US20080179103A1 - Magnetic earth bit seal - Google Patents
Magnetic earth bit seal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080179103A1 US20080179103A1 US11/952,736 US95273607A US2008179103A1 US 20080179103 A1 US20080179103 A1 US 20080179103A1 US 95273607 A US95273607 A US 95273607A US 2008179103 A1 US2008179103 A1 US 2008179103A1
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- Prior art keywords
- ring
- rigid
- lug
- magnetic
- flexible
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- Abandoned
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- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 54
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 110
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 31
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 29
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000748 compression moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052761 rare earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 vulcanite Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004073 vulcanization Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B10/00—Drill bits
- E21B10/08—Roller bits
- E21B10/22—Roller bits characterised by bearing, lubrication or sealing details
- E21B10/24—Roller bits characterised by bearing, lubrication or sealing details characterised by lubricating details
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to a seal assembly for earth bits.
- An earth bit is commonly used to bore holes into earthen annulus. Such holes may be bored for many different reasons, such as drilling for oil, minerals and geothermal steam.
- One type is a rotary earth bit and, in a typical setup, it includes three earth bit cutting cones rotatably mounted to a corresponding lug. The lugs are mounted on an earth bit body and, as the earth bit body is rotated in the bore hole, the earth bit cutting cones rotate in response to contacting the earthen annulus.
- the earth bit In normal use, the earth bit contacts hard rock formations while being exposed to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures. As a result, the earth bit tends to wear down.
- the lugs are especially prone to wearing down because of friction between them and the cutting cones.
- Earth bit seals are often used to reduce the friction by retaining a lubricant between the lugs and cutting cones and by keeping debris away. Reducing friction between the lugs and cutting cones increases the lifetime of the earth bit.
- the earth bit seals are generally in rotating contact with the lug and/or cutting cone.
- the surface portion of the earth bit seal in rotating contact with the lug or cutting cone is typically known as a dynamic sealing surface
- the surface portion of the earth bit seal in static contact with the earth bit lug or cutting cone is typically known as a static sealing surface.
- Earth bit seals are often manufactured from elastomeric materials and generally experience the extreme conditions mentioned above.
- the elastomeric material can become impregnated with debris, especially if it forms a part of the dynamic sealing surface.
- An elastomeric material impregnated with debris is more likely to tear.
- an elastomeric material impregnated with debris acts as an abrasive ring that undesirably removes material from the earth bit seal, lug and cutting cone.
- metal face seals which form the dynamic sealing surface. This is because metal face seals do not become impregnated with debris as easily as seals made with elastomeric materials.
- the metal face seal generally contacts a metal surface of either the cutting cone or lug, or another metal face seal.
- the present invention employs an earth bit seal assembly, which is used to provide a seal between a lug and cutting cone of an earth bit.
- the earth bit seal assembly includes first and second rigid rings coupled together with a flexible ring.
- the flexible ring is spaced from the lug and cutting cone to reduce the likelihood of it becoming impregnated with debris and wearing down.
- the flexible ring does not form a dynamic seal with the lug or cutting cone.
- the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other.
- the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move towards and away from each other.
- the flexible ring allows the first rigid ring to move towards and away from the lug and the flexible ring allows the second rigid ring to move towards and away from the cutting cone.
- the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other so that the seal provided by the earth bit seal assembly is less likely to break in response to movement of the cutting cone and lug relative to each other.
- the earth bit seal assembly includes a first magnetic ring carried by the first rigid ring, wherein the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move relative to the second rigid ring.
- the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move towards and away from the second rigid ring.
- the earth bit seal assembly includes a second magnetic ring carried by the second rigid ring, wherein the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move relative to the first rigid ring.
- the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move towards and away from the first rigid ring.
- the first magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to the lug and the second magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to the cutting cone.
- the first magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to the lug so that the seal therebetween is less likely to be broken in response to movement of the cutting cone relative to the lug.
- the second magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to the cutting cone so that the seal therebetween is less likely to be broken in response to movement of the cutting cone relative to the lug.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an earth bit having an earth bit seal assembly, in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 2 a is a view of an earth bit seal assembly which can be used with the earth bit of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 2 b is an exploded perspective view of the earth bit seal assembly of FIG. 2 a.
- FIG. 2 c is a side view of the earth bit seal assembly of FIG. 2 a in the unflexed condition.
- FIGS. 2 d and 2 e are side views of the earth bit seal assembly of FIG. 2 a in the flexed condition.
- FIG. 3 a is a side view of an earth bit seal assembly 105 b which can be used with the earth bit of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 3 b is an exploded perspective view of the earth bit seal assembly of FIG. 3 a.
- FIGS. 3 c and 3 d are side views of the earth bit seal assembly of FIG. 3 a in unflexed and flexed conditions, respectively.
- FIG. 4 a is a side view of an earth bit seal assembly which can be used with the earth bit of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of the earth bit seal assembly of FIG. 4 a.
- FIG. 4 c is a side view of the earth bit seal assembly of FIG. 4 a in the unflexed condition.
- FIGS. 4 d and 4 e are side views of the earth bit seal assembly of FIG. 4 a in the flexed condition.
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a magnetic ring, which can be included with the earth bit seal assemblies of FIGS. 1 , 2 a , 3 a and 4 a.
- FIG. 5 c is a bottom view of another embodiment of a magnetic ring, which can be included with the earth bit seal assemblies of FIGS. 1 , 2 a , 3 a and 4 a.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are flow diagrams of methods of providing a seal for an earth bit, in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 6 c is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing an earth bit seal assembly, in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an earth bit 100 , in accordance with the invention.
- earth bit 100 includes a lug 101 and cutting cone 102 , wherein cutting cone 102 is rotatably coupled to and retained by lug 101 .
- Cutting cone 102 can be rotatably coupled to lug 101 in many different ways.
- cutting cone 102 is rotatably coupled to lug 101 with roller bearings 106 and 107 , as well as with ball bearings 108 .
- Cutting cone 102 can be retained by lug 101 in many different ways, such as with the use of ball bearings 108 .
- the rotation of cutting cone 102 about lug 101 is facilitated by retaining a lubricant in a region 110 between them.
- the lubricant reduces the friction between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 and lubricates roller bearings 106 and 107 and ball bearings 108 .
- the rotation of cutting cone 102 about lug 101 is also facilitated by restricting the flow of debris into region 110 .
- Earth bit 100 includes several debris entry regions, two of which are denoted as regions 103 and 104 . Regions 103 and 104 extend from a region 109 external to earth bit 100 to region 110 between lug 101 and cone 102 .
- the flow of debris through regions 103 and 104 and into region 110 can undesirably increase the friction between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- the flow of lubricant through regions 103 and 104 and out of region 110 can undesirably increase the friction between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- earth bit 100 includes an earth bit seal assembly 105 positioned so it extends through regions 103 and 103 and forms a seal between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- Seal assembly 105 is positioned to retain lubricant in region 110 and to restrict the flow of debris into region 110 .
- earth bit seal assembly 105 includes two rigid rings coupled together with a flexible ring, wherein the flexible ring does not form a dynamic seal with lug 101 or cutting cone 102 . Further, in accordance with the invention, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other. In this way, seal assembly 105 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions. For example, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move towards and away from each other. The flexible ring allows the first rigid ring to move towards and away from lug 101 and allows the second rigid ring to move towards and away from cutting cone 102 . In this way, earth bit seal 105 is less likely to break the seal between cutting cone 102 and lug 101 in response to movement of cutting cone 102 relative to lug 101 .
- a portion of earth bit seal assembly 105 can be in the flexed condition and another portion can be in the unflexed condition.
- the portion of seal assembly 105 in region 103 can be in the flexed condition and the portion of seal assembly 105 in region 104 can be in the unflexed condition.
- the portion of seal assembly 105 in region 104 can be in the flexed condition and the portion of seal assembly 105 in region 103 can be in the unflexed condition.
- the portions of seal assembly 105 in the flexed and unflexed conditions depends on the relative movement between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- the portion of the flexible ring in region 103 is stretched when seal assembly 105 in region 103 is in the flexed condition. Further, the portion of the flexible ring in region 104 is stretched when seal assembly 105 in region 104 is in the flexed condition. The portion of the flexible ring in region 103 is unstretched when seal assembly 105 in region 103 is in the unflexed condition. The portion of the flexible ring in region 104 is unstretched when seal assembly 105 in region 104 is in the unflexed condition. In the unstretched condition, portions of the flexible ring can be compressed or uncompressed. In general, the compression and uncompression of the flexible ring depends on the relative movement between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- earth bit 100 further includes a first magnetic ring which couples the first rigid ring to lug 101 , wherein the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move relative to the second rigid ring.
- the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move towards and away from the second rigid ring.
- the first magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to lug 101 so that the seal therebetween is less likely to be broken in response to relative movement between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- earth bit 100 includes a second magnetic ring which couples the second rigid ring to cutting cone 102 , wherein the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move relative to the first rigid ring.
- the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move towards and away from the first rigid ring.
- the second magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to cutting cone 102 so that the seal therebetween is less likely to be broken in response to relative movement between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- the first and second magnetic rings determine the force with which seal assembly 105 engages lug 101 and/or cone 102 .
- a stronger seal is provided by seal assembly 105 between lug 101 and cone 102 if the force with which seal assembly 105 engages them increases.
- a weaker seal is provided by seal assembly 105 between lug 101 and cone 102 if the force with which seal assembly 105 engages them decreases. If seal assembly 105 provides a stronger seal between lug 101 and cone 102 , less material can flow between regions 109 and 110 . If seal assembly 105 provides a weaker seal between lug 101 and cone 102 , more material can flow between regions 109 and 110 .
- the flexible ring restricts the flow of lubricant and debris between regions 109 and 110 .
- the flexible ring is positioned away from the dynamic sealing surfaces of seal assembly 105 .
- the flexible ring is positioned away from the dynamic sealing surfaces so that it is less likely to become impregnated with debris.
- the flexible ring is positioned away from the dynamic sealing surfaces so that, if it becomes impregnated with debris, it will not act as an abrasive ring that removes material from lug 101 and cone 102 . If material is undesirably removed from lug 101 and cone 102 , the static and dynamic surfaces of seal assembly 105 may not be able to sealingly engage them.
- seal assembly 105 If the static and dynamic surfaces of seal assembly 105 cannot sealingly engage lug 101 and cone 102 , material is more likely to undesirably flow between regions 109 and 110 . The material typically flows through the interfaces between seal assembly 105 and lug 101 and cone 102 .
- earth bit seals described herein can be used in an axial or radial sealing configuration.
- An axial sealing configuration includes upper and lower rigid rings while a radial sealing configuration includes inner and outer rigid rings.
- only an axial sealing configuration is shown in the drawings.
- FIG. 2 a is a view of an earth bit seal assembly 105 a in region 104 , in accordance with the invention, which replaces seal assembly 105 of FIG. 1 .
- Seal assembly 105 a forms a dynamic sealing surface 112 with lug 101 .
- seal assembly 105 a forms static sealing surfaces 111 a and 111 b with cutting cone 102 .
- seal assembly 105 a includes rigid rings 120 and 121 coupled together with a flexible ring 122 , which extends between them. Flexible ring 122 and rigid rings 120 and 121 restrict the flow of material between regions 109 and 110 . Hence, flexible ring 122 and rigid rings 120 and 121 block debris from entering region 110 and keeps the lubricant in region 110 from flowing to region 109 .
- earth bit seal assembly 105 a is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions, as will be discussed in more detail with FIGS. 2 c , 2 d and 2 e.
- seal assembly 105 a is carried by cutting cone 102 so that it rotates therewith.
- Flexible ring 122 is engaged with rigid ring 121 so that they do not rotate relative to each other.
- Flexible ring 122 engages cutting cone 102 and forms static sealing surface 111 a
- rigid ring 120 engages lug 101 and forms a portion of dynamic sealing surface 112 .
- Another portion of dynamic sealing surface 112 is formed by magnetic rings 115 and 116 .
- rigid ring 120 also forms static sealing surface 111 b with cutting cone 102 .
- seal assembly 105 a can be carried by lug 101 and have a dynamic sealing surface engaged with cone 102 and a static sealing surface engaged with lug 101 .
- flexible ring 122 does not form a dynamic seal with lug 101 or cutting cone 102 , so that it is less likely to become impregnated with debris and wear down. Hence, flexible ring 122 does not form a portion of dynamic sealing surface 112 . Instead, flexible ring 122 is spaced from dynamic sealing surface 112 by rigid ring 120 .
- FIG. 2 b is an exploded perspective view of earth bit seal assembly 105 a .
- Flexible ring 122 can have many different configurations, but, in this embodiment, it is annular in shape and includes a groove 124 , wherein groove 124 is downwardly facing and sized and shaped to receive rigid ring 121 .
- Flexible ring 122 includes a tongue 123 which extends along its outer diameter and is sized and shaped to be received by rigid ring 120 . Tongue 123 extends outwardly and groove 124 extends downwardly so that they extend at a non-zero angle relative to each other.
- Rigid rings 120 and 121 can have many different configurations, but, in this embodiment, rigid ring 121 has a rectangular cross-section and is sized and shaped to be received by groove 124 . Further, rigid ring 120 includes a groove 125 extending along its inner diameter, wherein groove 125 is sized and shaped to receive tongue 123 .
- rigid ring 120 includes a downwardly facing groove 126 sized and shaped to receive a magnetic ring 115 . It should be noted that, in some embodiments, rigid ring 120 can include a groove sized and shaped to receive a magnetic ring 116 . However, in this embodiment, magnetic ring 116 engages a sidewall of rigid ring 120 . Magnetic rings 115 and 116 are attached to rigid ring 120 and magnetically couple it to lug 101 , as shown in FIG. 2 a.
- magnetic rings 115 and 116 are replaced with an L-shaped magnetic ring 117 .
- Magnetic ring 117 is L-shaped because it has an L-shaped cross-section.
- L-shaped magnetic ring 117 includes a portion 115 a which extends through groove 126 and another portion 116 a which extends along the sidewall of rigid ring 120 .
- Magnetic ring 117 is attached to rigid ring 120 and magnetically couples it to lug 101 in a manner the same or similar to magnetic rings 115 and 116 .
- flexible ring 122 and rigid rings 120 and 121 as well as magnetic rings 115 , 116 and 117 , are annular members as will be discussed in more detail with FIGS. 5 a , 5 b and 5 c.
- the rings included in earth bit seal assembly 105 can be coupled together in many different ways.
- flexible ring 122 is coupled to rigid rings 120 and 121 using an adhesive material.
- flexible ring 122 can be coupled to rigid rings 120 and 121 using mechanical, chemical or thermal methods. These methods often include compression, bonding, and/or vulcanization.
- Magnetic rings 115 , 116 and 117 can be coupled to a rigid ring using the same or similar methods.
- the flexible ring and rigid rings can include many different types of materials. However, the material included in the rigid rings is more rigid than the material included in the flexible ring.
- Flexible ring 122 can include materials, such as an elastomer, vulcanite, polyurethane, Teflon, etc. These materials can be formed in many different ways, such as machining, injection molding, compression molding or a similar process.
- Rigid rings 120 and 121 can include metal materials, such as steel.
- Magnetic rings 115 , 116 and 117 can include many different types of magnetic materials, such as rare earth elements.
- Magnetic ring 115 is carried by rigid ring 120 so it is positioned adjacent to dynamic sealing surface 112 a . In this way, magnetic ring 115 and rigid ring 120 form portions of dynamic sealing surface 112 a . Magnetic ring 115 is magnetically attracted to the material included in lug 101 . Hence, the strength of the seal provided by seal assembly 105 a depends on the magnetic attraction of magnetic ring 115 to lug 101 . In the embodiment in which seal assembly 105 a is carried by lug 101 and dynamic sealing surface 112 engages cone 102 , seal assembly 105 a is rearranged so that the strength of its seal depends on the magnetic attraction of magnetic ring 115 to cutting cone 102 .
- seal assembly 105 a An advantage of seal assembly 105 a is that rigid ring 120 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation with lug 101 by the magnetic attraction of magnetic ring 115 to lug 101 .
- flexible ring 122 energizes rigid ring 120 into a dynamic sealing situation with lug 101 to a lesser extent, but this is mostly accomplished by magnetic ring 115 .
- magnetic ring 115 affects how strongly dynamic sealing surface 112 engages lug 101 and this determines how much material can flow through the interface between lug 101 and seal assembly 105 a.
- seal assembly 105 a Another advantage of seal assembly 105 a is that flexible ring 122 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b by magnetic ring 115 and rigid ring 120 . Hence, flexible ring 122 is less likely to become impregnated with debris, which can cause the abrasion of surfaces 112 a and 112 b and/or the surface of lug 101 that engages seal assembly 105 a .
- the abrasion of surfaces 112 a and 112 b and lug 101 involves the removal of material therefrom and weakens the seal between lug 101 and cone 102 provided by seal assembly 105 a . This allows more material to undesirably flow between regions 109 and 110 , as discussed above.
- Flexible ring 122 allows rigid rings 120 and 121 to move relative to each other to account for movement of lug 101 and cutting cone 102 relative to each other. Hence, the strength of the seal provided by seal assembly 105 a remains strong even as lug 101 and cutting cone 102 rotate.
- seal assembly 105 a generally includes one or more magnetic rings.
- seal assembly 105 a can include magnetic ring 115 or magnetic rings 115 and 116 to provide a stronger seal.
- magnetic rings 115 and 116 can have many different configurations. Here, they are each shown as including a single magnetic ring for illustrative purposes. However, they can be magnetic rings having separate magnetic elements carried by a base ring, as discussed in more detail with FIG. 5 c.
- magnetic ring 116 is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to magnetic ring 115 , wherein the non-zero angle is ninety degrees.
- the non-zero angle can have other values in other embodiments.
- rigid ring 120 can carry one magnetic ring and rigid ring 121 can carry another, as will be discussed in more detail with FIGS. 3 a and 3 b.
- FIGS. 2 c and 2 d are side views of earth bit seal assembly 105 a in unflexed and flexed conditions, respectively.
- earth bit seal assembly 105 a is repeatably moveable between the flexed and unflexed conditions.
- Earth bit seal assembly 105 a can be moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions in many different ways.
- One way seal assembly 105 a is moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions is in response to the movement between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- cutting cone 102 can move in a radial direction, as indicated by a direction arrow 127 , and a non-radial direction, as indicated by a direction arrow 128 .
- Movement of cutting cone 102 in non-radial direction 128 is in response to a force which moves cutting cone 102 towards and away from lug 101 . Further, movement of cutting cone 102 in radial direction 127 is in response to a force which moves cutting cone 102 along lug 101 . These forces are generally provided in response to cutting cone 102 engaging earthen annulus.
- flexible ring 122 bends in response to force applied in direction 128 , as shown in FIG. 2 e .
- earth bit seal assembly 105 a is moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions by stretching and bending flexible ring 122 .
- flexible ring 122 is not stretched or bent, earth bit seal assembly 105 a is in the unflexed condition.
- earth bit seal assembly 105 a is in the flexed condition.
- Earth bit seal assembly 105 moves between the flexed and unflexed conditions in response to the relative movement between cutting cone 102 and lug 101 for many different reasons.
- flexible ring 122 is coupled to cutting cone 102 and rigid ring 120 is magnetically coupled to lug 101 with magnetic rings 115 and 116 .
- flexible ring 122 and rigid ring 120 are coupled together, as discussed in more detail above. Hence, movement of cutting cone 102 relative to lug 101 stretches and compresses flexible ring 122 .
- FIG. 3 a is a side view of an earth bit seal assembly 105 b in region 103 , in accordance with the invention, which replaces seal assembly 105 of FIG. 1 .
- Seal assembly 105 b forms dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b with cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively.
- seal assembly 105 b includes rigid rings 130 and 131 coupled together with a flexible ring 132 , which extends between them. Flexible ring 132 restricts the flow of material between rigid rings 130 and 131 .
- Flexible ring 132 and rigid rings 130 and 131 block debris from entering region 110 and keeps the lubricant in region 110 from flowing to region 109 .
- earth bit seal assembly 105 b is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions, as will be discussed in more detail with FIGS. 3 c and 3 d.
- FIG. 3 b is an exploded perspective view of earth bit seal assembly 105 b .
- Flexible ring 132 can have many different configurations.
- flexible ring 132 is annular and includes portions 132 a and 132 b which are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to each other.
- Rigid rings 130 and 131 can have many different configurations.
- rigid ring 130 includes a groove 133 which extends along its inner periphery and an upwardly facing groove 134 .
- Groove 133 is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to groove 134 .
- Groove 133 is sized and shaped to receive portion 132 a of flexible ring 132 .
- groove 134 is sized and shaped to receive magnetic ring 115 .
- rigid ring 131 includes a downwardly facing groove 136 sized and shaped to receive magnetic ring 116 .
- Rigid ring 131 includes a groove 135 which faces outwardly and upwardly and is sized and shaped to receive portion 132 b of flexible ring 132 .
- the rings in earth bit seal assembly 105 b can be coupled together in many different ways, such those discussed above with seal assembly 105 a . Further, it should also be noted that the rings included in earth bit seal assembly 105 b can include many different materials, such as those discussed above with seal assembly 105 a.
- magnetic ring 115 is carried by rigid ring 130 so that rigid ring 130 is magnetically coupled with cutting cone 102 .
- Rigid ring 130 and magnetic ring 115 form dynamic sealing surface 112 a , which is engaged with cutting cone 102 .
- magnetic ring 116 is carried by rigid ring 131 so that rigid ring 131 is magnetically coupled with lug 101 .
- Rigid ring 131 and magnetic ring 116 form dynamic sealing surface 112 b , which is engaged with lug 101 .
- Magnetic rings 115 and 116 are magnetically attracted to the materials included in cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively. Hence, the strength of the seal provided by seal assembly 105 b is determined in response to the magnetic attraction between magnetic rings 115 and 116 and cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively.
- seal assembly 105 b An advantage of seal assembly 105 b is that rigid ring 130 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation with cutting cone 102 by the magnetic attraction between magnetic ring 115 and cutting cone 102 . Further, rigid ring 131 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation with lug 101 by the magnetic attraction between magnetic ring 116 and lug 101 . In this embodiment, flexible ring 132 energizes rigid rings 130 and 131 into dynamic sealing situations with cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively, to a lesser extent, but this is mostly accomplished by magnetic rings 115 and 116 .
- magnetic rings 115 and 116 affect how strongly dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b engages cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively, and this determines how much material can flow through the interface between seal assembly 105 b and lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- seal assembly 105 b Another advantage of seal assembly 105 b is that flexible ring 132 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b by rigid rings 130 and 131 , respectively, so it is less likely to become impregnated with debris. As mentioned above, when flexible ring 132 is impregnated with debris, it can cause the abrasion of the surfaces of lug 101 and cutting cone 102 that engage seal assembly 105 b.
- Flexible ring 132 allows rigid rings 130 and 131 to move relative to each other to account for movement of lug 101 and cutting cone 102 relative to each other. Hence, the strength of the seal provided by seal assembly 105 b remains strong even as lug 101 and cutting cone 102 rotate.
- seal assembly 105 b includes two magnetic rings, but it generally includes one or more magnetic rings.
- a magnetic ring is carried by rigid ring 130 and not by rigid ring 131 .
- a magnetic ring is carried by rigid ring 131 and not rigid ring 130 .
- FIGS. 3 c and 3 d are side views of earth bit seal assembly 105 b in unflexed and flexed conditions, respectively.
- Earth bit seal assembly 105 b can be moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions in many different ways.
- One way seal assembly 105 b is moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions is in response to the movement between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- cutting cone 102 can move in a radial direction, as indicated by direction arrow 127 , and a non-radial direction, as indicated by direction arrow 128 .
- Flexible ring 132 stretches in response to a force applied in direction 127 and bends in response to a force applied in direction 128 .
- Earth bit seal assembly 105 b moves between the flexed and unflexed conditions in response to the relative movement between cutting cone 102 and lug 101 for many different reasons.
- flexible ring 132 extends between rigid rings 130 and 131 and rigid rings 130 and 130 are magnetically coupled with cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , as discussed in more detail above. Further, flexible ring 132 and rigid rings 130 and 131 are coupled together. Hence, movement of cutting cone 102 relative to lug 101 stretches and compresses flexible ring 132 .
- Seal 105 b provides the same or similar advantages as seal assembly 105 a .
- flexible ring 132 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surface 112 a by magnetic ring 115 and rigid ring 130 .
- flexible ring 132 is also spaced apart from dynamic sealing surface 112 b by magnetic ring 116 and rigid ring 131 . In this way, flexible ring 132 is less likely to become impregnated with debris, which can cause the abrasion of lug 101 and cone 102 .
- FIG. 4 a is a side view of an earth bit seal assembly 105 c in region 103 , in accordance with the invention, which replaces seal assembly 105 of FIG. 1 .
- Seal assembly 105 c forms dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b with cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively.
- seal assembly 105 c includes rigid rings 140 and 141 coupled together with a flexible ring 142 , which extends between them. Flexible ring 142 allows rigid rings 140 and 141 to move relative to each other to account for relative movement between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 . Hence, the strength of the seal provided by seal assembly 105 c remains strong even as lug 101 and cutting cone 102 rotate.
- Flexible ring 142 covers an interface 143 between rigid rings 140 and 141 , and restricts the flow of material between rigid rings 140 and 141 .
- Flexible ring 142 and rigid rings 140 and 141 block debris from entering region 110 and keeps the lubricant in region 110 from flowing to region 109 .
- earth bit seal assembly 105 c is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions, as will be discussed in more detail with FIGS. 4 c , 4 d and 4 e.
- FIG. 4 b is an exploded perspective view of earth bit seal assembly 105 c .
- Flexible ring 142 can have many different configurations, but in this embodiment, flexible ring 142 is annular and includes an inwardly facing groove 145 . A portion of flexible ring 142 on one side of groove 145 is engaged with rigid ring 140 , and another portion of flexible ring 142 on the other side of groove 145 is engaged with rigid ring 141 . In this way, flexible ring 142 extends between rigid rings 140 and 141 and covers interface 143 between rigid rings 140 and 141 , as shown in FIG. 4 a.
- Rigid rings 140 and 141 can have many different configurations, but in this embodiment, rigid ring 140 includes an upwardly facing groove 143 sized and shaped to receive magnetic ring 115 . Further, rigid ring 141 includes a downwardly facing groove 144 sized and shaped to receive magnetic ring 116 . Rigid ring 140 includes a downwardly facing groove 146 and rigid ring 141 includes an upwardly facing tongue 147 , wherein groove 146 is sized and shaped to receive tongue 147 .
- magnetic ring 115 is carried by rigid ring 140 so that rigid ring 140 is magnetically coupled with cutting cone 102 .
- Rigid ring 140 and magnetic ring 115 form dynamic sealing surface 112 a , which is engaged with cutting cone 102 .
- magnetic ring 116 is carried by rigid ring 141 so that rigid ring 141 is magnetically coupled with lug 101 .
- Rigid ring 141 and magnetic ring 116 form dynamic sealing surface 112 b , which is engaged with lug 101 .
- Magnetic rings 115 and 116 are magnetically attracted to the materials included in cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively. Hence, the strength of the seal provided by seal assembly 105 c is determined in response to the magnetic attraction between magnetic rings 115 and 116 and cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively.
- seal assembly 105 c An advantage of seal assembly 105 c is that rigid ring 140 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation with cutting cone 102 by the magnetic attraction between magnetic ring 115 and cutting cone 102 . Further, rigid ring 141 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation with lug 101 by the magnetic attraction between magnetic ring 116 and lug 101 . In this embodiment, flexible ring 142 energizes rigid rings 140 and 141 into dynamic sealing situations with cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively, to a lesser extent, but this is mostly accomplished by magnetic rings 115 and 116 .
- magnetic rings 115 and 116 affect how strongly dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b engage cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , respectively, and this determines how much material can flow through the interface between seal assembly 105 c and lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- seal assembly 105 c Another advantage of seal assembly 105 c is that flexible ring 142 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b , so it is less likely to become impregnated with debris.
- flexible ring 142 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b by rigid rings 140 and 141 , respectively. When flexible ring 142 is impregnated with debris, it can cause the abrasion of the surfaces of lug 101 and cutting cone 102 that engage seal assembly 105 c.
- seal assembly 105 c includes two magnetic rings in this embodiment, but it generally includes one or more magnetic rings.
- a magnetic ring is carried by rigid ring 140 and not by rigid ring 141 .
- a magnetic ring is carried by rigid ring 141 and not rigid ring 140 .
- FIGS. 4 c and 4 d are side views of earth bit seal assembly 105 c in unflexed and flexed conditions, respectively.
- Earth bit seal assembly 105 c can be moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions in many different ways.
- One way seal assembly 105 c is moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions is in response to the movement between lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- cutting cone 102 can move in a radial direction, as indicated by direction arrow 127 , and a non-radial direction, as indicated by direction arrow 128 .
- Earth bit seal assembly 105 c moves between the flexed and unflexed conditions in response to the relative movement between cutting cone 102 and lug 101 for many different reasons.
- flexible ring 142 extends between rigid rings 140 and 141 and rigid rings 140 and 140 are magnetically coupled with cutting cone 102 and lug 101 , as discussed in more detail above. Further, flexible ring 142 and rigid rings 140 and 141 are coupled together. Hence, movement of cutting cone 102 relative to lug 101 stretches and unstretches flexible ring 142 .
- Seal 105 c provides the same or similar advantages as seal assemblies 105 a and 105 b .
- flexible ring 142 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surface 112 a by magnetic ring 115 and rigid ring 140 .
- flexible ring 142 is also spaced apart from dynamic sealing surface 112 b by magnetic ring 116 and rigid ring 141 . In this way, flexible ring 142 is less likely to become impregnated with debris, which can cause the abrasion of lug 101 and cutting cone 102 .
- FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of magnetic ring 115 , which can be included with an earth bit seal assembly, such as those discussed herein.
- magnetic rings 115 and 116 have the same shape and are annular. It should be noted, however, that magnetic ring 116 can have a different shape from magnetic ring 115 . It should also be noted that rigid rings 120 and 121 , as well as flexible ring 122 , are also annular in shape.
- FIG. 5 b is a bottom view of one embodiment of magnetic rings 115 and 116 attached to corresponding rigid rings 120 and 121 .
- magnetic rings 115 , 116 are carried by and attached to corresponding rigid rings 120 and 121 .
- Magnetic rings 115 and 116 are positioned so they extend through the central periphery of corresponding rigid rings 120 and 121 .
- magnetic ring 115 and 116 can be positioned closer to the inner and outer periphery of corresponding rigid rings 120 and 121 .
- the outer periphery of the rigid ring provides a stronger seal with the lug or cone and the inner periphery provides a weaker seal.
- the inner periphery of the rigid ring provides a stronger seal with the lug or cone and the outer periphery provides a weaker one.
- magnetic ring 115 or 116 is positioned near the inner periphery of corresponding rigid rings 120 and 121 .
- a substitution arrow 118 is indicated by FIG. 5 b .
- a substitution arrow 119 is indicated by a substitution arrow 119 .
- the rigid and magnetic rings are separate pieces attached together, but they can be formed as a single piece or multiple pieces in other examples.
- FIG. 5 c is a bottom view of a magnetic ring 150 , in accordance with the invention, which includes multiple pieces.
- magnetic ring 150 includes a ring base 151 which carries a number of magnets 152 .
- Magnets 115 e are attached to ring base 115 d and equidistantly spaced apart from each other.
- magnets 152 do not have to be equidistantly spaced apart from each other.
- Magnets 152 and ring base 151 define dynamic sealing surface 112 a.
- the number of magnets 152 included with magnetic ring 150 determines the strength of the seal formed with the cone or lug.
- the strength of the seal increases as the number of magnets 152 increases. Further, the strength of the seal decreases as the number of magnets 152 decreases.
- a desired seal strength can be chosen by choosing the number of magnets included with magnetic ring 150 .
- FIG. 6 a is a flow diagram of a method 200 of providing a seal for an earth bit.
- method 200 includes a step 201 of providing a flexible ring and a step 202 of coupling first and second rigid rings together using the flexible ring.
- the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other.
- Method 200 includes a step 203 of positioning the flexible ring and the first and second rigid rings to provide a seal between a lug and a cutting cone of an earth bit.
- method 200 can include many other steps.
- method 200 includes a step of forming a dynamic seal between the first rigid ring and the lug and a static seal between the flexible ring and cutting cone.
- method 200 includes a step of forming dynamic seals between the first and second rigid rings and the lug and cutting cone, respectively.
- method 200 includes a step of positioning the flexible ring so it does not engage the lug or cutting cone. In some embodiments, method 200 includes a step of moving the first and second rigid rings towards and away from each other by compressing and stretching, respectively, the flexible ring.
- method 200 includes a step of coupling a first magnetic ring to the first rigid ring, wherein the first magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to the lug. In some embodiments, method 200 includes a step of coupling a second magnetic ring to the second rigid ring, wherein the second magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to the cutting cone.
- FIG. 6 b is a flow diagram of a method 210 of providing a seal for an earth bit.
- method 210 includes a step 211 of providing a flexible ring and a step 212 of coupling first and second rigid rings together using the flexible ring.
- the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other.
- Method 210 includes a step 213 of positioning the flexible ring and the first and second rigid rings so they are carried by the lug.
- Method 210 includes a step 214 of rotatably mounting the cutting cone to the lug so that the earth bit seal assembly moves from the flexed to the unflexed condition in response.
- FIG. 6 c is a flow diagram of a method 220 of manufacturing an earth bit seal assembly, in accordance with the invention.
- method 220 includes a step 221 of providing a flexible ring and a step 222 of coupling first and second rigid rings together using the flexible ring.
- the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other.
- methods 210 and 220 can include many other steps, several of which are discussed in more detail with method 200 . Further, it should be noted that the steps in methods 200 , 210 and 220 can be performed in many different orders.
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Abstract
An earth bit seal includes a magnetic ring that determines how strongly the earth bit seal engages a lug and/or cone of an earth bit. The earth bit seal also includes a flexible ring positioned away from any dynamic sealing surfaces that engage the lug or cone. The flexible ring is positioned away from the dynamic sealing surfaces so that, if it becomes impregnated with debris, it will not act as an abrasive ring that undesirably removes material from them, or from the lug and cone.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/869,494 filed on Dec. 11, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to a seal assembly for earth bits.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- An earth bit is commonly used to bore holes into earthen annulus. Such holes may be bored for many different reasons, such as drilling for oil, minerals and geothermal steam. There are several different types of earth bits that are used for drilling. One type is a rotary earth bit and, in a typical setup, it includes three earth bit cutting cones rotatably mounted to a corresponding lug. The lugs are mounted on an earth bit body and, as the earth bit body is rotated in the bore hole, the earth bit cutting cones rotate in response to contacting the earthen annulus.
- In normal use, the earth bit contacts hard rock formations while being exposed to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures. As a result, the earth bit tends to wear down. The lugs are especially prone to wearing down because of friction between them and the cutting cones. Earth bit seals are often used to reduce the friction by retaining a lubricant between the lugs and cutting cones and by keeping debris away. Reducing friction between the lugs and cutting cones increases the lifetime of the earth bit.
- The earth bit seals are generally in rotating contact with the lug and/or cutting cone. The surface portion of the earth bit seal in rotating contact with the lug or cutting cone is typically known as a dynamic sealing surface, and the surface portion of the earth bit seal in static contact with the earth bit lug or cutting cone is typically known as a static sealing surface.
- Earth bit seals are often manufactured from elastomeric materials and generally experience the extreme conditions mentioned above. The elastomeric material can become impregnated with debris, especially if it forms a part of the dynamic sealing surface. An elastomeric material impregnated with debris is more likely to tear. Further, an elastomeric material impregnated with debris acts as an abrasive ring that undesirably removes material from the earth bit seal, lug and cutting cone.
- To reduce the amount of material removed, many earth bit seals include metal face seals which form the dynamic sealing surface. This is because metal face seals do not become impregnated with debris as easily as seals made with elastomeric materials. The metal face seal generally contacts a metal surface of either the cutting cone or lug, or another metal face seal. However, it is often desirable to engage, with a larger force, the dynamic sealing surface of the metal face seal with the surface of the cutting cone or lug to provide a stronger seal between them.
- The present invention employs an earth bit seal assembly, which is used to provide a seal between a lug and cutting cone of an earth bit. The earth bit seal assembly includes first and second rigid rings coupled together with a flexible ring. In accordance with the invention, the flexible ring is spaced from the lug and cutting cone to reduce the likelihood of it becoming impregnated with debris and wearing down. In some embodiments, the flexible ring does not form a dynamic seal with the lug or cutting cone.
- Further, in accordance with the invention, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other. For example, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move towards and away from each other. The flexible ring allows the first rigid ring to move towards and away from the lug and the flexible ring allows the second rigid ring to move towards and away from the cutting cone. The flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other so that the seal provided by the earth bit seal assembly is less likely to break in response to movement of the cutting cone and lug relative to each other.
- In some embodiments, the earth bit seal assembly includes a first magnetic ring carried by the first rigid ring, wherein the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move relative to the second rigid ring. For example, the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move towards and away from the second rigid ring.
- In some embodiments, the earth bit seal assembly includes a second magnetic ring carried by the second rigid ring, wherein the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move relative to the first rigid ring. For example, the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move towards and away from the first rigid ring.
- The first magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to the lug and the second magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to the cutting cone. The first magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to the lug so that the seal therebetween is less likely to be broken in response to movement of the cutting cone relative to the lug. Further, the second magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to the cutting cone so that the seal therebetween is less likely to be broken in response to movement of the cutting cone relative to the lug.
- Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an earth bit having an earth bit seal assembly, in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 2 a is a view of an earth bit seal assembly which can be used with the earth bit ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 2 b is an exploded perspective view of the earth bit seal assembly ofFIG. 2 a. -
FIG. 2 c is a side view of the earth bit seal assembly ofFIG. 2 a in the unflexed condition. -
FIGS. 2 d and 2 e are side views of the earth bit seal assembly ofFIG. 2 a in the flexed condition. -
FIG. 3 a is a side view of an earthbit seal assembly 105 b which can be used with the earth bit ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 3 b is an exploded perspective view of the earth bit seal assembly ofFIG. 3 a. -
FIGS. 3 c and 3 d are side views of the earth bit seal assembly ofFIG. 3 a in unflexed and flexed conditions, respectively. -
FIG. 4 a is a side view of an earth bit seal assembly which can be used with the earth bit ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of the earth bit seal assembly ofFIG. 4 a. -
FIG. 4 c is a side view of the earth bit seal assembly ofFIG. 4 a in the unflexed condition. -
FIGS. 4 d and 4 e are side views of the earth bit seal assembly ofFIG. 4 a in the flexed condition. -
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a magnetic ring, which can be included with the earth bit seal assemblies ofFIGS. 1 , 2 a, 3 a and 4 a. -
FIG. 5 c is a bottom view of another embodiment of a magnetic ring, which can be included with the earth bit seal assemblies ofFIGS. 1 , 2 a, 3 a and 4 a. -
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are flow diagrams of methods of providing a seal for an earth bit, in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 6 c is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing an earth bit seal assembly, in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of anearth bit 100, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment,earth bit 100 includes alug 101 and cuttingcone 102, whereincutting cone 102 is rotatably coupled to and retained bylug 101. Cuttingcone 102 can be rotatably coupled to lug 101 in many different ways. In this embodiment, cuttingcone 102 is rotatably coupled to lug 101 withroller bearings ball bearings 108. Cuttingcone 102 can be retained bylug 101 in many different ways, such as with the use ofball bearings 108. - The rotation of cutting
cone 102 aboutlug 101 is facilitated by retaining a lubricant in aregion 110 between them. The lubricant reduces the friction betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102 and lubricatesroller bearings ball bearings 108. The rotation of cuttingcone 102 aboutlug 101 is also facilitated by restricting the flow of debris intoregion 110.Earth bit 100 includes several debris entry regions, two of which are denoted asregions Regions region 109 external toearth bit 100 toregion 110 betweenlug 101 andcone 102. The flow of debris throughregions region 110 can undesirably increase the friction betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. Further, the flow of lubricant throughregions region 110 can undesirably increase the friction betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. - In this embodiment,
earth bit 100 includes an earthbit seal assembly 105 positioned so it extends throughregions lug 101 and cuttingcone 102.Seal assembly 105 is positioned to retain lubricant inregion 110 and to restrict the flow of debris intoregion 110. - In accordance with the invention, earth
bit seal assembly 105 includes two rigid rings coupled together with a flexible ring, wherein the flexible ring does not form a dynamic seal withlug 101 or cuttingcone 102. Further, in accordance with the invention, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other. In this way,seal assembly 105 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions. For example, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move towards and away from each other. The flexible ring allows the first rigid ring to move towards and away fromlug 101 and allows the second rigid ring to move towards and away from cuttingcone 102. In this way,earth bit seal 105 is less likely to break the seal between cuttingcone 102 and lug 101 in response to movement of cuttingcone 102 relative to lug 101. - It should be noted that, in some situations, a portion of earth
bit seal assembly 105 can be in the flexed condition and another portion can be in the unflexed condition. For example, the portion ofseal assembly 105 inregion 103 can be in the flexed condition and the portion ofseal assembly 105 inregion 104 can be in the unflexed condition. Further, the portion ofseal assembly 105 inregion 104 can be in the flexed condition and the portion ofseal assembly 105 inregion 103 can be in the unflexed condition. In general, the portions ofseal assembly 105 in the flexed and unflexed conditions depends on the relative movement betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. - It should also be noted that the portion of the flexible ring in
region 103 is stretched whenseal assembly 105 inregion 103 is in the flexed condition. Further, the portion of the flexible ring inregion 104 is stretched whenseal assembly 105 inregion 104 is in the flexed condition. The portion of the flexible ring inregion 103 is unstretched whenseal assembly 105 inregion 103 is in the unflexed condition. The portion of the flexible ring inregion 104 is unstretched whenseal assembly 105 inregion 104 is in the unflexed condition. In the unstretched condition, portions of the flexible ring can be compressed or uncompressed. In general, the compression and uncompression of the flexible ring depends on the relative movement betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. - In accordance with the invention,
earth bit 100 further includes a first magnetic ring which couples the first rigid ring to lug 101, wherein the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move relative to the second rigid ring. For example, the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move towards and away from the second rigid ring. The first magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to lug 101 so that the seal therebetween is less likely to be broken in response to relative movement betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. - In some embodiments,
earth bit 100 includes a second magnetic ring which couples the second rigid ring to cuttingcone 102, wherein the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move relative to the first rigid ring. For example, the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move towards and away from the first rigid ring. The second magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to cuttingcone 102 so that the seal therebetween is less likely to be broken in response to relative movement betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. - In accordance with the invention, the first and second magnetic rings determine the force with which
seal assembly 105 engageslug 101 and/orcone 102. A stronger seal is provided byseal assembly 105 betweenlug 101 andcone 102 if the force with whichseal assembly 105 engages them increases. Further, a weaker seal is provided byseal assembly 105 betweenlug 101 andcone 102 if the force with whichseal assembly 105 engages them decreases. Ifseal assembly 105 provides a stronger seal betweenlug 101 andcone 102, less material can flow betweenregions seal assembly 105 provides a weaker seal betweenlug 101 andcone 102, more material can flow betweenregions - In this embodiment, the flexible ring restricts the flow of lubricant and debris between
regions seal assembly 105. The flexible ring is positioned away from the dynamic sealing surfaces so that it is less likely to become impregnated with debris. The flexible ring is positioned away from the dynamic sealing surfaces so that, if it becomes impregnated with debris, it will not act as an abrasive ring that removes material fromlug 101 andcone 102. If material is undesirably removed fromlug 101 andcone 102, the static and dynamic surfaces ofseal assembly 105 may not be able to sealingly engage them. If the static and dynamic surfaces ofseal assembly 105 cannot sealingly engagelug 101 andcone 102, material is more likely to undesirably flow betweenregions seal assembly 105 and lug 101 andcone 102. - It should be noted that the earth bit seals described herein can be used in an axial or radial sealing configuration. An axial sealing configuration includes upper and lower rigid rings while a radial sealing configuration includes inner and outer rigid rings. However, only an axial sealing configuration is shown in the drawings.
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FIG. 2 a is a view of an earthbit seal assembly 105 a inregion 104, in accordance with the invention, which replacesseal assembly 105 ofFIG. 1 .Seal assembly 105 a forms adynamic sealing surface 112 withlug 101. Further,seal assembly 105 a forms static sealing surfaces 111 a and 111 b with cuttingcone 102. In this embodiment,seal assembly 105 a includesrigid rings flexible ring 122, which extends between them.Flexible ring 122 andrigid rings regions flexible ring 122 andrigid rings region 110 and keeps the lubricant inregion 110 from flowing toregion 109. In accordance with the invention, earthbit seal assembly 105 a is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions, as will be discussed in more detail withFIGS. 2 c, 2 d and 2 e. - In this embodiment,
seal assembly 105 a is carried by cuttingcone 102 so that it rotates therewith.Flexible ring 122 is engaged withrigid ring 121 so that they do not rotate relative to each other.Flexible ring 122 engages cuttingcone 102 and formsstatic sealing surface 111 a andrigid ring 120 engageslug 101 and forms a portion ofdynamic sealing surface 112. Another portion ofdynamic sealing surface 112 is formed bymagnetic rings rigid ring 120 also formsstatic sealing surface 111 b with cuttingcone 102. It should also be noted that in other embodiments,seal assembly 105 a can be carried bylug 101 and have a dynamic sealing surface engaged withcone 102 and a static sealing surface engaged withlug 101. - In accordance with the invention,
flexible ring 122 does not form a dynamic seal withlug 101 or cuttingcone 102, so that it is less likely to become impregnated with debris and wear down. Hence,flexible ring 122 does not form a portion ofdynamic sealing surface 112. Instead,flexible ring 122 is spaced fromdynamic sealing surface 112 byrigid ring 120. -
FIG. 2 b is an exploded perspective view of earthbit seal assembly 105 a.Flexible ring 122 can have many different configurations, but, in this embodiment, it is annular in shape and includes agroove 124, whereingroove 124 is downwardly facing and sized and shaped to receiverigid ring 121.Flexible ring 122 includes atongue 123 which extends along its outer diameter and is sized and shaped to be received byrigid ring 120.Tongue 123 extends outwardly and groove 124 extends downwardly so that they extend at a non-zero angle relative to each other. -
Rigid rings rigid ring 121 has a rectangular cross-section and is sized and shaped to be received bygroove 124. Further,rigid ring 120 includes agroove 125 extending along its inner diameter, whereingroove 125 is sized and shaped to receivetongue 123. - In this embodiment,
rigid ring 120 includes a downwardly facinggroove 126 sized and shaped to receive amagnetic ring 115. It should be noted that, in some embodiments,rigid ring 120 can include a groove sized and shaped to receive amagnetic ring 116. However, in this embodiment,magnetic ring 116 engages a sidewall ofrigid ring 120.Magnetic rings rigid ring 120 and magnetically couple it to lug 101, as shown inFIG. 2 a. - In some embodiments,
magnetic rings magnetic ring 117.Magnetic ring 117 is L-shaped because it has an L-shaped cross-section. In these embodiments, L-shapedmagnetic ring 117 includes aportion 115 a which extends throughgroove 126 and anotherportion 116 a which extends along the sidewall ofrigid ring 120.Magnetic ring 117 is attached torigid ring 120 and magnetically couples it to lug 101 in a manner the same or similar tomagnetic rings flexible ring 122 andrigid rings magnetic rings FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c. - The rings included in earth
bit seal assembly 105 can be coupled together in many different ways. Here,flexible ring 122 is coupled torigid rings flexible ring 122 can be coupled torigid rings Magnetic rings - The flexible ring and rigid rings can include many different types of materials. However, the material included in the rigid rings is more rigid than the material included in the flexible ring.
Flexible ring 122 can include materials, such as an elastomer, vulcanite, polyurethane, Teflon, etc. These materials can be formed in many different ways, such as machining, injection molding, compression molding or a similar process.Rigid rings Magnetic rings -
Magnetic ring 115 is carried byrigid ring 120 so it is positioned adjacent todynamic sealing surface 112 a. In this way,magnetic ring 115 andrigid ring 120 form portions ofdynamic sealing surface 112 a.Magnetic ring 115 is magnetically attracted to the material included inlug 101. Hence, the strength of the seal provided byseal assembly 105 a depends on the magnetic attraction ofmagnetic ring 115 to lug 101. In the embodiment in whichseal assembly 105 a is carried bylug 101 anddynamic sealing surface 112 engagescone 102,seal assembly 105 a is rearranged so that the strength of its seal depends on the magnetic attraction ofmagnetic ring 115 to cuttingcone 102. - An advantage of
seal assembly 105 a is thatrigid ring 120 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation withlug 101 by the magnetic attraction ofmagnetic ring 115 to lug 101. In this embodiment,flexible ring 122 energizesrigid ring 120 into a dynamic sealing situation withlug 101 to a lesser extent, but this is mostly accomplished bymagnetic ring 115. Hence,magnetic ring 115 affects how stronglydynamic sealing surface 112 engageslug 101 and this determines how much material can flow through the interface betweenlug 101 and sealassembly 105 a. - Another advantage of
seal assembly 105 a is thatflexible ring 122 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b bymagnetic ring 115 andrigid ring 120. Hence,flexible ring 122 is less likely to become impregnated with debris, which can cause the abrasion ofsurfaces lug 101 that engagesseal assembly 105 a. The abrasion ofsurfaces lug 101 andcone 102 provided byseal assembly 105 a. This allows more material to undesirably flow betweenregions Flexible ring 122 allowsrigid rings lug 101 and cuttingcone 102 relative to each other. Hence, the strength of the seal provided byseal assembly 105 a remains strong even aslug 101 and cuttingcone 102 rotate. - It should be noted that
seal assembly 105 a generally includes one or more magnetic rings. For example,seal assembly 105 a can includemagnetic ring 115 ormagnetic rings magnetic rings FIG. 5 c. - In this embodiment,
magnetic ring 116 is oriented at a non-zero angle relative tomagnetic ring 115, wherein the non-zero angle is ninety degrees. However, the non-zero angle can have other values in other embodiments. In some embodiments,rigid ring 120 can carry one magnetic ring andrigid ring 121 can carry another, as will be discussed in more detail withFIGS. 3 a and 3 b. -
FIGS. 2 c and 2 d are side views of earthbit seal assembly 105 a in unflexed and flexed conditions, respectively. In accordance with the invention, earthbit seal assembly 105 a is repeatably moveable between the flexed and unflexed conditions. Earthbit seal assembly 105 a can be moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions in many different ways. Oneway seal assembly 105 a is moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions is in response to the movement betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. For example, cuttingcone 102 can move in a radial direction, as indicated by adirection arrow 127, and a non-radial direction, as indicated by adirection arrow 128. Movement of cuttingcone 102 innon-radial direction 128 is in response to a force which moves cuttingcone 102 towards and away fromlug 101. Further, movement of cuttingcone 102 inradial direction 127 is in response to a force which moves cuttingcone 102 alonglug 101. These forces are generally provided in response to cuttingcone 102 engaging earthen annulus. - It should be noted that
flexible ring 122 bends in response to force applied indirection 128, as shown inFIG. 2 e. Hence, earthbit seal assembly 105 a is moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions by stretching and bendingflexible ring 122. Whenflexible ring 122 is not stretched or bent, earthbit seal assembly 105 a is in the unflexed condition. Whenflexible ring 122 is stretched and/or bent, earthbit seal assembly 105 a is in the flexed condition. - Earth
bit seal assembly 105 moves between the flexed and unflexed conditions in response to the relative movement between cuttingcone 102 and lug 101 for many different reasons. One reason is thatflexible ring 122 is coupled to cuttingcone 102 andrigid ring 120 is magnetically coupled to lug 101 withmagnetic rings flexible ring 122 andrigid ring 120 are coupled together, as discussed in more detail above. Hence, movement of cuttingcone 102 relative to lug 101 stretches and compressesflexible ring 122. -
FIG. 3 a is a side view of an earthbit seal assembly 105 b inregion 103, in accordance with the invention, which replacesseal assembly 105 ofFIG. 1 .Seal assembly 105 b forms dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b with cuttingcone 102 and lug 101, respectively. In this embodiment,seal assembly 105 b includesrigid rings flexible ring 132, which extends between them.Flexible ring 132 restricts the flow of material betweenrigid rings Flexible ring 132 andrigid rings region 110 and keeps the lubricant inregion 110 from flowing toregion 109. In accordance with the invention, earthbit seal assembly 105 b is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions, as will be discussed in more detail withFIGS. 3 c and 3 d. -
FIG. 3 b is an exploded perspective view of earthbit seal assembly 105 b.Flexible ring 132 can have many different configurations. In this embodiment,flexible ring 132 is annular and includesportions -
Rigid rings rigid ring 130 includes agroove 133 which extends along its inner periphery and an upwardly facinggroove 134.Groove 133 is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to groove 134.Groove 133 is sized and shaped to receiveportion 132 a offlexible ring 132. Further,groove 134 is sized and shaped to receivemagnetic ring 115. - In this embodiment,
rigid ring 131 includes a downwardly facinggroove 136 sized and shaped to receivemagnetic ring 116.Rigid ring 131 includes agroove 135 which faces outwardly and upwardly and is sized and shaped to receiveportion 132 b offlexible ring 132. The rings in earthbit seal assembly 105 b can be coupled together in many different ways, such those discussed above withseal assembly 105 a. Further, it should also be noted that the rings included in earthbit seal assembly 105 b can include many different materials, such as those discussed above withseal assembly 105 a. - As best seen in
FIG. 3 a,magnetic ring 115 is carried byrigid ring 130 so thatrigid ring 130 is magnetically coupled with cuttingcone 102.Rigid ring 130 andmagnetic ring 115 formdynamic sealing surface 112 a, which is engaged with cuttingcone 102. Further,magnetic ring 116 is carried byrigid ring 131 so thatrigid ring 131 is magnetically coupled withlug 101.Rigid ring 131 andmagnetic ring 116 formdynamic sealing surface 112 b, which is engaged withlug 101. -
Magnetic rings cone 102 and lug 101, respectively. Hence, the strength of the seal provided byseal assembly 105 b is determined in response to the magnetic attraction betweenmagnetic rings cone 102 and lug 101, respectively. - An advantage of
seal assembly 105 b is thatrigid ring 130 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation with cuttingcone 102 by the magnetic attraction betweenmagnetic ring 115 and cuttingcone 102. Further,rigid ring 131 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation withlug 101 by the magnetic attraction betweenmagnetic ring 116 andlug 101. In this embodiment,flexible ring 132 energizesrigid rings cone 102 and lug 101, respectively, to a lesser extent, but this is mostly accomplished bymagnetic rings magnetic rings cone 102 and lug 101, respectively, and this determines how much material can flow through the interface betweenseal assembly 105 b and lug 101 and cuttingcone 102. - Another advantage of
seal assembly 105 b is thatflexible ring 132 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b byrigid rings flexible ring 132 is impregnated with debris, it can cause the abrasion of the surfaces oflug 101 and cuttingcone 102 that engageseal assembly 105 b. -
Flexible ring 132 allowsrigid rings lug 101 and cuttingcone 102 relative to each other. Hence, the strength of the seal provided byseal assembly 105 b remains strong even aslug 101 and cuttingcone 102 rotate. - It should be noted that, in this embodiment,
seal assembly 105 b includes two magnetic rings, but it generally includes one or more magnetic rings. For example, in some embodiments, a magnetic ring is carried byrigid ring 130 and not byrigid ring 131. Further, in some embodiments, a magnetic ring is carried byrigid ring 131 and notrigid ring 130. -
FIGS. 3 c and 3 d are side views of earthbit seal assembly 105 b in unflexed and flexed conditions, respectively. Earthbit seal assembly 105 b can be moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions in many different ways. Oneway seal assembly 105 b is moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions is in response to the movement betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. For example, cuttingcone 102 can move in a radial direction, as indicated bydirection arrow 127, and a non-radial direction, as indicated bydirection arrow 128.Flexible ring 132 stretches in response to a force applied indirection 127 and bends in response to a force applied indirection 128. - Earth
bit seal assembly 105 b moves between the flexed and unflexed conditions in response to the relative movement between cuttingcone 102 and lug 101 for many different reasons. One reason is thatflexible ring 132 extends betweenrigid rings rigid rings cone 102 and lug 101, as discussed in more detail above. Further,flexible ring 132 andrigid rings cone 102 relative to lug 101 stretches and compressesflexible ring 132. -
Seal 105 b provides the same or similar advantages asseal assembly 105 a. For example,flexible ring 132 is spaced apart fromdynamic sealing surface 112 a bymagnetic ring 115 andrigid ring 130. Further,flexible ring 132 is also spaced apart fromdynamic sealing surface 112 b bymagnetic ring 116 andrigid ring 131. In this way,flexible ring 132 is less likely to become impregnated with debris, which can cause the abrasion oflug 101 andcone 102. -
FIG. 4 a is a side view of an earthbit seal assembly 105 c inregion 103, in accordance with the invention, which replacesseal assembly 105 ofFIG. 1 .Seal assembly 105 c forms dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b with cuttingcone 102 and lug 101, respectively. In this embodiment,seal assembly 105 c includesrigid rings flexible ring 142, which extends between them.Flexible ring 142 allowsrigid rings lug 101 and cuttingcone 102. Hence, the strength of the seal provided byseal assembly 105 c remains strong even aslug 101 and cuttingcone 102 rotate. -
Flexible ring 142 covers aninterface 143 betweenrigid rings rigid rings Flexible ring 142 andrigid rings region 110 and keeps the lubricant inregion 110 from flowing toregion 109. In accordance with the invention, earthbit seal assembly 105 c is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions, as will be discussed in more detail withFIGS. 4 c, 4 d and 4 e. -
FIG. 4 b is an exploded perspective view of earthbit seal assembly 105 c.Flexible ring 142 can have many different configurations, but in this embodiment,flexible ring 142 is annular and includes an inwardly facinggroove 145. A portion offlexible ring 142 on one side ofgroove 145 is engaged withrigid ring 140, and another portion offlexible ring 142 on the other side ofgroove 145 is engaged withrigid ring 141. In this way,flexible ring 142 extends betweenrigid rings interface 143 betweenrigid rings FIG. 4 a. -
Rigid rings rigid ring 140 includes an upwardly facinggroove 143 sized and shaped to receivemagnetic ring 115. Further,rigid ring 141 includes a downwardly facinggroove 144 sized and shaped to receivemagnetic ring 116.Rigid ring 140 includes a downwardly facinggroove 146 andrigid ring 141 includes an upwardly facingtongue 147, whereingroove 146 is sized and shaped to receivetongue 147. - As best seen in
FIG. 4 a,magnetic ring 115 is carried byrigid ring 140 so thatrigid ring 140 is magnetically coupled with cuttingcone 102.Rigid ring 140 andmagnetic ring 115 formdynamic sealing surface 112 a, which is engaged with cuttingcone 102. Further,magnetic ring 116 is carried byrigid ring 141 so thatrigid ring 141 is magnetically coupled withlug 101.Rigid ring 141 andmagnetic ring 116 formdynamic sealing surface 112 b, which is engaged withlug 101. -
Magnetic rings cone 102 and lug 101, respectively. Hence, the strength of the seal provided byseal assembly 105 c is determined in response to the magnetic attraction betweenmagnetic rings cone 102 and lug 101, respectively. - An advantage of
seal assembly 105 c is thatrigid ring 140 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation with cuttingcone 102 by the magnetic attraction betweenmagnetic ring 115 and cuttingcone 102. Further,rigid ring 141 is “energized” into a dynamic sealing situation withlug 101 by the magnetic attraction betweenmagnetic ring 116 andlug 101. In this embodiment,flexible ring 142 energizesrigid rings cone 102 and lug 101, respectively, to a lesser extent, but this is mostly accomplished bymagnetic rings magnetic rings cone 102 and lug 101, respectively, and this determines how much material can flow through the interface betweenseal assembly 105 c and lug 101 and cuttingcone 102. - Another advantage of
seal assembly 105 c is thatflexible ring 142 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b, so it is less likely to become impregnated with debris. In this embodiment,flexible ring 142 is spaced apart from dynamic sealing surfaces 112 a and 112 b byrigid rings flexible ring 142 is impregnated with debris, it can cause the abrasion of the surfaces oflug 101 and cuttingcone 102 that engageseal assembly 105 c. - It should be noted that
seal assembly 105 c includes two magnetic rings in this embodiment, but it generally includes one or more magnetic rings. For example, in some embodiments, a magnetic ring is carried byrigid ring 140 and not byrigid ring 141. Further, in some embodiments, a magnetic ring is carried byrigid ring 141 and notrigid ring 140. -
FIGS. 4 c and 4 d are side views of earthbit seal assembly 105 c in unflexed and flexed conditions, respectively. Earthbit seal assembly 105 c can be moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions in many different ways. Oneway seal assembly 105 c is moved between the flexed and unflexed conditions is in response to the movement betweenlug 101 and cuttingcone 102. For example, cuttingcone 102 can move in a radial direction, as indicated bydirection arrow 127, and a non-radial direction, as indicated bydirection arrow 128. - Earth
bit seal assembly 105 c moves between the flexed and unflexed conditions in response to the relative movement between cuttingcone 102 and lug 101 for many different reasons. One reason is thatflexible ring 142 extends betweenrigid rings rigid rings cone 102 and lug 101, as discussed in more detail above. Further,flexible ring 142 andrigid rings cone 102 relative to lug 101 stretches and unstretchesflexible ring 142. -
Seal 105 c provides the same or similar advantages asseal assemblies flexible ring 142 is spaced apart fromdynamic sealing surface 112 a bymagnetic ring 115 andrigid ring 140. Further,flexible ring 142 is also spaced apart fromdynamic sealing surface 112 b bymagnetic ring 116 andrigid ring 141. In this way,flexible ring 142 is less likely to become impregnated with debris, which can cause the abrasion oflug 101 and cuttingcone 102. -
FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of one embodiment ofmagnetic ring 115, which can be included with an earth bit seal assembly, such as those discussed herein. In this embodiment,magnetic rings magnetic ring 116 can have a different shape frommagnetic ring 115. It should also be noted thatrigid rings flexible ring 122, are also annular in shape. -
FIG. 5 b is a bottom view of one embodiment ofmagnetic rings rigid rings magnetic rings rigid rings Magnetic rings rigid rings magnetic ring rigid rings - One such example in which
magnetic ring rigid rings substitution arrow 118 inFIG. 5 b. Another example, whereinmagnetic ring rigid rings substitution arrow 119. In these embodiments, the rigid and magnetic rings are separate pieces attached together, but they can be formed as a single piece or multiple pieces in other examples. -
FIG. 5 c is a bottom view of amagnetic ring 150, in accordance with the invention, which includes multiple pieces. In this embodiment,magnetic ring 150 includes aring base 151 which carries a number ofmagnets 152. Magnets 115 e are attached to ring base 115 d and equidistantly spaced apart from each other. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments,magnets 152 do not have to be equidistantly spaced apart from each other.Magnets 152 andring base 151 definedynamic sealing surface 112 a. - In accordance with the invention, the number of
magnets 152 included withmagnetic ring 150 determines the strength of the seal formed with the cone or lug. The strength of the seal increases as the number ofmagnets 152 increases. Further, the strength of the seal decreases as the number ofmagnets 152 decreases. Hence, a desired seal strength can be chosen by choosing the number of magnets included withmagnetic ring 150. -
FIG. 6 a is a flow diagram of amethod 200 of providing a seal for an earth bit. In this embodiment,method 200 includes astep 201 of providing a flexible ring and astep 202 of coupling first and second rigid rings together using the flexible ring. In accordance with the invention, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other. The first and second rigid rings, as well as the flexible ring, form an earth bit seal assembly.Method 200 includes astep 203 of positioning the flexible ring and the first and second rigid rings to provide a seal between a lug and a cutting cone of an earth bit. - It should be noted that
method 200 can include many other steps. For example, in some embodiments,method 200 includes a step of forming a dynamic seal between the first rigid ring and the lug and a static seal between the flexible ring and cutting cone. In some embodiments,method 200 includes a step of forming dynamic seals between the first and second rigid rings and the lug and cutting cone, respectively. - In some embodiments,
method 200 includes a step of positioning the flexible ring so it does not engage the lug or cutting cone. In some embodiments,method 200 includes a step of moving the first and second rigid rings towards and away from each other by compressing and stretching, respectively, the flexible ring. - In some embodiments,
method 200 includes a step of coupling a first magnetic ring to the first rigid ring, wherein the first magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to the lug. In some embodiments,method 200 includes a step of coupling a second magnetic ring to the second rigid ring, wherein the second magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to the cutting cone. -
FIG. 6 b is a flow diagram of amethod 210 of providing a seal for an earth bit. In this embodiment,method 210 includes astep 211 of providing a flexible ring and astep 212 of coupling first and second rigid rings together using the flexible ring. In accordance with the invention, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other.Method 210 includes astep 213 of positioning the flexible ring and the first and second rigid rings so they are carried by the lug.Method 210 includes astep 214 of rotatably mounting the cutting cone to the lug so that the earth bit seal assembly moves from the flexed to the unflexed condition in response. -
FIG. 6 c is a flow diagram of amethod 220 of manufacturing an earth bit seal assembly, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment,method 220 includes astep 221 of providing a flexible ring and astep 222 of coupling first and second rigid rings together using the flexible ring. In accordance with the invention, the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other. - It should be noted that
methods method 200. Further, it should be noted that the steps inmethods - While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.
Claims (22)
1. An earth bit seal assembly, comprising:
a flexible ring; and
first and second rigid rings coupled together with the flexible ring, wherein the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move towards and away from each other.
3. The assembly of claim 1 , further including a first magnetic ring carried by the first rigid ring, wherein the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move relative to the second rigid ring.
4. The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move towards and away from the second rigid ring.
5. The assembly of claim 3 , further including a second magnetic ring carried by the first rigid ring, wherein the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move relative to the first rigid ring.
6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move towards and away from the first rigid ring.
7. An earth bit, comprising:
a lug and cutting cone rotatably coupled together;
a flexible ring; and
a seal assembly which includes first and second rigid rings coupled together with the flexible ring, wherein the seal assembly is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed conditions.
8. The earth bit of claim 7 , wherein the flexible ring is repeatably moveable between stretched and unstretched conditions.
9. The earth bit of claim 7 , wherein the flexible ring does not form a dynamic sealing surface with the lug or cutting cone.
10. The earth bit of claim 7 , wherein the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other.
11. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move towards and away from each other.
12. The assembly of claim 7 , further including a first magnetic ring which couples the first rigid ring to the lug, wherein the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move relative to the second rigid ring.
13. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the flexible ring allows the first magnetic ring to move towards and away from the second rigid ring.
14. The assembly of claim 12 , further including a second magnetic ring which couples the second rigid ring to the cutting cone, wherein the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move relative to the first rigid ring.
15. The assembly of claim 14 , wherein the flexible ring allows the second magnetic ring to move towards and away from the first rigid ring.
16. A method of providing a seal for an earth bit, comprising:
providing a flexible ring;
coupling first and second rigid rings together using the flexible ring, wherein the flexible ring allows the first and second rigid rings to move relative to each other; and
positioning the flexible ring and the first and second rigid rings to provide a seal between a lug and a cutting cone.
17. The method of claim 16 , further including forming a dynamic seal between the first rigid ring and the lug and a static seal between the flexible ring and cutting cone.
18. The method of claim 16 , further including forming dynamic seals between the first and second rigid rings and the lug and cutting cone, respectively.
19. The method of claim 16 , further including positioning the flexible ring so it does not engage the lug or cutting cone.
20. The method of claim 16 , further including moving the first and second rigid rings towards and away from each other by compressing and stretching, respectively, the flexible ring.
21. The method of claim 16 , further including coupling a magnetic ring to the first rigid ring, wherein the magnetic ring couples the first rigid ring to the lug.
22. The method of claim 16 , further including coupling a magnetic ring to the second rigid ring, wherein the magnetic ring couples the second rigid ring to the cutting cone.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/952,736 US20080179103A1 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-07 | Magnetic earth bit seal |
PCT/US2007/086937 WO2008073873A2 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-10 | Magnetic earth bit seal |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US86949406P | 2006-12-11 | 2006-12-11 | |
US11/952,736 US20080179103A1 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-07 | Magnetic earth bit seal |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080179103A1 true US20080179103A1 (en) | 2008-07-31 |
Family
ID=39512425
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/952,736 Abandoned US20080179103A1 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-07 | Magnetic earth bit seal |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080179103A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008073873A2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20090127002A1 (en) * | 2007-11-21 | 2009-05-21 | Chih Lin | Roller cone bit bearing with elastomeric seal having self break-in property |
US20100102513A1 (en) * | 2008-10-23 | 2010-04-29 | Atlas Copco Secoroc Llc | Seal assembly for a rotary earth bit |
US20100230172A1 (en) * | 2009-03-16 | 2010-09-16 | Atlas Copco Secoroc Llc | Seal assembly for a rotary earth bit |
US8353369B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2013-01-15 | Atlas Copco Secoroc, LLC | Percussion assisted rotary earth bit and method of operating the same |
US20140224549A1 (en) * | 2013-02-13 | 2014-08-14 | Varel International, Ind., L.P. | Rock bit having a pressure balanced metal faced seal |
US9091130B2 (en) | 2013-02-13 | 2015-07-28 | Varel International, Ind., L.P. | Rock bit having a radially self-aligning metal faced seal |
US9163458B2 (en) | 2013-02-13 | 2015-10-20 | Varel International, Ind., L.P. | Rock bit having a flexible metal faced seal |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN107620571B (en) * | 2017-11-03 | 2019-01-01 | 西南石油大学 | A kind of casing failure well reparation long-life composite drill bit |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2008073873A3 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
WO2008073873A2 (en) | 2008-06-19 |
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