A switchable clamp-type locking mechanism with an output shaft (3) that rotates in relation to a housing (1) is provided. Furthermore, clamping elements, in particular clamping balls or clamping rollers (4) are provided that are pushed by a spring force into a clamping gap (16) in their clamped position and are confined by a smooth track (15) on the housing (1) and by locking ramps (13, 14) on the output shaft (3). A drive shaft (2) to rotate the output shaft (3) is provided. The clamping elements are moved into a release position using a device by means of which the clamping elements are freed to rotate the output shaft (3). A slide (7) that is fixed to the output shaft (3) is form-locked to the housing (1) in the clamped position of the clamping elements and is disengaged from the housing (1) in the release position of the clamping elements.