Universal torque transmission device and drilling equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a universal torque transmission device and drilling equipment, and relates to the technical field of drilling equipment. The universal torque transmission device comprises a shell, a mandrel, a torque transmission assembly and a flexible sealing assembly. One end of the mandrel is arranged in the shell in a penetrating mode. The drum-shaped keys are clamped along the periphery of the mandrel at intervals, the drum-shaped keys are sleeved with the torque transmission linings, the outer walls of the torque transmission linings are connected with the inner wall of the shell in a clamped mode, the inner walls of the torque transmission linings are connected with the drum-shaped keys in a rotatable and clamped mode, and a lubricating gap is formed between every two adjacent drum-shaped keys; the flexible sealing assemblies are arranged on the two sides of the torque transmission assembly in a sealed mode. A lubricating oil channel is formed in the mandrel and communicated with the lubricating gap. According to the universal torque transmission device and the drilling equipment, the service life can be prolonged, and the precision can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of drilling equipment technology, and in particular to a universal torque transmission device and drilling equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Rotary steerable drilling technology is an advanced drilling technique that maintains continuous drill string rotation during drilling while achieving real-time control of well inclination and wellbore azimuth. The application of this technology significantly improves the construction efficiency and wellbore quality of horizontal wells and wells with complex structures. Rotary steerable drilling tools operate in long horizontal sections and other complex wellbore structures, requiring the transmission of the entire drill string torque from the top drive system to drive the drill bit to break rock.

[0003] Currently, commonly used rotary steerable drilling tools (drilling equipment) mainly fall into two categories: push-type and directional-type. Push-type rotary steerable tools use hydraulically driven push blocks mounted on the tool housing to push against the well wall, generating lateral force and propelling the tool in a predetermined direction. Directional-type rotary steerable tools, on the other hand, use hydraulically driven push components to push the mandrel or housing inside the tool, creating a structural bend between the drill bit and the upper drill string axis, thus achieving directional drilling. In directional-type rotary steerable tools, the universal torque transmission mechanism is one of the key actuators for achieving the tool's "direction" function. The universal torque transmission mechanism actively and controllably generates a continuous and stable deflection angle through hydraulic or mechanical means, allowing the drill bit to maintain a predetermined bending angle even under conditions of high torque and high drilling pressure.

[0004] Existing universal torque transmission mechanisms typically operate directly in drilling fluid environments containing solid particles. During long-term rotation and deflection, they are susceptible to abrasion from these solid particles, leading to accelerated wear of the torque transmission components and a shortened service life. Furthermore, increased structural clearance due to wear reduces the deflection angle accuracy achieved by the universal torque transmission mechanism, consequently affecting the azimuth control accuracy and attitude stability of the guide tool face, ultimately lowering the quality of wellbore formation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address at least one of the problems mentioned in the background art, this application provides a universal torque transmission device and drilling equipment that can improve service life and accuracy.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a universal torque transmission device for drilling equipment, including a housing, a mandrel, a torque transmission assembly, and a flexible sealing assembly. The housing has a first central flow channel extending along its own axial direction, and the mandrel has a second central flow channel extending along its own axial direction. A first end of the mandrel passes through the first central flow channel of the housing, and a stop boss is provided on the outer side of the mandrel. The first end of the housing is connected to the drill string of the drilling equipment, and the second end abuts against the stop boss. The first end of the mandrel is configured to be connected to the hydraulic push assembly of the drilling equipment, and the second end is used to be connected to the drill bit of the drilling equipment, so as to apply a radial force to the first end of the mandrel through the hydraulic push assembly.

[0008] The torque transmission assembly includes multiple drum-shaped keys spaced apart along the outer periphery of the spindle and a torque transmission bushing sleeved outside the drum-shaped keys. The outer wall of the torque transmission bushing is engaged with the inner wall of the housing, and the inner wall of the torque transmission bushing is rotatably engaged with the drum-shaped keys. The torque transmission assembly transmits torque between the housing and the spindle, and a first lubrication gap is formed between two adjacent drum-shaped keys.

[0009] The flexible sealing assembly includes a first flexible seal and a second flexible seal. The first flexible seal has a first end sleeved on the spindle along the axial direction and a second end connected to the inner wall of the first end of the torque transmission bushing. A second lubrication gap communicating with the first lubrication gap is formed between the first flexible seal and the outer wall of the spindle. The first end of the second flexible seal is connected to the inner wall of the second end of the torque transmission bushing, and the second end is sleeved on the spindle. A third lubrication gap communicating with the first lubrication gap is formed between the second flexible seal and the outer wall of the spindle.

[0010] The spindle has a lubricating oil channel inside. The first end of the lubricating oil channel is connected to the third lubrication gap, and the second end extends to the second end of the spindle.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the mandrel is a stepped shaft structure, and along the direction from the first end to the second end of the mandrel, the outer wall of the mandrel is sequentially formed with a first boss, a second boss, a third boss and a stop boss, and the second flexible seal and the drum-shaped key are disposed on the second boss.

[0012] The universal torque transmission device also includes a first limiting component, and the first boss has an annular mounting groove, and the first limiting component is sleeved in the annular mounting groove.

[0013] As an optional implementation, it also includes a buffer disc spring and a second limiting assembly sleeved on the first boss, and the first limiting assembly, the buffer disc spring, the second limiting assembly and the first flexible seal are arranged sequentially in the direction from the first end to the second end of the spindle.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the second limiting component includes a first limiting ring, a second limiting ring, and a limiting washer, and the first limiting ring, the second limiting ring, and the limiting washer are arranged sequentially along the direction from the first end to the second end of the mandrel.

[0015] As an alternative implementation, the inner wall of the housing has a protrusion, the lower end of which forms a slope to limit the swing angle of the mandrel by means of the slope.

[0016] As an optional implementation, it also includes an anti-drop component, which includes an anti-drop connector and an axial load-bearing ring. The anti-drop connector is installed at the second end of the housing, and the axial load-bearing ring is sleeved on the outside of the third boss. One end of the axial load-bearing ring abuts against the anti-drop connector, and the other end abuts against the side of the stop boss, so as to transmit axial load between the housing and the mandrel through the anti-drop component.

[0017] As an optional implementation, the second boss is provided with a plurality of first slots spaced apart circumferentially, and the inner wall of the torsion bushing is provided with a plurality of second slots spaced apart circumferentially. The drum-shaped key includes a base and an arc-shaped protrusion located on the base. The dimension of the arc-shaped protrusion along the spindle axis is smaller than the dimension of the second slot along the spindle axis. The base is engaged in the first slot, and the arc-shaped protrusion is rotatably engaged in the second slot. When the spindle swings relative to the housing, the arc-shaped protrusion rotates in the second slot.

[0018] As an optional implementation, an oil compensation component is also included. The third boss has a mounting groove, and the oil compensation component is disposed in the mounting groove. The oil compensation component includes a cylinder body, a sealing end cap, a floating piston, and a pressure compensation spring. The cylinder body forms an inner cavity. The sealing end cap is screwed onto the first end of the cylinder body. The floating piston is slidably disposed in the inner cavity to divide the inner cavity into a first inner cavity and a second inner cavity. The pressure compensation spring is disposed in the second inner cavity. The first inner cavity is connected to the lubricating oil channel, and the second inner cavity is connected to the outside of the universal torque transmission device to balance the external environmental pressure of the universal torque transmission device and the pressure of the first inner cavity.

[0019] As an optional implementation, the first flexible seal and the second flexible seal are bellows.

[0020] Secondly, this application also provides a drilling device, including the universal torque transmission device of the first aspect.

[0021] The universal torque transmission device provided in this application includes a housing, a mandrel, a torque transmission assembly, and a flexible sealing assembly. The housing has a first central flow channel extending along its own axial direction, and the mandrel has a second central flow channel extending along its own axial direction. The first end of the mandrel passes through the first central flow channel of the housing, and a stop boss is provided on the outer side of the mandrel. The first end of the housing is connected to the drill string of a drilling equipment, and the second end abuts against the stop boss. The first end of the mandrel is configured to connect to the hydraulic push assembly of the drilling equipment, and the second end is used to connect to the drill bit of the drilling equipment, so as to apply a radial force to the first end of the mandrel through the hydraulic push assembly. The torque transmission assembly includes a plurality of drum-shaped keys spaced apart along the outer circumference of the mandrel and a torque transmission bushing sleeved outside the drum-shaped keys. The outer wall of the torque transmission bushing is engaged with the inner wall of the housing. The inner wall and the drum-shaped key are rotatably engaged. The torque transmission assembly transmits torque between the housing and the spindle, and a first lubrication gap is formed between two adjacent drum-shaped keys. The flexible sealing assembly includes a first flexible seal and a second flexible seal. The first end of the first flexible seal is sleeved on the spindle along the axial direction, and the second end is connected to the inner wall of the first end of the torque transmission bushing. A second lubrication gap is formed between the first flexible seal and the outer wall of the spindle, which communicates with the first lubrication gap. The first end of the second flexible seal is connected to the inner wall of the second end of the torque transmission bushing, and the second end is sleeved on the spindle. A third lubrication gap is formed between the second flexible seal and the outer wall of the spindle, which communicates with the first lubrication gap. A lubricating oil channel is opened inside the spindle. The first end of the lubricating oil channel communicates with the third lubrication gap, and the second end extends to the second end of the spindle.

[0022] The universal torque transmission device provided in this application achieves stable torque transmission between the outer casing and the mandrel by setting a drum-shaped key and a torque transmission bushing between them. During the mandrel's deflection or rotation around its own axis, this structure ensures continuous and reliable torque transmission, thereby enabling continuous and smooth adjustment of the structural bending angle of the directional rotary steering tool, improving the responsiveness and stability of directional control. By setting a flexible sealing component and a lubrication structure at the torque transmission mechanism location, the drum-shaped key and torque transmission bushing are placed in a fully sealed lubricating oil environment and effectively isolated from external drilling fluid containing solid particles. This significantly reduces the erosive wear of drilling fluid solid particles on the torque transmission components, improving the durability and service life of the torque transmission assembly. Simultaneously, due to reduced wear and controlled changes in structural clearance, the control accuracy of the deflection angle formed by the universal torque transmission mechanism can be further improved, thereby enhancing the azimuth retention capability and attitude control accuracy of the steering tool face, and improving wellbore formation quality. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 An exploded view of the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0029] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the mandrel in the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the drum-shaped key in the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the torque transmission bushing in the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 100-Universal Torque Transmission Device;

[0034] 110 - Shell; 111 - First central flow channel; 112 - Protrusion;

[0035] 120-Mandrel; 121-Second central flow channel; 122-Stop boss; 123-Lubricating oil channel; 124-First boss; 125-Second boss; 126-Third boss; 127-Annular mounting groove; 128-First retaining groove; 129-Mounting groove;

[0036] 130 - Torque transmission assembly; 131 - Drum-shaped key; 1311 - Base; 1312 - Arc-shaped protrusion; 132 - Torque transmission bushing; 1321 - Second slot; 133 - First lubrication gap;

[0037] 140 - Flexible sealing assembly; 141 - First flexible seal; 142 - Second flexible seal;

[0038] 150 - Second lubrication gap;

[0039] 160 - Third lubrication clearance;

[0040] 170 - First limit component;

[0041] 180-Buffer Disc Spring;

[0042] 190 - Second limiting component; 191 - First limiting ring; 192 - Second limiting ring; 193 - Limiting washer;

[0043] 200-Anti-drop component;

[0044] 210 - Anti-drop connector;

[0045] 220 - Axial bearing ring;

[0046] 230-Oil compensation component; 231-Cylinder body; 232-Sealed end cap; 233-Floating piston; 234-Pressure compensation spring. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] In this application, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” and “longitudinal” indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0049] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0052] Existing universal torque transmission mechanisms typically operate directly in drilling fluid environments containing solid particles. During long-term rotation and deflection, they are susceptible to abrasion from these solid particles, leading to accelerated wear of the torque transmission components and a shortened service life. Furthermore, increased structural clearance due to wear reduces the deflection angle accuracy achieved by the universal torque transmission mechanism, consequently affecting the azimuth control accuracy and attitude stability of the guide tool face, ultimately lowering the quality of wellbore formation.

[0053] In view of this, this application provides a universal torque transmission device. By setting a drum-shaped key and a torque transmission bushing between the outer shell and the mandrel, stable torque transmission between them can be achieved. During the deflection or rotation of the mandrel around its own axis, this structure can ensure continuous and reliable torque transmission, thereby enabling continuous and smooth adjustment of the structural bending angle of the directional rotary steering tool, improving the responsiveness and stability of directional control. By setting a flexible sealing component and a lubrication structure at the torque transmission mechanism, the drum-shaped key and the torque transmission bushing can be placed in a fully sealed lubricating oil environment and effectively isolated from the drilling fluid containing solid particles. This can significantly reduce the scouring and wear of the torque transmission components by the solid particles of the drilling fluid, improving the durability and service life of the torque transmission component. At the same time, due to reduced wear and controlled changes in structural clearance, the control accuracy of the deflection angle formed by the universal torque transmission mechanism can be further improved, thereby enhancing the orientation holding capability and attitude control accuracy of the steering tool face, and improving the wellbore forming quality.

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 An exploded view of the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the mandrel in the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the drum-shaped key in the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the torque transmission bushing in the universal torque transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0055] You can refer to this. Figures 1 to 8 This application provides a universal torque transmission device 100 for drilling equipment, including a housing 110, a spindle 120, a torque transmission assembly 130, and a flexible sealing assembly 140. The housing 110 has a first central flow channel 111 extending along its own axial direction, and the spindle 120 has a second central flow channel 121 extending along its own axial direction. The first end of the spindle 120 passes through the first central flow channel 111 of the housing 110, and the outer side of the spindle 120 has a stop boss 122. The first end of the housing 110 is connected to the drill string of the drilling equipment, and the second end abuts against the stop boss 122. The first end of the spindle 120 is configured to be connected to the hydraulic push assembly of the drilling equipment, and the second end is used to be connected to the drill bit of the drilling equipment, so as to apply a radial force to the first end of the spindle 120 through the hydraulic push assembly.

[0056] The torque transmission assembly 130 includes a plurality of drum-shaped keys 131 spaced along the outer periphery of the spindle 120 and a torque transmission bushing 132 sleeved on the drum-shaped keys 131. The outer wall of the torque transmission bushing 132 is engaged with the inner wall of the housing 110, and the inner wall of the torque transmission bushing 132 is rotatably engaged with the drum-shaped keys 131. The torque transmission assembly 130 transmits torque between the housing 110 and the spindle 120, and a first lubrication gap 133 is formed between two adjacent drum-shaped keys 131.

[0057] The flexible sealing assembly 140 includes a first flexible seal 141 and a second flexible seal 142. The first flexible seal 141 is sleeved on the spindle 120 at its first end along the axial direction, and the second end is connected to the inner wall of the first end of the torque transmission bushing 132. A second lubrication gap 150 is formed between the first flexible seal 141 and the outer wall of the spindle 120, which communicates with the first lubrication gap 133. The first end of the second flexible seal 142 is connected to the inner wall of the second end of the torque transmission bushing 132, and the second end is sleeved on the spindle 120. A third lubrication gap 160 is formed between the second flexible seal 142 and the outer wall of the spindle 120, which communicates with the first lubrication gap 133. A lubricating oil channel 123 is provided inside the spindle 120. The first end of the lubricating oil channel 123 communicates with the third lubrication gap 160, and the second end extends to the second end of the spindle 120.

[0058] It is understandable that the outer wall of the torque transmission bushing 132 can be a regular polygonal structure, and the inner wall of the housing 110 has a matching regular polygonal slot. The torque is transmitted after the two are engaged.

[0059] The universal torque transmission device 100 provided in this application embodiment achieves stable torque transmission between the outer shell 110 and the spindle 120 by setting a drum-shaped key 131 and a torque transmission bushing 132 between them. During the deflection or rotation of the spindle 120 around its own axis, this structure ensures continuous and reliable torque transmission, thereby enabling continuous and smooth adjustment of the structural bending angle of the directional rotary steering tool, improving the responsiveness and stability of directional control. By setting a flexible sealing component 140 and a lubrication structure at the torque transmission mechanism location, the drum-shaped key 131 and the torque transmission bushing 132 can be placed in a fully sealed lubricating oil environment and effectively isolated from external drilling fluid containing solid particles. This significantly reduces the scouring and wear of the torque transmission components by drilling fluid solid particles, improving the durability and service life of the torque transmission component 130. Simultaneously, due to reduced wear and controlled changes in structural clearance, the control accuracy of the deflection angle formed by the universal torque transmission mechanism can be further improved, thereby enhancing the azimuth retention capability and attitude control accuracy of the steering tool face, and improving the wellbore forming quality.

[0060] In this embodiment, the universal torque transmission device 100 is installed between the upper drill string and the drill bit of the drilling equipment. Specifically, the first end of the housing 110 is fixedly connected to the upper drill string, the first end of the mandrel 120 is connected to the dynamic pushing mechanism inside the drilling equipment, and the second end of the mandrel 120 is fixedly connected to the drill bit. High-pressure drilling fluid flows into the drill bit through the second central flow channel 121 of the mandrel 120. During the drilling process at the bottom of the well, the torque of the upper drill string is transmitted sequentially to the mandrel 120 through the housing 110, the torque transmission bushing 132, and the drum key 131. The drilling pressure of the upper drill string is transmitted to the mandrel 120 through the housing 110, the anti-drop joint 210, and the axial bearing ring 220. Then, the torque and drilling pressure of the upper drill string are transmitted to the drill bit through the mandrel 120 for breaking the rock at the bottom of the well. During the operation of the drilling equipment, the dynamic pushing mechanism inside the tool applies a lateral thrust to the first end of the mandrel 120, causing the mandrel 120 to deflect around the axis at the torsion bushing 132. This causes the drill bit to be offset at a certain angle relative to the axis of the housing 110, and the drilling equipment forms a corresponding structural bend to achieve directional drilling. Under the continuous and periodic pushing action of the dynamic pushing mechanism, the axis of the mandrel 120 maintains a certain offset angle relative to the axis of the housing 110 and rotates accordingly, thereby realizing the active control of the drill bit's directionality by the directional guide tool during the drilling process.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the mandrel 120 can be a stepped shaft structure, and along the direction from the first end to the second end of the mandrel 120, a first boss 124, a second boss 125, a third boss 126, and a stop boss 122 are sequentially formed on the outer wall of the mandrel 120. The second flexible seal 142 and the drum-shaped key 131 are disposed on the second boss 125. The universal torque transmission device 100 also includes a first limiting component 170, and the first boss 124 has an annular mounting groove 127, and the first limiting component 170 is sleeved in the annular mounting groove 127. Among them, the mandrel 120 adopts a stepped shaft structure. Through the stepped design of the first boss 124, the second boss 125, the third boss 126, and the stop boss 122, a clear axial installation reference can be provided for the core components such as the second flexible seal 142 and the drum-shaped key 131, which facilitates the installation of each component. The stop boss 122 abuts against the end of the housing 110, which can limit the overall axial displacement of the spindle 120 relative to the housing 110, ensuring that the torque transmission assembly 130 is always in the preset working position, and avoiding the decrease in torque transmission efficiency or jamming failure caused by component misalignment. The annular mounting groove 127 provided at the first boss 124 provides a dedicated installation space for the first limiting assembly 170, so that the first limiting assembly 170 can be stably fitted and fixed and is not easy to loosen. The first limiting assembly 170 can form a reliable axial limit on the nearby components, preventing the components from loosening due to high-pressure drilling fluid impact or torque fluctuation, and further ensuring the integrity of the torque transmission and sealing system.

[0062] In the above embodiments, a buffer disc spring 180 and a second limiting component 190 may also be included, sleeved on the first boss 124. The first limiting component 170, buffer disc spring 180, second limiting component 190, and first flexible seal 141 are sequentially arranged along the direction from the first end to the second end of the spindle 120. It is understood that during drilling, the drill string generates high-frequency vibrations and impact loads due to rock breaking. These loads are directly transmitted to the universal torque transmission device 100, easily leading to fatigue damage or loosening of components. The addition of the buffer disc spring 180 utilizes its elastic deformation characteristics to absorb and buffer axial impacts and vibrations from the drill string, significantly reducing the impact of vibration loads on precision components such as the first flexible seal 141 and torque transmission component 130, preventing the seal from tearing or falling off due to severe vibration, and simultaneously reducing impact wear between the drum key 131 and the torque transmission bushing 132, extending the overall fatigue life of the device. Secondly, the first limiting component 170 and the second limiting component 190, arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the spindle 120, form a double limiting structure: the first limiting component 170 is fixed by the annular mounting groove 127 of the first boss 124, serving as the first limiting defense line to restrict excessive compression and reset offset of the buffer disc spring 180; the second limiting component 190 connects the buffer disc spring 180 and the first flexible seal 141, on the one hand bearing the elastic force of the buffer disc spring 180, and on the other hand axially positioning the front end of the first flexible seal 141 to prevent the seal from axially shifting during the deflection and rotation of the spindle 120. The double limiting structure ensures that each component is always within the preset axial working range, avoiding problems such as torque transmission jamming and sealing gap failure caused by component misalignment.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the second limiting component 190 may include a first limiting ring 191, a second limiting ring 192, and a limiting washer 193, and the first limiting ring 191, the second limiting ring 192, and the limiting washer 193 are arranged sequentially along the direction from the first end to the second end of the spindle 120. It can be understood that the elastic preload and axial impact load transmitted by the buffer disc spring 180 will first act on the first limiting ring 191, then be gradually transmitted to the limiting washer 193 through the second limiting ring 192, and finally act on the first flexible seal 141. This multi-stage transmission method avoids the load being concentrated on a certain part, and can more accurately control the axial installation position of the first flexible seal 141, preventing the seal from undergoing local compression deformation due to uneven force, and ensuring the uniformity of the sealing gap. The limiting washer 193 directly contacts the first flexible seal 141. Compared with the metal limiting ring, the washer can be made of flexible or wear-resistant non-metallic material, which can effectively buffer the rigid contact between the metal limiting ring and the seal. On the one hand, it avoids scratching the seal by the metal retaining ring, and on the other hand, it makes the preload more evenly distributed at the end of the seal, preventing the seal from tearing or aging due to excessive local stress, and further improving the service life and sealing reliability of the sealing assembly.

[0064] Furthermore, the dual-limiting-ring design allows for slight relative rotation between the two limiting rings when the mandrel 120 deflects, adapting to changes in the mandrel 120's angle and preventing jamming or localized stress concentration caused by the deflection of the mandrel 120 in a single limiting component. Simultaneously, the flexible contact characteristics of the limiting washer 193 adjust its contact with the seal as the mandrel 120 deflects, ensuring stable axial constraint on the seal even during operation with the mandrel 120 deflected, thus maintaining the sealing structure's isolation effect.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the inner wall of the housing 110 may have a protrusion 112, the lower end of which forms a slope to limit the swing angle of the mandrel 120. It is understood that during drilling, the radial force applied to the mandrel 120 by the hydraulic push assembly may peak due to fluctuations in operating conditions. If the mandrel 120 deflects too much, the rotating pair between the drum key 131 and the torque transmission bushing 132 will exceed its designed stroke, causing rigid collisions, excessive compression, or stress concentration between components. The slope of the protrusion 112 on the inner wall of the housing 110 can abut against the mandrel 120 (or the boss structure on the mandrel 120) when the mandrel 120 deflects to a preset maximum angle, forcibly limiting the swing amplitude of the mandrel 120. This prevents the torque transmission assembly 130 and the flexible sealing assembly 140 from deforming, tearing, or experiencing accelerated wear due to over-travel deflection, thus extending the service life of the core components of the device. The inclined plane limiting structure defines a clear boundary range for the deflection motion of the mandrel 120, ensuring that the actual deflection angle of the mandrel 120 is always within the designed controllable range. This avoids loss of drilling azimuth control due to over-deflection of the mandrel 120, ensures that the deflection angle output by the universal torque transmission mechanism is consistent with the command of the control system, further improves the attitude control accuracy of the directional rotary steering tool, and thus guarantees the forming quality of the wellbore trajectory.

[0066] In addition, the beveled design at the lower end of the protrusion 112, compared to a right-angle hard limit, allows the spindle 120 to experience force more smoothly when it contacts the limiting surface. The bevel can guide the deflection movement of the spindle 120, preventing the spindle 120 from hitting the limiting structure head-on and getting stuck. This ensures that the deflection and reset movements of the spindle 120 within the limiting range are flexible and smooth, guaranteeing the continuity of torque transmission.

[0067] In the above embodiments, an anti-drop component 200 may also be included. The anti-drop component 200 includes an anti-drop connector 210 and an axial bearing ring 220. The anti-drop connector 210 is installed at the second end of the housing 110, and the axial bearing ring 220 is sleeved on the third boss 126. One end of the axial bearing ring 220 abuts against the anti-drop connector 210, and the other end abuts against the side of the stop boss 122, so as to transmit axial load between the housing 110 and the mandrel 120 through the anti-drop component 200. It can be understood that during the drilling process, the drill string will apply continuous axial drilling pressure, which needs to be transmitted from the housing 110 to the mandrel 120 and finally act on the drill bit to break the rock. The axial bearing ring 220 is sleeved on the third boss 126 of the mandrel 120, and abuts against the anti-drop connector 210 and the stop boss 122 on both sides, respectively. It can directly bear the axial load between the housing 110 and the mandrel 120, and achieve stable load transmission through rigid contact. This design avoids the torque transmission assembly 130 (drum key 131, torque transmission bushing 132) bearing the dual load of torque and axial load at the same time, greatly reducing the risk of wear and deformation of the torque transmission components due to overload compression, extending the service life of the torque transmission assembly 130, and ensuring the stability of torque transmission.

[0068] The anti-drop connector 210 is installed at the second end of the housing 110, and together with the axial bearing ring 220, forms an axial anti-dislodgement constraint structure for the mandrel 120. Under complex downhole conditions (such as severe vibration and sudden changes in drilling pressure), the mandrel 120 will not be dislodged from the housing 110 due to axial impact force, effectively preventing serious downhole failures such as stuck drilling tools and loss of wellbore trajectory caused by the mandrel 120 falling off, thus improving the operational safety of the device under extreme conditions. The tight contact between the axial bearing ring 220 and the third boss 126 of the mandrel 120, the anti-drop connector 210, and the stop boss 122 can provide radial support for the mandrel 120, helping to maintain the coaxiality reference between the housing 110 and the mandrel 120. When the mandrel 120 is deflected and adjusted, this structure can prevent the mandrel 120 from excessive radial offset, ensuring that the deflection movement of the mandrel 120 always revolves around the preset axis, further improving the control accuracy of the deflection angle, ensuring the orientation stability of the guide tool face, and ultimately optimizing the wellbore forming quality.

[0069] In the above embodiment, multiple first slots 128 can be provided circumferentially at intervals at the second boss 125, and multiple second slots 1321 are provided circumferentially at intervals on the inner wall of the torque transmission bushing 132. The drum-shaped key 131 includes a base 1311 and an arc-shaped protrusion 1312 located on the base 1311. The dimension of the arc-shaped protrusion 1312 along the axial direction of the spindle 120 is smaller than the dimension of the second slot 1321 along the axial direction of the spindle 120. The base 1311 is engaged in the first slot 128, and the arc-shaped protrusion 1312 is rotatably engaged in the second slot 1321. When the spindle 120 swings relative to the housing 110, the arc-shaped protrusion 1312 rotates within the second slot 1321. It can be understood that the multiple drum-shaped keys 131 arranged circumferentially at intervals can evenly distribute and transmit torque, avoiding stress concentration at a single point. Meanwhile, regardless of whether the mandrel 120 is in the upright or deflected position, the protrusion 112 of the drum-shaped key 131 is always engaged within the second slot 1321, ensuring uninterrupted torque transmission and meeting the core requirement of continuous torque transmission in rotary steerable drilling. The axial dimension of the arc-shaped protrusion 1312 along the mandrel 120 is smaller than the axial dimension of the second slot 1321, providing ample space for the rotation of the drum-shaped key 131 within the slot. When the hydraulic push assembly drives the mandrel 120 to swing relative to the housing 110, the arc-shaped protrusion 1312 can adaptively rotate within the second slot 1321 without jamming due to space limitations. Furthermore, the curved surface structure of the arc-shaped protrusion 1312 contacts the inner wall of the slot through line or point contact, resulting in lower frictional resistance and further improving the response speed of the mandrel 120's deflection, ensuring timely adjustment of the guide tool face.

[0070] The engagement between the base 1311 and the first slot 128 restricts the radial displacement of the drum-shaped key 131 relative to the mandrel 120; the engagement between the arc-shaped protrusion 1312 and the second slot 1321 further restricts the radial movement of the torque transmission bushing 132 relative to the drum-shaped key 131. This double-engagement structure effectively prevents radial misalignment among the drum-shaped key 131, mandrel 120, and torque transmission bushing 132 under drilling vibration conditions, maintains the assembly accuracy of the torque transmission assembly 130, avoids increased deflection angle error due to component movement, and ensures the control accuracy of the wellbore trajectory.

[0071] In the above embodiments, an oil compensation component 230 may also be included. The third boss 126 has a mounting groove 129. The oil compensation component 230 is disposed in the mounting groove 129. The oil compensation component 230 includes a cylinder body 231, a sealing end cap 232, a floating piston 233, and a pressure compensation spring 234. The cylinder body 231 forms an inner cavity. The sealing end cap 232 is screwed onto the first end of the cylinder body 231. The floating piston 233 is slidably disposed in the inner cavity to divide the inner cavity into a first inner cavity and a second inner cavity. The pressure compensation spring 234 is disposed in the second inner cavity. The first inner cavity is connected to the lubricating oil channel 123, and the second inner cavity is connected to the universal torque transmission device 100 to balance the external environmental pressure of the universal torque transmission device 100 and the pressure of the first inner cavity.

[0072] It is understandable that during drilling, the downhole environmental pressure increases with well depth, and the heat generated by the device's operation causes the internal lubricating oil to expand, leading to pressure fluctuations in the closed lubrication system. The first inner cavity of the oil compensation component 230 connects to the lubricating oil channel 123, and the second inner cavity connects to the external drilling fluid environment. The floating piston 233 can slide under the influence of pressure difference: when the internal lubricating oil pressure is too high, the piston compresses the pressure compensation spring 234, moving towards the second inner cavity, expanding the volume of the first inner cavity, and reducing the internal pressure; when the external drilling fluid pressure increases, the piston is pushed by the external pressure, moving towards the first inner cavity, compressing the lubricating oil, and increasing the internal pressure. This design ensures that the lubrication system pressure remains dynamically balanced with the external environmental pressure, preventing the flexible seal from being "crushed" or "sucked out" due to excessive internal and external pressure differences, ensuring that the sealing structure can always effectively isolate the drilling fluid and maintain the purity of the internal lubricating oil environment.

[0073] Secondly, during long-term operation, the lubrication system may experience minor lubricant leakage. The preload of the pressure compensation spring 234 can push the floating piston 233, continuously replenishing the pressure in the first inner cavity, ensuring that the lubricating oil passage 123 and all lubrication gaps are always filled with lubricating oil, and avoiding dry friction due to insufficient oil. This continuously reduces the wear between the drum key 131 and the torque transmission bushing 132, maintains the stability of the component mating clearance, and ensures the accuracy of deflection angle control and the service life of the device.

[0074] In addition, sudden changes in drilling conditions (such as fluctuations in drilling pressure or rapid deflection of the mandrel 120) may cause instantaneous pressure shocks in the lubrication system, which may damage the lubricating oil passage 123 or the seals. The pressure compensation spring 234 has elastic buffering capacity, which can absorb instantaneous pressure shocks. The pressure peak is dissipated by the sliding of the floating piston 233, avoiding damage to the lubrication and sealing system by rigid pressure shocks and improving the shock resistance of the device under complex operating conditions.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the first flexible seal 141 and the second flexible seal 142 can be bellows. It is understood that the bellows has flexible deformation capabilities of axial extension and radial bending, perfectly matching the deflection and rotational composite motion of the mandrel 120 relative to the housing 110. When the mandrel 120 is deflected by the hydraulic push assembly, the bellows can adaptively bend and deform with the angle change of the mandrel 120, avoiding the tearing and warping problems that are common with rigid seals. Simultaneously, during the rotation of the mandrel 120, the flexible structure of the bellows can maintain a tight fit with the mandrel 120 and the torsion bushing 132, ensuring continuous isolation between the lubrication cavity and the external drilling fluid environment, preventing the intrusion of solid particles. Furthermore, compared to traditional packing seals and O-ring seals, the flexible deformation mode of the bellows is gentler, resulting in a smaller stress concentration area for the seal itself when the mandrel 120 repeatedly deflects and rotates. The corrugated structure of the bellows can disperse deformation stress, avoid excessive local stretching or compression, and significantly reduce the fatigue aging rate of the seals; at the same time, the contact between the bellows and the mandrel 120 is a surface contact with less friction, which reduces friction and wear under rotation conditions and further improves the service life of the sealing components.

[0076] Furthermore, the annular corrugated structure of the bellows itself possesses a certain resistance to internal and external pressure. Combined with the pressure balancing effect of the oil compensation component 230, it can better withstand the pressure difference between the downhole high-pressure drilling fluid and the internal lubricating oil. When there are small fluctuations in internal and external pressure, the elastic deformation of the bellows can help buffer the pressure shock, preventing the seals from being crushed due to sudden pressure changes, thus improving the adaptability of the sealing system under deep well and high-pressure conditions.

[0077] Furthermore, this application embodiment also provides a drilling equipment, including the universal torque transmission device 100 described in the above embodiment. This universal torque transmission device 100 achieves stable torque transmission between the outer casing 110 and the spindle 120 by providing a drum-shaped key 131 and a torque transmission bushing 132 between them. During the deflection or rotation of the spindle 120 around its own axis, this structure ensures continuous and reliable torque transmission, thereby enabling continuous and smooth adjustment of the structural bending angle of the directional rotary guide tool, improving the responsiveness and stability of directional control. By providing a flexible sealing component 140 and a lubrication structure at the torque transmission mechanism location, the drum-shaped key 131 and the torque transmission bushing 132 can be placed in a fully sealed lubricating oil environment and effectively isolated from external drilling fluid containing solid particles. This significantly reduces the scouring and wear of the torque transmission components by drilling fluid solid particles, improving the durability and service life of the drilling equipment. Meanwhile, due to reduced wear and controlled changes in structural clearance, the control accuracy of the deflection angle formed by the drilling equipment can be further improved, thereby enhancing the orientation holding capability and attitude control accuracy of the guide tool face and improving the wellbore forming quality.

[0078] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A universal torque transmission device, characterized in that it is used in drilling equipment, comprising a housing, a mandrel, a torque transmission assembly, and a flexible sealing assembly, wherein the housing has a first central flow channel extending along its own axial direction, the mandrel has a second central flow channel extending along its own axial direction, a first end of the mandrel passes through the first central flow channel of the housing, a stop boss is provided on the outer side of the mandrel, the first end of the housing is connected to the drill string of the drilling equipment, the second end abuts against the stop boss, the first end of the mandrel is configured to be connected to the hydraulic push assembly of the drilling equipment, and the second end is used to be connected to the drill bit of the drilling equipment, so as to apply a radial force to the first end of the mandrel through the hydraulic push assembly; The torque transmission assembly includes a plurality of drum-shaped keys spaced apart along the outer periphery of the spindle and a torque transmission bushing sleeved outside the drum-shaped keys. The outer wall of the torque transmission bushing is engaged with the inner wall of the housing, and the inner wall of the torque transmission bushing is rotatably engaged with the drum-shaped keys. The torque transmission assembly transmits torque between the housing and the spindle, and a first lubrication gap is formed between two adjacent drum-shaped keys. The flexible sealing assembly includes a first flexible seal and a second flexible seal. The first flexible seal has a first end sleeved on the mandrel along the axial direction and a second end connected to the inner wall of the first end of the torsion transmission bushing. A second lubrication gap communicating with the first lubrication gap is formed between the first flexible seal and the outer wall of the mandrel. The first end of the second flexible seal is connected to the inner wall of the second end of the torsion transmission bushing, and the second end sleeved on the mandrel. A third lubrication gap communicating with the first lubrication gap is formed between the second flexible seal and the outer wall of the mandrel. The mandrel has a lubricating oil channel inside, with the first end of the lubricating oil channel connected to the third lubrication gap and the second end extending to the second end of the mandrel.

2. The universal torque transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mandrel has a stepped shaft structure, and along the direction from the first end to the second end of the mandrel, the outer wall of the mandrel is sequentially formed with a first boss, a second boss, a third boss and a stop boss, and the second flexible seal and the drum-shaped key are disposed on the second boss; The universal torque transmission device further includes a first limiting component, and the first boss has an annular mounting groove, and the first limiting component is sleeved in the annular mounting groove.

3. The universal torque transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a buffer disc spring and a second limiting assembly sleeved on the first boss, and the first limiting assembly, the buffer disc spring, the second limiting assembly and the first flexible seal are arranged sequentially in the direction from the first end to the second end of the spindle.

4. The universal torque transmission device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second limiting component includes a first limiting ring, a second limiting ring, and a limiting washer, and the first limiting ring, the second limiting ring, and the limiting washer are arranged sequentially along the direction from the first end to the second end of the mandrel.

5. The universal torque transmission device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner wall of the housing has a protrusion, and the lower end of the protrusion forms a slope to limit the swing angle of the mandrel by means of the slope.

6. The universal torque transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an anti-drop component, which includes an anti-drop connector and an axial bearing ring. The anti-drop connector is installed at the second end of the housing, and the axial bearing ring is sleeved on the outside of the third boss. One end of the axial bearing ring abuts against the anti-drop connector, and the other end abuts against the side of the stop boss, so as to transmit axial load between the housing and the mandrel through the anti-drop component.

7. The universal torque transmission device according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The second boss has a plurality of first slots spaced apart circumferentially, and the inner wall of the torsion bushing has a plurality of second slots spaced apart circumferentially. The drum-shaped key includes a base and an arc-shaped protrusion located on the base. The dimension of the arc-shaped protrusion along the axial direction of the spindle is smaller than the dimension of the second slot along the axial direction of the spindle. The base is engaged in the first slot, and the arc-shaped protrusion is rotatably engaged in the second slot. When the spindle swings relative to the housing, the arc-shaped protrusion rotates in the second slot.

8. The universal torque transmission device according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, It also includes an oil compensation component. The third boss has a mounting groove, and the oil compensation component is disposed in the mounting groove. The oil compensation component includes a cylinder body, a sealing end cap, a floating piston, and a pressure compensation spring. The cylinder body forms an inner cavity. The sealing end cap is screwed onto the first end of the cylinder body. The floating piston is slidably disposed in the inner cavity to divide the inner cavity into a first inner cavity and a second inner cavity. The pressure compensation spring is disposed in the second inner cavity. The first inner cavity is connected to the lubricating oil channel, and the second inner cavity is connected to the universal torque transmission device to balance the external environmental pressure of the universal torque transmission device and the pressure of the first inner cavity.

9. The universal torque transmission device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first flexible seal and the second flexible seal are bellows.

10. A drilling equipment, characterized in that, Includes the universal torque transmission device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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