Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
  • F23Q—IGNITION; EXTINGUISHING-DEVICES
  • F23Q2/00—Lighters containing fuel, e.g. for cigarettes
  • F23Q2/16—Lighters with gaseous fuel, e.g. the gas being stored in liquid phase
  • F23Q2/164—Arrangements for preventing undesired ignition

Definitions

• the invention relates to a piezoelectric type lighter comprising a device for generating a flame which comprises a mechanism for releasing a gas jet and a piezoelectric mechanism for generating a spark.
• the pivoting of the cover by a user rotates the wheel via a friction portion arranged on the interior part of the cover and thus causes the generation of a spark. Furthermore, the pivoting of the cover also has the effect of acting on the mechanism for releasing a gas jet via a tilting lever. Also known, from document US 6,186,772, a lighter provided with a protective cover pivoting about an axis.
• An actuator integral with the cover implements both the system for releasing a gas jet and for generating a spark when the assembly formed by the cover and the actuator has made a pivoting movement around the aforementioned axis under the action of a force exerted by the user.
• This lighter is thus provided with a safety mechanism which prevents its use by children.
• the present invention aims to remedy at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a piezoelectric type lighter comprising a device for generating a flame which comprises a mechanism for releasing a gas jet and a piezoelectric mechanism for generating a spark, characterized in that the lighter comprises two actuators capable of moving in a pivoting movement under the action of a force exerted by a user between a first so-called rest position and a second so-called active position, at least one of said actuators, called first actuator, being able to move independently of the second actuator and to act at least on one of said mechanisms, called first mechanism, the lighter being able to generate a flame outside said lighter when the two actuators have pivoted.
• the authorized user of the lighter according to the invention will not have to perform, in order to use this lighter, a movement fundamentally different from that carried out with conventional lighters for which he exercises, by means of his thumb, a pivoting movement of the hood of the lighter actuator by bringing this hood towards him.
• the two actuators must have rotated so that the lighter can generate a flame outside of the latter, it will be difficult for an unintended user, such as a child who has fingers of dimensions reduced compared to those of 'an adult, to implement the lighter according to the invention by simultaneously pressing the two actuators.
• the lighter according to the invention can move independently of the other actuator, if the child presses only one of the two actuators, the chances that he can implement the lighter according to the invention are one in two, which nevertheless offers a certain security which is at least as great as that offered by the safety mechanisms of lighters according to the prior art.
• the second actuator when it is moved under the action of a force exerted by a user, is adapted to drive the first actuator in a pivoting movement along a given trajectory, the two actuators being placed the one behind the other on this trajectory.
• the lighter according to the invention Insofar as children often try to imitate adults after observing them, if a child tries to position the lighter according to the invention as he saw an adult do it, that is to say vertically with the first actuator in front of him, the second actuator is in turn partially concealed by the first actuator.
• the safety of the lighter according to the invention can moreover be reinforced by providing for increasing the effort of resistance to pivoting of the second actuator so that, even if the child manages to press simultaneously on the first actuator and on the second, the force which it will deploy will be insufficient to also cause the pivoting of the second actuator.
• the first actuator is capable of acting on one of the mechanisms, called the first mechanism, the second actuator being, in turn, capable of acting on the second mechanism.
• each actuator comprises a cover intended to undergo a force on the part of a user of the lighter and which is arranged so that the two covers are arranged side by side.
• the cover of the second actuator comprises at least one part which penetrates into a region of the cover of the first actuator, called the first cover, so that a force exerted by a user in this region drives the two covers in a pivoting movement.
• this characteristic has the advantage of making it difficult for a child to use the lighter, while making it easier for an adult to use. Indeed, the adult will not have to go and position his finger well beyond the first cover to ensure the pivoting of the two covers.
• the penetrating part of the second cover has a non-smooth bearing surface. Thus, this will prevent the user's finger from slipping on this penetrating part when he seeks to move the two covers.
• the two hoods have bearing surfaces offered to a user which are arranged at different dimensions taken in the longitudinal direction of the lighter, the bearing surface of the second hood being arranged at a dimension lower than that of the bearing surface of the first cover. This arrangement further increases the difficulty of implementation of the lighter by a child who will then find it difficult to correctly position his finger simultaneously on the two covers.
• one of the two actuators in its rest position, covers an area of the lighter in which a flame is generated outside the lighter when the two mechanisms are activated.
• the actuator covering the area of the lighter in which a flame is generated is the second actuator.
• the first actuator is capable of acting on the two mechanisms and of generating a flame
• the second actuator in its rest position, covering an area of the lighter in which the flame is generated, thus preventing the latter from propagating out of the lighter when the second actuator has not pivoted.
• the safety of the lighter according to the invention is ensured insofar as the other actuator remains in the rest position and covers the area of the lighter in which the flame is generated.
• the first mechanism is the mechanism for generating a spark
• the second mechanism being the mechanism for releasing a gas jet.
• FIG. 1 represents a view in partial section of a lighter according to the invention
• Figure 2 shows a side view of the lighter of Figure 1, seen from the outside
• Figure 3 shows a top view of the lighter shown in Figures 1 and 2
• Figure 4 shows in perspective the two actuators 32 and 34 of the lighter of Figures 1 to 3, the actuator 32 being shown in partial section in this figure
• Figure 5 is a partial sectional view similar to that of Figure 1, showing the use of the lighter according to the invention by an unauthorized user
• Figure 6 illustrates the implementation of the lighter according to the invention by an authorized user such as an adult
• FIG. 1 represents a view in partial section of a lighter according to the invention
• Figure 2 shows a side view of the lighter of Figure 1, seen from the outside
• Figure 3 shows a top view of the lighter shown in Figures 1 and 2
• Figure 4 shows in perspective the two actuators 32 and 34 of the lighter of Figures 1 to 3, the actuator 32 being shown in partial section in this figure
• Figure 5 is a partial sectional view similar to that of Figure 1,
• a lighter according to the invention comprises a body 12 of generally elongated shape provided with two longitudinal ends 12a, 12b.
• the lighter also comprises, at the upper part of the body close to the longitudinal end 12a, a part, generally metallic perforated, denoted 14, forming a screen against the wind in order to protect a flame generated in this zone by the lighter.
• the lighter according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a device for generating a flame noted 30 in FIG. 1 and which comprises two actuators 32 and 34 shown in the upper part of the body 12 of the lighter.
• the two actuators are each capable of moving along a trajectory, for example, circular under the action of a force exerted by a user.
• the two actuators are mounted for rotation about the same horizontal axis 35.
• the two actuators 32 and 34 respectively comprise, at the longitudinal end 12a, a cover called the first cover 32a and a cover called the second cover 34a.
• the two covers are arranged side by side and, more particularly, are arranged one behind the other if one considers the trajectory which they follow during their pivoting movement, the first cover 32a moving first on this path.
• Each cover has an upper bearing surface also called contact surface which is offered to the authorized user (adult) of the lighter so that he positions a finger there and exerts a force on it as indicated by the arrows referenced 1 and 2 on Figures 1, 5 and 6.
• the respective bearing surfaces 32b, 34b of the two covers 32, 34 are arranged at the same dimension in the longitudinal direction (height) of the lighter.
• the second cover 34a has at least one portion 34c which penetrates into a region 32c of the first cover 32a.
• the protruding part 34c has, for example, a non-smooth bearing surface in order to facilitate the pressing of the finger of an authorized user. To do this, the upper bearing surface of this part 34c is given a given roughness.
• this non-smooth bearing surface makes it possible to establish non-sliding contact with the finger of an authorized user and, thus, to rotate the two covers and therefore the two actuators simultaneously when the finger is applied in the region 32c and that a force is exerted according to the arrows 1 and 2 of FIGS. 1 and 6.
• the penetrating part 34c can also be smooth, which will require on the part of the user of the lighter a greater effort to rotate the second cover 34a. In such a case, the part 34c can be slightly enlarged to facilitate the use of the lighter by an adult user.
• the lighter in the normal use position, the lighter is placed in a vertical position as shown in the figures and in such a way that the first cover is facing the user's finger (on the right on Figures 5 and
• the second cover being placed behind the first cover.
• the flame generation device 30 also includes a mechanism for releasing a gas jet 36.
• the gas jet release mechanism includes a gas jet release member denoted 37, which is, for example, in the form of a nozzle connected to a reservoir 38 filled with gas in a known manner. the skilled person.
• the mechanism 36 also comprises a part 42 shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 and which is articulated around an axis 44 parallel to the axis 35 of articulation of the actuators, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lighter.
• the part 42 forms a lever and comprises in known manner, at one of its ends, two arms (of which only one 42a is shown in the figures) enclosing a conduit 39 (FIG. 6) one end of which is placed under the valve of the nozzle and brings the gas to the latter, the opposite end being arranged in the reservoir 38.
• the part 42 forming a lever also has at its opposite end a leg 42b which is intended to cooperate as will be seen later with one of the two actuators. When this cooperation has taken place, the part 42 pivots about its axis 44 which makes it possible to lift the valve from the nozzle 37 and therefore to release a jet of gas (FIG. 6).
• the lighter 10 according to the invention comprises, in the lower part at the end 12b, an arrangement 13 protruding inside the body 12 in order to allow the user to refill the gas lighter.
• This arrangement comprises, more particularly, from the end 12b, an orifice 15 opening onto the outside and a non-return valve 17 consisting, for example, of a ball (not shown in the figures) held in position by a spring under tension 18.
• the device for generating a flame 30 also includes a piezoelectric mechanism for generating a spark denoted 50.
• This mechanism 50 is in the form of an element of generally substantially cylindrical shape 52 (FIG. 1) sliding inside a cylindrical sheath 54 inside of which is notably found a spring 56.
• the spring exerts an upward force so as to maintain the element 52 in the high position when no force along arrow 2 is exerted by the user on the actuators or at least on the first actuator 32.
• the lighter operates according to the known principle of the piezoelectric effect according to which a piezoelectric element (not shown), such as for example a crystal, placed at the bottom of the sheath 54 is struck by a hammer element in order to produce an electric spark.
• a piezoelectric element such as for example a crystal
• the end (not shown in the figures) of the cylindrical element 52 which is opposite the end 52a visible in Figures 1, 5 and 6 and which is in contact with the first actuator 32, acts as a hammer for strike the aforementioned piezoelectric element when said cylindrical element 52 is moved downwards, along the axis XX ′, under the effect of a force exerted by the finger of a user at least on the first actuator 32.
• the device 30 also includes an electrical conductor 60 through which a spark produced by the piezoelectric mechanism mentioned above is propagated.
• the electrical conductor 60 is electrically connected in a known manner to the above mechanism by one of its ends which is arranged in the lower part of the drawing of Figures 1, 5 and 6 but not shown.
• the conductor 60 opens at its opposite end 60a (FIGS. 1,
• combustion chamber 62 formed inside the part forming a screen 14 and into which also opens the member for releasing the gas jet 37 previously mentioned.
• the device 30 In the position shown in FIG. 5, the device 30 is not activated so as to generate a flame because only the mechanism for generating a spark 50 has been activated.
• the device 30 is activated so as to generate a flame because, as will be seen later, the two aforementioned mechanisms 36 and 50 have been activated.
• a second vertical part 32e extends from this horizontal portion downwards, thus giving the assembly of the two parts a square shape.
• the horizontal and vertical parts meet by an internal wall 32f of curved shape.
• this curved shape matches the complementary curved shape 64 of the lighter shown in FIG. 5, thus making it possible to guide the first actuator during its pivoting movement around the horizontal axis 35.
• the first actuator 32 also includes, from the horizontal part 32d, a vertical extension opposite the vertical part 32e.
• This vertical extension starts from the region 32c of the cover downwards to first form a hollow central portion 32g allowing the passage of the electrical conductor 60, not shown in FIG. 4.
• This central portion 32g then extends offset from the vertical axis towards the vertical portion 32e of the cover, to form a spout 32h which is curved downward so as to be able to cooperate with the upper surface of the end 52a of the cylindrical element 52, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
• the second actuator 34 comprises, for its part, the second cover 34a which has a generally parallelepipedal shape rounded to one of its ends which is visible from the outside of the lighter, the opposite end being intended to cooperate with the first actuator.
• the second actuator also has a vertical extension from the first horizontal cover 34a, which is formed by two legs parallel to each other 34d, 34e joined together by a horizontal crossbar
• this bar 34f also makes it possible to cooperate with the leg 42b of the lever 42, in order to activate the mechanism for releasing a gas jet.
• the two legs 34d and 34e are each traversed in their thickness, at their free end, facing one another, by a hole intended to receive the axis 35 around which the second actuator 34 is brought to swing.
• the nozzle 37 is placed in the raised position near the through end 60a of the electrical conductor 60 at the level from which the spark is generated and said nozzle releases a jet of gas, thus allowing the generation of a flame in the region of the lighter surrounded by the screen 14 (FIG. 6).
• the second actuator 34 In its rest position ( Figures 1 and 5), the second actuator 34 covers the combustion chamber 62.
• At least one of said actuators namely the first actuator, is able to move independently of the second actuator and to act at least on one of the two mechanisms which are the mechanism for releasing a jet of gas 36 and the piezoelectric mechanism for generating a spark 50.
• the first actuator 32 is capable of acting on the first mechanism for generating a spark in the embodiment shown in the figures.
• the second actuator 34 is, for its part, capable of acting on the second mechanism for releasing a gas jet 36.
• the two actuators and, in particular, the two covers of the latter must have pivoted about the axis 35 , from their rest position shown in Figure 1, to their active position, shown in Figure 6.
• an unauthorized user such as for example a child, causes the activation of the mechanism 50 for generating a spark by cooperation of the spout 32h of the first actuator with the bearing surface 52a of the cylindrical element 52 .
• the penetrating part 34c of the second cover can be omitted and, in this case, the authorized user must advance his finger further so as to cover almost all of the two bearing surfaces 32b and 34b of the two covers and exert an even greater pressure force in direction 1 of FIG. 4.
• the first actuator 32 can also be capable of acting on the two mechanisms 36 for releasing a gas jet and 50 for generating a spark, with a few structural modifications to the scope of the skilled person.
• a nozzle 32h of the first actuator it is in fact advisable to conform differently the part forming a nozzle 32h of the first actuator by providing, for example, a hook shape opposite the nozzle, in order to actuate the leg 42b of the lever 42 and thus release a jet of gas when the first actuator moves alone.
• the only movement of the first actuator 32 is sufficient to activate the two aforementioned mechanisms and therefore generate a flame.
• the second cover 34a of the second actuator 34 since the second cover 34a of the second actuator 34 remains in its rest position and thus covers the area of the lighter (combustion chamber 62) in which the flame is generated, it cannot propagate to the outside of the lighter and could thus cause accidents or even inflict injuries on certain people such as, for example, the child who will have used this lighter.
• the finger of an adult is large enough to be able to be properly positioned, as shown in Figure 6, that is to say cover at least one part of the bearing surface 32b of the first cover and the bearing surface of the penetrating part 34c of the second cover.
• an adult is capable of deploying a sufficient force to exert a pressure perpendicular to the abovementioned bearing surfaces (arrow 1) and, in particular, that of the penetrating part 34c (direction also perpendicular to the pivot axis 35 of the two actuators), to drive simultaneously the two actuators 32 and 34 in a pivoting movement around the axis 35, according to the arrow denoted 2.
• the penetrating part 34c can be either smooth or omitted. If the part is omitted, the authorized user will have to place his finger beyond the bearing surface 32b of the first cover, so as to also almost cover the bearing surface 34b of the second cover.
• the authorized user can also be content to place his finger on the second cover 34a, simultaneously exerting a downward vertical force, in the direction indicated by the arrow 1, and a pivoting movement, in the direction indicated by arrow 2, insofar as such a pivoting movement of the second actuator will cause the pivoting of the first actuator which is in contact with it, the two actuators being placed one behind the other on the same path.
• the horizontal central bar 34f of the second actuator comes into contact with the raised end of the leg 42b of the lever 42 and thus drives the latter in a pivoting movement around its axis 44, which has the effect of releasing a gas jet as already described above.
• the first actuator via its spout, activates the spark generation mechanism at the end 60a of the conductor 60, which has the effect of generating a flame in the area surrounded by the screen 14
• the second actuator 34 Insofar as the second actuator 34 has been moved from its rest position and therefore no longer covers the area in which the flame is generated, the latter can propagate outside the combustion chamber outside the lighter, as shown in figure 6.
• the user should make an additional effort to drive the second actuator in a pivoting movement, which again represents an additional degree of security vis-à-vis unauthorized users.
• the compression force of the spring 56 is fixed at a value lower than that of the compression force of the spring opposing the pivoting movement of the second actuator, in order to give the lighter thus constituted a safety additional.
• the spring 56 returns, by relaxing, this first actuator to its position of rest shown in Figure 1.
• the two covers 70a and 72a of the two actuators 70 and 72 have respective bearing surfaces 70b and 72b for the user which are arranged at different dimensions along the longitudinal axis XX "of the lighter.
• the second cover also includes a penetrating part 72c like the part 34c of the previous figures. This characteristic makes it possible to reinforce the safety of the lighter with regard to unintended users such as, for example, children, insofar as in this variant the most visible and most accessible part of the lighter happens to be the bearing surface of the first actuator.
• the authorized user such as an adult, meanwhile, will position his finger, generally his thumb, also on at least part of the bearing surface 72b of the second cover 72a and, by exerting a force according to the arrows 1 and 2 of FIG. 1, will thus succeed in driving the two actuators in a pivoting movement and therefore in operating the lighter according to the invention.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Lighters Containing Fuel (AREA)

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• 2003
  • 2003-01-09 FR FR0300190A patent/FR2849910B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2004
  • 2004-01-09 US US10/541,674 patent/US7641471B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2004-01-09 EP EP04701030A patent/EP1588101A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2004-01-09 WO PCT/FR2004/000035 patent/WO2004070274A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2004-01-09 CN CNA2004800044767A patent/CN1759275A/zh active Pending
  • 2004-01-09 CN CN2011101084693A patent/CN102235681B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related

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