Drive coupling

Abstract

A drive coupling between a pair of shafts transmitting torque when the driving shaft is rotated in one direction and for selectively disengaging the shafts when the driving shaft is rotated in the opposite direction. The coupling comprises a two-part clutch, a first part of which is connected to the driven shaft and the second part of which is connected to the driving shaft. The latter has a cylindrical sleeve which surrounds a cam sleeve connected to the driving shaft with a cam groove engaged by a follower means connected to the clutch sleeve. The cam groove is shaped to provide two cam positions, i.e., one for the coupled drive and the other for disengaging the drive. Means are provided to lock the second part of the clutch against rotation to change the position of the follower for decoupling the shafts upon reverse rotation of the driving shaft. A remotely operated coupling constructed as before mentioned provides a convenient means for coupling and uncoupling pump stages in a submersible pump thus permitting adjustment of the performance of the pump by the addition or subtraction of pump stages. This can be conveniently accomplished without pulling the entire assembly from the well.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.