Lighter comprising a container suitable for a liquefied gas and a compressible member preventing overfilling of the container

Abstract

A lighter comprising a container suitable for containing a liquefied gas or a mixture of a liquid and a gas, characterized by a compressible member arranged in the container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighter systems, in particular lighters for use with liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas. BACKGROUND

[0002] Portable combustion products, such as lighters, are generally designed with a container to store a combustible material that will be ignited to produce a flame. The combustible material is typically a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that is filled in the container of the lighter under pressure through a filling valve of the lighter. During the release of the LPG from the container through a release device, in particular an outlet valve arranged in the lighter, the gas expands and mixes with the surrounding air. The mixture of the gas with the oxygen contained in the surrounding air is ignited at the outlet valve of the lighter to produce a flame.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighter with increased safety and a container for containing a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention relates to a lighter as defined in claims 1 and 12. The dependent claims depict advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0005] According to the present invention, a container suitable for containing a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, in particular for use in a lighter and preferably arranged in a lighter, comprises a compressible member arranged in the container or a partition element dividing the volume of the container into a first volume containing the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas and a second volume. The compressible member and the partition element are impermeable to gas and liquid.

[0006] In the present document, a lighter can be defined as a portable combustion product and / or a flame producing assembly. Such products and / or assemblies are generally designed to produce a flame from the combustion of a combustible material when ignited by an ignition device that can be integrated to the lighter. The combustible material can be stored within the portable combustion product and / or the flame producing assembly, for example, in a container comprised within or at the housing of the lighter. The combustible material used in the lighter can be a liquefied gas, for example, a liquefied hydrocarbon of the n-butane, isobutane, propane type or a mixture of these gases, commonly known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Portable combustion products and / or flame producing assemblies are widely used to ignite a variety of flammable materials and articles, such as cigarettes, candles, combustible gases (for example, in gas stoves), fireplaces and many others. Portable combustion products and / or flame producing assemblies are commercially available in different forms and sizes.

[0007] Liquefied gases, or mixtures of liquids and gases, particularly LPG, possess the property of converting at least partially of their gaseous state into a liquid state under certain pressure. This allows for the storage of large quantities of gas in a container, primarily in a liquid phase and partially in a gaseous phase (or gaseous sky), both maintaining thermodynamic equilibrium. Under filling conditions, the typical pressure inside the container at 23°C is 250 kPa (higher than the ambient pressure surrounding the container). The liquid portion of the liquefied gas expands with increasing temperature, the proportion of which is directly related to the cubic expansion coefficient of the liquefied gas. If an increase in ambient temperature leads to an increase in pressure inside the container (compared to the ambient pressure surrounding the container), and there is insufficient expansion space within the container, a risky situation may occur. The increased pressure leads to over-pressurization of the container and therefore the risk of it bursting as the gas may rapidly ignite into a fireball (“boiling liquid expansion vapor explosion”). This risk is particularly problematic in the case of lighters with refillable containers. If the user overfills the container with liquefied gas, the volume of the gaseous phase is extremely small, resulting in an increased internal pressure compared to when the container was initially filled with less liquefied gas. Non-refillable containers may also be subject to this risk, but the problem is addressed by the manufacturer itself by controlling the fill level during filling at the factory.

[0008] This invention avoids or reduces the risk of overfilling a container with liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, because a portion of the container volume is occupied by compressible components. If the ambient temperature increases after the initial filling of the container, the pressure inside the container also increases. Simultaneously, the compressible components are compressed due to the increased pressure, thus providing the increased volume occupied by the liquefied gas. Therefore, at increased ambient temperatures, the pressure inside the container is lower compared to a container without compressible components. Thus, this invention reduces the risk of the container potentially bursting.

[0009] According to another optional aspect of the invention, such lighters may incorporate one or more of the following features:

[0010] Alternatively, the volume containing the liquefied gas may be a first volume, and the volume defined by the external shape of the compressible component may be a second volume. Preferably, the second volume occupied by the compressible component may be both gas-tight and liquid-tight relative to the first volume.

[0011] Alternatively, the total volume of the container consisting of the first and second volumes may be constant under a given ambient pressure (particularly 1 atm) and a given ambient temperature (particularly 23°C).

[0012] Alternatively, the second volume can be reduced by expanding the first volume.

[0013] Alternatively, the compression state of the compressible component may depend on the amount of liquefied gas or liquid-gas mixture contained in the first volume.

[0014] Dividing the total container volume into two separate and variable volumes allows for an increase in the first volume and a decrease in the second volume due to the thermal expansion of the liquefied gas, and vice versa if the liquefied gas cools. Specifically, a compressible component compensates for the expansion of the first volume within the container. One advantage of such a compressible component is that it can at least partially absorb the pressure exerted by the liquefied gas on the inner wall of the container.

[0015] According to another optional aspect of the invention, when the container is filled with a predetermined maximum amount of liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, the compressible component can be compressed from an uncompressed state in which the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure to a first compressed state.

[0016] Under ambient temperature and pressure, the compressible component can be in a relaxed, uncompressed state. When liquefied gas is filled into the container, the compressible component is subjected to the vapor pressure of the gas, which can produce the first compression state of the component. The maximum amount of liquefied gas that can be filled into the container can be limited by the compressible component at a certain filling pressure to avoid the possible explosion of the lighter due to temperature increase after filling the lighter / container.

[0017] At a constant temperature, the first and second volumes can be constant, and the compressible component can be compressed only to the extent that the pressure applied to the second volume according to the first volume. For this purpose, the dimensions of the compressible component can take into account the characteristics of the filling process, especially the temperature during filling, and the liquefied gas used. Once the first compressed state of the component is reached, the first volume may not be further filled without temperature change.

[0018] Alternatively, when the container is filled with a certain amount of liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas at a pressure of 250 kPa above ambient pressure, the first compressed state of the compressible component can be achieved.

[0019] Alternatively, when the pressure in the container increases due to the expansion of the liquefied gas or liquid-gas mixture, the compressible component may be further compressed from a first compressed state to at least a second compressed state, the expansion being caused in particular by an increase in temperature, particularly 60°C or 90°C, compared to the temperature present during the initial filling of the container with a preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or liquid-gas mixture.

[0020] Under certain usage or storage conditions, the lighter's temperature may increase, which could cause the liquid phase to partially evaporate into a gaseous phase, accompanied by an increase in pressure within the first volume. This could further compress the second volume.

[0021] The lighter of the present invention may be further incorporated into the following optional aspects.

[0022] Alternatively, when the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component may occupy at least 10% of the total volume of the container, particularly at least 20%, and more particularly at least 30%.

[0023] Alternatively, when the pressure in the container is 250 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible components may occupy no more than 20% of the total volume of the container, particularly no more than 15%, and even more particularly no more than 10%.

[0024] Alternatively, when the pressure in the container is 1700 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible components may occupy no more than 10% of the total volume of the container, particularly no more than 8%, and even more particularly no more than 5%.

[0025] Alternatively, the compressible component may be made of a polymer, particularly polyurethane or butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer.

[0026] Alternatively, the material of the compressible component may be porous and may include closed holes.

[0027] The features described are not limited to the first aspect of the invention, but may be applied to any other aspect of the invention where applicable.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, a separating element that divides the container volume into a first volume and a second volume containing a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas in an airtight and liquid-tight manner can be used to replace or supplement the compressible component. If the pressure in the first volume increases (particularly due to an increase in ambient temperature), the separating element can be moved or its shape changed so as to simultaneously increase the first volume and decrease the second volume.

[0029] According to another optional aspect of the invention, such lighters may incorporate one or more of the following features.

[0030] Alternatively, the separating element may be a membrane or a flexible element.

[0031] Alternatively, the total container volume, including the first and second volumes, may be constant under a given ambient pressure and a given ambient temperature.

[0032] Alternatively, the second volume can be reduced by expanding the first volume.

[0033] Alternatively, the compression state of the second volume may depend on the amount of liquefied gas or liquid-gas mixture contained in the first volume.

[0034] Alternatively, when the container is filled with a preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, the second volume can be compressed from an uncompressed state in which the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure to a first compressed state.

[0035] Alternatively, when the container is filled with a certain amount of liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas at a pressure of 250 kPa above ambient pressure, the first compressed state of the second volume can be achieved.

[0036] Alternatively, when the pressure in the container increases due to the expansion of the liquefied gas or liquid-gas mixture, the second volume may be further compressed from the first compressed state to at least the second compressed state, the expansion being caused in particular by an increase in temperature, particularly 60°C or 90°C, compared to the temperature present during the initial filling of the container with a preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or liquid-gas mixture.

[0037] Alternatively, when the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure around the lighter, the second volume may occupy at least 10% of the total volume of the container, particularly at least 20%, and more particularly at least 30%.

[0038] Alternatively, when the pressure in the container is 250 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the second volume may occupy no more than 20% of the total volume of the container, particularly no more than 15%, and even more particularly no more than 10%.

[0039] Alternatively, when the pressure in the container is 1700 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the second separate volume may occupy no more than 10% of the total volume of the container, particularly no more than 8%, and even more particularly no more than 5%.

[0040] While any of the preceding embodiments can be used in relation to any standard lighter system, some optional features of liquefied gas and lighters can be outlined.

[0041] Alternatively, the liquefied gas in the liquid-gas mixture may have a vapor pressure equal to or greater than 104 kPa at 23°C.

[0042] Alternatively, the total container volume may be in the range of 2 cm³ to 200 cm³, particularly in the range of 3 cm³ to 100 cm³, and even more particularly in the range of 3 cm³ to 20 cm³.

[0043] Alternatively, the container may be refilled with liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas.

[0044] Alternatively, the lighter may include a first valve device for refilling the container.

[0045] Alternatively, the lighter may further include a second valve device for drawing gas from the container.

[0046] Alternatively, the lighter may further include an ignition device for igniting gas exiting the container through a second valve.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, the container is adapted to contain a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, wherein a compressible component is arranged in the container or wherein a separating element divides the container volume into a first volume and a second volume for containing the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas.

[0048] The liquefied gas that can be used in this invention may be a liquefied hydrocarbon of the type of n-butane, isobutane, propane, or a mixture of these gases, commonly referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Attached Figure Description

[0049] Additional details and features of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, in which...

[0050] Figures la to lc This is a schematic diagram of the container of a lighter in an empty state (1a), a filled state (1b), and a pressurized state (1c) according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a lighter;

[0052] Figures 3a to 3c This is a schematic diagram of the container of a lighter in an empty state (3a), a filled state (3b), and a pressurized state (3c) according to a second aspect of the invention; and

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a container for a lighter according to an alternative aspect of the invention; and

[0054] Figures 5a to 5c This is a schematic diagram of the container of a lighter in an empty state (5a), a filled state (5b), and a pressurized state (5c) according to another aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Embodiments of the lighter and container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the following figures.

[0056] Figures la to lcA container 1 for a lighter according to a first aspect of the invention is presented. Container 1 includes a variable first volume 2 for containing liquefied gas, and a compressible component occupying and defining a variable second volume 3. The first volume 2 and the second volume 3 constitute the total constant volume of container 1. The compressible component is porous and consists of a plurality of closed and deformable / compressible pores. The compressible component may be made of a polymer, particularly polyurethane or butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer. An important property of the component is its compressibility.

[0057] exist Figure la In this configuration, the first volume 2 does not contain liquefied gas, and the compressible component is only subjected to ambient temperature and pressure. The compressible component occupies the initial volume v. i It represents at least 10% (or at least 20%, or at least 30%), most preferably 15%, of the total volume V0 of container 1. The compressible component is in an uncompressed state.

[0058] exist Figure lb In this process, liquefied gas has been filled into the first volume 2 through the filling valve 4. The pressure in the first volume 2 typically corresponds to the pressure used to fill the liquefied gas. This pressure also compresses the compressible components. A liquid phase and a gas phase (also referred to as "gaseous sky") are contained within the first volume 2. The two phases exist in thermodynamic equilibrium within the container. During normal operation and at room temperature, when the gas is extracted from the container, the liquid boils, and the resulting vapor compensates for the extracted volume to restore equilibrium. At a filling temperature of 23°C (equal to ambient temperature), the vapor pressure of the gas phase in container 1 can exceed 104 kPa. Due to the pressure of the first volume 2 on the second volume 3 (in... Figure lb (The arrow above is used to depict the volume from the first volume to the second volume), the compressible part is compressed by volume v0.

[0059] The size and material properties of the compressible component can be selected as follows: the compressible component occupies no less than 15% (v0 / V0 = 15%) of the total volume of container 1 at 23°C and a certain filling pressure, for example, 250 kPa (above ambient pressure) (in some other instances, no more than 10%). Therefore, under these conditions, the filling volume of the first volume 2 does not exceed 85%. Thus, the compressible component limits the maximum amount of liquefied gas in the container during filling, wherein the first volume 2, after filling, can further expand due to temperature increase through further compression of the compressible component.

[0060] Any increase in ambient temperature, for example, to 60°C or 90°C, will cause an increase in the temperature of the liquefied gas in container 1, resulting in an increase in the pressure of the gas phase of the liquefied gas. With the liquid occupying exactly the entire free volume of the reservoir, the compressible element will compress according to the liquid's cubic expansion coefficient, proportional to the increase in the liquid's volume. Therefore, the pressure applied to the compressible component also increases, and may reach, for example, 1700 kPa or more above ambient pressure, which causes the second volume 3 of the compressible component to decrease by even more. Figure lc In this configuration, the compressible component occupies no more than 10%, no more than 8%, or no more than 5% of the total volume of container 1.

[0061] In a real-world scenario, a lighter with an internal volume Vo = 10 cm³ filled with isobutane, where the liquid exactly occupies the entire free volume of the container, has an extrusion rate v. i / v f At 1700 kPa and 90 °C, it will be 7.

[0062] The compressibility of the components allows for the balance of pressure increases between the first volume 2 and the second volume 3 while maintaining a constant total volume of container 1, rather than causing container 1 to expand and potentially burst. For portable products, such as welding torches, lighters, or public lighters, the liquefied gas used may be a liquefied hydrocarbon, such as n-butane, isobutane, propane, or a mixture of these gases, commonly referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

[0063] One risk of using LPG is that if the initial liquid level is too high (above 85% by volume at 23°C), thermal expansion can cause the vapor phase to disappear (the container then enters a “fully hydraulic state”), and the internal pressure can increase extremely rapidly with a slight increase in ambient temperature. This can cause the container to rupture due to excessive pressure on its inner walls. In the worst case, an explosion may even occur, also known as a “boiling liquid expansion vapor explosion” (BLEVE). This occurs due to the complete destruction of the pressurized container holding the liquid, which is at a temperature much higher than its boiling point at atmospheric pressure, accompanied by severe consequences such as gas sky expansion, sudden evaporation of the liquid, the potential for rapid combustion into a fireball, and the dispersion of container fragments.

[0064] Figure 2 The standard lighter shown includes: a container 20 having a first valve device 21 for refilling the container 20; a second valve device 22 for drawing gas from the container; and an ignition device 23 for igniting the gas leaving the container through the second valve device 22.

[0065] Figures 3a to 3cA container 30 according to a second aspect of the invention is presented. Here, the total container volume is divided into a variable first volume 32 and a variable second volume 33 by a separating element 31, such as a membrane or flexible element. The first volume 32 is configured to be filled with liquefied gas and the second volume 33 is filled with air, and the separating element 31 functions to balance the pressure difference between the first volume 32 and the second volume 33. The sum of the first volume 32 and the second volume 33 is always constant and represents the total volume of the container 30. In order to prevent the contents of the first volume 32 from mixing with the contents of the second volume 33, the separating element 31 is fixed to the internal surface of the container 30 and defines airtight and liquid-tight separation. The position of the attachment point of the separating element 31 to the internal surface of the container 30 is determined in combination with the material properties of the separating element 31 in order to obtain an optimal volume redistribution between the first volume 32 and the second volume 33, especially when the liquefied gas is filled in the first volume 32.

[0066] exist Figure 3a In this configuration, the first volume 32 does not contain liquefied gas, and the separating element 31 is only subjected to ambient temperature and ambient pressure. In this state, the second volume 33 may occupy at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the total volume of the container 30.

[0067] exist Figure 3b In this container 30, liquefied gas is filled into the first volume 32 via a filling valve 34. The liquefied gas applies a pressure, for example, 250 kPa, above the ambient pressure at 23°C, to the separating element 31, causing the separating element 31 to bend in the direction of the second volume 33. Thus, pressure is applied to both sides of the separating element 31, causing it to reach an equilibrium position within the container 30. Ideally, in this state, the second volume 33 occupies approximately 15% of the total volume of the container 30 to ensure sufficient volume for the expansion of the liquefied gas. Alternatively, the second volume may occupy no more than 20%, no more than 15%, or no more than 10% of the total volume of the container 30.

[0068] exist Figure 3c In this process, the vapor pressure of the liquefied gas, due to increased temperature, further pushes the separating element 31 towards the second volume 33. The balance between the pressure difference within the first volume 32 and the second volume 33 is ensured by the flexural nature of the separating element 31. The risk of overpressurization of the container 30 is kept to a minimum, thus limiting the risk of rupture.

[0069] Figure 4An alternative aspect of the invention is presented: a compressible element 41 is placed within the lighter's container 40, wherein the compressible element 41 is not connected to the sidewall of the container and has, for example, a spherical shape. The element 41 divides the total volume of the container 40 into a first volume 42 configured to contain a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, and a second volume 43 defined by the external shape of the element 41. In contrast to the previous aspect of the invention, the second volume 43 is subjected to pressure changes in the first volume 42 and is compressible according to the expansion of the first volume 42. The element 41 may be a hollow sphere or a sphere having a plurality of closed pores or holes.

[0070] Figures 5a to 5c A container 50 according to another aspect of the invention is presented. Here, the total container volume is divided by a separating element 51, such as a membrane or flexible element, into a variable first volume 52 and a variable second volume 53. The first volume 52 is configured to be filled with a liquefied gas, and the second volume 53 includes a compressible component 54. Figure 5a In this container 50, the second volume is partially filled with the compressible component 54. Alternatively, the second volume may be completely filled with the compressible component. The separator 51 functions to balance the pressure difference between the first volume 52 and the second volume 53. The sum of the first volume 52 and the second volume 53 is always constant and represents the total volume of the container 50. To prevent the contents of the first volume 52 from mixing with the contents of the second volume 53, the separator 51 defines a gas-tight and liquid-tight separation. In this embodiment, the separator 51 is fixed to the inner surface of the container 50. The location of the attachment point of the separator 51 to the inner surface of the container 50 is determined by considering the material properties of the separator 51 in order to obtain optimal volume redistribution between the first volume 52 and the second volume 53, especially when liquefied gas is filled in the first volume 52. Alternatively, the second volume defined by the separator and including the compressible component may not be attached to the sidewall of the container and may have, for example, a spherical shape (or any other closed shape).

[0071] This embodiment presents a combination of the previously disclosed first and second embodiments, while also including a separating element 51 and a compressible component 54. Figure 5a The container 50 is shown in an empty state. The first volume 52 does not contain any liquefied gas, nor any mixture of liquid and gas. The separating element 51 and the compressible component 54 are subjected to ambient temperature and pressure. Figure 5b In this configuration, the first volume 52 is filled with liquefied gas (or a mixture of liquid and gas). The separating element 51 contacts the compressible component 54 due to the filling pressure exerted on the separating element 51 by the first volume 52. Figure 5cIn this process, the vapor pressure of the liquefied gas, increased by temperature, further pushes the separating element 51 towards the second volume 53 (and the compressible component 54). The balance between the pressure difference within the first volume 52 and the second volume 53 is ensured by the flexural nature of the separating element 51 and the compressible nature of the compressible component 54. The risk of overpressurization of the container 50 is kept to a minimum, thus limiting the risk of rupture.

[0072] The volume ratios disclosed above also apply to Figures 5a to 5c The embodiment describes a second volume 53 defined by the partition element 51 and / or the compressible component 54 in an empty state (uncompressed state), which may occupy at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the total volume of the container 50. In a filled state (first compressed state), the liquefied gas applies a pressure, for example, 250 kPa, above the ambient pressure at 23°C, to the partition element 51. This causes the partition element 51 to bend in the direction of the second volume 53, i.e., the compressible component 54, and causes the compressible component to be compressed (by the pressure applied to the partition element and / or via the partition element to the compressible component). Thus, pressure is applied on both sides of the partition element 51, which brings the partition element to an equilibrium position within the container 50. Ideally, in this state, the second volume 53 occupies approximately 15% of the total volume of the container 50 to ensure sufficient volume for the expansion of the liquefied gas. Alternatively, the second volume may occupy no more than 20%, no more than 15%, or no more than 10% of the total volume of the container. Finally, under pressurized conditions (second compressed conditions), the pressure applied to the compressible component 54 is further increased and may reach, for example, 1700 kPa or more above ambient pressure, which results in a reduction of the second volume 53 or even more; the compressible component 54 occupies no more than 10%, no more than 8%, or no more than 5% of the total volume of the container 50.

[0073] Any other features disclosed in the prior embodiments may be applied. Figures 5a to 5c Examples of implementations.

[0074] Although the invention has been described above and defined in the appended claims, it should be understood that the invention may alternatively be defined according to the following embodiments:

[0075] 1. A lighter comprising a container preferably disposed within the lighter and adapted to contain a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas.

[0076] The feature is a compressible component arranged in the container.

[0077] 2. The lighter according to Embodiment 1, wherein the compressible component divides the container volume into a first volume and a second volume for containing the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas, wherein the second volume corresponds to the volume of the compressible component.

[0078] 3. The lighter according to Embodiment 2, wherein the total container volume including the first volume and the second volume is constant under a given ambient pressure and a given ambient temperature.

[0079] 4. The lighter according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the second volume can be reduced by expanding the first volume.

[0080] 5. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the compression state of the compressible component depends on the amount of the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas contained in the first volume.

[0081] 6. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein when the container is filled with a preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, the compressible component compresses from an uncompressed state in which the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure to a first compressed state.

[0082] 7. The lighter according to Embodiment 6, wherein the first compressed state of the compressible component is achieved when the container is filled with a certain amount of liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas at a pressure of 250 kPa higher than the ambient pressure.

[0083] 8. The lighter according to embodiment 6 or 7, wherein when the pressure in the container increases due to the expansion of the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas, the compressible component can be further compressed from the first compressed state to at least a second compressed state, the expansion being caused, in particular, by an increased temperature, particularly 60°C or 90°C, compared to the temperature present during the initial filling of the container with the preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas.

[0084] 9. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein when the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies at least 10%, particularly at least 20%, and more particularly at least 30% of the total volume of the container.

[0085] 10. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein when the pressure in the container is 250 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies no more than 20% of the total volume of the container, particularly no more than 15%, and more particularly no more than 10%.

[0086] 11. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein when the pressure in the container is 1700 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies no more than 10% of the total volume of the container, particularly no more than 8%, and more particularly no more than 5%.

[0087] 12. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the compressible component is made of a polymer, particularly polyurethane or butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer.

[0088] 13. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the material of the compressible component is porous and includes closed holes.

[0089] 14. A lighter comprising a container preferably disposed within the lighter and adapted to contain a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas.

[0090] The feature is that it divides the container volume into a first volume and a second volume that contain the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas in a liquid-tight and gas-tight manner.

[0091] 15. The lighter according to embodiment 14, wherein the pressure difference between the first volume and the second volume is balanced within the container by deformation of the separating element.

[0092] 16. The lighter according to embodiment 15, wherein the separating element is a membrane or a flexible element.

[0093] 17. The lighter according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the total container volume including the first volume and the second volume is constant under a given ambient pressure and a given ambient temperature.

[0094] 18. The lighter according to any one of embodiments 15 to 17, wherein the second volume can be reduced by expanding the first volume.

[0095] 19. The lighter according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the compression state of the second volume depends on the amount of the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas contained in the first volume.

[0096] 20. The lighter according to any one of embodiments 15 to 19, wherein when the container is filled with a preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas, the second volume is compressed from an uncompressed state in which the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure to a first compressed state.

[0097] 21. The lighter according to embodiment 20, wherein when the container is filled with a certain amount of liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas at a pressure of 250 kPa above the ambient pressure, the first compressed state of the second volume is achieved.

[0098] 22. The lighter according to embodiment 20 or 21, wherein when the pressure in the container increases due to the expansion of the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas, the second volume can be further compressed from the first compressed state to at least the second compressed state, the expansion being caused, in particular, by an increased temperature, particularly 60°C or 90°C, compared to the temperature present during the initial filling of the container with the preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas.

[0099] 23. The lighter according to any one of embodiments 15 to 22, wherein when the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure around the lighter, the second volume occupies at least 10%, particularly at least 20%, and more particularly at least 30% of the total volume of the container.

[0100] 24. The lighter according to any one of embodiments 15 to 23, wherein when the pressure in the container is 250 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the second volume occupies no more than 20% of the total volume of the container, particularly no more than 15%, and more particularly no more than 10%.

[0101] 25. The lighter according to any one of embodiments 15 to 24, wherein when the pressure in the container is 1700 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the second volume occupies no more than 10% of the total volume of the container, particularly no more than 8%, and more particularly no more than 5%.

[0102] 26. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a compressible component disposed in the second volume.

[0103] 27. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the liquefied gas in the liquid-gas mixture has a vapor pressure equal to or greater than 104 kPa at 23°C.

[0104] 28. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the total container volume is in the range of 2 cm3 to 200 cm3, particularly in the range of 3 cm3 to 100 cm3, and even more particularly in the range of 3 cm3 to 20 cm3.

[0105] 29. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the container may be refilled with liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas.

[0106] 30. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, comprising a first valve device for refilling the container.

[0107] 31. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a second valve device for drawing gas from the container.

[0108] 32. The lighter according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further includes an ignition device for igniting the gas exiting the container through the second valve.

[0109] 33. A container suitable for containing liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas.

[0110] The feature is that it is arranged in the container as a compressible component or as a dividing element that divides the container volume into a first volume and a second volume for containing the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas.

Claims

1. A lighter comprising a container disposed within the lighter and adapted to contain a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, and a compressible component disposed within the container. Its features are, When the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies at least 30% of the total volume of the container; When the pressure in the container is 250 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies no more than 10% of the total volume of the container. When the pressure in the container is 1700 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies no more than 5% of the total volume of the container.

2. The lighter of claim 1, wherein the compressible component divides the container volume into a first volume and a second volume for containing the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas, wherein the second volume corresponds to the volume of the compressible component.

3. The lighter of claim 2, wherein the total container volume of the first volume and the second volume is constant under a given ambient pressure and a given ambient temperature, wherein the second volume can be reduced by expanding the first volume.

4. The lighter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the compression state of the compressible component depends on the amount of the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas contained in the first volume.

5. The lighter according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein when the container is filled with a preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, the compressible component compresses from an uncompressed state in which the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure to a first compressed state.

6. The lighter of claim 5, wherein when the pressure in the container increases due to the expansion of the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas, the compressible component is capable of further compressing from the first compressed state to at least a second compressed state, the expansion being caused by an increase in temperature compared to the temperature present during the initial filling of the container with the preset maximum amount of liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas.

7. The lighter according to claim 6, wherein the increased temperature is 60°C or 90°C.

8. The lighter according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the compressible component is made of a polymer, and / or the material of the compressible component is porous and includes closed pores.

9. The lighter according to claim 8, wherein the polymer is polyurethane or butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer.

10. A lighter comprising a container disposed within the lighter and adapted to contain a liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, a separating element dividing the container volume into a first volume and a second volume containing the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas in a liquid-tight and gas-tight manner, and a compressible component disposed in the second volume. Its features are, When the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies at least 30% of the total volume of the container; When the pressure in the container is 250 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies no more than 10% of the total volume of the container. When the pressure in the container is 1700 kPa higher than the ambient pressure around the lighter, the compressible component occupies no more than 5% of the total volume of the container; and The pressure difference between the first volume and the second volume is balanced within the container by the deformation of the separating element.

11. The lighter of claim 10, wherein the separating element is a membrane or a flexible element, wherein the total container volume of the first volume and the second volume is constant under a given ambient pressure and a given ambient temperature, and wherein the second volume is capable of being reduced by expanding the first volume.

12. The lighter according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the compression state of the second volume depends on the amount of the liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas contained in the first volume, wherein when the container is filled with a predetermined maximum amount of liquefied gas or the mixture of liquid and gas, the second volume is compressed from an uncompressed state in which the pressure in the container is the same as the ambient pressure to a first compressed state.

13. The lighter according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the container is refillable with liquefied gas or a mixture of liquid and gas, the lighter comprising: A first valve device is used for refilling the container. A second valve device is used to extract gas from the container, and An ignition device for igniting the gas exiting the container through the second valve device. The total container volume is 2cm. 3 up to 200cm 3 Within the range.

14. The lighter according to claim 13, wherein the total container volume is 3 cm³. 3 up to 100cm 3 Within the range.

15. The lighter according to claim 14, wherein the total container volume is 3 cm³. 3 up to 20cm 3 Within the range.

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