MXPA01001071A

MXPA01001071A - Ignitor.

Info

Publication number: MXPA01001071A
Application number: MXPA01001071A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Saito Masaki
Original assignee: Tokai Corp
Priority date: 1999-05-31
Filing date: 2000-05-25
Publication date: 2002-08-20
Also published as: AU781404B2; ES2274788T3; WO2000073704A1; DE60031365D1; CN1319170A; EP1124095A1; JP3785853B2; AU4781200A; CN1165710C; DE60031365T2; EP1124095A4; JP2000346359A; CA2338842C; CA2338842A1; EP1124095B1; ATE343098T1

Abstract

An ignitor capable of increasing an productivity and reducing a cost of the mechanism parts of lock means to lock operating members for igniting operation while maintaining a good operating performance and increasing a reliability throughout long period of time, wherein an operating members (20) performing the igniting operation by driving a valve mechanism (8) and a piezoelectric unit (22) are installed slidably and lock means (27) to lock the operating members (20) is supported rotatably on an ignitor main body part (2), the lock means (27) is energized in the direction of locking position by energizing means (31), and the lock means (27) is rotated from the lock position to a release position so that the igniting operation is allowed by the operating members (20).

Description

LIGHTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with lighters and in particular with a lighter having a safety lock.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Known, as in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8 (1996) 68536, for example, lighters having a locking means or push-button type locking means for fixing or blocking the operation of the element of actuation which is put into operation to drive the ignition to produce a flame, wherein, in the non-operational mode, the fixing means block the ignition operation of the actuating element, on the one hand, when the fixing means are driven and unlocked, the lighter can be ignited, while on the other hand, when the fixing means are released, the fixing means are automatically recovered to the locked position. Also known, as in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11 (1999) -63497, for example lighters having lever-type fixing means for blocking the operational state of the actuating element that is put into operation to drive the ignition to produce a flame, wherein, in the non-operational mode, the fixing means block the firing operation of the actuating element on the one hand, when the fixing means are unlocked, the igniter can be ignited and as the means of fixing are kept in the unlocked state the lighter can be ignited continuously, while on the other hand, when the aforementioned fixing means are released, the fixing means are automatically recovered to the locked position. However, because lighters such as those described above have fastening means in which a fastener is slidably mounted in the body of the lighter, the fastener is structured in such a way that it slides into the unlocked position. when unlocked, to ensure that this sliding fastener is durable enough to provide reliable sliding operation over a long period of time, it is tilted to prevent the defective operation of the ignition actuation element and consequently require High precision manufacturing and high costs are incurred, also as in complicated quality control procedures, in the mass production of such lighters. In addition, because such lighters have either a push-button fastening element, which is put into operation when being driven downwards or a lever-type fastening element, which is put into operation when being driven inward, both of which which are individual actions, there are cases for which a lighter with a more complicated fixing element is required to be put into operation. In view of the points described above, the combination of the operation action of pushing down the push-button type fastening element and the operating action of pushing the lever-type fastening element in to carry out the unlocking has been considered. , together with the coupling of these operating actions with a sliding type drive element to carry out the unlocking. However, such unlocking operations suffer from operating problems in which different fingers must be used to carry out the operation and the operation requires two separate actions. Because this is not very practical, a level of improvement with respect to the operation is desirable. That is, the operation of the actuating element is necessary to produce a flame with the lighter over which multiple fingers are required for unlocking, sliding, pushing in, etc., to carry out a single ignition operation. The difficulty of such an operation is disadvantageous, for normal use and such a lighter itself is an exceedingly complicated device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been developed in light of the points described above and to lock the actuating element, has fixing means whose structural parts provide good operating performance over a long period of time and is effective in the cost also as simpler to manufacture. Furthermore, the operating capacity of the lighters according to the present invention is improved by means of the elimination of multiple unlocking operations and the provision instead of the capacity to carry out a series of consecutive actions to carry out excessive ignition operations. The lighter of the present invention, which solves the problems described above comprises an ejector nozzle for ejecting a combustible gas, a gas tank for storing the gas and an opening and closing valve system for selectively supplying the gas to the ejector nozzle, a piezoelectric spark producing unit, a slidably mounted actuating element running between. valve system and the piezoelectric spark producing unit, wherein a mounting means rotatably mounted rotates between a locked position in which the ignition operation of the actuating element is locked in the locked position and an unblocked position in which it is locked. Carrying out the ignition operation of the actuating element is urged towards the locked position by driving means. In addition, another embodiment of the lighter according to the present invention comprises a gas discharge nozzle, a gas tank, an opening and closing valve system for selectively supplying gas to the gas tank, a piezoelectric spark producing unit and a slidably mounted actuating element running between the valve system and the piezoelectric spark producing unit for carrying out the ignition operation, wherein pivotally mounted securing means rotate between a locked position, in which the actuating element is locked in the locked position and an unlocked position in which the ignition operation of the actuating element is allowed and urged towards the locked position by driving means and restricting means having a rotary restricting element as a unit with the fixing means for dock with the restriction portion with l aforementioned coupling portion of the body in the restricted position, whereby the rotation of the fixing means in the direction of the unlocked position is restricted and when such restraint means are driven to the unrestricted position, the restriction portion it is separated from the coupling portion, whereby the fixing means can be turned towards the unlocked position and elastic means are provided to urge such a restriction element to the restricted position. When the restriction means are urged to the unrestricted position and the fixing means are rotated to the unlocked position, the ignition operation of the actuating element is allowed. Such restraining means are formed of an elastic piece which is fixed to the fixing means and are structured to drive the restraining means to the restricted position. Such an elastic piece can be provided in such a way that the restriction element is moved from the restricted position to the unrestricted position by the elastic elements that are pushed in and deformed. In addition, such restraining means may also be provided slidably mounted on the fastening means and urged and supported in a direction in which they protrude by resilient means, wherein the restraining element is engaged with the body in the restricted position and in the unrestricted position, inwardly driven the restriction element is separated from the body. Furthermore, it is advantageous to install the restriction element in such a way that it automatically recovers to the restricted position when the fixing means are rotated to the unlocked position. On the one hand, it is appropriate to install the gas tube in such a way that it extends through the interior of the fixing means. In addition, it is desirable to design the igniter in such a way that when the fastening means are continuously maintained in the unlocked position, the ignition operation of the actuating element can be carried out repeatedly. It is appropriate for the fixing means to be provided in such a way that they have a fastening element which engages with a portion of the actuating element that activates the ignition to fix the operation of the actuating element to the locked position, which when rotated to the unlocked position they move the fastener to a position in which the fastener is separated from the drive element. In this case, it is also desirable that the rotational center of the fixing means be movable. According to the lighter of the present invention as described above, fixing means are rotatably supported on the body and urged towards the locked position by driving means, wherein the movement of the unlocking of the fixing means is carried out at the rotating the fixing means, whereby even without the dimensions in the body to support the fixing components therein are not manufactured to an exact precision, the operation of the lighter is ensured in such a way that it is stable, the manufacture of the it is simplified and the lighter is advantageously effective in cost. Further, in another embodiment of the lighter of the present invention, on the one hand, when the restriction element is not urged to the unrestricted position, the securing means can not be turned to the unlocked position and the lighter is locked in the condition non-operational in which the ignition operation of the actuating element can not be carried out and on the other hand, when the restricting means, installed to be rotatable as a unit with the fixing means, is driven to the unrestricted position and the fixing means are rotated to the unlocked position, the ignition operation of the actuating element becomes possible and the performance of the ignition operation causes the gas to be expelled and a flame to be produced by the ignition of the gas, by means of the which improves the capacity of operation due to the start of the production of the flame through the two continuous actions of push towards or the element of restriction and rotation of the fixing element, a good firing restriction functionality is ensured and the structure of the lighter is simplified. In addition, the actuating element is provided in such a manner that successive firing operations of the actuating element can be carried out when the fastening element is continuously maintained in the unlocked position, whereby for cases in which a flame is not produced by the first ignition operation, it is easy to carry out the ignition operation again, providing excellent operating capacity. In addition, when the fixing means are recovered to the unlocked position, the restriction means are automatically recovered to the restricted position, whereby the lighter is automatically recovered to the locked state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front view of the main parts of the first preferred embodiment of the lighter of the present invention, Figure 2 is a side view in cross section of the main parts shown in the figure 1, Figure 3 is a sectional view of Figure 2 taken along the line III-III, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the parts related to the ignition restriction component shown in Figure 1 , Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the main parts shown in Figure 2 in the operational state, Figure 6 is a front view of the main parts of the second preferred embodiment of the lighter of the present invention, 7 is an exploded perspective view of the parts related to the ignition restriction component of the second preferred embodiment, Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the main parts of the second preferred embodiment in the operational state, Figure 9 is a front view of the main parts of the third preferred embodiment of the lighter of the present invention, Figure 10 is a side view in s cross section of the main parts shown in the figure 9, Figures HA and 11B are cross sectional side views of the main parts shown in Figure 10 in the operational state, Figure 12 is a front view of the main parts of the fourth preferred embodiment of the lighter of the present invention, Figure 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the main parts shown in Figure 12 in the operational state, Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the main parts of the fifth preferred embodiment of the lighter of the present invention Figures 15A and 15B are cross-sectional side views of the main parts shown in Figure 14 in the operational state, Figure 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the main parts of the sixth preferred embodiment of the lighter of the present invention, Figure 17 is a front view of the main parts shown in Figure 16, Figure 18 is a view of Figure 17 taken along the line XVIII-XVIII and Figures 19A and 19B are a cross-sectional side view of the main parts shown in Figure 16 in the operational state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the lighter according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figures 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of the lighter according to the present invention implemented as an ignition rod. Figure 1 illustrates a front view of the main part of the lighter of the current embodiment, figure 2 a cross-sectional side view of the main part of the lighter of the current embodiment, figure 3 a sectional view taken along the line III-III of figure 2, figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the parts related to the restriction of the ignition and figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the operational state of the lighter of the current mode.

The lighter 1 (ignition rod) is formed of a body 2 and an extension tip 3 extended to a rod shape (not shown). Such body 2 comprises a lower box 5 formed of synthetic resins and extends up therefrom, a middle box 6 which is divided vertically approximately in the center thereof. Figures 2, 4 and 5 illustrate a view of the middle box 6. In the section of the body 2 near its base, inside the lower box 5, there is a gas tank formed of synthetic resin to store a gas at high pressure such as butane, etc., having installed on the upper wall thereof a valve system 8 that opens and closes to supply the gas stored in the gas tank. The valve system 8 is used to send gas and installed on the gas passage thereof is a nozzle 10. At the tip of the nozzle 10 an edge of a rotary lever 14 for opening the valve 10 is coupled therewith. With the operation of the lever 14, the nozzle is advanced forward, whereby the gas passage is opened and the gas is fed. Extraction or removal of the nozzle caused by the spring installed in the valve system 8 closes the gas channel and cuts off the gas supply. Note that the quantity of gas supplied, that is, the size of the flame, is regulated by the rotation of a knob 13 for adjusting the flame projecting to the exterior of the lighter. Furthermore, a sleeve 16 and a connector tube 17 are installed above the line extending from the leading edge of the nozzle 10, which are connected to a gas pipe 18. The gas pipe 18 extends to the edge front of the extension tip 3 and is connected to the nozzle 10 to which it supplies gas. A drive element 20 (igniter button) is mounted in the middle of the body case 6 to the side valve means 8 to be able to slide parallel along the center line thereof. A piezoelectric spark producing unit 22 is installed between the gas tank mentioned above and the actuating element 20. As illustrated in Figure 4, the aforementioned actuating element 20 further comprises a tubular portion 20b which is supported to be slidable from the opening of the middle case 6 to the interior and on the leading edge of the tubular portion 20b is provided a 20a surface pressed with the finger mounted inclined. Still further, such a tubular section 20b is provided with a leg portion 20d extending along the slidable direction adjacent to the lateral edge of the valve means 8. Such a leg portion is structured to cause the rotary lever 14 to rotate when the lighter is going to be turned on. An opening or hole 20e is provided on the rear face of the section between the leg portion 20d and the finger pressable surface 20a to allow the insertion of the locking catch 30b of the fixing element 30 described hereinafter. The fixing retainer 20f is formed on the edge of the opening or hole 20e on the side of the finger-engaging actuator 20a. Formed in a configuration of approximately L, the rotating lever 14 is rotatably supported at the central point thereof and is rotated by the leg portion 20d, whereby the valve means 8 are opened by the rotation carried out to effect the ignition operation and the gas is fed by this. In addition, the piezoelectric spark producing unit provides an electrical spark and is structured in such a way that an electrical spark is caused by the expansion and contraction piston movement of the slider 22a, coupled with the driving element 20 , which is presented with the withdrawal or withdrawal movement of the actuating element 20. Connected to the electrodes of the piezoelectric spark producing unit 22 are conductive wires 23 (two wires) which are connected to the other end of the electrodes of spark gap and ejector nozzle (not shown). A protection element or security element 24 of the ignition button, which allows space for a finger to be inserted to drive the pressurized surface 20a with the finger is formed integrally with the middle box 6 to partially enclose the actuating element 20. Next, a construction ignition mechanism described above will additionally be provided with the ignition restriction component for restricting the ignition operation of the actuating element 20. Such a restraining component has fastening means 27 comprising a fastening element 30 rotatably supported on the interior of the body 2 (box 6) for locking and unlocking the ignition operation of the actuating element 20 if it is additionally provided with driving means 31 having a return spring for urging the fixing element 27 towards the locked position. When the fixing means 27 are rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position, operation of the drive element for the ignition is allowed. The fastening element 30 comprises side panels 30a, formed approximately as semicircles having an external oval shaped circumference, either on one side or the other of the same (see Figure 3). On the end of one side of the side panels 30a a hook-shaped retaining clip 30b is formed, to allow it to be inserted into the opening or hole 20e of the actuating element 20 and coupled thereto in the enhancement portion 20f. Such side panels 30a are joined by a circumferential wall 30c to form an integral unit having an outer circumference of an oval shape and an empty interior. In addition, an axis 30d is provided at the center point with respect to the outer circumference of an oval shape, on the outer face of either side panel 30a extending in the lateral direction. Such shaft 30d is inserted into the hole 2a of the elongated shaft provided in the aforementioned body 2 (middle box 6) so that it is rotatable, is supported to be movable in the direction along the bearing hole of the elongated shaft 2a and can be rotated in the locked position, in which the fixing retainer 30d is coupled with the fixing retainer 20f of the actuating element 20, also as in the unlocked position, in which the fixing retainer 30b is moved to the interior of the body 2 The aforementioned external circumferential wall 30c protrudes from the window 2b open in the wall of the body side 2 (middle box 6) opposite the protection element 24 of the ignition button.

Such a circumferential wall 30c is provided with crossed slits the external surface thereof for a rotary operation by means of a finger. In addition, two protruding spring supports 30e are provided on the outer face of a side panel 30a. The central turn of the return spring 31 is installed around the axis 30d as a driving means on the side from which the spring retainers protrude. A straight portion of the return spring 30 is coupled with the spring retainers 30e, the other straight portion of the return spring is set against a protruding portion 2c of the body 2 and the locking catch 30b is urged to the locked position where it is rotated beside the drive element 20. Note that, commensurate with an increase in the resistance of the drive means, the force required for the rotation thereof becomes comparatively large. On the outer face of the other side panel 30a a retainer 30f protrudes (see Figure 3). When the fixing element 30 is rotated to the locked position, such retainer 30f is brought into contact with a coupling portion (not shown) of the body 2 and is stopped in that position. Further, when the fastener 30 is rotated to the unlocked position, the leading edge of the side panel 30a is brought into contact with the aforementioned projecting portion 2c of body 2., which is at the upper limit of the rotation range (see figure 5). Note that the connector tube 17 and the gas tube 18 pass through the gap or void between the side panels 30a of the aforementioned fixing element 30 in its assembled state (this is the same for the embodiments described hereinafter). Further, when rotating to the unlocked position illustrated in FIG. 5, the leading edge of the outer circumference 30c of the fastening element 30 (in the unlocked position) is formed so as not to be retained on the gas tube 18 disposed therein. The operation of the ignition restriction component for the embodiments of the ignition mechanism described above will now be explained. Firstly, in the state illustrated in FIG. 2, the fastening element 30 is in the locked position (released state) and the actuating element 20 projects into the space enclosed by the button-protected protection element 24 and is located in the locked position. the non-operational state. In this state, the fastening catch 30b of the fastening element 30 projects to the actuation element 20 from the opening or hole 20e and is coupled with the actuation portion 20f; the actuating element 20 can not be pushed in and the ignition operation can not be carried out. Next, when the lighter 1 is to be used, if the outer circumference 30c of the fixing element 30 is rotated forward to the unlocked position, the fixing retainer 30f is moved from the "retention" position in the opening 20e of the element. of the drive 20 to the interior of the body 2 where it is in the unlocked position, after which the actuation element 20 can be driven inwards and the ignition operation can be carried out. At that time, the power used to rotate the fastening element 30 acts to urge forward and push the shaft 30d inward, whereby the support 2a of the shaft is moved along the hole of the elongated shaft and the center of the shaft. rotation is displaced. Thus, when the ignition operation is carried out with the actuating element 20 in the unblocked state described above, the movement of the actuating element 20 causes the rotary lever 14 to pull up the nozzle 10 and open the valve means 8. , whereby the gas is supplied to the ejector nozzle via the gas pipe 18. In addition, concurrently with the ignition operation of the actuator 20, discharge voltage (alternating current voltage) is generated by the production unit 22 spark, piezoelectric and is applied between the electrode on the extension tip 3 and the ejector nozzle, whereby the ejected gas is ignited. Note that when the drive element 20 has been driven inward before the aforementioned fastener element 30 has been unlocked, the fastener 30f and the fastener 30b of the fastener 30 are securely engaged and is very difficult to move the fixing element 30 in the unlocking direction, however, because the axis 30d of the fixing element 30 is supported to be able to move along the hole 2a of the elongated shaft as described above, the shaft 30d moves forward when the fastening element 30 is urged inwardly and rotated, whereby the aforementioned fastener 30b and the fastener 30f are easy to separate and the fastener 30 can be rotated in the unlocking direction (this is the same for the modes described later herein). As long as the fastening element 30 is held in the unlocked position (in the rotated state), the operation of repeated ignition of the actuating element 20 can be carried out, making consecutive ignition operations easy for cases in which the gas does not it is turned on in the first ignition operation (this is the same for the modes described later herein). If the fixing element 30 and the actuating element 20 are manually released to finish using the lighter, the actuating element 20 is returned to the initial protruding position by the spring force of the spring in the piezoelectric spark producing unit 22 and the The fastening element 30 is returned to the locked position, in which the fastening catch 30 projects, by the driving force of the driving means 31 (the return spring) and the locked state where the fastening element is prevented from moving. Drive 20 being driven inward is automatically recovered. The rotating support provided in the current embodiment for the fastening element 30, ensures a stable ignition control by means of a repeated operation over a long period of time making it difficult for operational failures to occur due to the fastening element 30 which becomes entangled half the rotation. In addition, the arrangement of the gas pipe 18 through the space between the side panels 30a ensures good assembly characteristics since interference between the internal structures of the fixing element 30 and the gas pipe 18 is prevented thereby.

PREFERRED MODALITY 2 The current mode is illustrated in figures 6 and 7. The lighter body of the current mode differs from that of mode 1, the ignition restriction component is formed in the same way as that of mode 1 and It shares the same basic functions as that of the mode 1. The body 102 of the lighter 100 of the current mode is formed of a box 7 having an external cover whose entire body is divided vertically approximately in the center thereof. In addition, a portion of the actuating element 120 differs from that of the embodiment 1. Such actuating element 120 has a tubular portion 120b slidably supported in the housing 7 and an oppressive surface 120a is provided at the leading edge of the tubular portion 120b slopingly. with the finger. Such finger-oppressive surface 120a is formed in such a way that it extends to the sides of the body 102 from the tubular portion 120b and extends to the rear end of the tubular portion 120b the leg portion 120b, which joins the rotating lever 14. Further, a coupling wall 120e extends parallel with the rear face of the tubular portion 120b to the extended portion of the actuating element 120 and the leading edge is formed as a locking retainer 120f which is suitable to engage the retainer fastening 30b of the fastening element 30. Corresponding to the actuating element 120 described above, the support 102a of the body axis 102 and protruding portion 102c are positioned adjacent to the window side 102b which is an elongated opening extending inwardly in the front and rear directions along the length of the igniter and the protection or safety element 124 of the ignition button d ifiere of that of the mode 1. On the one hand, the fastening element 30 of the fixing means 27 are formed in the same way as that of the mode 1 and because the support 102a of the aforementioned axis to support the axis 30d is positioned adjacent to the side of the window 102b, the protruding portion of the outer circumference 30c is exposed to the outside is larger than that of the modality 1. Apart from this, it is the same as the modality 1 and the like parts are numbered With the same reference symbols as in the embodiment 1. Next, figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the lighter 100 wherein a fixing element 130 of the fixing means 27 has been made smaller in size. Otherwise, it is the same as that illustrated in Figure 6.

In such an attachment member 130 of the present embodiment, the oval portion of the side panels 130a, ie, the radius of the outer circumference, has become smaller and due to the portion of the circumferential wall 130c protruding from the window 102b (formed to be of the same front and back length as that of mode 1) of the body 102 has been reduced, the fastener 130b, spring retainers 130e, etc., are formed in the same manner as those of the embodiment 1. Note that concurrently with the reduction in the size of the circumferential wall 130c, there are cases in which, when the fixing element 130 is rotated to the unlocked position, the leading edge of the circumferential wall 130c of reduced size pushes against the gas tube 18 and consequently such leading edge of the outer circumference 130c must be trimmed to avoid overvoltage on and the application of pressure to the gas tube 18. When In such a cut-out the position of the leading edge of the circumferential wall 130c becomes in a position separated from the edge of the window 120b, it is possible for a protruding portion covering the leading edge of the outer circumference 130c to be formed on an edge of the window 102b of the box 7 of the body 102.

PREFERRED MODALITY 3 The current mode is illustrated in Figures 9-11A / 11B and shows another mode of an ignition restriction component. The body 2 of the lighter 200, drive element 20, etc., are the same as those of mode 1 (see FIGS. 1-5) and are numbered with the same reference symbols and an additional explanation thereof is omitted. The ignition restriction component of the current embodiment comprises fixing means 27 having a fixing element 230 rotatably mounted to block the state of the ignition operation of the actuating element 20, driving means 31 having a return spring for driving the fixing element 27 towards the locked position, the restricting portion 32c coupled with the body 2 mentioned above and integrally fixed to the fixing element 230, which has an elastic piece 32a for restricting the rotational movement of the fixing means 27 mentioned above, restriction means 26 composed of the restriction element 32 wherein the elastic force of the elastic piece serves as elastic means for urging the restricting portion 32c, connected to enable the performance of the ignition operation of the actuating element when the inward pushing action whereby the restriction means 26 are moved from the restricted position to the unrestricted position at the same time that the fixing means 27 are rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position. The fastening element 230 consists of side panels 230a, formed approximately as semicircles having an external oval shaped circumference, either on one side or the other thereof. At the end of one side of the side panels 230a, a hook-shaped retaining clip 230b is formed to be able to be inserted into the opening or hole 20e of the actuating element 20 and coupled thereto with the coupling portion. 20f. Such side panels 230a are joined by an internal connector 230c to form an integral unit having an empty interior. In addition, an axis 230d is provided, at the center point with respect to the outer circumference of an oval shape, on the outer face either on one side or another side panel 30a extending in the lateral direction. Such shaft 230d is rotatably inserted into the hole 2a of the elongated shaft (see figure 4) provided in the aforementioned body 2, is also supported to be movable in the direction along the support hole 2a of the elongated shaft and can be rotated in the locked position also like in the unlocked position. The outer circumference of the side panels 230a protrudes from the window 2b open in the wall of the body side 2 opposite the protection element or security element 24 of the ignition button. Such an outer circumferential wall 230c is provided with crossed slits on the external surface thereof for a rotary operation by means of a finger. In addition, two protruding spring supports 230e are provided on the outer face of a side panel 230a, with which a straight portion of the return spring 31 is engaged and the fastener 230b is driven to the locked position in the same manner as described above. On the one hand, the restriction element 32 mentioned above and the fixing element 230 mentioned above, for example, are formed from a different resin as separate parts, having a curved elastic piece 32a in an approximately oval shape and having a width corresponding to the distance between the internal faces of the side panels 230a, the fastening portion 32b and the fastening portion 32b are fitted to the base of the elastic piece 32a on the connector 230c of the fixing element 230 mentioned above. from the back. The restriction portion 32c is formed at the leading edge of the aforementioned elastic piece 32a and in the central portion thereof a finger pressing surface 32d is formed, outstanding. In the free state (the non-depressed state), the curved elastic piece 32a has a larger radius of curvature than the oval portion of the side panels 230a of the fastener element 230 mentioned above, the restricting portion 32c of the leading edge protrudes more to the exterior than the side panels 230a and the restriction portion 32c is trapped on the coupling portion 2d at the front edge of the window 2b of the body 2. Due to the retention of the restriction portion 32c on the coupling portion 2d, the rotation of the fixing element 230 is prevented. In this restricted position, also as in the unrestricted position, in which the finger pressing surface 32d is urged inward and it is not possible to restrict the portion 32c, which has moved to the interior of the space between the side panels 230a and whose radius of curvature has been reduced by this, to be coupled with the coupling portion. 2d, the elastic piece 32a is elastically deformable. Note that at the leading edge of the elastic piece 32a of the restriction element 32 a protruding portion 32e is formed, which is even further forward than the restriction portion 32c. When the fixing element 230 has been rotated to the locked position and the restriction element 32 is in the restricted position (see figure 10) the protruding portion mentioned above engages with the interior of the edge of the window 2b of the body 2, in such a way that the elastic piece 32a is not separated from the window 2b. If at this point the protruding portion 32e is rotated to the unlocked position shown in Figure 11b, such protruding portion 32e is formed in a position so as not to be trapped on the gas pipe 18. Now the operation of the component will be explained. restriction of the lighter 200 of the current mode. First, Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the restriction element 32 in the restricted position and the fixing element 230 in the locked position respectively, wherein the actuating element 20 is in the non-operational state in which it is not it is possible to push the drive element 20 inwards and the ignition operation can not be carried out. In addition, the restriction portion 32c of the restriction element 32 protrudes and is trapped on the coupling portion 2d, the restriction element 32 is not urged inwardly and the fastening element 230 can not be rotated. Next, when the lighter 200 is to be used, as shown in FIG. 1 a, when the finger pressing surface 32e of the elastic piece 32 a of the restriction element 32 is urged against the resistance of the elastic force to the non-position. restricted, the restricting portion 32 of the leading edge of the elastic piece 32 moves from the front of the coupling portion 2d of the body 2 to an interior position, thereby allowing the rotation of the fastener element 230 in the unlocked address Continuing, as shown in FIG. 11b, if the finger pressing surface 32d is urged inwardly and retained and the outer circumference of the side plates 230a is rotated forward in the unlocking direction, the locking catch 230b moves. from the position in which it is coupled with the internal opening 20e of the actuation element 20 to the interior of the body 2 to the unlocked position and it becomes possible to drive the actuation element 20 and carry out the ignition operation. If the actuating element 20 the fastening element 230 and restricting element 32 are manually released to finish using the igniter 200, the actuating element 20 returns to its initial position and the fastening element 230 is rotated by the driving force of the drive means 31 (the return spring). Concurrent to this rotation of the fastener 230, the restriction element 32, also, by the elastic force of the elastic piece 32a which causes the restricting portion 32b to exit, is returned to the restricted position, whereby the locked state, in which it is not possible to rotate the fixing element 230 and driving the drive element 20 is prevented, it is automatically recovered. Because in the current embodiment the fixing element 230 and restriction element 32 are formed as separate components, each component can be formed of an appropriate resin material having the desired characteristics, whereby it becomes possible to ensure the strength and firmness of the fastening element 230 also as good elasticity of the restriction element 32. Additionally, since both components are fitted units, it has protruding mounting characteristics.

PREFERRED MODE 4 The current mode, lighter 300 is illustrated in figures 12 and 13, in which the body 102 is of the same type as that of mode 2 (see figures 6 and 7) and consequently, the restriction component of the ignition of it differs from that of mode 3, although it shares the same basic functions. The lighter 300 of the present embodiment comprises the finger-pressed surface 120a with the actuator 120 protrudes from the side of the body 102 and as described above, the shaft holder 102a (see figure 7), the protruding portion 102c is formed towards the side of the window 102b. In this example of an ignition restriction component, the fastening element 330 of the fixing means 27 is of the same type as that illustrated in figure 8 described above, wherein the side plates 330a are provided with a reduced radius and otherwise the fixing catch 330, connector 330c, axis 330d, etc., although slightly different from their respective counterparts in mode 3, are substantially the same. In addition, the fastening element 330 and restriction means 26 are separately formed components and in the restriction element 132 of the restriction elements 26, the base portion of the elastic piece 132a is fixed to the connector 330c of the fastening element 330 by the fastening portion 132b and the length of the elastic piece 132a of the finger depressed surface 132d is reduced. The position of the restricting portion 132c of the leading edge of the elastic piece 132a is in a position removed from the edge of the opening of the window 102b of the body 102 and consequently the engaging portion 102d of the body 102 to engage with the portion Restriction 132c mentioned above is provided by the projecting portion 102e exiting the direction of the fixing element 130 to be adjacent to the restriction portion 132c described above. The operation of the ignition restriction component of the current mode is the same as for that of mode 3, wherein the actuating element 120 can not be driven inward and the ignition operation is blocked as in the locked state illustrated in FIG. 12 and when the elastic element 132a of the restriction element 132 is urged to the unrestricted position, the fastening element 330 can be rotated and such fastening element 330 is rotated to the unlocked position the unlocked state illustrated in figure 13 is obtained in which the ignition operation of the actuating element 120 is allowed. In the current mode, the space provided for the fastening element 130 and the restriction element 132 is narrow and to reduce the amount thereof protruding from the window 120b have been reduced in size and to prevent thrust in gas tube 18 from the leading edge of the restriction portion. 132c of the elastic piece 132a of the restriction element 132 when the fastening element 330 is rotated to the unlocked position, such an elastic piece 132a is formed with a reduced length, by means of which a construction ensures that the elastic piece 132a engages with the coupling portion 102d of the body 102 and preventing such an elastic piece 132 from being trapped on the gas tube 18 is obtained.

PREFERRED MODE 5 The current mode, cigarette lighter 400, is illustrated in Figures 14, 15A and 15B, in which body 2 is of the same type as that of mode 1 (see Figures 1-5), fasteners 27 and the restriction element 26 of the ignition restriction component are formed integrally and share the same basic functions as that in mode 3. The ignition restriction component of the current embodiment comprises fastening means 27 having a fastener 430 mounted rotatably to block the ignition operation of the drive element 20, the driving elements 31 for driving by a return spring of the fixing element 430 towards the locked position, restricting means 26 formed integrally with the fixing element with 230 to engage with the coupling portion 232c of the body 2 of the piece elastic 232a which restricts the rotation of the fastener, attached in such a way that if the restriction element 232 is urged to the unrestricted position and fastener 430 is rotated to the unlocked position at the same time or if the fastener 430 is held continuously in the unlocked position, the ignition operation of the actuating element 20 is allowed. The aforementioned fastening element 430 comprises side panels 430a, formed approximately as semicircles having an oval external circumference in shape, either on one side or another thereof and on one side of the side plates 430a is formed a hook-shaped fastener 430b which can be inserted into the opening 20e of the actuation element 20. Such side panels 430a are integrally linked by the restriction element 232 and are formed in such a way that there is a gap therebetween. In addition, either on one side or the other of the side panels 430a is provided at the rotational center with an axis 430d, such shaft 430d is inserted into the hole 2a of the elongated shaft (see figure 4) of the body 2 mentioned above to be rotatable between position locked and unlocked. In addition, on the external face of one side of the side plates 430a are provided two protruding spring detents 430e, with which a straight length of the return spring 31 is coupled, with drive means, to drive the fastener 430 towards the locked position, as described above.

On the one hand, the aforementioned restraining element 232 is integrally formed with side panels 430a of the fastening element 430 mentioned above and has an elastic piece 232 curved in an approximately oval shape having a width corresponding to the distance between the outer face of side panels 430a. Such an elastic piece 232a is fixed at its base by the fixing portion 232b to both side panels 430a and side plates 430a are connected by this. Such an elastic piece 232a extends over and covers the outside of both side panels 430a and the restricting portion 232c is formed at the leading edge of the elastic piece 232a. In addition, the surface of the elastic piece 232a projecting out of the window 2b through the body 2 serves as a finger-oppressible surface for urging the restriction member in and rotating the fastener and providing cross-grooves on the finger. the surface of it. In the released state (the non-depressed state), the restricting portion 232c of the leading edge of the elastic element 232a is retained on the retaining portion 2d of the front edge of the window 2b of the body 2, whereby rotation of the fastening element 430. In these restricted positions also as in the unrestricted position, in which the elastic piece 232a has been pushed inwardly, the elastic transformation of the elastic piece 232a is possible. The elastic element 232 is driven to the restricted position by its own elastic force when it is released. Note that the protruding portion 232a for engaging the inner edge of the window 2b is formed one more forwardly on the leading edge of the elastic piece 232a than at its restricting portion 232c. The operation of the ignition restriction component of the current mode is the same as for that of mode 3, where the actuating element 20 can not be driven and the ignition operation is blocked, as in the locked state illustrated in FIG. figure 14, in which when the elastic element 232a of the restriction element 232 is driven to the unrestrained position, the fastening element 330 can be rotated and if the fastening element 430 is turned to the unlocked position, the state is obtained unlocked illustrated in Figure 15, in which the ignition operation of the drive element 20 is enabled. Because in the current embodiment, the fastener 430 and the restriction element 232 are integrally formed, the number of parts is reduced and advantageously cost effectiveness and manufacturing capacity are improved.

PREFERRED MODE 6 The current mode, lighter 500, is illustrated in Figures 16-19A, 19B, in which the ignition restriction component is different and body 2 is of the same type as that of mode 1 (see figures 1). -5) . The ignition restriction component of the current embodiment comprises fastening means 27 having a fastening element 530 rotatably supported to block the firing operation of the actuating element 20 and restricting means 26 having a push button type restricting element 332. to restrict the rotation of the aforementioned fastener element, attached in such a way that when the restriction element 332 is urged and moved from the restricted position to the unrestrained position and the fastener 530 is rotated from the locked position to the position unblocked, the ignition operation of the actuating element 20 is allowed. The above-mentioned fastening element 530 comprises side panels 530a, either on one side or the other thereof, formed approximately as semicircles having an outer circumference of oval shape. On the end of one side of the side panels 530a a hook-shaped fastener 530b is formed, to be enabled to be inserted into the opening or hole 20e of the actuating element 20 and coupled thereto with the coupling portion 20f. Such side panels 530a are joined, on the outer circumference of oval shape, by the circumferential wall 530c to form an integral unit having an empty interior. In addition, an axis 530d, at the center point of the rotational center of the outer circumference of oval shape, is provided on the outer side face of either side panel 530a. Such shaft 530d is rotatably inserted into the hole 2a of the elongated shaft (see Figure 4) provided in the aforementioned body 2, is also supported to be movable in the direction along the bearing hole 2a of the elongated shaft and can be rotated in the locked position also like in the unlocked position. The outer circumferential wall 530c mentioned above projects from the window 2b open in the wall of the side of the body 2 and is provided with crossed slits on the external surface thereof for a rotary finger operation. In addition, a slider 530g is provided in which the restriction element 332 (described later herein) is installed. In addition, two protruding spring detents 530e are provided on the outer face of a 530a panel, with which a straight portion of the return spring 31 is engaged and the locking catch 530b is urged to the locked position. On the one hand, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the restriction element 332 mentioned above is formed as a push-button in the form of a square tube and is installed on the outside of the slide 530g of the fastening element 530 to be able to slide. from the restricted position, in which the front edge of the surface 332a and the unrestricted position in which the oppressible surface with the finger is depressed. Within the restraining elements 332, elastic means 33 having a coil spring are compressed and installed between the support 530h of the spring formed on the outer circumference of the circumferential wall 530c of the fastening means 530 and the internal circumference of the means of restriction 332, whereby the restriction element 332 is urged towards the restricted position and the leg portion 332b and restriction element 332 is coupled with the circumferential wall 530c and stopped in the restricted position. In addition, on either side of the restriction element 332 a protruding restricting portion 332c is provided, such restriction portion 332 is inserted and engaged with the concave coupling portion 2f (see FIG. 17) formed as a notch on the side of the window 2b of the body 2 and stopped in the restricted position, preventing the rotation of the fixing element 530 and the restriction element 332 is formed in such a way that if the restriction element 332 is driven to the unrestricted position, the restriction portion 332c and the coupling portion 2f are separated. Now the operation of the ignition restriction component described above will be explained. First, in the state illustrated in FIG. 16, the restriction element 332c in the restricted position and fastening elements 530 is in the locked position (released state), in which the actuating element 20 is located in the locked position. non-operational status. In this state, the fastener 530b of the fastener 530 projects into the interior of the actuator 20 and is coupled with the coupling portion 20f and it is not possible to carry out the ignition operation of the actuator 20. In addition, the restriction portion 332c of the restriction element 332 is coupled with the coupling portion 2f of the body 2, the restriction element 332 is in a state in which it can not be driven and the fastening element 530 can not be rotated. Right away, when the lighter 500 is to be used, as shown in FIG. 19A, if the finger engaging surface 332a of the restriction element 332 is urged against the resistance of the coil spring 33 to the unrestricted position, the restriction portion 332c is separated from the coupling portion 2f of the body 2 and moved to an interior position, whereby the rotation of the fastening element 230 in the unlocking direction is allowed. Next, as shown in FIG. 19B, if the finger-optic surface 332a of the restriction element 332 is depressed and retained, the outer circumference 530c of the fastener 530 is rotated forward in the unlocking direction, the retainer fastener 530b moves to the unlocked position and it becomes possible to push the actuating element 20 and carry out the firing operation. If the actuating element 20, fastening element 330 and restriction element 32 are manually released to finish using the igniter 500, the actuating element 20 exits and returns to its initial protruding position and the fastener 530 is moved to the position blocked by the driving force of the driving means 31 (the return spring). When the fastener 530 returns to the unlocked position, the restriction portion 332c of the restriction element 332 is inserted and engaged with the coupling part 2f and returned to the restricted position, in which it is not possible to rotate the element. 530, the initial state is automatically recovered. Note that the surface of the restricting portion 332c is formed as a curved shape and is inserted securely and coupled with the engaging portion 2f the restricting portion 332c will move uniformly when sliding in contact with the body 2. Due to that the restriction element 332 is a push-button type restriction element, the pushing operation is simplified and can be carried out easily.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A lighter comprising an ejector nozzle for ejecting gas, a gas tank, opening and closing valve means for selectively supplying gas from the gas tank to the ejector nozzle, a piezoelectric spark producing unit, for the use of ignition and a driving element that runs between the valve means and the spark producing unit to carry out the ignition operation, characterized in that: a fixing element is rotatably mounted on the body of the lighter to block the ignition element. actuation in a locked position, the fastener is rotatable to an unlocked position in which the ignition operation is allowed and drive means is provided to drive the fastener to the unlocked position.
2. A lighter comprising an ejector nozzle for ejecting gas, a gas tank, opening and closing valve means for selectively supplying gas from the gas tank to the ejector nozzle, a piezoelectric spark producing unit for ignition use and an actuating element running between the valve means and the piezoelectric spark producing unit for carrying out the ignition operation, characterized in that it further comprises: a fixing element rotatably mounted in the body of the lighter to fix the operational state of the ignition element; actuation in a locked position, the fastening element is rotatable to an unlocked position in which the ignition operation is allowed, drive means for driving the fastener to the locked position, rotary restriction means as a unit with element of fixation to provide a restricted position in which the portion The restriction n is coupled with the body, whereby the rotation of the fixing element to the unlocked position is restricted and an unrestricted position, in which the restricting portion is separated from the body by a pushing action and elastic means for driving the restriction portion of the restriction means towards the restricted position; whereby by pushing the restricting means from the unrestricted position to the restricted position and by rotating the fixing means from the locked position to the unlocked position, the operation of turning on the actuating element is allowed.
3. The lighter according to claim 2, characterized in that: the restriction means are formed of an elastic piece fixed to the fixing means "constructed in such a way that the elasticity of the elastic piece pushes the restriction portion towards the restricted position and when pushing and deforming the elastic piece, the restricting portion can be moved from the restricted position to the unrestrained position 4.
The lighter according to claim 3, characterized in that: the restriction means and the fixing means are formed as separate components 5.
The lighter according to claim 3, characterized in that: the restriction means and the fixing means are integrally formed 6.
The lighter according to claim 3, characterized in that: the coupling portion of the body and the holding portion of the restraint means are formed to envelope exit in the direction in which the fixing means rotate.
The lighter according to claim 2, characterized in that: the restriction means are mounted slidably on the fixing means and are driven and supported in a projecting position by elastic means and the restricted position the restricted portion is coupled with the body and when they are pushed to the unrestricted position, the restricted portion is separated from the body.
8. The lighter according to claim 2, characterized in that: concurrently with the rotation of the fixing means, whereby the fixing means are recovered to the locked position from the unlocked position, the restricting means are automatically recovered to the restricted position from the unrestricted position.
9. Lighter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: a gas tube extends through the fixing means.
The lighter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: when the fixing means continue in the unlocked position, the ignition operation can be carried out repeatedly.
11. The lighter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: the fixing means have a fixing retainer for retaining on a portion of the actuating element to implement the locked position in which the ignition operational state is locked in the mode not operational and when the fixing means are rotated to the unlocked position, the fixing retainer is moved to the non-retained position with respect to the actuating element.
12. The lighter according to claim 11, characterized in that: said fixing means are supported in such a way that the rotational center thereof can be moved.