Automatic electric cigar lighter with base switch

Abstract

An automatic electric cigar lighter for automobiles and the like having a socket and an ignitor plug receivable in the socket. The plug comprises a manually operable part carrying an electric heating element which can be electrically connected to the socket circuit, the latter having a normally open heat-responsive switch that becomes closed normally-open the manually operable part is first pushed to a deep position in the socket. The socket has a grounding circuit and a 'hot' contact that is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the electrical circuit through the heating element. The socket also carries a bi-stable bimetallic member which is engageable with one of the parts of the noramlly-open switch to control the latter. The bimetallic member normally occupies an open-circuiting position wherein it abuts the one switch part to maintain the switch open. When the manually operable part of the ignitor plug is first depressed, the cooperable contact of the ignitor plug is brought into engagement with the 'hot' contact of the socket while at the same time the bimetallic member is actuated to its close-circuiting position, this effecting energization of the heating element and resulting in rapid heating of the bimetallic member. After several seconds, the member snaps back to its circuit-opening position wherein it causes disengagement of the switch parts, resulting in de-energization of the element. Central portions of the bi-stable bimetallic member are disposed in close proximity to the switch part, such that the member can quickly effect opening of the switch without need for mechanical securement of its central actuation portion.