| 摘要 |
A manual electric cigar lighter for automobiles and the like, comprising a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and a unique ignitor plug receivable in the socket. Disposed at the inner end of the plug is a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a heat-responsive switch that is also carried by the plug. The socket in addition to its grounding circuit has a "hot" contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to close the circuit through the heating element. The plug comprises a manually operable part by which the heat-responsive switch can be closed, thereby to complete the heating circuit through the element. A bimetallic member is also carried by the plug, engageable with one of the switch parts and always normally lying in a closed-circuit position when cold. Following initial actuation of the manually operable part, the member receives radiant heat from the heating element, and snaps to a circuit-opening position to thereby interrupt the lighter circuit and de-energize the element after useful incandescence has been reached. Central portions of the bimetallic member are free and not attached anywhere to any parts of the plug, but instead are 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, together with faster operation, are thus realized.
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