LOCKING CYLINDER FOR A SLOT MACHINE, SLOT MACHINE AND PROCEDURE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking cylinder for a gaming machine and a method for controlling a locking cylinder for a gaming machine. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a gaming machine.

[0002] Generic slot machines typically have a machine housing with a base and a door assembly. The machine housing often contains a game mechanism with, for example, rotating discs that carry winning symbols, serve to announce winners, or the like. Furthermore, the machine housing typically houses security-critical components such as a cashbox, a control system, and various service modules. To regulate access to the machine itself and to the components within it, such slot machines incorporate several locking cylinders (usually up to four) as part of the locking system.

[0003] It is well known that slot machines, especially coin-operated machines with a potential win for the user, are repeatedly exposed to criminal activity, making the security of the locking systems themselves, as well as the controllability and transparency of the service processes, critical. For example, if multiple machine modules or a large number of service personnel are affected, it may be difficult to verify the identity of those permitted access to the interior of a slot machine.

[0004] The problem here is that conventional gaming machines are equipped with simple security devices. For example, gaming machines of the type mentioned above often have simple locks with purely mechanical locking cylinders that have mechanical tumbler pins and can be unlocked using a mechanical key. Such a mechanical locking cylinder is known, for example, from document EP 1 482 109 A2.

[0005] Such security devices have the crucial disadvantage that they can be easily opened, for example by the use of force or by copying duplicate keys or other tools, so that unauthorized persons can easily gain access to the interior of the slot machine.

[0006] It is also particularly critical that the possibilities of controlling persons who are authorized, for example, to remove the cashbox, operate the control system and / or service modules, as well as the possibility of controlling access events (e.g. time of access, duration of access, etc.) are limited in conventional gaming machines.

[0007] US 10337207 B1 discloses a locking system comprising a locking assembly having a locking element movable between a locking and an unlocking position, and a first lock actuating assembly configured to be mechanically actuated to actuate the locking element to move between the locking and unlocking positions, wherein the mechanical actuation of the first lock actuating assembly is performed by a physical object. The system may also include a second lock actuating assembly configured to be electrically actuated to actuate the locking element to move between the retracted and extended positions, wherein the electrical actuation of the second lock actuating assembly is performed by the second lock actuating assembly receiving a wireless signal.The lock and lock actuation assemblies may have at least one mode of operation in which the lock assembly is actuated only by substantially simultaneous actuation of the first lock actuation assembly and actuation of the second lock actuation assembly.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a locking cylinder for a gaming machine that offers greater security against unauthorized acts and is suitable for retrofitting existing gaming machines without structural modifications. This should be considered in light of the fact that the locking cylinders installed in conventional gaming machines are characterized by their small, delicate design due to the limited available installation space. Furthermore, there is a need for a method for controlling a locking cylinder.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a locking cylinder for a gaming machine is therefore proposed, wherein the locking cylinder comprises an electromechanical locking device and a mechanical locking device. The electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device are unlockable to unlock the locking cylinder, wherein the electromechanical locking device comprises an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element that is movable 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 the release position, the electromechanical locking device is decoupled from a cylinder housing of the locking cylinder, and the mechanical locking device is coupled to the electromechanical locking device.and that in the locked position, the electromechanical locking device is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the cylinder housing of the locking cylinder and the mechanical locking device and the electromechanical locking device are decoupled from each other, and that the mechanical locking device can be unlocked by a key, whereby rotation of a lever or a locking element of the locking cylinder by means of the key is only possible when the electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device are unlocked, wherein the locking cylinder has evaluation electronics for detecting access authorization, and wherein the electromechanical locking device interacts with the evaluation electronics.

[0010] In this context, a locking cylinder can be understood as the part of a cylinder lock that is operated by means of a key and / or an electronic access authorization, which, as is known, consists of a housing and a rotatable cylinder core. Electronic access authorization is preferably verified using an electronic identification carrier (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 verifying access authorization (identification code or access authorization code) is stored electronically. Furthermore, electronic access authorization can also be verified using a mobile phone (smartphone) or a portable computer (PDA or tablet computer).

[0011] In other words, the locking cylinder features a combined mechanical and electromechanical locking device. In order to release or unlock the entire locking cylinder, the electromechanical locking device must also be unlocked in addition to the mechanical locking device. The combined arrangement of the mechanical and electromechanical locking devices in one locking cylinder allows for the retrofitting of existing gaming machines without structural modifications and, thanks to the additional electromechanical locking device, offers an additional security measure against unauthorized use.

[0012] The locking or coupling element is actuated by an electromechanical actuator, thus enabling the electromechanical locking device to be selectively locked or unlocked. The locking or coupling element can interact with a coupling mechanism provided in the electromechanical locking device, so that the electromechanical locking device can be selectively unlocked depending on its position. The locking or coupling element can, for example, be moved back and forth along a rotational axis of the cylinder housing between the locking position and the release position in order to selectively interact with the coupling mechanism to release the electromechanical locking device. This design enables a compact and secure design of the locking cylinder.

[0013] The electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device can be optionally coupled to one another. In the coupled state, the mechanical and electromechanical locking devices are preferably mechanically connected to one another. Furthermore, in the release position, the electromechanical locking device is decoupled from the cylinder housing. In particular, the electromechanical locking device is rotatable relative to the stationary cylinder housing. This makes unauthorized or forced opening of the locking cylinder more difficult.

[0014] In the release position, the electromechanical locking device is released from the cylinder housing of the locking cylinder. At the same time, in the release position, the mechanical locking device is engaged with the electromechanical locking device, so that the locking cylinder can now be released by unlocking the mechanical locking device.

[0015] The mechanical locking device is secured against rotation until the electromechanical locking device is released. The locking cylinder can be secured against rotation based, for example, on the position of the locking or coupling element or the configuration of the electromechanical locking device. This can increase the security of the locking cylinder.

[0016] The key can also be coded, thus providing an additional security feature. Alternatively, the mechanical locking device can be locked or unlocked by an actuating element (e.g., a handle, preferably a knob or similar). Only when both the electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device are unlocked is it then possible to move a lever or a locking element using the key to achieve the desired opening.

[0017] The evaluation electronics is preferably connected to an identifier (e.g., a smartphone or tablet, a transponder, etc.) via a wireless or radio connection. In this way, authentication data or the electronically readable code can be wirelessly transmitted to the evaluation electronics via the identifier (or alternatively via electronic contacts) and further processed. Wireless communication between the evaluation electronics and the identifier for authenticating the authorization request can be achieved, for example, via Bluetooth or other wireless transmission technologies. In particular, the identifier can be authenticated using BLE ("Bluetooth Low Energy") authentication.

[0018] The operative connection is such that, after successful authentication of an access authorization request, the evaluation electronics controls the electromechanical locking device in such a way that the electromechanical locking device can be locked or unlocked.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, a gaming machine is proposed which has a plurality of locking cylinders, each having an electromechanical locking device, and a control device, wherein the control device selectively releases at least one locking cylinder of the plurality of locking cylinders based on an electronic access authorization check, and wherein the at least one locking cylinder is a locking cylinder according to the first aspect or one of its embodiments.

[0020] The gaming machine according to the second aspect has a plurality of locking cylinders to regulate access to the gaming machine itself and to the components housed in the gaming machine (e.g., cashbox, control system, service modules). Furthermore, an electronic control device 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 locking cylinder can be locked or unlocked, for example, by means of an actuating element (handle, preferably a knob or similar).

[0021] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a locking cylinder for a gaming machine is proposed, wherein the locking cylinder has an electromechanical locking device and a mechanical locking device, wherein the electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device are unlocked to release the locking cylinder, wherein the electromechanical locking device has an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element that is movable between a locking position in which the electromechanical locking device is locked and a release position in which the electromechanical locking device is unlocked, characterized in that in the release position, the electromechanical locking device is decoupled from a cylinder housing of the locking cylinder and the mechanical locking device is coupled to the electromechanical locking device,and that in the locked position, the electromechanical locking device is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the cylinder housing of the locking cylinder and the mechanical locking device and the electromechanical locking device are decoupled from each other, and that the mechanical locking device can be unlocked by a key, whereby rotation of a lever or a locking element of the locking cylinder by means of the key is only possible when the electromechanical locking device and the mechanical locking device are unlocked, wherein the locking cylinder has evaluation electronics for detecting access authorization, and wherein the electromechanical locking device interacts with the evaluation electronics.

[0022] The task posed at the beginning is thus completely solved.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the locking cylinder, it can be provided that, once access authorization has been granted, the electromechanically driven locking or coupling element can be moved from the locking position to the release position.

[0024] The term "successful access authorization" in this case refers to the successful authentication of an identification carrier. Release of the electromechanical locking device is therefore only possible after the authorization request has been successfully authenticated. Therefore, a person who only has an actuator or key to unlock the mechanical locking device but is not authorized to access the device will fail in their attempt to unlock the locking cylinder.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the locking cylinder, it can be provided that the locking or coupling element is driven by an electric motor.

[0026] The electric motor can be designed as a linear motor, for example. Alternatively, the electric motor can be designed as a three-phase motor.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the locking cylinder, the electric motor can be a DC motor.

[0028] In one embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that at least one locking cylinder of the plurality of locking cylinders has an electromechanical locking device and a mechanical locking device.

[0029] An advantage of this design is that, depending on the security requirements of the slot machines, locking cylinders with a combined mechanical and electromechanical mechanism can be provided.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the control device is connected wirelessly or by wire to an evaluation electronics for detecting an access authorization, and that after access authorization has been granted, an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element of at least one locking cylinder of the plurality of locking cylinders is moved from a locking position into a release position.

[0031] The electromechanical locking device can therefore only be released after the authorization request has been successfully authenticated. Therefore, a person who only has an actuator or key to unlock the mechanical locking device but is not authorized to access the device will fail in their attempt to unlock the locking cylinder.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the gaming machine further comprises 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 possible.

[0033] This ensures that components that require power to maintain safe machine operation, especially with regard to the locking system, do not fail in the event of an external power supply failure. In particular, this also ensures access to the slot machine and its components in the event of a power failure.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the electromechanical locking device of the respective locking cylinder is released or locked in the event of a lack of power supply or a defect in the control device or in the respective electromechanical drive.

[0035] 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 complete lack of 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 prestressed in the release position or the locked position by at least one prestressing element, so that in the event of a power failure or the like, the locking or coupling element is transferred into the release position or the locked position under the action of the prestressing force.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the control device keeps a log of the access authorization requests made.

[0037] In other words, the control device records data on completed access authorization requests. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, interact with a storage unit for storing such data. One advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, an administrator with appropriate access rights (e.g., a vending machine operator) can obtain an overview of the access authorization requests by reading 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 on the completed access authorization requests to a connected terminal device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or the like), preferably in real time.

[0038] Optionally, it can be provided that the control device selectively releases or locks the electromechanical locking device based on the logged data. In this way, for example, temporary access authorizations can be issued that only allow access to the interior of the gaming machine if predetermined conditions are met. For example, a person who has an authorized identifier to unlock the electromechanical locking device can be denied release of the locking cylinder and thus access to the gaming machine or its components if the authentication process takes place outside of a predetermined time window or if the authorization request can only be assigned authorization to the control system but not to the cashbox. It goes without saying that such conditions or specifications can also be set using a mobile device (e.g.smartphone or similar) to the control device.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the gaming machine, it can be provided that the protocol contains 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.

[0040] In this way, improved controllability and transparency of access authorization requests can be ensured.

[0041] In one embodiment of the method according to the third or fourth aspect of the invention, it can be provided that, in order 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, into a release position after access authorization has been granted.

[0042] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0043] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a locking cylinder, Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a gaming machine, Fig. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a locking cylinder, Fig. 4 is an embodiment of a locking cylinder with a locked electromechanical locking device, Fig. 5 is an embodiment of a locking cylinder with a released electromechanical locking device, Fig. 6 is an embodiment of a method for controlling a locking cylinder, and Fig. 7 is an embodiment of a method for controlling a locking cylinder.

[0044] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a locking cylinder 10 according to the invention. The locking cylinder 10 is designed as a half cylinder. Furthermore, the locking cylinder 10 shown is a profile cylinder. However, the design of the locking cylinder 10 is not limited to profile cylinders. In particular, other designs are also conceivable, for example, an oval cylinder.

[0045] The locking cylinder 10 has an electromechanical locking device 14. Furthermore, the locking cylinder has a mechanical locking device 12. The locking cylinder 10 shown houses the electromechanical locking device 14 and the mechanical locking device 12 in a multi-part, rotatably mounted cylinder core 18. Alternatively, however, the locking cylinder 10 can also be designed as a locking cylinder with an electromechanical locking device 14. The mechanical locking device 12 can also be actuated or unlocked using a key 20. Alternatively, the mechanical locking device 12 can also be unlocked using an actuating element (handle, preferably a knob or similar) not shown.

[0046] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a gaming machine 22. Identical elements are identified by identical reference numerals and will therefore not be explained again.

[0047] The gaming machine 22 has a plurality of locking cylinders 10. For example, four locking 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 (e.g., cashbox, 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 locking cylinder 10 of the plurality of locking cylinders, in particular based on an electronic access authorization check. The control device 24 is wirelessly or wiredly coupled to at least one locking cylinder 10 of the plurality of locking cylinders. For this purpose, a corresponding evaluation electronics 44 (shown in Fig. 3 ) is provided. The evaluation electronics 44 is preferably connected to an identification carrier 26 (e.g. 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 fed wirelessly via the identification carrier 26 to the evaluation electronics 44 and processed. The control device 24 is preferably designed to keep a log of access authorization requests that have been made. For example, authorization data for determining the authorization of an identification carrier 26, identification data for determining the identity of the identification carrier 26 and / or access events (e.g. an access time and / or an access duration) can be recorded and stored in a readable manner.

[0048] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 It can be seen that the gaming machine 22 has a power supply device 28. The power supply device 28 ensures that, in the absence of an external power supply, a supply voltage for operating the control device 24 is available. In particular, the power supply device 28 has an energy storage medium (e.g., a battery) not shown in detail in order to maintain the power supply for as long as possible in emergency operation. Optionally, the gaming machine 24 has a microprocessor 30 that is operatively connected to the control device 24.

[0049] In the Fig. 3 An exploded view of an embodiment of a locking cylinder 10 is shown. Identical elements are identified by identical reference numerals and will therefore not be explained again.

[0050] The electromechanical locking device 14 includes an electromechanical drive, which is embodied here as an electric motor 32. The electric motor 32 drives, in particular by means of a drive shaft 34, a locking or coupling element 36, such that the locking or coupling element 36 is movable along a rotational axis of the rotatable cylinder core 18. Preferably, the locking or coupling element 36 is 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 embodied as a linear motor, such that the drive shaft 34, with the locking or coupling element 36 connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner, executes a translational movement. Alternatively, the electric motor 32 can be embodied 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 movably guided relative to the drive shaft 34.

[0051] 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 can be switched between a locking position (shown in the 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 14 is locked. The release position corresponds to a configuration in which the electromechanical locking device 14 is unlocked. These configurations of the electromechanical locking device 14 are described below across all figures. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals and are therefore not explained again.

[0052] 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 coupling mechanism 38 has a locking block 40 and a spring element 42 (e.g., 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 be selectively brought into contact with the locking block 40 by means of the spring element 37. The locking block 40 is movable radially in the locking cylinder 10 against the preload force of the spring element 42 arranged in a recess 43 in the cylinder housing 16.

[0053] Provided in the cylinder housing 16 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 selector shaft housing 54 and the selector shaft core 56 are arranged concentrically to one another. The selector shaft core 56 has a through-bore 58 for the axial passage of the locking or coupling element 36. The through-bore 58 of the selector shaft core 56, which accommodates the locking or coupling arrangement 36, is aligned with a bore 51 in the selector shaft housing 54. The bore 51 is arranged downstream of the through-bore 58 of the selector shaft core 56. The drive shaft 34 extending from the electric motor 32 extends through the through-bore 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 deeply enough into the selector shaft housing 54 in the release position.The selector shaft core 56 has recesses 60 in the circumferential direction, which correspond to recesses 62 of the selector shaft housing 54 and recesses 43 of the cylinder housing 16. The recesses 43, 60, 62 are each adapted to the cross-section of the corresponding locking block 40, so that the latter can extend into the recesses 43, 60, 62. An inner rotary joint 62 is defined between an outer surface of the selector shaft core 56 and an inner surface of the selector shaft housing 54. An outer rotary joint 64 is defined between an outer surface of the selector shaft housing 54 and the inner surface of the cylinder housing 16.

[0054] In the Fig. 4 The locking position of the locking or coupling element 36 is illustrated. The electromechanically driven locking or coupling element 36 is in the locking position in contact with the respective locking block 40. In particular, the spring elements 37 are in contact with the respective locking block 40. The spring element 37 is curved at one end section preferably towards the locking block 40 in order to be able to load it against the preload 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 preloaded. It should be noted that each locking block 40 has an inner driver 40-1, a middle driver 40-2 and an outer driver 40-3. The drivers 40-1, 40-2 and 40-3 merely rest against one another, i.e., they are not formed as a single piece. In the locked position, the respective locking block 40 is 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 in the radial direction between the selector shaft housing 54 and the selector shaft core 56. The gap 47 is designed such that in the locked position, the inner driver 40-1 can be guided in the circumferential direction in the gap 47. Furthermore, an end portion 49 of a key-operated key shaft 46, which is rotatably arranged in the cylinder housing 16, is 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 to circumferentially drive the inner driver 40-1 in the locked position. In the locked position, the middle driver 40-2 extends through the outer rotary joint 64 or crosses it, so that the selector shaft housing 54 is blocked or connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the cylinder housing 16. In other words, in the locked position, only the key shaft 46 can be rotated relative to the cylinder housing 16. Rotation of the selector shaft 52 is not possible in this position. The mechanical locking device 12 is decoupled from the electromechanical locking device 14. The key shaft 46 and the selector shaft 52 of the multi-part cylinder shaft 18 are decoupled.If a user unlocks the mechanical locking device 12 in the locked position using the key 20, only a "free rotational movement" of the mechanical locking device 12 occurs. As shown in the . Fig. 4 and the Fig. 5 As shown, an end section of the switching shaft housing 54 emerging from the cylinder housing 16 interacts with a counter-receptacle (not shown) on the machine side, so that when the switching shaft housing 54 is blocked, the locking cylinder 10 cannot be released. For example, the end section can be coupled to a lever. The lever can, for example, engage positively in a locked position in the gaming machine. It goes without saying that the end section is not limited to such a blocking. For example, the end section or the switching shaft housing 54 can also have a locking element (not shown) or be coupled to a locking element and / or any suitable lock.

[0055] In the Fig. 5 the release position of the locking or coupling element 36 is illustrated. In the release position, the electromechanically driven locking or coupling element 36 is out of contact with the respective locking block 40. In particular, the spring elements 37 are 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 parting line 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 entirely 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 orcrosses these, so that both the switching shaft housing 54 and the switching shaft core 56 are now released. The switching shaft housing 54 and the switching shaft core 56 are not rotatable relative to one another. In other words, the mechanical locking device 12 and the electromechanical locking device 14 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, in the release position, the switching shaft 52 can be rotated relative to the cylinder housing 16. By releasing the mechanical locking device 12, the locking cylinder 10 can then be unlocked. By means of the key 20, the key shaft 46 and the switching shaft 52 can then be rotated together. In order to ensure that the electromechanical locking device 14 can also be unlocked in the event of a power failure, the locking orCoupling element 36 is preferably pre-tensioned in the release position, for example by means of an additional pre-tensioning element (not shown), e.g. 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, however, the opposite behavior can also be brought about in the event of a power failure. For this purpose, the locking or coupling element 36 can be pre-tensioned in the locking position, for example by means of the additional pre-tensioning element (not shown), e.g. a spring or the like. In this way, the locking or coupling element 36 is then moved into the locking position in the event of a power failure in order to prevent unauthorized access.

[0056] As already mentioned, the mechanical locking device 12 can be coupled to the electromechanical locking device 14 via the key shaft 46. The electric motor 32 is accommodated 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 transmitting and receiving electronics (not shown), an RFID chip, and a processor (not shown in detail) with a memory and software. On an end face of the key shaft 46 facing the key 20, a key channel 70 for receiving the key 20 is provided. The key shaft 46 is preferably coupled to the switching shaft 52, in particular the switching shaft core 56. As a result, a rotational movement of the inserted key 20 can cause a rotational movement of the mechanical locking device 12 and the electromechanical locking device 14 according to the Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 illustrated configurations. The key shaft 46 interacts with a hub 72 by means of tumbler pins 48 to enable the unlocking of the mechanical locking device 12. In the key shaft 46 receiving the hub 72, as well as in the hub 72 itself, bores 74 and 76 are provided in the circumferential direction, respectively, which enable radial movement of the tumbler pins 48. The tumbler pins 48 are composed in a known manner of 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 correct key 20 is inserted, the locking pins 48 are positioned so that their separating joint 80 is level with a rotational joint 82 of the rotatably mounted key shaft 46. The key shaft 46 is now released and can be rotated.

[0057] In the Fig. 6 A schematic representation of a method 100 for controlling a locking cylinder 10 for a gaming machine 22 is shown. In a first step 102 of the method 100, the electromechanical locking device 14 is unlocked. In a further step 104, the mechanical locking device 12 is unlocked.

[0058] In the Fig. 7 A schematic representation of a method 200 for controlling a locking cylinder 10 for a gaming machine 22 is shown. In a step 202 of the method 200, the electromechanical locking device 12 is unlocked. In contrast to the locking cylinder 10 of the method 200, the locking cylinder 10 of the method 100 also has a mechanical locking device 12 in addition to the electromechanical locking device 14.

Claims

1. Lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22), wherein the lock cylinder (10) comprises an electromechanical locking device (14) and a mechanical locking device (12), wherein the electromechanical locking device (14) and the mechanical locking device (12) are unlockable to unlock the lock cylinder (10), wherein the electromechanical locking device (14) comprises an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) that is movable between a locking position, in which the electromechanical locking device (14) is locked, and a release position, in which the electromechanical locking device (14) is unlocked, wherein the lock cylinder (10) comprises evaluation electronics (44) for detecting an access authorization, and wherein the electromechanical locking device (14) interacts with the evaluation electronics (44), characterized in that in the release position, the electromechanical locking device (14) is decoupled from a cylinder housing (16) of the lock cylinder (10), and the mechanical locking device (12) is coupled with the electromechanical locking device (14), and in the locking position, the electromechanical locking device (14) is rotationally fixed to the cylinder housing (16) of the lock cylinder (10), and the mechanical locking device (12) and the electromechanical locking device (14) are decoupled from each other, and that the mechanical locking device (12) is unlockable by a key (20), wherein only when the electromechanical locking device (14) and the mechanical locking device (12) are both unlocked, a rotation of a lever or a locking element of the lock cylinder (10) is enabled by means of the key.

2. Lock cylinder (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, upon successful access authorization, the electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) is movable from the locking position to the release position.

3. Lock cylinder (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that only when both the electromechanical locking device (14) and the mechanical locking device (12) are unlocked, a rotation of a lever or a locking element of the lock cylinder (10) is enabled.

4. Lock cylinder (10) according to claim 2 or 3, 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.

5. Gaming machine (22) comprising a plurality of lock cylinders (10), each with an electromechanical locking device (14), and a control device (24), wherein the control device (24) selectively unlocks at least one lock cylinder (10) of the plurality of lock cylinders based on an electronic access authorization check, and characterized in that the at least one lock cylinder (10) is a lock cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Gaming machine (22) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device (24) is connected to evaluation electronics (44) for detecting access authorization, and that, after access authorization has been granted, an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) of the at least one lock cylinder (10) of the plurality of lock cylinders is moved from a locking position to a release position.

7. Gaming machine (22) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the gaming machine (22) further comprises a power supply device (28) with at least one battery, so that in the absence of external power supply, a supply voltage is provided to operate the control device (24).

8. Gaming machine (22) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the control device (24) keeps a log of access authorization requests.

9. Gaming machine (22) according to claim 8, characterized in that the log comprises authorization data for determining the authorization of an identifier (26), identification data for verifying the identity of the identifier (26), and / or access events, in particular an access time and / or access duration.

10. Method (100) for controlling a lock cylinder (10) for a gaming machine (22), wherein the lock cylinder (10) comprises an electromechanical locking device (14) and a mechanical locking device (12), wherein the electromechanical locking device (14) and the mechanical locking device (12) are unlocked to release the lock cylinder (10), wherein the electromechanical locking device (14) comprises an electromechanically driven locking or coupling element (36) that is movable between a locking position, in which the electromechanical locking device (14) is locked, and a release position, in which the electromechanical locking device (14) is unlocked, wherein the lock cylinder (10) comprises evaluation electronics (44) for detecting an access authorization, and wherein the electromechanical locking device (14) interacts with the evaluation electronics (44), characterized in that in the release position, the electromechanical locking device (14) is decoupled from a cylinder housing (16) of the lock cylinder (10), and the mechanical locking device (12) is coupled with the electromechanical locking device (14), and that in the locking position, the electromechanical locking device (14) is rotationally fixed to the cylinder housing (16) of the lock cylinder (10), and the mechanical locking device (12) and the electromechanical locking device (14) are decoupled from each other, and that the mechanical locking device (12) is unlockable by a key (20), wherein only when the electromechanical locking device (14) and the mechanical locking device (12) are both unlocked, a rotation of a lever or a locking element of the lock cylinder (10) is enabled by means of the key.