Rear compartment latch with power and manual release mechanism

A latch, comprising:

• a claw configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position;
• a pawl configured to rotate, wherein the pawl rotates into and out of engagement with the claw;
• a power release mechanism that contacts a first portion of the pawl during operation of the power release mechanism in order to apply a rotational force to the first portion of the pawl to pivot the pawl out of engagement with the claw, wherein the power release mechanism includes a bellcrank lever rotatably mounted about an axis, wherein the bellcrank lever includes a curved portion extending from a portion of the bellcrank lever rotatably mounted about the axis and a foot extending from the portion of the bellcrank lever rotatably mounted about the axis, wherein the foot is positioned adjacent to the first portion of the pawl;
• a motor, wherein a first gear is coupled to a shaft of the motor;
• and a second gear coupled for rotation with the first gear, the second gear being rotatably mounted about a stud and having a gear protrusion for engagement with a first end of the bellcrank lever, wherein the curved portion of the bellcrank lever is positioned about the stud;
• a manual release mechanism that contacts a second portion of the pawl during operation of the manual release mechanism in order to apply a rotational force to the second portion of the pawl to pivot the pawl out of engagement with the claw, wherein the manual release mechanism comprises a manual release lever located in a position in which it can freely rotate without interference from the power release mechanism;
• and
• an emergency release mechanism, wherein operation of the emergency release mechanism applies a rotational force to the first portion of the pawl to pivot the pawl out of engagement with the claw.