Lock system for an entertainment machine, entertainment machine and closing process

The described locking system for amusement machines improves security by using a separate electromechanical unit with encrypted key codes and wireless control, addressing vulnerabilities and key management inefficiencies.

EP4685761A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-01-28ADP GAUSELMANN GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025190857
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-24
Filing Date
2025-07-22
Publication Date
2026-01-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing amusement machine locking systems are vulnerable to unauthorized opening through drilling and require entire cylinder replacement upon key loss, lacking effective security and management efficiency.

Method used

A locking system featuring an electromechanical unit spatially and mechanically separate from the lock, controlled by a key with stored identification codes, using wireless communication and encryption, ensuring authorization checks and tamper-resistant mechanisms.

Benefits of technology

Enhances security by preventing unauthorized access and simplifies key management, reducing the need for multiple keys and enabling efficient tracking of usage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a locking system (10) for an amusement machine (12), comprising an electromechanical locking unit (100), a lock (14) spatially and mechanically separated from the locking unit (100), a control module (16) connected to the locking unit (100) and the lock (14) by means of a signal for controlling the locking system (10), and a key (24) compatible with the lock (14), wherein the key (24) has a first storage unit (26) for storing a key identification code, and wherein the control module (16) is configured to initiate data transmission to the key (24), to read the key identification code stored in the first storage unit (26) of the key (24), and to verify it using the key identification number.whether authorization exists to operate the electromechanical locking unit (100) and - if authorization exists - to issue a control command to actuate the electromechanical locking unit (100),
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking system for an amusement machine according to claim 1, an amusement machine according to claim 10 and a locking process of an amusement machine according to claim 11.

[0002] As is well known, amusement machines, such as those found in arcades and restaurants, are equipped with locking devices to prevent unauthorized opening of the machine's casing. These locking devices are often designed as multiple key-operated cylinders. Since the locking mechanism is typically integrated directly onto the cylinder's shaft, there is a risk of "drilling," meaning unauthorized opening is possible with relatively simple means. Another disadvantage is that if a key is lost, the entire cylinder must be replaced for security reasons.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a locking system for an amusement machine which ensures improved protection against manipulation or unauthorized opening of the amusement machine.

[0004] This problem is solved by features of claim 1.

[0005] Subclaims 2 to 9 represent advantageous further developments of the locking system according to the invention.

[0006] According to the invention, the locking system for an amusement machine comprises an electromechanical locking unit, a lock spatially and mechanically separated from the locking unit, a control module connected to the locking unit and the lock via signal technology for controlling the locking system, and a key compatible with the lock, which has a first storage unit for storing a key identification code.The locking system is characterized in particular by the fact that the control module is set up to initiate data transmission to the key, to read the key identification code stored in the first memory unit of the key, and to check, using the key identification number, whether there is authorization to operate the electromechanical locking unit and - if there is authorization - to issue a control command to actuate the electromechanical locking unit.

[0007] The phrase "spatially and mechanically separate lock from the locking unit" is to be understood in this context as meaning, in particular, that the lock is inoperative with regard to the mechanical locking process. That is, the operation of the lock by means of the key serves only to initiate the mechanical locking process to be carried out by the locking unit.

[0008] The design according to the invention has the effect that - since mechanical manipulation of the lock, such as drilling the lock, has no influence on the locking unit which is spatially and mechanically separate from the lock and thus on the mechanical locking of the amusement machine - improved protection against manipulation or unauthorized opening of the amusement machine is ensured.

[0009] Another advantage is that the problem of "lost keys" can be solved in a particularly simple way: Since, according to the invention, the locking authorization now exists in the form of a key identification code stored on the first key, in the event of key loss, it is only necessary to block the key identification code of the lost key. Replacing the lock is no longer necessary.

[0010] It should be noted, for the sake of completeness, that the locking system can also have multiple locking units, controllable via the control module, for closing or locking an amusement machine and / or a section thereof. This means that several key identification codes are stored on the key, and the control module uses these codes to determine whether and to which locking units of the amusement machine a control command should be issued. For example, authorization to open a cabinet door, but not authorization for another section of the amusement machine.

[0011] The locking system according to the invention proves particularly advantageous for gaming venues where a large number of amusement machines are installed. Previously, a large number of different keys were required to operate the locking cylinders installed in each amusement machine. Since, according to the invention, the locking authorization is now provided in the form of key identification codes stored on the key, and the locks on the amusement machines serve only to initiate the locking unit, it is now possible to use one key – depending on the type and number of stored key identification codes – for a large number of amusement machines. That is, keyed-alike locks can be used for the amusement machines installed in the gaming venue; in other words, the keys or key blades are keyed alike, and one key can operate all the locks.Therefore, it is no longer necessary to manage many keys; rather, depending on the type and number of stored key identification codes, it is sufficient to manage one key.

[0012] Preferably, data communication between the key and the control module is wireless, i.e., the key and the control module are designed to communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0013] Preferably, the key and the control / regulation module communicate with each other using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. This ensures particularly energy-efficient wireless data communication.

[0014] Preferably, the key identification code is cryptographically encrypted and stored in the first storage unit. This ensures that the data stored in the key-side storage element cannot be read in plaintext by an unauthorized third party.

[0015] Preferably, the first key-side memory unit is formed by a non-volatile, one-time programmable memory (OTP) component. This design advantageously ensures that the key identification code stored in the first key-side memory unit cannot be subsequently overwritten or modified.

[0016] A preferred embodiment provides that the key includes a second storage unit for storing data, which is configured for Near-Field Communication (NFC). This second storage unit is specifically intended for storing data that ensures key assignment during operation of gaming venues. It should be noted, for the avoidance of doubt, that the locking system according to the invention does not provide for the storage of personal data.

[0017] The inclusion of a second storage element for Near-Field Communication (NFC) ensures easy writing, modification, reading, and / or erasure of the key's secondary storage unit. This writing, modification, reading, and / or erasure can also be performed via a company network, such as the "MerkurNet" network offered to customers by the Merkur Group.

[0018] Preferably, the key-side second storage unit set up for NFC is formed by an NFC EEPROM.

[0019] Another preferred embodiment provides that the control module includes a storage element on which identification numbers authorizing the actuation of electromechanical locking units are stored, wherein the control module is configured to determine, by comparison, whether the read key identification code matches an identification number stored on the storage element, and that - if the read key identification code matches an identification number stored on the storage element - it is inferred that authorization to actuate an electromechanical locking unit exists.

[0020] The storage element is preferably designed in the form of a microSD card.

[0021] Preferably, the control module is configured to log opening / locking activities and store them on the memory element. An advantage of this design is that – for example, in the case of missing funds in the amusement machine – it is now possible to trace which key opened the machine and when, which in turn contributes to clarifying / proving potential misconduct.

[0022] Preferably, the control unit is also configured to supply voltage to the electromechanical locking unit. For this purpose, the control module is preferably connected via appropriate lines to the external power source that supplies voltage to the amusement machine.

[0023] In order to enable the locking and unlocking of the amusement machine even in the event of a failure of the external power source, a further preferred embodiment provides that the locking system has at least one battery, preferably in the form of a rechargeable battery, which is connected to the control module via appropriate lines and supplies it with voltage.

[0024] The electromechanical locking unit of the locking system comprises a latch for receiving a bolt, a locking blade that engages the latch, and an electric motor. The latch is movable from an open position, in which the bolt is released, to a closed position, in which the bolt is engaged, and vice versa. It should also be noted that the latch and the locking blade are each rotatably mounted within the housing of the locking unit. This means that the movement of the latch from the open position to the closed position and vice versa is a rotary movement. Due to its design, the latch can therefore also be described as a rotary latch.The electromechanical locking unit is characterized in particular by the fact that the electric motor is connected to the pawl via an output shaft and a reduction gear in such a way that the pawl can be moved from a release position to a latch position and from there to a locking position, and vice versa. In the release position, the latch is released, and in the latch and locking positions, the latch is held locked by the locking blade. Advantageously, this ensures a high level of tamper resistance with a small installation space requirement, since unauthorized opening would require both drilling into the housing and moving the pawl into the release position using a suitable tool.

[0025] Preferably, the housing of the locking unit is made of hardened metal. This makes drilling more difficult, thus ensuring even greater protection against tampering. Alternatively, the housing can also be made of plastic or sheet metal and fitted with a hardened drill-resistant plate.

[0026] The electric motor is preferably designed in the form of a low-voltage DC brushed motor.

[0027] A preferred embodiment provides that the reduction gear comprises a worm shaft meshing with the output shaft of the electric motor and a gear driven via the worm shaft, wherein the gear has a cam profile and the pawl has a cam roller rolling on the cam profile. The cam profile is designed such that, when the gear rotates, the cam roller rolling on the cam profile causes the pawl to move from the release position to the latching position and from there to the locking position, and vice versa.

[0028] Preferably, the gear has a locking cam associated with the control cam, the locking cam being arranged and designed such that, in the locked position, the cam roller is positively engaged between the control cam and the locking cam in the radial direction r. An advantage of this design is that manipulation is now virtually impossible: Due to the positive-locking arrangement of the cam roller, the pawl is also positively locked in the locked position. That is, without movement of the gear, the pawl cannot be released by a tool – purely mechanically speaking.

[0029] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the electromechanical locking unit further comprises a position detection device, wherein the position detection device includes fork-type optical sensors arranged in the housing of the locking unit and coding rings arranged on the gear and extending into the beam path of the fork-type optical sensors, the coding rings having openings that can be detected by the fork-type optical sensors. The position detection device ensures that the gear position, and thus the position of the pawl—namely, whether the pawl is in the release position, the latch position, or the locking position—is always known, particularly even after the locking system has been switched on or initiated.This advantageously avoids the need for corresponding reference runs after switching on the electric motor to determine the gearbox position, and the disadvantages associated with this method, namely increased initialization time and thus increased time and scope for potential manipulation. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the locking unit can be de-energized at any time to ensure tamper resistance.

[0030] The invention further aims to develop an amusement machine comprising a housing, a housing door, a locking bolt arranged on the housing door and a locking system for locking the housing door in such a way as to ensure a high level of protection against unauthorized opening of the amusement machine.

[0031] This problem is solved by designing the locking system according to one of claims 1 to 9.

[0032] All the details relating to the locking system according to the invention can be applied analogously to the entertainment machine according to the invention, so that the aforementioned advantages can also be achieved with it.

[0033] The invention further aims to provide a locking process for an amusement machine, wherein the amusement machine is designed according to claim 10 and comprises a locking system according to one of claims 1 to 9, ensuring simple and quick locking / unlocking of the amusement machine.

[0034] This problem is solved by features of claim 11.

[0035] Subclaims 12 to 15 represent advantageous further developments of the locking system according to the invention.

[0036] The closing process according to the invention is characterized by the following process steps: a) Inserting the key into the lock; b) Establishing data communication between the key and the control module; c) Reading the key identification code stored on the key's first memory unit; d) Checking whether authorization exists to operate the locking system and, if so, waiting for the key to be operated; e) Turning the key 90° counterclockwise; f) Sending the control command to the electromechanical locking unit; g) Starting the electric motor and moving the locking blade from the locked position to the released position, thus releasing the latch and the bolt caught in the latch.

[0037] To save energy, a preferred embodiment provides that after reading the key identification code stored on the key-side storage unit, process step c), the data communication between the key and the control module is disconnected.

[0038] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that, after the locking blade moves from the locking position to the release position (step g), it is monitored whether the housing door is opened, and that—if the housing door has not been opened after a predefined time interval—a control command is issued to close the electromechanical locking unit. This command starts the electric motor and moves the locking pawl from the release position, through the latch position, to the locking position. This ensures that—if the housing door has been left unlocked—the amusement machine does not remain unintentionally in the unlocked state, but instead, an automated locking process is carried out.

[0039] A "normal" locking process is carried out by monitoring, after the locking blade moves from the locking position to the release position (procedure step g), whether the housing door is opened, and that - if the housing door has been opened - a closing of the housing door is detected, and that after a closing of the housing door is detected and the key has been turned 90° clockwise, a control command to close the electromechanical locking unit is issued, which causes the electric motor to start and the locking pawl to move from the release position, via the latch position, to the locking position.

[0040] Another preferred embodiment provides that, after the locking blade moves from the locking position to the release position (step g), it is monitored whether the housing door is opened, and that—if the housing door has been opened—a closing of the housing door is detected, and that after a closing of the housing door has been detected, a control command to close the electromechanical locking unit is issued after a predefined dwell time has elapsed. This command causes the electric motor to start and the locking pawl to move from the release position, through the bolt position, to the locking position. The advantage of this is that locking without a key is now possible.

[0041] Further advantages and application possibilities of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0042] The description, claims, and drawing use the terms and associated reference numerals listed below. In the drawing, this means: Fig. 1 the locking system according to the invention for an amusement machine in a schematic representation; Fig. 2 a locking unit in detail view, wherein the locking pawl is in the release position; Fig. 3 the locking unit made of Fig. 2 , with the locking pawl in the latch position; Fig. 4 the locking unit made of Fig. 2 , with the locking blade in the locking position; Fig. 5 the locking device made of Fig. 2 in a view from below, and Fig. 6 the locking device made of Fig. 2 with a closed housing.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows in a schematic representation a locking system for an amusement machine 12, designated in its entirety by the reference number 10.

[0044] How Fig. 1 As can be seen, the locking system 10 on the amusement machine side comprises four locking units, designated by the reference numeral 100, a lock 14 spatially and mechanically separate from the locking units 100, and a control module 16, which is connected to the locking units 100 and the lock 14 via data lines 18. Reference numeral 20 designates a storage element of the control module 16, on which identification numbers authorized to actuate the electromechanical locking units 100 are stored. The power supply for the components of the locking system 10 on the amusement machine side, namely the locking units 100, the control module 16, and the lock 14, is provided by a battery 22.

[0045] In addition to the components already listed above, the locking system 10 also includes a key 24 corresponding to the lock 14. The key 24 has a first storage unit 26, which is formed by a non-volatile, one-time programmable memory element (OTP). A key identification code is cryptographically encrypted and stored in the first storage unit 26.

[0046] In locking system 10, the mechanical locking process of the amusement machine is carried out exclusively via the locking units 100. This means that the lock 14, which is spatially and mechanically separate from the locking units 100, is non-functional with regard to the mechanical locking process of the amusement machine 12. The lock 14 serves only to receive the key 24 and thus to initiate the mechanical locking process of the amusement machine 12, which is carried out by means of the locking units 100.

[0047] After inserting the key 24 into the lock 14 and thus initiating the locking process to be carried out, the control module 16 establishes a data transmission to the key 24 and reads the key identification code stored on the first storage unit 26 of the key 24 and checks, based on the read key identification code, whether there is authorization to operate the electromechanical locking units 100 and - if there is authorization - issues a control command to actuate the electromechanical locking units 100.

[0048] As illustrated by the dashed line 28, the key 24 and the control module 16 communicate wirelessly; in this case using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.

[0049] The existence of authorization is checked by means of comparison: For this purpose, the control module 16 checks whether the key identification code read from the first storage unit 26 matches an identification number stored on the storage element 20 of the control module 16, whereby - if the read key identification code matches an identification number stored on the storage element 20 - it is concluded that authorization to operate the electromechanical locking units 100 exists.

[0050] Since - as already explained - the lock 14 serves only to initiate the closing or locking process of the amusement machine 12 and the actual closing or locking process takes place exclusively via the locking units 100 which are spatially and mechanically separate from the lock 14, corresponding manipulations of the lock 14 are harmless.

[0051] The structural design of the locking units 100 is in Fig. 2 bis Fig. 5 depicted.

[0052] As from Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4 As can be seen, the locking unit 100 essentially comprises a latch 102 for receiving a locking bolt 12-1 arranged on a housing door of the amusement machine 12, a locking pawl 104 locking the latch 102, and an electric motor 106 controllable via the control module 16, the output shaft 108 of which is drivenly connected to the locking pawl 104 via a reduction gear 110 in such a way that the locking pawl 104 is released from a release position, cf. Fig. 2 , into a locking position, cf. Fig. 3 , and from there into the locking position, cf. Fig. 4 ...is transferable. While - as from Fig. 2 As can be seen, in the release position the latch 102 and thus the locking bolt 12-1 are released, it is in the bolt and locking position, see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 , the trap 102 was held locked by means of the locking latch 104.

[0053] The housing containing the components of the locking unit 100 is designated with the reference numeral 112, see also Fig. 6 According to the Fig. 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 112 is made of plastic. To ensure a high level of tamper protection, the housing 112 is provided with a hardened drill protection plate 112a.

[0054] How Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4 As further shown, the latch 102 and the locking blade 104 are rotatably mounted in the housing 112 of the locking unit 100. The corresponding axes of rotation are aligned parallel to each other.

[0055] A key characteristic of the locking unit 100 is the reduction gear 110. As shown from Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4 As can be seen, the reduction gear 110 comprises a worm shaft 110-1 meshing with the output shaft 108 of the electric motor 106, and a gear 110-2 driven via the worm shaft 110-1 and rotatably mounted in the housing 112, the axis of rotation of which is aligned parallel to the axes of rotation of the latch 102 and locking blade 104. As can be seen from Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4 As can be further seen, the reduction gear 110 also comprises a gear-side control cam 110-3 and a cam roller 110-4 mounted on the pawl-side and rolling on the control cam 110-3. The control cam 110-3 is designed such that when the gear 110-2 rotates, the cam roller 110-4 rolling on the control cam 110-3 causes the pawl 104 to move from the release position to the latching position and from there to the locking position and vice versa.

[0056] As from Fig. 2 and especially from Fig. 3 As can be seen, a locking cam 110-5 associated with the control cam 110-3 is also provided on the gear side. The locking cam 110-5 is arranged and designed such that in the locking position, cf. Fig. 5 The cam roller 110-4 is positively engaged in the radial direction r between the control cam 110-3 and the locking cam 110-5. Due to the positive-locking arrangement of the cam roller 110-4 between the control cam 110-3 and the locking cam 110-5, the pawl 104 is also positively locked in the locked position. This means that, without movement of the gear 110-2, the pawl 104 cannot be released by a tool – purely mechanically speaking.

[0057] A further characteristic of the locking unit 100 is that it has a position detection device 120 which is connected to the control module 16 via a signal. As shown from Fig. 5The position detection device 120 is shown – in relation to the control cam 110-3 located on the front of the gear – and is located on the rear of the gear. It comprises three fork-type optical sensors 122 arranged in the housing 112 of the locking unit, as well as two coding rings 124 arranged on the gear 110-2 and extending into the beam path. The coding rings have openings that can be detected by the fork-type optical sensors 122. The fork-type optical sensors 122 are arranged such that they always reflect the exact position of the gear 110-2 and thus of the pawl 104. This means that the position of the pawl 104 is available immediately after activation; referencing is no longer necessary. Reference symbol list

[0058] 10 Locking system 12 Entertainment machine 12-1 Locking bolt 14 Lock 16 Control module 18 Data lines 20 Memory element 22 Battery 24 Key 26 First memory unit 28 Dashed line 100 Locking unit 102 Latch 104 Latch 106 Electric motor 108 Output shaft 110 Reduction gear 110-1 Worm shaft 110-2 Gear 110-3 Control cam 110-4 Cam roller 110-5 Safety cam 112 Housing 112a Drill protection plate 120 Position detection device 122 Fork light barriers 124 Coding rings

Claims

1. Locking system (10) for an amusement machine (12), comprising an electromechanical locking unit (100), a lock (14) spatially and mechanically separate from the locking unit (100), a control module (16) connected to the locking unit (100) and the lock (14) by means of a signal for controlling the locking system (10), and a key (24) compatible with the lock (14), wherein the key (24) has a first storage unit (26) for storing a key identification code, and wherein the control module (16) is configured to initiate data transmission to the key (24), to read the key identification code stored in the first storage unit (26) of the key (24) and to verify it using the key identification number.whether authorization exists to operate the electromechanical locking unit (100) and - if authorization exists - to issue a control command to actuate the electromechanical locking unit (100).

2. Locking system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the key identification code is stored cryptographically encrypted in the first key-side storage unit (26).

3. Locking system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first key-side storage unit (26) is formed by a non-volatile, one-time programmable memory element (OTP).

4. Locking system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the key (24) includes a second storage unit which is set up for Near-Field Communication, NFC.

5. Locking system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe control module (16) comprises a storage element (20) on which identification numbers authorized to actuate electromechanical locking units (100) are stored, and the control module (16) is configured to determine by comparison whether the read key identification code matches an identification number stored on the storage element, wherein - if the read key identification code matches an identification number stored on the storage element (20) - authorization to actuate an electromechanical locking unit (100) exists.

6. Locking system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact thatThe electromechanical locking unit (100) comprises a latch (102) for receiving a locking bolt (12-1), a locking blade (104) locking the latch (102), and an electric motor (106), wherein the latch (102) is movable from an open position in which the locking bolt (12-1) is released to a closed position in which the locking bolt (12-1) is engaged, and vice versa, and wherein the electric motor (106) is drivenly connected to the locking pawl (104) via an output shaft (108) and a reduction gear (110) such that the locking pawl (104) can be moved from a release position to a latch position and from there to a locking position and vice versa, wherein in the release position the latch (102) is released and in the latch and locking positions the latch (102) is held by means of the The locking blade (104) is held locked.

7. Locking system (10) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatThe reduction gear (110) comprises a worm shaft (110-1) meshing with the output shaft (108) of the electric motor (106) and a gear (110-2) driven via the worm shaft (110-1), wherein the gear (110-2) has a control cam (110-3) and the pawl (104) has a cam roller (110-4) rolling on the control cam (110-3), wherein the control cam (110-3) is designed such that when the gear (110-2) is rotated, the cam roller (110-4) rolling on the control cam (110-3) causes the pawl (104) to move from the release position to the latching position and from there to the locking position and vice versa.

8. Locking system (10) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe gear (110-2) has a locking cam (110-5) associated with the control cam (110-3), wherein the locking cam (110-5) is arranged and designed such that in the locking position the cam roller (110-4) is positively engaged between the control cam (110-3) and the locking cam (110-4) when viewed in the radial direction r.

9. Locking system (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by the fact that the electromechanical locking unit (100) further comprises a position detection device (120) connected to the control module (16) via a signal, wherein the position detection device (120) comprises fork light barriers (122) arranged in the housing (112) of the locking unit (100) and coding rings (124) arranged on the gear (110-2) extending into the beam path of the fork light barriers (122), wherein the coding rings (124) have openings that can be detected by means of the fork light barriers (122).

10. Amusement machine (12), comprising a housing, a housing door, a locking bolt (12-1) arranged on the housing door, and a locking system (10) for locking the housing door, characterized by the fact that the locking system (10) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Locking process for an amusement machine (10), wherein the amusement machine (12) is configured according to claim 10 and has a locking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following process steps: a) inserting the key (24) into the lock (14); b) establishing data communication between the key (24) and the control module (16); c) reading the key identification code stored on the first storage unit (26); d) checking whether authorization to operate the locking system (10) exists and, if authorization exists, waiting for the key (24) to be operated; e) turning the key (24) 90° counterclockwise; f) issuing the control command to the electromechanical locking unit (100);g) Starting of the electric motor (106) and moving the locking blade () from the locking position to the release position, so that the latch (102) and thus the locking bolt (12-1) caught in the latch (102) are released.; 12. Closing process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that After reading the key identification code stored on the first storage unit (26), procedure step c), the data communication between key (24) and the control module (16) is disconnected.

13. Closing process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact thatAfter the locking blade (104) is moved from the locking position to the release position, process step g), it is monitored whether the housing door is opened, and if the housing door has not been opened after a stored time interval, a control command to close the electromechanical locking unit (100) is issued, which causes the electric motor (106) to start and the locking pawl (104) to move from the release position, via the latch position to the locking position.

14. Closing process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact thatAfter the locking blade (104) is moved from the locking position to the release position, process step g), it is monitored whether the housing door is opened, and if the housing door has been opened, a closing of the housing door is detected, and after a closing of the housing door is detected and the key (24) has been turned 90° clockwise, a control command to close the electromechanical locking unit (100) is issued, which causes the electric motor (106) to start and the locking pawl (104) to move from the release position, via the bolt position, to the locking position.

15. Closing process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact thatAfter the locking blade (104) is moved from the locking position to the release position, process step g), it is monitored whether the housing door is opened, and if the housing door has been opened, a closing of the housing door is detected, and after a closing of the housing door has been detected, after a stored dwell time, a control command to close the electromechanical locking unit (100) is issued, which causes the electric motor (106) to start and the locking pawl (104) to move from the release position, via the bolt position to the locking position.

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