KUPPLUNGSVORRICHTUNG FUER WELLEN

Mechanism for coupling an externally splined power take-off shaft with a hollow internally splined shaft, comprising a plurality of locking elements radially movable between inner locking and outer unlocking positions within a like plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures in the wall of the hollow shaft, the elements being engageable in the former position with a circumferential groove in the power take-off shaft to lock the shafts against relative axial movement. A retaining member is axially slidable on the periphery of the hollow shaft between a first position wherein it surrounds the locking elements and prevents their disengagement from the groove in the power shaft and a second position wherein the elements are free to move to their unlocking position, the member being biased toward the former position. A latch ring on the hollow shaft is operable to move the retaining member from its first to its second position, and is engageable with a recess in the periphery of the hollow shaft to lock the member in the latter position. As the hollow shaft is inserted onto the power take-off shaft, the latter engages and moves the locking elements radially outwardly against the latch ring, thereby disengaging the ring from the recess in the hollow shaft and permitting the retaining member to move back toward its first position.