Automatic electric cigar lighter

Abstract

An automatic electric cigar lighter, and especially a cigar lighter igniting unit as used for automobiles and the like. The cigar lighter has a holder which presents an outwardly facing socket, and embraces a unique ignitor plug that is received and stored in the socket. At its inner end the plug has a heating element for electrical connection in the circuit of a heat-responsive switch which is also carried by the plug. The latter comprises a manually operable part by which the heat-responsive switch can be closed to complete the heating circuit through the element. A bimetallic member is also carried by the plug, being engageable with one of the switch parts and normally having a circuit-opening position wherein it maintains the one switch part separated from the other. The member is shifted to a closed-circuit position when the plug is actuated. In both positions it receives radiant heat when the heating element is incandescent. In its closed-circuit position it can carry the heating current, and will snap to the circuit-opening position to effect breaking of the ligher circuit and de-energization of the heating element after useful incandescence of the element has been reached. Central portions of the bimetallic member are free and not attached, being instead merely disposed in close proximity to one of the switch parts, such that the member can quickly effect opening of the switch without need for mechanical securement of its central portions. This eliminates problems previously associated with the usual fastenings made to a bimetallic member, such as securing a contact to the member, etc. Improved reliability of operation, and also faster operation, are thus realized.