MAINTENANCE FRIENDLY VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE AND METHODS

摘要

A method of assembling a variable speed belt drive of the type having a pair of shiftable discs received on respective input and output shafts with a drive belt entrained thereabout. Methodology of the invention includes providing a drive housing with a relatively large interior access opening. The drive housing has a support backbone at a generally central location in the interior access portion. The support bracket is mounted to the support backbone to straddle support the output shaft having a pair of variable speed discs mounted thereon. A singular one of a pair of constant speed discs is mounted on the input shaft. The drive belt is installed about the output shaft entrained in between the variable speed discs and with the loop of the drive belt placed about the input shaft. A second one of the constant speed discs is mounted onto the input shaft. A further step often included involves installing speed change means for adjusting the drive ratio between the respective pairs of discs so as to vary the drive power transmitted between the shafts via the drive belt. A housing cover may then be secured to the drive housing opening. The assembly steps may also be selectively reversed for maintenance and/or adjustment to the drive belt and other components within the drive housing.