a lock , especially for motor vehicles , for securing a movable part , such as a pivoting flap , in position with respect to a stationary part , such as a housing , includes two rotary latches at a certain distance apart , wherein two closing pieces engage in the rotary latches when the latches are in the closed position . the locking elements are connected to a shaft and are rotatable synchronously with the shaft . at least certain sections of the shaft have torsional rigidity in the rotational direction , but flexibility in the axial direction .