A differential pressure-controlled locking mechanism (10) comprises a housing (12), as well as a first pressure chamber (14) which is arranged in the housing (12) and which is connectable to a first ambient zone. A second pressure chamber, arranged in the housing (12), is connectable to a second ambient zone and is separated from the first pressure chamber (14) by a mobile separating device (18). The separating device (18) is in an inactive position when the pressure in the first pressure chamber (14) is equal to the pressure in the second pressure chamber. Conversely, the separating device (18) is movable from its inactive position into a differential pressure position when a predetermined differential pressure acts on the separating device (18). An actuation element (22), which is held in a first position by the separating device (18) when the separating device (18) is in its inactive position, is movable into a second position when the mobile separating device (18) is in its differential pressure position. A latch (32) is held in a locking position when the actuation element (22) is in its first position, and is movable into an unlocking position when the actuation element (22) is in its second position.