WO2022178414A1

WO2022178414A1 - Downhole tool with multi-contact component connector and method of using same

Info

Publication number: WO2022178414A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/017297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cameron Michael Bryant; James William Anthony
Original assignee: Gr Energy Services Management, L.P.
Priority date: 2021-02-22
Filing date: 2022-02-22
Publication date: 2022-08-25
Also published as: CA3204043A1

Abstract

A component connector is positioned in downhole tool. The downhole component includes a bulkhead and a receiver positioned in a housing. The component connector includes a contact member positioned in the bulkhead and a connector member in a receiver of the downhole tool. The contact member has an elongate body with a coupling end and a contact end. The connector member has another elongate body having a coupler end and a receptacle end. The connector member has an engager positioned about an outer surface of the connector member to provide selective engagement with the receiver. The coupling end of the contact member and the coupler end of the connector member are connected to electronics in the housing and wherein the receptacle end of the contact member is shaped to electrically receive the contact end of the contact member whereby electronics in adjacent components of the downhole tool are electrically coupled.

Description

DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH MULTI-CONTACT COMPONENT CONNECTOR

AND METHOD OF USING SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Patent Application No. 63/152,210 entitled “Downhole Tool With Multi-Contact Plunger Connector And Method of Using Same” filed on February 22, 2021, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to oilfield technology. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to downhole tools and downhole connectors.

[0003] Wellsite operations are performed to locate and access subsurface targets, such as valuable hydrocarbons. Drilling equipment is positioned at the surface and downhole drilling tools are advanced into the subsurface formation to form wellbores. Once drilled, casing may be inserted into the wellbore and cemented into place to complete the well. Once the well is completed, production tubing may be deployed through the casing and into the wellbore to produce fluid to the surface for capture.

[0004] During the wellsite operations, various downhole tools, may be deployed into the earth to perform various procedures, such as measurement, perforation, injection, plugging, etc. Examples of downhole tools are provided in US Patent/Application Nos. 10200024935; 10507433; 20200277837; 20190242222; 20190234189; 10309199; 20190127290; 20190086189;

20190242209; 20180299239; 20180224260; 9915513; 20180038208; 9822618; 9605937; 20170074078; 9581422; 20170030693; 20160356132; 20160061572; 8960093; 20140033939; 8267012; 6520089; 20160115753; 20190178045; and 10365079, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. These downhole tools may be activated to perform the various procedures. Examples of such techniques are provided in US Patent/ Application Nos. 10,036,236; 20200072029;

US20200048996; and 20160115753 the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. [0005] Despite the advancements in downhole technology, there remains a need for downhole tools capable of reliably connecting and operating in even the harshest downhole environments. The present disclosure is directed at providing such needs.

SUMMARY

[0006] In at least one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a component connector for a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole tool comprises a bulkhead and a receiver positioned in a housing. The component connector comprises a contact member positionable in the bulkhead of the downhole tool and a connector member positionable in the receiver of the downhole tool. The contact member comprises an elongate body with a coupling end and a contact end. The connector member is positionable in the receiver of the downhole tool. The connector member has another elongate body having a coupler end and a receptacle end. The connector member has an engager positioned about an outer surface of the connector member to provide selective engagement of the connector member with the receiver. The coupling end of the contact member and the coupler end of the connector member are connected to electronics in the housing and wherein the receptacle end of the contact member is shaped to electrically receive the contact end of the contact member whereby electronics in adjacent components of the downhole tool are electrically coupled.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole tool comprises adjacent components and a component connector positioned in each of the adjacent components. Each of the adjacent components comprises a bulkhead and a receiver positioned in a tubular housing. The housing has a pin end and a box end at each end thereof, the pin end of a first of the adjacent components connectable to the box end of a second of the adjacent components. Each of the component connectors comprises a contact member positionable in the bulkhead and a connector member positionable in the receiver. The contact member comprises an elongate body with a coupling end and a contact end. The connector member has another elongate body having a coupler end and a receptacle end. The connector member has an engager positioned about an outer surface of the connector member to provide selective engagement of the connector member with the receiver. The coupling end of the contact member and the coupler end of the connector member are connected to electronics in the housing and wherein the receptacle end of the contact member is shaped to electrically receive the contact end of the contact member whereby electronics in the adjacent components of the downhole tool are electrically coupled.

[0008] Finally, in another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of assembling a downhole tool, the method comprising: providing a downhole component comprising a bulkhead and a receiver positioned in a housing; positioning a contact member in the bulkhead; positioning a connector member in the receiver such that an engager along an outer surface of the connector member is in engagement with the receiver; and electrically connecting a coupling end of the contact member and a coupler end of the connector member to electronics in the housing.

[0009] In at least one other aspect, the present disclosure relates to a plunger connector for adjacent components of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The plunger connector comprises a contact member and a plunger member. The contact member is positionable in a first of the adjacent components, and has an elongate body with a coupling end and a contact end. The coupling end is connectable to electronics in the first of the adjacent components, and the contact end has connector contacts thereon. The plunger member is positionable in a second of the adjacent components, and has another elongate body having a coupler end and a receptacle end. The coupler end is connectable to electronics in the second of the adjacent components. The receptacle end is shaped to electrically receive the contact end of the contact member whereby the electronics of the adjacent components are electrically coupled. [0010] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole tool comprises adjacent components and the plunging connection described above. Each of the adjacent components comprises a tubular housing with electronics therein. The tubular housing has a pin end and a box end. The pin end of a first of the adjacent components connectable to the box end of a second of the adjacent components. The plunging connection is positioned in each of the adjacent components for connection between the adjacent components.

[0011] Finally, in another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of assembling a downhole tool. The method involves providing adjacent components, and connecting the adjacent components with the plunger connector described above.

[0012] This Summary is not intended to be limiting and should be read in light of the entire disclosure including text, claims and figures herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] So that the above recited features and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. The appended drawings illustrate example embodiments and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features, and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a wellsite with surface and downhole equipment, the downhole equipment comprising a downhole tool including tool components connected by component connections.

[0015] Figures 2A - 2C are schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of the downhole tool showing adjacent components connected by the component connections, the component connections including a component connector comprising a contact member and a connector member.

[0016] Figures 3 A and 3B are front and rear longitudinal, cross-section views, respectively, of a plunger connector including a contact member with dual connector contacts and an insulated connector member.

[0017] Figure 4 is a side view of a plunger connector with a triple connector contact.

[0018] Figure 5 is a side view of a plunger connector with a quadruple connector contact.

[0019] Figure 6 is a side view of a plunger connector with the dual connector contact and without a contact spring.

[0020] Figure 7 is a side view of a plunger connector with the dual connector contact, without the contact spring, and with a non-insulated plunger.

[0021] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the downhole tool showing adjacent components connected by the component connection, the component connection including a tube connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and/or instruction sequences that embody techniques of the present subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. [0023] The present disclosure relates to a component connection for connecting adjacent components of a downhole tool. The downhole tool may have one or more tool components (or separate tools) that are connected together end-to-end to form a tool string which acts as the downhole tool. The downhole tool may also have other devices within or separate from the tool components. These tool components may have various connections, such as mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, etc. The mechanical connection(s), such as mated (e.g., threaded) ends, may be used to mechanically support the tool components in position. The electrical connection(s), such as plugs and sockets, may be used to electrically couple the tool components to allow the passage of signals (e.g., power, communication, etc.) therebetween. The electro-mechanical connection may be a combination of a mechanical and electrical connection that can both mechanically support and electrically couple the tool components. The tool components that are connected directly to each other are referred to as “adjacent components”.

[0024] The component connection includes a component connector comprising a contact member positionable in a first of the adjacent components and a connector member in a second of the adjacent components. The contact member has redundant contact points and/or surfaces receivable into a receptacle of the connector member for forming an electrical coupling between the adjacent components. The contact member and the connector member are each connectable to electronics in their respective adjacent components. The component connector may be a plunger connector with a movable connector member or a tube connector with a fixed connector member.

[0025] The component connector has features to facilitate and further ensure electrical contact and/or coupling between the adjacent components. The contact member may have multiple connector contacts (e.g., two or more) that form redundant contact surfaces (e.g., point, radial, etc.) for engagement with a component receptacle of the connector member. The contact member may also have a contact spring (e.g., canted spring, detent clip, etc.) to engage the plunger receptacle during insertion to clean debris, to grip, and/or to provide positive contact about the inner surface of the component receptacle of the connector member. The contact member may also have a charge tube that is pressed into place in mating contacting with the component receptacle of the connector member and rigidly held in position therein. These configurations are intended to provide electro mechanical connection with both electrical coupling and mechanical support.

[0026] The present disclosure seeks to provide one or more of the following features, among others: positive electrical contact, redundant contact surfaces, supported (e.g., fitted, gripping, etc.) connection, sealed connection, reliability, operability in harsh downhole conditions, ease of manufacture and assembly, integration with existing components and devices, operability with components and devices of other tools for use therewith, reduction in cost, increased efficiency, elimination of redundant components and devices, flexibility of use, time savings, efficient operation, low maintenance costs, replaceable and/or disposable components and devices, etc. [0027] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a wellsite 100 with surface and downhole equipment 102a, b. The downhole equipment 102b comprises a downhole tool 104 including tool components 106a-f connected by component connections 108a-e. The surface equipment 102a and the downhole equipment 102b are positioned about a wellbore 110. The wellsite 100 may be any wellsite positioned about a subterranean formation, such as an unconventional formation ( e.g ., shale) with a reservoir (e.g., oil, gas, water) therein.

[0028] The surface equipment 102a includes a conveyance reel 112, and a surface unit 114. The surface equipment 102a may include a wellhead 107 (and other surface components) positioned about the top of the wellbore 110. The conveyance reel 112 may be a spool (e.g., wireline reel) rotationally mounted at the surface. The conveyance reel 112 supports a conveyance 116 as it is deployed into the wellbore 110. A pulley 118 may optionally be provided to support the conveyance 116 about the wellbore 110 as schematically shown. In the example of Figure 1, the conveyance 116 is a wireline cable electrically and communicatively coupled between the surface unit 114 and the downhole tool 104 for passing signals therebetween.

[0029] The downhole equipment 102b comprises the downhole tool 104 positioned in the wellbore 110 and supported therein by the conveyance 116. The wellbore 110 may have a casing 120 therein to line a surface thereof. The downhole tool 104 includes multiple of the tool components 106a-f joined together end to end. In the example shown, the tool components 106a-f include a collar locator 106a, a release tool 106b, a top sub 106c, a perforating gun 106d, a setting tool 106e, and a plugging tool 106f. Each of the tool components 106a-f may include one or more various devices (or tools) usable downhole. Examples of the tool components 106a-f and associated devices that may be used are provided in the patents/applications incorporated by reference herein.

[0030] The tool components 106a-f may be connected together by the component connections 108a-e. For example, tool components 106a and 106b have the component connection 108a therebetween and the tool components 106d and 106e have the component connection 108e therebetween. The component connections 108a-e may include a mechanical, electrical, and/or electro-mechanical connection that mechanically supports and/or electrically couples these tool components 106a, 106b, 106d, 106e (as well as the other tool components 106c, 106f) for operation downhole. The component connections 108a-e include the component connector 111 to facilitate such connections as is described further herein.

[0031] Figures 2A - 2C are schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of the downhole tool 104 showing adjacent perforating tools 106d connected by the component connections 108d. The component connections 108d include the component connector 111. Figure 2 A shows multiple perforating tools 106d connected together. Figure 2B shows the component connection 108d joining two of the perforating tools 106d of the downhole tool 104 (referred to as adjacent components 206d). Figure 2C shows one of the perforating tools 106d in greater detail. Examples of perforating tools and devices therein that may be used are disclosed in US Patent/ Application Nos. 10,036,236 and 20200072029, previously incorporated by reference herein.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 A - 2C, each of the perforating tools 106d include the tool housing 230a, a charge assembly 230b, and a detonator assembly 230c. The tool housing 230a is a tubular member with a pin end 228a at one end and a box end 228b at an opposite end. As shown in Figures 2 A and 2C, the pin end 228a may be connectable to the box end 228b of the adjacent perforating tools 106d to form a portion of the component connection 108d between the adjacent components 206d. An additional housing may be positioned about the perforating tools 106d (and other tool components and/or devices of the downhole tool 104).

[0033] The charge assembly 230b and the detonator assembly 230c are connected together and supported in the tool housing 230a. A bulkhead (or bulkhead assembly or charge feedthru) 232a may be positioned at one end of the tool housing 230a for connection to the charge assembly 230b of the adjacent perforating tool 106d. A receiver 232b may be positioned at an opposite end of the tool housing 230a adjacent the charge assembly 230b for connection to the detonator assembly 230c of the adjacent perforating tool 106d. The bulkhead 232a, charge assembly 230b, detonator assembly 230c, and the receiver 232b may be mechanically supported within the tool housing 230a.

[0034] The bulkhead 232a, charge assembly 230b, detonator assembly 230c, and the receiver 232b may also be electrically coupled together for cooperative operation therebetween. Each of the perforating tools 106d also has electronics 124 supported therein for operation of the perforating gun 106d. The electronics 124 may include, for example, wiring, contacts, switches, and other electronic devices for operating the perforating gun 106d. The electronics 124 may be part of the charge assembly 230b and/or the detonator assembly 230c, or connected thereto for operation therewith.

[0035] The electronics 124 may be supported and/or facilitated by the bulkhead 232a and the receiver 232b. The electronics 124 may extend communication from the bulkhead 232a, through the detonator assembly 230c and the charge assembly 230b, to the receiver 232b. This configuration allows electrical communication within the perforating gun 106d. This electrical communication can be extended from the perforating gun 106d to another perforating gun 106d by an electrical connection 208 within the component connection 108d. This electrical communication may also be extended from the perforating guns 106d, to the conveyance 116, and on to the surface unit 114 (Figure 1).

[0036] The bulkhead 232a of one of the perforating tools 106d may be connectable to the receiver 232b of the adjacent perforating tools 106d to form the electrical connection 208. Once connected together, the bulkhead 232a may be electrically coupled to the bulkhead 232a of the adjacent perforating tools 106d to provide the electrical connection 208 between the adjacent components 206d. Signals may then pass from one perforating gun 106d to another.

[0037] The electrical connection 208 may include the bulkhead 232a, the receiver 232b, and the component connector 111. The component connector 111 includes a contact member 240a positioned in the bulkhead 232a and a connector member 240b positioned in the receiver 232b. The connector member 240b may have engagement means 245 configured to movably or fixedly support the connector member 240b in the receiver 232b as described further herein.

[0038] The contact member 240a and the connector member 240b are connected to the electronics 124 in the perforating gun 106d for electrical communication therewith. When the adjacent perforating tools 106d are connected together with the bulkhead 232a in engagement with the receiver 232b, the contact member 240a and the connector member 240b are placed in electrical communication with each other as is described further herein.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1 - 2C, during operation, signals may be sent from the surface unit 114 via the conveyance 116 to the downhole tool 104. The signals may pass through the tool components 106a-f for activation thereof. The signal may be passed, for example, by wires through one or more of the tool components 106a-f. The signal may be passed by the wires into the perforating gun 106d and through the component connections 108d. [0040] The signal may enter the perforating gun 106d through the electrical connection 208. The signal may be passed from the contact member 240a in the bulkhead 232a and to the detonation assembly 230c to trigger activation of the detonator therein. The signal may then pass from the detonation assembly 230c to the charge assembly 230b to activate the detonation assembly 230c (e.g., to detonate a charge and form a perforation in a wall of the wellbore 110). The signal may continue from the charge assembly 230b, through the connector member 240b, and to the contact member 240a of the next perforating gun 106d, or another tool component 106a-f. The signal may continue through one or more select portions of the downhole tool 104 for selective activation of one of more of the downhole components 106a-f.

[0041] Figures 3 A and 3B are front and rear longitudinal, cross-section views, respectively, of a plunger connector 111a. Figure 3 A shows the plunger connector 111a before forming a plunging electrical connection 208a. Figure 3B shows the plunger connector 11 la after forming the plunging electrical connection 208a. For descriptive purposes, the bulkhead 232a, the receiver 232b, and the remaining portion of the adjacent components 206d have been removed.

[0042] The plunger connector 111a includes the contact member 240a with a dual connector contact 342 and an insulated connector member 240b. The contact member 240a is shaped for insertion into the bulkhead 232a (Figures 2B - 2C). The contact member 240a has an elongate body made of a metal material, such as brass. The contact member 240a may have a stepped outer surface shaped to conform to an inner surface of an opening extending through the bulkhead 232a. A contact shoulder (or stop) 356a may be defined about an end of the stepped outer surface. The contact member 240a may be coated with a protective material 341, such as plastic, applied by over-molding or heat shrinking. Seals (e.g., o-rings) 343 may be positioned about the outer surface of the contact member 240a for sealing about the bulkhead 232a.

[0043] The contact member 240a has a coupling end 344a and a contact end 344b. The contact member 240a may be positioned within a central portion of the bulkhead 232a with the coupling end 344a and the contact end 344b extending therefrom for connection. The coupling end 344a has a tubular shape connectable to the electronics (e.g., electronics 124 of Figure 2C). For example, the coupling end 344a may receive a wire or cable of the detonation assembly 230c and may be secured thereto by crimping or other means (e.g., adhesive, soldering, etc.).

[0044] The contact end 344b has a cylindrical shape with the connector contacts 342 positioned thereon. A bottom of the contact end 344b may be bisected to form dual connector contacts 342. The dual connector contacts 342 are hemi spherically shaped members positioned adjacent each other to form a circular periphery 346a with a flat bottom surface 346b. A tapered surface 346c is located between the circular periphery 346a and the flat bottom surface 346b. A contact spring 348 is positioned about a periphery of the contact end 344b. The contact spring 348 may be a compressible member, such as a canted spring or detent clip. The outer periphery of the contact end 344b may have a groove 349 shaped to receive the contact spring 348 therein.

[0045] The connector member 240b is shaped for insertion into the receiver 232b of the perforating gun 106d (Figure 2C). The connector member 240b may be made of a conductive metal, such as aluminum or brass. The connector member 240b may have a stepped outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of a hole through the receiver 232b. An outer surface of the connector member 240b may have a connector coating made of an insulated material 351, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

[0046] The connector member 240b has an elongate body having a coupler end 350a and a receptacle end 350b. The connector member 240b may have a stepped outer surface with a contact shoulder (or stop) 356b defined about an end of the stepped outer surface to terminate advancement of the connector member 240b into the receiver 232b. In this version, the engagement means 245 (Figure 2C) of the connector member 240b is a plunger spring 245a (e.g., a compression spring) movably positioned about the stepped outer surface of the connector member 240b. The plunger spring 245a is also positioned between the connector member 240b and the receiver 232b to allow the connector member 240b to be movably supported in the connector member 240b, and to provide cushioned movement therebetween.

[0047] The coupler end 350a is similar to the coupling end 344a, and is shaped for similar connection to the electronics 124 (e.g., crimped about a wire of the charge assembly 230b). The receptacle end 350b may have a tubular opening 352 shaped to receive the contact end 344b of the contact member 240a. The opening 352 may have a substantially smooth inner surface 354a with an angled bottom 354b that tapers inward. The opening 352 may correspond to the shape of the contact end 344b for fitted receipt thereof.

[0048] As also shown in Figure 3B, when the contact end 344b is inserted into the opening 352 of the receptacle end 350b, the contacts 342 are urged against the inner surface of the receptacle end 350b for redundant contact therebetween. The tapered surface 346c contacts the angled bottom 354b of the receptacle end 350b and the circular periphery 346a engages the inner surface 354a to provide areas (or points) of contact between the contacts 342 and the inner surface 354a and the angled bottom 354b.

[0049] The contact spring 348 is also urged against the inner surface 354a to provide radial contact along 360 degrees (or so) of the inner surface 354a. The contact spring 348 may also be used to scrape along the inner surface 354a to clean and grip the inner surface 354a as the contact end 344b advances into the receptacle end 350b. The contact end 344b advances until its contact shoulder 356b engages the receptacle end 350b. Once insertion is complete and contact is made, electrical communication is provided between the adjacent components (e.g., 206d of Figures 2A and 2B).

[0050] Figures 4 - 7 show additional versions of the plunger connector 411, 511, 611, 711 with various features and/or configurations. Figure 4 is a side view of the plunger connector 411 with the triple connector contacts 342. This plunger connector 411 is similar to the plunger connector 111a of Figures 3 A and 3B, except with a modified contact end 444b with the triple (three) connector contacts 342. Figure 5 is a side view of the plunger connector 511 with quadruple connector contacts 342. This plunger connector 511 is similar to the plunger connector 111a of Figures 3A and 3B, except with a modified contact end 544b with the quadruple (four) contacts 342. As shown by Figures 4 and 5, the plunger connector (111a, 411, 511, 611, 711) may have various numbers of the contacts 342.

[0051] Figure 6 is a side view of the plunger connector 611 with the dual connector contacts 342 and without a contact spring 348 in the groove 349. The plunger connector 611 is similar to the plunger connector 111a of Figures 3 A and 3B, except with a modified contact end 644b with the contact spring 348 removed.

[0052] Figure 7 is a side view of the plunger connector 711 with the dual connector contacts 342, without the contact spring 348 in the groove 349, and with a non-insulated connector member 740b. This version of the plunger connector 711 is similar to the plunger connector 611 of Figure 6, except with a modified with the insulated material (coating) 351 is removed from the connector member 740b. Figures 6 and 7 show examples of additional variations that may be provided. It will be appreciated that further variations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, while not shown, each of the plunger connectors 411-711 may also have the plunger spring 245a, such as a compression spring or other engagement means thereabout for movable engagement with the receiver 232b. [0053] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the downhole tool 104 showing adjacent components 106a, b connected by the component connection 108a. The tube connector 11 lb is positioned in the adjacent components 106a,b in a manner similar to the plunger connector 111a of Figures 3A and 3B. The component connection 108a in this version includes a tube connector 111b forming a tube electrical connection 208b between the adjacent components 106a,b.

[0054] The tube connector 111b includes the same contact member 240a positioned in the bulkhead 232a. The tube connector 111b also includes another version of the connector member 840b positioned in the receiver 232b. In this example, the connector member 840b provides a fixed engagement means 245b disposed about the connector member 840b. The connector member 840b has a tubular outer surface grippingly receivable in the receiver 232b by the engagement means 245b.

[0055] The engagement means 245b in this example includes one or more raised grippers 245b formed along the tubular outer surface of the connector member 840b. These raised grippers 245b may be raised ridges or spikes that extend or are arranged radially about the outer surface of the connector member 840b. These ridges may have a circular shape disposed about an outer periphery of the connector member 840b and terminating in a sharp edge for gripping and fixed receipt of the connector member 840b in the receiver 232b. Other grippers 840b may be provided, such as an interference fit, adhesive, or other engagement means for fixing the connector member 840b in the receiver 232b.

[0056] While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. For example, various combinations of one or more of the features and/or methods provided herein may be used.

[0057] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. For example, while certain tools and components (e.g., switches) are provided herein, it will be appreciated that various configurations (e.g., shape, order, orientation, etc.) of tools may be used. While the figures herein depict a specific configuration or orientation, these may vary. First and second are not intended to limit the number or order.

[0058] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claim(s) herein, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional invention is reserved. Although a very narrow claim may be presented herein, it should be recognized the scope of this invention is much broader than presented by the claim(s). Broader claims may be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from this application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A component connector for a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the downhole tool comprising a bulkhead and a receiver positioned in a housing, the component connector comprising: a contact member positionable in the bulkhead of the downhole tool, the contact member comprising an elongate body with a coupling end and a contact end; and a connector member positionable in the receiver of the downhole tool, the connector member having another elongate body having a coupler end and a receptacle end, the connector member having an engager positioned about an outer surface of the connector member to provide selective engagement of the connector member with the receiver; wherein the coupling end of the contact member and the coupler end of the connector member are connected to electronics in the housing and wherein the receptacle end of the contact member is shaped to electrically receive the contact end of the contact member whereby electronics in adjacent components of the downhole tool are electrically coupled.

2. The component connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector member is a plunger connector member and wherein the engager comprises a plunger spring to provide movable engagement of the plunger connector member about the receiver.

3. The component connector of claim 1, wherein the connector member is a tube connector member and wherein the engager comprises a raised gripper to provide fixed engagement of the tube connector member in the receiver.

4. The component connector of claim 1, further comprising a connection spring positioned about the contact end of the contact member.

5. The component connector of claim 1, wherein the connector member further comprises at least one of an insulated layer, a non-insulated layer, and combinations thereof disposed about the outer surface thereof.

6. The component connector of claim 1, wherein the contact member has a non-conductive contact coating disposed about an outer surface thereof.

7. The component connector of claim 1, wherein the contact end has connector contacts extending from the contact end, the connector contacts receivable in the coupler end of the connector member.

8. The component connector of claim 7, wherein the connector contacts comprise dual connector contacts.

9. The component connector of claim 7, wherein the connector contacts comprise triple connector contacts.

10. The component connector of claim 7, wherein the connector contacts comprise quadruple connector contacts.

11. A downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the downhole tool comprising: adjacent components, each of the adjacent components comprising a bulkhead and a receiver positioned in a housing, the housing having a pin end and a box end at each end thereof, the pin end of a first of the adjacent components connectable to the box end of a second of the adjacent components; and a component connector positioned in each of the adjacent components, each of the component connectors comprising: a contact member positionable in the bulkhead, the contact member comprising an elongate body with a coupling end and a contact end; and a connector member positionable in the receiver, the connector member having another elongate body having a coupler end and a receptacle end, the connector member having an engager positioned about an outer surface of the connector member to provide selective engagement of the connector member with the receiver; wherein the coupling end of the contact member and the coupler end of the connector member are connected to electronics in the housing and wherein the receptacle end of the contact member is shaped to electrically receive the contact end of the contact member whereby electronics in the adjacent components of the downhole tool are electrically coupled.

12. The downhole tool of claim 11, wherein each of the adjacent components comprises one of a setting tool, a top sub, a release tool, a perforating gun, and a collar locator.

13. The downhole tool of claim 11, wherein each of the adjacent components comprises the bulkhead at the pin end and the receiver at the box end of the housing with the electronics extending therebetween.

14. The downhole tool of claim 11, wherein at least one of the adjacent components is electrically connected to the surface by a conveyance.

15. A method of assembling a downhole tool, the method comprising: providing a downhole component comprising a bulkhead and a receiver positioned in a housing; positioning a contact member in the bulkhead; positioning a connector member in the receiver such that an engager along an outer surface of the connector member is in engagement with the receiver; and electrically connecting a coupling end of the contact member and a coupler end of the connector member to electronics in the housing.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting the downhole component to another downhole component by threadedly connecting a pin end of the housing of the downhole component to a box end of the another downhole component.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising electrically connecting the downhole component to another downhole component by receiving a contact end of the contact member of the downhole component in a receptacle end of the connector member in an another receiver of the another downhole component.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the electrically connecting the coupling end of the contact member and the coupler end of the connector member comprises fixedly positioning the coupling end of the contact member into the coupler end of the connector member in the another receiver of the another downhole component.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the the electrically connecting the coupling end of the contact member and the coupler end of the connector member comprises movably positioning the coupling end of the contact member into the coupler end of the connector member in the another receiver of the another downhole component.