Underground hydraulic balance type thrust bearing

Abstract

The invention discloses an underground hydraulic balance type thrust bearing which comprises a bearing upper ring, the bearing upper ring is connected with a bearing lower ring, a plurality of steel balls are further arranged between the bearing upper ring and the bearing lower ring, a plurality of oil pressure conduction cavities are formed in the side face of the bearing lower ring, and a balance piston is arranged in each oil pressure conduction cavity in a sleeved mode. According to the underground hydraulic balance type thrust bearing, the problem that in the prior art, bearings connected with each other in an underground tool are short in service life is solved, the stress state is balanced, the load intensity is small, the reliability of production logging operation is improved, and the service life of the thrust bearing is prolonged.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of oil logging equipment, in particular to a downhole hydraulic balance type thrust bearing. BACKGROUND

[0002] The thrust bearing is a special bearing used to transmit axial force, also known as the thrust bearing, which is generally composed of thrust washers and rolling bodies arranged between the thrust washers, and is widely used in the field of mechanical equipment manufacturing. The steel ball type thrust bearing is commonly used in the field.

[0003] However, due to the connection gap between the traditional thrust bearing thrust washers, the circulating well fluid flow sometimes drives the downhole impurities and sundries to block between the rolling bodies or between the rolling bodies and the thrust washers, which destroys the axial rotation performance of the thrust bearing, and it is very likely to cause the logging instrument and its supporting device in the logging instrument string to be damaged or even twisted and broken under the action of torsion force, resulting in production logging accidents and significant economic losses. Although the structure improvement of directly sealing and closing the connection gap between the thrust washers can protect the function of the thrust bearing, the one-way action of the well fluid flow pressure on the thrust bearing will cause a large pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sealed space, which will significantly increase the load bearing capacity between the rolling bodies and the thrust washers, accelerate the wear of the components, and shorten the service life. Therefore, frequent maintenance and replacement are required in production, which increases the labor intensity of workers, reduces the production logging efficiency, increases the production cost, and causes unnecessary economic losses. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a downhole hydraulic balance type thrust bearing, which solves the problem of short service life of the bearing connected with each other in the prior art.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present application is: the downhole hydraulic balance type thrust bearing comprises a bearing upper ring, the bearing upper ring is connected with a bearing lower ring, a plurality of steel balls are arranged between the bearing upper ring and the bearing lower ring, a plurality of oil pressure transmission cavities are formed in the side surface of the bearing lower ring, and a balance piston is arranged in each oil pressure transmission cavity.

[0006] The present application has the following characteristics:

[0007] The bearing upper ring includes a first boss, a second boss on one side of the first boss, and a third boss on the other side of the second boss. The diameters of the first, second, and third bosses decrease sequentially. A first rubber sealing ring groove is formed on the surface of the second boss parallel to the axis, and an upper steel ball ring groove is formed on the surface of the second boss perpendicular to the axis. Several set screw holes are provided on the side of the first boss away from the upper steel ball ring groove, and each set screw hole penetrates the second boss.

[0008] The lower ring of the bearing has a first annular boss, a second annular boss on one side, a third rubber sealing ring groove on the surface of the first annular boss parallel to the axis, a lower steel ball ring groove on the surface of the first annular boss perpendicular to the axis, and several oil pressure transmission chambers on the side of the first annular boss away from the lower steel ball ring groove. Each oil pressure transmission chamber has a small hole at its bottom that penetrates the other side of the first annular boss.

[0009] The outer sleeve of the second boss of the upper ring mates with the second annular boss of the lower ring, the third boss of the upper ring mates with the first annular boss of the lower ring, the first rubber sealing ring groove is fitted with a first rubber sealing ring, the bottom of each set screw hole is provided with a sealing gasket, and each set screw hole is also connected to a set screw by threads.

[0010] Each steel ball is respectively fitted with the upper steel ball annular groove and the lower steel ball annular groove, and each steel ball is connected by rolling through the steel ball support.

[0011] A third rubber sealing ring is fitted inside the third rubber sealing ring groove, and a snap ring groove is opened in each oil pressure transmission cavity, with a steel wire snap ring snapped in the snap ring groove.

[0012] A balance piston is fitted inside the hydraulic transmission chamber. A second rubber sealing ring groove is opened on the balance piston, and a second rubber sealing ring is engaged in the second rubber sealing ring groove.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0014] The downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing of this invention utilizes a sealed fit between the upper and lower bearing rings to form an annular sealed space. This annular sealed space protects the rolling elements, effectively preventing impurities and debris in the well fluid from entering and adversely affecting the structure and function of the thrust bearing. Furthermore, a balance piston transmits the well fluid pressure via hydraulic oil, applying a balanced pressure across the annular sealed space. This eliminates the additional load-bearing force exerted by the well fluid pressure on the rolling elements and the upper and lower bearing rings, reducing frictional resistance between the steel balls and these rings, decreasing wear intensity, extending service life, shortening maintenance cycles, and saving production costs. Simultaneously, the annular sealed space structure enables integrated thrust bearing construction, offering advantages such as structural stability, reliability, and ease of installation. In actual production, this thrust bearing reduces worker workload and significantly improves the safety, reliability, and efficiency of well logging operations. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper ring structure of the downhole hydraulic balance thrust bearing of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower ring structure of the downhole hydraulic balanced thrust bearing of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Upper bearing ring, 101. First boss of the upper ring, 102. Second boss of the upper ring, 103. Third boss of the upper ring, 104. Set screw hole, 105. First rubber sealing ring groove, 106. Upper steel ball ring groove; 2. Lower bearing ring, 201. First annular boss of the lower ring, 202. Second annular boss of the lower ring, 203. Third rubber sealing ring groove, 204. Lower steel ball ring groove, 205. Hydraulic pressure transmission chamber, 206. Snap ring groove, 3. Steel ball, 4. Balance piston, 5. Steel ball support, 6. Wire snap ring, 7. First rubber sealing ring, 8. Second rubber sealing ring, 9. Third rubber sealing ring, 10. Sealing gasket, 11. Set screw. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides a downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing, including an upper bearing ring 1, a lower bearing ring 2 connected to the upper bearing ring 1, a plurality of steel balls 3 between the upper bearing ring 1 and the lower bearing ring 2, and a plurality of hydraulic pressure transmission chambers 205 opened on the side of the lower bearing ring 2, and a balance piston 4 is sleeved inside each hydraulic pressure transmission chamber 205.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper ring 1 of the bearing includes a first boss 101, a second boss 102 on one side of the first boss 101, and a third boss 103 on the other side of the second boss 102. The diameters of the first boss 101, the second boss 102, and the third boss 103 decrease sequentially. A first rubber sealing ring groove 105 is provided on the surface of the second boss 102 parallel to the axis, and an upper steel ball ring groove 106 is provided on the surface of the second boss 102 perpendicular to the axis. The first boss 101 is provided with a plurality of set screw holes 104 along the side away from the upper steel ball ring groove 106, and each set screw hole 104 penetrates the second boss 102.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, the lower ring 2 of the bearing has a first annular boss 201, a second annular boss 202 on one side of the first annular boss 201, a third rubber sealing ring groove 203 on the surface of the first annular boss 201 parallel to the axis, a lower steel ball annular groove 204 on the surface of the first annular boss 201 perpendicular to the axis, and a plurality of hydraulic transmission chambers 205 on the side of the first annular boss 201 away from the lower steel ball annular groove 204. Each hydraulic transmission chamber has a small hole at the bottom that penetrates the other side of the first annular boss 201.

[0023] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the outer sleeve of the second boss 102 of the upper ring mates with the second annular boss 202 of the lower ring, and the third boss 103 of the upper ring mates with the first annular boss 201 of the lower ring. The two are connected by a double-ring sleeve structure. The upper ring 1 and the lower ring 2 of the bearing form an annular sealing space. The first rubber sealing ring groove 105 is fitted with a first rubber sealing ring 7. Each set screw hole 104 is provided with a sealing gasket 10 at the bottom. Each set screw hole 104 is also connected to a set screw 11 by a thread.

[0024] Each steel ball 3 is respectively attached to the upper steel ball annular groove 106 and the lower steel ball annular groove 204, and each steel ball 3 is connected by rolling through the steel ball support 5.

[0025] A third rubber sealing ring 9 is fitted inside the third rubber sealing ring groove 203. A snap ring groove 206 is provided in each hydraulic pressure transmission chamber 205. A wire snap ring 6 is snapped in the snap ring groove 206 to limit the movement space of the balance piston 4 in the hydraulic pressure transmission chamber 205. Hydraulic oil is filled in the hydraulic pressure transmission chamber 205 and the annular sealing space connected to it. A balance piston 4 is fitted inside the hydraulic pressure transmission chamber 205. A second rubber sealing ring groove is provided on the balance piston 4. A second rubber sealing ring 8 is snapped in the second rubber sealing ring groove.

[0026] The working principle of the downhole hydraulic balanced thrust bearing provided by this invention is as follows: the downhole hydraulic balanced thrust bearing provided by this invention is installed between mutually rotating and connected equipment in downhole logging operations. When it enters the well, the circulating well fluid will seep in along the connection gap between the upper ring 1 and the lower ring 2 of the bearing, that is, the gap between the second boss 102 of the upper ring and the second annular boss 202 of the lower ring, generating pressure on one side of the first rubber sealing ring 7. At the same time, the circulating well fluid will also flow into the oil pressure transmission chamber 205 along other gaps and generate pressure on the balance piston 4 in the oil pressure transmission chamber 205. Since the oil pressure transmission chamber 205 is connected to the annular sealing space and is filled with hydraulic oil, the circulating well fluid flowing into the oil pressure transmission chamber 205 pushes the balance piston 4 to squeeze the hydraulic oil and generate pressure on the other side of the first rubber sealing ring 7. When there is pressure on both sides of the first rubber sealing ring 7, the first rubber sealing ring 7 will not be squeezed into the connection gap between the upper ring 1 and the lower ring 2 of the bearing due to only one-sided pressure, thereby destroying the seal. Similarly, once inside the well, the circulating well fluid will seep in along the connection gap between the third boss 103 and the first annular boss 201 of the upper ring, generating pressure on one side of the third rubber sealing ring 9. Since the oil pressure transmission chamber 205 is connected to the annular sealing space and filled with hydraulic oil, the circulating well fluid flowing into the oil pressure transmission chamber 205 pushes the balance piston 4 to squeeze the hydraulic oil and generates pressure on the other side of the third rubber sealing ring 9. When there is pressure on both sides of the first rubber sealing ring 7, a good seal can be ensured, providing a good working environment for the thrust bearing during logging operations, reducing the load intensity, improving the reliability of production logging operations, and increasing the service life of the thrust bearing.

[0027] The assembly method for downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearings includes the following steps:

[0028] Step 1: With the hydraulic oil completely submerged, connect and assemble the upper bearing ring 1, the lower bearing ring 2, the steel ball bracket 5, and the steel ball 3. Then, install the balance piston 4 in the oil pressure transmission cavity 205 opened on the lower bearing ring 2 in sequence to ensure that the annular sealing space formed by the upper bearing ring 1 and the lower bearing ring 2 and the oil pressure transmission cavity 205 are full of oil and there is no air accumulation or bubble generation.

[0029] Step 2: Place the structure that has been connected and assembled in Step 1 in a spatial position with the set screw hole 104 on the upper ring 1 of the bearing facing vertically upward. Then, while maintaining the spatial position, lift the structure above the hydraulic oil level and transfer it to the assembly workbench.

[0030] Step 3. Remove the hydraulic oil accumulated in the set screw holes 104, then sequentially insert the sealing gaskets 10 into the set screw holes 104 to tightly seal each set screw hole 104. Then, sequentially screw the set screws 11 into each set screw hole 104 to abut and fix the sealing gaskets 10, thus completing the assembly operation of the hydraulic balance thrust bearing for oilfield downhole applications.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the downhole hydraulic balanced thrust bearing proposed in this embodiment includes an upper bearing ring 1, a lower bearing ring 2 connected to the upper bearing ring 1, and several steel balls 3 between the upper bearing ring 1 and the lower bearing ring 2. Several oil pressure transmission chambers 205 are opened on the side of the lower bearing ring 2, and a balance piston 4 is sleeved inside each oil pressure transmission chamber 205.

[0033] Example 2

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the downhole hydraulic balanced thrust bearing proposed in this embodiment includes an upper bearing ring 1, a lower bearing ring 2 connected to the upper bearing ring 1, and several steel balls 3 between the upper bearing ring 1 and the lower bearing ring 2. Several oil pressure transmission chambers 205 are opened on the side of the lower bearing ring 2, and a balance piston 4 is sleeved inside each oil pressure transmission chamber 205. The upper ring 1 of the bearing includes a first boss 101, a second boss 102 on one side of the first boss 101, and a third boss 103 on the other side of the second boss 102. The diameters of the first boss 101, the second boss 102, and the third boss 103 decrease sequentially. A first rubber sealing ring groove 105 is formed on the surface of the second boss 102 parallel to the axis, and an upper steel ball ring groove 106 is formed on the surface of the second boss 102 perpendicular to the axis. The first boss 101 has several set screw holes 104 along the side away from the upper steel ball ring groove 106, and each set screw hole 104 penetrates the second boss 102.

[0035] Example 3

[0036] like Figures 1-3As shown, the downhole hydraulic balanced thrust bearing proposed in this embodiment includes an upper ring 1 with a first boss 101, a second boss 102 on one side of the first boss 101, and a third boss 103 on the other side of the second boss 102. The diameters of the first boss 101, the second boss 102, and the third boss 103 decrease sequentially. A first rubber sealing ring groove 105 is provided on the surface of the second boss 102 parallel to the axis, and an upper steel ball ring groove 106 is provided on the surface of the second boss 102 perpendicular to the axis. The first boss 101 is provided with a plurality of set screw holes 104 along the side away from the upper steel ball ring groove 106, and each set screw hole 104 penetrates the second boss 102. The lower ring 2 of the bearing has a first annular boss 201, a second annular boss 202 on one side of the first annular boss 201, a third rubber sealing ring groove 203 on the surface of the first annular boss 201 parallel to the axis, a lower steel ball ring groove 204 on the surface of the first annular boss 201 perpendicular to the axis, and a plurality of hydraulic transmission chambers 205 on the side of the first annular boss 201 away from the lower steel ball ring groove 204. Each hydraulic transmission chamber has a small hole at the bottom that penetrates the other side of the first annular boss 201.

[0037] Example 4

[0038] like Figures 1-3As shown, the downhole hydraulic balanced thrust bearing proposed in this embodiment includes an upper ring 1 with a first boss 101, a second boss 102 on one side of the first boss 101, and a third boss 103 on the other side of the second boss 102. The diameters of the first boss 101, the second boss 102, and the third boss 103 decrease sequentially. A first rubber sealing ring groove 105 is provided on the surface of the second boss 102 parallel to the axis, and an upper steel ball ring groove 106 is provided on the surface of the second boss 102 perpendicular to the axis. The first boss 101 is provided with a plurality of set screw holes 104 along the side away from the upper steel ball ring groove 106, and each set screw hole 104 penetrates the second boss 102. The lower ring 2 of the bearing has a first annular boss 201, a second annular boss 202 on one side, a third rubber sealing ring groove 203 on the surface of the first annular boss 201 parallel to the axis, and a lower steel ball ring groove 204 on the surface of the first annular boss 201 perpendicular to the axis. Several hydraulic transmission chambers 205 are formed along the side of the first annular boss 201 away from the lower steel ball ring groove 204. Each hydraulic transmission chamber has a small hole at its bottom that penetrates the other side of the first annular boss 201. The outer sleeve of the second boss 102 of the upper ring mates with the second annular boss 202 of the lower ring, and the third boss 103 of the upper ring mates with the first annular boss 201 of the lower ring. A first rubber sealing ring 7 is fitted inside the first rubber sealing ring groove 105. A sealing gasket 10 is provided at the bottom of each set screw hole 104, and a set screw 11 is connected to each set screw hole 104 via threads.

[0039] Example 5

[0040] like Figures 1-3 Figures 1-3As shown, the downhole hydraulic balanced thrust bearing proposed in this embodiment includes an upper ring 1 with a first boss 101, a second boss 102 on one side of the first boss 101, and a third boss 103 on the other side of the second boss 102. The diameters of the first boss 101, the second boss 102, and the third boss 103 decrease sequentially. A first rubber sealing ring groove 105 is provided on the surface of the second boss 102 parallel to the axis, and an upper steel ball ring groove 106 is provided on the surface of the second boss 102 perpendicular to the axis. The first boss 101 is provided with a plurality of set screw holes 104 along the side away from the upper steel ball ring groove 106, and each set screw hole 104 penetrates the second boss 102. The lower ring 2 of the bearing has a first annular boss 201, a second annular boss 202 on one side, a third rubber sealing ring groove 203 on the surface of the first annular boss 201 parallel to the axis, and a lower steel ball ring groove 204 on the surface of the first annular boss 201 perpendicular to the axis. Several hydraulic transmission chambers 205 are formed along the side of the first annular boss 201 away from the lower steel ball ring groove 204. Each hydraulic transmission chamber has a small hole at its bottom that penetrates the other side of the first annular boss 201. The outer sleeve of the second boss 102 of the upper ring mates with the second annular boss 202 of the lower ring, and the third boss 103 of the upper ring mates with the first annular boss 201 of the lower ring. A first rubber sealing ring 7 is fitted inside the first rubber sealing ring groove 105. A sealing gasket 10 is provided at the bottom of each set screw hole 104, and a set screw 11 is connected to each set screw hole 104 via threads. Each steel ball 3 is respectively fitted with the upper steel ball ring groove 106 and the lower steel ball ring groove 204, and each steel ball 3 is connected by rolling via the steel ball bracket 5. A third rubber sealing ring 9 is fitted inside the third rubber sealing ring groove 203. A retaining ring groove 206 is opened in each hydraulic pressure transmission chamber 205, and a steel wire retaining ring 6 is engaged in the retaining ring groove 206. A balance piston 4 is fitted inside the hydraulic pressure transmission chamber 205, and a second rubber sealing ring groove is opened on the balance piston 4, and a second rubber sealing ring 8 is engaged in the second rubber sealing ring groove.

Claims

1. Downhole hydraulic balance type thrust bearing, comprising bearing upper ring (1), the bearing upper ring (1) is connected with bearing lower ring (2), and a plurality of steel balls (3) are further arranged between the bearing upper ring (1) and the bearing lower ring (2), a plurality of oil pressure transmission cavities (205) are formed in the side of the bearing lower ring (2), and a balance piston (4) is arranged in each oil pressure transmission cavity (205).

2. The downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein, The bearing upper ring (1) comprises an upper ring first boss (101), one side of the upper ring first boss (101) is provided with an upper ring second boss (102), the other side of the upper ring second boss (102) is provided with an upper ring third boss (103), the diameters of the upper ring first boss (101), the upper ring second boss (102) and the upper ring third boss (103) are sequentially reduced, a first rubber sealing ring groove (105) is formed in the surface of the upper ring second boss (102) which is parallel to the axis, an upper steel ball ring groove (106) is formed in the surface of the upper ring second boss (102) which is perpendicular to the axis, a plurality of tight fixing screw holes (104) are formed in the side of the upper ring first boss (101) which is away from the upper steel ball ring groove (106), and each tight fixing screw hole (104) penetrates the upper ring second boss (102).

3. The downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing of claim 2, wherein, The bearing lower ring (2) comprises a lower ring first annular boss (201), one side of the lower ring first annular boss (201) is provided with a lower ring second annular boss (202), a third rubber sealing ring groove (203) is formed in the surface of the lower ring first annular boss (201) which is parallel to the axis, a lower steel ball ring groove (204) is formed in the surface of the lower ring first annular boss (201) which is perpendicular to the axis, a plurality of oil pressure transmission cavities (205) are formed in the side of the lower ring first annular boss (201) which is away from the lower steel ball ring groove (204), and a small hole is formed in the bottom of each oil pressure transmission cavity and penetrates the other side of the lower ring first annular boss (201).

4. The downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing of claim 3, wherein, The outer sleeve of the upper ring second boss (102) is matched with the lower ring second annular boss (202), the upper ring third boss (103) is matched with the lower ring first annular boss (201), a first rubber sealing ring (7) is arranged in the first rubber sealing ring groove (105), a sealing gasket (10) is arranged at the bottom of each tight fixing screw hole (104), and a tight fixing screw (11) is further connected to each tight fixing screw hole (104) through screw threads.

5. The downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing of claim 4, wherein, Each steel ball (3) is matched with the upper steel ball ring groove (106) and the lower steel ball ring groove (204) respectively, and each steel ball (3) is connected through rolling by a steel ball support (5).

6. The downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing of claim 5, wherein, A third rubber sealing ring (9) is arranged in the third rubber sealing ring groove (203), and a snap spring groove (206) is formed in each oil pressure transmission cavity (205), and a steel wire snap spring (6) is clamped in the snap spring groove (206).

7. The downhole hydraulically balanced thrust bearing of claim 5, wherein, A balance piston (4) is arranged in the oil pressure transmission cavity (205), a second rubber sealing ring groove is formed in the balance piston (4), and a second rubber sealing ring (8) is clamped in the second rubber sealing ring groove.

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