Single-handed manual override mechanism for actuator

Abstract

A manual override mechanism for an actuator allows an operator to place the actuator in a manual operation mode using a single motion performed with one hand. Once in the manual operation mode, the actuator automatically remains in this state until the operator again performs the motion in reverse. This eliminates the need for the operator to hold down an override button or otherwise manually keep the actuator in the manual operation mode. The manual override mechanism can include a flip lever, and the single motion is a flip motion. The motion of flipping the flip lever can rotate a cam on the lever that moves a follower of the manual override mechanism in a preset direction. The motion of the follower disengages a drive gear in the actuator from an output gear in the actuator, thereby placing the actuator in the manual operation mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to valve and damper actuators, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing actuators with a manual overrun mechanism that can be operated using a single action performed with one hand. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic actuators are used to control valves and dampers in many types of industrial and consumer applications where manual actuators are not feasible. However, problems arise if the actuator loses power due to power outages, compressed air losses, or hydraulic system failures, and fails to perform its intended function. To address this, many automatic valve and damper actuators are equipped with a manual operating mode, which allows the operator to manually operate the valve or damper in emergency situations, ensuring that critical processes can continue or be safely shut off. The manual operating mode also allows the operator to manually adjust the valve or damper from time to time as needed for maintenance purposes, or during installation, commissioning, or calibration.

[0003] In existing automatic valve and damper actuators, manual operation requires an operator to manipulate a manual overrun mechanism to put the actuator into manual mode. However, the manual overrun mechanisms in most automatic actuators can be cumbersome and difficult for the operator to operate. For example, some manual overrun mechanisms require the operator to press and hold a manual overrun button to put the actuator into manual mode. This leaves the operator with only one hand free to manually operate the valve or perform other tasks in manual mode, which can be physically challenging. Therefore, while much progress has been made in the field of actuators, it should be understood that continuous improvement is still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing a manual overrunning mechanism for valve and damper actuators. The manual overrunning mechanism allows an operator to quickly and easily place the actuator into a manual operating mode using a single action that can be performed with one hand. Once in manual operating mode, the actuator automatically remains in this mode until the single action is reversed. This eliminates the need for the operator to press an overrunning button or otherwise manually hold the actuator in manual operating mode. Therefore, the operator can use both hands to perform other tasks, such as manually operating valves or dampers. In some embodiments, the disclosed manual overrunning mechanism includes a flip lever or similar flip-type handle, and the single action is a flipping motion or similar motion on the flip lever. In these embodiments, the motion of flipping the flip lever rotates a cam on the lever, which moves a follower of the manual overrunning mechanism in a predetermined direction. The movement of the follower disengages a drive gear in the actuator from an output gear in the actuator, thereby placing the actuator in manual operating mode. Thereafter, the actuator remains in manual operating mode until the flip lever or similar flip-type handle flips back to its original position.

[0005] In general, in one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a manual overrunning mechanism for an actuator. The manual overrunning mechanism particularly includes an overrunning handle and a cam follower, the overrunning handle being configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position via a flipping motion, the cam follower being positioned adjacent to the overrunning handle and configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The manual overrunning mechanism also includes a cam formed on a portion of the overrunning handle, the cam being configured to move the cam follower from a disengaged position to an engaged position when the overrunning handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position. The movement of the cam follower from the disengaged position to the engaged position puts the actuator into a manual operation mode.

[0006] In general, in another aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method of providing a manual overrunning mechanism for an actuator. The method particularly includes providing an overrunning handle configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position via a flipping motion, and positioning a cam follower near the overrunning handle, the cam follower being configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The method further includes forming a cam on a portion of the overrunning handle, the cam being configured to move the cam follower from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the overrunning handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position. The movement of the cam follower from the disengaged position to the engaged position puts the actuator into a manual operation mode.

[0007] In another aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to an actuator. The actuator particularly includes at least one housing and a manual overdrive mechanism mounted within the housing, wherein the housing encloses a plurality of gears and a control plate configured to control the operation of the gears. The manual overdrive mechanism includes an overdrive handle configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position. Rotating the overdrive handle from the closed position to the open position causes the manual overdrive mechanism to place the actuator in a manual operation mode, while rotating the overdrive handle from the open position to the closed position causes the manual overdrive mechanism to place the actuator in an automatic operation mode.

[0008] According to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the overdrive handle is configured to prevent the cam follower from moving back to the disengaged position when the overdrive handle is held in the open position.

[0009] According to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the cam follower includes a cam extension configured to receive a pushing motion from the cam when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0010] According to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the cam extension has a cam tab disposed thereon, the cam tab being configured thereon to receive pushing motion from the cam.

[0011] According to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the cam follower includes a gear slide configured to disengage the actuator gear when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0012] According to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the gear slide includes a gear catcher attached thereto, the gear catcher being configured to catch the gear therein when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0013] According to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, a biasing member is located near the cam follower, the biasing member being configured to push the cam follower toward the overdrive handle when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figures 1A to 1B This is a perspective view of an actuator having an exemplary manual overdrive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figures 2A to 2B This is a cross-sectional view of an actuator having an exemplary manual overdrive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded view showing several components of an exemplary manual overdrive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of components of an exemplary manual overdrive mechanism in assembled form according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method that can be used with a manual overdrive mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This specification and accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and should not be considered limiting, wherein the claims define the scope of this disclosure, including equivalents. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of this specification and the claims (including equivalents). In some instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown or described in detail so as not to obscure this disclosure. Furthermore, elements and related aspects thereof described in detail with reference to one embodiment may be included in other embodiments, where feasible, without specifically showing or describing them. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to one embodiment and not with reference to a second embodiment, that element may still be claimed as included in the second embodiment.

[0020] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing a manual override mechanism for actuators commonly used in actuating valves and dampers (e.g., ball valves and rotary dampers) and other controlled devices. The manual override mechanism allows an operator to quickly and easily place the actuator into a manual operating mode using a single action that can be performed with one hand. The actuator automatically remains in manual operating mode until the operator reverses the single action. This frees the operator's hands to perform other tasks, such as manually controlling valves or dampers.

[0021] Now for reference Figure 1A An exemplary actuator 100 with a manual over-control mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The actuator 100 depicted herein is similar to a typical rotary damper actuator because it has a generally rectangular first or lower housing 102 that encloses the actuator motor (not shown here), and a generally circular output shaft 104 disposed near the top of the lower housing 102 for direct coupling to the damper input shaft (not shown). A clamping assembly 106 is mounted on the output shaft 104 to the housing 102 for securely clamping the actuator 100 around the damper input shaft. A generally rectangular second or upper housing 108 is attached to the lower housing 102 for enclosing the various control electronics of the actuator 100 therein. In some embodiments, the lower housing 102 and the upper housing 108 may be configured as a single housing that provides the same functionality as the lower housing 102 and the upper housing 108.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the actuator 100 is provided with a manual overdrive mechanism that can be operated using a single action performed with one hand. An exemplary manual overdrive mechanism includes a manual overdrive handle or lever, resembling a generally rectangular flip lever 110 or a similar flip-type handle, which the operator can flip to engage the manual overdrive mechanism. The flip lever 110 is rotatably mounted on the upper housing 108, for example, on one of its faces, such as the face opposite the lower housing 102 (i.e., the front), preferably adjacent to the edge of the front. This flip lever 110 can be operated in two positions (e.g.,...). Figure 1A The first operating position shown and as follows Figure 1B The lever 110 is switched or flipped between the two operating positions shown. The first position is the closed position, in which the lever 110 is laid flat, typically flush with the front surface of the upper housing 108. When the lever 110 is in this position, the manual overdrive mechanism is disengaged, and the actuator 100 operates in automatic mode.

[0023] Figure 1B The flip lever 110 is shown in the second or open position, with the lever 110 upright and substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the upper housing 108. When the flip lever 110 is in this position, the manual overdrive mechanism is overdrive, and the actuator 100 operates in manual mode. The operator can switch the flip lever 110 to this position by pushing the lever 110 upward with the fingers or thumb of one hand (i.e., an upward flipping movement), as indicated by the dashed upward arrow. The operator can also switch the flip lever 110 to the closed position by pulling the lever 110 downward with the fingers or thumb of one hand (i.e., a downward flipping movement), as indicated by the dashed downward arrow. A generally rectangular recessed opening 112 is formed or otherwise provided on the front of the upper housing 108, in which the flip lever 110 can be placed.

[0024] Figure 2A A view of actuator 100 is provided, with portions of the lower housing 102 and upper housing 108 removed to show the manual overrunning mechanism, generally indicated by 200, in more detail. It can be seen that actuator 100 includes a lower chamber 202 and an upper chamber 204 separated by a partition 206. Lower chamber 202 contains various mechanical components of actuator 100, including output gear 208 and drive gear 210, etc. Upper chamber 204 similarly contains various control components of actuator 100, including a control board 212 on which a microcontroller and other control circuitry reside. Meanwhile, the manual overrunning mechanism 200 is mounted generally perpendicular to actuator 100 and extends from upper chamber 204 into lower chamber 202 via corresponding channels formed or otherwise provided in control board 212 and partition 206, respectively.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the manual overrunning mechanism 200 comprises several generally elongated components positioned adjacent to each other, including a cam extension 214 and a gear slide 216, a spring 218 or similar biasing member, and the previously discussed flip lever 110. In some embodiments, the manual overrunning mechanism 200 also includes a washer 220 configured to fit near and below the recessed opening 112 to provide a seal against fluid or other unwanted material entering the actuator 100 through the recessed opening 112. When the flip lever 110 is in the closed position, as depicted herein, the cam extension 214 and gear slide 216 are disengaged, and there is no load on the spring 218. In this position, the manual overrunning mechanism 200 is disengaged, and the actuator 100 operates in an automatic operation mode.

[0026] Figure 2B A manual overdrive mechanism 200 in an overdrive state is depicted, wherein a flip lever 110 has been switched or flipped to the open position by an operator's upward flipping motion. Upon receiving such a motion, the flip lever 110 is configured to push a cam extension 214 within the actuator 100 in a preset direction (in this example, the preset direction is directly away from the lever 110) until the lever 110 is upright. The pushing of the cam extension 214 in turn causes the gear slide 216 to move in the same direction, as indicated by the dashed downward arrow, thereby loading the spring 218. At this time, the cam extension 214 and the gear slide 216 are in the engaged or overdrive position, and the spring 218 is loaded. The movement of the gear slide 216 also disengages the output gear 208 from the drive gear 210, thereby putting the actuator 100 into manual operation mode.

[0027] Once upright, the tilting lever 110 is configured to lock or otherwise remain in the upright position, preventing the cam extension 214 and gear slide 216 from returning to their disengaged positions within the actuator 100. Therefore, the actuator 100 remains in manual operation mode until the tilting lever 110 is tilted back to the closed position by a downward tilting action of the operator. Upon tilting back to the closed position, the tilting lever 110 unlocks the cam extension 214 and gear slide 216, allowing them to return to their disengaged positions within the actuator 100 via the now-loaded spring 218. The return of the gear slide 216 to the disengaged position also causes the output gear 208 to re-engage with the drive gear 210, which returns the actuator 100 to automatic operation mode.

[0028] Figure 3An exploded view of the manual overdrive mechanism 200 and related components is shown. It can be seen that the drive gear 210 in the example has a circular body 300 with gear teeth 302 disposed thereon, and is supported by an axially extending support shaft 304 attached to the gear body 300. Two or more evenly spaced slots 306 are formed on the interior of the gear body 300 at a predetermined radial distance from the central axis of the gear body 300. The two or more slots 306 are configured to allow the drive gear 210 to engage with the pinion 310 via two or more clamps 312 corresponding to the two or more slots 306. The two or more clamps 312 of the pinion 310 extend from a tubular body 314, each clamp 312 being configured to be received within a slot 306 of the drive gear 210 to engage the drive gear 210. The pinion body 314 of the pinion 310 is provided with gear teeth 316, which are configured to engage the corresponding gear teeth of the output gear 208 when the actuator 100 is in automatic operation mode (see...). Figure 2A-2B When gear teeth 316 engage in this manner, the rotation of pinion 310 caused by the operation of drive gear 210 also causes output gear 208 to rotate. Moving pinion 310 axially away from drive gear 210 disengages pinion 310 from drive gear 210, which also disengages output gear 208 from drive gear 210, thereby putting the actuator into manual operation mode.

[0029] The flip lever 110 has a generally elongated lever body 320 with a generally flat top surface and front end, a generally flat rear end that is the same as or nearly the same as the front end, and two generally flat side surfaces. Laterally extending pins 322, 324 protrude from the side surfaces, with one pin on each side of the lever body 320 directly opposite each other. The pins 322, 324 are configured to allow the lever body 320 to rotate about a lateral axis defined by the pins 322, 324 when the flip lever 110 is mounted in the actuator 100, as indicated by the dashed double-headed curved arrow. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the laterally extending pins 322, 324 may also be a single pin, rather than extending through the lever body 320 in the width direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, a bulge or similar circular protrusion may be provided on the bottom surface of the lever body 320, which serves as a cam 326. In some embodiments, the cam 326 may be symmetrical in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions, and in some embodiments may extend through the width “W” of the lever body 320, but only partially along the length “L” of the body 320 starting from the rear end of the body 320. The cam 326 is configured to oscillate with rotation as the lever 110 rotates about pins 322, 324. This oscillation translates the cam 326 from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation as the lever 110 rotates from the closed position to the open position. The translation of the cam 326 applies a pushing motion to the cam extension 214, which causes the gear slide 216 to move in the same direction, as described above.

[0031] Subsequently, the flip lever 110 is configured to be locked or otherwise held in the open position by a spring 218 pushing the gear slide 216 and the cam extension 214 toward the planar rear end of the lever body 320, thereby holding the lever 110 in the open position (see...). Figure 2B Until the operator flips lever 110 back to the closed position. Flipping lever 110 back to the closed position returns cam 326 to its initial position, which allows cam extension 214 and gear slide 216 to return to their disengaged position by the action of spring 218 (see...). Figure 2A ).

[0032] As described above, the gasket 220 is configured to be mounted near and below the recessed opening 112 in the upper housing 108 to provide a seal preventing fluid or other unwanted materials from entering the actuator 100 through the recessed opening 112. For this purpose, the gasket 220 can have any shape and include any structure known to those skilled in the art, which can conform to and otherwise complement the recessed opening 112 to provide a seal. In this example, the gasket 220 has a generally U-shaped gasket body 330 with support pin grooves 332, 334 disposed on the body 330, the support pin grooves corresponding to the position and shape of the pins 322, 324 of the flip lever 110. The support pin grooves 332, 334 are configured to receive the pins 322, 324 thereon and provide structural support thereto. In such an embodiment, a corresponding groove or similar structure (not shown) is provided on the upper housing 108, which complements the pin grooves 332, 334 and forms a hinge or joint with them when the washer 220 is fitted below the recessed opening 112. This arrangement allows the flip lever 110 to rotate between a closed and open position via pins 322, 324 while remaining fixed to the upper housing 108. As shown, a generally rectangular opening 336 is provided in the washer 220 to receive the cam extension 214 passing through it during assembly of the overdrive mechanism 200.

[0033] The cam extension 214 is a generally elongated component configured to receive the pushing motion applied by the cam 326 and transmit that motion directly to another component, in this example, the gear slide 216. Thus, the cam extension 214 can have any shape and include any structure known to those skilled in the art, capable of linearly transmitting the pushing motion applied by the cam 326. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam extension 214 has a generally circular base 340 with two or more legs 342 extending substantially vertically from the bottom surface of the base 340 and spaced around the circumference of the base 340. A generally rectangular cam tab 344 extends substantially vertically from the top surface of the base 340 and is configured to protrude through a rectangular opening 336 in the washer 220 when the control mechanism 200 is assembled. When assembled in this way, the top surface 346 of the cam tab 344 abuts or nearly abuts the non-cam portion 328 of the bottom surface of the rod body 320, while the rod 110 is in the closed position. When the flip lever 110 is flipped to the open position, the top surface 346 of the cam tab 344 is configured to contact and receive the pushing motion applied by the cam 326.

[0034] As described above, the gear slide 216 is configured to disengage the output gear 208 from the drive gear 210 upon receiving a pushing motion applied by the cam 326 via the cam extension 214. Therefore, the gear slide 216 can have any shape and include any structure known to those skilled in the art, capable of receiving a pushing motion applied by the cam 326 via the cam extension 214, and subsequently moving the pinion 310 axially away from the drive gear 210 to disengage it from the drive gear 210, thereby disengaging the drive gear 210 from the output gear 208. In this example, the gear slide 216 has a generally cylindrical body 350 with a generally flat top surface 352 configured to receive a pushing motion applied by the cam 326 via two or more legs 342 of the cam extension 214. If desired, a portion of the top surface 352 can be removed to provide space for the drive gear 210 within the actuator 100, as shown in 353. Meanwhile, the bottom of the gear slider body 350 is configured to contact the spring 218 and cause the spring 218 to be loaded when the gear slider 216 moves by the pushing motion applied by the cam 326.

[0035] In some embodiments, the gear slide arm 354 extends radially from the gear slide body 350, perpendicular to its central axis, or extends at different predefined angles α (e.g., about 120 degrees), as shown here. A semi-circular gear catch 356 is attached to the end of the gear slide arm 354 and is configured to mate on the gear teeth 316 of the pinion 310 when the manual overdrive mechanism 200 is assembled. For this purpose, the gear catch 356 defines a semi-circular hollow portion 358 and a throat 359, the semi-circular hollow portion having a radius just sufficient to allow the gear catch 356 to receive the gear teeth 316 of the pinion 310 therein, and the throat having another radius just sufficient to allow the gear catch 356 to receive the pinion body 314 therein. This gear catch 356 is configured to slide on the gear teeth 316 of the pinion 310 and to move axially away from the drive gear 210 when the gear slide 216 receives a pushing motion applied by the cam 326 via the cam extension 214. In some embodiments, a post 360 is provided, on which the gear slider body 350 can be mounted to guide the movement of the gear slider 216.

[0036] Figure 4 It shows the assembled form Figure 3 The manual overdrive mechanism 200 is configured such that the pinion 310 engages with the drive gear 210. When the manual overdrive mechanism 200 is assembled in this manner, the flip lever 110 is rotatably supported by the washer 220, and the cam tab 344 of the cam extension 214 protrudes through the rectangular opening 336 of the washer 220 to abut or nearly abut the non-cam portion 328 of the bottom surface of the flip lever 110. Two or more legs 342 of the cam extension 214 are in mechanical contact with the gear slide body 350 of the gear slide 216, and the gear catch 356 attached to the end of the gear slide arm 354 hovers directly above the pinion 310, meaning that the flip lever 110 is currently in the closed position. Flipping lever 110 to the open position applies a pushing motion to cam extension 214. This pushing motion is transmitted to gear slide 216, causing gear catcher 356 to axially move pinion 310 away from drive gear 210, thereby disengaging pinion 310 from drive gear 210, and consequently disengaging output gear 208 from drive gear 210. Flip lever 110 remains in the open position until the operator flips lever 110 back to the closed position, at which point cam extension 214 and gear slide 216 return to their previous positions via spring 218.

[0037] In the above embodiments, the cam extension 214 and the gear slide 216 together constitute a cam follower that operates with the cam 326. Those skilled in the art will understand that, within the scope of the disclosed embodiments, such a cam follower can also be implemented as a single integral component performing the same function as the cam extension 214 and the gear slide 216. Furthermore, although the above examples envision that the spring 218 or similar biasing member is not biased when the cam extension 214 and the gear slide 216 are in their disengaged position, those skilled in the art will understand that the spring 218 can be pre-configured with a small load to maintain mechanical contact between the gear slide 216 and the cam extension 214 even when in its disengaged position.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 5 Flowchart 500 illustrates a method that can be used with embodiments of a manual overrunning mechanism for an actuator, similar to the overrunning mechanism 200 disclosed herein. The method generally begins at block 502, where a flip handle is rotatably mounted in the actuator, for example, in a second or upper housing of the actuator. In some embodiments, the flip handle may be similar to flip lever 110 herein, including a handle configured to apply a pushing motion when rotated from a closed position to an open position. At block 504, a washer may be assembled into the actuator adjacent to the flip handle to provide a seal around the handle. In some embodiments, the washer may be similar to washer 220 herein, including a washer configured to provide rotational support for the handle. At block 506, an extension is inserted into an opening in the washer to be positioned near the flip handle. In some embodiments, the extension may be similar to cam extension 214 herein, including an extension configured to receive a pushing motion applied by the flip handle. At block 508, a slider is positioned near the extension and the gear of the actuator. In some embodiments, the slider may be similar to the gear slider 216 herein, including a gear catcher attached thereto and configured to disengage a pinion from the actuator when the flip handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position. At block 510, a spring or other biasing member is mounted adjacent to the slider in the actuator. The spring or biasing member is configured to push the slider, and thus its extension, toward the flip handle when the handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0039] Numerous features and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described to date. Those skilled in the art will understand other possible features and advantages associated with the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the development of practical commercial applications incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve commercial implementations. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and may not be limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, governmental-related, and other constraints that may vary depending on the specific implementation, location, and from time to time. While the developer’s efforts may be considered complex and time-consuming, such efforts remain routine work for those skilled in the art who have benefited from this disclosure.

[0040] It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed and taught herein are readily adaptable to many and various modifications and alternatives. Therefore, the use of singular terms, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended to limit the number of items. Similarly, any relational terms used in the written description, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “below,” “side,” etc., are for clarity when specifically referring to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0041] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and / or operation of various implementations of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions mentioned in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0042] While specific embodiments and applications of this disclosure have been shown and described, it should be understood that embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the precise construction and composition disclosed herein, and various modifications, alterations and variations may be apparent from the foregoing description without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manual overrunning mechanism for an actuator, the manual overrunning mechanism comprising: A control handle, the control handle being configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position via a flipping motion; A cam follower, the cam follower being positioned adjacent to the overdrive handle and configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position; and A cam formed on a portion of the overdrive handle, the cam being configured to move a cam follower from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position; The movement of the cam follower from the disengaged position to the engaged position puts the actuator in manual operation mode.

2. The manual over-control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The overdrive handle is configured to prevent the cam follower from moving back to the disengaged position when the overdrive handle is held in the open position.

3. The manual over-control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The cam follower includes a cam extension configured to receive a pushing motion from the cam when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

4. The manual over-control mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, The cam extension has a cam tab disposed thereon, the cam tab being configured to receive pushing motion from the cam thereon.

5. The manual over-control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The cam follower includes a gear slide, which is configured to disengage the gear of the actuator when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

6. The manual over-control mechanism according to claim 5, wherein, The gear slide includes a gear catcher attached thereto, the gear catcher being configured to catch the gear when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

7. The manual overdrive mechanism of claim 1 further includes a biasing member positioned adjacent to the cam follower, the biasing member being configured to push the cam follower toward the overdrive handle when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

8. A method for providing a manual overrunning mechanism for an actuator, the method comprising: An overdrive handle is provided, the overdrive handle being configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position via a flipping motion; The cam follower is positioned near the overdrive handle, and the cam follower is configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position; and A cam is formed on a portion of the overdrive handle, the cam being configured to move a cam follower from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position; The movement of the cam follower from the disengaged position to the engaged position puts the actuator in manual operation mode.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The overdrive handle is configured to prevent the cam follower from moving back to the disengaged position when the overdrive handle is held in the open position.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The cam follower includes a cam extension configured to receive a pushing motion from the cam when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a cam tab on the cam extension, the cam tab being configured to receive the pushing motion from the cam thereon.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The cam follower includes a gear slide, which is configured to disengage the gear of the actuator when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising attaching a gear catcher to the gear slide, the gear catcher being configured to catch the gear therein when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising positioning a biasing member near the cam follower, the biasing member being configured to push the cam follower toward the overdrive handle when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

15. An actuator comprising: At least one housing encloses a plurality of gears and a control board therein, the control board being configured to control the operation of the plurality of gears; and A manual over-control mechanism, the manual over-control mechanism being installed in the at least one housing, the manual over-control mechanism including an over-control handle configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position; Rotating the control handle from the closed position to the open position causes the manual control mechanism to put the actuator into manual operation mode, and rotating the control handle from the open position to the closed position causes the manual control mechanism to put the actuator into automatic operation mode.

16. The actuator according to claim 15, wherein, The manual overdrive mechanism also includes a cam follower positioned adjacent to the overdrive handle and configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position.

17. The actuator according to claim 16, wherein, The manual overdrive mechanism further includes a cam formed on a portion of the overdrive handle, the cam being configured to move a cam follower from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

18. The actuator according to claim 17, wherein, The overdrive handle is configured to prevent the cam follower from moving back to the disengaged position when the overdrive handle is held in the open position.

19. The actuator according to claim 18, wherein, The cam follower includes a cam extension configured to receive a pushing motion from the cam when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

20. The actuator according to claim 18, wherein, The cam follower includes a gear slide, which is configured to disengage the gear of the actuator when the overdrive handle is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

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