and stinger forks. The locking sleeve is connected to a first cam remote from the locking sleeve pinion teeth. The first cam is concentric with and adjacent the receiver, and the first cam is axially restrained relative to the receiver. A second cam is adjacent the first cam. The second cam slidingly engages the first cam. The second cam is concentric with and adjacent the receiver, and is rotationally restrained relative to the receiver. A spring ring support is connected to the receiver, and a plurality of spring rings are interposed between the second cam and the spring ring support.
Another embodiment of the present invention involves a method of connecting two members. A first section of the receiving member is secured. A second section of the receiving member is rotated relative to the first section from an uncocked position to a cocked position. The rotation of the receiving member axially compresses a compressive member. A stinger member is inserted into the receiving member and the receiving member is then returned to its uncocked position, which axially decompresses the compressive member. The return of the second receiving member section to its uncocked position locks the stinger member in engagement with the receiving member.
The scope and applicability of the present invention will be apparent from the claims following the detailed description. It should be understood that the detailed description and examples given represent embodiments of the present invention and are given by way of illustration only. Various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be obvious.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4456081 (1984-06-01), Newman
patent: 5452923 (1995-09-01), Smith
patent: 5529127 (1996-06-01), Burleson et al.
“The Perforating and Testing Review”, Schlumberger Wireline & Testing, vol. 8, No. 1 pp. 2-10, May 1995.
Shigley, J. E. et al, Mechanical Engineering Design, McGraw-Hill, New York, p. 469, 1983.
Ringfeder® Friction Springs in Mechanical Engineering, Catalogue R 601, Oct. 1995.
Binda Greg
Reichard Lynne A.
Rosenthal & Usha L.L.P.
Schlumberger Technology Corporation
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