US3655324A - Impact type piezoelectric mechanism - Google Patents

Impact type piezoelectric mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
US3655324A
US3655324A US38233A US3655324DA US3655324A US 3655324 A US3655324 A US 3655324A US 38233 A US38233 A US 38233A US 3655324D A US3655324D A US 3655324DA US 3655324 A US3655324 A US 3655324A
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Prior art keywords
spring
type piezoelectric
impact type
impact
mechanism according
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Expired - Lifetime
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US38233A
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English (en)
Inventor
Earl O Schweitzer
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Vernitron Corp
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Vernitron Corp
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23Q—IGNITION; EXTINGUISHING-DEVICES
    • F23Q3/00—Igniters using electrically-produced sparks
    • F23Q3/002—Igniters using electrically-produced sparks using piezoelectric elements

Definitions

  • a piezoelectric "431/ element is housed in a Plastic-like casing which simultaneously 58 Field o'isiiii'isl i'fz''s; 310/113, Serves as an insulator and which is integrally connected with a 3 0 3 317/3 U-shaped spring carrying an impact body for manually striking the piezoelectric element.
  • the present invention relates generally to piezoelectric voltage sources and, more particularly, to a piezoelectric device in which the element is manually actuated by impact to generate electricity of igniting a gaseous fuel.
  • piezoelectric devices of the impact type are already well known.
  • the striking mechanism is usually of a complex nature and most frequently includes a metallic compression spring for driving the piezoelectric element and also numerous components for actuating the spring and controlling the release of the potential energy embodied in the spring and for returning the loading mechanism to its normal position.
  • the piezoelectric igniter mechanism can be drastically simplified by constructing the housing, the insulation for the piezoelectric element, as well as the spring as a unitary body which is formed of plastic or similar resilient material from a single mold.
  • This approach not only reduces the number of parts required but also facilitates the use of mass production techniques that are common in the field of plastic molding and, additionally, has the effect of appreciably reducing the weight and size of the piezoelectric device so that the same can now be used in conjunction with the air fuel mixture burning devices such as a torch.
  • the igniter is simply mounted to an existing torch without hindering the operation thereof.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a piezoelectrically ignited torch in which the torch incorporates the aforementioned piezoelectric igniter mechanism.
  • An aspect of the present invention resides in the provision of an impact type piezoelectric mechanism for use in igniting a gaseous fuel.
  • the mechanism includes a piezoelectric element which is effective to generate electricity in response to mechanical actuation thereof.
  • a casing encloses the axial ends of the element and a spring, which can be manually actuated, is constructed integral with the casing.
  • An impact body is carried by the spring in a position to apply, upon actuation of the spring, an impact blow upon the piezoelectric element.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of a piezoelectric mechanism in accordance with the invention secured on a torch, the bottom of which is only partly shown;
  • FIG. 2 is a back view of the piezoelectric mechanism shown in FIG. 1 with the spring element being illustrated in several operating stages;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the torch nozzle outlet shown in FIG. I.
  • FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of a slightly modified piezoelectric mechanism which, additionally, also shows the plate for securing the mechanism to the torch.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 there is shown a conventional fuel storage bottle adapted for containing a combustible gaseous fuel.
  • the bottle 10 is further adapted to receive a conventional torch 12 which is standard and known in all respects and thus includes a tubular fuel supply line 14 and a nozzle outlet opening 16.
  • a piezoelectric mechanism 18 of the impact type Secured upon the tubular fuel supply line 14 is a piezoelectric mechanism 18 of the impact type, which is to say that a striking mechanism is moved or released from a spaced position, to impact with or upon the piezoelectric element at relatively high velocity; as distinguished from devices in which a lever which is already in bearing relationship with the element squeezes the element or is effective to release a load upon the element while the loading mechanism is already in contact or bearing relationship to the piezoelectric element.
  • the piezoelectric mechanism 18 is secured to the tubular member 14 by means of a plate 20, such as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the piezoelectric mechanism 18 which, as illustrated herein, can be adapted to function as an igniter, comprises a unitary casing 22 which, in essence, serves-primarily to enclose and connect the axial ends of a piezoelectric element 24 and includes an intermediate member 26 which is provided with four laterally extending prongs 28 to maintain the piezoelectric element 24 in a predetermined position between the axially spaced portions of the casing 22.
  • the casing or housing 22 has a substantially rectangular configuration and integrally connected thereto is a spring-like member 30.
  • the spring-like member is substantially U-shaped and extends from one bottom comer of the casing 22.
  • the opposite end of the U-shaped spring-like member has a triggering handle portion 32 which extends at an angle from the ad jacent arm 34 of the U-shaped spring member 30.
  • the casing 22 and the spring-like member 30 are composed of either polyamide or an acital copolymer or similar highstrength plastic material which will withstand repeated manual actuation of the spring 30 and'simultaneously resist, to some degree, axial expansion of the casing 22. 1
  • the members 22 and 30 can be integrally molded by well known mass production techniques. Inasmuch as the aforementioned plastics exhibit electrical insulating characteristics, it is totally unnecessary to insulate the piezoelectric element 24 as was heretofore required since most, if not all, prior art devices are composed of metallic housings and other metallic actuating components.
  • the piezoelectric element 24 is composed of a polycrystalline ceramic material such as barium titanate, lead titanate zirconate or the like and is suitably polarized to be piezoelectrically responsive in compression and is grounded at one end, with the other end being connected through electrode wire 36 to a spark gap 38, see FIG. 3.
  • the grounded end abuts against an anvil 40 which, in turn, is electrically connected to the tubular member 14 which terminates proximate to the spark gap 38.
  • a small wedge 42 is interposed between the casing 22 and the anvil 40, see FIG. 2.
  • the other end of the piezoelectric element 24 abuts against a striker pin 44 which protrudes through the casing 22 and faces an impact body or striker 46 carried in the spring-like member 30.
  • a striker pin 44 which protrudes through the casing 22 and faces an impact body or striker 46 carried in the spring-like member 30.
  • the electrode wire 36 is electrically connected to the striker pin 44 by means of a screw 48 as illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the electrode wire 36 extends alongside the tubular member 14 and terminates proximate to the terminal end of the tubular member in order to establish therebetween the air gap or spark gap 38.
  • the electrode 36 is suitably insulated to prevent a shorting of the circuit by contact with the tubular member 14 by means of insulating sleeve 50.
  • the insulated portion of the electrode 36 is clamped to the nozzle by means of a clamp 52 which can be readily secured to and detached therefrom.
  • the striker body 46 and the striker pin 44 are both preferably composed of a metallic material, as is the anvil 40.
  • the spring 30 is actuated by manually retracting the arm 34 by means of manually pulling or pushing the triggering handle portion 32 and thereafter by suddenly releasing the handle so that the potential energy which has been stored in the elastic arm 34 by means of the retracting movement, is unloaded which causes an impact between the striker body 46 and the striker pin 44, the latter of which transmits a sudden blow upon the axial end of the piezoelectric element 24 which is effective to generate a potential which can spark across the gap 38 to ignite a fuel.
  • the cantilever-type construction of the spring 30 permits the device to establish a variable level of potential energy which can be adjusted to suit the needs for the particular application.
  • a higher level of electrical energy is demanded in order to ignite a given fuel, it is solely necessary to retract the arm 34 and handle 32 to a relatively greater degree than for other relatively low level energy applications.
  • the simplifiedspring construction is also unique in that the same is self-restoring to its normal position after actuation thereof. In most, if not all, prior art impact devices it is difficult, if not impossible, to change the load level which can be brought to bear upon the piezoelectric element.
  • FIG. 4 there is shown a construction similar to the one described above in which, however, a set screw 54 is inserted through the casing 22a to engage the anvil 40 so that the pre-stressing of the piezoelectric element 24 can be more readily adjusted.
  • FIG. 4 also illustrates that the configuration of the springlike member 30 may take on numerous forms without, however, deviating from the basic concept of the present invention in which the particular shape may be dictated by the application for which the piezoelectric mechanism is to be employed. While tests have shown that due to the light weight of the piezoelectric mechanism the same has unique advantages when employed in conjunction with a portable torch, the invention is not limited thereto and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the mechanism can be employed in connection with many other uses.
  • An impact type piezoelectric mechanism for use in igniting a gaseous fuel comprising:
  • a piezoelectric element effective to provide a voltage spark source in response to mechanical actuation thereof
  • unitary spring means and actuator gripping means constructed integral with said casing
  • An impact type piezoelectric mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said spring and actuator gripping means is substantially U-shaped and one arm is elastically movable to store potential energy.
  • An impact type piezoelectric mechanism according to claim 9, wherein said gas burning device is a portable bottle torch having a tubular nozzle provided with a fuel outlet;
  • mounting means detachably securing said casing to said I nozzle; and wherein the electrode spark gap is established proximate to said fuel outlet.
  • An impact type piezoelectric mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said electrode means includes an electrode detachably externally mounted on said nozzle.
  • An impact type piezoelectric mechanism according to claim 6, wherein said spring and actuator gripping means includes an integral triggering handle portion.
  • An impact type piezoelectric igniter mechanism for use in igniting a gaseous fuel, comprising:
  • a piezoelectric element and frame means therefor effective to provide a voltage spark source in response to manual mechanical actuation thereof;
  • actuating means and spring means each of predominately strip-like body configuration, disposed inoperative relation to said element, composed of flexural plastic-like material, said actuating means including manual gripping means for flexing the strip-like body to store potential energy therein;
  • An impact type piezoelectric igniter mechanism for use in igniting a gaseous fuel, comprising:
  • a piezoelectric element and frame means therefor effective to provide a voltage spark source in response to manual mechanical actuation thereof;
  • integrally united actuating means and spring means each of predominantly strip-like body configuration, disposed in operative relation to said element and composed of flexural plastic-like material, said actuating means including manual gripping means for flexing the strip-like body to store potential energy;
  • An impact type piezoelectric mechanism for use in igniting a gaseous fuel comprising:
  • a piezoelectric element effective to provide a voltage spark source in response to mechanical actuation thereof
  • An impact type piezoelectric mechanism according to claim 15, wherein said spring means is effective to establish a variable level of potential energy.

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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)
  • General Electrical Machinery Utilizing Piezoelectricity, Electrostriction Or Magnetostriction (AREA)
  • Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)
  • Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
US38233A 1970-05-18 1970-05-18 Impact type piezoelectric mechanism Expired - Lifetime US3655324A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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US3823370A 1970-05-18 1970-05-18

Publications (1)

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US3655324A true US3655324A (en) 1972-04-11

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US38233A Expired - Lifetime US3655324A (en) 1970-05-18 1970-05-18 Impact type piezoelectric mechanism

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US (1) US3655324A (enrdf_load_html_response)
JP (1) JPS563487B1 (enrdf_load_html_response)
BR (1) BR7103006D0 (enrdf_load_html_response)
CA (1) CA942654A (enrdf_load_html_response)
DE (1) DE7117045U (enrdf_load_html_response)
FR (1) FR2091710A5 (enrdf_load_html_response)
GB (1) GB1346191A (enrdf_load_html_response)
NL (1) NL165543C (enrdf_load_html_response)
SE (1) SE358952B (enrdf_load_html_response)
ZA (1) ZA711641B (enrdf_load_html_response)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3967142A (en) * 1975-01-06 1976-06-29 Eastman Kodak Company Piezoelectric crystal firing spring and mount
US4881894A (en) * 1988-02-16 1989-11-21 Cooper Industries, Inc. Self-igniting portable torch assembly
US5938428A (en) * 1997-08-08 1999-08-17 Newell Operating Company Spark igniter mechanism
US20060226739A1 (en) * 2003-02-26 2006-10-12 Usc Corporation Piezoelectric power generator
US20080248435A1 (en) * 2004-10-19 2008-10-09 Terry Clark Devices For High Voltage Ignition of Combustible Gas
US20110003261A1 (en) * 2009-07-01 2011-01-06 Goss Charles T Torch assembly

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2213550A1 (de) * 1972-03-21 1973-10-04 Braun Ag Feuerzeugbetaetigung
JPS5756775A (en) * 1980-09-22 1982-04-05 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd High frequecy heater
JPS60213732A (ja) * 1984-04-09 1985-10-26 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 液体燃料燃焼装置
JPS60221620A (ja) * 1984-04-18 1985-11-06 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 燃焼装置

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3307053A (en) * 1963-11-20 1967-02-28 Honeywell Gmbh Spark ignitor loading and releasing apparatus
US3344835A (en) * 1964-02-26 1967-10-03 Maloney Crawford Tank Pilotless automatic ignition apparatus
US3436164A (en) * 1967-03-15 1969-04-01 Clevite Corp Piezoelectrically ignited gas torch

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS4415250Y1 (enrdf_load_html_response) * 1966-04-19 1969-07-01

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3307053A (en) * 1963-11-20 1967-02-28 Honeywell Gmbh Spark ignitor loading and releasing apparatus
US3344835A (en) * 1964-02-26 1967-10-03 Maloney Crawford Tank Pilotless automatic ignition apparatus
US3436164A (en) * 1967-03-15 1969-04-01 Clevite Corp Piezoelectrically ignited gas torch

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3967142A (en) * 1975-01-06 1976-06-29 Eastman Kodak Company Piezoelectric crystal firing spring and mount
US4881894A (en) * 1988-02-16 1989-11-21 Cooper Industries, Inc. Self-igniting portable torch assembly
US5938428A (en) * 1997-08-08 1999-08-17 Newell Operating Company Spark igniter mechanism
US20060226739A1 (en) * 2003-02-26 2006-10-12 Usc Corporation Piezoelectric power generator
US20080248435A1 (en) * 2004-10-19 2008-10-09 Terry Clark Devices For High Voltage Ignition of Combustible Gas
US20110003261A1 (en) * 2009-07-01 2011-01-06 Goss Charles T Torch assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL7103810A (enrdf_load_html_response) 1971-11-22
GB1346191A (en) 1974-02-06
FR2091710A5 (enrdf_load_html_response) 1972-01-14
DE2121621A1 (de) 1971-12-16
JPS563487B1 (enrdf_load_html_response) 1981-01-26
BR7103006D0 (pt) 1973-05-31
CA942654A (en) 1974-02-26
SE358952B (enrdf_load_html_response) 1973-08-13
DE2121621B2 (de) 1977-05-05
NL165543C (nl) 1981-04-15
ZA711641B (en) 1971-11-24
NL165543B (nl) 1980-11-17
DE7117045U (de) 1973-05-03

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