Apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture, transmission element for transmitting a high-voltage ignition voltage, ignition device, and circuit device

Abstract

An apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture provides an ignition system for generating a high-voltage ignition voltage, a circuit device comprising a circuit for superimposing a high-frequency signal on to the high-voltage ignition voltage, a spark plug in an engine block, and a transmission element having a high-voltage conductor which is guided in an insulation element. The high-voltage conductor is used for transmitting the ignition voltage, onto which the high-frequency signal has been superimposed, to the spark plug. Further provided is an electrically conducting shielding element which surrounds the high-voltage conductor in an electromagnetically shielding manner at least along one portion of the longitudinal axis of the high-voltage conductor. The shielding element is connected in an electrically conducting manner to a ground potential of the circuit device and establishes a connection between the ground potential of the circuit device and a ground electrode of the spark plug.

Claims

1. An apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture, comprising: an ignition system for generating a high ignition voltage; a circuit device having a circuit for superimposing the high ignition voltage with a high-frequency signal; a spark plug located within a shaft defined within an engine block, the spark plug having a ground electrode operatively communicating with the engine block; a transmission element which is guided in an insulation element, the transmission element encompassing a high-voltage conductor for transmitting the high ignition voltage, superimposed with the high-frequency signal, to the spark plug, and wherein an electrically conductive shielding element is provided, and the electrically conductive shielding element encompasses the high-voltage conductor at least along a section of the high-voltage conductor longitudinal axis in an electromagnetic shielding manner; and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is electrically conductively connected to a ground potential of the circuit device; and the electrically conductive shielding element establishes an electrical connection between the ground potential of the circuit device and the ground electrode of the spark plug; and wherein at least one of the electrically conductive shielding element and/or a ground conductor connected to the electrically conductive shielding element extends to the spark plug to establish an electrically conductive connection between the circuit device and the ground electrode of the spark plug via the spark plug; and wherein the high voltage conductor is at least partially embodied as an electrically conductive spring.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element encompasses the insulation element on the outside of the high-voltage conductor at least along a section of the high-voltage conductor longitudinal axis.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a circuit housing which electromagnetically shields the circuit.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 and wherein, the electrically conductive shielding element is connected to at least one of a ground potential of the circuit housing or a ground potential of the circuit.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 and wherein the ground potential of the circuit is connected to the ground potential of the circuit housing.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein, the high-voltage conductor is a spring.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the insulation element is made of at least one of rubber or a rubber-like material.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is formed by metallizing the insulation element.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element extends to the engine block to establish an electrical connection between the ground potential of the circuit device and the ground electrode of the spark plug via the engine block.

10. A transmission element for transmitting a high ignition voltage from an ignition system to a spark plug, comprising: a high-voltage conductor which is guided in an insulation element, and wherein the high-voltage conductor is at least partially an electrically conductive spring that has a longitudinal axis; an electrically conductive shielding element which encompasses the electrically conductive spring in an electromagnetic shielding manner along a section of the electrically conductive spring's longitudinal axis; and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is arranged and embodied so that the electrically conductive shielding element encompasses at least a portion of a longitudinal axis of the insulation element and on an outside of the insulation element; and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is at least partially formed by metallization of the insulation element or a coating of the insulation element; and wherein the insulation element has at least one recess or at least one depression that is not metalized or coated, so that at least one of non-metallized/non-coated recesses/depressions are formed on the surface of the insulation element.

11. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is at least partially a spring band which is wound in a sleeve shape.

12. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is at least partially a torsion spring.

13. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is at least partially a spring cage.

14. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is at least partially a closed metal sleeve.

15. An ignition device for generating a high ignition voltage, comprising: a circuit device having a circuit for superimposing a high-frequency signal on the high ignition voltage; and a transmission element to transmit the high ignition voltage on which the high-frequency signal is superimposed to a spark plug, the transmission element having a high-voltage conductor which is guided in an insulation element, and wherein the high-voltage conductor is at least partially an electrically conductive spring that has a longitudinal axis; an electrically conductive shielding element which encompasses the electrically conductive spring in an electromagnetic shielding manner along a section of the electrically conductive spring's longitudinal axis; and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is arranged and embodied so that the electrically conductive shielding element encompasses at least a portion of a longitudinal axis of the insulation element and on an outside of the insulation element; and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is at least partially formed by metallization of the insulation element or a coating of the insulation element; and wherein the insulation element has at least one recess or at least one depression that is not metalized or coated, so that at least one of non-metallized/non-coated recesses/depressions are formed on the surface of the insulation element.

16. A circuit device for superimposing a high-frequency signal on a high ignition voltage, comprising: a transmission element that has, a high-voltage conductor which is guided in an insulation element, and wherein the high-voltage conductor is an electrically conductive spring that has a longitudinal axis, and an electrically conductive shielding element which encompasses the electrically conductive spring in an electromagnetic shielding manner along a section of the electrically conductive spring's longitudinal axis, and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element encompasses at least a portion of a longitudinal axis of the insulation element and on an outside of the insulation element; and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is at least partially formed by metallization of the insulation element or a coating of the insulation element; and wherein the insulation element has at least one recess or at least one depression that is not metalized or coated, so that at least one of non-metallized/non-coated recesses/depressions are formed on the surface of the insulation element; and the high-voltage conductor transmits the high ignition voltage on which the high-frequency signal is superimposed to the spark plug.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is a spring band.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is wound in a sleeve shape.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is wound in as a torsion spring.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is formed by metallizing the insulation element and is a spring cage.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is a spring sleeve.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is a metal sleeve. insulation element, and wherein a ground conductor is continued up to a second end of the insulation element proximate to the spark plug.

23. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element encompasses only a section of the longitudinal axis of the insulation element on the outside of the insulation element, and wherein a ground conductor is continued up to a second end of the insulation element proximate to the spark plug.

24. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element encompasses the insulation element from a first end up to a second end on the outside of the insulation element.

25. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is at least partially at least one of a metal sleeve and a spring sleeve with recesses.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element is a spring cage.

27. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the insulation element is made of at least one of rubber or a rubber-like material.

28. The transmission element as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element encompasses only a section of the longitudinal axis of the insulation element on the outside of the electrically conductive shielding element, and starting from a first end of the insulation element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings.

(2) The figures show a preferred exemplary embodiment in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with one another. However, the features of the exemplary embodiment can also be implemented in isolation from the other features of the exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further expedient combinations and sub-combinations.

(3) In the figures:

(4) FIG. 1 is an illustration of the invention with a cross-sectional illustration of a circuit housing of a circuit device and a transmission element.

(5) FIG. 2 is a cross-section illustration of the transmission element, having a high-voltage conductor embodied as a spring, which is guided in an insulation element, wherein the shielding element is embodied as an evolute spring.

(6) FIG. 3 is a cross-section illustration of the transmission element, having a high-voltage conductor embodied as a spring, which is guided in an insulation element, wherein the shielding element is embodied as a torsion spring.

(7) FIG. 4 is a cross-section illustration of the transmission element, having a high-voltage conductor embodied as a spring, which is guided in an insulation element, wherein the shielding element is embodied as a metallic coating of the insulation element.

(8) FIG. 5 is a cross-section illustration of the transmission element, having a high-voltage conductor embodied as a spring, which is guided in an insulation element, wherein the shielding element is embodied as a spring cage or spring sleeve.

(9) FIG. 6 is a cross-section illustration of the transmission element, having a high-voltage conductor embodied as a spring, which is guided in an insulation element, wherein the shielding element is embodied as a metal sleeve or spring sleeve with recesses.

(10) FIG. 7 is a cross-section illustration of the transmission element, having a high-voltage conductor embodied as a spring, which is guided in an insulation element, wherein the shielding element is embodied as a metallic coating with gaps.

(11) FIG. 8 shows a second contemplated embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in which a metallic coating of the insulation element extends from the circuit housing to a spark plug.

DETAILED WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(12) The basic principle, and the basic mode of functioning of an internal combustion engine, in particular an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, and the associated apparatus for igniting a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber, in particular a cylinder of the engine, are well known from the general prior art. In particular, internal combustion engines with external ignition by spark plugs, so-called Otto engines, in particular also with direct injection, are known.

(13) The generation of a high ignition voltage using an ignition system that transforms a battery voltage to a required ignition voltage is also known in principle. The generation of a high-frequency signal, in particular a high-frequency plasma ignition device for igniting a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, is also known in principle, for which reference is also made to DE 20 2012 004 602 U1.

(14) FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture, in particular a fuel-air mixture, with an ignition system 1, shown only in a basic form, for generating a high ignition voltage (HV pulse) and a circuit device 2.

(15) In the exemplary embodiment, the circuit device 2 comprises a circuit housing 3 and a circuit 4 for superimposing a high-frequency signal (HF signal) on the high ignition voltage. In the exemplary embodiment, the high-frequency signal is generated by means of a high-frequency generator 5. The high-frequency signal generated by the high-frequency generator 5 is fed to the circuit 4 via a high-frequency lead 5a. Accordingly, the high ignition voltage generated by the ignition system 1 is also fed to the circuit 4 via a high-voltage lead 1a.

(16) Alternatively, the ignition system 1 and/or the high-frequency generator 5 and/or another apparatus for generating the high ignition voltage or the high-frequency signal can also be integrated into the circuit device 2, in particular into the circuit housing 3 and possibly also into the circuit 4.

(17) The generation of the high ignition voltage or a corresponding high-voltage pulse and the high-frequency signal can in principle take place in any known manner within the scope of the invention.

(18) A transmission element 6 is also provided, which has a high-voltage conductor 7 which is guided in an insulation element 8.

(19) The high ignition voltage on which the high-frequency signal is superimposed by the circuit 4 is applied to the high-voltage conductor 7 of the transmission element 6.

(20) As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 8, the transmission element 6 leads to a spark plug 10 arranged in an engine block 9.

(21) The spark plug 10 can have any suitable design for igniting a fuel-air mixture. As can be seen from the basic illustration in FIGS. 1 and 8, the spark plug 10 in the exemplary embodiment has a metallic connection part 11, a ceramic part 12, a flange 13 with an integrated crimped ring for holding the ceramic part 12 in place, a screw-in thread 14, a center electrode 15 and a ground electrode 16.

(22) The design of the spark plug 10 can also differ; in particular, instead of a center electrode 15 insulated by means of ceramic part 12, some other insulation can also be provided.

(23) The design of spark plugs and the different variants are known from the prior art.

(24) The spark plug 10 is located in a shaft of the engine block 9. The shaft in the engine block 9 does not have to run at an angle, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, but can have any desired course, possibly also a non-angled course.

(25) According to the invention, due to the design of the transmission element 6, which is described in more detail below, it is possible to dispense with an interference suppression resistor integrated in the spark plug 10.

(26) In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the spark plug 10 is connected to the engine block 9 in an electrically conductive manner via the screw-in thread 14.

(27) The circuit housing 3 is designed to be electrically conductive in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 8, so that the circuit 4 is electromagnetically shielded. The circuit 4 can be connected to the circuit housing 3 via a ground line 17, so that the circuit housing 3 and the circuit 4 have the same ground potential.

(28) In the exemplary embodiment, the high-voltage conductor 7 is embodied as a spring 7. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this. The formation of the high-voltage conductor as a spring 7 is particularly suitable, however, in particular to compensate for tolerances.

(29) The high-voltage conductor 7 can optionally also be embodied such that it is embodied as a spring only over part of its longitudinal axis A or (axial) length.

(30) In the exemplary embodiment it is further provided that the insulation element 8 encompasses or encases the spring 7. This can preferably be achieved in that the insulation element 8 has a central grilled hole for receiving the spring 7.

(31) The insulation element 8 is preferably made of rubber or a rubber-like material, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this.

(32) In the exemplary embodiment, the insulation element 8 also fulfils the function of a sealing part or takes on a sealing function. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the insulation element 8 seals both the junction with the circuit housing 3 and the junction area with the engine block 9 so that no moisture can penetrate. For this purpose, the insulation element 8 can be designed accordingly, preferably having grooves, for example a wall of the circuit housing 3 and/or ring-shaped extensions for positive accommodation, as shown in a basic form in FIGS. 1 to 8.

(33) As can be seen from the figures of the drawings, an electrically conductive shielding element 18 is provided or formed. The shielding element 18 encompasses and shields the spring 7 here, at least along a section of the longitudinal axis A of the spring 7.

(34) In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7, it is shown that the shielding element 18 encompasses the spring 7 in an electromagnetically shielding manner only over part of the axial length or longitudinal axis A. The shielding element 18 is preferably designed in such a way that the shielding element 18 encompasses the spring 7 to such an extent that the distance d between the circuit housing 3 and the engine block 9 is shielded.

(35) In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8, it is provided that the shielding element 18 encompasses the spring 7 outside the circuit housing 3 up to the spark plug 10. This is to say the spring 7 is encompassed by the shielding element 18 outside the circuit housing almost over its entire length.

(36) The shielding element 18 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a ground or to the ground potential of the circuit device 2. The shielding element 18 establishes a connection between the ground of the circuit device 2 and the ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10.

(37) In the exemplary embodiment, the shielding element 18 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the circuit housing 3 of the circuit device 2. The circuit housing 3 is connected to the circuit 4 via the ground line 17, as already described, so that the circuit 4, the circuit housing 3 and also the shielding element 18 have the same ground or the same ground potential.

(38) In the exemplary embodiment, the shielding element 18 is embodied in such a way that it encompasses the insulation element 8 on the outside at least along a section of its longitudinal axis A.

(39) The exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7 show that the shielding element 18 encompasses the insulation element 8 over a portion of the longitudinal axis A thereof. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8, it is provided that the shielding element 18 encompasses the insulation element 8 on the outside over the entire or at least approximately the entire (axial) length. As already described, the spring 7 is accordingly encompassed and shielded by the shielding element 18.

(40) In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7 it is provided that the shielding element 18 extends as far as the engine block 9 in order to establish an electrical connection between the ground of the circuit device 2 and the ground electrode 16 via the engine block 9.

(41) The alternative contemplated embodiment shown in FIG. 8 shows a variant in which it is provided that the shielding element 18 extends as far as the spark plug 10 in order to establish an electrically conductive connection to the ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10 directly via the spark plug 10. The shielding element 18 is preferably connected to the crimped ring 13 and this in turn is connected to the ground electrode 16 via the screw-in thread 14.

(42) In a manner not shown, as an alternative to the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 8, a ground conductor connected to the shielding element 18 extends to the spark plug 10 in order to establish an electrically conductive connection to the ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10 directly via the spark plug 10. In this case, the shielding element 18 does not have to be continued up to the spark plug 10, as shown in FIG. 8. The shielding can be provided within the engine block 9 by the engine block 9 or the correspondingly designed shaft for spark plugs 10, while the ground conductor (not shown) establishes a connection starting from the shielding element 18, preferably via the crimped ring 13 and the screw-in thread 14, with the ground electrode 16, is produced so that the ground electrode 16 has the same potential as the circuit device 2.

(43) In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7, it is provided that, starting from a first end 8a of the insulation element 8, the shielding element 18 only encompasses or surrounds a portion of the longitudinal axis A of the insulation element 8 on the outside. As stated, a ground conductor (not shown in more detail) can optionally be extended to a second end 8b of the insulation element 8 facing the spark plug 10.

(44) In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, it is provided that the shielding element 18 extends from a first end 8a to a second end 8b of the insulation element 8.

(45) As can also be seen from FIGS. 1 and 8, it can be provided that the circuit housing 3 is secured on the engine block 9. The area of the engine block 9 on which the circuit housing 3 is secured can be a cylinder head of the cylinder into which the spark plug 10 is inserted.

(46) A fastening 19 for securing the circuit housing 3 is shown in a basic form in FIGS. 1 and 8.

(47) In FIGS. 2 to 7, different embodiments of the shielding element 18 are shown, which can also be used in combination with one another for the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 as well as for those shown in a basic form in FIG. 8.

(48) In FIG. 2, the shielding element 18 has a spring band 20 wound in the form of a sleeve. This can be an evolute spring. According to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the shielding element 18 is also provided such that the connection to the circuit housing 3 or the engine block 9 is shielded accordingly by the shielding element 18, wherein an electrically conductive connection to the spring band 20 is established. This can be a part of the spring band 20, but can also be a metallic sleeve, a metallic coating or the like. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the connection area of the shielding element 18 to the circuit housing 3 or the engine block 9 is embodied as part of the spring band 20 or the evolute spring.

(49) FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the shielding element 18 at least partially as a torsion spring 21. The connection to the circuit housing 3 or the engine block 9 can take place similarly to FIG. 2. The connection area is preferably embodied as part of the torsion spring 21.

(50) In FIG. 4, the shielding element 18 is embodied as metallization or a coating of the insulation element 8. In a manner not shown in more detail, it can be provided that the insulation element 8 is completely metallically coated or metallized along the depicted section, in particular between the circuit housing 3 and the engine block 9, so that the metallization or the coating is embodied as a cylinder in a closed circumferential manner. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, however, it is provided that the insulation element 8 has recesses 22 or depressions that are not provided with a metallization or a coating. The coating may be metallic but is not required to be metallic.

(51) It is preferably provided that the recesses 22 do not run around the insulation element 8 in a ring shape, but are only partially ring-shaped so that the electromagnetic shielding is impaired as little as possible and in particular an electrical connection in the axial direction of the shielding element 18 is maintained. The recesses 22 are designed in such a way that the brittleness of the metallization or the metallic coating is reduced when the insulation element 8 moves radially.

(52) As shown in a basic form in FIG. 8, the metallization or the coating of the insulation element 8 can also extend from the circuit housing 3 to the spark plug 10. In this case, too, recesses 22, depressions or general areas can be provided that are not metallized or coated. For example, the metallization can have gaps.

(53) FIG. 5 shows a configuration in which the shielding element 18 is at least partially embodied as a spring cage 23 or as a spring sleeve. The spring cage 23 can, as shown in FIG. 5, optionally have a “lampion-shaped” form, or a central bulge, which preferably runs completely around in a ring configuration.

(54) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, it is provided that the shielding element 18 is embodied as a metal sleeve 24. Recesses 25 or punched-out portions are provided, which can preferably extend in the axial direction, preferably in a curved fashion, in order to influence or increase the elasticity of the metal sleeve 24.

(55) FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the shielding element 18 with a metallization or a coating, the metallization or the coating having gaps 26 in order to influence or increase the elasticity.

(56) The variants of the shielding elements 18 illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 7 can be designed in a suitable manner, in particular in the connection areas to the circuit housing 3 and/or to the engine block 9, or possibly have a different design, which ensures that in this area also there is good shielding against moisture, an electrically conductive connection and/or a seal.

(57) An apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture with an ignition system 1 for generating a high ignition voltage and a circuit device 2, comprising a circuit 4 for superimposing the high ignition voltage with a high-frequency signal and with a spark plug 10 arranged in an engine block 9 and a transmission element 6, comprising a high-voltage conductor 7, which is guided in an insulation element 8, for transmitting the high ignition voltage superimposed with the high-frequency signal to the spark plug 10, wherein an electrically conductive shielding element 18 is provided, which comprises the high-voltage conductor 7 at least along a section of its longitudinal axis A in an electromagnetic shielding manner and wherein the shielding element 18 is electrically conductively connected to a ground potential of the circuit device 2 and the shielding element 18 establishes a connection between the ground potential of the circuit device 2 and a ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10.

(58) The apparatus, characterized in that the shielding element 18 comprises the insulation element 8 on the outside at least along a section of its longitudinal axis A.

(59) The apparatus, characterized in that the circuit device 2 comprises a circuit housing 3 which electromagnetically shields the circuit 4.

(60) The apparatus, characterized in that the shielding element 18 is connected to a ground potential of the circuit housing 3 and/or to a ground potential of the circuit 4.

(61) The apparatus, characterized in that the ground potential of the circuit 4 is connected to the ground potential of the circuit housing 3.

(62) The apparatus, characterized in that the high-voltage conductor is embodied at least in certain sections as a spring 7.

(63) The apparatus, characterized in that the insulation element 8 is made of rubber or a rubber-like material.

(64) The apparatus, characterized in that the shielding element 18 is formed by metallizing the insulation element 8 and/or as a spring band 20 which is wound in a sleeve shape and/or as a torsion spring 21 and/or as a spring cage 23 and/or as a spring sleeve and/or as a metal sleeve 24.

(65) The apparatus, characterized in that the shielding element 18 extends to the engine block 9 in order to establish an electrical connection between the ground potential of the circuit device 2 and the ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10 via the engine block 9.

(66) The apparatus, characterized in that the shielding element 18 and/or a ground conductor connected to the shielding element 18 extends to the spark plug 10 in order to establish an electrically conductive connection between the circuit device 2 and the ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10, directly via the spark plug 10.

(67) A transmission element 6 for transmitting a high ignition voltage from an ignition system 1 to a spark plug 10, having a high-voltage conductor 7 which is guided in an insulation element 8, characterized in that the high-voltage conductor is at least partially embodied as an electrically conductive spring 7 and the transmission element 6 has an electrically conductive shielding element 18 which comprises the spring 7 in an electromagnetic shielding manner at least along a section of its longitudinal axis A, wherein the shielding element 18 is arranged and embodied in such a way that the shielding element 18 comprises at least a portion of the longitudinal axis A of the insulation element 8 on the outside.

(68) The transmission element 6, characterized in that the insulation element 8 is made of rubber or a rubber-like material.

(69) The transmission element 6, characterized in that the shielding element 18 comprises only a section of the longitudinal axis A of the insulation element 8 on the outside or the shielding element 18, starting from a first end 8a of the insulation element 8, only comprises a section of the longitudinal axis A of the insulation element 8 on the outside, wherein a ground conductor is continued up to a second end 8b of the insulation element 8 facing the spark plug 10 or the shielding element 18 encompasses the insulation element 8 from the first end 8a up to the second end 8b on the outside.

(70) The transmission element 6, characterized in that the shielding element 18 is at least partially formed by metallization or a coating of the insulation element 8.

(71) The transmission element, characterized in that the insulation element 8 has at least one recess 22 or at least one depression that is not provided with metallization or coating, and/or in that the metallization has gaps 26 so that non-metallized areas are formed on the surface of the insulation material 8.

(72) The transmission element 6, characterized in that the shielding element 18 is at least partially embodied as a spring band 20 which is wound in a sleeve shape.

(73) The transmission element 6, characterized in that the shielding element 18 is at least partially embodied as a torsion spring 21.

(74) The transmission element 6, characterized in that the shielding element 18 is at least partially embodied as a spring cage 23 and/or a spring sleeve.

(75) The transmission element 6 characterized in that the shielding element 18 is at least partially embodied as a closed metal sleeve 24 and/or in that the shielding element 18 is at least partially embodied as a metal sleeve 24 and/or as a spring sleeve with recesses 25.

(76) An ignition device, with an ignition system 1 for generating a high ignition voltage, with a circuit device 2 comprising a circuit 4 for superimposing a high-frequency signal on the high ignition voltage, and with a transmission element 6 in order to transmit the high ignition voltage on which the high-frequency signal is superimposed to a spark plug 10.

(77) A circuit device 2 for superimposing a high-frequency signal on a high ignition voltage, and with a transmission element 6, in order to transmit the high ignition voltage on which the high-frequency signal is superimposed to the spark plug 10.

(78) An apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture, comprising: an ignition system 1 for generating a high ignition voltage; a circuit device 2 having a circuit 4 for superimposing the high ignition voltage with a high-frequency signal; a spark plug 10 having a ground electrode 16 and operatively communicating with an engine block 9; a transmission element 6 which is guided in an insulation element 8, the transmission element 6 encompassing a high-voltage conductor 7 for transmitting the high ignition voltage, superimposed with the high-frequency signal, to the spark plug 10, and wherein an electrically conductive shielding element 18 is provided, and the electrically conductive shielding element 18 encompasses the high-voltage conductor 7 at least along a section of the high-voltage conductor longitudinal axis A in an electromagnetic shielding manner; and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is electrically conductively connected to a ground potential of the circuit device 2; and the electrically conductive shielding element 18 establishes an electrical connection between the ground potential of the circuit device 2 and the ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10.

(79) An apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 encompasses the insulation element 8 on the outside of the high-voltage conductor 7 at least along a section of the high-voltage conductor 7 longitudinal axis A.

(80) An apparatus further comprising: a circuit housing 3 which electromagnetically shields the circuit 4.

(81) An apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is connected to at least one of a ground potential of the circuit housing 3 and a ground potential of the circuit 4.

(82) An apparatus wherein the ground potential of the circuit 4 is connected to the ground potential of the circuit housing 3.

(83) An apparatus wherein the high-voltage conductor 7 is a spring 20.

(84) An apparatus wherein the insulation element 8 is made of at least one of rubber and a rubber-like material.

(85) An apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is formed by metallizing the insulation element 8.

(86) An apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 extends to the engine block 9 to establish an electrical connection between the ground potential of the circuit device 2 and the ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10 via the engine block 9.

(87) An apparatus wherein at least one of the electrically conductive shielding element 18 and a ground conductor connected to the electrically conductive shielding element 18 extend to the spark plug 10 to establish an electrically conductive connection between the circuit device 2 and the ground electrode 16 of the spark plug 10 via the spark plug 10.

(88) A transmission element 6 for transmitting a high ignition voltage from an ignition system 1 to a spark plug, comprising: a high-voltage conductor 7 which is guided in an insulation element 8 and wherein the high-voltage conductor 7 is at least partially an electrically conductive spring 20 that has a longitudinal axis A; an electrically conductive shielding element 18 which encompasses the electrically conductive spring 7 in an electromagnetic shielding manner along a section of the electrically conductive spring's 20 longitudinal axis A; and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is arranged and embodied so that the electrically conductive shielding element 18 encompasses at least a portion of a longitudinal axis A of the insulation element 8 and on an outside of the insulation element 8.

(89) A transmission element 6 wherein the insulation element 8 is made of at least one of rubber and a rubber-like material.

(90) A transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 encompasses only a section of the longitudinal axis A of the insulation element 8 on the outside or the electrically conductive shielding element 18, and starting from a first end 8a of the insulation element 8.

(91) A transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is at least partially formed by metallization of the insulation element 8 or a coating of the insulation element 8.

(92) A transmission element 6 wherein the insulation element 8 has at least one recess 22 or at least one depression that is not metalized or coated, so that at least one of non-metallized/non-coated recesses/depressions are formed on the surface of the insulation element 8.

(93) A transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is at least partially a spring band 20 which is wound in a sleeve shape.

(94) A transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is at least partially a torsion spring 21.

(95) A transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is at least partially a spring cage 23 and/or a spring sleeve 25.

(96) A transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is at least partially a closed metal sleeve 24.

(97) An ignition device 1 for generating a high ignition voltage, comprising: a circuit device having a circuit 4 for superimposing a high-frequency signal on the high ignition voltage; and a transmission element 6 to transmit the high ignition voltage on which the high-frequency signal is superimposed to a spark plug 10.

(98) A circuit device 2 for superimposing a high-frequency signal on a high ignition voltage, comprising: a transmission element 6 that has, a high-voltage conductor 7 which is guided in an insulation element 8, and wherein the high-voltage conductor 7 is an electrically conductive spring 20 that has a longitudinal axis A, and an electrically conductive shielding element 18 which encompasses the electrically conductive spring 20 in an electromagnetic shielding manner along a section of the electrically conductive spring's 20 longitudinal axis A, and wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 encompasses at least a portion of a longitudinal axis A of the insulation element 8 and on an outside of the insulation element 8; and the high-voltage conductor 7 transmits the high ignition voltage on which the high-frequency signal is superimposed to the spark plug 10.

(99) The apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is a spring band 20.

(100) The apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is wound in a sleeve shape.

(101) The apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is wound in as a torsion spring 21.

(102) The apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is formed by metallizing the insulation element 8 and may be in the form of a spring cage 23.

(103) The apparatus wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is a spring sleeve 24, and may further be in the form of a metal sleeve.

(104) The transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 encompasses only a section of the longitudinal axis A of the insulation element 8 on the outside of the insulation element 8, and wherein a ground conductor is continued up to a second end 8b of the insulation element 8 proximate to the spark plug 10.

(105) The transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 encompasses the insulation element 8 from a first end 8a up to a second end 8b on the outside of the insulation element 8.

(106) The transmission element 6 wherein the electrically conductive shielding element 18 is at least partially at least one of a metal sleeve 24 and a spring sleeve with recesses 25.

(107) Having described our Apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture, transmission element for transmitting a high-voltage ignition voltage, ignition device and circuit device, we respectfully request issuance of US utility letters patent.