In an igniter which is ignited by rotation of an actuator, ignition of the igniter is disabled by a simple rotation of the actuator in the initial state or in the non-used state and the ignition lock can be released in a series of igniting actions without preventing the automatic return of the igniter to the locked state, while ensuring excellent operability of the igniter. The igniter is provided with an actuator mechanism (5) for carrying out an igniting operation on a valve mechanism (7) for controlling supply of gas from a reservoir portion (2) to a gas nozzle (9) in an end portion of a rod-like portion (4) and an ignition mechanism (8). The actuator mechanism (5) comprises a rotatable actuator (51), a fulcrum member (52) about which the actuator is rotated, and an interlocking member (53) which operates a piezoelectric unit (8). The igniting operation of the actuator (51) involves rotation of the actuator about the fulcrum member in one direction and an auxiliary operation of the actuator to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator in a direction different from said one direction with the actuator mechanism automatically returned to its initial state in response to return of the actuator to its initial position.

This is a national stage of PCT/JP02/10957 filed Oct. 22, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an igniter which ejects gas and ignites the gas in response to operation of an actuator which is supported for rotation about a fulcrum, and normally prevents ignition by preventing rotation of the actuator or by preventing full operation or reset of the igniting system while permitting to ignite by releasing these preventions when using the igniter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An igniter, for instance, an igniting rod can ignite by simply pushing an actuator. However, it is required to provide the igniter with, for instance, a lock mechanism which prevents the igniter from accidentally or unintentionally igniting, and accordingly, there have been proposed various igniters provided with various lock mechanisms.

For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8(1996)-61673, there is disclosed an igniter in which a lock member having a part which interferes with a part of an actuator to prevent the igniter from igniting is provided to be movable in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the actuator, an urging member is disposed to urge the lock member toward its locking position, and the lock member has a lock release portion for moving the lock member overcoming the urging member in the vicinity of the actuator.

However, such a lock mechanism is of a type in which the actuator is slid and cannot be applied as it is to an igniter of a type to which the present invention is applied and in which the actuator is rotated.

Further, in such a lock mechanism, it is necessary to operate another member such as a lock release member remote from the actuator prior to the igniting action by the actuator, which makes it necessary a multiple stages of actions for the igniting action, and deteriorates the operability of the igniter. It is preferred that the lock mechanism be such that the igniter can be stably shifted to an igniting state by a series of actions and can be automatically shifted to the initial state where ignition of the igniter is disabled in response to release of the actuator from the finger.

In view of the foregoing observations and description, the primary object of the present invention is to provide an igniter having an actuator mechanism which can stably take the ignition lock state so that the ignition lock state can be easily released by a series of igniting actions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The igniter of the present invention comprises a gas nozzle which is disposed in an end portion of a rod-like portion and discharges gas, a reservoir storing therein fuel, a valve mechanism for controlling supply of gas from the reservoir to the gas nozzle, an ignition mechanism which generates a discharge electric voltage for igniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle, and an actuator mechanism which is operated to accomplish an igniting action of igniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle, wherein the improvement comprises that the actuator mechanism comprises a rotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which is supported on an igniter body casing and about which the actuator is rotated and an interlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism in response to rotation of the actuator, and the igniting action of the actuator involves rotation of the actuator about the fulcrum member in one direction and an auxiliary operation of the actuator to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator, in said one direction, in a direction different from said one direction with the actuator mechanism automatically returned to its initial state in response to return of the actuator to its initial position.

It is preferred that the auxiliary operation of the actuator be operation to move the fulcrum of the actuator. In this case, it is preferred that the fulcrum member extends like a stem on each side of the actuator to be fixed thereto and be supported by a bearing portion, fixed to the igniter body casing, to be able to support the actuator for rotation and to be moved in the auxiliary operation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis of rotation of the actuator.

An actuator mechanism in accordance with a first system comprises a rotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which is supported on an igniter body casing and about which the actuator is rotated, an interlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism in response to rotation of the actuator, a lock member which engages to prevent rotation of the actuator, thereby making an ignition lock, when the actuator is not operated, and an urging member which urges the actuator toward its locking position, wherein the igniting action of the actuator involves making an auxiliary operation of the actuator in one direction to release the engagement of the lock member and then rotating the actuator in a direction different from the direction in which the auxiliary operation of the actuator is made to release the engagement of the lock member.

An example of the actuator mechanism in accordance with the first system is provided with a pair of lock members which are disposed between the fulcrum member and the igniter body casing and are brought into engagement with each other under the urging force of the urging member to make the ignition lock, so that after release of ignition lock by an auxiliary operation of the actuator in one direction to move the fulcrum member overcoming the urging force of the urging member, the actuator is rotated about the fulcrum member for the igniting action in a direction different from the direction in which the auxiliary operation of the actuator is made to release the ignition lock. In this case, the lock members may be projections which are formed on one of the fulcrum member and the igniter body casing and are engaged with engagement portions formed on the other of the fulcrum member and the igniter body casing to make the ignition lock.

Another example of the actuator mechanism in accordance with the first system is provided with a lock member which is disposed between the interlocking member and the igniter body casing and is brought into engagement under the urging force of the urging member to make the ignition lock, so that after release of ignition lock by an auxiliary operation of the actuator in one direction to move the interlocking member overcoming the urging force of the urging member, the actuator is rotated for the igniting action in a direction different from the direction in which the auxiliary operation of the actuator is made to release the ignition lock. In this case, the lock member may be a projection which is formed on one of the interlocking member and the igniter body casing to interfere with an engagement portion formed on the other of the interlocking member and the igniter body casing to make the ignition lock, and is passed through groves formed on the interlocking member or the igniter body casing to permit rotation of the interlocking member.

It is preferred that the urging member comprises a pushing member which slides in response to movement of the actuator toward the lock release direction and a spring which urges the pushing member, and a part of the actuator be in contact with the pushing member to be slidable in response to rotation of the actuator.

An actuator mechanism in accordance with a second system comprises a rotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which is supported on an igniter body casing and about which the actuator is rotated and an interlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism in response to rotation of the actuator, wherein rotation of the actuator is set so that the rotation of the actuator by way of the interlocking member causes the ignition mechanism to be operated by an amount not sufficient to discharge electric voltage, the actuator is movable to a position where it can operate the igniting member by way of the interlocking member by an amount sufficient to discharge electric voltage by an auxiliary operation of the actuator in a direction different from the direction of the rotation of the actuator, and the igniting action of the actuator involves in addition to rotation of the actuator about the fulcrum member, an auxiliary operation of the actuator in a direction different from the direction of the rotation of the actuator to a position where it can operate the igniting member by way of the interlocking member by an amount sufficient to discharge electric voltage.

Further, an actuator mechanism in accordance with a third system comprises a rotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which is supported on an igniter body casing and about which the actuator is rotated, an interlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism in response to rotation of the actuator and a reset prevention member which prevents the ignition mechanism from returning to a reset position, wherein the igniting action of the actuator involves rotation of the actuator after the ignition mechanism is returned to the reset position overcoming the reset prevention member by an auxiliary operation of the actuator in a direction different from the direction of the rotation of the actuator. In this case, it is suitable for the reset prevention member to prevent reset of the ignition mechanism by urging the actuator toward the direction in which the ignition mechanism is operated.

The auxiliary operation of the actuator in the actuator mechanisms in accordance with the second and third systems is suitably an operation to move the position of the fulcrum of the actuator in parallel to the direction in which the ignition mechanism is operated.

The interlocking member in each of the actuator mechanisms in accordance with the first to third systems may comprise a link member which transmits rotation of the actuator to the ignition member.

In the interlocking member in each of the actuator mechanisms in accordance with the first to third systems, at least one of the valve mechanism and the ignition mechanism cannot be operated and accordingly ignition of the igniter is disabled unless the igniting action of the actuator involving rotation of the actuator and the auxiliary operation is continuously done, whereas when the actuator is rotated about the fulcrum member and the auxiliary operation is done before or after the rotation of the actuator continuously therewith, the valve mechanism and the ignition mechanism can be operated and the discharged gas can be ignited. When the actuator is released, the actuator is automatically rotated back to extinguish the igniter and the igniter automatically returns to the initial state where the igniter cannot be ignited by an incorrect operation of the actuator. When the igniter is not in use, an inadvertent ignition of the igniter is thus prevented.

For example, in an igniter provided with an actuator mechanism in accordance with the first system, when the actuator is not operated and in the lock position by the urging member, the igniter is in the ignition lock state where the lock member engages and rotation of the actuator is inhibited. When the actuator is operated to release the ignition lock in the auxiliary operation overcoming the urging member in a direction different from the direction in which the actuator is rotated, the lock member is disengaged to permit rotation of the actuator, whereby fuel gas discharged in response to igniting action of the actuator is ignited. When the actuator is released, the actuator is automatically rotated back to the initial position and the actuator is moved under the force of the urging member to the lock state where the igniter cannot be ignited by an incorrect operation of the actuator.

In an igniter provided with an actuator mechanism in accordance with the second system, when the actuator is simply rotated without the auxiliary operation, the ignition mechanism cannot be operated by way of the interlocking member by an amount sufficient to discharge electric voltage, and accordingly, ignition of the igniter is disabled, whereas when the auxiliary operation is carried out in a direction different to the direction of rotation of the actuator in addition thereto, the ignition mechanism is operated by way of the interlocking member by an amount sufficient to discharge electric voltage and an electric discharge takes place, whereby fuel gas discharged is ignited. When the actuator is released, the actuator is automatically returned to the position where it requires the auxiliary operation to ignite the igniter.

In an igniter provided with an actuator mechanism in accordance with the third system, since returning of the ignition mechanism to the original state is prevented by the reset prevention member and accordingly the ignition mechanism cannot be reset, when the actuator is simply rotated without the auxiliary operation, the ignition mechanism cannot be operated, and accordingly, ignition of the igniter is disabled, whereas when the actuator is rotated after the auxiliary operation is carried out in a direction different to the direction of rotation of the actuator to permit the ignition mechanism to return to the reset position overcoming the reset prevention member, an electric discharge takes place, whereby fuel gas discharged is ignited. When the actuator is released, the actuator is automatically returned to the position where it requires the auxiliary operation to ignite the igniter.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an igniter which comprises a gas nozzle which is disposed in an end portion of a rod-like portion and discharges gas, a reservoir storing therein fuel, a valve mechanism for controlling supply of gas from the reservoir to the gas nozzle, an ignition mechanism which generates a discharge electric voltage for igniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle, and an actuator mechanism which is operated to accomplish an igniting action of igniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle, wherein the improvement comprises that the actuator mechanism comprises an actuator which is movable by a fulcrum member which is supported on an igniter body casing and an interlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism, and the ignition mechanism is brought into abutment against the interlocking member to discharge an electric voltage in response to movement of the actuator for ignition and returns to the initial state in response to return of the actuator to the initial position.

Further, in accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an igniter which comprises a gas nozzle which is disposed in an end portion of a rod-like portion and discharges gas, a reservoir storing therein fuel, a valve mechanism for controlling supply of gas from the reservoir to the gas nozzle, an ignition mechanism which generates a discharge electric voltage for igniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle, and an actuator mechanism which is operated to accomplish an igniting action of igniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle, wherein the improvement comprises that the actuator mechanism comprises a rotatable actuator, a fulcrum member which is supported on an igniter body casing and about which the actuator is rotated, an interlocking member which operates the ignition mechanism in response to rotation of the actuator, a lock member which is provided on the actuator and a part of which interferes with the igniter body casing to inhibit rotation of the actuator to make an ignition lock when the actuator is not operated, and an urging member which urges the lock member toward the lock position, the igniting action of the actuator involving rotation of the actuator after releasing interference of the lock member with the igniter body casing by lock release operation with the actuator mechanism automatically returned to its initial state in response to return of the actuator to its initial position.

It is preferred that the lock release operation moves the lock member along an actuating portion of the actuator member. In this case, it is preferred that the lock member comprises an actuating portion mounted on the actuator to be slidable along the actuating portion of the actuator and a locking portion which is formed contiguously to the actuator and has an end portion which is able to be projected and retracted from the actuator and can interfere with the igniter body casing, and the urging member urges the locking portion to project.

In such an igniter, when the lock member is not operated and is held in the lock position under the force of the urging member, the igniter is in the locked state where a part of the lock member is in interference with the igniter body casing and rotation of the actuator is inhibited. When the lock member on the actuator is released from the igniter body casing overcoming the urging member, rotation of the actuator is permitted, whereby fuel gas discharged in response to igniting action of the actuator is ignited. When the actuator is released, the actuator is automatically rotated back to the initial position and the lock member is moved under the force of the urging member to the lock state where the igniter cannot be ignited by an incorrect operation of the actuator.

In accordance with the igniters of the present invention, since it is necessary to rotate the actuator and to accomplish the auxiliary operation of the actuator in a direction different from the direction in which the actuator is rotated before or after the rotation of the actuator, or to release ignition lock by the lock member on the actuator prior to rotation of the actuator, it is difficult for those who do not know correct use of the igniter to make the igniter in an ignitable state or to release the ignition lock, whereby inadvertent ignition of the igniter can be prevented, and at the same time, since the igniter is automatically returned to the initial state or the locked state where ignition of the igniter is disabled, the igniter cannot be left in the ignitable state. Further, in the extinguished state, the igniter can be surely held in the un-ignitable state and the reliability can be improved. Further, the auxiliary operation of the actuator or the lock release operation of the lock member and the igniting operation of the actuator can be smoothly done in a series of actions which makes it unnecessary a multiple stages of actions for the igniting action, and improves the operability of the igniter, whereby stable ignition of the igniter can be obtained.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

The igniter of this embodiment is in the form of an igniting rod and is shown inFIGS. 1 to 10.FIG. 1is a perspective view showing an appearance of an igniter in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view of the igniter taken along a horizontal medial plane,FIG. 3is a plan view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism of the igniter,FIGS. 4 to 7are cross-sectional views of the parts shown inFIG. 3, andFIGS. 8 to 10are cross-sectional views for illustrating operation of the igniting rod. In these drawings and the following drawings, hatching showing the cross-sections of the reservoir portion, the valve mechanism and the like is partly abbreviated.

The igniter (igniting rod)1of this embodiment comprises, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a reservoir portion2which is disposed in a base portion of the igniter1and stores therein pressurized fuel gas such as butane gas, an actuator portion3which is disposed in an intermediate portion and in which an actuator mechanism5for carrying out igniting operation is disposed, and a rod-like portion4which extends forward from the actuator portion3and is provided with a gas nozzle9in the end portion. The actuator mechanism5comprises an actuator (actuator button)51which is rotated, and a valve mechanism7which is interlocked with the actuator mechanism5to control supply of gas from the reservoir portion2to the gas nozzle9in response to operation of the actuator mechanism5, and a piezoelectric unit8which is an ignition mechanism generating a discharge electric voltage for igniting the gas discharged from the gas nozzle9and is interlocked with the actuator mechanism5to generate the discharge electric voltage in response to operation of the actuator mechanism5are provided in the igniter1.

The reservoir portion2comprises a reservoir body21which is tubular and has a bottom, a lid member22which closes the open end of the reservoir body21and a reservoir cover23which is disposed to surround the reservoir body21. The valve mechanism7is a known one and is mounted on the lid member22. The valve mechanism7has a nozzle member71which opened and closed by an L-shaped lever72an end portion of which is engaged with the nozzle member71. Gas supplied by the valve mechanism7is supplied to the gas nozzle9in the end portion of the rod-like portion4by way of a gas pipe73.

The actuator portion3is provided with an igniter body casing31(igniter body) which is horizontally divided into upper and lower halves31aand31b, and an inner tube41of the rod-like portion4is integrally formed with the front end portion of the igniter body casing31. The rod-like portion4has the gas nozzle9connected to the front end of the gas pipe73at a central portion of the front end portion of the inner tube41, and a rod-like metal tubular body43is fitted on the outside of the inner tube41so that flame is ejected from a flame port which opens in the front end face of the metal tubular body43. An electrode (not shown) is provided in the metal tubular body43to project near to the gas nozzle9.

A window portion32opens in the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31and the actuator51of the actuator mechanism5is disposed at the center of the window portion32. A protective portion33projects from the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31along the peripheral edge of the window portion32. The protective portion33is formed to surround the actuator51with its front portion higher.

The actuator mechanism5comprises the actuator51which is rotatable and is provided with an actuating portion51aon its surface, a shaft-like fulcrum member52about which the actuator51is rotated in a direction perpendicular to the centerline of the valve mechanism7, an interlocking member53(an interlocking lever) which operates the piezoelectric unit8in response to rotation of the actuator51, a lock member54which makes an ignition lock, by inhibiting rotation of the actuator51and an urging member6which urges the actuator51toward its locking position.

The piezoelectric unit8is disposed between the actuator51and the lid member22to generate a discharge voltage in response to rotation of the actuator51, and is provided with a projection81on the sliding portion thereof. The projection81is brought into abutment against the end portion of the L-shaped lever72when the sliding portion is moved rearward upon igniting operation of the actuator mechanism5to rotate the L-shaped lever72, whereby the nozzle member71of the valve mechanism7is opened and gas is supplied. The discharge voltage generated by the piezoelectric unit8is led to the gas nozzle9and the electrode in the rod-like portion4by way of a known energizing mechanism and an ignition spark is generated therebetween.

The actuator51of the actuator mechanism5is ellipsoidal in plan and higher in the front portion facing the rod-like portion4than the rear portion. That is, the upper surface of the actuator51forming the actuating portion51ais inclined to be higher forward, and when the igniter1is to be ignited, i.e., for igniting operation, a user's finger is applied to the actuating portion51aand the actuating portion51ais pushed forward. The igniting operation of the actuator51involves rotation of the actuator51about the fulcrum member52and an auxiliary operation of the same in a direction different from the direction of rotation to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator51is downward depression of the rear portion of the actuator51.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5, the base end of the fulcrum member (rotary shaft)52which is like a laterally extending round rod is fixed to the lower portion of the actuator member51near to the reservoir portion2on opposite sides of the actuator51and a pair of bearing portions34are erected on the bottom of the lower half31bof the igniter body casing31on opposite sides of the bottom of the lower half31b. A bearing groove34a(FIG. 5) is formed in the top end of each of the bearing portions34to be vertically long. The fulcrum member52is received in the bearing grooves34aof the bearing portions34, whereby the actuator51is supported on the fulcrum member52so that the front end portion thereof is rotatable and the rear end portion thereof is movable up and down.

In this particular embodiment, lock members54which inhibit rotation of the actuator51to disable ignition of the igniter1by preventing revolution of the fulcrum member52are provided. That is, the fulcrum member52is provided with a lock member54(engagement projection) in the form of a projection on the upper portion of each of opposite end portions thereof. The lock members54are adapted to be engaged with a groove-like engagement portions35aformed on the lower surface of the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31. When the lock members54are engaged with the groove-like engagement portions35, revolution of the fulcrum member52, that is, rotation of the actuator51, is inhibited, whereby the igniter1is brought into the locked state. The auxiliary operation to release the lock of the igniter1is carried out by depressing the rear end portion of the actuator51to move downward the fulcrum member52so that the lock members54are disengaged from the engagement portions35and rotation of the actuator51is permitted. Though, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock member54is a rectangular projection and the engagement portion35is in the form of a recessed groove, the lock member54may be like a pin with the engagement portion35like hole. Further, inversely to the case described above, a projecting lock member may be formed on the lower surface of the upper half31aof the igniter body casing and a recessed engagement portion may be formed on the fulcrum member52.

As shown inFIG. 6, the actuator51is provided with a downward extending projection51bon its lower surface near the center of the fulcrum member52and the projection51bis urged upward by the urging member6. The urging member6is provided with a pressing member62which is slidable up and down in a guide portion61formed on the bottom of the lower half31bof the igniter body casing31, and a coiled spring63is compressed by the pressing member62, whereby the pressing member62is urged upward by the coiled spring63. The top surface of the pressing member62is formed in a concave arcuate surface and the lower end of the projection51bformed in a convex arcuate surface is in abutment against the top surface of the pressing member62, whereby the lower end of the projection51band the top surface of the pressing member62are in contact with each other to be slidable relatively to each other even if the actuator51has been rotated and the rear end portion of the actuator51and the fulcrum member52are urged upward to the lock position.

Further, as shown inFIG. 7, the actuator51is provided with an interlocking member53extending downward from a rear end portion of the actuator51. The front end of the piezoelectric unit8abuts against the lower rear end of the interlocking member53so that the piezoelectric unit8is moved rearward by the interlocking member53in response to rotation of the actuator51. The return spring (not shown) built in the piezoelectric unit8urges the interlocking member53toward its initial position, whereby the front end portion of the actuator51is urged to rotate upward.

As shown inFIG. 4, a reinforcing rib55extending from the actuator51to the lower end of the fulcrum member52on opposite sides of the actuator51reinforces the fulcrum member52.

Operation of the igniter1of this embodiment will be described, hereinbelow. That is, when the igniter1is in its non-operated state (left to stand still) where the actuator51is not operated as shown inFIGS. 1 to 7, the actuator51and the fulcrum member52are held in their lifted positions under the force of the urging member6, and the lock members54are in engagement with the engagement portions35. In this state, the actuator51cannot be rotated since rotation of the fulcrum member52is inhibited. That is, the igniter1is locked.

When the igniter1is to be ignited, auxiliary operation is done. That is, a finger is applied to the actuating portion51aof the actuator51, and the rear end portion of the actuator51is depressed in the direction of the arrow overcoming the force of the urging member6as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. By the auxiliary operation, the fulcrum member52is moved downward and the lock members54are disengaged from the engagement portions35, whereby the igniter1is turned to the lock release state, where rotation of the actuator51is permitted.

When the front end portion of the actuator51is depressed in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 10to rotate the actuator51with the rear end portion of the actuator51held in the depressed state by the auxiliary operation, the interlocking member53moves rearward the piezoelectric unit8so that the projection81rotates the lever72, whereby the nozzle member71is lifted to open the valve mechanism7and gas is supplied to the gas nozzle9through the gas pipe73. Further, a discharge voltage is generated in response to operation of the piezoelectric unit8and an electric spark is generated between the electrode in the rod-like portion4and the gas nozzle9, whereby the discharged gas is ignited.

When depression of the actuator51is released or the finger which has been applied to the actuating portion51ais released for interrupting use of the igniter1, the actuator51is rotated in the reverse direction to return to the initial position by way of the interlocking member53under the force of the return spring (not shown) in the piezoelectric unit8and at the same time, the fulcrum member52is rotated in the reverse direction to the position where the lock members54and the engagement portions35can be engaged with each other and the fulcrum member52is lifted under the force of the urging member6so that the lock members54and the engagement portions35are engaged with each other, whereby the igniter1is automatically returned to the locked state.

Though, in the above embodiment, the fulcrum member52is fixed to the actuator51, the fulcrum member52may be mounted on the igniter body casing31to support the actuator51for rotation and up-and-down movement. In this case, the fulcrum member52is fixed to be neither rotated nor moved up and down while supporting the actuator51to be movable up and down by way of, for instance, an elongated hole, and the lock member54is disposed between the fulcrum member52and the actuator51so that the lock member54is disengaged in response to an auxiliary operation of depressing the actuator51to move downward the same.

Further, the urging member6may be arranged to urge the fulcrum member52. For example, an urging member6which urges upward the end portion of the fulcrum member52may be provided on the bearing portion34.

Further, the igniting mechanism for generating a discharge voltage may comprise a discharge circuit using a cell in place of the piezoelectric unit8. This is the same in all the embodiments to be described later.

In accordance with this embodiment, it is necessary to perform, prior to rotation of the actuator51, an auxiliary operation of lock release by depressing the rear end portion of the actuator51in a direction different from the direction in which the actuator51is rotated. In an unused state, the lock members54and the engagement portions35are constantly engaged with each other to disable the igniter1from being ignited, and after use of the igniter1, the igniter1is automatically returned to the locked state. Accordingly, inadvertent ignition of the igniter can be prevented, and at the same time, the auxiliary operation of lock release and rotation of the actuator for ignition can be smoothly carried out, whereby good operability can be obtained.

Second Embodiment

An igniter in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 11 to 17.FIG. 11is a plan view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism of the igniter,FIGS. 12 to 14are cross-sectional views of the parts shown inFIG. 11, andFIGS. 15 to 17are cross-sectional views for illustrating operation of the igniting rod.

The igniter (igniting rod)10of this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except the actuator mechanism50, and accordingly, the analogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism50of the igniter of this embodiment comprises an actuator51similar to that of the first embodiment, and the actuator51is held by a fulcrum member52on its opposite sides to be rotatable and movable up and down. The actuator51has on its rear end portion an interlocking member53which extends downward and actuates the piezoelectric unit8. Further the rear end portion of the actuator51is urged upward or toward its lock position by an urging member6which is of the same structure as that of the first embodiment. The igniting operation of the actuator51involves rotation of the actuator51about the fulcrum member52and an auxiliary operation of the same in a direction different from the direction of rotation to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator51is downward depression of the rear portion of the actuator51.

Lock members57for carrying out the ignition lock by inhibiting rotation of the actuator51are provided to inhibit movement of the interlocking member53. That is, a bracket37is erected on the bottom of the lower half31bof the igniter body casing31on a side of the interlocking member53, and the bracket37has one of the lock members57(engagement projection) on its side surface facing the interlocking member53. Further, the urging member6has another of the lock members57on the side surface of a frame-like guide portion61thereof facing the interlocking member53.

Each of the lock members57is a pin-like projection which is adapted to be engaged with the rear end of an engagement portion53aformed on the end of the interlocking member53. When the lock member57is engaged with the engagement portion53a, rotation of the interlocking member53, that is, rotation of the actuator51, is inhibited and the igniter is brought into the locked state. The auxiliary operation to release the lock is to depress the rear end portion of the actuator51to move downward the interlocking member53so that the lock member57is disengaged from the engagement member53aand moved into a groove53bformed in the side of the interlocking member53, thereby permitting rotation of the actuator51.

The groove53bis formed arcuately about the fulcrum member52to extend from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the interlocking member53. Further, the engagement portion53aon the lower end of the groove53bis cut away on the side facing the rear end of the groove53band the upper portion of the lock member57faces the rear end of the groove53bin the engaged state shown inFIG. 12. Further, the front end portions of the grooves53bare tapered in the vertical direction to guide the lock members57upon returning to the initial position.

Though, in the illustrated embodiment, the pin-like lock members57are provided on the bracket37and the guide portion61, and the engagement portions53aand the grooves53are provided on the interlocking member53, the engagement portions53aand the grooves53may be provided on the bracket37and the guide portion61, and the pin-like lock members57may be provided on the interlocking member53, inversely to the illustrated embodiment. Further, though, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock member57is provided on each side of the interlocking member53, the lock member57may be provided on one side of the interlocking member53.

In this embodiment, when the igniter1is in its non-operated state (left to stand still) where the actuator51is not operated as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the actuator51and the interlocking member53are held in their lifted positions under the force of the urging member6, and the lock members57are in engagement with the engagement portions53a. In this state, the actuator51cannot be rotated since rotation of the interlocking member53is inhibited. That is, the igniter1is locked.

When the igniter1is to be ignited, auxiliary operation is done. That is, a finger is applied to the actuating portion51aof the actuator51, and the rear end portion of the actuator51is depressed in the direction of the arrow overcoming the force of the urging member6as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15. By the auxiliary operation, the interlocking member53is moved downward and the lock members57are disengaged from the engagement portions53ainto the grooves53b, whereby the igniter1is turned to the lock release state, where rotation of the actuator51is permitted.

When the front end portion of the actuator51is depressed in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 16to rotate the actuator51with the rear end portion of the actuator51held in the depressed state by the auxiliary operation, the interlocking member53rotates with the lock members57moved through the grooves53bto move rearward the piezoelectric unit8, whereby the nozzle member71is lifted to open the valve mechanism7and gas is supplied to the gas nozzle9through the gas pipe73. Further, the discharged gas is ignited by the electric voltage discharge.

When depression of the actuator51is released to interrupt use of the igniter1, the interlocking member53and the actuator51are rotated in the reverse direction to return to the initial position under the force of the return spring in the piezoelectric unit8. At this time, the lock member57is passed through the groove53bof the interlocking member53from the front end portion to the rear end portion and returns to the initial position. Thereafter the interlocking member53is lifted under the force of the urging member6so that the lock members57and the engagement portions53aare engaged with each other, whereby the igniter1is automatically returned to the locked state. When the actuator51is released from the finger and the interlocking member53is lifted upward under the force of the urging member6before the actuator51is rotated back to the initial position, the lock member57is returned to the initial position under the guidance of the front side curved surface of the groove53b.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, desired lock function and lock release function are obtained and at the same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked state can be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

The auxiliary operation of the actuator (the lock release operation) need not be limited to those in the preceding embodiments but may be performed in any direction so long as it is different from the direction of rotation of the actuator. For example, the auxiliary operation of the actuator may be performed back and forth or left and right other than up and down. The lock member may be arranged to engage and disengage according to the direction of the auxiliary operation.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 18 to 20show an igniter in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 18is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in its non-operated state,FIG. 19is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism shown inFIG. 18for illustrating rotation of the actuator, andFIG. 20is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in a state where the auxiliary operation has been further done from the state shown inFIG. 19.

The igniter (igniting rod)100of this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except the actuator mechanism150, and accordingly, the analogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism150of the igniter of this embodiment comprises an actuator151similar to that of the first embodiment in appearance and provided with an actuating portion151aon its surface, and the actuator151is held by a fulcrum member152on its opposite sides for rotation and back-and-forth movement on the top ends of bearing portions134. The actuator151has on its rear end portion an interlocking member153which extends downward and actuates the piezoelectric unit8. That is, the base end of the fulcrum member (rotary shaft)152which is like a laterally extending round rod is fixed to the lower portion of the actuator member151near to the reservoir portion2on opposite sides of the actuator151and a pair of bearing portions134are erected on the bottom of the lower half31bof the igniter body casing31on opposite sides of the bottom of the lower half31b. A bearing groove134ais formed in the top end of each of the bearing portions134to be vertically long. The fulcrum member152is received in the bearing grooves134aof the bearing portions134, whereby the actuator151is supported on the fulcrum member152so that the front end portion thereof is rotatable and the whole actuator151is movable back and forth in parallel to the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit8.

The igniting operation of the actuator151involves rotation of the actuator151about the fulcrum member152and an auxiliary operation of the same in a direction different from the direction of rotation to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator151. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator151is rearward movement of the whole actuator151in parallel to the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit8. The piezoelectric unit8discharges a discharge voltage when its front end is moved rearward to a discharge position P.

The actuator151is arranged so that the fulcrum member152is positioned in the forward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134as shown inFIG. 18in the non-operated state or the returned state and a maximum rotation of the actuator151in this state causes the interlocking member153to operate the piezoelectric unit8by an amount smaller than the amount of operation to the discharge position P by an amount d as shown inFIG. 19. That is, the piezoelectric unit8can discharge no electric voltage in this state.

The amount of movement of the auxiliary operation to move the fulcrum member152to the rearward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134is larger than the amount d so that, in addition to rotation of the actuator151, auxiliary operation of the actuator151in the rearward direction shown by the arrow different from the direction of rotation of the actuator151can cause the interlocking member153to operate the piezoelectric unit8to the discharge position P as shown inFIG. 20. That is, the piezoelectric unit8can generate a discharge voltage.

In this embodiment, unless the auxiliary operation of the actuator151, the fulcrum member152is positioned in the forward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134as shown inFIG. 18and a rotation of the actuator151in this state causes the interlocking member153to operate the piezoelectric unit8by an amount smaller than the amount of operation to the discharge position P by an amount d as shown inFIG. 19. That is, the igniter is disabled from ignition. When the auxiliary operation to move rearward the actuator151as shown by the arrow inFIG. 20is carried out in addition to rotation of the actuator151, the interlocking member153comes to be able to operate the piezoelectric unit8to the discharge position P as shown inFIG. 20. That is, the piezoelectric unit8can generate a discharge voltage to ignite gas discharged from the gas nozzle. The auxiliary operation may be carried out prior to rotation of the actuator151.

When rotation and auxiliary operation of the actuator151is released to interrupt use of the igniter, the interlocking member153and the actuator151are rotated in the reverse direction and are moved forth to return to the initial position shown inFIG. 18under the force of the return spring in the piezoelectric unit8. That is, the igniter is automatically returned to a state where ignition of the igniter is disabled.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, ignition lock to prevent the igniter from being ignited by simple rotation of the actuator151can be ensured and the ignition lock can be released in a series of actions and at the same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked state can be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 21 to 23show an igniter in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 21is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in its non-operated state,FIG. 22is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism shown inFIG. 21after the auxiliary operation has been done, andFIG. 23is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in a state where the actuator has been rotated from the state shown inFIG. 22.

The igniter (igniting rod)200of this embodiment is the same as the preceding embodiment except the actuator mechanism250, and accordingly, the analogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism250of the igniter of this embodiment comprises an actuator151similar to that of the third embodiment, and the actuator151is held by a fulcrum member152on its opposite sides for rotation and back-and-forth movement along bearing grooves134aformed in the top ends of the bearing portions134to be long back and forth in parallel to the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit8. The actuator153has an interlocking member153which extends downward to operate the piezoelectric unit8on its rearward portion.

In this particular embodiment, the igniting operation of the actuator151involves rotation of the actuator151about the fulcrum member152and an auxiliary operation of the same in a direction different from the direction of rotation to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator151. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator151is forward movement of the whole actuator151in the direction reverse to the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit8. The piezoelectric unit8discharges an electric voltage when the front end is moved rearward to the discharge position P and when the front end is returned to the reset position S, the piezoelectric unit8comes to be able to discharge again.

The actuator mechanism250is provided with a reset prevention member260which prevents the piezoelectric unit8from being moved forward up to the reset position S. The reset prevention member260comprises a pressing member262which slides back and forth in a guide portion161provided on a protective portion33of the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31forward of the actuator151, and the pressing member262is urged rearward by a coiled spring263(may be resilient material such as a leaf spring, a resin spring or the like). The rear end of the pressing member262constantly abuts against the front end of the actuator151even if the actuator151is rotated to urge rearward the actuator151so that the piezoelectric unit8cannot be fully returned to the initial position.

In the non-operated state or the returned state from the preceding igniting action shown inFIG. 21, the reset prevention member260urges rearward the piezoelectric unit8by way of the actuator151and the interlocking member153so that the piezoelectric unit8stops short of the reset position S. That is, the reset prevention member260prevents movement of the fulcrum member152to the rearward position in the bearing groove134auntil the auxiliary operation of the actuator151is done. In the non-operated state, the piezoelectric unit8cannot be reset and rotation of the actuator151from this position cannot cause the piezoelectric unit8to discharge an electric voltage even if the piezoelectric unit8is operated to the discharge position P.

The amount of movement of the auxiliary operation to move the fulcrum member152to the forward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134is to permit the piezoelectric unit8to return to the reset position S so that auxiliary operation of the actuator151in the forward direction shown by the arrow inFIG. 22different from the direction of rotation of the actuator151prior to rotation of the actuator151permits the interlocking member153to operate the piezoelectric unit8to the reset position S as shown inFIG. 22. That is, the piezoelectric unit8can generate a discharge voltage by subsequently operating it to the discharge position P.

In the initial state where the auxiliary operation of the actuator151has not been carried out, the fulcrum member152for the actuator member151is in the rearward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134and the piezoelectric unit8has not been reset. Rotation of the actuator151in this state cannot cause the piezoelectric unit8to discharge an electric voltage. That is, ignition of the igniter is disabled. When auxiliary operation to move forward the actuator151in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 22overcoming the force of the reset prevention member260is carried out, the piezoelectric unit8can be reset and rotation of the actuator151causes the piezoelectric unit8to discharge an electric voltage in response to rearward movement of the piezoelectric unit8to the discharge position P, whereby gas discharged from the gas nozzle is ignited. Rotation of the actuator151may be carried out in the rearward position after the auxiliary operation.

When rotation and auxiliary operation of the actuator151is released to interrupt use of the igniter, the interlocking member153and the actuator151are rotated in the reverse direction and are moved forth to return to the initial position shown inFIG. 21, where return of the piezoelectric unit8to the reset position S is prevented by the reset prevention member260, under the force of the return spring in the piezoelectric unit8. That is, the igniter is automatically returned to a state where ignition of the igniter by a simple rotation of the actuator151is disabled.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, ignition lock to prevent the igniter from being ignited by simple rotation of the actuator151can be ensured and the ignition lock can be released in a series of actions and at the same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked state can be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 24 to 26show an igniter in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 24is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in its non-operated state,FIG. 25is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism of the igniter shown inFIG. 24for illustrating rotation of the actuator, andFIG. 26is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism of the igniter in a state where the auxiliary operation has been further done from the state shown inFIG. 25.

The igniter (igniting rod)300of this embodiment somewhat differs from the preceding embodiment in appearance and differs from the preceding embodiment in operation of the actuator mechanism350and interlocking structure, and accordingly, the elements analogous in their functions even if they are different in their shapes are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism350of the igniter300of this embodiment comprises a rotatable actuator351, a shaft-like fulcrum member52about which a forward end of the actuator351is rotated, an interlocking member353(a link member) which operates the piezoelectric unit8in response to rotation of the actuator51, and a pushing member354which is mounted on the front end of the piezoelectric unit8.

The upper surface of the actuator351is inclined to be higher rearward to form an actuating portion351a, and when the igniter1is to be ignited, i.e., for igniting operation, a user's finger is applied to the actuating portion351aand the rear end portion of the actuating portion351ais depressed so that the actuator351is rotated. The igniting operation of the actuator351involves rotation of the actuator351about the fulcrum member352and an auxiliary operation of the same in a direction different from the direction of rotation to be done in continuous with rotation of the actuator351. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator351is rearward movement of the actuator351in the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit8. The piezoelectric unit8discharges a discharge voltage when it is moved rearward to a discharge position P.

The actuator351is provided with a fulcrum member352which is like a round rod laterally extending on opposite sides of the front end portion of the actuator351, and the fulcrum member352is held for rotation and back-and-forth movement by bearing grooves134aformed to be long back and forth in the top ends of the bearing portions134erected on the bottom of the lower half31bof the igniter body casing31on opposite sides of the bottom of the lower half31b, whereby the rear end portion of the actuator351is rotatable and the whole actuator351is movable back and forth in parallel to the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit8.

Further, the actuator351is provided with an engagement groove351bwhich opens downward at an intermediate portion thereof, and a front end shaft portion353aof a link-like interlocking member353is engaged for rotation with the engagement groove351b. A rear end shaft portion353bis engaged for rotation with an engagement groove354aof the pushing member354which opens forward at the front face of the pushing member354. The front end portion of the piezoelectric unit8is inserted into an insertion portion354bof the pushing member354directed rearward.

The interlocking member353is rotated in response to rotation of the actuator351and causes the pushing member354to slide back and forth, and interlocks the actuator351and the pushing member354with each other so that the pushing member354is moved rearward to operate the piezoelectric unit8when the actuator351is rotated.

A window portion32opens in the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31and the actuator351is disposed in the window portion32. A protective portion133projects from the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31along the peripheral edge of the window portion32. The protective portion33is formed to surround the forward portion of the actuator351with its front portion higher.

The actuator351is arranged so that the fulcrum member352is positioned in the forward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134as shown inFIG. 24in the non-operated state or the returned state and a maximum rotation of the actuator351in the direction of the arrow in this state causes the interlocking member353to operate the piezoelectric unit8by an amount smaller than the amount of operation to the discharge position P by an amount d as shown inFIG. 25. That is, the piezoelectric unit8can discharge no electric voltage in this state.

The amount of movement of the auxiliary operation to move the fulcrum member352to the rearward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134is larger than the amount d so that, in addition to rotation of the actuator351, auxiliary operation of the actuator351in the rearward direction shown by the arrow different from the direction of rotation of the actuator151can cause the interlocking member353to operate the piezoelectric unit8to the discharge position P as shown inFIG. 26. That is, the piezoelectric unit8can generate a discharge voltage. These functions are the same as in the third embodiment.

In this embodiment, unless the auxiliary operation of the actuator351, the fulcrum member352is positioned in the forward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134as shown inFIG. 24and rotation of the actuator151in this state causes the interlocking member353(a link member) to operate the piezoelectric unit8by an amount smaller than the amount of operation to the discharge position P by an amount d as shown inFIG. 25. That is, the igniter is disabled from ignition. When the auxiliary operation to move rearward the actuator151as shown by the arrow inFIG. 26is carried out in addition to rotation of the actuator151, the interlocking member353comes to be able to operate the piezoelectric unit8to the discharge position P as shown inFIG. 26. That is, the piezoelectric unit8can generate a discharge voltage to ignite gas discharged from the gas nozzle. The auxiliary operation may be carried out prior to rotation of the actuator151.

When rotation and auxiliary operation of the actuator351is released to interrupt use of the igniter, the interlocking member353and the actuator351are rotated in the reverse direction and are moved forth to return to the initial position shown inFIG. 24under the force of the return spring in the piezoelectric unit8. That is, the igniter is automatically returned to a state where ignition of the igniter is disabled.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, provided with an actuator mechanism350comprising an actuator351supported at its front end and an interlocking member353, ignition lock to prevent the igniter from being ignited by simple rotation of the actuator351can be ensured and the ignition lock can be released in a series of igniting actions and at the same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked state can be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 27 to 29show an igniter in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 27is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in its non-operated state,FIG. 28is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism shown inFIG. 27after the auxiliary operation has been done, andFIG. 29is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in a state where the actuator has been rotated from the state shown inFIG. 28.

The igniter (igniting rod)400of this embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment except the actuator mechanism450, and accordingly, the analogous elements are given the same reference numerals. Further, the igniting operation is based on a technical concept similar to that of the fourth embodiment.

The actuator mechanism450in this embodiment comprises an actuator351supported at its front end and an interlocking member353in the form of a link member which are similar to those of the fifth embodiment. The actuator351is held by a fulcrum member352on opposite sides of its front portion for rotation and back-and-forth movement along bearing grooves134aformed to be long back and forth in the top ends of the bearing portions134in parallel to the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit8and the interlocking member353which operatively couples the actuator351and a pushing member to operate the piezoelectric unit8is accommodated in the actuator351.

The igniting operation of the actuator351involves rotation of the actuator351about the fulcrum member352and an auxiliary operation of the same in a direction different from the direction of rotation to be done before the rotation of the actuator351in continuous therewith. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary operation of the actuator351is forward movement of the whole actuator351in the direction reverse to the direction of operation of the piezoelectric unit8. The piezoelectric unit8discharges an electric voltage when it is moved rearward to the discharge position P and when it is returned to the reset position S, the piezoelectric unit8comes to be able to discharge again.

The actuator mechanism450is provided with a reset prevention member460which prevents the piezoelectric unit8from being moved forward up to the reset position S. The reset prevention member460comprises a pressing member462which slides back and forth in a guide portion461provided on the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31forward of the actuator351, and the pressing member462is urged rearward by a coiled spring463(may be resilient material such as a leaf spring, a resin spring or the like). The rear end of the pressing member462constantly abuts against the front end of the actuator351even if the actuator351is rotated to urge rearward the actuator351so that the piezoelectric unit8cannot be fully returned to the initial position.

In the non-operated state or the returned state from the preceding igniting action shown inFIG. 27, the reset prevention member460urges rearward the piezoelectric unit8by way of the actuator351and the interlocking member353so that the piezoelectric unit8stops short of the reset position S. That is, the reset prevention member460prevents movement of the fulcrum member352to the rearward position in the bearing groove134auntil the auxiliary operation of the actuator351is done. In the non-operated state, the piezoelectric unit8cannot be reset and rotation of the actuator151from this position cannot cause the piezoelectric unit8to discharge an electric voltage even if the piezoelectric unit8is operated to the discharge position P.

The amount of movement of the auxiliary operation to move the fulcrum member352to the forward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134is to permit the piezoelectric unit8to return to the reset position S so that auxiliary operation of the actuator351in the forward direction shown by the arrow inFIG. 28different from the direction of rotation of the actuator351prior to rotation of the actuator351permits the interlocking member353to operate the piezoelectric unit8to the reset position S as shown inFIG. 28. That is, the piezoelectric unit8can generate a discharge voltage by subsequently operating it to the discharge position P.

In the initial state where the auxiliary operation of the actuator351has not been carried out, the fulcrum member352for the actuator member351is in the rearward position in the bearing groove134aof the bearing portion134as shown inFIG. 27and the piezoelectric unit8has not been reset. Rotation of the actuator351in this state cannot cause the piezoelectric unit8to discharge an electric voltage. That is, ignition of the igniter is disabled. When auxiliary operation to move forward the actuator351in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 28overcoming the force of the reset prevention member460is carried out, the piezoelectric unit8can be moved to the reset position S and subsequent rotation of the actuator351as shown inFIG. 29causes the piezoelectric unit8to discharge an electric voltage in response to rearward movement of the piezoelectric unit8to the discharge position P, whereby gas discharged from the gas nozzle is ignited. Rotation of the actuator351may be carried out in the rearward position after the auxiliary operation.

When rotation and auxiliary operation of the actuator351is released to interrupt use of the igniter, the interlocking member353and the actuator351are rotated in the reverse direction and are moved forth to return to the initial position shown inFIG. 27, where return of the piezoelectric unit8to the reset position S is prevented by the reset prevention member260, under the force of the return spring in the piezoelectric unit8. That is, the igniter is automatically returned to a state where ignition of the igniter by a simple rotation of the actuator351is disabled.

Also, in accordance with this embodiment, ignition lock to prevent the igniter from being ignited by simple rotation of the actuator351can be ensured and the ignition lock can be released in a series of actions and at the same time, an automatic return of the igniter to the locked state can be obtained. Further, the operability of the igniter is excellent.

Though, not shown, the mechanism of the first or second embodiment of the present invention described above where the ignition lock is obtained by the lock member and the ignition lock is released by the auxiliary operation of the actuator in a direction different from the direction of rotation can be applied to the mechanism of the fifth or sixth embodiment of the present invention described above where the front end of the actuator is supported for rotation on the fulcrum member352and an interlocking member353in the form of a link member is provided.

Seventh Embodiment

The igniter of this embodiment is in the form of an igniting rod and is shown inFIGS. 30 to 36.FIG. 30is a perspective view showing an appearance of the igniter,FIG. 31is a cross-sectional view of the igniter taken along a horizontal medial plane,FIG. 32is a plan view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism of the igniter,FIG. 33is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII inFIG. 32,FIG. 34is a side view partly in cross-section showing the support structure of the actuator mechanism,FIG. 35is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism shown inFIG. 32but in a lock release state, andFIG. 36is a side view partly in cross-section showing the actuator mechanism in its igniting state. The igniter (igniting rod)500of this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except the actuator mechanism550, and accordingly, the analogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

The actuator mechanism550in this embodiment comprises the actuator551which is rotatable and is provided with an actuating portion551aon its surface, a shaft-like fulcrum member552about which the actuator551is rotated in a direction perpendicular to the centerline of the valve mechanism7, an interlocking member553(an interlocking lever) which operates the piezoelectric unit8in response to rotation of the actuator551, a lock member554which makes an ignition lock, by inhibiting rotation of the actuator551and an urging member560which urges the lock member554toward its locking position.

The actuator551of the actuator mechanism550is ellipsoidal in plan and higher in the front portion facing the rod-like portion4than the rear portion. That is, the upper surface of the actuator551forming the actuating portion551ais inclined to be higher forward, and when the igniter is to be ignited, a user's finger is applied to the actuating portion551aand the actuating portion551ais pushed forward.

As shown inFIGS. 32 to 34, the base end of the fulcrum member (rotary shaft)552which is like a laterally extending round rod is fixed to the lower portion of the actuator member51near to the reservoir portion2on opposite sides of the actuator51and a pair of bearing portions34are erected on the bottom of the lower half31bof the igniter body casing31on opposite sides of the bottom of the lower half31b. A bearing groove34a(FIG. 34) open at the upper end thereof is formed in the top end of each of the bearing portions34. The fulcrum member552is received in the bearing grooves34aof the bearing portions34, whereby the actuator551is supported on the fulcrum member552so that the front end portion thereof is rotatable.

The lock member554which is provided on the actuator551comprises an actuating portion554aslidable along the actuating portion551aof the actuator551and a lock portion554cwhich is connected to the actuating portion554aby way of a connecting portion554band has a rear end portion which can be projected from the actuator551to interfere with the igniter body casing31and can be retracted into the actuator551. The lock member554is urged by the urging member560in the direction where its rear end portion is projected from the actuator551.

A groove551bis formed in the actuator551to longitudinally extend substantially at the center of the actuating portion551a, and an elongated hole551cis formed inside the groove551bto longitudinally extend and to extend through the actuating portion551a. A plate-like actuating portion554aof the lock member554is inserted to be slidable into the groove551b, the connecting portion554bprojecting downward from the lower surface of the actuating portion554ais inserted to be slidable into the elongated hole551c, and the lock portion554cextends rearward from the lower end portion of the connecting portion554b. The rear end portion of the lock portion554cis inserted into an insertion hole551dextending through the rear wall of the actuator551to be projected from and retracted into the actuator551in response to slide of the actuating portion554a.

A protective portion33of the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31is provided rearward of the window portion32with an engagement portion36adapted to be engaged with the lock portion554c. When the former and the latter are engaged with each other, rotation of the actuator551is inhibited and the igniter is brought into the ignition locked state. The ignition lock is released by sliding the lock member554along the actuating portion551aof the actuator551to disengage the lock member554from the engagement portion36, thereby permitting rotation of the actuator551.

A projections554eand551eare provided on the front surface of the connecting portion554band on the inner surface of the front wall of the actuator551and the urging member560in the form of a coiled spring is compressed between the projections to urge the lock member554cin the direction where the lock portion554cis projected.

Though, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock member554is mounted to be linearly slidable back and forth to make the ignition lock and to release the ignition lock, the lock member554may be mounted to be laterally movable back and forth or to be rotatable back and forth, so that a part of the lock portion554cis projected from the actuator551to interfere with the igniter body casing31in response to movement of the lock member554. For the purpose of mounting the lock member554on the actuator551, the lock member554or the actuator551is of a split structure, if necessary.

The actuator551is provided with an interlocking member553extending downward from the rear end portion of the actuator551. The front end of the piezoelectric unit8abuts against the lower rear end of the interlocking member553so that the piezoelectric unit8is moved rearward by the interlocking member553in response to rotation of the actuator551. The return spring (not shown) built in the piezoelectric unit8urges the interlocking member53toward its initial position, whereby the front end portion of the actuator51is urged to rotate upward.

As shown inFIG. 33, a reinforcing rib555extending from the actuator551to the lower end of the fulcrum member552on opposite sides of the actuator551reinforces the fulcrum member552. Though, in the above embodiment, the fulcrum member552is fixed to the actuator551, the fulcrum member552may be mounted on the igniter body casing31to support the actuator551for rotation.

Operation of the igniter500of this embodiment will be described, hereinbelow. That is, when the igniter500is in its non-operated state (left to stand still) where the actuator551and the lock member554are not operated as shown inFIGS. 30 to 34, the lock member554is held in its rearward position under the force of the urging member6where the lock portion554cis projected from the actuator551, and the lock portion554cinterferes with the engagement portion36. In this state, the actuator551cannot be rotated and the igniter500is locked.

When the igniter500is to be ignited, a finger is applied to the actuating portion554aof the lock member554in the actuating portion551aof the actuator551, and the lock member554is moved forward in the direction of the arrow overcoming the force of the urging member560as shown inFIG. 35. By the lock release operation, the rear end portion of the lock portion554cis depressed in the actuator551and disengaged from the engagement portion36, whereby the igniter500is turned to the lock release state, where rotation of the actuator551is permitted.

When the front end portion of the actuator551is depressed in the direction of the arrow shown inFIG. 35to rotate the actuator551with the lock member554held in the lock release position, the interlocking member553moves rearward the piezoelectric unit8, whereby gas is supplied to the gas nozzle9and a discharge voltage is generated, whereby the discharged gas is ignited.

When depression of the actuator551is released for interrupting use of the igniter500, the actuator551is rotated in the reverse direction to return to the initial position by way of the interlocking member553under the force of the return spring (not shown) in the piezoelectric unit8and at the same time, when the actuating portion554aof the lock member554is released from the finger, the lock member554is moved rearward to the position where the lock portion554cis projected and interferes with the engagement portion36under the force of the urging member560, whereby the igniter500is automatically returned to the locked state. When the lock member554is released from the finger before the actuator551is rotated to the initial position, the lock portion554cattempts to project from the actuator551under the force of the urging member560. However, the lock portion554cslides on the surface of the upper half31aof the igniter body casing31and projects in the interfering position to return to the initial position.

In accordance with this embodiment, it is necessary to perform, prior to rotation of the actuator551, a lock release operation to slide the actuating portion554aof the lock member554. In an unused state, the lock member554and the engagement portion36are constantly engaged with each other to disable the igniter500from being ignited, and after use of the igniter500, the igniter500is automatically returned to the locked state. Accordingly, inadvertent ignition of the igniter can be prevented, and at the same time, the lock release operation and rotation of the actuator for ignition can be smoothly carried out, whereby good operability can be obtained.

Further, the igniting mechanism for generating a discharge voltage may comprise a discharge circuit using a cell in place of the piezoelectric unit8.