Abstract: A piezoelectric igniter includes a piezoelectric transducer positioned adjacent the closed bottom of a cylindrical housing. A hammer of magnetic material is axially movably guided in the housing toward impact with the transducer. An axially movable actuating member is provided in the top of the housing and the hammer is biased by a compression spring disposed between the actuator and the hammer. The hammer is attracted and held in its rest position by a permanent magnet structure located within the compression spring, and is released and accelerated towards the transducer when the compressive force of the spring, when compressed by the actuator, exceeds the attraction of the permanent magnet during operation of the igniter. A spring between the hammer and transducer returns the hammer to its rest position after impact with the transducer. The hammer may comprise an iron cup filled with lead.

Abstract: A piezoelectric igniter, especially for lighters, with a striking mechanism comprising a hammer which is movable towards a piezoelectric transducer and which co-operates with an energy storing spring which can be compressed by an actuating member. The striking mechanism has a release means comprising a permanent magnet co-operating with the hammer such that the hammer is held in its rest position by the attractive magnetic forces of the permanent magnet and is released if the energy storing spring has been compressed by the actuating member to such an extent that the spring force exceeds the attractive force of the permanent magnet. The hammer is accelerated by the energy storing spring towards the piezoelectric transducer and impinges on said transducer to generate an electric pulse which is led to a spark gap arranged adjacent a gas discharge valve of the igniter.