Core drilling tools with retractably lockable driven latch mechanisms

摘要

Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

主权项

1. A core barrel head assembly configured to be removably received within a drill string, the drill string having a longitudinal axis and an inner surface defining an annular groove, the core barrel head assembly comprising:
a sleeve having a plurality of openings extending there through; a plurality of wedge members positioned at least partially within respective openings of the plurality of openings; and a driving member defining a plurality of driving surfaces, the driving member being positioned at least partially within the sleeve, the plurality of driving surfaces cooperating to define a circumferentially tapered outer surface of the driving member such that, at a selected axial position relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill string, the distance between the inner surface of the drill string and the outer surface of the driving member varies circumferentially about the outer surface of the driving member, the driving member including at least one first groove extending therein that is configured to receive the plurality of wedge members in a retracted position within the sleeve, wherein the plurality of wedge members are adapted to axially lock the core barrel head assembly relative to the drill string by extending radially outward of the sleeve into the annular groove in the inner surface of the drill string, and wherein movement of the driving member relative to the sleeve causes the plurality of wedge members to move radially in and out of the plurality of openings of the sleeve, and wherein, upon rotation of the drill string, the plurality of driving surfaces are configured to wedge the plurality of wedge members between the inner surface of the drill string and the driving member such that the core barrel head assembly is rotationally locked relative to the drill string.