Downhole cable connector and wired drill pipe

Abstract

Disclosed are a downhole cable connector and a wired drill pipe. The downhole cable connector comprises a first joint (10) and a second joint (20). The first joint and the second joint are respectively connected to two ends of a cable (30), and the first joint and the second joint are respectively mounted at two ends of a drill pipe. The first joint and the second joint each comprise a housing (100), a clamping assembly (200), a sealing assembly (300), and a plug-in assembly (400). The clamping assembly and the sealing assembly are separately mounted in the interior of the housing, and an end portion of the cable extends into the interior of the housing from one end of the housing. The cable is provided with an armor layer (31), the clamping assembly grips the armor layer, and the cable traverses the sealing assembly. The plug-in assembly is mounted at the other end of the housing, the plug-in assembly is provided with a conductor shaft (410), and the conductor shaft is electrically connected to the cable. The downhole cable connector ensures the sealing effect between two cables at the connection position of two drill pipes while also ensuring the reliability of connection between different cables between interconnected drill pipes.

Description

Downhole cable connectors and wired drill pipes

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411026528.6, filed on July 29, 2024, entitled "Downhole Cable Connector and Cabled Drill Rod", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of drilling equipment technology, and in particular to a downhole cable connector and a cabled drill pipe. Background Technology

[0003] Providing safe and reliable power to the wellbore has long been a major technical bottleneck in the drilling industry. Once the technology for powering the wellbore is mastered, the issues of real-time, high-speed, large-capacity, and bidirectional data transmission will also be solved simultaneously, thereby promoting the electrification and intelligentization of drilling operations and real-time formation evaluation.

[0004] Currently, drilling operations primarily rely on mud generators or lithium batteries to supply power to the wellbore. Downhole signal transmission mainly uses mud pulses and electromagnetic waves, but these methods have limited transmission rates. While existing "smart drill pipes" can improve signal transmission rates, they still cannot supply power to the wellbore, requiring each signal relay station to be equipped with a lithium battery. Furthermore, using cables within the drill pipe for both power supply and signal transmission cannot reliably guarantee the connection reliability between different cables on interconnected drill pipes, nor can it ensure the sealing effect between two cables at the connection points between two drill pipes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, this application provides a downhole cable connector and a cabled drill pipe to solve the problems in the related art where the cables between two adjacent drill pipes cannot be reliably connected and the sealing effect between the two cables at the connection point of the two drill pipes cannot be guaranteed.

[0006] On the one hand, this application provides a downhole cable connector, including a first connector and a second connector;

[0007] The first connector and the second connector are respectively connected to the two ends of the cable, and the first connector and the second connector are respectively installed at the two ends of the drill rod;

[0008] Both the first and second connectors include a housing, a clamping assembly, a sealing assembly, and a mating assembly. The clamping assembly and the sealing assembly are respectively installed inside the housing. The end of the cable extends into the housing from one end. The cable is provided with an armor layer. The clamping assembly clamps the armor layer. The cable passes through the sealing assembly. The mating assembly is installed at the other end of the housing. The mating assembly is provided with a conductor shaft. The conductor shaft is electrically connected to the cable.

[0009] In two interconnected drill pipes, the mating assembly of the first connector on one drill pipe is configured to mate with the mating assembly of the second connector on the other drill pipe, and the conductor shafts of the two mating assemblies are electrically connected.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, which are respectively sleeved on the cable. Part of the armor layer of the cable is peeled off and wound around the first clamping member, and part of the armor layer on the first clamping member is clamped between the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

[0011] In one possible implementation, both the first connector and the second connector further include a support member, on which a first cavity is provided. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are at least partially located in the first cavity. A limiting member is sleeved on the cable, and the limiting member abuts against the side of the second clamping member away from the support member.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the sealing assembly includes a first sealing ring, which is sleeved on the support and clamped between the support and the housing.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the sealing assembly further includes a sealing housing located inside the housing, the sealing housing being sealed to the housing, and a second cavity being provided on the side of the sealing housing facing the clamping assembly, through which the cable passes. The second cavity is filled with sealing material, which wraps around the cable.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the clamping unit is located on the side of the sealing material facing the clamping assembly, the clamping unit is connected to the sealing housing, and the clamping unit is configured to compress the sealing material.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the clamping unit includes a nut and a bearing, with a cable passing through the nut and bearing respectively. The nut and bearing are located inside the second cavity, and the bearing is clamped between the nut and the sealing material. The nut is threadedly connected to the sealing housing.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the mating assembly further includes a vulcanized rubber component and a connecting shell, with the conductor shaft disposed through the connecting shell and the vulcanized rubber component located between the conductor shaft and the connecting shell;

[0017] In the first joint, the end of the vulcanized rubber component away from the cable has a cylindrical part sleeved on the conductor shaft, and the end of the conductor shaft away from the cable extends out of the cylindrical part;

[0018] In the second connector, the mating assembly also includes a cylindrical body that is electrically connected to the conductor shaft. A vulcanized rubber component wraps around the cylindrical body and the conductor shaft respectively. A receiving groove is formed at the end of the vulcanized rubber component away from the cable. The receiving groove is for the cylindrical part to extend into and to be interference-fitted with the cylindrical part. The end of the conductor shaft of the first connector extends into the cylindrical body and is electrically connected to the conductor shaft of the first connector.

[0019] In one possible implementation, in the first connector, an O-ring is fitted onto the end of the conductor shaft extending out of the cylindrical portion; in the second connector, a groove is formed at the end of the conductor shaft facing the cylinder; and / or,

[0020] Limiting teeth are provided on the side of the conductor shaft and / or the inner wall of the connecting shell.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the end of the connecting shell extends into the interior of the outer shell and is threadedly connected to the outer shell.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second connector further includes a guide shell, which is fitted onto the connecting shell. The end of the guide shell extends beyond the vulcanized rubber component, and the length of the guide shell extending beyond the vulcanized rubber component is greater than the length of the cylindrical portion.

[0023] On the other hand, this application provides a cabled drill pipe, including a drill pipe, a cable, a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, and a fourth connector, and the aforementioned downhole cable connector. The cable passes through the drill pipe. The first connector and the second connector are respectively installed at both ends of the drill pipe. A first connector is connected to the first connector, and a second connector is connected to the second connector. The third connector is installed on the first connector, and the fourth connector is installed on the second connector. The third connector is configured to connect to the fourth connector of another cabled drill pipe.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first connector has a first lug on its mating assembly, and the second connector has a second lug on its mating assembly. The first lug is fixedly mounted on the first connector, and the second lug is axially confined on the second connector by the second connector. The second connector is capable of moving radially relative to the second connector. Alternatively,

[0025] The first connector has a first lug on its mating assembly, and the second connector has a second lug on its mating assembly. The second lug is fixedly installed on the second connector. The first lug is axially limited on the first connector. The first connector can move radially relative to the first connector.

[0026] This application provides a downhole cable connector and a cabled drill pipe. The downhole cable connector includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are respectively connected to the two ends of a cable, and are respectively installed at both ends of the drill pipe. Both the first connector and the second connector use clamping components to fix the cable ends inside the housing, and the clamping components clamp the cable's armor layer to prevent stress on the conductors in the cable, thus protecting the cable. Sealing components in the first connector and the second connector isolate the cable from the downhole drilling fluid at the connector location, ensuring reliable signal transmission and power supply. During the interconnection of two drill pipes, the mating assembly of the first connector on one drill pipe is inserted and fixed to the mating assembly of the second connector on the other drill pipe. The conductor shaft in the mating assembly of each connector is electrically connected to the cable in that connector, and the conductor shafts in the two mating assemblies are electrically connected to each other. This ensures the reliability of the connection between different cables between interconnected drill pipes while also guaranteeing a sealing effect between the two cables at the connection point between the two drill pipes. Attached Figure Description

[0027] 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.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the connection process between the first connector and the second connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the first connector and the second connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of section AA in Figure 4.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10-First connector; 20-Second connector; 30-Cable; 31-Armor layer; 40-First connector; 50-Second connector; 60-Third connector; 70-Fourth connector; 100-Housing shell; 200-Clamping assembly; 210-First clamping element; 220-Second clamping element; 300-Sealing assembly; 310-First sealing ring; 320-Sealing housing; 321-Second cavity; 330-Sealing material; 340-Pressure unit; 341-Nut; 342-Bearing; 350-Second sealing ring; 360-Third sealing ring; 400 - Interlocking assembly; 410 - Conductor shaft; 411 - Groove; 420 - Vulcanized rubber part; 421 - Cylindrical section; 422 - Receiving groove; 430 - Connecting shell; 431 - First lug; 432 - Second lug; 440 - Cylindrical body; 450 - O-ring; 460 - Limiting tooth; 500 - Support member; 510 - First cavity; 600 - Guide shell. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the wired drill rod or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0037] The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” (if any) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or display that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or display.

[0039] In existing technologies, "smart drill pipes" can transmit signals via electromagnetic coupling, but they cannot supply power to the wellbore, requiring each signal relay station to be equipped with a lithium battery. If cables are installed in the drill pipe to supply power and transmit signals, the reliability of the connection between different cables between interconnected drill pipes and the sealing effect between two cables at the connection points of the two drill pipes cannot be reliably guaranteed.

[0040] After repeated consideration and verification, the inventors discovered that if cables are installed in the water holes of each drill pipe, and a first connector and a second connector are respectively installed at both ends of the cable, and the first and second connectors are connected to the two ends of the drill pipe respectively. Both the first and second connectors include a housing, a clamping assembly, a sealing assembly, and a mating assembly. The first and second connectors clamp the cable through the clamping assembly, and the cable passes through the sealing assembly. The end of the cable away from the clamping assembly extends from the sealing assembly and is electrically connected to the conductor shaft of the mating assembly. During the connection of the two drill pipes, the mating assembly of the first connector on one drill pipe and the mating assembly of the second connector on the other drill pipe are plugged and fixed, and the conductor shafts of the two mating assemblies are electrically connected. The first and second connectors ensure the reliability of the connection between different cables between the interconnected drill pipes. Simultaneously, the sealing assemblies of the first and second connectors ensure a sealing effect between the two cables at the connection point between the two drill pipes, thereby ensuring the reliability of signal transmission and power supply.

[0041] In view of this, the inventors designed a downhole cable connector and a cabled drill pipe. The downhole cable connector includes a first connector and a second connector respectively disposed at both ends of the cable, and the first connector and the second connector are respectively installed at both ends of the drill pipe. The first connector and the second connector clamp the cable through a clamping assembly, and a sealing assembly achieves a seal between the two cables at the position of the first connector and the second connector. When the two drill pipes are connected, the first connector of one drill pipe and the second connector of the other drill pipe are fixed together by a mating assembly. The mating assembly is provided with a conductor shaft, which is electrically connected to the cable. After the first connector and the second connector are fixed together, the conductor shafts of the two mating assemblies are electrically connected to each other. The first connector and the second connector ensure the reliability of the connection between different cables between the connected drill pipes, while the sealing assembly of the first connector and the sealing assembly of the second connector ensure the sealing effect between the two cables at the connection position of the two drill pipes.

[0042] The following describes in detail the technical solutions of the downhole cable connector and cabled drill pipe provided in the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the downhole cable connector provided in this embodiment includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are respectively connected to the two ends of a cable 30, and the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are respectively installed at both ends of a drill pipe. Both the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 include a housing 100, a clamping assembly 200, a sealing assembly 300, and a mating assembly 400. The clamping assembly 200 and the sealing assembly 300 are respectively installed inside the housing 100, and the end of the cable 30 extends into the housing 100 from one end. The cable 30 is provided with an armor layer 31, the clamping assembly 200 clamps the armor layer 31, and the cable 30 passes through the sealing assembly 300. The mating assembly 400 is installed at the other end of the housing 100, and the mating assembly 400 is provided with a conductor shaft 410, which is electrically connected to the cable 30. In two interconnected drill pipes, the mating assembly 400 of the first connector 10 on one drill pipe is configured to mate with the mating assembly 400 of the second connector 20 on the other drill pipe, and the conductor shafts 410 of the two mating assemblies 400 are electrically connected.

[0044] Understandably, the cable 30 includes an armor layer 31, an insulation layer located inside the armor layer 31, and a conductor located inside the insulation layer. After the end of the cable 30 extends into the housing 100, the armor layer 31 of a portion of the cable 30 located inside the housing 100 can be stripped. The clamping assembly 200 can clamp the stripped armor layer 31, thus fixing the cable 30 to the housing 100 while preventing stress on the conductor of the cable 30, ensuring that the cable 30 can reliably supply power and transmit signals. The connector provided in this embodiment can be used to connect two single-core cables.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, taking the first connector 10 as an example, the cable 30 can extend into the interior of the housing 100 from the left end of the housing 100. After stripping the armor layer 31, the insulation layer and conductor pass through the sealing assembly 300. The insulation layer on the right side of the cable 30 can be stripped so that the cable 30 can make conductive contact with the conductor shaft 410 of the mating assembly 400. The sealing assembly 300 can prevent the exposed conductor of the cable 30 from contacting liquids, which would affect power supply and signal transmission.

[0046] Understandably, the two drill pipes can be detachably connected via a threaded connection. When the two drill pipes are connected, the mating assembly 400 of the first connector 10 on one drill pipe can be rotatably mated with the mating assembly 400 of the second connector 20 on the other drill pipe. After the two drill pipes are connected, the conductor shafts 410 of the two mating assemblies 400 are electrically connected. The electrical connection between the two cables 30 can be easily achieved using a downhole cable connector.

[0047] The downhole cable connector provided in this embodiment includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are respectively connected to both ends of a cable 30, and are respectively installed at both ends of the drill pipe. Both the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 use a clamping assembly 200 to fix the ends of the cable 30 inside the housing 100, and the clamping assembly 200 clamps the armor layer 31 of the cable 30, preventing stress on the conductors in the cable 30 and protecting the cable 30. Through the sealing assembly 300 in the first connector 10 and the sealing assembly 300 in the second connector 20, the cable 30 is isolated from the downhole drilling fluid at the connector location, ensuring the reliability of signal transmission and power supply. During the interconnection of two drill pipes, the mating assembly 400 of the first connector 10 on one drill pipe is inserted and fixed to the mating assembly 400 of the second connector 20 on the other drill pipe. The conductor shaft 410 in the mating assembly 400 of each connector is electrically connected to the cable 30 in that connector, and the conductor shafts 410 in the two mating assemblies 400 that are inserted into each other are electrically connected. In this way, the reliability of the connection between the different cables 30 between the interconnected drill pipes is ensured, while also ensuring the sealing effect between the two cables 30 at the connection point of the two drill pipes.

[0048] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the clamping assembly 200 includes a first clamping member 210 and a second clamping member 220, which are respectively sleeved on the cable 30. A portion of the armor layer 31 of the cable 30 is peeled off and wound around the first clamping member 210, and a portion of the armor layer 31 on the first clamping member 210 is clamped between the first clamping member 210 and the second clamping member 220.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first clamping member 210 can be a tapered sleeve having a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end, with the small-diameter end positioned away from the sealing assembly 300. The second clamping member 220 can be a cylindrical structure with its inner wall inclined to the axis of the cylindrical structure, and the inclination angle of the inner wall of the cylindrical structure matching the inclination angle of the outer wall of the tapered sleeve.

[0050] This structure, through the first clamping member 210 and the second clamping member 220, can clamp the stripped armor layer 31 of the cable 30, fix the cable 30 to the outer shell 100, and at the same time avoid stress on the conductor of the cable 30, ensuring that the cable 30 can reliably supply power and transmit signals.

[0051] In one specific embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, both the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 further include a support member 500. A first cavity 510 is provided on the support member 500, and both the first clamping member 210 and the second clamping member 220 are at least partially located within the first cavity 510. A limiting member is sleeved on the cable 30, and the limiting member abuts against the side of the second clamping member 220 opposite to the support member 500.

[0052] The first cavity 510 is located on the side of the support 500 opposite to the mating assembly 400. The portion of the cable 30 after its armor layer has been stripped passes through the support 500. The support 500 can limit the movement of the first clamping member 210 and the second clamping member 220, preventing them from moving closer to the mating assembly 400. As shown in Figure 1, the support 500 is located to the right of the second clamping member 220, and the limiting member can be located to the left of the second clamping member 220. Optionally, the limiting member may include two arc-shaped segments, which can be locked together with fasteners to fix the limiting member to the cable 30.

[0053] The first clamping member 210 and the second clamping member 220 can be fixed inside the housing 100 by the limiting member and the support member 500, thereby realizing the fixation between the cable 30 and the housing 100 and preventing the cable 30 from moving relative to the housing 100 along the axial direction of the housing 100.

[0054] Figures 1 and 2 show that the sealing assembly 300 includes a first sealing ring 310, which is sleeved on the support member 500 and clamped between the support member 500 and the housing 100.

[0055] The first sealing rings 310 can be multiple, and the multiple first sealing rings 310 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the outer shell 100. Optionally, the outer side wall of the support member 500 can be provided with first annular grooves, the number of which is the same as the number of first sealing rings 310, and each first sealing ring 310 extends into the corresponding first annular groove. The first annular grooves can limit the position of the first sealing rings 310, ensuring the reliability of the seal between the support member 500 and the outer shell 100.

[0056] The first sealing ring 310 achieves a seal between the support 500 and the housing 100, preventing drilling fluid from entering the housing 100 from the end of the cable 30 and coming into contact with the conductor of the cable 30. The first sealing ring 310 can achieve high sealing pressure and is simple to assemble and has low cost.

[0057] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-3, the sealing assembly 300 further includes a sealing housing 320 located inside the housing 100. The sealing housing 320 is sealingly connected to the housing 100, and a second cavity 321 is provided on the side of the sealing housing 320 facing the clamping assembly 200. The cable 30 is disposed through the second cavity 321 and the sealing housing 320, and the second cavity 321 is filled with a sealing material 330, which wraps around the cable 30.

[0058] The sealing housing 320 can be a columnar structure, which can be sealed to the outer casing 100 via a second sealing ring 350. Figures 1 and 2 show that the opening of the second cavity 321 faces the clamping assembly 200, and the cable 30 can pass through the middle of the sealing housing 320 and the second cavity 321 after the armor layer 31 is stripped. For example, rubber can be used as the sealing material 330, which can seal the sealing housing 320 to the cable 30, preventing drilling fluid from seeping into the side of the sealing housing 320 away from the clamping assembly 200.

[0059] It is worth mentioning that the portion of cable 30 that extends from the sealed housing 320 can be stripped to expose the conductor of cable 30, facilitating conductive contact between cable 30 and conductor shaft 410. The sealed housing 320 and sealing material 330 prevent the exposed conductor of cable 30 from contacting drilling fluid, ensuring reliable power supply and signal transmission.

[0060] In one specific embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sealing assembly 300 further includes a clamping unit 340. The clamping unit 340 is located on the side of the sealing material 330 facing the clamping assembly 200, and is connected to the sealing housing 320. The clamping unit 340 is configured to compress the sealing material 330.

[0061] The cable 30 passes through the clamping unit 340, which can compress the sealing material 330 along the axial direction of the housing 100, so that the sealing material 330 is pressed against both the cable 30 and the side wall of the second cavity 321, ensuring the reliability of the seal of the sealing material 330. The clamping unit 340 is connected to the sealing housing 320, so that the sealing housing 320 can limit the clamping unit 340, ensuring that the clamping unit 340 can reliably clamp the sealing material 330.

[0062] In a more specific embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the clamping unit 340 includes a nut 341 and a bearing 342. The cable 30 passes through the nut 341 and the bearing 342 respectively. The nut 341 and the bearing 342 are located inside the second cavity 321, and the bearing 342 is clamped between the nut 341 and the sealing material 330. The nut 341 is threadedly connected to the sealing housing 320.

[0063] Schematic illustration: the outer wall of the nut 341 has external threads, and the side wall of the second cavity 321 has internal threads. The nut 341 is threadedly connected to the sealing housing 320 in the second cavity 321. By rotating the nut 341, the nut 341 can move relative to the sealing housing 320 to adjust the clamping force applied to the sealing material 330 by the clamping unit 340. Simultaneously, the threads on the nut 341 and the sealing housing 320 can lock the position of the nut 341. Optionally, the bearing 342 can be a thrust ball bearing. When the nut 341 rotates, the bearing 342 can transmit the axial load applied by the nut 341. At the same time, the bearing 342 can also prevent the nut 341 from applying torque to the sealing material 330, making it less likely for the sealing material 330 to damage the cable 30.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1-3, the mating assembly 400 also includes a vulcanized rubber component 420 and a connecting shell 430. The conductor shaft 410 passes through the connecting shell 430 and the vulcanized rubber component 420 is located between the conductor shaft 410 and the connecting shell 430.

[0065] In the first connector 10, the end of the vulcanized rubber component 420 away from the cable 30 forms a cylindrical portion 421 that is sleeved on the conductor shaft 410, and the end of the conductor shaft 410 away from the cable 30 extends out of the cylindrical portion 421. In the second connector 20, the mating assembly 400 also includes a cylindrical body 440, which is electrically connected to the conductor shaft 410, and the vulcanized rubber component 420 respectively wraps around the cylindrical body 440 and the conductor shaft 410. The end of the vulcanized rubber component 420 away from the cable 30 forms a receiving groove 422, into which the cylindrical portion 421 extends and is interference-fitted with the cylindrical portion 421. The end of the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 extends into the cylindrical body 440 and is electrically connected to the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10.

[0066] Schematic, the vulcanized rubber component 420 is insulating and can be vulcanized from vulcanized rubber material using a high-temperature, high-pressure integrated process. Figure 1 shows that in the first connector 10, the end of the vulcanized rubber component 420 away from the cable 30 extends beyond the connecting shell 430, and the vulcanized rubber component 420 partially encloses the conductor shaft 410. Optionally, the conductor shaft 410 can be coaxially arranged with the cylindrical portion 421. Optionally, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the end of the vulcanized rubber component 420 can extend into the sealing shell 320, and the vulcanized rubber component 420 and the sealing shell 320 can be sealed by a third sealing ring 360.

[0067] In the second connector 20, the cylindrical body 440 is located at the end of the conductor shaft 410 away from the cable 30. The cylindrical body 440 is conductive and can be connected to the conductor shaft 410 by welding. When the end of the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 extends into the cylindrical body 440 of the second connector 20, the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 makes conductive contact with the cylindrical body 440 to achieve an electrical connection between the two cables 30.

[0068] Understandably, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion 421 of the first connector 10 matches the cross-sectional shape of the receiving groove 422 of the second connector 20. When the cylindrical portion 421 extends into the receiving groove 422 and is press-fitted with it, a seal can be achieved between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. It is worth noting that the greater the external pressure on the downhole cable connector, the more the external pressure compresses the vulcanized rubber component 420 of the second connector 20, and the more reliable the seal between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0069] In this embodiment, both the vulcanized rubber parts 420 of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are hydrophobic, making it difficult for drilling fluid to adhere to the vulcanized rubber parts 420, thereby achieving a self-cleaning function when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated. Optionally, an oil such as castor oil can be applied to the vulcanized rubber parts 420 to further improve the self-cleaning function when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated.

[0070] In one possible implementation, a strip groove can be provided on the inner wall of the cylinder 440. The length direction of the strip groove can be parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder 440, giving the cylinder 440 a certain degree of elasticity. When the end of the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 extends into the cylinder 440, the conductor shaft 410 compresses the cylinder 440, causing the cylinder 440 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection between the cylinder 440 and the conductor shaft 410. Compared to setting a crown structure in the cylinder 440, the interior of the cylinder 440 is easier to clean, reducing the amount of drilling fluid particles retained in the second connector 20, and improving the reliability and lifespan of the contact.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the depth of the cylinder 440 can be XXX-XXXmm, and the length of the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 extending out of the cylindrical part 421 can be XXX-XXXmm. The above arrangement can achieve reliable contact within the range of 8-38mm for the conductor shaft 410 to extend into the cylinder 440, ensuring that the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 can be inserted into place, thus improving the mating adaptability of the downhole cable connector.

[0072] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figures 1-3, in the first connector 10, an O-ring 450 is fitted onto one end of the conductor shaft 410 extending out of the cylindrical portion 421. In the second connector 20, a groove 411 is formed on the end of the conductor shaft 410 facing the cylindrical body 440.

[0073] Figure 1 shows that in the first connector 10, a second annular groove is provided at the end of the conductor shaft 410, and an O-ring 450 extends into the second annular groove. Figure 2 shows that in the second connector 20, a groove 411 on the conductor shaft 410 communicates with the cylinder 440.

[0074] When the end of the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 extends into the cylinder 440, the O-ring 450 on the conductor shaft 410 can first scrape and clean the inner wall of the cylinder 440, ensuring that the contact surface between the cylinder 440 and the conductor shaft 410 is clean, thereby ensuring a reliable electrical connection between the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 and the conductor shaft 410 of the second connector 20. The groove 411 on the conductor shaft 410 of the second connector 20 can store the impurities and particles scraped by the O-ring 450, ensuring that the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10 can be inserted into place without damaging the conductor shaft 410 of the first connector 10.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, limiting teeth 460 are provided on the side of the conductor shaft 410 and / or the inner wall of the connecting shell 430. The limiting teeth 460 can be annular structures, and their cross-sectional shape can be rectangular or conical, without any specific location restrictions.

[0076] Understandably, the limiting teeth 460 can limit the vulcanized rubber component 420, preventing it from moving relative to the outer shell 100 along the axial direction of the outer shell 100. The limiting teeth 460 on the side of the conductor shaft 410 can increase the contact area between the conductor shaft 410 and the vulcanized rubber component 420, ensuring the reliability of the connection between them; the limiting teeth 460 on the inner wall of the connecting shell 430 can increase the contact area between the connecting shell 430 and the vulcanized rubber component 420, ensuring the reliability of the connection between them.

[0077] Optionally, the end of the connecting shell 430 extends into the interior of the housing 100 and is threadedly connected to the housing 100.

[0078] Specifically, the inner wall of the outer shell 100 away from the clamping assembly 200 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the connecting shell 430 is provided with an internal thread. After the connecting shell 430 extends into the outer shell 100, it is fixed to the outer shell 100 by means of a threaded connection.

[0079] In this structure, the mating components 400 of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected by threads, which can achieve quick installation, fixation and pressure-resistant sealing. The mating components 400 are vulnerable parts, and the above-mentioned arrangement facilitates quick replacement of the mating components 400.

[0080] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in one possible implementation, the second connector 20 further includes a guide shell 600, which is sleeved on the connecting shell 430. The end of the guide shell 600 extends beyond the vulcanized rubber part 420, and the length of the guide shell 600 extending beyond the vulcanized rubber part 420 is greater than the length of the cylindrical part 421.

[0081] The guide shell 600 can be a cylindrical structure and can be fixed to the connecting shell 430 by a threaded connection. As shown in Figure 3, the end of the guide shell 600 extends beyond the vulcanized rubber part 420, and the length of the guide shell 600 extending beyond the vulcanized rubber part 420 is greater than the length of the cylindrical part 421. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected by insertion, the connecting shell 430 of the first connector 10 first extends into the guide shell 600 of the second connector 20. At this time, the cylindrical part 421 of the first connector 10 has not yet extended into the receiving groove 422 of the second connector 20. By setting the guide shell 600, the guide shell 600 can restrict the movement direction of the first connector 10 when the insertion assembly 400 of the first connector 10 and the insertion assembly 400 of the second connector 20 are connected by insertion, ensuring the alignment and reliability between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0082] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, this application also provides a cabled drill pipe, including a drill pipe, a cable 30, a first connector 40, a second connector 50, a third connector 60, and a fourth connector 70, and the aforementioned downhole cable connector. The cable 30 passes through the drill pipe. The first connector 40 and the second connector 50 are respectively installed at both ends of the drill pipe. A first connector 10 is connected to the first connector 40, and a second connector 20 is connected to the second connector 50. The third connector 60 is installed on the first connector 40, and the fourth connector 70 is installed on the second connector 50. The third connector 60 is configured to connect to the fourth connector 70 of another cabled drill pipe.

[0083] Schematic illustration: the first connecting member 40, the second connecting member 50, the third connecting member 60, and the fourth connecting member 70 can all be cylindrical structures. The first connecting member 40 and the second connecting member 50 can be respectively installed at both ends of the drill pipe by means of threaded connection. Optionally, the third connecting member 60 can be fixed to the first connecting member 40 by means of threaded connection, and the fourth connecting member 70 can be fixed to the second connecting member 50 by means of threaded connection. Schematic illustration: when two adjacent drill pipes are connected, the third connecting member 60 on one drill pipe can be fixed to the fourth connecting member 70 on the other drill pipe by means of threaded connection.

[0084] During drill pipe assembly, the first connector 40 and the second connector 50 can be installed onto the drill pipe first, then the first joint 10 can be connected to the first connector 40, the second joint 20 can be connected to the second connector 50, and finally the third connector 60 can be connected to the first connector 40, and the fourth connector 70 can be connected to the second connector 50. This arrangement facilitates the installation of the first joint 10 and the second joint 20, ensuring that the third connector 60 does not increase the installation difficulty of the first joint 10, and the fourth connector 70 does not increase the installation difficulty of the second joint 20.

[0085] The above setup allows for the installation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 without modifying the drill pipe structure itself. Simultaneously, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be axially limited, ensuring that the axial error of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 is within acceptable limits during insertion. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are inserted, the threads of the drill pipe itself are not required to ensure the insertion process. The third connector 60 and the fourth connector 70 ensure the insertion between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. After the third connector 60 of one cabled drill pipe is connected to the fourth connector 70 of the other cabled drill pipe, the first connector 10 can reliably connect to the second connector 20 between the two cabled drill pipes.

[0086] It is worth mentioning that the first connector 10, the first connecting piece 40 and the third connecting piece 60 are located at the top of the drill rod, and the second connector 20, the second connecting piece 50 and the fourth connecting piece 70 are located at the bottom of the drill rod. The above arrangement is conducive to the drainage and decontamination of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0087] The cabled drill rod provided in this application allows for quick connection of cables 30 in different drill rods when multiple drill rods are connected to each other, while ensuring a sealing effect between the two cables 30 at the connection point of the two drill rods.

[0088] The wired drill pipe provided in this application can change the current downhole signal transmission and power supply methods, upgrade real-time reservoir guidance, and promote the development of downhole electric intelligent directional drilling systems, which is beneficial to reducing oilfield development costs. The wired drill pipe provided in this application can simultaneously transmit high-power DC power and carrier communication, with a maximum transmission power of up to 10kW. It is resistant to high temperature and high pressure, and the DC carrier transmission efficiency is reliable, effectively solving the problem of real-time control and signal transmission for downhole instruments and tools.

[0089] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in one possible implementation, the first connector 10 has a first lug 431 on its mating assembly 400, and the second connector 20 has a second lug 432 on its mating assembly 400. The first lug 431 is fixedly mounted on the first connector 40, and the second lug 432 is axially limited on the second connector 50. The second connector 20 can move radially relative to the second connector 50.

[0090] The first ear 431 can be disposed on the connecting shell 430 of the first connector 10, and the second ear 432 can be disposed on the connecting shell 432 of the second connector 20. Both the first ear 431 and the second ear 432 can be sheet-like structures.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the first lug 431 may be provided with a fastening hole, through which a fastener can be passed and locked onto the first connector 40, thereby fixing the first connector 10 to the first connector 40; the second lug 432 may be provided with a notch, through which a fastener can be passed and locked onto the second connector 50, the head of the fastener abutting against the lug 431 of the second connector 20, so that the second connector 20 cannot move relative to the second connector 50 in the axial direction, but the position between the second connector 20 and the second connector 50 in the radial direction can be finely adjusted, so that the second connector 20 is movably connected to the drill rod.

[0092] In another possible implementation, the first connector 10 has a first lug 431 on its mating assembly 400, and the second connector 20 has a second lug 432 on its mating assembly 400. The second lug 432 is fixedly mounted on the second connector 50. The first lug 431 is axially limited on the first connector 40 of the first connector 10, and the first connector 10 can move radially relative to the first connector 40.

[0093] In other words, the second connector 20 is fixedly connected to the second connecting member 50 to achieve fixation between the second connector 20 and the drill pipe. The position between the first connector 10 and the first connecting member 40 can be finely adjusted radially, allowing the first connector 10 to be movably connected to the drill pipe.

[0094] With the above settings, when the two drill pipes are connected, one of the joints is fixed to the drill pipe, and the position of the other joint can be finely adjusted relative to the drill pipe. When the first joint 10 and the second joint 20 are inserted, the radial deviation between the first joint 10 and the second joint 20 can be eliminated by finely adjusting the position of one of the joints.

[0095] 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 downhole electrical cable connector, characterized by, The first joint (10) and the second joint (20) are respectively connected to two ends of a cable (30), and the first joint (10) and the second joint (20) are respectively installed on two ends of a drill pipe. The first joint (10) and the second joint (20) each comprise a housing (100), a clamping assembly (200), a sealing assembly (300) and a mating assembly (400), the clamping assembly (200) and the sealing assembly (300) are respectively installed inside the housing (100), the end of the cable (30) extends into the inside of the housing (100) from one end of the housing (100), the cable (30) is provided with an armored layer (31), the clamping assembly (200) clamps the armored layer (31), the cable (30) passes through the sealing assembly (300), the mating assembly (400) is installed on the other end of the housing (100), the mating assembly (400) is provided with a conductor shaft (410), and the conductor shaft (410) is electrically connected with the cable (30). In the two drill pipes connected to each other, the mating assembly (400) of the first joint (10) on one of the drill pipes is configured to be plugged with the mating assembly (400) of the second joint (20) on the other drill pipe, and the conductor shafts (410) of the two mating assemblies (400) are electrically connected. The clamping assembly (200) comprises a first clamping piece (210) and a second clamping piece (220), the first clamping piece (210) and the second clamping piece (220) are respectively sleeved on the cable (30), part of the armored layer (31) of the cable (30) is stripped and wound on the first clamping piece (210), and part of the armored layer (31) on the first clamping piece (210) is clamped between the first clamping piece (210) and the second clamping piece (220).

2. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 1, wherein, The first joint (10) and the second joint (20) each further comprise a support (500), the support (500) is provided with a first cavity (510), the first clamping piece (210) and the second clamping piece (220) are at least partially located in the first cavity (510), and a limiting piece is sleeved on the cable (30) and abuts against one side of the second clamping piece (220) away from the support (500).

3. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 2, wherein, The sealing assembly (300) comprises a first sealing ring (310), the first sealing ring (310) is sleeved on the support (500) and clamped between the support (500) and the housing (100).

4. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 3, wherein, ​ 5. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 1, wherein, The sealing assembly (300) further comprises a sealing shell (320) located inside the shell (100), the sealing shell (320) is in sealing connection with the shell (100), one side of the sealing shell (320) towards the clamping assembly (200) is provided with a second cavity (321), the cable (30) passes through the second cavity (321) and the sealing shell (320), the second cavity (321) is filled with a sealing material (330), and the sealing material (330) wraps the cable (30).

6. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 5, wherein, The sealing assembly (300) further comprises a pressing unit (340) located on one side of the sealing material (330) towards the clamping assembly (200), the pressing unit (340) is connected with the sealing shell (320), and the pressing unit (340) is configured to extrude the sealing material (330).

7. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 6, wherein, The pressing unit (340) comprises a nut (341) and a bearing (342), the cable (30) passes through the nut (341) and the bearing (342) respectively, the nut (341) and the bearing (342) are located inside the second cavity (321) respectively, and the bearing (342) is clamped between the nut (341) and the sealing material (330), and the nut (341) is in threaded connection with the sealing shell (320).

8. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 5, wherein, The plug-in assembly (400) further comprises a vulcanized rubber piece (420) and a connecting shell (430), the conductor shaft (410) passes through the connecting shell (430), and the vulcanized rubber piece (420) is located between the conductor shaft (410) and the connecting shell (430); In the first connector (10), one end of the vulcanized rubber piece (420) away from the cable (30) is formed with a barrel-shaped portion (421) sleeved on the conductor shaft (410), and one end of the conductor shaft (410) away from the cable (30) protrudes out of the barrel-shaped portion (421); In the second connector (20), the plug-in assembly (400) further comprises a barrel (440), the barrel (440) is electrically connected with the conductor shaft (410), the vulcanized rubber piece (420) wraps the barrel (440) and the conductor shaft (410) respectively, one end of the vulcanized rubber piece (420) away from the cable (30) is formed with a receiving groove (422), the receiving groove (422) is used for the barrel-shaped portion (421) to protrude into and be in interference fit with the barrel-shaped portion (421), and the barrel (440) is used for the end portion of the conductor shaft (410) of the first connector (10) to protrude into and be electrically connected with the conductor shaft (410) of the first connector (10).

9. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 8, wherein, In the first joint (10), one end of the conductor shaft (410) protruding out of the barrel (421) is sleeved with an O-ring (450); in the second joint (20), one end of the conductor shaft (410) towards the barrel (440) is formed with a groove (411); and / or, Limiting teeth (460) are arranged on the side surface of the conductor shaft (410) and / or the inner side wall of the connecting shell (430).

10. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 8, wherein, The end of the connecting shell (430) extends into the interior of the housing (100) and is threadedly connected with the housing (100).

11. The downhole electrical cable connector of claim 8, wherein, The second joint (20) further comprises a guide shell (600) sleeved on the connecting shell (430), the end of the guide shell (600) exceeds the vulcanized rubber part (420), and the length of the guide shell (600) exceeding the vulcanized rubber part (420) is greater than the length of the barrel (421).

12. A wired drill pipe, characterized by The downhole cable connector comprises a drill pipe, a cable (30), a first connecting piece (40), a second connecting piece (50), a third connecting piece (60) and a fourth connecting piece (70), the cable (30) is arranged through the drill pipe, the first connecting piece (40) and the second connecting piece (50) are respectively arranged at the two ends of the drill pipe, the first joint (10) is connected with the first connecting piece (40), the second joint (20) is connected with the second connecting piece (50), the third connecting piece (60) is arranged on the first connecting piece (40), the fourth connecting piece (70) is arranged on the second connecting piece (50), and the third connecting piece (60) is configured to be connected with the fourth connecting piece (70) of another cable drill pipe.

13. The wired drill pipe of claim 12, wherein, A first lug (431) is arranged on the plug-in assembly (400) of the first joint (10), a second lug (431) is arranged on the plug-in assembly (400) of the second joint (20), the first lug (431) is fixedly arranged on the first connecting piece (40), the second lug (431) is axially limited on the second connecting piece (50) in the axial direction of the second joint (20), and the second joint (20) can move relative to the second connecting piece (50) in the radial direction of the second joint (20); or, A first lug (431) is arranged on the plug-in assembly (400) of the first joint (10), a second lug (431) is arranged on the plug-in assembly (400) of the second joint (20), the second lug (431) is fixedly arranged on the second connecting piece (50), the first lug (431) is axially limited on the first connecting piece (40) in the axial direction of the first joint (10), and the first joint (10) can move relative to the first connecting piece (40) in the radial direction of the first joint (10). A first lug (431) is arranged on the plug-in assembly (400) of the first joint (10), a second lug (431) is arranged on the plug-in assembly (400) of the second joint (20), the second lug (431) is fixedly arranged on the second connecting piece (50), the first lug (431) is axially limited on the first connecting piece (40) in the axial direction of the first joint (10), and the first joint (10) can move relative to the first connecting piece (40) in the radial direction of the first joint (10).

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