US Patent 9784021 Motor vehicle door lock

A motor vehicle door lock includes a rotary latch which in a locking position encompasses a locking element that is pre-tensioned in a direction of an open position releasing the locking element. A pawl is in engagement with the rotary latch such that the latch is inhibited from moving towards the open position. A coupling section of the pawl is coupled to a drive element which moves the pawl between an engagement position and a release position, the release position allowing the rotary latch to move toward the open position. A force is applied to the pawl only in the engagement position thereof and the force application holds the pawl in engagement with the rotary latch.