Wet joint structure and underground equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a wet joint structure and underground equipment, and relates to the technical field of petroleum underground construction. The wet joint structure comprises a female joint assembly, a male joint assembly and a cleaning assembly. The female connector assembly comprises a first supporting body and a female connector, a butt joint cavity is formed in the first supporting body, and the female connector is arranged in the butt joint cavity. The male connector assembly comprises a second supporting body and a male connector arranged at one end of the second supporting body. The cleaning assembly is arranged at one end of the butt joint cavity; in the disconnected state, the female connector assembly is separated from the male connector assembly, and the cleaning assembly blocks the butt joint cavity so as to prevent foreign matter from entering the butt joint cavity. In the butt joint state, the female connector assembly is connected with the male connector assembly, and the cleaning assembly cleans the male connector inserted into the butt joint cavity. According to the technical scheme, the problems that an existing wet connector is prone to being polluted in an oil well, stability and accuracy of signal transmission are affected, and loss of signals in the transmission process is increased can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of downhole construction technology in oil wells, and particularly to a wet joint structure and downhole equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of oil and gas and marine exploration technology, wet connector technology is mainly used to ensure reliable electrical and optical signal connections for downhole equipment. Existing wet connector technologies include cable and fiber optic connectors for efficient energy and data transmission. With the increasing application of fiber optic communication in subsea oil and gas fields, higher requirements are placed on the optical performance and reliability of wet connectors. However, when faced with complex and variable underground conditions and high-viscosity media, the internal structure of existing wet connectors is easily contaminated, affecting the stability and accuracy of signal transmission and leading to increased signal loss during transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a wet joint structure and downhole equipment that can solve the problem that existing wet joints are easily contaminated in oil wells, affecting the stability and accuracy of signal transmission and causing increased signal loss during transmission.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a wet joint structure, comprising:

[0005] A female connector assembly includes a first support body and a female connector, wherein a mating cavity is provided in the first support body, and the female connector is disposed in the mating cavity;

[0006] A male connector assembly includes a second support body and a male connector disposed at one end of the second support body; and

[0007] A cleaning component is disposed at one end of the docking cavity;

[0008] In the disconnected state, the female connector assembly is separated from the male connector assembly, and the cleaning component seals the docking cavity to prevent foreign objects from entering the docking cavity; in the docking state, the female connector assembly is connected to the male connector assembly, and the cleaning component cleans the male connector inserted into the docking cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cleaning component includes:

[0010] A protective cover is disposed at one end of the docking cavity; and

[0011] A cleaning brush is disposed within the docking cavity, and the cleaning brush is located between the protective cover and the female connector assembly;

[0012] In the disconnected state, the protective cover blocks the docking cavity; in the docking state, the male connector passes through the protective cover and the scraper brush, so that the scraper brush cleans the male connector.

[0013] In one embodiment, the wet connector structure further includes a gel body disposed in the docking cavity, the gel body being located between the female connector and the scraper brush, and the female connector being inserted into the gel body;

[0014] In the disconnected state, the gel seals the docking cavity; in the docking state, the male connector is inserted into the gel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the male connector assembly further includes a protective cover covering one end of the male connector away from the second support; wherein, in the mating state, the protective cover is opened to expose the male connector and mate with the female connector.

[0016] In one embodiment, both the female connector and the male connector include:

[0017] Connector housing;

[0018] Multiple optical fiber sections are circumferentially spaced around the axis of the connector housing; and

[0019] The positioning element is disposed inside the connector housing;

[0020] In the docking state, the positioning element of the female connector cooperates with the positioning element of the male connector so that the multiple optical fiber parts of the female connector correspond one-to-one with the multiple optical fiber parts of the male connector, and the optical fiber parts of the female connector and the corresponding optical fiber parts of the male connector form a signal transmission optical path.

[0021] In one embodiment, the optical fiber section includes:

[0022] Fiber optic support;

[0023] An optical fiber sheath is disposed within the optical fiber support body;

[0024] Optical fiber, inserted within the optical fiber sheath; and

[0025] A lens is disposed within the optical fiber support body;

[0026] The lens and the end face of the optical fiber are at a preset distance, so as to expand a single optical path into a multi-beam optical path or to converge the multi-beam optical path into a single optical path.

[0027] In one embodiment, the female connector further includes a cable, which is coaxially arranged with the connector housing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the positioning element is a magnetic positioning element.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first support includes:

[0030] The fiber optic converter is electrically connected to the female connector;

[0031] A mating section is disposed at one end of the fiber optic converter; a mating cavity is disposed within the mating section; one end of the female connector is inserted into the mating cavity; a locking head is provided at the end of the mating section away from the fiber optic converter; and

[0032] A weighting rod is positioned at the end of the fiber optic converter furthest from the docking section.

[0033] The wet connector structure also includes an optical cable, which is inserted into the weighted rod and electrically connected to the optical fiber converter.

[0034] In one embodiment, a locking sleeve is provided on the second support body, the locking sleeve being detachably connected to the locking head;

[0035] The wet connector structure also includes an optical cable, which is inserted into the second support body and connected to the male connector.

[0036] In one embodiment, the wet joint structure further includes:

[0037] Line warehouse support structure;

[0038] An optical fiber compartment is disposed within the compartment support body, and a flow channel is provided between the optical fiber compartment and the compartment support body to allow formation fluids to pass through.

[0039] A locking mechanism is located at the end of the second support body away from the male connector;

[0040] The unlocking mechanism is located at one end of the fiber optic cable compartment; and

[0041] A driving component is disposed on the optical fiber compartment. The driving component can be used to drive the locking mechanism to lock the locking mechanism with the unlocking mechanism or to separate the locking mechanism from the unlocking mechanism.

[0042] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a downhole device including the wet joint structure as described above.

[0043] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: In the disconnected state, the female connector assembly separates from the male connector assembly. The female connector assembly is lowered into the well, and a cleaning component is installed at one end of the docking cavity to seal it, effectively preventing the intrusion of mud and other contaminants during the lowering process. This ensures a sealing effect under extreme downhole conditions and prevents contaminants from entering the docking cavity and contaminating the female connector. In the docking state, the female connector assembly connects to the male connector assembly. During the insertion of the male connector into the docking cavity, the cleaning component cleans the male connector, removing dirt and deposits from its surface. This prevents the male connector from bringing contaminants into the docking cavity and ensures the cleanliness of the male connector. Therefore, this invention enables the female and male connectors to self-clean during docking, ensuring the cleanliness of the docking cavity, the female connector, and the male connector, guaranteeing the stability and accuracy of signal transmission, and ensuring low-loss signal transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wet connector structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention in the open state;

[0046] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cleaning component provided in the embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the wet joint structure provided in the embodiment when in the docking state;

[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the female connector provided in the Chinese embodiment;

[0049] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the male connector provided in the Chinese embodiment;

[0050] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the signal transmission optical path provided in the embodiment;

[0051] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the male connector assembly and the fiber optic cable compartment unlocking provided in the embodiment;

[0052] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the male connector assembly and the fiber optic cable compartment when locked together, as provided in the embodiment;

[0053] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the salvage male connector assembly and female connector assembly provided in the Chinese embodiment;

[0054] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the protective cover when it is closed, provided in the embodiment;

[0055] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover when it is opened according to the embodiment.

[0056] Figure label:

[0057] 10. Female connector assembly; 110. First support body; 1101. Fiber optic converter; 1102. Connecting section; 1103. Weight rod; 120. Female connector; 1201. Connector housing; 1202. Fiber optic section; 1203. Positioning element; 1204. Fiber optic support body; 1205. Fiber optic sheath; 1206. Fiber optic cable; 1207. Lens; 1208. Cable; 1209. Connector sheath; 1210. Connector inner cavity; 130. Locking head; 140. Sealing element;

[0058] 20. Male connector assembly; 210. Second support body; 220. Male connector; 230. Locking sleeve; 240. Protective cover; 2401. Cover section;

[0059] 30. Cleaning components; 310. Protective cover; 320. Scraper brush;

[0060] 40. Gel;

[0061] 50. Optical fiber cables;

[0062] 60. Line warehouse support structure;

[0063] 70. Fiber optic cable compartment;

[0064] 80. Locking mechanism;

[0065] 90. Unlocking mechanism; 91. Driving component; 92. Optical cable; 93. Drill rod; 94. Overcurrent channel; 95. Signal transmission optical path. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] In the fields of oil and gas and marine exploration technology, wet connector technology is mainly used to ensure reliable electrical and optical signal connections for downhole equipment. Existing wet connector technologies include cable and fiber optic connectors for efficient energy and data transmission. With the increasing application of fiber optic communication in subsea oil and gas fields, higher requirements are placed on the optical performance and reliability of wet connectors. When facing complex and variable underground conditions and high-viscosity media, the interior of wet connectors is easily contaminated, affecting the stability and accuracy of signal transmission and leading to increased signal loss during transmission. Existing technologies use special coatings to form superhydrophobic surfaces to reduce contamination inside the wet connector; however, the cleaning effect of existing technologies is limited and cannot prevent the accumulation of contaminants inside the wet connector, resulting in high maintenance requirements.

[0068] Example 1

[0069] like Figures 1-3 As shown, to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this embodiment of the invention provides a wet connector structure, including a female connector assembly 10, a male connector assembly 20, and a cleaning component 30; the female connector assembly 10 includes a first support body 110 and a female connector 120, the first support body 110 is provided with a mating cavity, and the female connector 120 is disposed in the mating cavity; the male connector assembly 20 includes a second support body 210 and a male connector 220 disposed at one end of the second support body 210; the cleaning component 30 is disposed at one end of the mating cavity; wherein, in the disconnected state, the female connector assembly 10 and the male connector assembly 20 are separated, and the cleaning component 30 seals the mating cavity to prevent foreign objects from entering the mating cavity; in the mating state, the female connector assembly 10 and the male connector assembly 20 are connected, and the cleaning component 30 cleans the male connector 220 inserted into the mating cavity.

[0070] As can be seen from the above, in the disconnected state, the female connector assembly 10 is separated from the male connector assembly 20. The female connector assembly 10 is lowered into the well. By setting a cleaning component 30 at one end of the docking cavity to seal the docking cavity, the intrusion of mud and other contaminants during the lowering process is effectively prevented, ensuring a sealing effect under extreme downhole conditions and preventing contaminants from entering the docking cavity and contaminating the female connector 120. In the docking state, the female connector assembly 10 is connected to the male connector assembly 20. During the insertion of the male connector 220 into the docking cavity, the cleaning component 30 cleans the male connector 220, removing dirt and deposits from its surface, preventing the male connector 220 from bringing contaminants into the docking cavity, and ensuring the cleanliness of the male connector 220. Therefore, this invention enables the female connector 120 and the male connector 220 to self-clean during the docking process, ensuring the cleanliness of the docking cavity, the female connector 120, and the male connector 220, ensuring the stability and accuracy of signal transmission, and ensuring low-loss signal transmission.

[0071] It should be noted that the male connector assembly 20 and the female connector assembly 10 can be fiber optic connectors or cable connectors; in addition, the male connector assembly 20 is mounted on the drill pipe 93.

[0072] Example 2

[0073] like Figures 1-3 As shown, Figures 1-5 As shown, the wet connector structure includes a female connector assembly 10, a male connector assembly 20, and a cleaning component 30. The female connector assembly 10 includes a first support body 110 and a female connector 120. The first support body 110 has a mating cavity, and the female connector 120 is disposed in the mating cavity. The male connector assembly 20 includes a second support body 210 and a male connector 220 disposed at one end of the second support body 210. The cleaning component 30 is disposed at one end of the mating cavity. In the disconnected state, the female connector assembly 10 and the male connector assembly 20 are separated, and the cleaning component 30 seals the mating cavity to prevent foreign objects from entering the mating cavity. In the mating state, the female connector assembly 10 and the male connector assembly 20 are connected, and the cleaning component 30 cleans the male connector 220 inserted into the mating cavity.

[0074] As can be seen from the above, in the disconnected state, the female connector assembly 10 is separated from the male connector assembly 20. The female connector assembly 10 is lowered into the well. By setting a cleaning component 30 at one end of the docking cavity to seal the docking cavity, the intrusion of mud and other contaminants during the lowering process is effectively prevented, ensuring a sealing effect under extreme downhole conditions and preventing contaminants from entering the docking cavity and contaminating the female connector 120. In the docking state, the female connector assembly 10 is connected to the male connector assembly 20. During the insertion of the male connector 220 into the docking cavity, the cleaning component 30 cleans the male connector 220, removing dirt and deposits from its surface, preventing the male connector 220 from bringing contaminants into the docking cavity, and ensuring the cleanliness of the male connector 220. Therefore, this invention enables the female connector 120 and the male connector 220 to self-clean during the docking process, ensuring the cleanliness of the docking cavity, the female connector 120, and the male connector 220, ensuring the stability and accuracy of signal transmission, and ensuring low-loss signal transmission.

[0075] It should be noted that the male connector assembly 20 and the female connector assembly 10 can be fiber optic connectors or cable connectors; in addition, the male connector assembly 20 is mounted on the drill pipe 93.

[0076] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 30 includes a protective cover 310 and a scraper 320; the protective cover 310 is disposed at one end of the docking cavity; the scraper 320 is disposed within the docking cavity, and the scraper 320 is located between the protective cover 310 and the female connector assembly 10; wherein, in the disconnected state, the protective cover 310 blocks the docking cavity; in the docked state, the male connector 220 passes through the protective cover 310 and the scraper 320 so that the scraper 320 cleans the male connector 220.

[0077] The protective cover 310 provides the first layer of cleaning and protection, preventing contamination of the female connector 120 before and during entry into the well, effectively preventing the intrusion of pollutants such as mud, and avoiding contamination of the female connector 120 by the external environment. The scraper brush 320 provides the second layer of cleaning and protection, cleaning the male connector 220 during the docking process between the female connector 120 and the male connector 220, removing mud from the outside of the male connector 220.

[0078] It should be noted that the protective cover 310 is a rubber protective cover 310, and there can be multiple protective covers 310, arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the docking cavity; in addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the protective cover 310 can be a closed structure, with the thickness at the center of the protective cover 310 being the thinnest. This allows the male connector 220 to pierce the center of the protective cover 310 and be cleaned by the scraper brush 320 before being inserted into the docking cavity during the docking process. It can be understood that the protective cover 310 is coaxially arranged with the docking cavity. The protective cover 310 can also include multiple protective plates, which are fan-shaped. The arc side of the protective plate is connected to the inner wall of the docking cavity. The multiple protective plates are axially spaced around the axis of the docking cavity. When disconnected, two adjacent protective plates abut against each other, making the protective cover 310 form a closed circle. During the docking process, the male connector 220 can directly pass through the protective cover 310.

[0079] It should also be noted that there can be multiple scraper brushes 320, which are arranged at intervals along the axis of the docking cavity.

[0080] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in some embodiments, the wet connector structure further includes a gel body 40 disposed in the docking cavity, the gel body 40 being located between the female connector 120 and the scraper 320, and the female connector 120 being inserted into the gel body 40; wherein, in the disconnected state, the gel body 40 blocks the docking cavity; in the docking state, the male connector 220 is inserted into the gel body 40.

[0081] By setting up the gel body 40, a third layer of cleaning and protection is provided. In the disconnected state, before and during well entry, it can prevent contamination of the female connector 120, effectively preventing the intrusion of contaminants such as mud and avoiding contamination of the female connector 120 by the external environment. In the docking state, it forms an additional protective barrier for the male connector 220 and the female connector 120, which can prevent contaminants completely removed from the male connector 220 from contaminating the female connector 120. After the male connector 220 and the female connector 120 are docked, they are sealed, which has a good sealing effect and further prevents residual contaminants from entering the docking cavity of the female connector 120.

[0082] It should be noted that gel body 40 is a gel-type seal.

[0083] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the male connector assembly 20 further includes a protective cover 240 that covers the end of the male connector 220 away from the second support 210; wherein, in the mating state, the protective cover 240 is opened to expose the male connector 220 and mate with the female connector 120.

[0084] The protective cover 240 serves as a fourth layer of cleaning protection, covering the end face of the male connector 220 before docking, preventing the male connector 220 from being contaminated by the external environment as it approaches the female connector 120, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the male connector 220; in the docking state, the protective cover 240 is opened to prevent it from affecting signal transmission and to maintain signal transmission efficiency.

[0085] It should be noted that, as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the protective cover 240 includes two cover portions 2401, which are rotatably mounted on the male connector 220 and are arranged symmetrically about the male connector 220. Specifically, the cover portion 2401 is provided with two bends, and the lower bend is rotatably mounted on the male connector 220 and can rotate around the bend as a fulcrum.

[0086] like Figure 10 As shown, when the male connector 220 is inserted into the female connector 120, the bent section of the cover portion 2401 located below the fulcrum is subjected to a downward force F1, causing the cover portion 2401 to rotate with the lower bending angle as the fulcrum. The two cover portions 2401 rotate in opposite directions and the distance increases, thereby exposing the male connector 220 inside the protective cover 240.

[0087] like Figure 11As shown, when the male connector 220 is pulled out of the female connector 120, the bent section of the cover portion 2401 located below the fulcrum is subjected to an upward force, causing the cover portion 2401 to rotate with the lower bending angle as the fulcrum. The two cover portions 2401 rotate in opposite directions and the distance between them decreases, and the two cover portions 2401 close together, thereby preventing the male connector 220 from being exposed.

[0088] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, both the female connector 120 and the male connector 220 include a connector housing 1201, a plurality of optical fiber sections 1202, and a positioning element 1203; the plurality of optical fiber sections 1202 are arranged circumferentially around the axis of the connector housing 1201; the positioning element 1203 is disposed inside the connector housing 1201; wherein, in the mating state, the positioning element 1203 of the female connector 120 cooperates with the positioning element 1203 of the male connector 220 so that the plurality of optical fiber sections 1202 of the female connector 120 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of optical fiber sections 1202 of the male connector 220, and the optical fiber sections 1202 of the female connector 120 and the corresponding optical fiber sections 1202 of the male connector 220 form a signal transmission optical path 95.

[0089] By setting multiple fiber optic sections 1202 to form a multi-core fiber optic 1206, signals can be transmitted through multiple channels, effectively improving transmission efficiency. By setting a positioning element 1203, the accuracy and efficiency of the mating between the female connector 120 and the male connector 220 are improved, enabling them to be aligned quickly.

[0090] It should be noted that, as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a connector sleeve 1209 is provided on the outer wall of the connector housing 1201, and a connector cavity 1210 is provided inside the connector housing 1201. The positioning element 1203 and the optical fiber part 1202 are both located inside the connector cavity 1210. The connector sleeve 1209, the connector housing 1201 and the connector cavity 1210 are all made of high-strength and corrosion-resistant materials, which are suitable for the high temperature and high pressure environment downhole, enhance the mechanical strength of the wet connector structure, and facilitate downhole operation and maintenance.

[0091] It should also be noted that, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the number of optical fiber sections 1202 can be four, thereby forming a four-core optical fiber 1206; in addition, the positioning member 1203 and the multiple optical fiber sections 1202 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the docking cavity.

[0092] like Figure 4 , Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the optical fiber section 1202 includes an optical fiber support 1204, an optical fiber sheath 1205, an optical fiber 1206, and a lens 1207; the optical fiber sheath 1205 is disposed within the optical fiber support 1204; the optical fiber 1206 passes through the optical fiber sheath 1205; the lens 1207 is disposed within the optical fiber support 1204, wherein there is a preset distance between the lens 1207 and the end face of the optical fiber 1206, so as to expand a single optical path into multiple optical paths, or to converge multiple optical paths into a single optical path.

[0093] By setting up an optical fiber support 1204 and an optical fiber sheath 1205 to protect the optical fiber 1206 and lens 1207, the stability and reliability of lens 1207 under high pressure environment are ensured. By setting up lens 1207 to expand the end face of optical fiber 1206, the single-beam pipeline is expanded into a multi-beam optical path, the cross-section of the beam is magnified, the requirement for axial accuracy of docking is reduced, thereby reducing signal loss caused by axial docking error, effectively improving the transmission quality of optical signal and the fault tolerance of the system, enhancing the stability and reliability of the connection, and ensuring the safety and stability of downhole operations.

[0094] It should be noted that, as Figure 6 As shown, the lens 1207 of the female connector 120 expands a single optical beam into multiple optical beams, and the lens 1207 of the male connector 220 converges multiple optical beams into a single optical beam. When light energy leaves the optical fiber 1206 of the female connector 120, the light energy enters the lens 1207 of the female connector 120, and the lens 1207 of the female connector 120 expands the light energy so that the light energy leaves the female connector 120 in the form of multiple beams. The light energy enters the lens 1207 of the male connector 220, and the lens 1207 of the male connector 220 converges the light energy so that the light energy enters the optical fiber 1206 of the male connector 220 in the form of a single optical beam.

[0095] It should also be noted that the end face of the optical fiber 1206 is located at the focal point of the lens 1207, so the preset distance is the focal length of the lens 1207.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the female connector 120 further includes a cable 1208, which is coaxially arranged with the connector housing 1201.

[0097] By setting up cable 1208 to form a wet connector into an optical cable 50 structure, electrical and optical signals can be transmitted.

[0098] It should be noted that cable 1208 is a single-core cable 1208.

[0099] In some embodiments, the positioning element 1203 is a magnetic positioning element 1203.

[0100] By setting the positioning element 1203 as a magnetic positioning element 1203, the positioning is achieved by the magnetic attraction between the positioning element 1203 of the female connector 120 and the positioning element 1203 of the male connector 220, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the docking between the female connector 120 and the male connector 220, enabling them to be aligned quickly and in a simple and convenient manner.

[0101] It should be noted that the magnetic positioning element 1203 can be a permanent magnet, which can maintain its magnetism for a long time, extend its service life, and reduce maintenance requirements; understandably, the magnetism of the magnetic positioning element 1203 of the female connector 120 is opposite to that of the magnetic positioning element 1203 of the male connector 220.

[0102] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the first support 110 includes an optical fiber converter 1101, a docking section 1102, and a weighting rod 1103; the optical fiber converter 1101 is electrically connected to the female connector 120; the docking section 1102 is disposed at one end of the optical fiber converter 1101, the docking cavity is disposed within the docking section 1102, and one end of the female connector 120 is inserted into the docking cavity; a locking head 130 is provided at the end of the docking section 1102 away from the optical fiber converter 1101; the weighting rod 1103 is disposed at the end of the optical fiber converter 1101 away from the docking section 1102; wherein, the wet connector structure also includes an optical cable 50, which passes through the weighting rod 1103 and is electrically connected to the optical fiber converter 1101.

[0103] By setting up an optical fiber converter 1101 to convert electrical signals into optical fiber signals, and transmitting the optical fiber signals into the optical cable 92 through the female connector 120 and the male connector 220, long-distance transmission is achieved; by setting up a docking section 1102 to provide a structural foundation for installing the cleaning component 30 and the gel body 40, a multi-layer cleaning and protection structure is formed; by setting up a weighting rod 1103 to increase the weight of the female connector component 10, the female connector component 10 can be smoothly lowered into the well.

[0104] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, the first support 110 also includes a sealing element 140 disposed on the inner wall of the docking cavity, and the gel body 40 is disposed within the sealing element 140; it can be understood that the sealing element 140 includes, but is not limited to, a rubber sealing ring.

[0105] It should also be noted that the inner diameter of the end of the docking cavity where the cleaning component 30 is located gradually decreases along the axis, and the diameter of the second support 210 located at the end of the male connector 220 gradually decreases along the axis. In the docking state, there is a gap between the second support 210 and the inner wall of the docking cavity, so as to accommodate the protective cover 310 that is punctured or passed through by the male connector 220.

[0106] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, a locking sleeve 230 is provided on the second support body 210, and the locking sleeve 230 is used to detachably connect with the locking head 130; wherein, the wet connector structure also includes an optical cable 92, which passes through the second support body 210 and is connected to the male connector 220.

[0107] The female connector 120 and the male connector 220 can be detachably connected by setting the locking sleeve 230 and the locking head 130.

[0108] It should be noted that the specific structures of the locking sleeve 230 and the locking head 130 are technical details and will not be elaborated upon in this application.

[0109] It should also be noted that the optical cable 92 can be an armored optical cable 92. The armored optical cable 92 has an additional protective layer wrapped around the core, which usually includes metal or other materials, such as stainless steel tubing and stainless steel braided wire. These protective layers can effectively resist moisture erosion and mechanical damage, so that the armored optical cable 92 exhibits better pressure resistance, reliability and durability in harsh environments, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the optical cable 92 in various environments.

[0110] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the wet connector structure further includes a cable tray support 60, an optical fiber cable tray 70, a locking mechanism 80, an unlocking mechanism 90, and a driving member 91; the optical fiber cable tray 70 is disposed within the cable tray support 60, and a flow channel 94 is provided between the optical fiber cable tray 70 and the cable tray support 60 to allow formation fluid to pass through; the locking mechanism 80 is disposed at one end of the second support 210 away from the male connector 220; the unlocking mechanism 90 is disposed at one end of the optical fiber cable tray 70; the driving member 91 is disposed on the optical fiber cable tray 70, and the driving member 91 can be used to drive the locking mechanism 80 to lock the locking mechanism 80 and the unlocking mechanism 90 or to separate the locking mechanism 80 and the unlocking mechanism 90.

[0111] The fiber optic cable compartment 70 provides space for placing the optical cable 92; the driving component 91 drives the locking mechanism 80 to lock and unlock the mechanism 90, ensuring the stability and reliability of the connection, and facilitating subsequent retrieval and recovery.

[0112] It should be noted that the driving component 91 can be a motor, which drives the locking mechanism 80 to move, thereby achieving the locking of the locking mechanism 80 and the unlocking mechanism 90, and the separation of the locking mechanism 80 and the unlocking mechanism 90.

[0113] Taking a certain well as an example, if it is necessary to perform a wet splicing of optical cable 92 and cable 1208 at a vertical depth of 3423m, specifically:

[0114] (1) Connecting male connector assembly 20 and female connector assembly 10

[0115] The female connector assembly 10 is positioned at the wellhead using hoisting equipment, and the male connector assembly 20 is slowly lowered to the docking position corresponding to the female connector assembly 10 using a guide device, and the male connector assembly 20 and the female connector assembly 10 are docked.

[0116] It should be noted that before the male connector assembly 20 reaches the docking position and docks with the female connector assembly 10, the protective cover 240 of the male connector 220 remains closed. When the male connector assembly 20 and the female connector assembly 10 begin to dock, the cleaning brush 320 cleans the dirt on the surface of the male connector 220. Subsequently, the gel 40 is automatically applied as a third layer of protection to the contact surface between the male connector 220 and the gel 40 to prevent any residual dirt from penetrating further.

[0117] It should also be noted that after the male connector assembly 20 and the female connector assembly 10 are mated, functional tests are performed, including signal integrity tests and connector sealing tests, to ensure the reliability of the wet connector structure under actual operating conditions. Furthermore, after the wet connector structure is put into normal operation, its status continues to be monitored, and any possible operational anomalies are addressed promptly.

[0118] (2) Unlock the wet connector structure

[0119] It should be noted that when it is necessary to disconnect, the operator sends an unlocking command through the remote control system; the wet connector structure gradually releases the locking device by driving the locking device through the motor.

[0120] (3) Salvage female connector assembly 10 and male connector assembly 20

[0121] It should be noted that, as Figure 9 As shown, the salvage optical cable 50 is connected to the female connector 120, and the female connector assembly 10 and the male connector assembly 20 are lifted to the water surface together by the salvage device.

[0122] In summary, this invention utilizes the cleaning component 30, sealing gel, and protective cover 240 to ensure waterproof and dustproof effects on the connection, forming a quadruple protection to ensure low-loss transmission of optical signals, improving the long-term reliability of the wet connector and enhancing its protective capabilities. Furthermore, the use of lens 1207 to expand the fiber optic cable 1206 reduces the requirements for axial accuracy during connection, optimizing the transmission efficiency and stability of the optical signal. Simultaneously, the wet connector structure, equipped with four-core fiber optic cables 1206 and one-core cable 1208, not only provides stable data and energy transmission but also enhances the mechanical strength of the connector, facilitating downhole operations.

[0123] Example 3

[0124] This invention also provides a downhole device including a wet joint structure according to any embodiment of the invention, thereby achieving all the technical effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments.

[0125] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wet splice structure, characterized by, The wet connector structure comprises: a female connector assembly comprising a first support body and a female connector, the first support body being provided with a mating cavity, and the female connector being arranged in the mating cavity; a male connector assembly comprising a second support body and a male connector arranged at one end of the second support body; and a cleaning assembly arranged at one end of the mating cavity; wherein, in a disconnected state, the female connector assembly and the male connector assembly are separated, and the cleaning assembly blocks the mating cavity to prevent foreign matters from entering the mating cavity; and in a connected state, the female connector assembly and the male connector assembly are connected, and the cleaning assembly cleans the male connector inserted into the mating cavity. The cleaning assembly comprises:

2. The wet splice structure of claim 1, wherein, a protective cover arranged at one end of the mating cavity; and a squeegee brush arranged in the mating cavity, the squeegee brush being located between the protective cover and the female connector assembly; wherein, in the disconnected state, the protective cover blocks the mating cavity; and in the connected state, the male connector passes through the protective cover and the squeegee brush, so that the squeegee brush cleans the male connector. The wet connector structure further comprises a gel body arranged in the mating cavity, the gel body being located between the female connector and the squeegee brush, and the female connector being inserted into the gel body; 3. The wet splice structure of claim 2, wherein, wherein, in the disconnected state, the gel body blocks the mating cavity; and in the connected state, the male connector is inserted into the gel body. The male connector assembly further comprises a protective cover covering one end of the male connector away from the second support body; wherein, in the connected state, the protective cover is opened to expose the male connector and connect with the female connector.

4. The wet splice structure of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The female connector and the male connector each comprise:

5. The wet splice structure of any of claims 1-3, wherein, a connector housing; a plurality of optical fiber parts arranged in a circumferential direction around an axis of the connector housing; and a positioning member arranged in the connector housing; wherein, in the connected state, the positioning member of the female connector cooperates with the positioning member of the male connector to make the plurality of optical fiber parts of the female connector correspond to the plurality of optical fiber parts of the male connector one by one, and the optical fiber part of the female connector and the corresponding optical fiber part of the male connector form a signal transmission light path. The optical fiber part comprises:

6. The wet splice structure of claim 5, wherein, an optical fiber support body; an optical fiber sheath arranged in the optical fiber support body; an optical fiber arranged in the optical fiber sheath; and a lens arranged in the optical fiber support body; wherein, the lens and the end face of the optical fiber have a preset distance to make a single beam light path expand into a plurality of beam light paths, or make the plurality of beam light paths converge into the single beam light path. The female connector further comprises a cable coaxially arranged with the connector housing.

7. The wet splice structure of claim 5, wherein, The positioning member is a magnetic positioning member.

8. The wet splice structure of claim 5, wherein, The first support body comprises:

9. The wet splice structure of any of claims 1-3, wherein, an optical fiber converter electrically connected with the female connector; a mating section arranged at one end of the optical fiber converter, the mating cavity being arranged in the mating section, and one end of the female connector being inserted into the mating cavity; the mating section being provided with a locking head at one end away from the optical fiber converter; and a weighted rod arranged at one end of the optical fiber converter away from the mating section. ​ The wet connector structure further comprises an optical cable, which is arranged in the weight rod and electrically connected with the optical fiber converter.

10. The wet splice structure of claim 9, wherein, The second support body is provided with a locking sleeve, which is used for detachable connection with the locking head. The wet connector structure further comprises an optical cable, which is arranged in the second support body and connected with the male connector.

11. The wet splice structure of claim 8, wherein, The wet connector structure further comprises: a wire bin support body; an optical fiber wire bin arranged in the wire bin support body, and a flow passage is arranged between the optical fiber wire bin and the wire bin support body to allow formation fluid to pass through; a locking mechanism arranged at one end of the second support body away from the male connector; an unlocking mechanism arranged at one end of the optical fiber wire bin; and a driving member arranged on the optical fiber wire bin, which is used for driving the locking mechanism to lock or separate the locking mechanism from the unlocking mechanism.

12. A downhole apparatus, characterized by The wet connector structure comprises any one of the wet connector structures according to claims 1-11.

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