Binary switch lock

Abstract

A key controlled switching apparatus including a body for mounting in an enclosure, the body comprising a front body portion defining a front cylindrical shell and a rear housing secured thereto. A cylindrical locking plug defines a front keyway and is mounted for rotation between locked and open positions within the shell and a plurality of locking tumblers are retained by the plug and extend into the front keyway. Aligned with the locking plug and rotatable therewith is a switching plug extending into the rear housing and defining a rear keyway axially aligned with the front keyway. A plurality of stationary electrical contacts are retained by the rear housing and a plurality of movable electrical contacts are retained by the rear housing and each movable contact is engageable with a different one of the stationary electrical contacts. Extending into the switching plug are a plurality of actuators, each movable into an active position that moves a different one of the movable contacts into engagement with one of the stationary contacts. A key is insertable into the front and rear keyways and includes a front portion bitted to engage and produce movement of the tumblers and a rear portion having bitted portions shaped and arranged to engage and move predetermined ones of the actuators into their active positions. The switching plug accurately aligns the rear key portion and the actuators and guides movement thereof into their active positions.