Dual pawl system for vehicle door latch
By combining the main pawl, secondary pawl, and release lever, the problem of difficult release under high load in traditional vehicle latching systems is solved, enabling pawl position switching without additional components, thus improving operational efficiency and reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NTANHUA PROD CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Traditional vehicle latching systems struggle to release the striker under high loads, and existing dual-pawl designs require additional components and manufacturing steps.
The design employs a combination of a main pawl, a secondary pawl, and a release lever. Through the coordinated movement of the release lever and the secondary pawl, the pawl can rotate from a secondary position to a primary position, preventing the main pawl from obstructing the movement.
The simplified component structure reduces manufacturing steps and improves the operational efficiency and reliability of the latching system.
Smart Images
Figure CN121915876A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross-reference to related applications
[0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 710,579, filed October 22, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology
[0002] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to the field of vehicle latches.
[0003] Traditional latching systems use a fork or pawl that rotates around a fixed pivot, and a brake or pawl that rotates around the fixed pivot to hold a movable firing pin. Most latching systems retain the firing pin in two discrete positions with a certain number of linear separations. When a large force is applied to the firing pin using a traditional latching system, it may be impossible to rotate the brake or pawl out of the engagement of the fork or pawl, thus preventing the latch from releasing the firing pin.
[0004] Another latching system design includes a fork or pawl that rotates about a fixed pivot, a main brake or pawl that rotates about the fixed pivot, and a secondary brake or pawl that rotates about the fixed pivot. In this alternative design, the main brake or pawl is biased so that once the secondary brake or pawl disengages from the main brake or pawl, it tends to automatically disengage from the fork or pawl. This alternative design requires less energy to release the high load applied to the striker. However, the alternative designs described so far typically cannot move from the second striker position to the first striker position during latch-off operation.
[0005] One solution to this problem is a latching system that uses only a primary brake or pawl-secondary brake or pawl system to hold the fork pin or pawl in the first striker position. A separate brake or pawl lever is then used to hold the fork pin or pawl in the second striker position. This solution is not optimal because it requires additional components and manufacturing steps.
[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to improve the operation of vehicle latches with a dual pawl holding system. Summary of the Invention
[0007] A latching system for a vehicle latch is disclosed, comprising: a pawl for holding a striker in a primary position and a secondary position of the pawl, the pawl being configured to pivot about a pawl axis between at least the primary position and the secondary position; a primary pawl configured to pivot about a primary pawl axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position; a secondary pawl configured to pivot about a secondary pawl axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein when the primary pawl is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl is in the engaged position, the primary pawl and the secondary pawl hold the pawl in the primary position or the secondary position; and a release lever configured to pivot about a release lever axis, the release lever being operably coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the pawl is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position, and when the pawl rotates from the secondary position to the primary position, the pawl contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the pawl pivot, the main pawl pivot, the secondary pawl pivot, and the release lever pivot are securely fixed to the frame such that the pawl, the main pawl, the secondary pawl, and the release lever can rotate or pivot relative to the frame.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the latching system further includes: a primary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the primary pawl pivot, wherein movement of the primary pawl lifter about the primary pawl pivot will also cause a corresponding movement of the primary pawl; and a secondary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the secondary pawl pivot, wherein movement of the secondary pawl lifter about the secondary pawl pivot will also cause a corresponding movement of the secondary pawl.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the release lever is configured to contact the pawl at one end and the release lever is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter at the other end.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, one end of the separating rod and the other end of the separating rod are located on opposite sides of the separating rod pivot.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the pawl pivot, the main pawl pivot, the secondary pawl pivot, and the release lever pivot are securely fixed to the frame such that the pawl, the main pawl, the secondary pawl, and the release lever can rotate or pivot relative to the frame.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, when the main pawl is in the disengaged position, the main pawl does not prevent the pawl from moving from the primary position or the secondary position.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the latching system further includes an actuator operably coupled to the secondary pawl or the release lever.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, when the secondary pawl is in the engaged position, the secondary pawl will prevent the primary pawl from moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the release lever is configured to contact the pawl at one end, and the release lever is configured to drive the secondary pawl at the other end of the release lever.
[0017] A vehicle latch is also disclosed, comprising: a latching system including: a pawl for holding a striker in a primary position and a secondary position of the pawl, the pawl being configured to move about a pawl pivot between at least the primary position and the secondary position; a primary pawl configured to move about a primary pawl pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position; a secondary pawl configured to move about a secondary pawl pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein when the primary pawl is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl is in the engaged position, the primary pawl and the secondary pawl hold the pawl in the primary position or the secondary position; and a release lever configured to move about a release lever pivot, the release lever being operably coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the pawl is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position, and when the pawl rotates from the secondary position to the primary position, the pawl contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position.
[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the pawl pivot, the main pawl pivot, the secondary pawl pivot, and the release lever pivot are securely fixed to the frame such that the pawl, the main pawl, the secondary pawl, and the release lever can rotate or pivot relative to the frame.
[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the latching system further includes: a primary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the primary pawl pivot, wherein movement of the primary pawl lifter about the primary pawl pivot will also cause a corresponding movement of the primary pawl; and a secondary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the secondary pawl pivot, wherein movement of the secondary pawl lifter about the secondary pawl pivot will also cause a corresponding movement of the secondary pawl.
[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the release lever is configured to contact the pawl at one end and the release lever is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter at the other end.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, one end of the separating rod and the other end of the separating rod are located on opposite sides of the separating rod pivot.
[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the pawl pivot, the main pawl pivot, the secondary pawl pivot, and the release lever pivot are securely fixed to the frame such that the pawl, the main pawl, the secondary pawl, and the release lever can rotate or pivot relative to the frame.
[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, when the main pawl is in the disengaged position, the main pawl does not prevent the pawl from moving from the primary position or the secondary position.
[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the latching system further includes an actuator operably coupled to the secondary pawl or the release lever.
[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, when the secondary pawl is in the engaged position, the secondary pawl will prevent the primary pawl from moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the release lever is configured to contact the pawl at one end, and the release lever is configured to drive the secondary pawl at the other end of the release lever.
[0027] A method for holding and releasing a striker pin in a latching system for a vehicle latch is also disclosed, comprising: holding a striker pin having a pawl in a primary position and a secondary position of the pawl, the pawl being configured to move about a pawl pivot between at least the primary position and the secondary position; rotatably mounting a primary pawl about a primary pawl pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position; rotatably mounting a secondary pawl about a secondary pawl pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the primary pawl and the secondary pawl holding the pawl in the primary position or the secondary position when the primary pawl is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl is in the engaged position; and rotatably mounting a release lever about a release lever pivot, the release lever being operatively coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the pawl is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position, and when the pawl rotates from the secondary position to the primary position, the pawl contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position. Brief description of the attached figures The following description should not be considered as any limitation. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar components have the same numbering: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle latch having a latching system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 Latch systems according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a latching system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is a view of a latching system in the primary or fully locked position according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a view of a latching system in a secondary or partial locked position according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a view of a latching system in the open position according to various embodiments of the invention; and Figure 6 This is a view of a latching system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, showing that the secondary pawl is disengaged by pawl rotation, and the primary pawl is able to rotate when the pawl is rotated to the primary position. Detailed Implementation
[0028] This document provides a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods by way of example rather than limitation by reference figures.
[0029] This disclosure relates to a latching system comprising: a fork or pawl rotatable about a fixed pivot; a primary brake or pawl rotatable about the fixed pivot; a secondary brake or pawl rotatable about the fixed pivot; and a release lever configured to drive the secondary brake or pawl and engage the fork or pawl. This disclosure provides the advantages of the aforementioned alternative latching system, but allows movement from a secondary or partially locked position to a primary or fully locked position without the need for additional components, including those required to disengage the primary brake or primary pawl from the fork or pawl.
[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle latch 10 having a latching system 12 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 A latching system 12 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 3 This is a view of the latching system 10 in the primary or fully locked position according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a view of the latching system 10 in a secondary or partial locked position according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a view of a latching system 10 in the open position according to various embodiments of the invention; it should be understood that a secondary or partial locking position of the latching system is located between the primary or fully locked position and the open position.
[0031] Figure 6 This is a view of a latching system 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, showing that the secondary pawl is disengaged by rotation of the pawl, and that the primary pawl is able to rotate when the pawl is rotated to the primary position.
[0032] Now for reference Figures 1-6 The latching system 12 includes at least the following components: a fork or pawl 16 that rotates about a fixed pivot or fork or pawl pivot 18; a main brake or pawl 20 that rotates about a fixed pivot or main brake pivot or pawl pivot 22; a secondary brake or pawl 24 that rotates about a fixed pivot or secondary brake pivot or pawl pivot 26; and a release lever 28 pivotally or rotatably mounted on a release lever pivot 30. The release lever 28 is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter 32 via the pawl or fork 16, which will be discussed herein. The secondary pawl lifter 32 is also rotatably mounted on the fixed pivot or secondary brake pivot or pawl pivot 26. Movement of the secondary pawl lifter 32 about the fixed pivot or secondary brake pivot or pawl pivot 26 will also cause a corresponding movement of the secondary brake or pawl 24.
[0033] Similarly, the main pawl lifter 34 is also rotatably mounted on the fixed pivot, main brake pivot, or main pawl pivot 22. Movement of the main pawl lifter 34 about the fixed pivot, main brake pivot, or main pawl pivot 22 will also cause corresponding movement of the main pawl or main pawl pivot 20.
[0034] The primary pawl or primary brake 20 is configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position, while the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 is configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When the primary pawl or primary brake 20 is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 is in the engaged position, the primary pawl or primary brake 20 and the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 hold the pawl or fork pin 16 in a primary or secondary position. According to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the primary pawl or primary brake 20 and the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 are spring-biased (not shown) to their respective engaged positions.
[0035] However, when the main pawl or main brake 20 and the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 are in their respective engaged positions, the fork pin or pawl 16 is prevented from moving from the primary position to the secondary or open position, and the fork pin or pawl 16 is prevented from moving from the secondary position to the open position. The configuration of the latching system 12 allows the fork pin or pawl 16 to move from the secondary position to the primary position without the main pawl or main brake 20 preventing such movement. It should be understood that the secondary position of the fork pin or pawl 16 lies between the primary position and the open position of the fork pin or pawl 16.
[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the latching system 12 and the fork pin or pawl 16 are in the primary or fully locked position. In the primary or fully locked position of the fork pin or pawl 16, both the primary pawl or primary brake 20 and the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 are engaged, such that the primary pawl or primary brake 20 contacts the fork pin or pawl 16 to prevent it from contacting at least... Figure 2-4 The view shown is rotated clockwise. As used herein, counterclockwise and clockwise are relative to the view shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0037] Figure 4 The latching system 12 and the fork pin or pawl 16 are shown in a secondary or partially locked position. In the secondary or partially locked position of the fork pin or pawl 16, the main brake or pawl 20 remains engaged, contacting the fork pin or pawl 16 to prevent it from being engaged relative to at least Figure 4 The view shown is rotated clockwise. Furthermore, the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 is in the engaged position to prevent the primary pawl or primary brake 20 from moving to the disengaged position.
[0038] Figure 5The latching system 12 is shown in the fully open position. In the fully open position, the clasp 14 has been released from the fork pin or pawl 16. To release the latching system 12, the release lever 28 has been driven by an actuator 36 (schematically shown), which is operatively coupled (shown by dashed lines) to the release lever 28. Driving the release lever 28 by the actuator 36 will cause the release lever 28 to rotate clockwise about the release lever pivot 30, which will bring the release lever 28 into contact with the secondary pawl lifter 32 and rotate the secondary pawl lifter 32 and the secondary fastener or pawl 24 counterclockwise about the fixed pivot or secondary brake pivot or pawl pivot 26 to the disengaged position of the secondary pawl or secondary pivot 24. The movement of the secondary pawl lifters 32 and 24 around the fixed pivot or the secondary brake pivot or the pawl pivot 26 will also cause the main pawl lifter 34 and the main brake 20 to move clockwise around the fixed pivot or the main brake pivot or the main pawl pivot 22 to their disengaged positions, thereby rotating the pawl 16 to the open position.
[0039] Alternatively, actuator 36 can be operatively coupled to secondary pawl lifter 32 in the opposite direction to release lever 28, wherein actuator 36 can drive secondary pawl lifter 32 instead of release lever 28 to provide the desired movement, since secondary pawl lifter 32 is operatively coupled to release lever 28 and secondary pawl or brake 24. The dashed line from actuator 36 to secondary pawl lifter 32 indicates this alternative configuration. In this embodiment, actuator 36 is not directly coupled to release lever 28, but is directly coupled to secondary pawl lifter 32.
[0040] The configuration of the latching system 12 disclosed herein allows the latching system 12 to be released by movement of the release lever 28, and the configuration of the release lever 28 also allows the release lever 28 to hold the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 in the disengaged position so that the primary pawl or primary brake 20 does not prevent the pawl or fork pin 16 from moving from the secondary position to the primary position.
[0041] Figure 6 This illustrates disengaging the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 by rotating the pawl or fork pin 16 counterclockwise from the secondary position. When the pawl or fork pin 16 is at least... Figure 4 When rotated counterclockwise from the indicated position (e.g., from the secondary position), the pawl or fork pin 16 contacts the release lever 28 and causes the release lever 28 to rotate clockwise. Simultaneously, the release lever 28 contacts the secondary pawl lifter 32 and rotates the secondary pawl lifter 32 counterclockwise. The secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 moves counterclockwise to at least... Figure 6 The position shown. When the secondary pawl or secondary brake 24 is at least Figure 6 When in the position shown, without the main pawl or main brake 20 preventing the pawl or fork pin 16 from rotating counterclockwise, the pawl or fork pin 16 can rotate from the secondary position to the primary position.
[0042] As shown in the figure, the release lever 28 is configured to contact the pawl or fork pin 16 at one end, and the release lever 28 is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter 32 at the other end. One end and the other end of the release lever 28 are located on opposite sides of the release lever pivot 30. In other words, and in order to release the latching system 10 from the primary locked state or optionally the secondary position, the release lever 28 is driven to... Figure 5 The position shown. Afterwards, upon removal of the actuation force, the release lever 28 returns to at least the position indicated by the spring bias force (not shown). Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the biasing force can be applied to the secondary pawl lifter 32, which in turn applies to the release lever 28 due to its contact with the secondary pawl lifter 32. However, during the closing operation, the pawl or fork pin 16 moves from the open position to the secondary position and then to the primary position.
[0043] During this movement, the pawl or fork pin 16 will contact the separating rod 28 and move it at least to Figure 5 Or the position shown in 6 (without operating actuator 36) to ensure that the main pawl or main brake 20 does not prevent the pawl or fork pin 16 from moving to the main position.
[0044] Therefore, a double pawl system is provided, wherein the fork pin or pawl can be rotated from the secondary position to the primary position or the fully locked position, while the main pawl or main brake 20 does not prevent the movement.
[0045] Now for reference Figure 1 The fork pin or pawl pivot 18, the main brake pivot or main pawl pivot, and the secondary brake pivot or secondary pawl pivot are all securely fixed to the frame or back plate 38, such that the fork pin or pawl 16, the main brake or main pawl 20, the secondary brake or secondary pawl 24, and the release lever can rotate or pivot relative to the frame or back plate 38.
[0046] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a specific number of measurements based on the equipment available at the time of application submission. For example, “about” could include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% for a given value.
[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups.
[0048] While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents of its elements can be substituted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but rather to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A latching system for a vehicle latch, comprising: A claw for holding a firing pin in a primary position and a secondary position, the claw being configured to move about a claw pivot between at least the primary position and the secondary position; The main pawl is configured to pivot about the main pawl axis between the engaged and disengaged positions; A secondary pawl is configured to pivot about a secondary pawl axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein when the primary pawl is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl is in the engaged position, the primary pawl and the secondary pawl hold the pawl in the primary position or the secondary position; and A release lever, configured for movement about a release lever pivot, is operably coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the pawl is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position, and when the pawl rotates from the secondary position to the primary position, the pawl contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position.
2. The latching system according to claim 1, further comprising: A main pawl lifter, rotatably mounted on the main pawl pivot, wherein movement of the main pawl lifter about the main pawl pivot will also cause a corresponding movement of the main pawl; and A secondary pawl lifter is rotatably mounted on the secondary pawl pivot, wherein movement of the secondary pawl lifter about the secondary pawl pivot will also cause a corresponding movement of the secondary pawl.
3. The latching system according to claim 2, wherein, The separating rod is configured to contact the pawl at one end and the separating rod is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter at the other end.
4. The latching system according to claim 3, wherein, One end of the separating rod and the other end of the separating rod are located on opposite sides of the separating rod pivot.
5. The latching system according to claim 4, wherein, The pawl pivot, the main pawl pivot, the secondary pawl pivot, and the release lever pivot are securely fixed to the frame, allowing the pawl, the main pawl, the secondary pawl, and the release lever to rotate or pivot relative to the frame.
6. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein, When the main pawl is in the disengaged position, the main pawl does not prevent the pawl from moving from the primary position or the secondary position.
7. The latching system according to claim 1, further comprising: An actuator operatively coupled to the secondary pawl or the release lever.
8. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein, When the secondary pawl is in the engaged position, the secondary pawl will prevent the primary pawl from moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
9. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein, The release lever is configured to contact the pawl at one end, and the release lever is configured to drive the secondary pawl at the other end of the release lever.
10. A vehicle latch, comprising: A latching system, the latching system comprising: A claw for holding a firing pin in a primary position and a secondary position, the claw being configured to move about a claw pivot between at least the primary position and the secondary position; The main pawl is configured to pivot about the main pawl axis between the engaged and disengaged positions; A secondary pawl is configured to pivot about a secondary pawl axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein when the primary pawl is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl is in the engaged position, the primary pawl and the secondary pawl hold the pawl in the primary position or the secondary position; A release lever, configured for movement about a release lever pivot, is operably coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the pawl is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position, and when the pawl rotates from the secondary position to the primary position, the pawl contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position.
11. The vehicle latch according to claim 10, wherein, The pawl pivot, the main pawl pivot, the secondary pawl pivot, and the release lever pivot are securely fixed to the frame, allowing the pawl, the main pawl, the secondary pawl, and the release lever to rotate or pivot relative to the frame.
12. The vehicle latch of claim 10, further comprising: A main pawl lifter, rotatably mounted on the main pawl pivot, wherein movement of the main pawl lifter about the main pawl pivot will also cause a corresponding movement of the main pawl; and A secondary pawl lifter is rotatably mounted on the secondary pawl pivot, wherein movement of the secondary pawl lifter about the secondary pawl pivot will also cause a corresponding movement of the secondary pawl.
13. The vehicle latch according to claim 12, wherein, The separating rod is configured to contact the pawl at one end and the separating rod is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter at the other end.
14. The vehicle latch according to claim 13, wherein, One end of the separating rod and the other end of the separating rod are located on opposite sides of the separating rod pivot.
15. The vehicle latch according to claim 14, wherein, The pawl pivot, the main pawl pivot, the secondary pawl pivot, and the release lever pivot are securely fixed to the frame, allowing the pawl, the main pawl, the secondary pawl, and the release lever to rotate or pivot relative to the frame.
16. The vehicle latch according to claim 10, wherein, When the main pawl is in the disengaged position, the main pawl does not prevent the pawl from moving from the primary position or the secondary position.
17. The vehicle latch according to claim 1, further comprising: An actuator operatively coupled to the secondary pawl or the release lever.
18. The vehicle latch according to claim 10, wherein, When the secondary pawl is in the engaged position, the secondary pawl will prevent the primary pawl from moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
19. The vehicle latch according to claim 10, wherein, The release lever is configured to contact the pawl at one end, and the release lever is configured to drive the secondary pawl at the other end of the release lever.
20. A method for holding and releasing a striker in a latching system for a vehicle latch, comprising: A firing pin with a claw is held in a primary position and a secondary position of the claw, the claw being configured to move about a claw pivot between at least the primary position and the secondary position; The main pawl is rotatably mounted about the main pawl pivot between the engaged and disengaged positions; The secondary pawl is pivotally mounted about the secondary pawl between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and the primary pawl and the secondary pawl hold the pawl in the primary position or the secondary position when the primary pawl is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl is in the engaged position; and A release bar is rotatably mounted about a release bar pivot, the release bar being operably coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the pawl is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position, and when the pawl rotates from the secondary position to the primary position, the pawl contacts the release bar to keep the secondary pawl in the disengaged position.