Drill pipe adapter and method for handling a drill pipe adapter

Abstract

The invention relates to a drill rod adapter having a sleeve-shaped adapter receptacle, a peg-shaped adapter element which can be inserted axially into the adapter receptacle in order to form a torsion-resistant connection, and at least one locking screw which is directed transversely to the axial joining direction and in the locked joining position extends between the adapter receptacle and the adapter element into a locking recess, wherein the locking screw is supported radially adjustable between an unlocked position and a locked position. An effective joining is achieved by the provision of a tensioning device with which the locking screw is pressed into its locked position with a predetermined tensioning force and the locking screw is connected with a reset element with which the locking screw can be reset into the unlocked position upon a reset force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drill pipe connector comprising: a sleeve-shaped receiving portion; a bolt-shaped connector element axially insertable into the connector receiving portion to form a torsional-resistant connection; and at least one locking bolt pointing transversely to the axial engagement direction and extending into a locking recess between the connector element receiving portion and the connector element in a locked engagement position, wherein the locking bolt is radially adjustable between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manipulating such a drill pipe coupling. Background Technology

[0003] For example, such a drill pipe connector is known from DE 10 2011 109 001 A1. This type of drill pipe connector is also commonly referred to as a so-called kellybox. In the inserted engagement position, axial locking is achieved by placing laterally pointing locking bolts into the connector receiving portion and the connector element, thereby achieving a form-locking connection.

[0004] However, known drill pipe couplings require manual operation by the operator not only when locking but also when unlocking. This is time-consuming in principle. Furthermore, for drilling tools that may be several meters long and typically vertically oriented, the coupling assembly may be several meters above the ground. Therefore, climbing aids or even gantry cranes are required for operation, which is also costly. Moreover, for safety reasons, working at significant heights above the ground and within the direct action area of ​​the drill pipe is problematic and should therefore be reduced to the minimum necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to describe a drill pipe connector and a method for using the drill pipe connector, which enable particularly efficient engagement of the drill pipe.

[0006] According to the present invention, this task is accomplished by the following drill pipe connector and the following method: a drill pipe element or drilling tool having a drill pipe connector, wherein the drill pipe connector comprises: a sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion disposed on a first drill pipe element or drilling tool; a bolt-shaped connector element axially insertable into the connector receiving portion to form a torsional connection for joint rotation, disposed on a second drill pipe element or drilling tool; and at least one locking bolt, which points transversely to the axial engagement direction and is in the locked engagement position. The connector receiving portion extends into the locking recess between the connector element and the connector receiving portion, wherein the locking bolt is radially adjustable between the unlocked and locked positions. The connector is characterized in that it can be inserted between individual drill rod elements or between a drill rod element and a drilling tool for engagement. A tensioning device is provided, by which the locking bolt is pressed into its locked position with a predetermined tension force. The locking bolt is connected to a reset element, which allows it to be reset to the unlocked position upon a reset force.

[0007] A method for manipulating a drill rod element or drilling tool having a drill rod connector, characterized in that the locking bolt is pressed into its locked position by the tensioning device with a predetermined tension force, and the locking bolt is returned to the unlocked position by a restoring force against the reset element, in which the bolt-shaped connector element can be axially pushed relative to the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion. Preferred embodiments are described in detail below.

[0008] The drill pipe connector according to the invention is characterized by a tensioning device, by which the locking bolt is pressed into its locked position with a predetermined tension force, and the locking bolt is connected to a reset element, by which the locking bolt can be reset to the unlocked position when a reset force is applied.

[0009] The basic concept of the invention lies in providing at least a semi-automatic drill pipe connector in which at least one locking bolt is always reliably in the locked position. This is achieved by providing a tensioning device, preferably a tension spring, which compresses the locking bolt into the locked position with a predetermined tension force. Unlocking can then be performed via a reset element, which can be manually or electrically operated to move at least one locking bolt to its pulled-back unlocked or released position.

[0010] Fail-safe operation is achieved through the arrangement according to the invention, ensuring locking even in the event of a failure of electrical or hydraulic power in the drilling equipment. Only one direction of force application is required to manipulate the locking bolts, i.e., to unlock the coupling. Locking is achieved directly via the tensioning device if the corresponding reset force is released.

[0011] The drill pipe connector according to the invention enables the effective and reliable establishment and disengagement of connections between individual drill pipe elements, and in particular, between the drill pipe elements and the drilling tool.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking bolt is supported in a housing and the reset element extends from the housing and is mechanically operable. At least one housing for at least one locking bolt is preferably located on the outer surface of a sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion. This allows the drill pipe connector to be operated from the outside in a simple manner. The locking recess is located on the inner connector element.

[0013] Particularly advantageously, the locking bolt is rotatably supported in the housing about its bolt axis, the reset element extends transversely to the bolt axis and is configured as a lever for rotating the locking bolt, and a sliding mechanism is provided between the locking bolt and the housing, through which the rotational movement of the locking bolt can be converted into radial movement about the drill pipe axis. Here, the locking bolt is constructed as a cylinder and inserted into and rotatably supported therein in a tubular housing. Preferably, a lever-shaped reset element is connected to the locking bolt, and this reset element protrudes outward relative to the housing. Therefore, an axially directed force can be applied to the lever-shaped reset element in a simple manner, and this force is converted into rotational movement of the locking bolt by the reset element. This rotational movement can be converted into radial adjustment movement for unlocking the locking bolt by the sliding mechanism. Then, when the reset force is released, the locking bolt is pressed back to its locked position by a tensioning device, wherein the reset element is rotated back to its initial position corresponding to the sliding mechanism.

[0014] According to an improved embodiment of the invention, a particularly robust implementation is achieved by the following method: the sliding mechanism has at least a partially bolt-shaped groove as a sliding channel, into which a protrusion is embedded. Preferably, the groove-shaped sliding channel is constructed at least on the inner surface of the housing, wherein, in particular, the pin-shaped protrusion arranged on the locking bolt is embedded in the helical sliding channel. However, in principle, the helical groove can also be constructed on the outer surface of the locking bolt, while the corresponding pin-shaped protrusion is disposed on the inner wall of the housing.

[0015] According to an improved embodiment of the invention, a robust alternative design to the drill pipe coupling is achieved by equipping the reset element with a wedge-shaped slider mechanism that converts the axial movement of the locking bolt into radial movement. Here, the wedge-shaped slider mechanism can be constructed in virtually any manner to induce a 90° movement conversion. Specifically, the wedge-shaped slider mechanism can be arranged on the outer surface of the coupling assembly or inside the bolt-shaped coupling element. By arranging at least one operating surface inclined with respect to the drill pipe axis, a desired direction conversion of movement can be achieved.

[0016] A particularly low-wear design in one embodiment of the invention is achieved by arranging a contact element with a rounded contact surface on the free end of the reset element. The rounded contact surface, preferably in contact with the mating surface, reduces friction. The rounded contact surface can also preferably be a rotatable element, such as a rotatable cam.

[0017] In principle, the drill pipe coupling can be directly operated by hand by the operator. An effective variation of the invention involves providing a servo drive, particularly a linear drive, to apply the reset force. Here, the linear drive can be a hydraulic or pneumatic adjusting cylinder or an electrically operated spindle drive. In principle, a common servo drive can be arranged, or a separate servo drive can be provided for each locking bolt. Preferably, the servo drive can be controlled wired or wirelessly, allowing for easy operation by the machine operator, especially from the machine compartment.

[0018] According to an improved embodiment of the invention, a particularly compact implementation is achieved by wherein the at least one locking bolt, together with the tensioning device, is supported in a bolt-shaped coupling element. The bolt-shaped coupling element is either hollow or constructed with receiving cavities for the at least one locking bolt and the tensioning device. In this arrangement, the locking recess is then positioned in a corresponding manner on a sleeve-shaped coupling receiving portion.

[0019] For particularly effective locking, it is preferable that two locking bolts are supported opposite each other in the coupling element, and that the tensioning device is arranged axially within the coupling element. This arrangement is particularly suitable for combination with wedge-slider mechanisms, wherein the tensioning device and, possibly, a linear servo drive are oriented along, and preferably coaxially with, the drill pipe axis. Especially in this arrangement, lateral forces can be mutually compensated by the two preferably radially opposed locking bolts, resulting in a particularly stable arrangement.

[0020] Another advantageous variation of the implementation involves a spring-tensioned compression section with a compression surface inclined about the drill pipe axis, and the locking bolts having inclined operating surfaces at their inner ends that abut against the compression surface of the compression section. This achieves a wedge-shaped slider mechanism capable of simultaneously pressing and holding two or more radially oriented locking bolts outward. Correspondingly, a linear drive can actuate the same or opposing compression sections to pull the locking bolts back to their unlocked position.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the reset element is a drivable axial piston of a servo drive. The reset element can be directly part of the servo drive or be moved by the servo drive itself.

[0022] For effectively locking the drill pipe connector by axially driving the connector element into the connector receiving portion, it is advantageous that the locking bolt has a bevel on its free front side, allowing it to be radially pressed into its unlocked position when the connector receiving portion and the connector element engage. Once the locking recess has reached the height of the locking bolt during this engagement process, the locking bolt, due to its spring preload, can return to its locked position and thus back into the locking recess. This directly achieves reliable engagement. Here, the bevel on the front side of the locking bolt serves to convert the axial relative movement between the connector element and the connector receiving portion into the radial reset movement of the locking bolt.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, the locking bolt has a base with a stop pawl slidably supported thereon, a bevel formed on the free front side of the stop pawl, and a spring element arranged between the base and the stop pawl, such that the stop pawl of the locking bolt can be radially pressed into the unlocked position when the connector receiving portion and the connector element are axially engaged. The spring element can be configured to have a smaller tension force than the tensioning device, enabling easy locking during insertion. For unlocking, the locking bolt, together with the base and the stop pawl, should be pulled back against the action of the tensioning device.

[0024] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention involves providing at least one unlocking spring, through which the at least one locking bolt can be reset from its locked position to its unlocked position. Before locking the drill pipe coupling, the at least one unlocking spring can be tensioned, allowing for easy unlocking again via the at least one unlocking spring after locking by the tensioning device. For this purpose, a corresponding triggering device can be provided, which can be operated manually or remotely.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a drilling apparatus having a drilling drive mechanism for rotaryly driving a drill rod with a drilling tool and a rotary table, wherein a drill rod coupling according to the invention is provided, and a reset element of the drill rod coupling is operable via the rotary table. The drill rod coupling is not necessarily arranged on the drilling drive mechanism. More precisely, the drill rod coupling is arranged between individual drill rod elements or between a drill rod element and a drilling tool. By axial movement of the drill rod relative to the rotary table, which is particularly configured for screwing in drill rod tubing for casing drilling, the required axial relative movement with respect to the reset element can be performed directly by the drilling apparatus without an additional servo drive mechanism. In principle, other stops and components can also be provided to operate the reset element by axial relative movement between the reset element and the operating elements on the drilling apparatus.

[0026] Regarding the method, the invention is characterized in that the locking bolt is pressed into its locked position by a tensioning device with a predetermined tension force, and the locking bolt is reset to the unlocked position when a reset force abuts against the reset element, in which the bolt-shaped connector element is axially movable relative to the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion. Here, the method is performed using the drill pipe connector according to the invention described above. The advantages described above can be achieved here.

[0027] In particular, the method described herein enables the efficient construction of a drill rod consisting of a plurality of drill rod elements, wherein a drill rod connector is arranged between each drill rod element. It also enables the efficient installation and removal of drilling tools at the lower end of the drill rod. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention is further described with reference to preferred embodiments schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion of the first type of drill pipe connector according to the invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A connector element to be inserted is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the connector receiving portion;

[0031] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the drill pipe connector is shown when the connector elements are introduced;

[0032] Figure 4 A locking coupling element is shown. Figures 1 to 3 A cross-sectional view of the drill pipe connector;

[0033] Figure 5It shows passing through with according to Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the drilling apparatus with the locked drill pipe joint;

[0034] Figure 6 The following is shown when loosening the drill pipe coupling: Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the drilling apparatus;

[0035] Figure 7 A connector element with unlocking is shown. Figure 5 and 6 Drilling equipment;

[0036] Figure 8 This illustrates the action of pulling the unlocked connector element out of the connector receiver according to... Figures 5 to 7 A cross-sectional view of the drill pipe connector;

[0037] Figure 9 A perspective view of another drill pipe connector according to the invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 10 A model with locking bolts is shown. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the drill pipe connector in the locked position;

[0039] Figure 11 The drill pipe coupling with locking bolt is shown in the unlocked position, corresponding to... Figure 10 A cross-sectional view;

[0040] Figure 12 It shows according to Figures 9 to 11 A partial side view of a drilling device with a drill pipe connector before unlocking;

[0041] Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 12 A partial side view of the drilling device when unlocked;

[0042] Figure 14 A perspective view of a connector element of another drill pipe connector according to the invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the connector element;

[0044] Figure 16 The image shows a locking bolt that has been pulled back. Figure 14 and 15 A cross-sectional view of the drill pipe component.

[0045] Figure 17-19 A cross-sectional view of another drill pipe coupling according to the invention in the locked position is shown;

[0046] Figure 20-22 It shows Figures 17 to 19 A cross-sectional view of the drill pipe connector when unlocked; and

[0047] Figure 23-26 It shows according to Figures 17 to 22 A cross-sectional view of the drill pipe connector when the unlocking spring is tensioned. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figure 1 A sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20 of a first type of drill pipe connector 10 according to the invention is shown. The sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20 is constructed in a square shape, corresponding to a so-called square drill pipe box, having an upper inlet opening 22 and a side opening 26 for a locking bolt to pass through. An annular connecting region 24 is provided on the lower side of the connector receiving portion 20, which is fixedly connected to a drilling tool (not shown).

[0049] A cylindrical housing 60 is disposed on two opposing side walls of the connector receiving portion 20, wherein, as in Figure 2 As clearly shown, the locking bolts 70 are supported radially. A lever-shaped reset element 80 is mounted on the outer end of each locking bolt 70, extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill pipe. A disc-shaped contact element 82 with a rounded contact surface 84 is arranged on the outer end of the reset element 80.

[0050] As explained in more detail later, the reset element 80 can be rotated approximately 90° from the vertically pointing position shown to a horizontal position, wherein the locking bolt 70 is correspondingly twisted within the housing 60. A partially helical groove 66 is introduced into the housing 60, into which a pin-shaped protrusion 72 extends, and this protrusion is fixedly connected to the locking element 70. Thus, a sliding mechanism 64 is generally formed, which converts the rotational movement of the reset element 80 into a radial linear movement of the locking bolt 70. Here, the locking bolt 70 can be rotated from its position... Figure 2 The locking position shown is pulled back to the radially pulled-back unlocked position. In the locking position, the front end of the locking bolt 70 extends into the angular receiving cavity of the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20. In the unlocked position, the locking bolt 70 no longer extends into the receiving cavity inside the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20.

[0051] As in Figure 2As detailed in the diagram, a tensioning device 40 is arranged inside the housing 60, which in this embodiment is constructed by arranging a disc spring 41. Here, the tensioning device 40 is supported on the housing cover 62 of the housing 60 on one side and on the annular shoulder 76 of the locking bolt 70 on the other. Thus, the base 78 of the locking bolt 70 is pressed into a locked position. A stop 71 is slidably supported on the radially inner end of the base 78 of the locking bolt 70, and this stop 71 is radially pressed inward into a locked position by a spring element 45. Figure 2 As shown in the figure. The stop pawl 71 has an inclined operating surface 73 on its front side facing the inlet opening 22.

[0052] An angular connector element 50 can be pushed into a receiving cavity inside the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20 via the introduction opening 22. The connector element is placed on the lower end of a drill rod element 3 (not shown further), such as a so-called square drill rod, and the connector element has a laterally pointing locking recess 74 for locking the drill rod connector 10.

[0053] As in Figure 3 As can be clearly seen, the chamfer on the front end of the coupling element 50 is in contact with the inclined operating surface 73 on the stop pawl 71 of the opposite locking bolt 70. Thus, by further axially pushing the coupling element 50, the stop pawl 71 can be radially outwardly pressed into the unlocked position by this pushing movement of the coupling element 50, overcoming the action of the spring element 45, until the laterally pointing locking recess 74 is flush with the height of the opposite stop pawl 71.

[0054] As in Figure 4 As clearly shown, in this state, the stop pawl 71 can be pressed back into its locked position by the action of the corresponding spring element 45, wherein the stop pawl 71 extends into the locking recess 74. In this configuration... Figure 4 In this state, the bolt-shaped connector element 50 is form-locked within the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20. Therefore, in this state of the drill pipe connector 10, both torque and axial force can be transmitted between the bolt-shaped connector element 50 and the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20 via the drill pipe connector 10. Here, the bolt-shaped connector receiving portion 50 is preferably located on the lower end of the drill pipe element.

[0055] The following uses Figures 5 to 8 The loosening or unlocking of the drill pipe coupling 10 is explained in detail.

[0056] Unlocking of the drill pipe coupling 10 can be performed via a drilling device 2, shown only partially, which has a so-called turntable 4. The turntable 4 is a known sleeve-shaped drive element that can be mounted on the drilling device 2 to rotatably drive a so-called support tube for casing drilling. According to the invention, one or more operating plates 6 are axially adjustable within such a turntable 4. Axial adjustment can be performed by means of a linear drive device, not shown here.

[0057] From according to Figure 5 Starting from the upper pull-back position, the two control plates 6 shown can be pushed downward relative to the reset element 80 on the drill pipe connector 10, as in Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0058] Here, the control plate 6 makes contact with the contact element 82 at the free end of the lever-shaped return spring 80, wherein the return element 80 is rotated from its vertical position to an approximately horizontal position by about 90° due to the rounded contact surface 84. Figure 7 This can be clearly seen in the text. Because the preceding text follows... Figure 1 The described sliding mechanism 64, in which the corresponding locking bolt 70, together with its stop pawl 71, can be radially pulled back from the locked position in the locking recess 74 of the bolt-shaped coupling element 50 to the unlocked position by such rotational or flipping movement of the reset element 80. Here, the stop pawl 71 of the locking bolt 70 disengages from the laterally pointing locking recess 74, allowing the bolt-shaped coupling element 50 to be axially pulled out from the sleeve-shaped coupling receiving portion 20, as in Figure 8 This is clearly shown in the text.

[0059] As the drill pipe element 3 and the connector element 50 move axially upward together, the control plate 6 also moves upward. Now, the locking bolt 70 is pressed inward again into its locked position via the tensioning device 40, wherein the reset element 80 is rotated back to its initial vertical position via the sliding mechanism 64.

[0060] exist Figures 9 to 13 An alternative drill pipe connector 10 is shown. The pin-shaped connector element 50, not shown in detail, corresponds to the connector element 50 described previously.

[0061] The connector receiving portion 20 is also constructed substantially corresponding to the connector receiving portion 20 described previously. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different construction method.) Figures 1 to 8 Unlike other embodiments, the housing 60 with locking bolt 70 and the reset element 80 are constructed with other designs.

[0062] The reset element 80 is configured as a lever with a grooved fork 86 that is axially adjustable only. The reset element 80 in... Figure 9 and 10 The upper position shown and according to Figure 11 The lower positions are axially movable. In the upper position, the reset element 80 is not directly connected to the locking bolt 70 in the housing 60, such that the locking bolt 70 is pressed into its inwardly protruding locking position by a tensioning device 40 consisting of a spring, as if by... Figure 10 It is clear.

[0063] By pressing the reset element 80 downwards according to Figure 11 In the corresponding lower position, the locking bolt 70 is radially pulled back to the unlocked position via a sliding fork 86 with a stepped operating surface, corresponding to a sliding mechanism not shown in detail. Figure 11 As clearly shown in the diagram, after the axial pressure acting on the reset element 80 is released, these reset elements are pushed back to their upper positions by the return spring 88. The locking bolt 70 is returned to the locked position by the tensioning device 40. In principle, other sliding mechanisms can also be provided, which convert the axial maneuvering motion acting on the reset element 80 into the radial pull-back motion of the locking bolt 70.

[0064] exist Figure 12 and 13 The image shows a drilling device 2, which can be used to operate according to... Figures 9 to 11 The drill pipe connector 10. A box-shaped drill bit, shown only partially, as a drilling tool 8 can be releasably mounted on the drill pipe element 3 by means of the drill pipe connector 10. The drill pipe element 3 extends through a rotary drive 9, also referred to as a power rotary head. An orifice plate 5 is arranged on the rotary drive 9, which... Figure 12 It is axially spaced from the reset element 80.

[0065] The downward movement of the operating bolt 7 on the orifice plate 5 and the axial opposing movement of the rotating device 3 and thus the orifice plate 5 and the drilling tool 8, as... Figure 13 As shown, the reset element 80 is pressed downwards. This unlocks the drill rod coupling 10 and allows the drilling tool 8 to be removed from the drill rod element 3.

[0066] Combining Figures 14 to 16 Another drill pipe connector 10 according to the invention will be explained.

[0067] In this embodiment, the locking bolt 70 is installed in the bolt-shaped coupling element 50. According to... Figure 14In the illustrated embodiment, the bolt-shaped connector element 50 has an adapter sleeve 56 corresponding to a angular drill pipe box, allowing the bolt-shaped connector element 50 to be mounted on a conventional drill pipe element with a quadrilateral joint. A disc-shaped stop 58 can be arranged between the adapter sleeve 56 and the bolt-shaped connector element 50, thereby defining an axial position when pushed into the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion. Here, the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion can be constructed corresponding to a conventional angular drill pipe box. Of course, the bolt-shaped connector element 50 can also be directly mounted on the drill pipe element 3, such as a so-called angular drill pipe.

[0068] As by Figure 15 It is understood that the coupling element 50 has an internal cavity in which a tensioning device 40, consisting of a spring, is arranged. The tensioning device 40 is supported downward on the base plate 52 of the coupling element 50 and upward on the shoulder of the conical pressing portion 42. Under the pressure of the tensioning device 40, the conical pressing portion 42 is pressed upward into its upper position. On the conical surface of the pressing portion 42, two opposing locking bolts 70 abut against the conical surface of the pressing portion 42 with their inclined pressing surfaces 43. The locking bolts 70 can be slidably coupled to the conical pressing portion 42 via a tenon joint (not shown in detail).

[0069] In accordance with Figure 15 In the upper position of the compression section 42, the locking bolt 70 is thus radially outwardly compressed into its locked position by the tensioning device 40. For unlocking and thereby radially pulling in the locking bolt 70, a linear drive device arranged above serves as a servo drive 46 with a driveable axial piston 48. The servo drive 46 can, in particular, be a hydraulic cylinder.

[0070] To unlock, the axial piston 48 can be driven downward by the servo drive 46, wherein the pressing part 42 is pressed downward by the axial piston 48 against the tensioning device 40. Here, the locking bolts 70 held on the pressing part 42 are radially pulled into their unlocked position, in which these locking bolts are within the bolt-shaped coupling element 50, such as... Figure 16 As clearly shown in the diagram, when the servo drive 46 returns to its original position, the axial piston 48 is again pressed upwards by the compression part 42 and the tensioning device 40. In this case, the locking bolt 70 simultaneously moves radially outwards again to its locked position, ensuring fail-safe operation even if the linear drive 46 fails in the locked position, i.e., in the running position.

[0071] exist Figures 17 to 26Another embodiment of the drill pipe connector 10 according to the invention, having a sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20 and a bolt-shaped connector element 50, is shown. (Compared to...) Figures 14 to 19 Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, two laterally pointing locking bolts 70 are slidably supported in the coupling element 50. The coupling element 50 has a central longitudinal channel 51, into which a push rod 90 is arranged as a reset element 80, which is hinged to the two locking bolts 70 via a hinge rod 92. A tensioning device 40 configured as a helical spring is arranged within the longitudinal channel 51, its upper side supported on a support plate 54 within the longitudinal channel 51. The support plate 54 is, in principle, slidably supported in the longitudinal channel 51, wherein the support plate 54 has a lateral recess 55 on its outer surface. Laterally pointing locking bolts 59 are embedded in the lateral recesses 55, and the locking bolts are adjustably supported on the coupling element 50. Figure 17 In the locked position shown, the locking bolt 59 is embedded in the lateral recess 55, wherein the support plate 54 is fixed in its position.

[0072] Furthermore, the tensioning device 40 is supported downward on a first radial shoulder 94, which is fixedly constructed on the push rod 90.

[0073] Through the inclined surface on the introduction opening 22 of the locking bolt 70 and the connector receiving portion 20, the locking bolt 70 moves radially inward into the connector element 50 when the connector element 50 is axially inserted, as in Figure 18 As clearly shown in the diagram, the push rod 90 moves upward via the hinge rod 92 and the first radial shoulder 94. This causes the helical springs of the tensioning device 40 to be compressed together and tensioned.

[0074] Once the locking bolt 70 reaches the height of the locking recess 74 on the connector receiving portion 20 when inserted into the connector element 50, the locking bolt 70 is radially outwardly pressed into the locking recess 74 by the tensioning device 40. Here, the tensioning device 40 pushes the push rod 90 downward along with the first radial shoulder 94, wherein the hinge rod 92 radially presses the locking bolt 70 outwardly, as in Figure 19 As shown in the image.

[0075] To unlock, the locking bolt 59 is pulled radially outward, as in... Figure 20 This is clearly shown in the diagram. Therefore, the fixed position of the support plate 54 in the longitudinal channel 51 is removed. In this state, the unlocking spring 100 can now trigger the downward movement of the push rod 90, which is supported on one side by the annular shoulder 53 on the longitudinal channel 51 and on the other side by the transmission plate 96 on the push rod 90, and according to... Figures 17 to 20 It is in a tensioned state. Here, the unlocking spring 100 presses the transmission disc 96 on the push rod 90 downwards, as in... Figure 21 As clearly shown in the diagram. The tensioning device 40, mounted thereon, along with the support plate 54, is moved downwards by the push rod 90. The downward push of the push rod 90, via the hinge rod 92, causes the locking bolt 70 to be pulled radially back from the locking recess 74 of the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion 20. Thus, the unlocked state is achieved by the elastic force of the unlocking spring 100, as shown in the diagram. Figure 22 As shown in the diagram. In this unlocked state, the connector element 50 can now be pulled axially back from the connector receiving portion 20, as shown in... Figure 23 As shown in the image.

[0076] Before the relocking process, the unlocking spring 100 releases from its position. Figure 22 and 23 The relaxed position is returned to its tensioned operating state. For this purpose, the operating lever 70, which extends axially from the coupling element 50 in the relaxed state of the unlocking spring 100, is pushed back into the coupling element 50. This can be done, for example, by fitting the coupling element 50, along with the protruding push rod 90, onto the outer edge of the coupling receiving portion 20, where the push rod 90 is pressed back into the coupling element 50, as in… Figure 24 and 25 This is clearly shown in the text.

[0077] As the push rod 90 moves upward, the transmission disc 96 is also pushed upward, wherein the unlocking spring 100 is compressed against the annular shoulder 53 and thus re-tensioned. Simultaneously, the tensioning device 40, along with the support disc 54 mounted thereon, is pushed upward again to its initial position. In this initial position, the support disc 54 can be secured in its position again by the radially inward pushing of the locking bolt 59. As the push rod 90 moves upward, the locking bolt 70 is also reset to its radially outward extending initial position via the hinge rod 92, as in… Figure 26 This is clearly shown in the text. In this accordance with... Figure 26 In this state, we can now determine based on Figure 17 Initiate a new locking process.

Claims

1. A drill pipe element or drilling tool, having a drill pipe connector, wherein, The drill pipe connector has: - A sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion (20) is arranged on the first drill rod element or drilling tool. - A bolt-shaped connector element (50) that can be axially inserted into the connector receiving portion (20) to form a torsional connection for joint rotation, and which is arranged on a second drill rod element or drilling tool, and - At least one locking bolt (70) extends into the locking recess (74) between the connector receiving portion (20) and the connector element (50) in the locked engagement position, transverse to the axial engagement direction. -The locking bolt (70) is radially adjustable between the unlocked and locked positions. Its features are, The drill pipe connector can be inserted between individual drill pipe elements or between a drill pipe element and a drilling tool for engagement. - A tensioning device (40) is provided, wherein the locking bolt (70) is pressed into its locked position by the tensioning device with a predetermined tension force, and - The locking bolt (70) is connected to the reset element (80), and the locking bolt (70) can be reset to the unlocked position when the reset force is applied by the reset element.

2. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 1, Its features are, The locking bolt (70) is supported in the housing (60), and The reset element (80) extends from the housing (60) and is mechanically operable.

3. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 2, Its features are, The locking bolt (70) is rotatably supported in the housing (60) about its bolt axis. The reset element (80) extends transversely to the bolt axis and is configured as a lever for rotating the locking bolt (70), and A sliding groove mechanism (64) is provided between the locking bolt (70) and the housing (60), through which the rotational movement of the locking bolt (70) can be converted into a movement radial to the axis of the drill rod.

4. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 3, Its features are, The chute mechanism (64) has at least a partially bolt-shaped groove (66) as a chute, into which a protrusion (72) is embedded.

5. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The reset element (80) is equipped with a wedge-shaped slider mechanism (30), which can convert axial movement into radial movement of the locking bolt (70).

6. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, A contact element (82) is arranged on the free end of the reset element (80), the contact element being equipped with a rounded contact surface (84).

7. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, A servo drive device (46) is provided to apply the reset force.

8. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The at least one locking bolt (70) together with the tensioning device (40) is supported in the bolt-shaped coupling element (50).

9. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 8, Its features are, Two locking bolts (70) are supported opposite each other in the coupling element (50), and The tensioning device (40) is arranged axially in the coupling element (50).

10. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 9, Its features are, The tensioning device (40) has a spring-tensioned compression part (42), the compression part having a compression surface (43) inclined about the axis of the drill pipe, and The locking bolt (70) has an inclined operating surface (73) at its radially inward end, which abuts against the pressing surface (43) of the pressing part (42).

11. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 7, Its features are, The reset element (80) is the driveable axial piston (48) of the servo drive device (46).

12. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The locking bolt (70) has a bevel on its free front side, such that the locking bolt (70) can be radially pressed into its unlocked position when the connector receiving part (20) and the connector element (50) are axially engaged.

13. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 12, Its features are, The locking bolt (70) has a base (78) on which a stop pawl (71) is slidably supported, and the bevel is formed on the free front side of the stop pawl. A spring element (45) is arranged between the base (78) and the stop pawl (71) such that the stop pawl (71) of the locking bolt (70) can be radially pressed into the unlocked position when the connector receiving part (20) and the connector element (50) are axially engaged.

14. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 1, Its features are, At least one unlocking spring (100) is provided, and the at least one locking bolt (70) can be reset from its locked position to the unlocked position by means of the unlocking spring.

15. The drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, A linear drive device is provided to apply the reset force.

16. A drilling apparatus having a drilling drive mechanism for rotating a drill rod, the drill rod having a drilling tool and a turntable (4), wherein, Provide a drill rod element or drilling tool with a drill rod connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15. Its features are, The reset element (80) of the drill pipe connector (10) can be operated via the turntable (4).

17. A method for manipulating a drill rod element or drilling tool having a drill rod connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Its features are, The locking bolt (70) is pressed into its locked position by the tensioning device (40) with a predetermined tension force, and When the reset force is applied to the reset element (80), the locking bolt (70) is reset to the unlocked position, in which the bolt-shaped connector element (50) can be axially pushed relative to the sleeve-shaped connector receiving portion (20).

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