Retention means for a seal boot used in a universal joint in a downhole motor driveshaft assembly

摘要

A driveshaft assembly for a downhole motor comprises a housing and a driveshaft rotatably disposed within the housing. The driveshaft has a central axis and a first end. Further, the driveshaft assembly comprises a driveshaft adapter having a first end coupled to the first end of the driveshaft with a universal joint. The first end of the driveshaft adapter includes a counterbore. The first end of the driveshaft and the universal joint are disposed in the counterbore. Still further, the driveshaft assembly comprises an end cap disposed about the driveshaft and coaxially coupled to the adapter. Moreover, the driveshaft assembly comprises a seal boot disposed about the driveshaft and adapted to restrict fluid flow through a annular gap positioned between the driveshaft and the end cap. The driveshaft assembly also comprises a locking assembly adapted to restrict the end cap from moving axially relative to the adapter.

主权项

1. A driveshaft assembly for a downhole motor, comprising:
a housing; a driveshaft rotatably disposed within the housing, the driveshaft having a central axis, a first end, and a second end; a driveshaft adapter having a first end coupled to the first end of the driveshaft with a universal joint, wherein the first end of the driveshaft adapter includes a counterbore, and wherein the first end of the driveshaft and the universal joint are disposed in the counterbore; an end cap disposed about the driveshaft and coaxially coupled to the driveshaft adapter by threaded engagement of an internal thread disposed on an inner surface of the driveshaft adapter and an external thread on an outer surface of the end cap; an annular gap radially positioned between the driveshaft and the end cap; a seal boot disposed about the driveshaft and adapted to restrict fluid flow through the annular gap, wherein the seal boot has a first end secured to the driveshaft and a second end secured to the end cap; and a locking assembly radially positioned between the end cap and the driveshaft adapter and including a retention member that engages the end cap and the driveshaft adapter, wherein the retention member is axially spaced from the engaged internal and external threads, and wherein the retention member is configured to restrict the end cap from moving axially relative to the driveshaft adapter.