US20190178037A1 - Sealing arrangement - Google Patents
Sealing arrangement Download PDFInfo
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- US20190178037A1 US20190178037A1 US15/840,489 US201715840489A US2019178037A1 US 20190178037 A1 US20190178037 A1 US 20190178037A1 US 201715840489 A US201715840489 A US 201715840489A US 2019178037 A1 US2019178037 A1 US 2019178037A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cone
- seal element
- arm assembly
- seal
- shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP 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
- E21B10/25—Roller bits characterised by bearing, lubrication or sealing details characterised by sealing details
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B10/00—Drill bits
- E21B10/62—Drill bits characterised by parts, e.g. cutting elements, which are detachable or adjustable
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B10/00—Drill bits
- E21B10/62—Drill bits characterised by parts, e.g. cutting elements, which are detachable or adjustable
- E21B10/627—Drill bits characterised by parts, e.g. cutting elements, which are detachable or adjustable with plural detachable cutting elements
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- E21B2010/225—
Definitions
- FIG. 2B is a detail view of the cone arm assembly taken along arc 2 B- 2 B of FIG. 2A .
- the third seal element 38 can be positioned between the base surface 40 of the cone 14 and the shoulder surface 22 of the arm 12 .
- the third seal element 38 can form a third seal between the shoulder surface 22 and the base surface 40 of the cone 14 that further restricts abrasive materials or unwanted moisture from contacting the bearings 28 , 30 , 32 . Due to its placement between the shoulder surface 22 and the base surface 40 of the cone 14 , the third seal element 38 can restrict unwanted contaminants from entering into the recess 26 of the cone 14 altogether.
- the third seal element 38 can be formed of a resilient elastomeric material, such as urethane, for example.
- the third seal element 38 has a Shore A hardness exceeding 60.
- the third seal element 38 can have a composite seal design incorporating an elastic static energizer element and a wear-resistant material on the dynamic sealing surfaces. A PolyPak® seal, for example, can also be used as the third seal element 38 .
- the cone 14 may deflect relative to the shaft 24 when it is axially loaded during cutting or drilling, and the base surface 40 may be biased toward the shoulder surface 22 .
- the dampening properties of the third seal element 38 can dissipate the energy from the axial loading, reducing the impact (if any) that occurs between the base surface 40 and the shoulder surface 22 .
- the third seal element 38 can extend upwardly from the base surface 40 of the cone 14 as well, so that contact occurs between the shoulder surface 22 and the third seal element 38 before contact can occur between the shoulder surface 22 and the base surface 40 .
- a second cylindrical section 62 can extend inwardly away from the first cylindrical section 60 , and can be defined by a radius R 6 smaller than the radius R 5 .
- a step 64 can be formed at the junction between the first cylindrical section 60 and the second cylindrical section 62 .
- the radius R 6 can be larger than the radii R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 , so that the second section 44 , the third section 48 , and the distal section 52 can form a clearance fit with the second cylindrical section 62 of the recess 26 .
- the first annular surface 46 can engage the step 64 .
- a thrust washer 66 can be positioned between the first annular surface 46 and the step 64 .
- a lubrication reservoir 68 extends inwardly away from the second cylindrical section 62 .
Abstract
A cone arm assembly comprises an arm having a shaft extending therefrom in which the shaft is angularly surrounded by a shoulder surface on one end thereof. A cone has a recess formed therein which receives the shaft in a manner to permit a rotation of the cone relative to the shaft about a rotational axis. The cone has a base surface facing the shoulder surface of the arm. A first seal element is positioned within the recess and forms a first seal between the shaft of the arm and the cone. A second seal element is positioned within the recess and forms a second seal between the shaft of the arm and the cone. The second seal is positioned closer to the shoulder surface than the first seal. A third seal element forms a third seal between the base surface of the cone and the shoulder surface of the arm.
Description
- Not Applicable.
- Not Applicable.
- The present disclosure relates generally, but is not limited, to hole openers for horizontal and vertical drilling through rock. In particular, this disclosure relates to a sealing arrangement that can be employed in a cone arm assembly that is coupled to a bit body of a hole opener or tri-cone bit.
- Tri-cone bits and hole openers are commonly used to drill and bore through rock. To break apart rock, the tri-cone bits and hole openers typically have one or more cutting elements coupled to a rotating shaft. During operation, the shaft axially loads the cutting elements by forcing the cutting elements against the rock. The rotation of the shaft then causes the hardened surfaces of the cutting elements to break apart the rock.
- Cone arm assemblies are a commonly used cutting element for this process. The cone arm assemblies have an arm and a cone that rotates relative to a shaft extending outward from the arm. A primary seal is placed between the shaft and the cone to retain lubrication within the cone and to prevent debris and moisture from entering the gaps between the shaft and cone and contacting bearings within the assembly.
- Due to the abrasive nature of the materials (e.g., rock) being cut and the axial and radial loading and impacts experienced by the cone arm assembly during the cutting process, the primary seal is often subject to failure. The cone arm assembly is often submersed in gritty mud and bentonite mixtures, which suspend sharp rock and abrasive materials that can come into contact with and damage the shaft and seals of the cone arm assembly during cutting. Repeated use of the cone arm assembly can also result in material buildups (e.g., cuttings or debris) forming between the shaft and the cone. The material buildups within the cone arm assembly can cause grinding between the cone and arm during rotation, which produces high temperatures within the cone arm assembly. The high temperatures experienced within the cone arm assembly can damage the primary seal. Once the primary seal has been compromised, contaminants can contact and damage the bearings, which can eventually lead to cone arm assembly failure.
- Cone arm assemblies are also subject to damage from the weather, as they are often left outside for extended periods of time, where rain, snow, dust, or other debris can contact and damage the primary seal within the cone arm assembly. As more debris and moisture passes beyond the primary seal, the bearings present upon the shaft may be damaged, which can result in cone arm assembly failure.
- A need exists for an improved cone arm assembly that is able to withstand the harsh conditions experienced during rock drilling and boring processes for prolonged periods of time.
- The present disclosure provides a cone arm assembly having a sealing arrangement that distributes and dissipates the loading experienced by the cone arm assembly during operation to prolong the life of the primary seal. The cone arm assembly restricts moisture and abrasive materials from contacting the primary seal.
- In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cone arm assembly. The cone arm assembly comprises an arm having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft is angularly surrounded by a shoulder surface on one end of the shaft. A cone has a recess formed therein that receives the shaft in a manner to permit a rotation of the cone relative to the shaft about a rotational axis. The cone has a base surface facing the shoulder surface of the arm. A first seal element is positioned within the recess, and forms a first seal between the shaft of the arm and the cone. A second seal element is positioned within the recess and forms a second seal between the shaft of the arm and the cone. The second seal element is positioned closer to the shoulder surface than the first seal element. A third seal element forms a third seal between the base surface of the cone and the shoulder surface of the arm.
- In some embodiments, a groove extends inward from the base surface of the cone, which can receive the third seal element. The groove can comprise a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall. The first side wall, second side wall, and the bottom wall can collectively extend circumferentially about the base surface of the cone. In some embodiments, the recess is formed of a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section. The first cylindrical section can be defined by a first radius and can extend inwardly away from the base surface of the cone. The second cylindrical section can be defined by a second radius smaller than the first radius, and can extend inwardly away from the first cylindrical section. A first channel and a second channel can be formed within the first cylindrical section, and the first channel can receive a portion of the first seal element, while the second channel can receive a portion of the second seal element.
- In some embodiments, at least one bearing is coupled to the shaft. The at least one bearing can be positioned distally away from the first seal element, the second seal element, and the third seal element. In some embodiments, the third seal element is positioned radially outward from the first seal element and the second seal element. The first seal element, second seal element, and third seal element can each be positioned concentric with the rotational axis, but at different axial positions with respect to one another.
- These and still other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and the drawings. What follows is merely a description of some preferred embodiments of the present invention. To assess the full scope of the invention, the claims should be looked to, as these preferred embodiments are not intended to be the only embodiments within the scope of the claims.
- The invention will be better understood and features, aspects and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cone arm assembly according to one exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the cone arm assembly ofFIG. 1 taken alongline 2A-2A. -
FIG. 2B is a detail view of the cone arm assembly taken alongarc 2B-2B ofFIG. 2A . - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the embodiments of the present disclosure.
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FIG. 1 illustrates acone arm assembly 10 for drilling and boring through earth and rock. Thecone arm assembly 10 includes anarm 12 and acone 14 that can rotate about thearm 12. A plurality ofteeth 16 can be positioned about the cone. Theteeth 16 can be formed of a hardened material, like tungsten carbide. In some embodiments, theteeth 16 are tungsten carbide inserts removably coupled to thecone 14. - With further reference now to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , the internal structure of thecone arm assembly 10 is shown. Thearm 12 has a mountingsurface 18 that can be coupled to a bit body (not shown) of a hole cutter or a tri-cone bit. In some embodiments, the mountingsurface 18 of thearm 12 can be coupled to a pocket (not shown) formed in the bit body using a key and slot interface, as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,437 B2, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A plurality of threadedholes 20 can extend through the mountingsurface 18 to receive fasteners or pins that can be used to couple thearm 12 to the bit body. - A
shoulder surface 22 extends away from the mountingsurface 18. In some embodiments, theshoulder surface 22 extends away from the mountingsurface 18 to form a substantially flat surface. Theshoulder surface 22 can be angularly offset from the mountingsurface 18. In some embodiments, the offset between the mountingsurface 18 and theshoulder surface 22 forms an obtuse angle (i.e., greater than 90 degrees) between the mountingsurface 18 and theshoulder surface 22. Ashaft 24 extends outwardly away from theshoulder surface 22 to define a rotational axis X-X. Theshaft 24 can be generally cylindrical in shape. - The
cone 14 is rotatably coupled to theshaft 24. Theshaft 24 is received within arecess 26 formed in thecone 14. One ormore bearings shaft 24 and therecess 26 formed in thecone 14 to enable precise rotation of thecone 14 on theshaft 24 and to reduce friction between therecess 26 and theshaft 24 as thecone 14 rotates.Seal elements arm 12 andcone 14 to restrict abrasive materials, moisture, and other unwanted contaminants from entering into therecess 26 and contacting or damaging thebearings first seal element 34, thesecond seal element 36, and thethird seal element 38 can each be positioned concentric with the rotational axis X-X, but at different axial positions with respect to one another. - The
first seal element 34 can be positioned within therecess 26 and can form a first seal between theshaft 24 and thecone 14. In some embodiments, thefirst seal element 34 is positioned axially between the bearing 32 and abase surface 40 of thecone 14. Thefirst seal element 34 can act as a primary seal between thebearings cone arm assembly 10. The first seal created by thefirst seal element 34 can also retain lubrication present within thebearings first seal element 34 can be an o-ring, and can be formed of a resilient elastomeric material. For example, thefirst seal element 34 can be formed of a hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR). - The
second seal element 36 can also be positioned within therecess 26 and can form a second seal between theshaft 24 and thecone 14. Thesecond seal element 36 can be positioned axially between thefirst seal element 34 and thebase surface 40 of thecone 14. Thesecond seal element 36 can form a secondary seal between thebearings cone arm assembly 10. In some embodiments, thesecond seal element 36 acts as a radial dampener between thecone 14 and thearm 12. Thesecond seal element 36 can dissipate energy within thecone arm assembly 10 that is created by cyclic loading during cutting or drilling processes. Thesecond seal element 36 can also provide shock absorption to counter intermittent shock loads that may be experienced by thecone arm assembly 10. Thesecond seal element 36 can also be formed of an elastomeric material, and can be an o-ring, quad-ring, or other type of dynamic rotary seal. In some embodiments, thesecond seal element 36 can be a PolyPak® seal having an o-ring used to energize a conventional lip-type seal. - The
third seal element 38 can be positioned between thebase surface 40 of thecone 14 and theshoulder surface 22 of thearm 12. Thethird seal element 38 can form a third seal between theshoulder surface 22 and thebase surface 40 of thecone 14 that further restricts abrasive materials or unwanted moisture from contacting thebearings shoulder surface 22 and thebase surface 40 of thecone 14, thethird seal element 38 can restrict unwanted contaminants from entering into therecess 26 of thecone 14 altogether. Thethird seal element 38 can be formed of a resilient elastomeric material, such as urethane, for example. In some embodiments, thethird seal element 38 has a Shore A hardness exceeding 60. In some embodiments, thethird seal element 38 can have a composite seal design incorporating an elastic static energizer element and a wear-resistant material on the dynamic sealing surfaces. A PolyPak® seal, for example, can also be used as thethird seal element 38. - The
third seal element 38 restricts the amount of contaminants and abrasive material that can enter into therecess 26, which can improve the life of thesecond seal element 36 andfirst seal element 34 respectively. Thethird seal element 38 also protects thesecond seal element 36 and thefirst seal element 34 when thecone arm assembly 10 is not performing a cutting or drilling process. In many scenarios, hole openers or tri-cone bits havingcone arm assemblies 10 are stored outside and are exposed to the outdoor elements for extended periods of time. Rain, dust, dirt, and other unwanted contaminants may contact thecone arm assembly 10 before, during, and after use. Thethird seal element 38 can protect therecess 26 from these contaminants, which could otherwise causerecess 26 wall corrosion,shaft 24 corrosion, or bearing 28, 30, 32 corrosion if left in contact with the internal components of thecone arm assembly 10. By maintaining a seal between theshoulder surface 22 and thebase surface 40 of thecone 14, rust or other corrosion that may prevent or restrict rotation of thecone 14 relative to thearm 12 is reduced. Correspondingly, thebearing first seal element 34 life,second seal element 36 life, and overallcone arm assembly 10 life is improved. - The
third seal element 38 also serves as a dampener that counteracts axial loading experienced by thecone arm assembly 10 during cutting or drilling processes. The resilient nature of thethird seal element 38 provides additional protection to internal components (e.g.,bearings recess 26 of thecone 14 that may otherwise be affected by sudden impacts or shock loading imparted on thecone 14. Thethird seal element 38 can also help restrict sudden contact that may occur between thebase surface 40 and theshoulder surface 22. In some embodiments, theshoulder surface 22 and thebase surface 40 are approximately parallel to one another, and the distance between theshoulder surface 22 and thebase surface 40 is between about 0.038 cm (0.015 in) and about 0.064 cm (0.025 in). Thecone 14 may deflect relative to theshaft 24 when it is axially loaded during cutting or drilling, and thebase surface 40 may be biased toward theshoulder surface 22. The dampening properties of thethird seal element 38 can dissipate the energy from the axial loading, reducing the impact (if any) that occurs between thebase surface 40 and theshoulder surface 22. Thethird seal element 38 can extend upwardly from thebase surface 40 of thecone 14 as well, so that contact occurs between theshoulder surface 22 and thethird seal element 38 before contact can occur between theshoulder surface 22 and thebase surface 40. - The shape of the
shaft 24 can help locate theseal elements bearings cone arm assembly 10. In some embodiments, theshaft 24 has a tiered structure, and includes afirst section 42 proximate to theshoulder surface 22 and asecond section 44 extending outwardly away from thefirst section 42. Thefirst section 42 can be defined by a radius R1 larger than a radius R2 defining thesecond section 44. A firstannular surface 46 can be formed at the meeting of thefirst section 42 and thesecond section 44. Athird section 48 can extend outwardly from thesecond section 44, and a secondannular surface 50 can be formed at the meeting of thesecond section 44 and thethird section 48. Thethird section 48 can be defined by a radius R3 smaller than the radius R2. In some embodiments, adistal section 52 extends outwardly from thethird section 48. Thedistal section 52 can be defined by a radius R4 that is larger than the radius R3. A thirdannular surface 54 opposing the secondannular surface 50 can be formed at the junction of thethird section 48 and thedistal section 52. In some embodiments, the radius R4 is smaller than the radius R2. Adistal end 55 of theshaft 24 can be defined by thedistal section 52. - In some embodiments, a plurality of
grooves shaft 24 to receivebearings first bearing groove 56 can be formed in thefirst section 42. In some embodiments, thefirst bearing groove 56 has a semicircular cross-section and extends circumferentially around theshaft 24. In some embodiments, thefirst bearing groove 56 acts as a race for one ormore ball bearings 30. Asecond bearing groove 58 can also be formed in theshaft 24. Thesecond bearing groove 58 can be defined by a portion of the secondannular surface 50, the outer surface of thethird section 48, and the thirdannular surface 54. Thesecond bearing groove 58 can also extend circumferentially around theshaft 24, and can support one ormore roller bearings 28. - The
shaft 24 is received within therecess 26 formed within thecone 14. Therecess 26 extends inward from thebase surface 40 of thecone 14 that faces theshoulder surface 22 of thearm 12. Therecess 26 can form a clearance fit with theshaft 24, permitting the rotation of thecone 14 about theshaft 24. In some embodiments, therecess 26 is formed of a firstcylindrical section 60 and a secondcylindrical section 62. The firstcylindrical section 60 can extend inwardly away from thebase surface 40 and can be defined by a radius R5. The radius R5 can be larger than the radius R1, so that thefirst section 42 of theshaft 24 can form a clearance fit with the firstcylindrical section 60 of therecess 26. A secondcylindrical section 62 can extend inwardly away from the firstcylindrical section 60, and can be defined by a radius R6 smaller than the radius R5. Astep 64 can be formed at the junction between the firstcylindrical section 60 and the secondcylindrical section 62. The radius R6 can be larger than the radii R2, R3, and R4, so that thesecond section 44, thethird section 48, and thedistal section 52 can form a clearance fit with the secondcylindrical section 62 of therecess 26. When thecone 14 is coupled to thearm 12, the firstannular surface 46 can engage thestep 64. Athrust washer 66 can be positioned between the firstannular surface 46 and thestep 64. In some embodiments, alubrication reservoir 68 extends inwardly away from the secondcylindrical section 62. - The
recess 26 within thecone 14 can also be defined by one ormore bearing grooves recess 26. In some embodiments, afirst bearing groove 70 is formed in the firstcylindrical section 60. Thefirst bearing groove 70 can have a semicircular cross-section that extends inwardly from the firstcylindrical section 60. When thecone 14 is coupled to theshaft 24, thefirst bearing groove 70 can serve as the outer race for one ormore ball bearings 30, and can be axially aligned with thefirst bearing groove 56 formed in theshaft 24. Asecond bearing groove 72 can be formed in the firstcylindrical section 60 of therecess 26 as well. In some embodiments, thesecond bearing groove 72 has a rectangular cross-section, and can support one ormore roller bearings 32. Thesecond bearing groove 72 can be positioned axially between thebase surface 40 and thefirst bearing groove 70. - In some embodiments, the
cone 14 is coupled to theshaft 24 using theball bearings 30. Theball bearings 30 can be introduced between thefirst bearing groove 56 formed in the shaft andfirst bearing groove 70 formed in thecone 14 using abearing insertion hole 73, which extends through a portion of thearm 12 and theshaft 24. Once theball bearings 30 are placed within thefirst bearing grooves ball bearings 30 restrict relative axial motion between theshaft 24 and thecone 14, coupling theshaft 24 to thecone 14. Theball bearings 30 also promote rotational motion of thecone 14 about theshaft 24. - The recess is further defined by
channels seal elements first channel 74 can be formed in the firstcylindrical section 60. Thefirst channel 74 can have a rectangular cross-section and can be positioned axially between thebase surface 40 and thesecond bearing groove 72. Thefirst channel 74 can be defined by anupper wall 78, alower wall 80, and aradial wall 82 extending between theupper wall 78 andlower wall 80. Theradial wall 82 can extend circumferentially about thecone 14. Theradial wall 82 can be defined by a radius R7 that is larger than the radius R5 that defines the firstcylindrical section 60. Thefirst seal element 34 can be received within thefirst channel 74, where it forms a seal between theshaft 24 and thecone 14. In some embodiments, an adhesive can be used to couple thefirst seal element 34 to at least one of theupper wall 78, thelower wall 80, and theradial wall 82. In other embodiments, theupper wall 78, thelower wall 80, and theradial wall 82 compress thefirst seal element 34 to secure thefirst seal element 34 in place. - The
second channel 76 can be positioned axially between thebase surface 40 and thefirst channel 74. Like thefirst channel 74, thesecond channel 76 can also be defined by anupper wall 84, alower wall 86, and aradial wall 88 extending between theupper wall 84 and thelower wall 86. Theradial wall 88 can be defined by a radius R8 that is also larger than the radius R5, and can extend circumferentially about thecone 14. In some embodiments, the radius R8 is smaller than the radius R7. Thesecond seal element 36 is received within thesecond channel 76, and forms a seal between theshaft 24 and thecone 14. Thesecond seal element 36 can be coupled to thesecond channel 76. In some embodiments, thesecond seal element 36 is compressed by theupper wall 84 andlower wall 86 to maintain thesecond seal element 36 within thesecond channel 76. Adhesive can also be used to secure thesecond seal element 36 within thesecond channel 76. - A
groove 90 can be formed in thebase surface 40 of thecone 14 to receive thethird seal element 38. Thegroove 90 can be defined by afirst side wall 92, asecond side wall 94, and abottom wall 96. Thefirst side wall 92, thesecond side wall 94, and thebottom wall 96 can extend circumferentially about thebase surface 40. Thethird seal element 38 can be received within thegroove 90, where it can then form the third seal between thebase surface 40 and theshoulder surface 22. In some embodiments, thegroove 90 can instead be formed in theshoulder surface 22 of thearm 12. - In some embodiments, the
bottom wall 96 of thegroove 90, theupper wall 78 of thefirst channel 74, and theupper wall 84 of thesecond channel 76 each lie in approximately parallel planes. For example, each of thebottom wall 96 of thegroove 90, theupper wall 78 of thefirst channel 74, and theupper wall 84 of thesecond channel 76 form flat surfaces approximately perpendicular to the rotational axis X-X. In some embodiments, thebottom wall 96 of thegroove 90 is formed at a first depth D1 from thebase surface 40. Theupper wall 84 of thesecond channel 76 can be formed at a second depth D2 from thebase surface 40 that is greater than the first depth D1. In some embodiments, thefirst side wall 92 and thesecond side wall 94 are positioned radially outward from theradial wall 88 of thesecond channel 76. Thethird seal element 38 can then be positioned radially outward from thefirst seal element 34 and thesecond seal element 36. - Using the
seal element cone arm assembly 10 can be extended. The three seal element configuration present in thecone arm assembly 10 protects the internal components of thecone arm assembly 10 from corrosion and contamination during both operation and idle periods. The sealing and dampening provided by the sealing arrangement better counteracts impact loading experienced during cutting and drilling processes that could otherwise causecone arm assembly 10 failure. - It should be appreciated that various other modifications and variations to the preferred embodiments can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the described embodiments. To ascertain the full scope of the invention, the following claims should be referenced.
Claims (20)
1. A cone arm assembly comprising:
an arm having a shaft extending therefrom in which the shaft is angularly surrounded by a shoulder surface on one end thereof;
a cone having a recess formed therein which receives the shaft in a manner to permit a rotation of the cone relative to the shaft about a rotational axis, the cone having a base surface facing the shoulder surface of the arm;
a first seal element positioned within the recess forming a first seal between the shaft of the arm and the cone;
a second seal element positioned within the recess forming a second seal between the shaft of the arm and the cone, the second seal being positioned closer to the shoulder surface than the first seal; and
a third seal element forming a third seal between the base surface of the cone and the shoulder surface of the arm.
2. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein a groove extends inward from the base surface, the third seal element being placed within the groove.
3. The cone arm assembly of claim 2 , wherein the groove comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall, and the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall collectively extend circumferentially about the base surface.
4. The cone arm assembly of claim 2 , wherein the recess is formed of a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section, the first cylindrical section being defined by a first radius and extending inwardly away from the base surface, and the second cylindrical section defined by a second radius smaller than the first radius, the second cylindrical section extending away inwardly away from the first cylindrical section.
5. The cone arm assembly of claim 4 , wherein a first channel and a second channel are formed within the first cylindrical section, the first channel receiving a portion of the first seal element and the second channel receiving a portion of the second seal element.
6. The cone arm assembly of claim 5 , wherein the first channel and second channel each comprise an upper wall, a radial wall, and a lower wall.
7. The cone arm assembly of claim 6 , wherein the bottom wall of the groove, the upper wall of the first channel, and the upper wall of the second channel lie in approximately parallel planes.
8. The cone arm assembly of claim 6 , wherein the bottom wall of the groove is formed at a first depth from the base surface and the upper wall of the second channel is formed at a second depth from the base surface greater than the first depth.
9. The cone arm assembly of claim 6 , wherein the first side wall and second side wall are each positioned radially outward from the radial wall of the second channel.
10. The cone arm assembly of claim 4 , wherein a thrust washer is positioned on a step formed at the junction of the first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section.
11. The cone arm assembly of claim 4 , wherein the first seal element is adhesively coupled to the first channel.
12. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one bearing is coupled to the shaft, the at least one bearing being positioned distally away from the first seal element, the second seal element, and the third seal element.
13. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the third seal element is positioned radially outward from the first seal element and the second seal element.
14. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first seal element, the second seal element, and third seal element are each positioned concentric with the rotational axis, but at different axial positions with respect to one another.
15. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the third seal element has a Shore A hardness exceeding 60.
16. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the third seal element comprises urethane.
17. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of cutting carbides are coupled to an outer surface of the cone.
18. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base surface of the cone and the shoulder surface of the arm are spaced apart from one another by between about 0.038 cm and about 0.064 cm.
19. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second seal element is a PolyPak™ seal.
20. The cone arm assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the first seal element, the second seal element, and the third seal element are comprised of an elastomeric material.
Priority Applications (1)
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US15/840,489 US20190178037A1 (en) | 2017-12-13 | 2017-12-13 | Sealing arrangement |
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US15/840,489 US20190178037A1 (en) | 2017-12-13 | 2017-12-13 | Sealing arrangement |
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US20190178037A1 true US20190178037A1 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
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US15/840,489 Abandoned US20190178037A1 (en) | 2017-12-13 | 2017-12-13 | Sealing arrangement |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11174683B2 (en) * | 2019-02-25 | 2021-11-16 | Century Products, Inc. | Tapered joint for securing cone arm in hole opener |
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US20160194918A1 (en) * | 2013-09-10 | 2016-07-07 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Sacrificial spacer for well tool inner seal |
US20160258220A1 (en) * | 2013-11-15 | 2016-09-08 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Compensator clip ring retainer cap for a roller cone drill bit |
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- 2017-12-13 US US15/840,489 patent/US20190178037A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20130153304A1 (en) * | 2011-12-14 | 2013-06-20 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Floating plug pressure equalization in oilfield drill bits |
US20160194918A1 (en) * | 2013-09-10 | 2016-07-07 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Sacrificial spacer for well tool inner seal |
US20160258220A1 (en) * | 2013-11-15 | 2016-09-08 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Compensator clip ring retainer cap for a roller cone drill bit |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11174683B2 (en) * | 2019-02-25 | 2021-11-16 | Century Products, Inc. | Tapered joint for securing cone arm in hole opener |
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