EP3889918A1 - Lock cylinder for a game machine, game machine and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22), the lock cylinder (10) having an electromechanical locking device (12) and a mechanical locking device (14). The electromechanical locking device (12) and the mechanical locking device (14) can be unlocked in order to unlock the lock cylinder (10). The present invention also relates to a gaming machine (22) with a plurality of lock cylinders (10) and a method (100, 200) for controlling a lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22).

Description

The present invention relates to a lock cylinder for a gaming machine and a method of controlling a lock cylinder for a gaming machine. The present invention also relates to a gaming machine.

Gaming machines of the generic type generally have a machine housing with a base body and a door arrangement, the machine housing often having a play mechanism with, for example, circulating bodies or the like carrying winning symbols and serving to notify the winners. In addition, the machine housing usually houses safety-critical components such as a cash box, a controller and various service modules. In order to regulate access to the machine itself and to the components in the machine, several lock cylinders (usually up to four lock cylinders) are installed as part of the locking system in such gaming machines.

It is known that slot machines, in particular cash-operated slot machines with a profit promising for the user, are repeatedly exposed to criminal activities, so that the security of the locking systems themselves but also the controllability and transparency of the service processes are critical. For example, when a plurality of machine modules or a plurality of service personnel are involved, there may be difficulties in verifying the identity of the persons who are permitted access to the interior of a gaming machine.

The problem here is that conventional gaming machines are provided with simple safety devices. For example, gaming machines of the type mentioned at the beginning often have simple locks with purely mechanical lock cylinders which have mechanical tumbler pins and can be unlocked by means of a mechanical key. Such a mechanical lock cylinder is from the publication, for example EP 1 482 109 A2 known.

Such security devices have the decisive disadvantage that they can be opened easily, for example by using force or by replicating duplicate keys or other auxiliary tools, so that unauthorized persons can easily gain access to the interior of the gaming machine.

It is also particularly critical that the possibility of controllability of people who are authorized, for example, to remove the cash box, operate the control and / or service modules, as well as the possibility of controllability of access events (e.g. access time, access duration, etc.) with conventional gaming machines are limited.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lock cylinder for a gaming machine which offers more security against unauthorized actions and is suitable for retrofitting existing gaming machines without structural modifications. The latter is to be considered against the background that the lock cylinders built into conventional gaming machines are due to the limited space available characterized by their small, filigree design. There is also a need for a method of controlling a lock cylinder.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a lock cylinder for a gaming machine is therefore proposed, the lock cylinder having an electromechanical locking device and a mechanical locking device. The electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device can be unlocked in order to unlock the lock cylinder.

In the present case, a lock cylinder can be understood to mean that part of a cylinder lock that is to be actuated by means of a key and / or an electronic access authorization, which, as is known, consists of a housing and a rotatable cylinder core. The verification of the electronic access authorization is preferably carried out using an electronic identifier (e.g. in the form of a mobile transponder as an RFID data carrier, NFC data carrier or the like) in which the data relevant for checking the access authorization (identification code or access authorization code) is stored in electronic form . The electronic access authorization can also be checked using a mobile phone (smartphone) or a portable computer (PDA or tablet computer).

In other words, the lock cylinder has a combined mechanical and electromechanical locking device. In order to be able to release or unlock the locking cylinder as a whole, the electromechanical locking device must accordingly also be unlocked in addition to the mechanical locking device. The combined arrangement of the mechanical and electromechanical locking devices in a lock cylinder enables existing gaming machines to be retrofitted without structural modifications and, due to the additionally provided electromechanical locking device, offers an additional security measure against unauthorized actions.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a gaming machine is proposed which has a plurality of lock cylinders, each with an electromechanical locking device and a control device, the control device having at least one Lock cylinder of the plurality of lock cylinders selectively releases based on an electronic access authorization check.

The gaming machine identified according to the second aspect has a plurality of lock cylinders in order to regulate access to the gaming machine itself and to the components housed in the gaming machine (e.g. cash box, control, service modules). Furthermore, a control device of an electronic type is provided. The access authorization check is similar to authentication. As soon as an identification code is accepted by the electronic control device, the power supply to an electromechanical drive can be switched through, for example via a circuit breaker, so that this causes the electromechanical locking device to be released. When the electromechanical locking device is released, the lock cylinder can be locked or unlocked, for example, by means of an actuating element (handle, preferably a knob or the like).

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a lock cylinder for a gaming machine is proposed, the lock cylinder having an electromechanical locking device and a mechanical locking device, the electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device being unlocked in order to release the lock cylinder.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a lock cylinder for a gaming machine is proposed, the lock cylinder having an electromechanical locking device, the electromechanical locking device being optionally unlocked based on an electronic access authorization check in order to release the locking cylinder.

The problem presented at the beginning is thus completely solved.

In one embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that the lock cylinder has evaluation electronics for recognizing an access authorization.

The evaluation electronics are optionally connected to an identifier (e.g. a smartphone or tablet, a transponder, etc.) by means of a wireless or radio connection. In this way, authentication data or the electronically readable code can be supplied wirelessly via the identifier (or alternatively via electronic contacts) to the evaluation electronics and processed further. The wireless communication between the evaluation electronics and the identifier for authenticating the authorization request can take place, for example, via Bluetooth or other wireless transmission techniques. In particular, the identification carrier can be authenticated by means of BLE authentication (“Bluetooth Low Energy”).

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that the electromechanical locking device interacts with the evaluation electronics.

The operative connection is such that the evaluation electronics controls the electromechanical locking device after successful authentication of an access authorization request in such a way that the electromechanical locking device can be locked or unlocked.

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that the electromechanical locking device has an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element which can be moved between a locking position in which the electromechanical locking device is locked and a release position in which the electromechanical locking device is unlocked .

In other words, the locking or coupling element is actuated by an electromechanical actuator and in this way enables the electromechanical locking device to be locked or unlocked. It can be provided that the locking or coupling element interacts with a coupling mechanism provided in the electromechanical locking device, so that the electromechanical locking device can be optionally unlocked depending on the position. The locking or coupling element can, for example, along an axis of rotation of the cylinder housing between the locking position and the release position be reciprocated to selectively cooperate with the clutch mechanism for releasing the electromechanical locking device. This configuration enables a compact and secure construction of the lock cylinder.

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that in the release position the electromechanical locking device is decoupled from a cylinder housing of the lock cylinder and the mechanical locking device is coupled to the electromechanical locking device.

In other words, the electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device can be optionally coupled to one another. In the coupled state, the mechanical and the electromechanical locking device are preferably mechanically operatively connected to one another. In addition, the electromechanical locking device is decoupled from the cylinder housing in the release position. In particular, the electromechanical locking device is rotatable relative to the stationary cylinder housing. In this way, unauthorized or forceful opening of the lock cylinder is made more difficult.

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that in the release position the electromechanical locking device is decoupled from a cylinder housing of the lock cylinder and the mechanical locking device is coupled to the electromechanical locking device.

In the release position, the electromechanical locking device is released from the cylinder housing of the lock cylinder. At the same time, in the release position, the mechanical locking device is in engagement with the electromechanical locking device, so that the lock cylinder can now be released by unlocking the mechanical locking device.

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that the electromechanically driven locking or coupling element can be moved from the locking position into the release position when the access authorization has been granted.

In the present case, the term "completed access authorization" is to be understood as meaning that the authentication of an identifier has been carried out successfully. The release of the electromechanical locking device is therefore only possible after the authorization request has been authenticated. Accordingly, a person who only has an actuator or a key for unlocking the mechanical locking device, but is not authorized to access, fails to attempt to unlock the lock cylinder.

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder, it can be provided that a lever or a locking element of the lock cylinder can only be turned when the electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device are unlocked.

In other words, the mechanical locking device is secured against rotation in this embodiment until the electromechanical locking device is released. The locking cylinder can be secured against rotation, for example, optionally based on a position of the locking or coupling element or a configuration of the electromechanical locking device. This can increase the security of the lock cylinder.

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that the mechanical locking device can be unlocked with a key. It can be provided that a lever or a locking element of the lock cylinder can only be turned by means of the key when the electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device are unlocked.

The advantage of this embodiment is that the key also carries a code and thus represents a further security feature. Alternatively, it can be provided that the mechanical locking device can be locked or unlocked by an actuating member (for example a handle, preferably a knob or the like). Only with unlocked electromechanical locking device and unlocked mechanical locking device it is then possible to use the key to move a lever or to move a locking element in order to bring about the desired opening.

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that the locking or coupling element is driven by an electric motor.

The electric motor can be designed as a linear motor, for example. Alternatively, the electric motor can be designed as a three-phase motor.

In a further embodiment of the lock cylinder it can be provided that the electric motor is a DC motor.

In one embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that at least one lock cylinder of the plurality of lock cylinders has an electromechanical locking device and a mechanical locking device.

One advantage of this embodiment is that, depending on the security requirements placed on the gaming machines, locking cylinders with a combination of mechanical and electromechanical can be provided.

In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the control device is connected wirelessly or wired to an electronic evaluation system for recognizing an access authorization, and that an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element of at least one lock cylinder of the plurality of lock cylinders from a locking position into a Release position is moved.

The release of the electromechanical locking device is therefore only possible after the authorization request has been successfully authenticated. Accordingly, a person who only has an actuator or a key for unlocking the mechanical locking device, but is not authorized to access, fails to attempt to unlock the lock cylinder.

In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the gaming machine furthermore has a voltage supply device with at least one battery, so that in the absence of an external voltage supply, a supply voltage for operating the control device is made possible.

In this way it can be ensured that components which have to be supplied with power to maintain safe machine operation, in particular with regard to the locking system, do not fail in the absence of an external power supply. In particular, access to the gaming machine and its components can be ensured in this way in the event of a power failure.

In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the electromechanical locking device of the respective lock cylinder is released or locked in the event of a lack of voltage supply or a defect in the control device or in the respective electromechanical drive.

In this way it can be ensured that access to the gaming machine and / or its locked components is still possible or not possible in emergency operation, i.e. in the event of a completely missing power supply, a defect in the control device or in the electromechanical actuator. This is achieved by unlocking or locking the electromechanical locking device. In particular, it can be provided that the locking or coupling element is pre-tensioned by at least one pre-tensioning element in the release position or the blocking position, so that in the event of a power failure or the like, the blocking or coupling element is transferred into the release position or the blocking position under the action of the pre-tensioning force.

In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the control device keeps a log of the access authorization requests that have been made.

In other words, the control device records data on access authorization requests that have been made. For this purpose, the control device can interact, for example, with a memory unit for storing such data. One advantage of this configuration is that, for example, an administrator with appropriate access rights (e.g. a machine operator) can get an overview of the access authorization requests by reading out the logged data, which ultimately improves the controllability and transparency of the service processes. In particular, the control device can also be designed to transmit the logged data about the access authorization requests that have been made to a terminal device connected to it (e.g. a smartphone, tablet or the like), preferably in real time.

Optionally, it can be provided that the control device optionally releases or locks the electromechanical locking device based on the logged data. In this way, for example, temporary access authorizations can be granted that allow access to the interior of the gaming machine only when predetermined conditions are met. For example, a person who has an authorized identifier to unlock the electromechanical locking device can be denied the release of the lock cylinder and thus access to the gaming machine or its components if the authentication process takes place outside a specified time window or if the authorization request only has authorization can be assigned to the controller, but not to the cash box. It goes without saying that such conditions or specifications can also be communicated to the control device by means of a mobile terminal device (e.g. smartphone or the like).

In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the protocol has authorization data for determining the authorization of an identifier, identification data for determining the identity of the identifier and / or access events, in particular an access time and / or an access duration.

In this way, an improved controllability and transparency of the access authorization requests can be guaranteed.

In one embodiment of the method according to the third or fourth aspect of the invention, it can be provided that, to unlock the electromechanical locking device, a locking or coupling element is moved from a locking position, in which the electromechanical locking device is locked, to an unlocking position after access authorization has been granted.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Schließzylinders,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Spielautomaten,

Fig. 3

eine Explosionsansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Schließzylinders,

Fig. 4

eine Ausführungsform eines Schließzylinders mit gesperrter elektromechanischer Sperreinrichtung,

Fig. 5

eine Ausführungsform eines Schließzylinders mit freigegebener elektromechanischer Sperreinrichtung,

Fig. 6

eine Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zum Steuern eines Schließzylinders, und

Fig. 7

eine Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zum Steuern eines Schließzy-linders.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of an embodiment of a lock cylinder,

Fig. 2

a schematic view of an embodiment of a gaming machine,

Fig. 3

an exploded view of an embodiment of a lock cylinder,

Fig. 4

an embodiment of a lock cylinder with locked electromechanical locking device,

Fig. 5

an embodiment of a lock cylinder with released electromechanical locking device,

Fig. 6

an embodiment of a method for controlling a lock cylinder, and

Fig. 7

an embodiment of a method for controlling a locking cylinder.

the Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a lock cylinder 10 according to the invention. The lock cylinder 10 is designed as a half cylinder. The illustrated lock cylinder 10 is also a profile cylinder. However, the design of the lock cylinder 10 is not limited to profile cylinders. In particular, other designs are also conceivable, for example an oval cylinder.

The lock cylinder 10 has an electromechanical locking device 12. Furthermore, the lock cylinder has a mechanical locking device 14. The illustrated lock cylinder 10 houses the electromechanical locking device 12 and the mechanical locking device 14 in a multi-part rotatably mounted cylinder core 18. The mechanical locking device 14 can also be actuated or unlocked by means of a key 20. Alternatively, the mechanical locking device 14 can also be unlocked by means of an actuating element (not shown) (handle, preferably a knob or the like).

the Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a gaming machine 22. Identical elements are identified by the same reference symbols and are therefore not explained again.

The gaming machine 22 has a plurality of lock cylinders 10. By way of example, four lock cylinders 10 are provided in the gaming machine 22 in order to regulate access to the gaming machine 22 itself and to the components in the gaming machine (eg cash cassette, control device 24, service modules). In addition, the gaming machine 22 has a control device 24. The control device 24 is designed to selectively release at least one lock cylinder 10 of the plurality of lock cylinders, in particular based on an electronic access authorization check. the Control device 24 is coupled wirelessly or by wire to at least one lock cylinder 10 of the plurality of lock cylinders. For this purpose, corresponding evaluation electronics 44 (shown in FIG Fig. 3 ) intended. The evaluation electronics 44 are preferably connected to an identifier 26 (for example smartphone, tablet, computer, transponder, etc.) by means of a wireless or radio connection. In this way, authentication data or an electronically readable code can be supplied wirelessly via the identifier 26 to the evaluation electronics 44 and processed. The control device 24 is preferably designed to keep a log of any access authorization requests that have been made. For example, authorization data for determining the authorization of an identifier 26, identification data for determining the identity of the identifier 26 and / or access events (e.g. an access time and / or an access duration) can be recorded and stored in a readable manner.

Furthermore, the Fig. 2 it can be seen that the gaming machine 22 has a voltage supply device 28. The voltage supply device 28 ensures that in the absence of an external voltage supply, a supply voltage for operating the control device 24 is enabled. In particular, the voltage supply device 28 has an energy storage medium (for example a battery), not shown in detail, in order to maintain the voltage supply for as long as possible in emergency operation. The gaming machine 24 optionally has a microprocessor 30 which is operatively connected to the control device 24.

In the Fig. 3 An exploded view of one embodiment of a lock cylinder 10 is shown. The same elements are identified with the same reference symbols and are therefore not explained again.

In the electromechanical locking device 14, an electromechanical drive is provided, which in the present case is designed as an electric motor 32. The electric motor 32 drives a locking or coupling element 36, in particular by means of a drive shaft 34, so that the locking or coupling element 36 can be moved along an axis of rotation of the rotatable cylinder core 18. The locking or coupling element 36 is preferably operatively connected to the drive shaft 34 of the electric motor 32. The translational or axial movement of the locking or coupling element 36 can be implemented in different ways. For example, the electric motor 32 can be designed as a linear motor, so that the drive shaft 34 with the locking or coupling element 36 connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner executes a translatory movement. Alternatively, the electric motor 32 can be designed as a three-phase motor with a rotatable drive shaft 34. Accordingly, the drive shaft 34 and the locking or coupling element 36 together form a screw connection. For example, the drive shaft 34 can then be provided with an external thread, so that the locking or coupling element 36, which is provided with a corresponding internal thread, is guided so that it can move relative to the drive shaft 34.

The electric motor 32 can be controlled by means of the control device 24 in such a way that the locking or coupling element 36 is between a locking position (shown in FIG Fig. 4 ) and a release position (shown in the Fig. 5 ) is movable. The locking position corresponds to a configuration in which the electromechanical locking device 12 is locked. The release position corresponds to a configuration in which the electromechanical locking device 12 is unlocked. These configurations of the electromechanical locking device 12 are described below across the figures. The same elements are identified with the same reference symbols and are therefore not explained again.

The electromechanically driven locking or coupling element 36 interacts with a coupling mechanism 38 via a spring element 37. In the present case, the spring element 37 and the coupling mechanism 38 are provided in pairs. Alternatively, only one spring element 37 with only one associated coupling mechanism 38 can be provided. The clutch mechanism 38 has a locking block 40 and a spring element 42 (for example a leaf spring or the like). Due to the axial displaceability of the electromechanically driven locking or coupling element 36, the locking or coupling element 36 can optionally be brought into contact with the locking block 40 by means of the spring element 37. The locking block 40 can be moved radially in the lock cylinder 10 against the biasing force of the spring element 42 arranged in a recess 43 of the cylinder housing 16.

In the cylinder housing 16 there is a rotatably mounted selector shaft 52 with a rotatably mounted selector shaft housing 54 and a selector shaft core 56 rotatably mounted in the selector shaft housing 54. The shift shaft housing 54 and the shift shaft core 56 are arranged concentrically to one another. The shift shaft core 56 has a through hole 58 for the axial passage of the locking or coupling element 36. The through-bore 58 of the shift shaft core 56 accommodating the locking or clutch arrangement 36 is aligned with a bore 51 of the shift shaft housing 54. The bore 51 is arranged downstream of the through bore 58 of the shift shaft core 56. The drive shaft 34 emanating from the electric motor 32 extends through the through hole 58 of the selector shaft core 56 into the bore 51 of the selector shaft housing 54. In this way, the locking or coupling element 36 can penetrate deep enough into the selector shaft housing 54 in the release position. The shift shaft core 56 has recesses 60 in the circumferential direction, which correspond to recesses 62 in the shift shaft housing 54 and recesses 43 in the cylinder housing 16. The recesses 43, 60, 62 are each adapted to the cross section of the corresponding blocking block 40 so that it can extend into the recesses 43, 60, 62. An inner rotary joint 62 is defined between an outer jacket surface of the shift shaft core 56 and an inner jacket surface of the shift shaft housing 54. An outer rotational joint 64 is defined between an outer jacket surface of the shift shaft housing 54 and the inner jacket surface of the cylinder housing 16.

In the Fig. 4 the locking position of the locking or coupling element 36 is illustrated. The electromechanically driven blocking or coupling element 36 is in the blocking position in contact with the respective blocking block 40. In particular, the spring elements 37 are in contact with the respective blocking block 40 arched in order to be able to load it against the pretensioning force of the spring element 42 without the use of additional movable components. In the release position (shown in the Fig. 5 ) the spring 42 is pretensioned. It should be noted that each locking block 40 has an inner driver 40-1, a central driver 40-2 and an outer driver 40-3. The drivers 40-1, 40-2 and 40-3 are only in contact with one another, that is, they are not formed in one piece. The respective locking block 40 is in the locking position arranged in the recesses 43, 60, 62 in such a way that an inner parting line 66 between the inner driver 40-1 and the middle driver 40-2 of the locking block 40 is aligned with the inner rotary joint 62. An annular gap 47 is provided between the shift shaft housing 54 and the shift shaft core 56 in the radial direction. The gap 47 is designed in such a way that, in the blocking position, the inner driver 40-1 can be guided in the circumferential direction in the gap 47. An end section 49 of a key-operated key shaft 46, which is rotatably arranged in the cylinder housing 16, is also guided in the gap 47. The end section 49 has recesses 50 in the circumferential direction, which correspond to the recesses 60, 62, 54 and 43. The recesses 50 serve the circumferential entrainment of the inner driver 40-1 in the locked position. In the locked position, the middle driver 40-2 extends through or crosses the outer rotary joint 64, so that the selector shaft housing 54 is blocked or is connected to the cylinder housing 16 in a rotationally fixed manner. In other words, in the blocking position, only the key shaft 46 can be rotated relative to the cylinder housing 16. It is not possible to turn the selector shaft 52 in this position. The mechanical locking device 14 is decoupled from the electromechanical locking device 12. The key shaft 46 and the switching shaft 52 of the multi-part cylinder shaft 18 are decoupled. If a user unlocks the mechanical locking device 14 in the locked position using the key 20, only a “free rotational movement” of the mechanical locking device 14 occurs. Like in the Fig. 4 and the Fig. 5 As shown, an end section of the control shaft housing 54 emerging from the cylinder housing 16 interacts with a counter-mount (not shown) on the machine side, so that the lock cylinder 10 cannot be released when the control shaft housing 54 is blocked. For example, the end section can be coupled to a lever. The lever can, for example, engage positively in a locking position in the gaming machine. It goes without saying that the end section is not limited to such a blockage. For example, the end section or the selector shaft housing 54 can also have a closing element (not shown) or be coupled to a closing element and / or any suitable lock.

In the Fig. 5 the release position of the locking or coupling element 36 is illustrated. The electromechanically driven locking or coupling element 36 is in the release position out of contact with the respective locking block 40. In particular, the spring elements 37 are in this case out of contact with the respective locking block 40. In the release position, each locking block 40 is arranged in the recesses 43, 60, 62 in such a way that an outer separating joint 67 between the middle driver 40-2 and the outer driver 40-3 of the locking block 40 is aligned with the outer rotary joint 64. The outer driver 40-3 is arranged in its entirety in the recess 43 of the cylinder housing 16. In the release position, the inner parting line 66 between the inner driver 40-1 and the middle driver 40-2 of the locking block 40 is not aligned with the inner rotary joint 62. In particular, the middle driver 40-2 extends through the inner rotary joint 62 or crosses it, so that both the shift shaft housing 54 and the shift shaft core 56 are now released. The shift shaft housing 54 and the shift shaft core 56 are not rotatable relative to one another. In other words, the mechanical locking device 14 and the electromechanical locking device 12 are coupled to one another in the release position. The key shaft 46 and the switching shaft 52 of the multi-part cylinder shaft 18 are coupled. In this way, the switching shaft 52 can be rotated relative to the cylinder housing 16 in the release position. By releasing the mechanical locking device 14, the lock cylinder 10 can then be unlocked. The key shaft 46 and the switching shaft 52 can then be rotated together by means of the key 20. To ensure that the electromechanical locking device 12 can also be unlocked in the event of a power failure, the locking or coupling element 36 is preferably preloaded in the release position, for example by means of an additional preloading element, not shown, such as a spring or the like. In this way, the locking or coupling element 36 can be moved into the release position in the event of a power failure. Depending on the application, the opposite behavior can also be brought about in the event of a power failure. For this purpose, the blocking or coupling element 36 can be pretensioned in the blocking position, for example by means of the additional pretensioning element (not shown), for example a spring or the like. In this way, the blocking or coupling element 36 is then transferred into the blocking position in the event of a power failure in order to avoid unauthorized access.

As already mentioned, the mechanical locking device 14 can be coupled to the electromechanical locking device 12 via the key shaft 46. The electric motor 32 is received in the key shaft 46, in particular in the end section 49. In addition, the key shaft 46 carries the evaluation electronics 44. The evaluation electronics 44 preferably have transmission and reception electronics (not shown), an RFID chip and a processor (not shown in detail) with a memory and software. A key channel 70 for receiving the key 20 is provided on an end face of the key shaft 46 facing the key 20. The key shaft 46 is preferably coupled to the shift shaft 52, in particular the shift shaft core 56. As a result, a rotary movement of the inserted key 20 can cause a rotary movement of the mechanical locking device 14 and the electromechanical locking device 12 in accordance with the FIGS Fig. 4 respectively. Fig. 5 the configurations shown. The key shaft 46 interacts with a hub 72 by means of tumbler pins 48 in order to enable the mechanical locking device 14 to be unlocked. In the key shaft 46 receiving the hub 72 and in the hub 72 itself, bores 74 and 76 are provided in the circumferential direction, which allow a radial movement of the tumbler pins 48. The tumbler pins 48 are composed in a known manner from a rotatable core pin 48-1 and a non-rotatable housing pin 48-2 and are loaded by pin springs 48-3 in the direction of the key channel 70 of the key shaft 46. The latter is arranged in a bearing bore 78 of the hub 72. When the prescribed key 20 is inserted, the tumbler pins 48 are accordingly arranged in such a way that their parting line 80 lies at the level of a rotary joint 82 of the rotatably mounted key shaft 46. The key shaft 46 is now released and can be rotated.

In the Fig. 6 A schematic representation of a method 100 for controlling a lock cylinder 10 for a gaming machine 22 is shown. In a first step 102 of the method 100, the electromechanical locking device 12 is unlocked. In a further step 104, the mechanical locking device 14 is unlocked.

In the Fig. 7 A schematic representation of a method 200 for controlling a lock cylinder 10 for a gaming machine 22 is shown. In a step 202 of the method 200, the electromechanical locking device 12 is unlocked. The lock cylinder 10 of the method 100, in contrast to the lock cylinder 10 of the method 200, also has a mechanical locking device 14 in addition to the electromechanical locking device 12.

• Satz 1. Schließzylinder (10) für einen Spielautomaten (22), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schließzylinder (10) eine elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) und eine mechanische Sperreinrichtung (14) aufweist, wobei die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) und die mechanische Sperreinrichtung (14) entsperrbar sind, um den Schließzylinder (10) zu entsperren.
• Satz 2. Schließzylinder (10) nach Satz 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schließzylinder (10) eine Auswerteelektronik (44) zum Erkennen einer Zugangsberechtigung aufweist.
• Satz 3. Schließzylinder (10) nach Satz 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) mit der Auswerteelektronik (44) zusammenwirkt.
• Satz 4. Schließzylinder (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Sätze, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) ein elektromechanisch angetriebenes Sperr- oder Kupplungselement (36) aufweist, das zwischen einer Sperrstellung, in der die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) versperrt ist, und einer Freigabestellung, in der die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) entsperrt ist, bewegbar ist.
• Satz 5. Schließzylinder (10) nach Satz 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der Freigabestellung die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) von einem Zylindergehäuse (16) des Schließzylinders (10) entkoppelt ist und die mechanische Sperreinrichtung (14) mit der elektromechanischen Sperreinrichtung (12) gekoppelt ist.
• Satz 6. Schließzylinder (10) nach Satz 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der Sperrstellung die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) drehfest mit dem Zylindergehäuse (16) des Schließzylinders (10) gekoppelt ist und die mechanische Sperreinrichtung (14) und die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) voneinander entkoppelt sind.
• Satz 7. Schließzylinder (10) nach einem der Sätze 4 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass bei erfolgter Zugangsberechtigung das elektromechanisch angetriebene Sperr- oder Kupplungselement (36) von der Sperrstellung in die Freigabestellung bewegbar ist.
• Satz 8. Schließzylinder (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Sätze, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass nur bei entsperrter elektromechanischer Sperreinrichtung (12) und entsperrter mechanischer Sperreinrichtung (14) ein Drehen eines Hebels oder eines Schließelements des Schließzylinders (10) ermöglicht ist.
• Satz 9. Schließzylinder (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Sätze, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mechanische Sperreinrichtung (14) durch einen Schlüssel (20) entsperrbar ist, insbesondere wobei nur bei entsperrter elektromechanischer Sperreinrichtung (12) und entsperrter mechanischer Sperreinrichtung (14) ein Drehen eines Hebels oder eines Schließelements des Schließzylinders (10) mittels des Schlüssels ermöglicht ist.
• Satz 10. Schließzylinder (10) nach einem der Sätze 4 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Sperr- oder Kupplungselement (36) durch einen Elektromotor (32) angetrieben ist.
• Satz 11. Schließzylinder (10) nach Satz 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Elektromotor (32) ein DC-Motor ist.
• Satz 12. Spielautomat (22), der eine Mehrzahl von Schließzylindern (10) mit jeweils einer elektromechanischen Sperreinrichtung (12) und eine Steuereinrichtung (24) aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuereinrichtung (24) zumindest einen Schließzylinder (10) der Mehrzahl von Schließzylindern wahlweise basierend auf einer elektronischen Zugangsberechtigungsüberprüfung freigibt.
• Satz 13. Spielautomat (22) nach Satz 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass wenigstens ein Schließzylinder (10) der Mehrzahl von Schließzylindern eine elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) und eine mechanische Sperreinrichtung (14) aufweist.
• Satz 14. Spielautomat (22) nach Satz 12 oder 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuereinrichtung (24) mit einer Auswerteelektronik (44) zum Erkennen einer Zugangsberechtigung verbunden ist, und dass nach erfolgter Zugangsberechtigung ein elektromechanisch angetriebenes Sperr- oder Kupplungselement (36) zumindest eines Schließzylinders (10) der Mehrzahl von Schließzylindern aus einer Sperrstellung in eine Freigabestellung bewegt wird.
• Satz 15. Spielautomat (22) nach einem der Sätze 12 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Spielautomat (22) des Weiteren eine Spannungsversorgungseinrichtung (28) mit wenigstens einer Batterie aufweist, so dass bei fehlender externer Spannungsversorgung eine Versorgungsspannung zum Betreiben der Steuereinrichtung (24) ermöglicht ist.
• Satz 16. Spielautomat (22) nach einem der Sätze 11 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuereinrichtung (24) Protokoll über die erfolgten Zugangsberechtigungsanfragen führt.
• Satz 17. Spielautomat (22) nach Satz 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Protokoll Berechtigungsdaten zur Berechtigungsfeststellung eines Identträgers (26), Identifizierungsdaten zur Identitätsfeststellung des Identträgers (26) und/oder Zutrittsereignisse, insbesondere einen Zutrittszeitpunkt und/oder eine Zutrittsdauer, aufweist.
• Satz 18. Verfahren (100) zum Steuern eines Schließzylinders (10) für einen Spielautomaten (22), wobei der Schließzylinder (10) eine elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) und eine mechanische Sperreinrichtung (14) aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) und die mechanische Sperreinrichtung (14) entsperrt werden, um den Schließzylinder (10) freizugeben.
• Satz 19. Verfahren (200) zum Steuern eines Schließzylinders (10) für einen Spielautomaten (22), wobei der Schließzylinder (10) eine elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) wahlweise basierend auf einer elektronischen Zugangsberechtigungsüberprüfung entsperrt wird, um den Schließzylinder (10) freizugeben.
• Satz 20. Verfahren nach Satz 18 oder 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zum Entsperren der elektromechanischen Sperreinrichtung (12) ein Sperr- oder Kupplungselement (36) nach erfolgter Zugangsberechtigung von einer Sperrstellung, in der die elektromechanische Sperreinrichtung (12) versperrt ist, in eine Freigabestellung verbracht wird.

Furthermore, the present disclosure has embodiments according to the following sentences:

• Set 1. Lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22), characterized in that the lock cylinder (10) has an electromechanical locking device (12) and a mechanical locking device (14), the electromechanical locking device (12) and the mechanical locking device ( 14) can be unlocked in order to unlock the lock cylinder (10).
• Set 2. Lock cylinder (10) according to Set 1, characterized in that the lock cylinder (10) has evaluation electronics (44) for recognizing an access authorization.
• Set 3. Lock cylinder (10) according to set 1 or 2, characterized in that the electromechanical locking device (12) interacts with the evaluation electronics (44).
• Sentence 4. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the electromechanical locking device (12) has an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) which is locked between a locking position in which the electromechanical locking device (12) is locked , and a release position in which the electromechanical locking device (12) is unlocked, can be moved.
• Set 5. Lock cylinder (10) according to Set 4, characterized in that in the release position the electromechanical locking device (12) is decoupled from a cylinder housing (16) of the lock cylinder (10) and the mechanical locking device (14) with the electromechanical locking device (12 ) is coupled.
• Set 6. lock cylinder (10) according to set 4 or 5, characterized in that in the locking position the electromechanical locking device (12) is rotatably coupled to the cylinder housing (16) of the lock cylinder (10) and the mechanical locking device (14) and the electromechanical Locking device (12) are decoupled from one another.
• Sentence 7. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of sentences 4 to 6, characterized in that when access authorization has been granted, the electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) can be moved from the locking position into the release position.
• Theorem 8. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that a lever or a locking element of the lock cylinder (10) can only be rotated when the electromechanical locking device (12) and the mechanical locking device (14) are unlocked.
• Sentence 9. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the mechanical locking device (14) can be unlocked by a key (20), in particular only when the electromechanical locking device (12) and the unlocked mechanical locking device (14) are unlocked Turning a lever or a locking element of the lock cylinder (10) by means of the key is made possible.
• Set 10. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of sets 4 to 7, characterized in that the locking or coupling element (36) is driven by an electric motor (32).
• Set 11. Lock cylinder (10) according to Set 10, characterized in that the electric motor (32) is a DC motor.
• Set 12. Slot machine (22), which has a plurality of lock cylinders (10) each with an electromechanical locking device (12) and a control device (24) characterized in that the control device (24) releases at least one lock cylinder (10) of the plurality of lock cylinders optionally based on an electronic access authorization check.
• Set 13. Slot machine (22) according to set 12, characterized in that at least one lock cylinder (10) of the plurality of lock cylinders has an electromechanical locking device (12) and a mechanical locking device (14).
• Set 14. Slot machine (22) according to set 12 or 13, characterized in that the control device (24) is connected to evaluation electronics (44) for recognizing an access authorization, and that an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) at least one lock cylinder (10) of the plurality of lock cylinders is moved from a blocking position into a release position.
• Set 15. Gaming machine (22) according to one of sets 12 to 14, characterized in that the gaming machine (22) furthermore has a voltage supply device (28) with at least one battery, so that in the absence of an external voltage supply, a supply voltage for operating the control device ( 24) is enabled.
• Sentence 16. Slot machine (22) according to one of sentences 11 to 15, characterized in that the control device (24) keeps a log of the access authorization requests that have been made.
• Sentence 17. Slot machine (22) according to sentence 16, characterized in that the protocol has authorization data for determining the authorization of an identifier (26), identification data for determining the identity of the identifier (26) and / or access events, in particular an access time and / or an access duration.
• Set 18. Method (100) for controlling a lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22), wherein the lock cylinder (10) has an electromechanical locking device (12) and a mechanical locking device (14), characterized in that the electromechanical locking device ( 12) and the mechanical locking device (14) are unlocked to release the lock cylinder (10).
• Set 19. Method (200) for controlling a lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22), wherein the lock cylinder (10) has an electromechanical locking device (12), characterized in that the electromechanical locking device (12) is optionally based on an electronic Access authorization check is unlocked to release the lock cylinder (10).
• Sentence 20. The method according to sentence 18 or 19, characterized in that to unlock the electromechanical locking device (12) a locking or coupling element (36) after access authorization from a locking position in which the electromechanical locking device (12) is locked into a Release position is spent.

Claims (15)

Lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22), characterized in that the lock cylinder (10) has an electromechanical locking device (12) and a mechanical locking device (14), the electromechanical locking device (12) and the mechanical locking device (14) being unlockable to unlock the lock cylinder (10). Lock cylinder (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lock cylinder (10) has evaluation electronics (44) for recognizing an access authorization. Lock cylinder (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electromechanical locking device (12) interacts with the evaluation electronics (44). Lock cylinder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromechanical locking device (12) has an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) which is between a locking position in which the electromechanical locking device (12) is locked and a Release position, in which the electromechanical locking device (12) is unlocked, can be moved. Lock cylinder (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that in the release position the electromechanical locking device (12) is decoupled from a cylinder housing (16) of the locking cylinder (10) and the mechanical locking device (14) is coupled to the electromechanical locking device (12) . Lock cylinder (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that in the locking position the electromechanical locking device (12) rotatably with the cylinder housing (16) of the lock cylinder (10) is coupled and the mechanical locking device (14) and the electromechanical locking device (12) are decoupled from one another. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that when access authorization has been granted, the electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) can be moved from the locking position into the release position. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lever or a locking element of the lock cylinder (10) can only be turned when the electromechanical locking device (12) and the mechanical locking device (14) are unlocked. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical locking device (14) can be unlocked by a key (20), in particular a lever turning only when the electromechanical locking device (12) and the mechanical locking device (14) are unlocked or a locking element of the lock cylinder (10) is made possible by means of the key. Lock cylinder (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the locking or coupling element (36) is driven by an electric motor (32), in particular wherein the electric motor (32) is a DC motor. Game machine (22) which has a plurality of lock cylinders (10) each with an electromechanical locking device (12) and a control device (24), characterized in that the control device (24) optionally based on at least one lock cylinder (10) of the plurality of lock cylinders releases on an electronic access authorization check. Slot machine (22) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one lock cylinder (10) of the plurality of lock cylinders has an electromechanical locking device (12) and a mechanical locking device (14). Slot machine (22) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the control device (24) is connected to evaluation electronics (44) for recognizing an access authorization, and that after the access authorization has been granted an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) of at least one lock cylinder (10) the plurality of lock cylinders is moved from a blocking position into a release position. Gaming machine (22) according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the gaming machine (22) furthermore has a voltage supply device (28) with at least one battery, so that in the absence of an external voltage supply, a supply voltage for operating the control device (24) is possible is. Method (100) for controlling a lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22), the lock cylinder (10) having an electromechanical locking device (12) and a mechanical locking device (14), characterized in that the electromechanical locking device (12) and the mechanical locking device (14) can be unlocked in order to release the lock cylinder (10).

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