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A locking and latching system of modular construction in which some of the components of the system are pre-assembled prior to their installation into the structural framework of a vehicle door. The modular construction of the lock and latch system can include the outside and inside door handles, th

A locking and latching system of modular construction in which some of the components of the system are pre-assembled prior to their installation into the structural framework of a vehicle door. The modular construction of the lock and latch system can include the outside and inside door handles, the outside and inside locks, the door latch itself, as well as linkages between these components. The modular components can further facilitate the assembly process by being of a design which simplifies the process of installing them into the structural framework of a vehicle door without requiring the use of specialized tools, thereby reducing the labor costs associated with assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A door latch system for installation on a door of a vehicle, the door having an aperture in communication between interior and exterior sides of the door, the door latch system comprising:a first module for installation on the door from the interior side of the door, the first module including, a

1. A door latch system for installation on a door of a vehicle, the door having an aperture in communication between interior and exterior sides of the door, the door latch system comprising:a first module for installation on the door from the interior side of the door, the first module including, a latch connectable to the interior side of the door, the latch actuable between a plurality of positions, and a linkage operably connected of the latch and actuable to actuate the latch, the linkage being connectable to the interior side of the door to be accessible from the exterior side of the door through the aperture; and a second module for installation on the door from the exterior side of the door, the second module including, a user operable control at least partially insertable into the aperture from the exterior side to couple with the linkage, the user operable control being operable to actuate the linkage to actuate the latch between the plurality of positions. 2. The door latch system of claim 1, wherein the user operable control includes an outside door handle, and wherein the plurality of positions includes an open position and a closed position.3. The door latch system of claim 2, further comprising a cable connected between the linkage and the latch, wherein the door handle includes a projection, and wherein the linkage includes a cable actuator coupled between the cable and the projection, the door handle being operable to actuate the latch between open and closed positions via the projection, the cable actuator, and the cable.4. The door latch system of claim 2, wherein the outside door handle is a self-docking type outside door handle.5. The door latch system of claim 1, further comprising a housing coupled to the linkage and the door, wherein the linkage is coupled to the door through the housing.6. The door latch system of claim 5, wherein the housing is at least partially positioned within the aperture.7. The door latch system of claim 6, wherein the housing includes a contoured recess receiving at least a portion of the door defining the aperture.8. The door latch system of claim 5, wherein the user operable control includes an outside door lock, and wherein the plurality of positions includes a locked position and an unlocked position.9. The door latch system of claim 8, wherein the outside door lock is operable to selectively actuate the latch by turning key inserted into the outside door lock.10. The door latch system of claim 8, wherein:the housing includes a cylindrical opening; and the outside door lock is received within the cylindrical opening of the housing. 11. The door latch system of claim 10, wherein the outside door lock includes a projection that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the projection being moved to the extended position after the outside door lock is received within the cylindrical opening of the housing to maintain the outside door lock within the cylindrical opening.12. The door latch system of claim 10, wherein the outside door lock includes a central axis and a pin rotatable about the central axis, the pin being coupled to the linkage.13. The door latch system of claim 12, further comprising a cable connected between the linkage and the latch, wherein the linkage includes a cable actuator coupled between the pin and the cable such that the outside door lock is operable to actuate the latch between the locked and unlocked positions via the cable actuator and the cable.14. The door latch system of claim 1, wherein:the first module includes an inside door hand the operatively coupled to the latch and operable to selectively actuate the latch; and the plurality of positions includes an open position and a closed position. 15. The door latch system of claim 1, wherein:the first module includes an inside door lock operatively coupled to the latch and operative to selectively actuate the latch; and the plurality of positions includes a locked position and an unlocked position. 16. The door latch system of claim 1, further comprising a cable connected between the linkage and the latch, the use operable control being operable to selectively actuate the latch between the plurality of positions via the linkage and the cable.