Thread connector lock
An apparatus includes a key disposed at least partially in a first recess in a first tubular, the key defining teeth facing in a first axial direction, a first biasing member biasing the key in the first axial direction relative to the first tubular, and a rack disposed at least partially in a second recess formed in a second tubular. The rack defines teeth that face in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction, the teeth of the rack being configured to mesh with the teeth of the key. The apparatus also includes a second biasing member engaging the rack and biasing the rack in a first circumferential direction, the rack being configured to reciprocate circumferentially relative to the second tubular by engagement with the key and the second biasing member, in response to the first tubular being rotated into connection with the second tubular.
1 . An apparatus, comprising:
a key disposed at least partially in a first recess formed in a first tubular, wherein the key defines teeth that face in a first axial direction, and wherein the key comprises a plurality of retention members that are configured to be received into slots of the first tubular, to retain the key in the first recess while permitting the key to reciprocate axially;
a first biasing member engaging the key and biasing the key in the first axial direction relative to the first tubular;
a rack configured to be disposed at least partially in a second recess formed in a second tubular, wherein the rack defines teeth that face in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction, the teeth of the rack being configured to mesh with the teeth of the key; and
a second biasing member engaging the rack and biasing the rack in a first circumferential direction, wherein the rack is configured to reciprocate circumferentially relative to the second tubular by engagement with the key and the second biasing member and in response to the first tubular being rotated into connection with the second tubular.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the key is configured to reciprocate in the axial direction by engagement with the rack and the first biasing member in response to the first tubular being rotated into a threaded connection with the second tubular.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the key comprises a main body, and wherein the plurality of retention members extend circumferentially from the main body.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the plurality of retention members is offset from a top of the main body, and wherein at least another one of the plurality of retention members is aligned with the top of the main body.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first biasing member comprises a spring that is connected to a top of the key and presses against the first tubular.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rack comprises a first hole and a second hole configured to receive a first bolt and a second bolt, respectively, therethrough, the first and second holes being larger than the first and second bolts to permit the reciprocating of the rack.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second biasing member comprises a spring that engages a side of the second recess and a side of the rack.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rack is restrained from movement in the first and second axial directions.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rack comprises a retention tab that fit into a retention keyway of the second recess and prevents dislocation of the rack from within the second recess, while permitting the reciprocating movement of the rack.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rack engages a wall of the second recess on an axial side thereof, such that the rack is prevented from moving axially away from the key.
11 . An apparatus, comprising:
a key disposed at least partially in a first recess formed in a first tubular, wherein the key defines teeth that face in a first axial direction, wherein the key moves linearly in the first axial direction and is prevented from circumferential movement relative to the first tubular;
a first biasing member engaging the key and biasing the key in the first axial direction relative to the first tubular;
a rack configured to be disposed at least partially in a second recess formed in a second tubular, wherein the rack defines teeth that face in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction, the teeth of the rack being configured to mesh with the teeth of the key, and wherein the rack moves linearly in the circumferential direction and is prevented from axial movement; and
a second biasing member engaging the rack and biasing the rack in a first circumferential direction, wherein the rack is configured to reciprocate circumferentially relative to the second tubular by engagement with the key and the second biasing member and in response to the first tubular being rotated into connection with the second tubular.