Patent ID: 7275401

Claim:
A key switch having at least one switching position, the key switch comprising: a cylindrical lock configured to be translated upon authorization of a key; a lock holder configured to host the translated cylindrical lock, the cylindrical lock translated along a rotational axis common to the cylindrical lock and the lock holder, wherein the cylindrical lock engages in a form fit with the lock holder when the cylindrical lock is rotated about the rotational axis; a first washer having at least one inner notch; and a second washer having at least one tab sized and configured to: fit into the inner notch; be moved into or out of the first washer when the cylindrical lock is translated along the rotational axis; and to be rotated together with the cylindrical lock about the rotational axis when the tab is located outside the first washer and the cylindrical lock is rotated; wherein the key switch has a number of switching positions, and the first washer has a number of inner notches corresponding to the number of switching positions; and wherein the first washer is configured to change a position of the inner notches relative to a housing accommodating the key switch or to a holding mechanism for supporting the key switch.