Double latch system for a vehicle door lock

Abstract

Locking system for a vehicle lock, which features: a claw for holding a locking bolt in a primary position of the claw and a secondary position of the claw, wherein the claw is designed to move about a claw pin between at least the primary position and the secondary position; a primary pawl designed to move around a primary pawl pin between an engaged position and an out-of-engage position; and a secondary pawl configured to move about a secondary pawl pin between an engaged position and an out-of-engage position, wherein the primary pawl and the secondary pawl hold the claw 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; a release lever configured to move about a release lever pin, the release lever being operationally coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the claw is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position and the claw contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position when the claw rotates from the secondary position to the primary position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority over the preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 710,579 filed on October 22, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technology of vehicle locking mechanisms.

[0003] Conventional locking systems use a forked bolt or claw that rotates around a fixed pivot point, and a latch or pawl that also rotates around a fixed pivot point to hold a movable bolt. The vast majority of locking systems hold the bolt in two discrete positions with a certain linear distance between them. In the event that a large force is applied to the bolt, it may not be possible with a conventional locking system to disengage the latch or pawl from the forked bolt or claw, thus preventing the lock from releasing the bolt.

[0004] An alternative locking system design consists of a bolt or claw that rotates around a fixed pivot point, a primary latch or pawl that rotates around a fixed pivot point, and a secondary latch or pawl that rotates around a fixed pivot point. In this alternative design, the primary latch or pawl is pre-tensioned so that it tends to disengage automatically from the bolt or claw as soon as the secondary latch or pawl is disengaged from the primary latch or pawl. This alternative design requires significantly less energy to release a high load acting on the locking bolt. However, the alternative design described above is generally unable to move from the second locking bolt position to the first locking bolt position during the locking action.

[0005] One solution to this problem is a locking system that uses only the primary lock or pawl – secondary lock or pawl – system to hold the fork bolt or claw in the first locking bolt position. A separate detent or pawl lever is then used to hold the fork bolt or claw in the second locking bolt position. This solution is not optimal because it requires additional components and manufacturing steps.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to improve the functionality of a vehicle locking mechanism with a double locking pawl retention system. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0007] A locking system for a vehicle locking mechanism is disclosed, comprising: a claw for retaining a locking bolt in a primary position of the claw and a secondary position of the claw, wherein the claw is configured for movement about a claw pin between at least the primary position and the secondary position; a primary pawl configured for movement about a primary pawl pin between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a secondary pawl configured for movement about a secondary pawl pin between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the primary pawl and the secondary pawl retain the claw in the primary position or the secondary position when the primary pawl is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position;a release lever configured to move about a release lever pin, the release lever being operationally coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein, when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the claw is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position and the claw contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position when the claw rotates from the secondary position to the primary position.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the claw pin, the primary pawl pin, the secondary pawl pin and the release lever pin are fixedly attached to a frame so that the claw, the primary 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 one of the foregoing embodiments, the locking system further comprises: a primary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the primary pawl pin, wherein a movement of the primary pawl lifter about the primary pawl pin also causes a corresponding movement of the primary pawl; and a secondary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the secondary pawl pin, wherein a movement of the secondary pawl lifter about the secondary pawl pin also causes 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 foregoing embodiments, the release lever is configured to contact the claw at one end of the release lever, and the release lever is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter at an opposite end of the release lever.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, one end of the release lever and the opposite end of the release lever are located on opposite sides of the release lever pin.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the claw pin, the primary pawl pin, the secondary pawl pin and the release lever pin are fixedly attached to a frame so that the claw, the primary 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 foregoing embodiments, the primary pawl does not prevent movement of the claw from the primary position or the secondary position when the primary pawl is in the out-of-engage position.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the aforementioned embodiments, the locking system further comprises: an actuator that is operationally coupled to the secondary locking 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 preceding embodiments, the secondary locking pawl, when in the engaged position, prevents the primary pawl from moving out of the engaged position towards the out-of-engage position.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the release lever is configured to contact the claw at one end, and the release lever is configured to actuate the secondary locking pawl at an opposite end of the release lever.

[0017] Furthermore, a vehicle locking mechanism is disclosed, comprising: a locking system, wherein the locking system comprises: a claw for retaining a locking bolt in a primary position of the claw and a secondary position of the claw, wherein the claw is configured for movement about a claw pin between at least the primary position and the secondary position; a primary pawl configured for movement about a primary pawl pin between an engagement position and a disengagement position;and a secondary pawl configured for movement about a secondary pawl pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the primary pawl and the secondary pawl hold the claw 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; a release lever configured for movement about a release lever pivot, wherein the release lever is operationally coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein, when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the claw is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position and the claw contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position as the claw rotates from the secondary position to the primary position.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the claw pin, the primary pawl pin, the secondary pawl pin and the release lever pin are fixedly attached to a frame so that the claw, the primary 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 one of the foregoing embodiments, the vehicle locking mechanism further comprises: a primary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the primary pawl pin, wherein a movement of the primary pawl lifter about the primary pawl pin also causes a corresponding movement of the primary pawl; and a secondary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the secondary pawl pin, wherein a movement of the secondary pawl lifter about the secondary pawl pin also causes 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 foregoing embodiments, the release lever is configured to contact the claw at one end of the release lever, and the release lever is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter at an opposite end of the release lever.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, one end of the release lever and the opposite end of the release lever are located on opposite sides of the release lever pin.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the claw pin, the primary pawl pin, the secondary pawl pin and the release lever pin are fixedly attached to a frame so that the claw, the primary 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 foregoing embodiments, the primary pawl does not prevent movement of the claw from the primary position or the secondary position when the primary pawl is in the out-of-engage position.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the aforementioned embodiments, the vehicle locking mechanism further comprises: an actuator that is operationally coupled to the secondary locking 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 preceding embodiments, the secondary locking pawl, when in the engaged position, prevents the primary pawl from moving out of the engaged position towards the out-of-engage position.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the release lever is configured to contact the claw at one end, and the release lever is configured to actuate the secondary locking pawl at an opposite end of the release lever. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The following descriptions should in no way be considered restrictive. Referring to the accompanying drawings, identical elements are numbered the same: Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle locking mechanism with a locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in a primary or fully locked position; Fig. Figure 4 shows a view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in a secondary or partially locked position; Fig. Figure 5 shows a view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in an open position; and Fig. Figure 6 shows a view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating the disengagement of the secondary locking pawl by rotating the claw, and wherein the primary locking pawl can rotate when the claw rotates into the primary position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed device is presented here by way of example and without limitation with reference to the figures.

[0029] The present disclosure relates to a locking system comprising a fork bolt or claw rotating about a fixed pivot, a primary lock or pawl rotatable about a fixed pivot, a secondary lock or pawl rotatable about a fixed pivot, and a release lever configured to actuate the secondary lock or pawl and engage the fork bolt or claw. The present disclosure offers the advantages of the alternative locking system described above but is capable of moving from the secondary or partially locked position to the primary or fully locked position without the need to add any further components, including those required for releasing the primary lock or pawl from the fork bolt or claw.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle locking device 10 with a locking system 12 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows the locking system 12 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in a primary or fully locked position.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows a view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in a secondary or partially locked position.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows a view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in an open position. It is understood that the secondary or partially locked position of the locking system lies between the primary or fully locked position and the open position.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 shows a view of the locking system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating the release of the secondary locking pawl by rotating the claw, and wherein the primary locking pawl is able to rotate when the claw rotates into the primary position.

[0036] By now focusing on the Fig. As referenced in 1-6, the locking system 12 comprises at least the following components: a locking bolt 14 held by a fork bolt or claw 16 which rotates about a fixed pivot point or fork bolt or claw pin 18; a primary lock or pawl 20 which rotates about a fixed pivot point or primary lock pin or pawl pin 22; a secondary lock or pawl 24 which rotates about a fixed pivot point or secondary lock pin or pawl pin 26; and a release lever 28 which is pivotably or rotatably mounted on a release lever pin 30. The release lever 28 is arranged to be contacted by both the claw or fork bolt 16 and a secondary pawl lever 32, as will be explained further here. The secondary locking pawl lifter 32 is also rotatably mounted on the fixed pivot point or secondary locking pin or locking pawl pin 26.A movement of the secondary pawl lifter 32 about the fixed pivot point or the secondary locking pin or pawl pin 26 also causes a corresponding movement of the secondary lock or pawl 24.

[0037] Similarly, a primary pawl lifter 34 is also rotatably mounted on the fixed pivot point or the primary locking pin or primary pawl pin 22. A movement of the primary pawl lifter 34 about the fixed pivot point or the primary locking pin or primary pawl pin 22 also causes a corresponding movement of the primary pawl or primary lock 20.

[0038] The primary pawl or primary lock 20 is configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and the secondary pawl or secondary lock 24 is configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The primary pawl or primary lock 20 and the secondary pawl or secondary lock 24 hold the claw or fork latch 16 in the primary position or the secondary position when the primary pawl or primary lock 20 is in the engaged position and the secondary pawl or secondary lock 24 is in the disengaged position. According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the primary pawl or primary lock 20 and the secondary pawl or secondary lock 24 are biased into their respective engaged positions by a spring (not shown).

[0039] When the primary pawl or primary lock 20 and the secondary pawl or secondary lock 24 are in their respective engaged positions, the fork bolt or claw 16 is prevented from moving from the primary position to the secondary or open position, and the fork bolt or claw 16 is prevented from moving from the secondary position to the open position. However, the configuration of the locking system 12 allows the fork bolt or claw 16 to move from the secondary position to the primary position without the primary pawl or primary lock 20 preventing this movement. It is understood that the secondary position of the fork bolt or claw 16 lies between the primary and open positions of the bolt or claw 16.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows the locking system 12 and the fork bolt or claw 16 in a primary or fully locked position. In the primary or fully locked position of the fork bolt or claw 16, the primary lock or pawl 20 and the secondary lock or pawl 24 are in an engaged position, such that the primary pawl or primary lock 20 is in contact with the fork bolt or claw 16 to prevent its clockwise rotation with respect to the at least the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. To prevent the view shown. As used herein, the terms “counterclockwise” and “clockwise” refer to the views shown in the accompanying figures.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows the locking system 12 and the fork bolt or claw 16 in a secondary or partially locked position. In the secondary or partially locked position of the fork bolt or claw 16, the primary lock or pawl 20 is still in an engaged position, so that it is in contact with the fork bolt or claw 16 to prevent its clockwise rotation with respect to the at least in Fig. 4. To prevent the view shown. In addition, the secondary locking pawl or secondary lock 24 is in the engaged position to prevent movement of the primary locking pawl or primary lock 20 to the out-of-engagement position.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows the locking system 12 in a fully open position. In the fully open position, the locking bolt 14 has been released from the fork bolt or claw 16. To release the locking system 12, the release lever 28 is actuated by an actuator 36 (shown schematically), which is operationally coupled to the release lever 28 (shown by the dashed lines). Actuation of the release lever 28 by the actuator 36 causes the release lever 28 to rotate clockwise around the release lever pin 30, causing the release lever 28 to touch the secondary pawl lifter 32 and to rotate the secondary pawl lifter 32 and the secondary lock or pawl 24 counterclockwise around the fixed pivot point or the secondary locking pin or secondary pawl pin 26 to the disengagement position of the secondary pawl or secondary pin 24.The movement of the secondary pawl lifter 32 and the secondary pawl or secondary lock 24 around the fixed pivot point or the secondary locking pin or pawl pin 26 also causes a corresponding movement of the primary pawl lifter 34 and the primary pawl or primary lock 20 clockwise around the fixed pivot point or the primary locking pin or primary pawl pin 22 to their disengaged position, which allows the claw 16 to rotate into the open position.

[0043] Alternatively, unlike the release lever 28, the actuator 36 can be operationally coupled to the secondary pawl lifter 32, in which case the actuator 36 can actuate the secondary pawl lifter 32 instead of the release lever 28 to achieve the desired movement, since the secondary pawl lifter 32 is operationally coupled to both the release lever 28 and the secondary pawl or lock 24. This alternative configuration is illustrated by the dashed line from the actuating element 36 to the secondary pawl lifter 32. In this embodiment, the actuator 36 is not directly coupled to the release lever 28, as it is directly coupled to the secondary pawl lifter 32.

[0044] The configuration of the locking system 12, as disclosed herein, allows the locking system 12 to be released by the 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 lock 24 in an out-of-engagement position, so that the primary pawl or primary lock 20 does not prevent the movement of the claw or fork bolt 16 from the secondary position to the primary position.

[0045] Fig. Figure 6 shows how to release the secondary pawl or secondary lock 24 by turning the claw or fork bolt 16 counterclockwise from the secondary position. When the claw or fork bolt 16 moves out of the position (at least in the Fig. In position 4 shown (e.g., from the secondary position), when the claw or fork bolt 16 rotates counterclockwise, it 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, which in turn moves the secondary pawl or secondary lock 24 counterclockwise into the position shown at least in the Fig. 6 moves to the position shown. If the secondary locking pawl or secondary lock 24 is in the position shown at least in Fig. When the fork bolt or claw 16 is in the position shown in Figure 6, it can rotate from the secondary position to the primary position without the primary pawl or primary lock 20 preventing the fork bolt or claw 16 from rotating counterclockwise.

[0046] As shown, the release lever 28 is configured to contact the claw or fork latch 16 at one end of the release lever 28, and the release lever 28 is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter 32 at the opposite or other end of the release lever 28. One end of the release lever 28 and the opposite end of the release lever 28 are located on opposite sides of the release lever pin 30. In other words, to release the locking system 10 from a primary locked state or, alternatively, from the secondary position, the release lever 28 is actuated into the Fig. The release lever 28 is brought to the position shown in section 5. After this, and after the actuating force is released, the release lever 28 returns to at least the position shown in the diagram. Fig. 3 and Fig. The pawl returns to the position shown in section 4 due to a spring preload force (not shown) that can be exerted on the secondary pawl lifter 32, which in turn can be exerted on the release lever 28 due to its contact with the secondary pawl lifter 32. During the closing process, however, the claw or fork bolt 16 moves from the open position to the secondary position and then to the primary position.

[0047] During this movement, the claw or fork bar 16 touches the release lever 28 and moves it into the position at least in the Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 position shown (without actuation of the actuator 36) to ensure that the primary pawl or primary lock 20 does not prevent movement of the claw or fork bolt 16 to the primary position.

[0048] Accordingly, a double pawl system is created in which the fork latch or claw can rotate from the secondary position to the primary position or fully locked position without the primary pawl or primary lock 20 preventing this movement.

[0049] By now focusing on the Fig. 1. Reference is made to the fork bolt or claw pin 18, the primary locking pin or primary pawl pin 22 and the secondary locking pin or secondary pawl pin 26 are fixedly attached to a frame or carrier plate 38, so that the fork bolt or claw 16, the primary lock or primary pawl 20, the secondary lock or secondary pawl 24 and the release lever 28 pivot or rotate with respect to the frame or carrier plate 38.

[0050] The term "approximately" is intended to encompass the degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed. For example, "approximately" may cover a range of ± 8%, 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0051] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not to be understood as limiting the present disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the terms "comprising" and / or "having" when used in this description specify the presence of certain 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, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0052] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, the person skilled in the art understands that various modifications can be made and their elements replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without deviating from its essential scope. It is therefore intended that the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiment described as the best way of implementing this disclosure, but rather that the present disclosure should encompass all embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 710,579

[0001]

Claims

[1] Locking system for a vehicle lock, comprising: a claw for holding a locking bolt in a primary position of the claw and a secondary position of the claw, wherein the claw is designed to move about a claw pin between at least the primary position and the secondary position; a primary pawl designed to move around a primary pawl pin between an engaged position and an out-of-engage position; and a secondary pawl configured to move about a secondary pawl pin between an engaged position and an out-of-engage position, wherein the primary pawl and the secondary pawl hold the claw 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; a release lever configured to move about a release lever pin, the release lever being operationally coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the claw is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position and the claw contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position when the claw rotates from the secondary position to the primary position. [2] Locking system according to claim 1, further comprising: a primary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the primary pawl pin, wherein a movement of the primary pawl lifter about the primary pawl pin also causes a corresponding movement of the primary pawl; and a secondary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the secondary pawl pin, wherein a movement of the secondary pawl lifter around the secondary pawl pin also causes a corresponding movement of the secondary pawl. [3] Locking system according to claim 2, wherein the release lever is configured to contact the claw at one end of the release lever, and the release lever is configured to contact the secondary pawl lifter at an opposite end of the release lever. [4] Locking system according to claim 3, wherein one end of the release lever and the opposite end of the release lever are arranged on opposite sides of the release lever pin. [5] Locking system according to claim 4, wherein the claw pin, the primary pawl pin, the secondary pawl pin and the release lever pin are fixedly attached to a frame so that the claw, the primary pawl, the secondary pawl and the release lever can rotate or pivot with respect to the frame. [6] Locking system according to claim 1, wherein when the primary locking pawl is in the out-of-engage position, the primary locking pawl does not prevent movement of the claw from the primary position or the secondary position. [7] Locking system according to claim 1, further comprising: an actuator that is operationally coupled to the secondary locking pawl or the release lever. [8] Locking system according to claim 1, wherein the secondary locking pawl, when in the engaged position, prevents the primary locking pawl from moving out of the engaged position towards the out-of-engage position. [9] Locking system according to claim 1, wherein the release lever is configured to contact the claw at one end and the release lever is configured to actuate the secondary locking pawl at an opposite end of the release lever. [10] Vehicle locking mechanism which features: a locking system, wherein the locking system comprises: a claw for holding a locking bolt in a primary position of the claw and a secondary position of the claw, wherein the claw is designed to move about a claw pin between at least the primary position and the secondary position; a primary pawl configured for movement around a primary pawl pin between an engaged position and an out-of-engagement position; and a secondary pawl configured for movement about a secondary pawl pin between an engaged position and an out-of-engage position, wherein the primary pawl and the secondary pawl retain the claw 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; a release lever configured to move about a release lever pin, the release lever being operationally coupled to the secondary pawl, wherein when the secondary pawl is in the disengaged position, the claw is freely rotatable from the secondary position to the primary position and the claw contacts the release lever to hold the secondary pawl in the disengaged position when the claw rotates from the secondary position to the primary position. [11] Vehicle locking device according to claim 10, wherein the claw pin, the primary pawl pin, the secondary pawl pin and the release lever pin are fixedly attached to a frame so that the claw, the primary pawl, the secondary pawl and the release lever can rotate or pivot with respect to the frame. [12] Vehicle locking device according to claim 10, further comprising: a primary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the primary pawl pin, wherein a movement of the primary pawl lifter about the primary pawl pin also causes a corresponding movement of the primary pawl; and a secondary pawl lifter rotatably mounted on the secondary pawl pin, wherein a movement of the secondary pawl lifter around the secondary pawl pin also causes a corresponding movement of the secondary pawl. [13] Vehicle locking device according to claim 12, wherein the release lever is configured to contact the claw at one end of the release lever, and the release lever is configured to contact the secondary locking pawl lifter at an opposite end of the release lever. [14] Vehicle locking mechanism according to claim 13, wherein one end of the release lever and the opposite end of the release lever are arranged on opposite sides of the release lever pin. [15] Vehicle locking device according to claim 14, wherein the claw pin, the primary pawl pin, the secondary pawl pin and the release lever pin are fixedly attached to a frame so that the claw, the primary pawl, the secondary pawl and the release lever can rotate or pivot with respect to the frame. [16] Vehicle locking mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the primary locking pawl does not prevent movement of the claw from the primary position or the secondary position when the primary locking pawl is in the out-of-engage position. [17] Vehicle locking device according to claim 1, further comprising: an actuator that is operationally coupled to the secondary locking pawl or the release lever. [18] Vehicle locking mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the secondary locking pawl, when in the engaged position, prevents the primary locking pawl from moving out of the engaged position towards the out-of-engage position. [19] Vehicle locking device according to claim 10, wherein the release lever is configured to contact the claw at one end and the release lever is configured to actuate the secondary locking pawl at an opposite end of the release lever.

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