DOWNHOLE MOTOR BEARING ASSEMBLY WITH AN INTEGRATED THRUST SHOCK ABSORBER FOR DOWNHOLE DRILLING AND METHOD THEREOF

摘要

In one embodiment, a downhole assembly includes a motor that is operatively coupled to a transmission, wherein the transmission is operatively coupled to an upper shaft disposed within a housing. The upper shaft is supported by a first radial bearing assembly disposed within the housing. A thrust bearing assembly including a ball bearing disposed between two races is provided. The upper shaft extends through and is supported by the first radial bearing. A distal end of the upper shaft has a first set of mating splines disposed thereon. A lower shaft supported by a second radial bearing assembly is disposed within the housing, wherein the lower shaft has a second set of mating splines disposed thereon. The second set of mating splines are adapted to mate with the first set of mating splines and the lower shaft is telescopically extendable from the upper shaft. A catch is machined on an internal surface of the lower shaft to limit the extent of travel of the lower shaft. A biasing mechanism is disposed adjacent the ball bearing, wherein the biasing mechanism biases the lower shaft in an extended position with respect to the upper shaft, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a series of disc springs. A drill bit that is operatively coupled to the lower shaft.