dart

Abstract

A throwing dart (1, 31) for electronic darts is proposed, which is equipped with an elongated, hollow cylinder (2), a piston (9), a guide pin (10, 40), and a rounded or frustoconical dart tip (11, 11a, 11b, 41). The cylinder (2) has a first through-opening (4), a cylindrical first cavity (7) extending in the longitudinal direction (3), and a cylindrical second cavity (8) adjoining the first cavity (7) in the longitudinal direction (3) and also extending in the longitudinal direction (3). The piston (9) is guided in the second cavity (8) so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction (3) of the cylinder (2). It is supported on the cylinder (2) by a spring (13) arranged in the second cavity (8), which is deflected when the piston (9) is displaced in the longitudinal direction (3) of the cylinder (2).The guide pin (10, 40) is arranged with its rear end (53) at a front end of the piston (9), guided in the first cavity (7), and slidably received together with the piston (9) in the cylinder (2). The front end of the guide pin (10, 40) protrudes from the cylinder (2). The dart tip (11, 11a, 11b, 41) is arranged at this front end of the guide pin (10, 40).

Description

[0001] The invention is based on a throwing dart for e-darts.

[0002] Darts is a throwing game in which darts are thrown at a board divided into segments with markings. Each segment is assigned a point value. The score achieved in a throw depends on which of the segments the dart lands in. Darts are also called darts. They typically have a tip or point, a central body called a barrel, a shaft attached to the central body, and guide vanes, also called flights, attached to the rear end of the shaft. Because darts originated in Great Britain, the terms are typically used in English.

[0003] In steel-tip darts, the darts have a metal tip. The steel-tip dartboard is made of sisal fibers. The segments are enclosed by a wire mesh. Since a throw is only scored if the dart remains stuck in the steel-tip dartboard until it is withdrawn, the tips of steel-tip darts are designed to be as pointed as possible at the front end, allowing the dart to penetrate the steel-tip dartboard as deeply as possible.

[0004] WO 03 / 024541 A1 discloses a steel dart with a dart tip that is accommodated in a cylinder and a collet of the steel dart, allowing it to be displaced along the longitudinal axis and deflected about a pivoting cone relative to the longitudinal axis. To enable this deflection, the dart tip is conically flared at its rear end and equipped with a concave spherical surface. A piston, which has a convex spherical surface at its front end, is displaceably accommodated in the combination of cylinder and collet. The piston rests on the cylinder with its rear end via a spring. The piston and dart tip rest loosely against each other with their spherical surfaces.The spring-loaded plunger, which can be moved along with the dart tip, and the deflectability of the dart tip are designed to ensure that the steel dart remains stuck in the steel dartboard even if the dart tip hits one of the steel dartboard's wires during the throw. In this case, the dart tip is deflected radially by the steel dartboard's wire, while the remaining components of the steel dart, due to their inertia, follow the original trajectory and ensure that the steel dart penetrates the steel dartboard with its angled tip next to the wire.

[0005] DE 296 14 524 U1 also discloses a steel dart with a cylinder and a dart tip that is axially displaceable within the cylinder and can be deflected around a pivoting cone. For this purpose, the dart tip is equipped with a hemispherical head at its rear end, which is received in a corresponding spherical recess in the cylinder. The dart tip rests loosely on a cylindrical sliding pin that is displaceable within the cylinder and supported by a spring. Just as in the aforementioned publication, this is intended to reduce the risk of the steel dart ricocheting off the wires of the steel dartboard.

[0006] GB 1541886 A also discloses a steel-tipped dart in which the risk of ricocheting off the wires of the steel-tipped dartboard is reduced by a dart tip that is housed in a body of the steel-tipped dart, allowing axial displacement and radial deflection. Unlike the two previous publications, the steel-tipped dart is not equipped with a plunger. The dart tip merely has a shoulder against which a spring arranged in the body rests.

[0007] The steel darts mentioned are not suitable for electronic darts, as their pointed dart tip would damage the electronic dartboard and the radially deflectable dart tip would prevent the dart from reliably penetrating the electronic dartboard.

[0008] Electronic darts are also known as soft darts, automatic darts, or electronic darts. Unlike steel darts, electronic darts automatically record the score of darts thrown at the dartboard and stuck there. For this purpose, the electronic dartboard is equipped with a multitude of funnel-shaped holders arranged in a row, combined with an electronic recording device. To prevent damage to the electronic dartboard, electronic darts have a plastic dart tip that is blunt, particularly rounded, at the front end. Furthermore, the weight of conventional electronic darts is limited. Conventional electronic darts have a rigid construction, with the dart tip firmly attached to the body of the dart.Because plastic is a relatively soft material, the plastic dart tip can easily deform with repeated use. However, a bent dart tip impairs the dart's flight characteristics. This, in turn, makes it more difficult to aim at the segments of the electronic dartboard. Electronic darts are therefore often equipped with a replaceable dart tip. This is typically connected to the rest of the dart via a screw connection. To replace it, a bent dart tip can be unscrewed from the dart and a new one screwed on. A disadvantage, however, is that replacement is often necessary after just a few throws. The consumption of plastic dart tips is therefore relatively high. This requires a considerable amount of time, energy, and money.Since plastic dart tips cannot be easily reused or recycled, frequent replacement of dart tips is associated with environmental pollution.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a throwing dart for electronic darts which avoids the frequent replacement of the dart tip, which has good throwing properties and which penetrates an electronic dartboard safely and reliably when thrown without damaging it.

[0010] This object is achieved by a dart having the features of claim 1. The dart is characterized in that the body or barrel of the dart is designed as a cylinder having two longitudinally extending, interconnected cavities. A cylindrical first cavity is located at the front end of the cylinder. This first cavity is connected to the outside of the cylinder via a through opening. Adjoining the first cavity in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder is a cylindrical second cavity which has a larger cross-section than the first cavity. A piston is mounted in the second cavity so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction. The piston is supported on the cylinder by a spring. At the front end of the piston there is a guide pin whose cross-section is smaller than the cross-section of the piston.The guide pin, which is housed in the piston at its rear end, is slidably guided in a central section within the first cavity and protrudes from the cylinder with its front section. The front end of the guide pin is equipped with a dart tip. This can be formed integrally with the guide pin or detachably connected to the guide pin, for example via a screw connection. The dart tip is crucial for the function of the dart, as it establishes contact with the dartboard. To prevent damage to the electronic dartboard, the dart tip is rounded or frustoconical at its front end facing away from the piston. The piston, the guide pin, and the dart tip are rigidly connected to one another.When a force acts on the dart tip when it hits the electronic dartboard or another object, the unit consisting of the dart tip, guide pin and piston is moved longitudinally relative to the cylinder. This leads to a deflection of the spring, which supports the piston against the cylinder. The deflection of the spring creates a restoring force. This causes the combination of piston, guide pin and dart tip to return to its original position relative to the cylinder after impact. The design of the dart provides cushioning. The impact is absorbed. This protects the dart tip and limits or even prevents deformation of the dart tip. The combination of piston, spring, guide pin and dart tip helps to optimize energy transfer upon impact and extends the lifespan of the dart tip and thus the dart.

[0011] The spring can be designed, for example, as a coil spring, leaf spring, pneumatic spring, or hydraulic spring. It is essential that the spring has greater elasticity than the dart tip, the guide pin, and the piston, so that the forces acting on the dart tip in the axial direction relative to the dart's longitudinal axis reliably deflect the spring and do not deform the dart tip.

[0012] The specific design of the cavities ensures precise guidance of the piston and guide pin. Since the first cavity has a smaller cross-section than the second cavity, the transition between the first and second cavities forms a stop for the piston. The piston is thus held securely and captive in the cylinder. The diameter of the second cavity is advantageously adapted to the outer diameter of the piston so that the piston is guided in the second cavity with little play. Accordingly, the diameter of the first cavity is adapted to the outer diameter of the guide pin so that the guide pin is guided in the first cavity with little play. This arrangement enables precise guidance and movement of the piston and guide pin in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a conical section of the dart tip is connected longitudinally directly to the front end of the dart tip, with which the dart penetrates and becomes lodged in a funnel-shaped receptacle of an electronic dartboard. The conical section tapers towards the front end of the dart tip, which improves the dart's penetration ability and stability in the receptacle of the electronic dartboard. The conical section of the dart tip interacts directly with the funnel-shaped receptacle of the electronic dartboard, ensuring a precise fit that makes it easier for the dart to become lodged. This leads to an improved hit rate and a more stable position of the dart in the electronic dartboard, which is advantageous for electronic dart systems, as they rely on accurate hit detection.The tapered section toward the front of the dart tip facilitates the dart's penetration into the electronic dartboard, meaning less force is required to propel the dart into the funnel-shaped receiver. This can extend the lifespan of the electronic dartboard by reducing the stress on the receiver. Furthermore, the conical shape helps ensure that the dart remains firmly in place once it has penetrated the electronic dartboard and is not easily released, thus improving game reliability. The spring in the second cavity of the cylinder supports this function by keeping the plunger, and thus the guide pin and dart tip, in an optimal position to ensure smooth and controlled movement.Overall, these new features significantly improve the functionality and reliability of the dartboard by optimizing the interaction between the dartboard and the dartboard, providing a more precise and stable gaming experience.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dart tip is formed in one piece with the guide pin. This reduces the number of joints and facilitates the manufacture of the guide pin and dart tip unit. This one-piece construction eliminates the need for additional fasteners or adhesives, which are required with a two-piece design. In addition to reducing manufacturing complexity, this also minimizes the likelihood of material fatigue or failure at the joints. Furthermore, this construction improves the precision and balance of the dart, as the mass is more evenly distributed and no irregularities are created by joints. This leads to an improved trajectory and accuracy of the dart.If the dart tip is damaged, the guide pin and dart tip unit must be replaced in the case of the one-piece version.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dart tip is detachably connected to the guide pin via a screw connection. This connection between the dart tip and the guide pin enables easy and quick replacement of the dart tip in the event of damage. In this case, the guide pin remains attached to the dart and does not need to be replaced. The screw connection ensures that the dart tip is firmly and securely attached to the guide pin. At the same time, this connection allows the user to easily replace the dart tip if necessary, whether due to wear, damage, or the desire to use a different tip with specific properties. This significantly increases the flexibility and adaptability of the dart, as different dart tips can be used depending on the playing conditions or the player's personal preferences.In addition, the ability to easily remove and replace the dart tip contributes to the longevity of the dart, as only the dart tip and not the entire dart needs to be replaced when the tip becomes worn or damaged.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dart tip is made of plastic.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dart tip has a metal core with a plastic coating. Suitable metals include steel or aluminum. The metal core in the dart tip provides the necessary stability and strength to withstand the mechanical stresses upon impact with the dartboard. At the same time, the metal core ensures precise weighting of the dart tip, which is crucial for the dart's flight stability and accuracy. The plastic coating, on the other hand, serves several purposes. First, it reduces the risk of injury by covering the sharp edges of the metal core, thus enabling safer handling. Second, the plastic coating's elasticity helps minimize the risk of damage to the electronic dartboard.Thirdly, the plastic coating minimizes friction between the dart tip and the dartboard, extending the lifespan of both the dart tip and the electronic dartboard. Furthermore, the plastic coating can be designed to provide better adhesion to the electronic dartboard, increasing the likelihood of the dart sticking after impact. This combination of metal core and plastic coating ensures that the dart tip is both robust and safe, while maintaining the required flight characteristics. The specific communication between the metal core and the plastic coating is achieved through a solid bond, ensuring that both components function as a single unit. This bond can be achieved through various processes such as overmolding or bonding to ensure a durable and stable unit.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dart tip is made of steel. Steel as a material for the dart tip offers high strength and durability, which extends the lifespan of the dart and reduces the need for frequent replacement parts. The use of steel makes the dart tip more resistant to wear and damage that can occur from repeated impacts with the dartboard or other hard surfaces. Since the dart is cushioned by the spring and the sliding bearing of the unit consisting of plunger, guide pin, and dart tip, the risk of damage to the electronic dartboard is also minimized. The previously prescribed use of plastic dart tips for electronic darts can therefore be eliminated when using the darts according to the invention. Rounded metal dart tips are therefore possible.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide pin is made of plastic. Compared to other materials such as metal, plastic offers a significant weight reduction. This can improve the handling and throwing characteristics of the dart, as a lighter guide pin reduces the inertia of the dart and thus enables more precise throws. Furthermore, plastic can exhibit greater flexibility, which increases the fracture strength of the guide pin and thus extends the service life of the dart. Another advantage of using plastic is the ability to manufacture the guide pin more cost-effectively, which reduces the production costs of the dart and makes it more economically attractive. Plastic can also be easily manufactured in various colors and shapes, which offers a greater variety of design options and makes the dart more visually appealing.Because plastic can exhibit lower friction than metal, this could improve the sliding properties of the guide pin in the first cavity, thus optimizing the sliding movement of the piston and guide pin in the cylinder. This, in turn, can lead to smoother and more consistent movement, increasing the precision and consistency of the dart's performance. Furthermore, plastic can offer better damping properties, reducing the shock load when the dart hits the electronic dartboard, thus reducing the stress on the dart's internal components. This, in turn, can improve the durability and reliability of the dart.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide pin is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic. Fiber-reinforced plastic is characterized by high strength and rigidity, achieved by embedding fibers such as glass, carbon, or aramid fibers in a plastic matrix. This reinforcement increases the mechanical strength of the guide pin, making it more resilient to the forces exerted upon impact of the dart on the electronic dartboard. Furthermore, fiber-reinforced plastic is lighter than many metals, which reduces the overall weight of the dart. A lower weight can improve the handling and throwing characteristics of the dart, allowing the player to execute more precise throws.In addition, fiber-reinforced plastic offers high corrosion resistance, increasing the longevity of the guide pin, especially in high-humidity environments or when exposed to perspiration. The use of fiber-reinforced plastic can also improve vibration damping, resulting in a smoother and more stable dart trajectory.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide pin is made of metal. Steel or aluminum, for example, are suitable. Compared to other materials such as plastic, metal is more resistant to mechanical stress caused by repeated shocks and vibrations when the dart hits the electronic dartboard. This increased strength and durability contribute to an overall longer lifespan of the dart, which is particularly important for use in electronic dart systems where precise and repeatable performance is required. In addition, metal offers a higher density than many other materials, which contributes to increasing the weight of the guide pin. A heavier guide pin can improve the stability of the dart during flight by increasing the moment of inertia, thus reducing the tendency of the dart to spin or wobble uncontrollably.This results in a more precise trajectory and a higher hit rate. Another advantage of using metal is its low deformability under stress. Metallic surfaces are generally less susceptible to wear and corrosion, especially when made of stainless or coated metals. This ensures that the dart remains in optimal condition over a longer period of time. Finally, the use of metal can also offer aesthetic benefits. Metallic guide pins can be polished or coated for an attractive appearance, making the dart not only functional but also visually appealing.

[0022] The piston has a blind hole in which the guide pin is received and secured at its rear end. This specific design of the piston and the method of attaching the guide pin bring several technical advantages and improvements. First, the presence of the blind hole in the piston allows for precise and stable accommodation of the guide pin. This contributes to the structural integrity and longevity of the dart, as the guide pin is firmly anchored in the piston and is therefore less susceptible to loosening or displacement that might occur during use. Attaching the guide pin in the blind hole of the piston also ensures precise alignment of the guide pin along the length of the cylinder.This is crucial for the accuracy and consistency of the dart's movement, as precise alignment ensures that the guide pin can slide smoothly into the first cavity of the cylinder without jamming or jamming. Furthermore, securing the guide pin in the blind bore of the piston helps reduce vibrations and unwanted movement that could negatively affect the dart's trajectory.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide pin is attached to the piston via a screw connection. The screw connection enables a firm yet detachable connection between the guide pin and the piston, which increases the stability and precision of the dart. The screw connection allows the guide pin to be securely attached to the piston, preventing unwanted movement or loosening during use. This results in a more smooth and controlled movement of the guide pin within the cylinder, which improves the accuracy and consistency of throws. Furthermore, the screw connection facilitates maintenance and component replacement. Should the guide pin become damaged or worn, it can simply be unscrewed and replaced with a new one without having to replace the entire piston or other parts of the dart.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide pin is connected to the piston by gluing, soldering, shrinking or pressing.

[0025] According to an embodiment not according to the invention, the guide pin is formed in one piece with the piston.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring is a helical spring. A helical spring, also known as a helix spring, is characterized by its ability to efficiently absorb and store axial forces. In the described configuration of the dart, the helical spring is arranged in the second cylindrical cavity of the cylinder and rests against it. The spring can be positioned at the rear end of the piston, the front end of the piston, or in between. The piston, which is guided for displacement in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder, is also in contact with the helical spring. When the piston is displaced longitudinally, the helical spring is deflected from its initial position, thereby storing potential energy. This stored energy is released as soon as the external force displacing the piston subsides, forcing the piston back to its original position.This mechanism ensures a reliable and repeatable return force, which is crucial for the dart's function. The spring can be arranged in the cylinder in such a way that it is subjected to tension or compression when the piston is displaced longitudinally within the cylinder. The coil spring provides a smooth and controlled movement of the piston, which improves the precision and consistency of the dart. Furthermore, due to its geometric shape and material properties, the coil spring is capable of absorbing high loads and maintaining its shape and function over many cycles. This increases the dart's longevity and reliability.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring is a leaf spring.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring is a pneumatic spring. This enables a more consistent and controlled return force, resulting in more precise control of the plunger movement. It ensures that the guide pin and dart tip always return to the same starting position. Furthermore, the pneumatic spring reduces mechanical wear because it has fewer moving parts and does not create metal-on-metal friction. This increases the lifespan of the dart and reduces the need for maintenance and component replacement. Furthermore, the pneumatic spring provides better dampening of shocks and vibrations that occur when the dart hits the dartboard. This protects the dart's internal components from damage and contributes to the product's longevity.Furthermore, the pneumatic spring can be adjusted to different pressure levels to fine-tune the return force and meet the user's individual needs and preferences. This adaptability allows the dart to be optimized for different playing styles and techniques.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring is a hydraulic spring.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piston has a larger cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis than the guide pin. The larger cross-section of the piston compared to the guide pin improves stability and guidance of the piston within the second cylindrical cavity of the cylinder. This stability is crucial to ensure smooth and low-friction movement of the piston, which in turn increases the precision and reliability of the dart. The larger cross-section of the piston also offers a larger contact area with the spring arranged in the second cavity, whereby the spring force is transferred to the piston more efficiently. This leads to a more uniform deflection of the spring when the piston is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder, which optimizes the restoring force of the piston and thus improves the functionality of the dart.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piston has a larger cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis than the first cavity. The larger cross-section of the piston ensures that it cannot penetrate into the first cavity, thereby ensuring a clear separation of the two cavities and their respective functions. The piston is thus held captively in the second cavity.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide pin and the piston are essentially cylindrical with a circular cross-section. The first cavity, the second cavity, the guide pin, and the piston are arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The cylindrical and circular design of the guide pin and piston enables smooth and low-friction movement within the cylinder. This leads to more precise guidance and lower mechanical resistance, which extends the service life of the components and minimizes maintenance requirements. The coaxial arrangement of all relevant components along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder ensures optimal alignment and stability during movement. This arrangement helps to ensure that the forces are evenly distributed and that no undesirable lateral loads occur that could impair function.Furthermore, the coaxial arrangement allows for a compact design of the dart, which is particularly advantageous with regard to handling and throwing behavior. The spring, located in the second cavity and supporting the piston along the length of the cylinder, also benefits from this arrangement, as it is evenly loaded and can thus exert a constant restoring force on the piston.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cylinder has a second through-opening at a second end facing away from the first end, which is closed by a closure piece. The second through-opening at the second end of the cylinder allows access to the first and second cavities of the cylinder from the opposite side of the first end. This facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the dart, as it allows the user to insert and remove the piston, spring, and guide pin from the cylinder. The closure piece, which closes the second through-opening, ensures that the cavity remains securely closed during normal use of the dart, thus preserving the functionality and structural integrity of the dart.The breechblock can be designed to be easily removed and reattached, for example, with a screw thread or a snap-in mechanism. This design increases the modularity of the dart, as individual components can be replaced as needed without having to replace the entire dart.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring is arranged between the closure piece and the piston. The spring is thus held in a clearly defined position and easily accessible.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a shaft with guide vanes is arranged at the second end of the cylinder or at the breech. The shaft serves as an extension of the cylinder and contributes to stabilizing the dart during flight. The guide vanes, which are attached to this shaft and are also referred to as the flight, play a crucial role in the aerodynamic control of the dart. They ensure that the dart maintains a stable trajectory and minimize the likelihood of deviations or turbulence that could be caused by air currents.

[0036] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description, the drawings and the claims. drawing

[0037] The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. They show: Fig. 1 first embodiment of a throwing dart in perspective view, Fig. 2 darts according to Fig. 1 in longitudinal section, Fig. 3 cylinders with spring, piston, guide pin and dart tip of the dart according to Fig. 1, wherein the piston, the guide pin and the dart tip are arranged relative to the cylinder opposite the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown position are shifted longitudinally, Fig. 4 alternative design of a dart tip for the throwing arrow according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 further alternative design of a dart tip for the throwing arrow according to Fig. 1, Fig. 6 second embodiment of a dart, where only the cylinder, the spring, the piston and the guide pin with dart tip are shown, Fig. 7 Guide pin with dart tip of the dart according to Fig. 6 in side view, Fig. 8 Guide pin according to Fig. 7 in perspective view, Fig. 9 Dart tip not according to the invention, which alternatively can be attached to the dart according to Fig. 1 can be arranged, Fig. 10 guide pin not according to the invention, which alternatively can be attached to the dart according to Fig. 6 can be arranged. Description of the embodiments

[0038] In the Fig. 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of a throwing dart 1 with sliding dart tips 11, 11a and 11b. The central component of the throwing dart 1 is the elongated cylinder 2, which is designed as a hollow body. The cylinder 2 has a first through-opening 4 at a first end 5, which is also referred to as the front end. This through-opening 4 allows the entry and guidance of the guide pin 10 within the cylinder 2. The cylinder 2 extends in the longitudinal direction 3 and comprises two cylindrical cavities. The first cylindrical cavity 7 is directly adjacent to the first through-opening 4 and has a smaller cross-section than the second cylindrical cavity 8, which also extends in the longitudinal direction 3 and is adjacent to the first cavity 7.

[0039] Within the second cavity 8, a piston 9 is guided for displacement in the longitudinal direction 3 of the cylinder 2. This piston 9 is supported on the cylinder 2 via a spring 13 arranged in the second cavity 8. The spring 13 is designed as a helical spring. It is deflected when the piston 9 is displaced in the longitudinal direction 3 of the cylinder 2, thereby generating a restoring force.

[0040] A guide pin 10 is arranged with a rear end 53 at a front end of the piston 9 and is displaceable together with the piston 9 in the cylinder 2. The guide pin 10 is movably received in the first cavity 7 and protrudes from the cylinder 2 with its front end facing away from the piston 9. At its front end, the guide pin 10 is inserted into the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is equipped with a dart tip 11. The dart tip 11 is rounded at its front end 12, facing away from the plunger 9. The electronic dartboard is not shown in the drawing.

[0041] The piston 9 has a larger cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 than the guide pin 10 and the first cavity 7. The guide pin 10 and the piston 9 are essentially cylindrical with a circular cross-section and are arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 3 of the cylinder 2. The first cavity 7, the second cavity 8, the guide pin 10, and the piston 9 are also arranged coaxially.

[0042] The cylinder 2 has a second through-opening 18 at a second end 6 facing away from the first end 5, which is also referred to as the rear end. The second through-opening is closed by a closure piece 19. The spring 13 is arranged between the closure piece 19 and the piston 9. A shaft 20 with guide vanes 21 is arranged on the closure piece 19. These guide vanes 21 stabilize the flight of the dart 1 and ensure precise alignment during the throw.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows the various connections and fastenings of the components. The piston 9 has a blind hole 17 in which the guide pin 10 is received and secured at its rear end. The guide pin 10 is connected to the piston 9 via a screw connection or by gluing, soldering, shrinking, or pressing. Alternatively, the guide pin 10 can also be formed in one piece with the piston 9.

[0044] The dart tip 11 has a metal core 14 which is provided with a plastic sheath 15.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows the dart according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with the unit comprising dart tip 11, guide pin 10 and piston 9 displaced relative to the cylinder 2. This displacement results from a force acting on the dart tip 11 in the direction of the Fig. 3, for example, upon impact with an electronic dartboard (not shown). For better clarity, the shaft and the guide wings are shown in Fig. 3 are not shown. Due to the force, the dart tip 11, the guide pin 10 and the piston 9 were displaced in the direction of the arrow along the longitudinal axis 3 relative to the cylinder 2 and the spring 13 was compressed.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the dart tip 11a in a longitudinal section and in a cross-section. The outer shape of the dart tip 11a corresponds to the outer shape of the dart tip 11. The corresponding features are provided with the same reference numerals. The dart tip 11a is made of plastic 25. It has a rounded dart tip 12 and an adjoining conical section 22. The dart penetrates the electronic dartboard with the front rounded end 12 and the conical section 22. The conical section 22 is followed in the longitudinal direction 3 by a further section in which the cross-section of the dart tip 11, 11a continuously increases. Instead of a metal core, the dart tip 11a is equipped with a cavity 24.At the end facing away from the dart tip 12, the dart tip 11a has an internal thread 26 with which it can be screwed onto the front end of the guide pin 10 of the dart 1 instead of the dart tip 11.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of the dart tip 11b in a longitudinal section and a cross-section. The external shape of the dart tip 11b corresponds to the external shape of the dart tips 11 and 11a. The corresponding features are provided with the same reference numerals. The dart tip 11b has neither a metal core nor a cavity extending into the conical section 22. In accordance with the dart tips 11 and 11a, it has a rounded dart tip 12, a conical section 22, and an internal thread 26. Furthermore, it is made of plastic.

[0048] In the Fig. 6 to 8, a second embodiment of a dart 31 is shown. The dart 31 differs from the dart 1 in that the guide pin 40 is formed in one piece with the dart tip 41. The guide pin 40 with the dart tip 41 is in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shown in isolation. In accordance with the dart tips 11, 11a and 11b, the dart tip 41 has a rounded front end 42 and an adjoining conical section 52. The guide pin 40 has an external thread at its rear end 53. The cylinder 2, the piston 9, the spring 13 and the closure piece 19 of the dart 31 correspond to the corresponding components of the dart 1, which is why corresponding reference numbers have been used. Corresponding to the dart 1, the dart 31 can be equipped with a shaft with guide vanes. Guide pin 40 can be arranged in the piston 9 instead of the guide pin 10. An exchange is possible. For this purpose, the guide pin 10, which is connected to the piston 9 via a screw connection, is detached from the piston and instead the guide pin 40 is inserted into the blind hole 17 of the piston 9 and screwed tight.

[0049] Fig. Figure 9 shows a steel dart tip 54 for steel darts in a longitudinal section and a cross-section. Unlike the dart tips 11, 11a, 11b, and 41, the steel dart tip is not rounded at the front end 55 but is designed to be as pointed as possible. It has an internal thread 56 with which it can be screwed onto the guide pin 10 of the dart 1 in place of the dart tips 11, 11a, and 11b according to the invention. In this way, the dart 1 can be used either for electronic darts or for steel darts.

[0050] Fig.Figure 10 shows a guide pin 57, which is formed in one piece with a steel dart tip 58 for steel darts, in a longitudinal section and a cross-section. Just like the steel dart tip 54, the front end 59 of the steel dart tip 58 is designed to be as pointed as possible. At its rear end 60, the guide pin 57 is equipped with an external thread, with which the guide pin 57 is screwed into the piston 2 instead of the guide pin 10 of the dart 1 or instead of the guide pin 40 of the dart 31. In this way, the dart 31 can be used either for electronic darts or for steel darts.

[0051] All features of the invention can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with one another. Reference numbers 1 dart 2 cylinders 3 Longitudinal direction 4 First passage opening 5 First end of the cylinder 6 Second end of the cylinder 7 First cavity 8 Second cavity 9 pistons 10 guide pin 11 dart tips 11a Dart tip 11b dart tip 12 Front end of the dart tip 13 spring 14 Metal core of the dart tip 15 Plastic coating 16 screw connection 17 blind hole 18 Second passage opening 19 Locking piece 20 shaft 21 guide wings 22 Conical section of the dart tip 24 cavity 25 plastic 26 internal threads 31 darts 40 guide pin 41 dart tips 42 front end of the dart tip 52 conical section of the dart tip 53 rear end of the guide pin 54 steel dart tips 55 front end of the steel dart tip 56 internal thread 57 guide pin with steel dart tip 58 steel dart tips 59 front end of the steel dart tip 60 rear end of the steel dart tip

Claims

[1] Dart (1, 31) for E-darts with an elongated cylinder (2) designed as a hollow body, - which has a first through-opening (4) at a first end (5), - which has a cylindrical first cavity (7) extending in the longitudinal direction (3) and adjoining the first through-opening (4), - which has a cylindrical second cavity (8) adjoining the first cavity (7) in the longitudinal direction (3) and also extending in the longitudinal direction (3), - wherein the first cavity (7) has a smaller cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (3) than the second cavity (8), with a piston (9) displaceably guided in the second cavity (8) in the longitudinal direction (3) of the cylinder (2), with a guide pin (10, 40) which is arranged with a rear end (53) at a front end of the piston (9) and is displaceable together with the piston (9) in the cylinder (2) in such a way that the guide pin (10, 40) is movably received in the first cavity (7) and protrudes from the cylinder (2) with its front end facing away from the piston (9), wherein the guide pin (10, 40) is provided at its front end with a dart tip (11, 11a, 11b, 41), wherein the dart tip (11, 11a, 11b, 41) is rounded or frustoconical at its front end (12, 42) facing away from the piston (9), wherein the piston (9) is supported on the cylinder (2) via a spring (13) arranged in the second cavity (8), which is deflected upon displacement of the piston (9) in the longitudinal direction (3) of the cylinder (2), wherein the piston (9) has a blind hole (17) in which the guide pin (10, 40) is received and fastened with its rear end (53). [2] Dart according to claim 1, characterized by that in the longitudinal direction (3) a conical section (22, 52) of the dart tip (11, 11a, 11b, 41) is directly connected to the front end (12, 42) of the dart tip (11, 11a, 11b, 41), with which the dart (1, 31) penetrates into a funnel-shaped receptacle of an electronic dartboard and becomes stuck, the conical section (22, 52) tapering towards the front end (12, 42) of the dart tip (11, 11a, 11b, 41). [3] Dart according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the dart tip (41) is formed in one piece with the guide pin (42). [4] Dart according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the dart tip (11, 11a, 11b) is detachably connected to the guide pin (10) via a screw connection. [5] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dart tip (11, 11a, 11b, 41) is made of plastic. [6] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dart tip (11) has a metal core (14) with a sheath (15) made of plastic. [7] Throwing dart according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the dart tip is made of steel. [8] Throwing dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide pin (10, 40) is made of plastic. [9] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide pin (10, 40) consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic. [10] Throwing dart according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the guide pin (10, 40) is made of metal. [11] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the guide pin (1, 40) is attached to the piston (9) via a screw connection. [12] Dart according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the guide pin (10, 40) is connected to the piston (9) by gluing, soldering, shrinking or pressing. [13] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spring (13) is a helical spring. [14] Dart according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the spring is a leaf spring. [15] Dart according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the spring is designed as a pneumatic spring. [16] Dart according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the spring is designed as a hydraulic spring. [17] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the piston (9) has a larger cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3) than the guide pin (10, 40). [18] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the piston (9) has a larger cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3) than the first cavity (7). [19] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide pin (10, 40) and the piston (9) are substantially cylindrical with a circular cross-section, and that the first cavity (7), the second cavity (8), the guide pin (10, 40) and the piston (9) are arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis (3) of the cylinder (2). [20] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cylinder (2) has a second through-opening (18) at a second end (6) facing away from the first end (5), which is closed by a closure piece (19). [21] Dart according to claim 20, characterized by that the spring (13) is arranged between the closure piece (19) and the piston (2). [22] Dart according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a shaft (20) with guide wings (21) is arranged on the cylinder (2).

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