US3559131A

US3559131A - Magnetic ignition system

Info

Publication number: US3559131A
Application number: US775399A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans Schindler
Original assignee: Braun GmbH
Current assignee: Braun GmbH
Priority date: 1967-11-14
Filing date: 1968-11-13
Publication date: 1971-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 1988-01-26
Also published as: FR1591411A; GB1226043A; NL6816223A; YU31497B; CS157041B2; ES360196A1; AT285223B

Abstract

A MAGNETIC IGNITION SYSTEM FOR LIGHTERS OR THE LIKE WHEREIN A HORSESHOE MAGNET NORMALLY ATTRACTS AN ARMATURE AND THE LATTER IS PIVOTABLE WITH REFERENCE TO THE HORSESHOE MAGNET ABOUT AN AXIS WHICH IS EXTERNALLY ADJACENT TO THE HORSESHOE MAGNET. THE ACTUATING MEANS FOR PIVOTING THE ARMATURE AWAY FROM ABUTMENT WITH THE POLE FACES OF THE HORSESHOE MAGNET COMPRISES A YIELDABLE FORCE TRANSMITTING DEVICE WHICH STORES ENERGY IN RESPONSE TO DIRECT OR INDIRECT APPLICATION OF FORCE AND ULTIMATELY EFFECTS ABRUPT PIVOTAL MOVEMENT OF THE ARMATURE TO THUS CAUSE A SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF MAGNETIC FLUX. AN INDUCTION COIL SURROUNDS A PORTION OF THE HORSESHOE MAGNET AND IS IN CIRCUIT WITH ELECTRODES WHICH DEFINE A SPARK GAP ADJACENT TO THE BURNER OF THE LIGHTER.

Description

Jan. 26, 1971 SH|NDLER 3,559,131

MAGNETIC IGNITION SYSTEM Filed Nov. 15, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I NVENTOR. HAN) saw/v 04 5 Jan. 26, 1971 H. SCHINDLER MAGNETIC IGNITION SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 13, 1968 MNN wAm N N NW WN wwm . INVENTOR.

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AA ,4 rrae A/E Patented Jan. 26, 1971 3,559,131 MAGNETIC IGNITION SYSTEM Hans Schindler, Egelsbach, Germany, assignor to Brauu Aktiengesellschaft, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Filed Nov. 13, 1968, Ser. No. 775,399 Claims priority, application Germany, Nov. 14, 1967, P 16 29 894.5 Int. Cl. H011? 7/ 08 US. Cl. 335-229 19 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A magnetic ignition system for lighters or the like wherein a horseshoe magnet normally attracts an armature and the latter is pivotable with reference to the horseshoe magnet about an axis which is externally adjacent to the horseshoe magnet. The actuating means for pivoting the armature away from abutment with the pole faces of the horseshoe magnet comprises a yieldable force transmitting device which stores energy in response to direct or indirect application of force and ultimately effects abrupt pivotal movement of the armature to thus cause a sudden collapse of magnetic flux. An induction coil surrounds a portion of the horseshoe magnet and is in circuit with electrodes which define a spark gap adjacent to the burner of the lighter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to magnetic ignition systems for use in lighters, industrial burners or the like.

It is already known to employ magnetic ignition systems in lighters or like devices wherein such systems initiate the generation of a spark which ignites a stream or jet of gaseous, liquid or solid fuel. As a rule, the armature of the ignition system is turnable about an axis which is located within the confines of the magnet. In such conventional systems, the armature is provided with a pivot pin which is mounted in a bearing sleeve installed in the soft iron core. The parts in the just outlined systems must be machined and assembled with a high degree of precision. Moreover, one pole face of the armature must be inclined with reference to the other pole face. It was found that such systems are not suited for massproduction, mainly because the number of rejects is very high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved magnetic ignition system for lighters, industrial burners and analogous uses and to construct and assemble the ignition system in such a way that the manufacturing cost is but a fraction of the cost of conventional magnetic ignition systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ignition system which comprises a small number of simple parts and which operates properly even if its parts are not machined with a high degree of precision.

A further object of the invention is to provide a magnetic ignition system which can be installed and used in conventional lighters, burners or analogous devices.

An additional object of the invention is to provide novel mounting means for the movable armature of a magnetic ignition system and to provide novel actuating means for the armature.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a compact ignition system which can be installed in pocket type lighters as well as in larger table lighters.

The invention is embodied in a magnetic ignition system which is particularly suited for use in table lighters, pocket lighters or analogous devices and comprises magnet means having a first portion which preferably resembles a horseshoe magnet and may include a permanent magnet and a soft iron core surrounded by an induction coil and a second portion or armature of ferromagnetic material which is pivotable between a first position in which it is attracted by the first portion and a second position to thereby cause opening of a closed magnetic circuit, bearing means supporting the second portion for pivotal movement about an axis which is located without (externally of) the circuit (preferably at or close to the level where the pole faces of the first portion abut against the pole faces of the second portion when the latter assumes its first position), and actuating means for moving the second portion from first to second position. Such actuating means preferably comprises means which stores energy in response to application of a force which is necessary to effect movement of the second portion to second position against the attracting force of the first portion whereby the second portion is abruptly propelled to second position when the aforementioned energy storing means of the actuating means stores a predetermined amount of energy and thereupon suddenly dissipates such energy.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved magnetic ignition system itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional features and advantages thereof, wilI be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a magnetic ignition system which embodies one form of my invention, the armature being shown in idle position;

FIG. la is a side elevational view of the first portion of magnet means in a slightly modified magnetic ignition system;

FIG. 1b is an end elevational view of actuating means for the armature in the magnetic ignition system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a table lighter which embodies a magnetic ignition system similar to the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view substantially as seen in the direction of arrows from the line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a different magnetic ignition system;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a magnetic ignition system which constitutes a slight modification of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a further magnetic ignition system;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a magnetic ignition system which constitutes a modification of the system shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of still another magnetic ignition system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a magnetic ignition system for use in a table lighter or the like. This system comprises magnet means including a permanent magnet 10, a soft iron core 11, and a pivotable armature 2. The

parts

10, 11 together form a horseshoe magnet (denoted by the numeral 1) having two parallel and preferably co

planar pole faces

100, 110. The armature 2 has

complementary pole faces

20, 21 which normally abut against the

pole faces

100, 110, i.e., the magnet 1 normally attracts and holds the armature in the first position shown in FIG. 1. The width of the armature 12 preferably at least equals the width of the horseshoe magnet so that the pole faces 20, 21 completely overlie the

pole faces

100, 110.

The pivot axis for the armature 2 is located externally and laterally of the magnet 1, in the present instance at the outer side of the permanent magnet and at the exact or approximate level of

pole faces

100, 110. However, this is not absolutely necessary, especially if the horseshoe magnet is stepped as shown at 1A in FIG. la.

The means for pivoting the armature 2 of the ignition system comprises an actuating member 3 which is a twoarmed lever one arm 31 of which is glued, soldered or otherwise aflixed to the armature 2. The other arm 32 0f the lever 3 can be pivoted in response to finger pressure which is applied in the direction of arrow 33, either directly or through the intermediary of a motion transmitting device. A median portion of the lever 3 constitutes one element of a knife edge bearing the other element of which is formed by a tip on a frame member or connector 4 serving to establish a rigid connection between the permanent magnet 10 and core 11. The frame member can be glued to the

parts

10 and 11. At least the second arm 32 of the lever 3 preferably consists of elastically deformable material, i.e., it may constitute a leaf spring, and this arm normally assumes the first position shown in FIG. 1. The elasticity of the arm 32 can be enhanced by gradually reducing its dimensions in a manner as shown in FIG. 1b. Thus, the width of the arm 32 decreases in a direction away from the pivot defined by the bearing

elements

30, 40. In such ignition systems, the rigidity of the bearing element 30 preferably exceeds substantially the rigidity of the arm 32. If the arm 32 is rigid (i.e., not elastic), the actuating member can be constructed in a manner as shown in FIG. 4 wherein the lever 3A is rigid and the width of the arm 32A is constant. A helical spring 34 is interposed between the arm 32A and a pressure transmitting member 34A which is movable in the direction indicated by arrow 33A. The first arm and the bearing element of the lever 3A are respectively shown at 31A and 30A. FIG. 4 further shows that the knife edge bearing including the

elements

40, 30A is located slightly below the level of the pole face 100. It is equally possible to install this bearing at a level above the pole face 100.

The bearing for the actuating lever 3 or 3A can be designed in such a way that the armature 2 is mounted with at least some clearance. This insures that the pole faces 20, 21 are normally held in full surface-to-surface abutment with the pole faces 100, 110. A stop 22 (shown in FIG. 1) limits the extent of movement of the armature 2 away from the pole faces 100-, 110, i.e., to a second position in which the magnetic circuit is open.

The operation of the ignition system shown in FIG. 1 is as follows:

The user applies pressure in the direction indicated by arrow 33 whereby the elastic arm 32 of the actuating lever 3 undergoes gradually increasing deformation and the arm 31 urges the armature 2 away from the pole faces 100, 101. When the bias of the arm 32 overcomes the attraction between the armature 2 and horseshoe magnet 1, the armature moves its pole faces 20, 21 abruptly away from the pole faces 100, 110 whereby the magnetic flux collapses and the armature comes to a halt when it reaches the stop 22. Such rapid collapse of the magnetic flux induces a strong secondary current in an induction coil and such current is utilized to ignite a stream of gaseous, liquid or solid fuel.

The manner in which the ignition system of FIG. 1, can be installed in a table lighter is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This lighter has a housing including a cylindrical shell 200. The horseshoe magnet 201 installed in horizontal position so that the bearing for the armature 202 is located at a level above the permanent magnet 210. The actuating lever is shown at 203. When the lever 203 is operated to move the pole faces of the armature 202 away from the pole faces of the permanent magnet 210 and soft iron core 211, the armature opens an electric switch 220 which is installed in the primary winding of an induction coil 221 surrounding the core 211. A capacitor 222 is connected with the terminals of the primary winding of the coil 221. One terminal of the primary winding, one plate of the capacitor 222, and one terminal of the secondary winding of the induction coil 221 are connected to the ground. The other terminal of the secondary winding is connected with a conductor 223 and by way of this conductor with one electrode 224 of an igniter for gaseous fuel. The other electrode 225 of the igniter is grounded and the

electrodes

224, 225 define a spark gap shown in FIG. 2.

The burner 226 is located at a level directly below the spark gap between the

electrodes

224, 225 and its valve can be opened by a lever 227 which receives motion from a further lever 228. The latter is actuated by a manually depressible knob 229 by way of a roller follower 230. The lever 228 can pivot the elastic arm of the actuating lever 203 by way of a pin 231. The knob 229 is pivotally secured to the shell 200, as at 232. The system of

levers

228, 227, 203 is installed in such a way that the knob 229 offers a gradually decreasing resistance to pivotal movement from its normal idle position.

When the lever 227 opens the valve of the burner 226 and the

electrodes

224, 225 produce a spark which ignites the jet of fuel issuing from the burner 226, the resulting flame 233 passes through an annular flue 234 in the top wall 235 of the lighter housing. The numeral 236 denotes a valve by way of which fresh fuel can be introduced into the tank 237.

It is clear that the table lighter of FIGS. 2 and 3 constitutes but one of several devices or apparatus which can embody the magnetic ignition system of the present invention. Thus, the ignition system can be incorporated with equal advantage in pocket lighters as well as in burners of industrial or other fuel burning apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows an ignition system wherein the end portion 40A of the frame member 4A forms a trough for a cylindrical or barrel-shaped rolling element 5 which defines a pivot axis for the bearing element 30 of the actuating lever 3. Otherwise, the construction of this system is the same as that of the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 1b. The rolling element 5 can be installed with at least some freedom of movement in the longitudinal direction of the permanent magnet 10. This can be achieved by suitable configuration of the bearing element 30.

The ignition system of FIG. 6 comprises a bearing including a hinge which couples the frame member 4B with the actuating lever 3B. The upper end of the frame member 4B comprises two bifurcated arms 41 having elongated open slots 411 for a pintle 50 which defines a pivot axis for a bearing element 36 on the actuating lever 3B. The latter is preferably rigid and its arm 32B can be pivoted in the same way as described in connection with FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a system which is substantially identical with that of FIG. 4. The sole difference is that the helical spring 34 is replaced by a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly 35. The piston rod of this assembly is coupled to the arm 32A and the cylinder can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 33A. It is clear that the spring 34 or the cylinder and piston assembly 35 can be replaced by a package of dished springs, by one or more elastic washers or analogous yieldable force transmitting means.

Referring finally to FIG. 8, there is shown a second type of hinge which connects the armature 2 to the horseshoe magnet 1. The actuating means comprises a helical pull spring 34D which is directly attached to the armature 2 at a point remote from the pivot axis and can be pulled in the direction indicated by arrow 33D to thereby abruptly move the pole faces of the armature away from the pole faces on the horseshoe magnet 1. The frame member 4D has two hooked sockets 42 cooperating with a similar hooked socket 61 on a frame member 6 which is glued to the armature 2. The

sockets

42, 61 accommodate a pintle 62 which defines the pivot axis for the armature 2. It is clear that the actuating means 34D of FIG. 8 can be replaced by a lever such as the lever 3 of FIGS. 1 and 1b.

An important advantage of the improved ignition system is that it occupies very little room despite the fact that the bearing means for the armature is located without the confines of the magnet means. This is of particular importance in pocket lighters as well as in many types of industrial fuel burning apparatus. Another important advantage of the ignition system is that the bearing for the armature is exceptionally simple and inexpensive and that such bearing permits full surface-to-surface abutment between the pole faces of the armature and the pole faces of the horseshoe magnet even if the bearing is not produced and finished with a high degree of precision.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features which fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of my contribution to the art.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. In 'a magnetic ignition system, particularly for lighters or the like, a combination comprising magnet means having a first portion and a second portion pivotable with reference to said first portion between a first position in which it is attracted to said first portion and the magnet means defines a substantially closed circuit for magnetic flux and a second position in which said circuit is open; bearing means mounting said second portion for movement about a pivot axis located without said magnet means; and actuating means for moving said second portion from first to second position against the attracting force of said first portion, while said attracting force is maintained, at least a portion of said actuating means being constructed to store energy in response to application of force in a direction to move said second portion to second position to ultimately eifect abrupt pivotal movement of said second portion to thus cause sudden collapse of said magnetic flux, said actuating means forming the only means for moving said second portion to said second position.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion comprises two pole faces and said second portion overlies said pole faces in the first position thereof.

3. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second portions have pole faces which abut against each other in the first position of said second portion and wherein said pivot axis is located substantially at the level of said pole faces.

4. A combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said bearing means comprises a knife edge bearing.

5. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said bearing means comprises a roller which defines said pivot axis.

6. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said bearing means is arranged to mount said second portion with at least some freedom of movement with reference to said pivot axis.

7. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said actuating means comprises a two-armed lever one arm of which is secured to said second portion and the other arm of which is arranged to moved said second portion from first to second position in response to application of a force \which tends to pivot the lever about said axis, said lever further comprising a bearing element located intermediate said arms thereof and forming part of said bearing means.

8. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein said bearing means further comprises a second bearing element provided on said first portion and cooperating with said first mentioned bearing element to permit pivotal movement of said lever about said axis.

9. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein said actuating means further comprises means for transmitting force to said other arm.

10. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein at least said other arm of said lever constitutes a leaf spring.

11. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein the cross-sectional area of said other arm dimnishes in a direction away from said pivot axis.

12. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said bearing means comprises elements which are adhesively secured to the portions of said magnet means.

13. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said actuating means comprises a pull spring which is directly coupled with said second portion.

14. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said actuating means comprises yieldable force transmitting means.

15. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion is a horseshoe magnet.

16. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion is a horseshoe magnet having two parallel pole faces and said second portion is an armature having two parallel pole faces which abut against said first-mentioned pole faces in the first position of said armature.

17. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion comprises a permanent magnet and a soft iron core.

18. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said bearing means is adjacent to the region where the second portion abuts against said first portion in the first posir tion thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,124,796 1/1915 Pape 335-276X 2,491,098 12/1949 Field 335-234X 2,536,244 1/1951 Willing et al. 335230 2,591,773 4/1952 Blanchet 335-276 2,952,801 9/1960 Hyink 335276X 3,161,806 12/1964 Gordon 335-230X GEORGE HARRIS, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.