US3915244A - Break out elevators for rotary drive assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a rotary drive assembly for manipulating well pipe. The assembly, which is carried in a drilling derrick, provides means for both threaded and non-threaded connection with a well pipe. The threaded connection is used for imparting rotary motion to the pipe and an attached drill string during drilling. A break out elevator provides non-threaded connection used for manipulating pipe members and for making up or breaking out a connection between threaded pipe segments. The elevator is pivotally suspended by bails from a rotary powering mechanism which may be raised or lowered in the derrick. Powered cocking means are provided for pivoting the bails as required to move the elevator laterally. Powered gripping means may be used in the elevator to selectively grip or release a pipe member extending through the elevator. Cam surfaces acting with the gripping means automatically increase the gripping forces exerted on the pipe member as the forces tending to move the pipe relative to the elevator increase. A lost motion connection is employed between the bails and the powering mechanism to provide a rotary jarring force to the pipe gripped by the elevator. Several modified gripping assemblies for use in the elevator are described.

Description

United States Patent [191 Brown, deceased Oct. 28, 1975 BREAK OUT ELEVATORS FOR ROTARY DRIVE ASSEMBLIES [76] Inventor: Cicero C. Brown, deceased,late of PO. Box 19236, Houston, Tex. 77024, by Joe R. Brown, executor [22] Filed: June 6, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 477,028

[52] US. Cl. 175/85; 166/775; 173/163 [51] Int. Cl. E21B 19/07 [58] Field of Search 175/85, 52; 166/775;

Primary Examiner-David H. Brown Attorney, Agent, or FirmTorres & Berryhill [57] ABSTRACT Disclosed is a rotary drive assembly for manipulating well pipe. The assembly, which is carried in a drilling derrick, provides means for both threaded and nonthreaded connection with a well pipe. The threaded connection is used forimparting rotary motion to the pipe and an attached drill string during drilling. A break out elevator provides non-threaded connection used for manipulating pipe members and for making up or breaking out a connection between threaded pipe segments. The elevator is pivotally suspended by bails from a rotary powering mechanism which may be raised or lowered in the derrick. Powered cocking means are provided for pivoting the bails as required to move the elevator laterally. Powered gripping means may be used in the elevator to selectively grip or release a pipe member extending through the elevator. Cam surfaces acting with the gripping means automatically increase the gripping forces exerted on the pipe member as the forces tending to move the pipe relative to the elevator increase. A lost motion connection is employed between the bails and the powering mechanism to provide a rotary jarring force to the pipe gripped by the elevator. Several modified gripping assemblies for use in the elevator are described.

18 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent 0a. 28, 1975 Sheet 1 of6 3,915,244

U.S. Patent Oct.28, 1975 Sheet2of6 3,915,244

2/ 2/ II 48 j/zs 47 US. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet 3 of6 3,915,244

US. Patent 0a. 28, 1975 Sheet 4 of6 3,915,244

US. Patent Oct. 28, 1975Sheet 6 of 6 3,915,244

7 E i Y 3 3 a BREAK OUT ELEVATORS FOR ROTARY DRIVE ASSEMBLIES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES This application is related to U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,776,320; 3,766,991; 3,467,202; 3,774,697; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 418,065 filed Nov. 21, 1973.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention The present invention pertains generally to the drilling and production of petroleum wellsv More specifically, the invention pertains to derrick-mounted driving apparatus for rotating a drill string and for manipulating pipe members being run into or removed from a well.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art In the conventional method of drilling wells, large internal combustion engines or other power sources are employed to rotate a rotary table set in the floor of a drilling derrick. Slidingly engaging a square hole in the rotary table is a square kelly member to which rotary motion is imparted by the table while the kelly is free to slide vertically therethrough. The lower end of the kelly is threadedly connected to the upper end of a string of drill pipe and the rotary motion is carried to a bit located at the lower end of the string.

As lengths of pipe are added to or removed from the drill spring, it is necessary to employ auxiliary equipment such as wrenches, tongs, elevators, ropes, and chains to threadedly connect and disconnect the pipe members employed in the string. This technique, which is well known, is slow and extremely dangerous.

In my U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,467,202, 3,774,697, 3,766,991 and 3,776,320 and in my U.S. patent application Ser. No. 418,065, filed Nov. 21, 1973, new and improved methods and apparatuses for drilling wells are disclosed in which the heavy rotary table, the chain drive connections, large internal combustion engines, tongs, spinning chains, manually set slips and other appurtenances of conventional well drilling equipment are eliminated. In these improved systems, a rotary power device, such as an electric motor, is supported from the traveling block of a drilling derrick for imparting rotary motion to the drill string. The rotary power device is equipped with a rotatable output shaft which may be provided with a threaded pin for connection to the upper end of a drill string.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,766,99], describes a connector device which may be connected to the output shaft of the power source to provide non-threaded engagement with the upper end of a pipe string. The connector includes a tubular housing adapted to coaxially receive the upper end of the pipe string and a set of pipe gripping shoes rockably mounted in the housing for angular movement into and out of gripping engagement with the upper end of the well pipe in accordance with the direction of angular movement of the housing relative to the pipe string. Thus, the pipe string may be rotated by the connector for drilling or joints of pipe may be connected and disconnected from the string as they are run into or removed from the well.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,776,320 disclosed an improved drive connector featuring a tubular housing having a longitudinal section removed therefrom to form a side opening through which a pipe member may be laterally placed in the housing. In many applications, this technique of encircling the pipe member with the connector may prove to be more convenient than the method ofinserting the pipe member from the bottom of the connector, as required by the aforementioned patent, particularly where the pipe has an enlarged upset end that is to be so inserted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The break-out elevators of the present invention are equipped with means for moving the elevators laterally without the need for pivoting the power drive assembly from which the elevators are suspended. To this end, fluid powered cocking cylinders are employed to cock the bails supporting the elevator so that the elevator swings laterally away from the vertical.

The bails mounting the elevator are also provided with a lost motion connection to the rotary drive stem of the power drive assembly so that ajarring rotary impact may be delivered to the elevator.

The elevator may be used with powered drive means for positively moving gripping elements in the elevator into and out of engagement with a pipe which is encircled by the elevator. By this means, a firm grip may be obtained even with a stationary pipe and without the need for any rotary motion. Once the gripping elements engage the pipe, cam surfaces automatically increase the gripping force exerted by the gripping means as the forces tending to rotate or draw down the pipe relative to the elevator increase.

These and other features and advantages of the invention may be more fully appreciated by reference to the specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. IA is a front elevation schematically illustrating the drive connector assembly of the present invention, suspended below a power swivel in a well derrick; FIG. 1B is a side elevation of the present invention with the drive connector assembly in a rotated position, and illustrating the cocking of the elevator; FIG. 1C is a partial side elevation of the elevator of the present invention, in cocked position, and pivoted for engaging an inclined pipe;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation. in quarter-section, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the drive connector assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation, partially in section, of the assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-section taken along the line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-section taken along theline 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-section taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-section taken along theline 77 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged scale, partial vertical crosssection ofa cylinder assembly employed in the connector assembly of the present invention taken along theline 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an elevation, in quarter-section, illustrating a modified drive connector assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-section taken along the line 1010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-section taken along the line I111 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-section taken along the line 1212 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an elevation, in quarter-section, illustrating another modification of the drive connector assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a horizontal cross-section taken along the line 1414 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a horizontal cross-section taken along the line 1515 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 illustrates another modification of a drive connector assembly of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a horizontal cross-section taken along the line 1717 of FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS The drive connector assembly of the present invention is illustrated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1A and 18 supported within conventional well derrick D. A crown block A, fixed at the top of the derrick D, supports a traveling block T by a cable C which in turn supports a rotary power assembly PA comprised ofa gear assembly G powered by an electric motor M. The power assembly PA provides rotary motion to pipe and other equipment which is used in drilling or completing a well W. The assembly PA is raised and lowered by the traveling block T. Guide tracks R guide the assembly PA as it moves vertically to prevent the assembly from swinging or rotating in the derrick.

The gear assembly G is provided with a rotatable output shaft which transmits rotary movement to the drive connector assembly attached thereto. The drive connector includes a drive means or drivehead 11 connected directly to the output shaft 0 and a gripping means orelevator 12 suspended bybails 13 from thedrive head 11. Theelevator 12 is illustrated gripping a pipe string PS. Rotary and vertical movements of thedrive head 11 are transmitted to the pipe string PS as required to drill the well or to make up or break out pipe sections in the string. An important feature of the present invention is the ability of theassembly 10 to move theelevator 12 laterally, back and forth, relative to the central axis of the output shaft 0 from the position illustrated in FIG. 1A into the position illustrated in FIG. 1B. As will be hereinafter explained in greater detail, theelevator 12 is pivotally supported by thebails 13 from thedrive head 11 and a powering means is provided for moving the elevator, and any pipe or equipment carried by the elevator, about the elevator's pivotal support. Such movement or orientation is required, for example, when picking up or laying down pipe segments being added to or removed from the pipe string PS.

FIGS. 28 illustrate details in the construction of thedrive head 11 and theelevator 12. Referring initially to FIGS. 2 and 3, thedrive head 11 includes adrive head housing 20 partially enclosing a tubulardrive head stem 21. Thestem 21 is threadedly engaged to the gear assembly output shaft 0. The threadedbottom 23 of thestem 21 protrudes below thedrive head housing 20 for making a threaded connection with a pipe P as required for drilling or other purposes. When thethreads 23 are engaged with a drill string, the rotation of the shaft 0 is imparted directly to the string and drilling fluid is permitted to flow from the shaft 0 to the drill string. Where fluid flow is not required and where operations other than drilling are required, theelevators 12 may be employed to impart vertical, lateral and rotary movements of theassembly 10 to well pipe or other equipment gripped by the elevators.

Thehousing 20 is equipped with a plurality (only one shown) oflarge ball bearings 24 which ride in anannular groove 25 formed in astem shoulder 21a. Thebearings 24 prevent the housing from moving axially along thestem 21 but permit limited rotational movement between the stem and housing as required for the jarring action which is to be described. Set screws 26, equipped with concave end faces, retain the bearings 24in position. Lower and upper O-ring seals 28 and 29, respectively, prevent dirt and other debris from entering the area between the stem and housing and also retain lubricants in the enclosed area.

Referring jointly to FIGS. 2 and 4, theassembly 10 is provided with means for imparting a jarring rotary force to pipe or other equipment secured to theelevator 12. To this end, thestem 21 is equipped withsplines 30 which are adapted to strikeimpact keys 31 carried inslots 32 formed in thehousing 20. Thesplines 30 are free to move inpathways 33 formed between the impact keys to permit rotational movement between thestem 21 and thehousing 20.

When thestem 21 is rotated relative to thestationary housing 20, thesplines 30 collide with theimpact keys 31. The impact of the splines with the keys produces a jarring effect in theelevator 12 which is transmitted to pipe or other equipment secured by theelevator 12. This jarring force may be repeated by slowly reversing the stem rotation to move the splines until they are adjacent the keys and then rapidly reversing the direction of stem rotation moving the splines into engagement with the opposite sides of the keys. It will be appreciated that the jarring rotational force, which may be imparted in either direction to theelevator 12, is beneficial in breaking or making-up tightly threaded connections in pipe strings. Any suitable means (not illustrated) may be employed for providing a back-up force tending to hold the lower member in the threaded connection stationay during the jarring movements. Also, suitable means may be provided to prevent thestem 21 from unthreading from the shaft 0 so that the shaft may be rotated in either forward or reverse directions.

Trunions 34 on thehousing 21 pivotally suspend thebails 13. The trunions pass throughbores 35 provided at the upper ends of the bails. Trunion caps 36, equipped withopenings 37 for the trunion ends, are employed to hold the bails in place. The trunion caps 36 are secured to thedrive head housing 20 with screws The upper ends of thebails 13 are positioned inrectangular recesses 39 formed between thehousing 20 and the trunion caps 36. As best seen in FIG. 3, eachrecess 39 has avertical end wall 39a which limits rotation of the bail. The bails 13 are rotatable, from their lowermost position illustrated in FIG. 3, counterclockwise in the direction of the arrow AR until they engage asecond shoulder 39b.

Bail rotation is controlled by a pair of fluid pressure cylinder mechanisms, indicated generally at 40. Eachcylinder mechanism 40 includes acylinder 41 and apiston rod 42 connected to apiston head 42a. Thehead 42a is equipped with an O-ring seal 43 which forms a slidable seal with the internal bore 44 of thecylinder 41. O-ring seals 45 at the base of thecylinder 41 provide a slidable seal with the smooth cylindrical surface of the piston rod. The top of thecylinder 41 connects to anLshaped member 46 which in turn is rotatably anchored by apivot pin 47. Thepin 47 extends through abore 48 in the associatedtrunion cap 36 and threadedly engages thedrive head housing 20 in a threaded bore 49 (FIG. 4).

The lower end of eachpiston rod 42 is also pivotally connected to itsrespective bail 13 at a point along the lower half of the bail by an L-shaped connectingmember 50. The connecting member is threadedly secured to therod 42 and is pivotally connected to thebails 13. The latter connection is provided by means of clevisjaws 51 which are welded to the bails and have apivot pin 52 which passes through themember 50 and throughbores 53 in the clevis jaws. Atie bar 54 joins the twobails 13 to assure their coordinated movement, and to reduce twisting of the drive connector when it is being rotated by the power assembly PA (FIG. 2).

A bore 55 in the upper end of eachcylinder 41 permits air to pass in and out of the cylinder as thepiston head 42a moves through thecylinder 41 to prevent an air lock. Pressurized fluid for driving the piston through the cylinder is introduced into thecylinder 41 through aconnector 56. Sealed rotary fluid connectors, such as the type shown in my US. Pat. No. 3,766,991, previously mentioned, may be employed to provide the necessary connections between stationary fluid sources (not illustrated) and rotating fluid lines, such as theconnector line 56. Controlled fluid pressure is applied to bothcylinder devices 40 simultaneously, preferably from a common source, causing them to elongate and contract in unison. As themembers 40 contract, thebails 13 are forced to rotate about their pivot pins 34. This movement causes theelevator 12 to cock, that is, to rise and move laterally along an arcuate path relative to the central axis of the output shaft 0. When the fluid pressure acting in the cylinder is reduced sufficiently, the weight of the elevator, and any equipment secured thereto, forces thebails 13 back to a vertical orientation.

With controlled application of pressurized fluid to theconnectors 56, the piston heads 42a may be held in any desired position within thecylinders 41 so that theelevator 12 may be held or moved to a desired lateral position relative to the central axis of the output shaft 0. Thedrive connector assembly 10 may be rotated by the power assembly PA to any angular position, which coupled with the lateral motion capability of theelevator 12 provides a wide range of movement.

Theelevator 12 includes anelevator housing 57, on two opposite sides of which are located trunions 58. The trunions are rotatable withinbores 59 formed in the lower ends of the respective bails 13, so that the bails pivotally support theelevator 12. The bails are held on thetrunions 58 bytrunion caps 60 equipped withbores 61 through which thetrunions 58 extend. Thecaps 60 are fixed to theelevator housing 57 byscrews 62.

The lower ends of thebails 13 are positioned inrecesses 63 formed between thehousing 57 and the trunion caps 60. As best seen in FIG. 3, eachrecess 63 has avertical end Wall 63a which limits the extent of rotation of thebail 13 with respect to thehousing 57. As theballs 13 are pivoted upwardly by the action of thecylinder devices 40, theelevator 12 is lifted and moved laterally. During this movement, the weight of the elevator tends to cause the elevatorto hang vertically by thetrunions 58 as indicated in FIG. 1B. The elevator may be manually pivoted about thetrunions 58 into the operative position shown in FIG. 1C as required to engage a pipe or other equipment which is non-vertically oriented. Similarly, pipe or equipment carried in theelevator 12 may be swung or pivoted into a non-vertical position as required. 7

With reference specifically to FIGS. 2 and 57, it

may be seen that theelevator housing 57 is generally' tubular, and includes a central opening through which pipe members P or other equipment may be inserted from below. As will be explained, the elevator housing contains gripping means which are movable radially into an open position as required to receive a pipe and then are movable to close and grip the pipe for transmitting to it the movement of the elevator. The gripping equipment is mounted above a radially inwardly extendingannular housing shoulder 57a which supports a plurality of taperedroller bearings 64 positioned between alower raceway 65a, resting directly on thehousing shoulder 57a, and anupper raceway 65b. Acylindrical slip bowl 66 rests on theupper raceway 65b, and is rotatably movable, to a degree, with respect to thehousing 57 for a purpose to be described.

Theslip bowl 66 is equipped with four mount guides 67 within which four slip mounts 68 are movably carried.Wings 69 on the slip mounts slide ingrooves 70 in the side of the mount guides. Each of theguides 67 has an inclinedrear bearing surface 67a which engages an oppositely inclined bearing surface 68a formed on the slip mounts 68. As the slip mounts move upwardly through the mount guides 67, the wing and groove engagement of the slip mounts 68 forces the slip mounts to move radially away from the central axis of theslip bowl 66. Pipe gripping slip dies 71, having horizontally extended teeth, are carried in themounts 68 and are moved by the mounts into and out of pipe gripping engagement with the pipe P extending through thebowl 66 in a manner to be described. The slip dies are conventional except to the extent that the teeth extend horizontally rather than vertically.

The top of each of the four slip mounts 68 forms a sliding T-head andslot union 72 with the bottom of acam shoe 73 which is also a part of the pipe gripping means of theelevator 12. Theunions 72 are designed to permit relative radial movement between eachslip mount 68 and thecam shoe 73 with which it is engaged. All other relative movements between the two components are prevented.

FIGS. 2 and 6 best illustrate anannular keeper plate 74 with a central,circular aperture 74a which is positioned at the top of theelevator housing 57. Each of the fourcam shoes 73 is equipped with an upwardly extendingrectangular shaft 73a which passes through anoversized slot 74b in thekeeper plate 74. As will be explained, the gripping elements contained within thehousing 57 are moved into and out of gripping engagement with a pipe extending through the housing by raising and lowering theplate 74 relative to thehousing 57. Upward movement of theplate 74 is transmitted to alift pin 75 which passes laterally through eachshaft 73a and is held in place in the shaft by a bolt and lockwasher combination 77. As seen in FIG. 6, the lift pins 75 extend laterally beyond theoversized slots 74b to prevent thekeeper plate 74 from moving upwardly past the pins. The bodies of the cam shoes 73 are too large to pass through theplate slots 74b and the cam shoes are thus constrained to move vertically upwardly and downwardly with theplate 74.

Vertical movement of theplate 74 is controlled by four fluid pressure piston-cylinder assemblies, shown generally at 78, in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. The cylinders are formed bybores 79 in theelevator housing 57. Each of theassemblies 78 includes apiston rod 80 with apiston head 80a which is biased downwardly in eachcylinder 79 by aspring 81. Eachpiston head 80a is movingly sealed in itscylinder 79 by a slidable O-ring seal 82. Pressurized fluid from an external source (not shown) enters the cylinder bore 79 below thepiston head 80a through afluid connection 83, and drives thepiston rod 80 upwardly, compressing thespring 81. Thelower end 84a of asleeve retainer 84, threadedly engaged with theelevator housing 57, limits the upward movement of thepiston head 80a.

Eachpiston rod 80end 80b extends through a curved slot 740 formed in thekeeper plate 74.Washers 85 and 86 are positioned above and below thekeeper plate 74, respectively, and anut 87 is secured to the threaded end of each piston rod. Thelower washer 86 abutts on ashoulder 80c of thepiston rod 80 at the base of theshaft 80b. Thewashers 85 and 86 act as retainers which prevent relative vertical or axial movement between theplate 74 and thepiston rods 80 but permit the rods to move laterally along the curved slots 740. Such relative motion occurs when thehousing 57 andcylinder assemblies 78 rotate relative to thekeeper plate 74 as will be explained hereinafter.

When fluid pressure drives eachpiston 80 upwardly, the piston shoulders 800 on which thelower washers 86 are resting lift the washers and thekeeper plate 74 away from the top of thehousing 57; with a decrease in the pressure of the driving fluid, thepiston 80 is allowed to fall by gravity and the return force of thespring 81, and, thekeeper plate 74 likewise falls. A second fluid supply connection (not shown) may be provided to introduce pressurized fluid into thecylinder 79 above thepiston head 80a to positively drive thepiston 80 and thekeeper plate 74 downwardly. In the latter event, thesleeve retainer 84 as well as thepiston 80 are appropriately fluid sealed in thecylinder 79 above such second connection.

The fourpistons 80 are linked together by thekeeper plate 74 and are operated in unison. To this end, all of theassemblies 78 are preferably supplied with pressurized fluid from a common supply line (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 2, it is noted that the pipe P, which is conventional, has three parts: a relatively narrow body Pa; a larger-diameter collar Pb; and a frustoconical or tapered section Pc joining the collar with the body. In order to receive the pipe P, the gripping mechanism within theelevator 12 must be retracted sufficiently to permit the collar Pb to enter the bottom and pass out through the top of the elevator. Then, in order to grip and support the pipe, the gripping means must be closed sufficiently to engage the pipe. The initial retraction is accomplished by pressurizing theassemblies 78 to raise theplate 74 away from the top of thehousing 57. As the plate is raised, the fourcam shoes 73 are also raised. The cam shoes 73, acting through the T- head andslot unions 72, raise the slip mounts 68 upwardly through the mounting guides 67 and the wing and groove connections between themounts 68 and theguides 67 force the slip mounts radially outwardly as they are being raised. In this way, the central portion of theelevator 12 is cleared for the enlarged upset portion Pb of the pipe P. Theslip bowl 66 is unable to move upwardly with theplate 74 because of one ormore set screws 88, which are engaged in theelevator housing 57, and project into a lateral groove formed in theslip bowl 66. The set screws 88 permit limited relative rotational motion between theslip bowl 66 and thehousing 57 but prevent any relative axial movement between the two bodies.

Eachcam shoe 73 is fitted with a pair of slip dies 91, inserted from the top intodove tail grooves 92 formed in the inner faces of the cam shoes. (FIGS. 2 and 7). The lower ends of the dies 91 are supported by the base of thegrooves 92 andscrews 93 threadedly engaged with the cam shoes 73 hold the dies in their grooves. The slip dies 91 are similar to the slip dies 71 except that the dies 91 have vertically extending teeth as required to best transmit rotary motion and the dies 71 have horizontally extending teeth as required to best provide vertical support.

Each of the cam shoes 73 is also fitted with aroller 94 mounted on avertical shaft 95. The shaft and roller are set in arecess 96 in the outer surface of each cam shoe with the shaft being held in place by ascrew 97. As seen best by joint reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, eachroller 94 contacts and rides on anarcuate cam surface 98 formed along the internal surface of thehousing 57.

In operation, theplate 74 is raised away from thehousing 57 so that the center of theelevator 12 is opened sufficiently to permit the entire pipe head Pb to be passed completely through the elevator. When theplate 74 is returned to the top of thehousing 57, the cam shoes 73 and the attached slip mounts 68 are forced to move downwardly and the slip mounts move radially inwardly as they are forced to slide along theinclined bearing surfaces 67a. Theelevator 12 is then raised, of the pipe P is lowered, until inclined slip dies 71 engage the tapered section P0 of the pipe P as illustrated in FIG. 2. In this position, the dies 71 and slip mounts 68 provide vertical support for the pipe. When relative rotary forces are developed between the pipe and the elevator, theslip bowl 66 begins to rotate relative to thehousing 57. The relative movement causes the camming surfaces 98 to move rotationally relative to therollers 94 which in turn causes the dies 91 to engage the pipe section Pb as the camming forces theshoes 73 to move radially inwardly. As this inward movement occurs, the radial gripping forces exerted by the dies 91 against the gripped pipe increase which reduces the possibility of slippage between the dies and the pipe. As a consequence, the described assembly provides an increasingly radially directed force as the force tending to rotate the pipe relative to the elevator increases. Such relative movement may occur when theelevator 12 is rotating or attempting to rotate the pipe P or when the elevator is attempting to hold a rotating or torqued pipe stationary. Because of the shape and placement of the cam surfaces, the described effect occurs for rotation in either direction. The previously described T-head and slot connections between the slip mounts 68 and the cam shoes 73 accommodate the radial movement of the cam shoes which occurs while the mounts are radially fixed. Rotational movement of thehousing 57 relative to theslip bowl 66, which is fixed rotationally relative to the cam shoes 73, is accommodated by theset screw 88 andgroove 90 connection.

Another embodiment of a drive connector with anelevator 112 designed to accommodate pipe members with enlarged ends is shown generally at 110 in FIGS. 9-12. Thedrive head 11, bails 13,fluid cylinder devices 40, and the mode of suspending theelevator 112 for lateral movement and jarring movement are the same as described with reference to theassembly 10. Theelevator 112 is provided with ahousing 157 which is generally tubular in construction with aside opening 158, which extends the length of the housing. Theelevator 112 is thus open-faced to allow pipe members P to be placed into theelevator housing 157 from the side rather than having to be inserted from the bottom. A radially inwardly constructedhousing shoulder 157a supports aslip mount 159. Themount 159 is provided with a vertical cut-away slot 160 (FIG. 11) which may be aligned with theside opening 158 in theelevator housing 157 to receive or release a pipe member P. The

slipmount 159 rides rotatably on theelevator housing shoulder 157a on a plurality ofroller bearings 161 mounted in sets (FIG. 12) onshafts 162.

As best seen in FIG. 9, the inner surface of theslip mount 159 broadens toward the top to accommodate the frustro-conical portion Pc of the pipe member P, and, at the top, the enlarged collar end of the pipe Pb. Three slip dies 163, of the type described previously, are mounted in grooves formed in theslip mount 159 and are held in place bykeeper members 164 which are welded to the mount.

To assist in the insertion and removal of pipe members P, theelevator 112 is equipped with a pair of latch bars 180, extending partially intoslots 181 in the face of theelevator housing 157. Thebars 180 are pivotally connected to thehousing 157 bypivot pins 182 introduced from the bottom of thehousing 157 into threaded bores 183. Fluid cylinder assemblies 184 (FIG. 11) are mounted on theelevator housing 157 bybrackets 185 and joined to the latch bars 180 by pivot pins 186. Theassemblies 184 may be activated in uni son by pressurized fluid supplied from a commonfluid pressure line 187 to drive the inner ends 180a of the latch bars into theelevator opening 158. The outer ends of the latch bars providehandles 180b for manual operation.

The edges of therecesses 181 in theelevator housing 157 limit the rotation of the latch bars 180. When the latch ends 180a are in their outermost position, as illustrated in FIGS. and 11, they block theside opening 158 to prevent a pipe member P within theelevator 112 from coming out of the elevator through the opening. When the latch bars 180 are pivoted inwardly about the pivot pins 182, the latch ends 180a swing inwardly into thehousing recess 181 to clear theside opening 158 to permit the passage of pipe members P therethrough. When the latch bars 180 are pivoted inwardly, if themount opening 160 is not aligned with thehousing opening 158, they will engagecam surfaces 159a on themount 159 to rotate the mount opening into proper position for receiving or ejecting a pipe.

Resting on the top of theslip holder 159, and joined thereto by T-head and slot unions, are threecam shoes 189, (FIGS. 9 and 10). Eachcam shoe 189 is fitted with a pair of slip dies 191, inserted from the top intodovetail grooves 192. The slip dies 191 rest onshoulders 189a at the bottom of thegrooves 192, and are restrained from sliding out of the top of the grooves byscrews 193. Each of the cam shoes 189 if fitted with a pair ofrollers 194 mounted on aroller shaft 195 set in the cam shoe, and fitted within arecess 196. Theshaft 195 and rollers combinations are supported by shoulders 189k and held in place byscrews 197. Therollers 194 ride on arcuate camming surfaces 198 cut in theelevator housing 157.

Akeeper plate 199, joined on the top of theelevator housing 157 withscrews 200, is provided with an internal, annular shoulder 199a, which projects downwardly into the elevator housing, and limits the inward radial movement of the cam shoes 189. A radial opening orslot 199b extends from the central plate opening to the edge of the plate to permit lateral passage of an enlarged pipe section Pb into or out of theelevator 112.

The camming operation provided by theassembly 110, whereby the housing camming surfaces 198 force the cam shoes 189 to move inwardly against pipe end Pb to cause the dies 191 to grip the pipe sufficiently to transmit torque thereto, is the same as that described for theembodiment 10. However, because of the openfaced design of theassembly 110, there is no need to retract the slip dies 163 to clear the pipe-holding area for receiving or ejecting a pipe member P.

Anotherdrive connector embodiment 210 with an openfaced elevator 212 is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15. Again, the drive head. 11, bails 13,fluid cylinder devices 40, and the mode of suspending the elevator 212 for lateral movement are the same as described previously for theembodiments 10 and 110. As with the previously described open-faced elevator 112 (FIGS. 9 to 12), the elevator 212 has a generallytubular housing 257 with aslide opening 258. Theopening 258 is wide enough to permit passage of the narrow shank Pa of the pipe member P, but not large enough to accommodate the wider pipe sections Pb and P0.

Aninternal housing shoulder 257a supports aslip mount 259 which has avertical slot 260 designed to align with thehousing opening 258 to permit the passage of pipe members P therethrough (FIGS. 13 and 15). Theslip mount 259 is rotatably supported on theelevator housing shoulder 257a by a plurality ofroller bearings 261 secured to shafts 262 (only one illustrated) bywashers 263. Fivecam shoes 264 with T- heads 164a are slidably fitted into vertical mountingslots 259a in theslip mount 259. The inner face of eachcam shoe 264 is inclined and holds, in a dove-tail union 265, aslip die 266. The dies 266 are similar to the dies 71 and 163 previously described but function to provide both vertical support and to transmit torque. The T-heads 264a of the cam shoes 264 have radially outwardly-pointed vertical edges that may slide around arcuate camming surfaces 267 cut in the elevator housing 257 (FIGS. 13 and 14). Akeeper ring 268 is secured to the top of theslip holder 259 byscrews 269 to prevent the slip dies 266 from being lifted out of their slots. Akeeper plate 270 is held to theelevator housing 257 byscrews 271. Both thekeeper ring 268 and thekeeper plate 270 are provided withslots 268a and 270a, respectively, to permit the pipe P to be received by or ejected from the elevator.

When rotational motion is imparted to theelevator housing 257, resistance to rotation by the pipe P results in relative rotational motion between thehousing 257, and the cam shoes 264. The T-heads 264a slide along the camming surfaces 267 during this relative motion and are driven radially inwardly, forcing the slip dies 266 to grip the frustro-conical pipe surface Pc sufficiently to be able to impart the elevator rotation to the pipe member P. Cessation of the rotation of the elevator 212 allows the release of the pipe member P, while rotation in the opposite direction results in the T-heads 264a riding the camming surfaces 267 in the other direction, and the slip dies 266 again grip the frustroconical pipe section Pc.

The elevator 212 is also fitted with a pair of latch bars 280 to serve the dual purpose of blocking passage of a pipe member P through thehousing opening 258 and of aligning the slip mount opening 260 with the housing opening. This latter function is achieved by the latch ends 280a sliding on the cam surfaces 259b (FIG. 15).-

Thelatches 280 are pivoted onpins 281 mounted in theelevator housing 257, and are positioned within a lateral,annular recess 282 in the outer periphery of theelevator housing 257. Also within therecess 282 are a pair offluid cylinder assemblies 284, powered in unison through a common fluidpressure connector line 285. Theassemblies 284 are used to pivot the latch bars about on theirpivot pins 281 to align theslip mount 259 and to close or open as required to hold a pipe within or eject it from the elevator 212. Thecylinder assemblies 284 are fixed to theelevator housing 257 bybrackets 286 and connected to the latch bars 280 by pivot pins 287.Handles 280b are also provided on the latch bars 280 for manual operation and theends 280a of the bars are bent inwardly to assist in aligning a pipe with the elevator side openings before the bars are opened.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate adrive connector 310 with a fourth embodiment of an elevator 312. Theassembly 310 is designed specifically for handling well casing or drill collars or other smooth surface pipe mambers P. The elevator 312 is supported bybails 13, and moved laterally by fluidpressure cylinder systems 40 in the manner described previously. Theelevator housing 357 is tubular, with an internalannular shoulder 357a formed at its bottom. Aslip bowl 360 rides on a plurality ofroller bearings 361 mounted onshafts 362. Thebearings 361 are supported between anupper raceway 363, on which the slip bowl directly sits, and alower raceway 364, which rests directly on thehousing shoulder 357a.

Mounting slots 360a in theslip bowl 360 support and guide eightmovable bearing members 368. As shown in FIG. 17, each bearingmember 368 includes a T- head, fitted in the mounting slot 360a. The radially outward surface of eachmember 368 forms a vertical bearing surface which slides around anarcuate camming surface 370 cut in theelevator housing 357. Rotational motion of themembers 368 and theslip bowl 360 relative to thehousing 357 causes themembers 368 to be forced radially inwardly until the T-head wings engage recessed areas 360b formed at the outer edges of the slots 360a. The radiallyinner face 368a of each bearingmember 368 is inclined as illustrated in FIG. 16 and holds, by a T-head andslot union 371, atapered slip amount 372. Eachslip mount 372 is rotatable with its associatedbearing member 368, and movable upwardly and radially outwardly, along the T-head andslot union 371. Aretainer ring 373, fastened to the top of theelevator housing 357 byscrews 374, overlaps the top of the bearingmembers 368 to hold them fixed axially within the housing.

Eachslip mount 372 holds, along its radially inner face, by a vertical dove-tail union 375, aslip die 376. The slip dies 376 provide vertical support and transmit rotary motion or torque to a well casing member P within the elevator 312. Ascrew 377 holds each slip die 376 in place.

As the camming action previously described drives the bearingmember 368 radially inwardly, the slip mounts 372 and slip dies 376 are forced inwardly also, causing the slip inserts to grip the well casing member P located within thehousing 357. The inclined bearing surfaces acting between theslip mount 372 and the bearingmember 368 produce a wedging effect which tends to increase the radially directed gripping forces exerted by the slip dies 376 as the force tending to move the pipe P down relative to the elevator 312 increases.

Four fluid cylinder assemblies, shown generally at 378, are positioned in the outer periphery of theelevator housing 357. Each of the assemblies includes acylinder 379, apiston rod 380, a piston head 380a, anannular packing seal 381, acylinder cap 385 secured byscrews 386, anOring cap seal 387 and a pistonrod packing seal 388. Fluid pressure from an external source (not shown) enters the cylinder bore 379 through afluid pressure connection 389 to drive the piston head 380a upwardly. A second fluid pressure connection 390 above the piston head 380a provides pressurized fluid to drive the piston downwardly. All four pistons are moved in unison, by pressurized fluid supplied from the same fluid pressure source (not shown).

The ends 380b of eachpiston rod 380 pass through a generally annularlift plate retainer 392 and akeeper ring 393.Nuts 394 are engaged to the threaded ends 380b of thepiston rods 380 to hold the rods to the lift plate and keeper ring. Thelift plate retainer 392 sits on shoulder 380C formed on thepiston rod 380, and in turn supports alift plate 395 which is sandwiched between the annular, radially inwardly constructedshoulder 392a of the lift plate retainer and the bottom of thekeeper ring 393. When thepiston rods 380 are driven up or down by pressurized fluid introduced into the cylinder bore 379, thelift plate retainer 392, thelift plate 395, and thekeeper ring 393 are driven with the piston rods.

Eachslip mount 372 has an extension 372a which passes upwardly through thelift plate retainer 392 and through arectangular aperture 395a in thelift plate 395. The extension is fitted with ahorizontal lift bolt 396 which spans theaperture 395a. Ascrew 398 locks thebolt 396 in place.

As thepistons 380 are driven upwardly by the introduction of fluid pressure into thecylinders 379 through thelower connections 389, thelift plate 395 is raised, and in turn raises the slip mounts 372 by theirleft bolts 396. As themounts 372 rise, they are guided radially outwardly by their respective T-head andslot unions 371. This retracts the slip dies 376 from the center region of the elevator 312. Reversing the operation by introducing fluid into thecylinders 379 through the upper connections 390 to drive the piston heads 380a downwardly causes the slip-dies 376 to move downwardly and radially inwardly to grip the well casing member P.

A second embodiment of adrive head 411, providing a variation of the suspension system of the drive stem compared to that previously described, is also shown in H6. 16. Thedrive head housing 420 partially encloses a tubular drive head stem 421 which is threadedly engaged to the rotary output shaft 0. The threaded bottom of the stern 423 protrudes below thedrive head housing 420 for threaded connection to pipe for drilling purposes.

Anannular collar 424 is threadedly engaged to the bottom of thedrive head housing 420, and locked against rotational motion byscrews 425 threadedly engaged with the housing. Thecollar 424 supports a stacked pair of annularbrass washer bearings 426 to bear the load of thedrive stem 421 in drilling and other operations.

Anannular stem shoulder 421a rests on thewasher bearings 426. Aplurality ofroller bearings 427 are mounted onshafts 428 and constrained between anupper raceway 429 adjacent aninternal housing shoulder 420a and alower raceway 430 adjacent thedrive stem shoulder 421a.

A jarring mechanism, shown generally at 431, of the type described previously, and an O-ring seal 432 complete the connection between thedrive stem 421 and thedrive head housing 420. The bails 13 and fluidpressure cylinder devices 40, are the same as described previously.

As used herein, the term fluid is intended to in-' clude both liquids and gasses. Thus, it will be appreciated that the powering devices for cocking the elevator assemblies and for moving the elevator gripping means may be powered hydraulically or pneumatically. It will also be appreciated that such powering devices may be mechanical or electrical devices and need not necessarily be fluid powered devices. Similarly, the derrick suspended powering assembly used to provide rotary power for rotating the elevators may be electrically, mechanically or fluid operated, or otherwise, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials as well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A well drilling and completion system for manipulating well equipment comprising:

a. a vertically movable power drive assembly for providing rotary movement in a well derrick;

b. a longitudinally extending output shaft rotatably powered about its longitudinal axis by said power drive assembly and movable vertically therewith;

c. a connector assembly carried by said power drive assembly and rotatably powered thereby;

d. elevator means included in said connector assembly for engaging well equipment; and

e. powered cocking means carried by said powered drive assembly for moving said elevator means laterally relative to said output shaft.

2. A system as defined in claim 1 further including jarring means connected between said power drive assembly and said elevator means for imparting a sharp jarring force from said power drive assembly tending to rotate said elevator means.

3. A system as defined in claim 2 wherein said jarring means includes a lost motion connection between said output shaft and said elevator means.

4. A system asdefinedin claim 1 wherein said connector assembly is carried by said output shaft and said cocking means is included in said connector assembly.

5. A system as defined inclaim 4 further including:

a. a drive head connected to and rotatably carried by saidoutput shaft; V J v l b. bails pivotally carried by said drive head and pivotally secured to said elevator means; and

. c. extensible and contractable fluid actuated cylinder and piston assemblies, included as a part of said cocking means, connected between said bails and said drive head, for moving saidbails and attached elevator means laterally relative to said output shaft.

6. A system as defined in claim 4 wherein saidelevator means includes radially movable gripping means for selectively gripping well equipment engaged by said elevator means. I

7. A system as defined inclaim 6 further including jarring means, including a lost motion connection between said output shaft and said elevator means, for imparting a sharp jarring force from said output shaft to said elevator means tending to rotate said elevator means.

8. A system as defined inclaim 7 wherein said elevator means includes:

a. a tubular housing means having a side access opening for receiving equipment within said elevator means; and

b. powered latch means for opening or closing said access opening.

9. A system as defined inclaim 6 wherein said gripping means includes rotary camming means for increasing the radially directed gripping force exerted on said equipment by said gripping means as the forces tending to rotate said equipment and said elevator means relative to each other increases.

10. A system as defined in claim 4 wherein said radially movable gripping means includes wedging means for moving said gripping means radially as said gripping means are moved axially.

11. A system as defined inclaim 10 further including:

a. a drive head connected to and rotatably carried by said output shaft;

b. bails pivotally carried by said drive head and pivotally secured to said elevator means; and

c. extensible and contractable fluid actuated cylinder and piston assemblies, included as a part of said cocking means, for moving said bails and attached elevator means laterally relative to said output shaft.

12. A system as defined inclaim 11 further including jarring means for imparting a sharp jarring force from said output shaft to said elevator means tending to rotate said elevator means, said jarring means including a lost motion connection between said output shaft and said drive head permitting limited rotational movement of said output shaft relative to said elevator means.

13. A system as defined inclaim 9 wherein said radially movable gripping means includes inclined slip c. extensible and contractable fluid actuated cylinder and piston assemblies, included as a part of said cocking means, for moving said bails and attached elevator means laterally relative to said output shaft.

15. A system as defined inclaim 14 further including 16. A system as defined inclaim 11 wherein said elevator means includes:

a. a tubular housing means having a side access opening for receiving equipment within said elevator means; and

b. powered latch means for opening or closing said access opening.

17. A well drilling and completion system for manipulating well equipment comprising:

a. a vertically movable power drive assembly for providing rotary movement in a well derrick;

b. a longitudinally extending output shaft rotatably powered about its longitudinal axis by said power drive assembly and movable vertically therewith:

c. a connector assembly carried by said power drive assembly and rotatably powered thereby;

d. elevator means included in said connector assembly for engaging well equipment; and

e. jarring means connected between said power drive assembly and said elevator means for imparting a sharp jarring force from said power drive assembly tending to rotate said elevator means.

18. A system as defined inclaim 17 wherein said jarring means includes a lost motion connection between said output shaft and said elevator means.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 319151244 Dat d October 28, 1975 Inventor(s) CICERO C. BROWN It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 8,line 40, "of" should be orColumn 11,line 62 "amount" should bemount Column 14,line 38, "4" should be 9Column 15line 13, 11" should be l5 Signed and Sealed this tenth D ay Of February 1976 [SEAL] A ttest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Commissioner ufParents and Trademarks

Claims (18)

1. A well drilling and completion system for manipulating well equipment comprising: a. a vertically movable power drive assembly for providing rotary movement in a well derrick; b. a longitudinally extending output shaft rotatably powered about its longitudinal axis by said power drive assembly and movable vertically therewith; c. a connector assembly carried by said power drive assembly and rotatably powered thereby; d. elevator means included in said connector assembly for engaging well equipment; and e. powered cocking means carried by said powered drive assembly for moving said elevator means laterally relative to said output shaft.

2. A system as defined in claim 1 further including jarring means connected between said power drive assembly and said elevator means for imparting a sharp jarring force from said power drive assembly tending to rotate said elevator means.

3. A system as defined in claim 2 wherein said jarring means includes a lost motion connection between said output shaft and said elevator means.

4. A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said connector assembly is carried by said output shaft and said cocking means is included in said connector assembly.

5. A system as defined in claim 4 further including: a. a drive head connected to and rotatably carried by said output shaft; b. bails pivotally carried by said drive head and pivotally secured to said elevator means; and c. extensible and contractable fluid actuated cylinder and piston assemblies, included as a part of said cocking means, connected between said bails and said drive head, for moving said bails and attached elevator means laterally relative to said output shaft.

6. A system as defined in claim 4 wherein said elevator means includes radially movable gripping means for selectively gripping well equipment engaged by said elevator means.

7. A system as defined in claim 6 further including jarring means, including a lost motion connection between Said output shaft and said elevator means, for imparting a sharp jarring force from said output shaft to said elevator means tending to rotate said elevator means.

8. A system as defined in claim 7 wherein said elevator means includes: a. a tubular housing means having a side access opening for receiving equipment within said elevator means; and b. powered latch means for opening or closing said access opening.

9. A system as defined in claim 6 wherein said gripping means includes rotary camming means for increasing the radially directed gripping force exerted on said equipment by said gripping means as the forces tending to rotate said equipment and said elevator means relative to each other increases.

10. A system as defined in claim 4 wherein said radially movable gripping means includes wedging means for moving said gripping means radially as said gripping means are moved axially.

11. A system as defined in claim 10 further including: a. a drive head connected to and rotatably carried by said output shaft; b. bails pivotally carried by said drive head and pivotally secured to said elevator means; and c. extensible and contractable fluid actuated cylinder and piston assemblies, included as a part of said cocking means, for moving said bails and attached elevator means laterally relative to said output shaft.

12. A system as defined in claim 11 further including jarring means for imparting a sharp jarring force from said output shaft to said elevator means tending to rotate said elevator means, said jarring means including a lost motion connection between said output shaft and said drive head permitting limited rotational movement of said output shaft relative to said elevator means.

13. A system as defined in claim 9 wherein said radially movable gripping means includes inclined slip means movable radially to engage and grip inclined surfaces on said equipment.

14. A system as defined in claim 13 further including: a. a drive head connected to and rotatably carried by said output shaft; b. bails pivotally carried by said drive head and pivotally secured to said elevator means; and c. extensible and contractable fluid actuated cylinder and piston assemblies, included as a part of said cocking means, for moving said bails and attached elevator means laterally relative to said output shaft.

15. A system as defined in claim 14 further including jarring means for imparting a sharp jarring force from said output shaft to said elevator means tending to rotate said elevator means, said jarring means including a lost motion connection between said output shaft and said drive head permitting limited rotational movement of said output shaft relative to said elevator means.

16. A system as defined in claim 11 wherein said elevator means includes: a. a tubular housing means having a side access opening for receiving equipment within said elevator means; and b. powered latch means for opening or closing said access opening.

17. A well drilling and completion system for manipulating well equipment comprising: a. a vertically movable power drive assembly for providing rotary movement in a well derrick; b. a longitudinally extending output shaft rotatably powered about its longitudinal axis by said power drive assembly and movable vertically therewith: c. a connector assembly carried by said power drive assembly and rotatably powered thereby; d. elevator means included in said connector assembly for engaging well equipment; and e. jarring means connected between said power drive assembly and said elevator means for imparting a sharp jarring force from said power drive assembly tending to rotate said elevator means.

18. A system as defined in claim 17 wherein said jarring means includes a lost motion connection between said output shaft and said elevator means.

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