Electric cigar lighter

Abstract

An electric cigar lighter for automobiles and the like, comprising a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and an ignitor plug receivable in the socket. The plug comprises a manually operable part, and carries a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a normally-closed heat-responsive switch that is disposed in the holder device. The socket, in addition to its grounding circuit, has a 'hot' contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the circuit through the heating element when the manually operable part is depressed. The holder device also carries a bimetallic member which is engageable with one of the parts of the switch. The member normally occupies a closed-circuit position wherein it is separated from the one switch part. When the manually operable part of the ignitor plug is depressed and held, the cooperable contact of the ignitor plug is brought into engagement with the 'hot' contact of the socket, this effecting energization of the heating element and resulting in rapid heating of the bimetallic member. After several seconds, the member snaps to a circuit-opening position wherein it causes disengagement of the switch parts, and results in de-energization of the element. Central portions of the bimetallic member are free and not attached anywhere to any parts of the switch or socket, but instead are merely disposed in close proximity to one switch part, such that the member can quickly effect opening of the switch without need for mechanical securement of its central actuator portion. Accordingly there are eliminated the many problems which were previously associated with conventional fastenings made to a bimetallic member, such as securing a contact to the member, etc. Improved reliability and operation, together with significantly lower manufacturing and assembly costs, are thus realized.