Patent Description:
A vehicle such as an automobile often includes a hood that opens and closes the engine compartment and a hood lock device that locks the hood in a state in which the hood is closed. The hood lock device is arranged on an upper edge of a vehicle front part. For example, the hood lock device is arranged on an upper edge of a support of a radiator core support. The hood lock device is configured to catch and lock a hook-shaped hood striker projecting from a lower surface of the hood.

It has been suggested to adjust an attachment position of the hood lock device for appropriate locking (for example, Patent Document <NUM>).

In Patent Document <NUM>, a bracket for fixing the hood lock device is welded (joined) onto the radiator core support. The position of the hood lock device is adjusted by adjusting a joint position of the bracket relative to the radiator core support.

In Patent Document <NUM>, the hood lock device is attached, for example, in the following manner. First, the position of the hood lock device (specifically, bracket) is adjusted relative to the radiator core support so that the hood striker is appropriately engaged with the hood lock device. Then, a technician holds the bracket and keeps the bracket in a position-adjusted state to spot-weld and fix the bracket to the radiator core support. Subsequently, the hood lock device is fixed to the radiator core support by the bracket. The hood lock device is attached to the radiator core support in this manner so that the hood lock device can lock the hood in the closed state.

Patent Document <NUM>: <CIT> Document <CIT> discloses an attachment structure which comprises two elongated holes in a bracket, each receiving a retaining piece of a hood lock device for maintaining its position.

With the above-described attachment structure of a hood lock device, the series of operations for attaching the hood lock device is complicated.

The objective of the present invention is to provide an attachment structure of a hood lock device that facilitates the attachment operation.

In the present invention, an attachment structure of a hood lock device is provided. The hood lock device is configured to be fastened to an attachment portion arranged on a vehicle main body. Further, the hood lock device is configured to be engaged with a hood striker arranged on an inner surface of a hood of a vehicle to lock the hood in a closed state. The attachment structure includes at least one tentative attachment portion configured to tentatively attach the hood lock device to the attachment portion using a fitting force in a state in which the attachment portion and the hood lock device are movable relative to each other in a vehicle transverse direction.

An attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a first embodiment will now be described with reference to <FIG>. That is, an attachment system including a hood lock device in accordance with the first embodiment will now be described with reference to <FIG>. In the description hereinafter, a vehicle transverse direction, a vehicle vertical direction, a vehicle front-rear direction, a vehicle right side, a vehicle left side, a vehicle upper side, and the vehicle lower side refer to directions in a state in which the hood lock device is attached to a vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, a hood <NUM> is attached to a vehicle <NUM> to open and close an engine compartment <NUM>. The hood <NUM> is pivotally supported by hinges (not shown) at an upper edge of the rear part of the engine compartment <NUM>. A hood striker <NUM> is arranged on an inner surface of the hood <NUM>. The hood striker <NUM> includes a U-shaped hook 13A that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction (hereafter, simply referred to as the front-rear direction) and projects downward in a state in which the hood <NUM> is closed.

A substantially rectangular frame-shaped radiator core support <NUM> is arranged at the front part of the vehicle <NUM>. The upper part of the radiator core support <NUM> includes an upper core support <NUM> that is formed from a synthetic resin material. Parts of the radiator core support <NUM> other than the upper core support <NUM> are formed from a metal material.

As shown in <FIG>, a hood lock device <NUM> is fastened to the front surface of the upper core support <NUM>. When the hood <NUM> is closed, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> enters the hood lock device <NUM>, and the hood lock device <NUM> catches and locks the hook 13A. In this manner, the hood striker <NUM> is engaged with the hood lock device <NUM> to lock the hood <NUM> in the closed state.

The specific structure of the hood lock device <NUM> will now be described.

<FIG> is a front view of the hood lock device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hood lock device <NUM> includes a base <NUM> that is substantially pentagonal in a front view. The base <NUM> is formed by bending a metal plate and includes a cutout portion (cutout 31A). The cutout 31A extends in the vertical direction and has an opening in an upper end of the base <NUM>. The cutout 31A is shaped so that the distance between opposing inner surfaces increases towards the vehicle upper side (hereafter, simply referred to as the upper side). As indicated by the black arrow in <FIG>, when closing the hood <NUM>, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> enters the cutout 31A from the opening in the upper end.

As shown in <FIG>, the hood lock device <NUM> includes a latch <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is supported by the base <NUM> in a state rotatable about a line L1 extending in the front-rear direction and is constantly biased in a clockwise direction in a front view. The latch <NUM> includes a cutout portion (cutout 32A) so that its edge is open.

In a state in which the hood <NUM> is open (open state), the open end of the cutout 32A of the latch <NUM> is located in the cutout 31A of the base <NUM> in a front view. In the open state, as the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> enters the cutout 31A of the base <NUM> when closing the hood <NUM>, the hood lock device <NUM> is in a state in which the hook 13A enters the cutout 32A of the latch <NUM>. Then, when the hood <NUM> is closed, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> moves into the cutout 32A of the latch <NUM> and rotates the latch <NUM> in a counterclockwise direction in a front view. As a result, in the front view, the open end of the cutout 32A of the latch <NUM> is located outside the cutout 31A of the base <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). Accordingly, in a front view, in a state in which the hood <NUM> is closed (closed state), the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> is fitted in a portion surrounded by the inner surface of the cutout 31A of the base <NUM> and the inner surface of the cutout 32A of the latch <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). In the closed state, rotation of the latch <NUM> is restricted. The hood <NUM> is locked in the closed state in this manner.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hood lock device <NUM> includes a catch <NUM>. The catch <NUM> is supported by the base <NUM> in a state rotatable about a line L2 (<FIG>) extending in the front-rear direction and is constantly biased in the clockwise direction in a front view.

The catch <NUM> includes an arm <NUM> located at the vehicle right side (hereafter, simply referred to as the right side) of the rotation center L2 and extending in the vertical direction. The arm <NUM> includes a hook 34A at an upper end. The hook 34A is claw-shaped and bent toward the vehicle left side (hereafter, simply referred to as the left side). The hook 34A includes an upper end surface 34B that is inclined downward toward the tip (right end in <FIG>) of the hook 34A.

Further, the catch <NUM> includes a lever <NUM> extending in the vertical direction and located at the left side of the rotation center L2. The lever <NUM> is an operation member that is operated upward to open the hood <NUM>. When the lever <NUM> is operated, the catch <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in a front view.

When the lever <NUM> is not operated, the hook 34A of the arm <NUM> covers the upper opening of the cutout 31A of the base <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). When closing the hood <NUM>, the upper end surface 34B of the hook 34A of the arm <NUM> abuts the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM>. In this case, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> pushes the arm <NUM> (hook 34A) away rightward to rotate the arm <NUM> (hook 34A) in the counterclockwise direction in the front view. Then, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> enters the cutout 31A of the base <NUM>.

When opening the hood <NUM>, the lever <NUM> of the catch <NUM> is operated upward. This rotates the catch <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction in the front view so that the hook 34A of the arm <NUM> is moved away from the cutout 31A of the base <NUM> in the front view. This allows the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> to be released from the cutout 31A of the base <NUM> without being blocked by the hook 34A of the catch <NUM>. Thus, the hood <NUM> can be opened.

The structure for attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> will now be described.

The hood lock device <NUM> includes three fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that are the portions fastened on the upper core support <NUM>. Specifically, a right fastening portion <NUM> is arranged at the right side of the base <NUM> projecting rightward, a left fastening portion <NUM> is arranged at the left side of the base <NUM> projecting leftward, and a lower fastening portion is arranged at a lower part of the base <NUM> projecting downward. Each of the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> has the form of a substantially flat plate extending in the vertical direction and the vehicle transverse direction and includes an elongated insertion hole <NUM> extending in the vehicle transverse direction. Further, the right fastening portion <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> each have a width that is constant except at the distal end and extends straight in the vehicle transverse direction. In the first embodiment, the right fastening portion <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> each correspond to an engagement portion held between two engagement pieces.

The upper core support <NUM> includes three blind nuts <NUM> each having female threads. The three blind nuts <NUM> respectively correspond to the insertion holes <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM>. When fastening the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, three bolts (<FIG>) are respectively inserted through the insertion holes <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and fastened to the three blind nuts <NUM>. This fastens and fixes the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, two right engagement pieces <NUM> are arranged on the front surface of the upper core support <NUM> at a position corresponding to the right fastening portion <NUM> so as to sandwich the right fastening portion <NUM>. Further, two left engagement pieces <NUM> are arranged on the front surface of the upper core support <NUM> at a position corresponding to the left fastening portion <NUM> so as to sandwich the left fastening portion <NUM>. The two right engagement pieces <NUM> each have the form of a substantially flat plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The two right engagement pieces <NUM> extend parallel to each other and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> each have the form of a substantially flat plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The two right engagement pieces <NUM> extend in parallel to each other and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. In the two right engagement pieces <NUM>, the lower engagement piece <NUM> is thicker than the upper engagement piece <NUM>. In the two left engagement pieces <NUM>, the lower engagement piece <NUM> is thicker than the upper engagement piece <NUM>. The distance between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> in the vertical direction at a proximal end portion is substantially equal to the vertical length of the right fastening portion <NUM>. Further, the distance between the two left engagement pieces <NUM> in the vertical direction at a proximal end portion is substantially equal to the vertical length of the left fastening portion <NUM>. A plurality of ribs <NUM> is formed integrally with the surface of each of the two right engagement pieces <NUM> that is located at the outer side in the arrangement direction of the two right engagement pieces <NUM>. A plurality of ribs <NUM> is formed integrally with the surface of each of the two left engagement pieces <NUM> that is located at the outer side in the arrangement direction of the two left engagement pieces <NUM>. Each of the ribs <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction.

The two right engagement pieces <NUM> each include an opposing surface, and the opposing surfaces face toward each other. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> each include an opposing surface, and the opposing surfaces face toward each other. A stopper <NUM> is arranged on each of the opposing surface of the upper right engagement piece <NUM>, the opposing surface of the lower right engagement piece <NUM>, the opposing surface of the upper left engagement piece <NUM>, and the opposing surface of the lower left engagement piece <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is a projection extending in the vehicle transverse direction. As shown in <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> is arranged on a distal end region of each opposing surface of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>, and a step is formed between the proximal end region of each opposing surface of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> and the corresponding stopper <NUM>. Also, the stopper <NUM> includes a projected surface 26A that is inclined. Specifically, the stopper <NUM> has a projection amount that decreases from the proximal end toward the distal end of the stopper <NUM>. Thus, the distance between the two opposing stoppers <NUM> increases from the proximal end toward the distal end of the stopper <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the right fastening portion <NUM>, the right engagement pieces <NUM>, the left fastening portion <NUM>, and the left engagement pieces <NUM> correspond to a tentative attachment portion that tentatively attaches the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> using fitting force.

A series of operations for attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> will now be described in detail together with the advantages.

When attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, first, the right fastening portion <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> is fitted to the right engagement pieces <NUM> on the front surface of the upper core support <NUM>, and the left fastening portion <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> is fitted to the left engagement pieces <NUM> on the front surface of the upper core support <NUM>. More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, while the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed and forced open, the right fastening portion <NUM> is pushed into the space between the two right engagement pieces <NUM>, and the left fastening portion <NUM> is pushed into the space between the two left engagement pieces <NUM>. In this case, as indicated by the white arrows in <FIG>, the upper engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed and curved upward, and the lower engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed and curved downward. Then, when the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> pass the stoppers <NUM> of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>, the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> recover from the elastic deformation, and the stoppers <NUM> of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> hook the edges of the front surfaces of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In this manner, the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are held between the two engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, separation of the right fastening portion <NUM> from the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and separation of the left fastening portion <NUM> from the two left engagement pieces <NUM> are restricted.

In accordance with the first embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> by a simple operation of fitting the right fastening portion <NUM> between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and fitting the left fastening portion <NUM> between the two left engagement pieces <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, in the two right engagement pieces <NUM>, the upper engagement piece <NUM> is thicker than the lower engagement piece <NUM>. In the two left engagement pieces <NUM>, the lower engagement piece <NUM> is thicker than the upper engagement piece <NUM>. Thus, the upper engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are thin and easy to deform. Accordingly, the right fastening portion <NUM> is readily fitted between the two right engagement pieces <NUM>, and the left fastening portion <NUM> is readily fitted between the two left engagement pieces <NUM>. Further, the lower engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are thick and less easily deformed. This allows the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> to be appropriately supported by the lower the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>.

Also, in the first embodiment, the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and the right fastening portion <NUM> are arranged at a right portion of the hood lock device <NUM>, and the two left engagement pieces <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> are arranged at a left portion of the hood lock device <NUM>. Accordingly, when the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the two sides of the hood lock device <NUM> are supported by the upper core support <NUM>. Therefore, the hood lock device <NUM> is stably supported by the upper core support <NUM>.

In such a state in which the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the upper core support <NUM> may be transported and delivered to an assembly factory where the vehicle <NUM> is assembled or transported to another work station in an assembly factory for a subsequent step. In accordance with the first embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> is attached to the upper core support <NUM> through engagement of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> with the corresponding engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. This restricts separation of the hood lock device <NUM> from the upper core support <NUM> when transporting the upper core support <NUM> with the hood lock device <NUM> in a tentatively attached state.

Also, in the first embodiment, the vertical distance between the proximal end regions of the two right engagement pieces <NUM> is substantially equal to the vertical length of the right fastening portion <NUM>, and the vertical distance between the proximal end regions of the two left engagement pieces <NUM> is substantially equal to the vertical length of the left fastening portion <NUM>. Thus, when the hood lock device <NUM> is in a state tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the hood lock device <NUM> is slidable and movable relative to the upper core support <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction.

In the first embodiment, the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> and the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are shaped to restrict separation of the right fastening portion <NUM> from the two right engagement pieces <NUM>, restrict separation of the left fastening portion <NUM> from the two left engagement pieces <NUM>, and allow for movement of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> relative to the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>.

Subsequently, an attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM>, which is the position of the hood lock device <NUM> when attached to the upper core support <NUM>, is adjusted. Specifically, the hood <NUM> is closed in a state in which the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, which is fixed to the vehicle <NUM>.

In this case, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> first abuts the upper end surface 34B of the hook 34A of the catch <NUM>. The upper end surface 34B of the hook 34A is inclined and extends downward toward the tip. Accordingly, when the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> abuts the upper end surface 34B, the catch <NUM> is pushed by the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> and pivoted in the counterclockwise direction in the front view. In this manner, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> pushes the hook 34A of the catch <NUM> away and enters the cutout 31A of the base <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the positional relationship of the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> and the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> when the tentative attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM> is shifted leftward (rightward in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, in this case, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> abuts the right side (left side in <FIG>) of the inner surface of the cutout 31A of the base <NUM>. As described above, the hood lock device <NUM> is movable relative to the upper core support <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction even in a state tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>. Thus, when the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> abuts the inner surface of the cutout 31A (specifically, surface at right side) and pushes the inner surface of the cutout 31A, the hood lock device <NUM> moves rightward relative to the upper core support <NUM> as indicated by the black arrow in <FIG>. When the tentative attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM> is shifted rightward, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> abuts the left side of the inner surface of the cutout 31A and pushes the inner surface so that the hood lock device <NUM> moves leftward relative to the upper core support <NUM>. When the tentative attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM> is located within an allowable range, the hood lock device <NUM> does not move relative to the upper core support <NUM> when closing the hood <NUM>.

In this manner, when the hood <NUM> is closed in a state in which the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the hood lock device <NUM> will be shifted to a position in the vehicle transverse direction that does not hinder smooth entry of the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> into the cutout 31A of the base <NUM>.

Then, the hood lock device <NUM> is fastened to the upper core support <NUM>. Specifically, three fastening bolts <NUM> (<FIG>) are respectively inserted through the insertion holes <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> and fastened to the blind nuts <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. This fastens and fixes the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>. In the first embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be fastened and fixed by the bolts <NUM> in a state in which the hood <NUM> is locked in the closed state.

In accordance with the first embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> through an operation such as fitting the right fastening portion <NUM> between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM> and fitting the left fastening portion <NUM> between the two left engagement pieces <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. This allows the hood lock device <NUM> to be supported by the upper core support <NUM> before the hood lock device <NUM> is fastened to the upper core support <NUM>. Further, in the tentatively attached state, the position of the hood lock device <NUM> can be adjusted in the vehicle transverse direction by moving the hood lock device <NUM> relative to the upper core support <NUM>. In this manner, in accordance with the first embodiment, tentative attachment of the hood lock device <NUM> is easily performed and the position of the hood lock device <NUM> is easily adjusted. This facilitates the attachment operation of the hood lock device <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the upper core support <NUM> of the radiator core support <NUM> is formed from a synthetic resin material. Typically, the upper core support <NUM> that is formed from a synthetic resin tends to include a greater manufacturing error compared to an upper core support that is formed from a metal. Thus, the attachment structure of the first embodiment that fastens the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, which is formed from a synthetic resin, may shift the relative positions of the hood lock device <NUM> and the hood striker <NUM>. With the attachment structure that fastens the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, which is formed from a synthetic resin, the first embodiment facilitates the attachment operation of the hood lock device <NUM> while allowing for adjustment of the position of the hood lock device <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction.

As described above, the first embodiment has the following advantages.

With reference to <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a second embodiment will now be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the second embodiment, the engagement pieces of the upper core support only differ in shape from the first embodiment.

The shape of the engagement pieces in accordance with the second embodiment will now be described.

As shown in <FIG>, two right engagement pieces <NUM> are arranged on the front surface of an upper core support <NUM> at a position corresponding to the right fastening portion <NUM> to sandwich the right fastening portion <NUM>. Further, two left engagement pieces <NUM> are arranged on the front surface of the upper core support <NUM> at a position corresponding to the left fastening portion <NUM> to sandwich the left fastening portion <NUM>.

The two right engagement pieces <NUM> each have the form of a plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The two right engagement pieces <NUM> extend parallel to each other and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> each have the form of a plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> extend parallel to each other and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Further, each of the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and the two left engagement pieces <NUM> has an S-shaped cross section as viewed in the vehicle transverse direction. Specifically, the distance between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> at a proximal end region (left region in <FIG>) is greater than that at a distal end region (right region in <FIG>). In the same manner, the distance between the two left engagement pieces <NUM> at a proximal end region is greater than that at a distal end region.

The distance between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> at the distal end portion is substantially equal to the vertical length of the right fastening portion <NUM>, and the distance between the two left engagement pieces <NUM> at the distal end portion is substantially equal to the vertical length of the left fastening portion <NUM>. In the two right engagement pieces <NUM>, the lower engagement piece <NUM> is thicker than the upper engagement piece <NUM>. In the two left engagement pieces <NUM>, the lower engagement piece <NUM> is thicker than the upper engagement piece <NUM>. Further, a plurality of ribs <NUM> is formed integrally with the surface of each of the two right engagement pieces <NUM> that is located at the outer side in the arrangement direction of the two right engagement pieces <NUM>. A plurality of ribs <NUM> is formed integrally with the surface of each of the two left engagement pieces <NUM> that is located at an outer side in the arrangement direction of the two left engagement pieces <NUM>. Each of the ribs <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction.

Also, a projection (stopper <NUM>) extending in the vehicle transverse direction is arranged on an opposing surface of each right engagement piece <NUM> and an opposing surface of each left engagement piece <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> is arranged on the distal-end region of the opposing surface of each engagement piece <NUM> and <NUM>, and a step is formed between the proximal end region of the opposing surface of each engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> and the corresponding stopper <NUM>. In addition, each stopper <NUM> includes a projected surface 47A that is inclined so that a projection amount of the stopper <NUM> decreases toward the distal end.

In the second embodiment, the right fastening portion <NUM>, the right engagement pieces <NUM>, the left fastening portion <NUM>, and the left engagement pieces <NUM> correspond to a tentative attachment portion that tentatively attaches the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> using fitting force.

The second embodiment above has the following advantage (<NUM>) in addition to the above-described advantages (<NUM>) to (<NUM>).

(<NUM>) In the second embodiment, each of the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and the two left engagement pieces <NUM> has an S-shaped cross section as viewed in the vehicle transverse direction. In this manner, compared to when the engagement pieces have the form of a flat plate, the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> have a longer flex portion. Thus, the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are more flexible. Therefore, when tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the right fastening portion <NUM> is smoothly fitted between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> is smoothly fitted between the two left engagement pieces <NUM> while the two engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are forced open.

With reference to <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a third embodiment will now be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the third embodiment, the right fastening portion and the left fastening portion of the hood lock device differ in shape from the first embodiment.

The shape of the right fastening portion and the left fastening portion in accordance with the third embodiment will now be described.

As shown in <FIG>, a right fastening portion <NUM> is located at the right side of the base <NUM> of a hood lock device <NUM> projecting rightward, and a left fastening portion <NUM> is located at the left side of the base <NUM> projecting leftward. The right fastening portion <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> each have the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction. More specifically, the right fastening portion <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> each include a base wall <NUM>, an upper wall <NUM>, and a lower wall <NUM> that are integrally formed as a single component. The base wall <NUM> has the form of a flat plate and extends in the vertical direction. The upper wall <NUM> extends forward from an upper end of the base wall <NUM>. The lower wall <NUM> extends forward from a lower end of the base wall <NUM>. The right fastening portion <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> are each curved at a boundary portion between the base wall <NUM> and the corresponding upper wall <NUM> and a boundary portion between the base wall <NUM> and the corresponding lower wall <NUM>. Specifically, each fastening portion <NUM> and <NUM> includes an end surface that is close to the upper core support <NUM> (end surface at left side in <FIG>). The end surface of each fastening portion <NUM> and <NUM> includes an upper part and a lower part that are surfaces curved away from the upper core support <NUM>. When tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the end surface of each fastening portion <NUM> and <NUM> opposes the upper core support <NUM>.

In the third embodiment, the right fastening portion <NUM>, the right engagement pieces <NUM>, the left fastening portion <NUM>, and the left engagement pieces <NUM> correspond to a tentative attachment portion that tentatively attaches the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> using fitting force.

The third embodiment above has the following advantage (<NUM>) in addition to the above-described advantages (<NUM>) to (<NUM>).

(<NUM>) When tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM>, while the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed so that the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are forced open, the right fastening portion <NUM> is pushed into the space between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> is pushed into the space between the two left engagement pieces <NUM>. In this case, as indicated by the white arrows in <FIG>, the upper engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed and bent upward and the lower engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed and bent downward. In the third embodiment, the end surface of each fastening portion <NUM> and <NUM> that is close to the upper core support <NUM> is a surface curved so that the upper end part and the lower end part of the end surface extend away from the upper core support <NUM>. In this case, the inner surfaces of the two engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> (specifically, projected surfaces 26A of stoppers <NUM>) abut the curved surfaces at the upper end and the lower end of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM>. This limits the occurrence of a situation in which the upper end and the lower end of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are obstructed by the inner surfaces of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, the right fastening portion <NUM> is smoothly fitted between the two right engagement pieces <NUM>, and the left fastening portion <NUM> is smoothly fitted between the two left engagement pieces <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a fourth embodiment will now be described with focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the fourth embodiment, the right fastening portion and the left fastening portion of the hood lock device and the engagement pieces of the upper core support differ in shape from the first embodiment.

The shapes of the fastening portions and the engagement pieces in accordance with the fourth embodiment will now be described.

First, the right fastening portion and the left fastening portion in accordance with the fourth embodiment will be described.

As shown in <FIG>, a right fastening portion <NUM> is located at the right side of the base <NUM> of a hood lock device <NUM> projecting rightward, and a left fastening portion <NUM> is located at the left side of the base <NUM> projecting leftward. The right fastening portion <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> each have the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction. More specifically, the right fastening portion <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> each include a base wall <NUM>, an upper arm <NUM>, and a lower arm <NUM>. The base wall <NUM> has the form of a flat plate extending in the vertical direction. The upper arm <NUM> extends rearward from an upper end of the base wall <NUM>. The lower arm <NUM> extends rearward from a lower end of the base wall <NUM>. The upper arm <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> each have the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction. The upper arm <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> are extend parallel to each other. The upper arm <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> each include an elongated through hole (engagement hole <NUM>) that extends in the vehicle transverse direction.

A right engagement piece <NUM> and a left engagement piece <NUM> of an upper core support <NUM> in accordance with the fourth embodiment and its peripheral structure will now be described.

The upper core support <NUM> includes through holes (slits <NUM>) extending in the vehicle transverse direction at positions corresponding to arms <NUM> and <NUM> of the right fastening portion <NUM>. Also, the upper core support <NUM> includes through holes (slits <NUM>) extending in the vehicle transverse direction at positions corresponding to arms <NUM> and <NUM> of the left fastening portion <NUM>. Each slit <NUM> is slightly greater in width than the corresponding one of the arms <NUM> and <NUM>, and each slit <NUM> is slightly greater in length than the corresponding one of the arms <NUM> and <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction. When attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the arms <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the corresponding slits <NUM>.

Two right engagement pieces <NUM> are arranged on a rear surface of the upper core support <NUM> at a position corresponding to the right fastening portion <NUM>. The two right engagement pieces <NUM> sandwich an upper surface of the upper arm <NUM> and a lower surface of the lower arm <NUM> of the right fastening portion <NUM>. Also, two left engagement pieces <NUM> are arranged on the rear surface of the upper core support <NUM> at a position corresponding to the left fastening portion <NUM>. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> sandwich an upper surface of the upper arm <NUM> and a lower surface of the lower arm <NUM> of the left fastening portion <NUM>.

The two right engagement pieces <NUM> each have the form of a substantially flat plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The two right engagement pieces <NUM> extend parallel to each other. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> each have the forms of a substantially flat plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> extend parallel to each other. The distance between opposing surfaces of the two right engagement pieces <NUM> is substantially equal to the distance between the upper surface of the upper arm <NUM> and the lower surface of the lower arm <NUM> of the right fastening portion <NUM>. Also, the distance between opposing surfaces of the two left engagement pieces <NUM> is substantially equal to the distance between the upper surface of the upper arm <NUM> and the lower surface of the lower arm <NUM> of the left fastening portion <NUM>. Each right engagement piece <NUM> includes a spring portion <NUM>, and the spring portion <NUM> is surrounded by a U-shaped through hole <NUM> (<FIG>) extending in three directions (rear side, right side, and left side). Each left engagement piece <NUM> includes a spring portion <NUM> that is surrounded by a through hole <NUM> extending in a U-shape in three directions (rear side, right side, and left side). The spring portion <NUM> is elastically deformable when bent in the vertical direction relative to the peripheral portion extending around the spring portion <NUM>. Each spring portion <NUM> includes a substantially semispherical engagement projection <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) at a position corresponding to the engagement hole <NUM>.

In the fourth embodiment, the right fastening portion <NUM>, the right engagement pieces <NUM>, the left fastening portion <NUM>, and the left engagement pieces <NUM> correspond to a tentative attachment portion that tentatively attaches the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> using fitting force.

The operation for tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> will now be described in detail along with the advantages.

As shown in <FIG>, when tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the upper arm <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> of the right fastening portion <NUM> are inserted into the slits <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>, and the upper arm <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> of the left fastening portion <NUM> are inserted into the slits <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. As indicated by the white arrows in <FIG>, while the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> (specifically, spring portions <NUM>) are elastically deformed so that the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are forced open, the right fastening portion <NUM> is pushed into the space between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> is pushed into the space between the two left engagement pieces <NUM>. In this case, the spring portions <NUM> of the upper engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed and bent upward, and the spring portions <NUM> of the lower engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed and bent downward. Then, when the engagement hole <NUM> of each arm <NUM> and <NUM> is located in correspondence with the corresponding engagement projection <NUM> of the spring portion <NUM>, the spring portion <NUM> recovers from the elastic deformation. In this manner, the engagement projection <NUM> of each spring portion <NUM> is fitted in the engagement hole <NUM> of corresponding one of the arm <NUM> and <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

In this manner, the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> (specifically, arms <NUM> and <NUM>) are sandwiched by the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>, and the engagement projections <NUM> of the spring portions <NUM> are fitted in the corresponding the engagement holes <NUM> of the arms <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, separation of the right fastening portion <NUM> from the two right engagement pieces <NUM> is restricted, and separation of the left fastening portion <NUM> from the two left engagement pieces <NUM> is restricted.

In accordance with the fourth embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> through a simple operation of fitting the right fastening portion <NUM> between the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and fitting the left fastening portion <NUM> between the two left engagement pieces <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the fourth embodiment, the length of each slit <NUM> is greater than that of corresponding one of the arms <NUM> and <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction. This allows for relative movement of the arms <NUM> and <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction within the corresponding slits <NUM>. Further, the engagement hole <NUM> of each arm <NUM> is elongated in the vehicle transverse direction. This allows for movement of the engagement projection <NUM> of the spring portion <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the engagement hole <NUM> of the corresponding one of the arms <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, in this case, even though the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the hood lock device <NUM> is slidable and movable relative to the upper core support <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction.

In the fourth embodiment, the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>, the slits <NUM>, and the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are shaped to restrict separation of the right fastening portion <NUM> from the two right engagement pieces <NUM>, restrict separation of the left fastening portion <NUM> from the two left engagement pieces <NUM>, and allow movement of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> relative to the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>.

Also, in the fourth embodiment, the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> each include the upper arm <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction at the upper part, the lower arm <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction at the lower part, and the base wall <NUM> extending in the vertical direction and connecting the upper arm <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM>. Further, the two right engagement pieces <NUM> each have the form of a substantially flat plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The two right engagement pieces <NUM> extend parallel to each other and sandwich the upper surface of the upper arm <NUM> and the lower surface of the lower arm <NUM> of the right fastening portion <NUM>. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> each have the form of a substantially flat plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The two left engagement pieces <NUM> extend parallel to each other and sandwich the upper surface of the upper arm <NUM> and the lower surface of the lower arm <NUM> of the left fastening portion <NUM>. In this manner, as shown in <FIG>, the outer surfaces of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> (specifically, upper surfaces of upper arms <NUM> and lower surfaces of lower arms <NUM>) come into planar contact with the inner surfaces of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>. This allows the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> to be stably supported by the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>.

The fourth embodiment above has the following advantage (<NUM>) in addition to the above-described advantages (<NUM>) to (<NUM>).

(<NUM>) The outer surfaces of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to be in planar contact with the inner surfaces of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> so that the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are stably supported by the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a fifth embodiment will now be described with focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the fifth embodiment, the right fastening portion and the left fastening portion of the hood lock device and the upper core support differ in shape from the first embodiment.

The shapes of the right fastening portion, the left fastening portion, and the upper core support in accordance with the fifth embodiment will now be described.

First, the shape of the right fastening portion and the left fastening portion in accordance with the fifth embodiment will be described.

As shown in <FIG>, a right fastening portion <NUM> is located at the right side of the base <NUM> of a hood lock device <NUM> projecting rightward, and a left fastening portion <NUM> is located at the left side of the base <NUM> projecting leftward.

The right fastening portion <NUM> and the left fastening portion <NUM> each include a base wall <NUM>, a lower arm <NUM>, and two upper arms <NUM>. The base wall <NUM> has the form of a flat plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the vertical direction. The lower arm <NUM> and the two upper arms <NUM> are arranged on an upper end of the base wall <NUM>. The lower arm <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction. The lower arm <NUM> projects rearward from the upper end of the base wall <NUM>. The lower arm <NUM> has a tip that is bent downward. Further, the lower arm <NUM> includes a rectangular through hole (engagement hole 84A). The upper arms <NUM> are arranged at the upper end of the base wall <NUM> so that the lower arm <NUM> is located between the upper arms <NUM>. The upper arms <NUM> are each L-shaped. More specifically, the upper arms <NUM> each include a proximal end portion that has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the vertical direction and a distal end portion that has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction. The distal end portions of the upper arms <NUM> project rearward from the upper end of the corresponding proximal end portions. The distal end portions of the upper arms <NUM> extend at an upper part of the lower arm <NUM>. The upper arms <NUM> each have a tip that is bent upward.

The shape of an upper core support <NUM> in accordance with the fifth embodiment will now be described.

The upper core support <NUM> includes an upright wall portion <NUM> and an upper wall portion <NUM>. The upright wall portion <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vertical direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The upper wall portion <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction and projects rearward from an upper end of the upright wall portion <NUM>. The lower surface of the upper wall portion <NUM> includes a rectangular engagement projection 92A at a position corresponding to the engagement hole 84A of the lower arm <NUM>. The engagement projection 92A has a length in the vehicle transverse direction that is less than that of the engagement hole 84A of the lower arm <NUM>.

The upright wall portion <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM> includes a through hole (slit <NUM>) that extends in the vehicle transverse direction at a position corresponding to the lower arm <NUM> of the right fastening portion <NUM>. Also, the upright wall portion <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM> includes a through hole (slit <NUM>) that extends in the vehicle transverse direction at a position corresponding to the lower arm <NUM> of the left fastening portion <NUM>. The slits <NUM> extend in the surface of the upright wall portion <NUM>. The slit <NUM> has a width that is greater than the thickness of the lower arm <NUM>, and the slit <NUM> has a length that is greater than that of the lower arm <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction. When attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the lower arms <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the slits <NUM>. In the fifth embodiment, the upper arms <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> correspond to two engagement pieces, the upper wall portion <NUM> corresponds to an engagement portion, the right fastening portion <NUM>, the left fastening portion <NUM>, and the upper wall portion <NUM> correspond to a tentative attachment portion that tentatively attaches the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> using fitting force.

The operation for tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> will now be described along with the advantages.

As shown in <FIG>, when tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the lower arms <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the slits <NUM> by moving the upper arms <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> along the upper surfaces of the upper wall portions <NUM>. As indicated by the white arrows in <FIG>, the upper arms <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> are elastically deformed and forced open to push the upper wall portion <NUM> into the space between the two upper arms <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM>. In this case, the upper arms <NUM> are elastically deformed and bent upward and the lower arm <NUM> is elastically deformed and bent downward. Then, when the engagement hole 84A of the lower arm <NUM> is located at a position corresponding to the engagement projection <NUM> on the lower surface of the upper wall portion <NUM>, the engagement projection 92A of the upper wall portion <NUM> is fitted in the engagement hole <NUM> of the lower arm <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). In this manner, the upper wall portion <NUM> is held between the two upper arms <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM>, and the engagement projection <NUM> of the upper wall portion <NUM> is fitted in the engagement hole 84A of the lower arm <NUM>. In this state, separation of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> from the upper core support <NUM> (specifically, upper wall portion <NUM>) is restricted.

In accordance with the fifth embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> through a simple operation of fitting the arms <NUM> and <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> (specifically, slit <NUM> and upper wall portion <NUM>).

In the fifth embodiment, the slit <NUM> has a length that is greater than that of the lower arm <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction thereby allowing for relative movement of the lower arm <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction within the slit <NUM>. Further, the engagement hole 84A of the lower arm <NUM> has a length in the vehicle transverse direction that is greater than that of the engagement projection 92A of the upper wall portion <NUM> thereby allowing for relative movement of the engagement projection 92A of the upper wall portion <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction within the engagement hole 84A of the lower arm <NUM>. Thus, in this case, even though the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the hood lock device <NUM> is slidable and movable relative to the upper core support <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction.

In the fifth embodiment, the arms <NUM> and <NUM>, the slit <NUM>, and the upper wall portion <NUM> are shaped to restrict separation of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> from the upper core support <NUM> and allow movement of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> relative to the upper core support <NUM>.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, each of the distal end portion of the lower arm <NUM>, the distal end portion of the upper arm <NUM>, and the upper wall portion <NUM> has the shape of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction. Also, when the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the upper wall portion <NUM> is fitted between the lower arm <NUM> and the upper arms <NUM>. In this manner, the inner surfaces of the arms <NUM> and <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> (specifically, lower surface of upper arm <NUM> and upper surface of lower arm <NUM>) are in planar contact with the outer surfaces of the upper wall portion <NUM>. In the fifth embodiment, the upper surface of the lower arm <NUM> is in planar contact with the lower surface of the upper wall portion <NUM>. This allows the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> to be stably supported by the upper core support <NUM>.

The fifth embodiment above has the following advantage (<NUM>) in addition to the above-described advantages (<NUM>) to (<NUM>).

(<NUM>) The upper surface of the lower arm <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> is configured to be in planar contact with the lower surface of the upper wall portion <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM> so that the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are stably supported by the upper core support <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a sixth embodiment will now be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the sixth embodiment, only the upper core support differs in shape from the first embodiment.

The shape of the upper core support in accordance with the sixth embodiment will now be described.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an upper core support <NUM> includes a right pocket <NUM> on the front surface at a position corresponding to the right fastening portion <NUM> to accommodate the right fastening portion <NUM>. The right pocket <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> arranged at the lower side, a right wall <NUM> arranged at the right side, and a front wall <NUM> arranged at the front side. The bottom wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction. The right wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. The front wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the vertical direction.

Further, the upper core support <NUM> includes a left pocket <NUM> on the front surface at a position corresponding to the left fastening portion <NUM> to accommodate the left fastening portion <NUM>. The left pocket <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> arranged at the lower side, a left wall <NUM> arranged at the left side, and a front wall <NUM> arranged at the front side. The bottom wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction. The left wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. The front wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the vertical direction.

The distance between the right wall <NUM> of the right pocket <NUM> and the left wall <NUM> of the left pocket <NUM> is greater than the distance between the right end of the right fastening portion <NUM> and the left end of the left fastening portion <NUM>. The front wall <NUM> of the right pocket <NUM> and the front wall <NUM> of the right pocket <NUM> each include a substantially rectangular through hole (insertion hole <NUM>). The insertion holes <NUM> are located in front of the corresponding blind nuts <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. Further, the walls of the insertion hole <NUM> of the front walls <NUM> and <NUM> form a recessed portion 109A. The recessed portion 109A has the form of a substantially rectangular truncated cone of which the upper base corresponds to the opening of the insertion hole <NUM>.

The upper core support <NUM> includes an engagement projection 100A on the front surface above the right pocket <NUM> and above the left pocket <NUM>. Each engagement projection 100A includes a lower surface that is a flat surface extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction. Further, each engagement projection 100A includes a projected surface that is inclined so that a projection amount of the engagement projection 100A increases downward. The distance between the bottom wall <NUM> of the right pocket <NUM> and the lower surface of the engagement projection 100A, which is arranged above the right pocket <NUM>, is greater than the vertical length of the right fastening portion <NUM>. Also, the distance between the bottom wall <NUM> of the left pocket <NUM> and the lower surface of the engagement projection 100A, which is located above the left pocket <NUM>, is greater than the vertical length of the left fastening portion <NUM>.

In the sixth embodiment, the right fastening portion <NUM>, the right pocket <NUM>, the left fastening portion <NUM>, and the left pocket <NUM> correspond to a tentative attachment portion that tentatively attaches the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> using fitting force.

A series of operations for attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> and its advantages will now be described in detail.

When tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the right fastening portion <NUM> is inserted into the right pocket <NUM> from above and fitted in the right pocket <NUM>, and the left fastening portion <NUM> is inserted into the left pocket <NUM> from above and fitted in the left pocket <NUM>.

When tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the rear surfaces of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> come into contact the corresponding engagement projections 100A. However, the projected surface of the engagement projection 100A is inclined so that the projection amount of the engagement projection 100A increases downward. Accordingly, the rear surfaces of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are not obstructed by the engagement projections 100A. Thus, the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are smoothly fitted in the corresponding the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>.

Further, when fitting the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> into the corresponding pockets <NUM> and <NUM>, the front walls <NUM> and <NUM> of the pockets <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically deformed and bent forward. When the upper ends of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> pass the corresponding engagement projections 100A, the front walls <NUM> and <NUM> recover from the elastic deformation. Accordingly, the inner surfaces of the front walls <NUM> and <NUM> press the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> rearward. In this manner, the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are held between the front surface of the upper core support <NUM> (specifically, front surface of blind nut <NUM>) and the inner surfaces of the corresponding pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are fitted in the corresponding pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. This restricts separation of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> from the corresponding pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. Even if the hood lock device <NUM> is moved upward, the upper ends of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> abut the lower surfaces of the engagement projections 100A. This restricts separation of the hood lock device <NUM> from the upper core support <NUM>.

In accordance with the sixth embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> through a simple operation of fitting the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the corresponding pockets <NUM> and <NUM>.

Also, in the sixth embodiment, the distance between the right wall <NUM> of the right pocket <NUM> and the left wall <NUM> of the left pocket <NUM> is greater than the distance between the right end of the right fastening portion <NUM> and the left end of the left fastening portion <NUM>. This allows for relative movement of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction within the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, in this case, even though the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the hood lock device <NUM> is slidable and movable in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the upper core support <NUM>.

In the sixth embodiment, the pockets <NUM> and <NUM> and the engagement projection 100A are shaped to restrict separation of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> from the pockets <NUM> and <NUM> and allow movement of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> relative to the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>.

Subsequently, in the operation for attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM> is adjusted by closing the hood <NUM> in a state in which the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> that is fixed to the vehicle <NUM>.

Then, the hood lock device <NUM> is fastened to the upper core support <NUM>. More specifically, a fastening bolt is inserted through the insertion hole <NUM> of the lower fastening portion <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> and fastened to the blind nut <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. Further, another bolt is inserted through the insertion hole <NUM> of the front wall <NUM> of the right pocket <NUM> and the insertion hole <NUM> of the right fastening portion <NUM> and fastened to the blind nut <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. Then, another bolt is inserted through the insertion hole <NUM> of the front wall <NUM> of the left pocket <NUM> and the insertion hole <NUM> of the left fastening portion <NUM> and fastened to the blind nut <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>.

In the sixth embodiment, the walls of the insertion hole <NUM> in each of the front walls <NUM> and <NUM> define the recessed portion 109A that has the form of a substantially rectangular truncated cone of which the upper base is the opening of the insertion hole <NUM>. Accordingly, when inserting bolts through the insertion holes <NUM> of the front walls <NUM> and <NUM>, the distal ends of the bolts are guided by the surfaces of recessed portion 109A into the insertion holes <NUM>. This facilitates fastening of the bolts to fix the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>.

The sixth embodiment has the above-described advantages (<NUM>) to (<NUM>).

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a seventh embodiment will now be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the seventh embodiment, the upper core support differs only in shape from the first embodiment.

The shape of the upper core support in accordance with the seventh embodiment will now be described.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an upper core support <NUM> includes an engagement portion <NUM> on the front surface at a position corresponding to the hood lock device <NUM>. The engagement portion <NUM> has the form of a gate that is formed by two side walls (specifically, right side wall <NUM> and left side wall <NUM>) and a front wall <NUM> that connects the two side walls <NUM> and <NUM>. In the seventh embodiment, the engagement portion <NUM> corresponds to a tentative attachment portion that tentatively attaches the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> using fitting force.

The right side wall <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction at a position rightward from the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> and downward from the right fastening portion <NUM>. Further, the left side wall <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction at a position leftward from the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> and downward from the left fastening portion <NUM>. The distance between the right side wall <NUM> and the left side wall <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction is greater than the length of the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction. Accordingly, when the hood lock device <NUM> is fitted in the engagement portion <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM> to tentatively attach the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, gaps are formed between the outer surfaces of the base <NUM> and inner surfaces of the two side walls <NUM> and <NUM>. In the seventh embodiment, even when the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, movement of the hood lock device <NUM> relative to the upper core support <NUM> is allowed in the vehicle transverse direction over the length corresponding to each gap.

The front wall <NUM> extends in the vehicle transverse direction and connects projected ends of the two side walls <NUM> and <NUM>. When the hood lock device <NUM> is fitted in the engagement portion <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>, the rear surface of the front wall <NUM> contacts the front surface of the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> at the right side and the left side. In the seventh embodiment, contact of the rear surface of the front wall <NUM> and the front surface of the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> restricts movement of the hood lock device <NUM> in the front-rear direction when the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached.

The upper core support <NUM> includes a bottom wall portion <NUM> that has the form of a plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction below the hood lock device <NUM>. The bottom wall portion <NUM> is arranged at a position such that when the hood lock device <NUM> is attached at a correct position, the end of the lower fastening portion <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> comes into contact with the bottom wall portion <NUM>. In the seventh embodiment, when tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the lower fastening portion <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> contacts the bottom wall portion <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. This sets the position of the hood lock device <NUM> in the vertical direction.

In the seventh embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> through an operation such as inserting the hood lock device <NUM> into the engagement portion <NUM> from above.

When performing the tentative attachment, the position of the hood lock device <NUM> in the vertical direction can be set through a simple operation of bringing the end of the lower fastening portion <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> into contact with the bottom wall portion <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. Further, when the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the rear surface of the front wall <NUM> contacts the front surface of the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM>. This contact restricts movement of the hood lock device <NUM> in the front-rear direction. Also, the distance between the two side walls <NUM> and <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction is greater than the length of the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction. Thus, even when the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, movement of the hood lock device <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the upper core support <NUM> is allowed over the length corresponding to each gap formed between the outer surfaces of the base <NUM> and the inner surfaces of the two side walls <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the seventh embodiment, the engagement portion <NUM> is shaped to restrict separation of the hood lock device <NUM> from the engagement portion <NUM> and allow movement of the hood lock device <NUM> relative to the engagement portion <NUM>.

In accordance with the seventh embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> through a simple operation of inserting the hood lock device <NUM> into the engagement portion <NUM> from above and fitting the hood lock device <NUM> in the engagement portion <NUM>.

The seventh embodiment has the above-described advantages (<NUM>) to (<NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with an eighth embodiment will now be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the eighth embodiment, the right fastening portion and the left fastening portion of the hood lock device and the upper core support differ in shape from the first embodiment.

The shapes of the right fastening portion, the left fastening portion, and the upper core support in accordance with the eighth embodiment will now be described.

First, the right fastening portion and the left fastening portion in accordance with the eighth embodiment will be described.

As shown <FIG>, a hood lock device <NUM> includes a right engagement piece <NUM> that is integrally formed with the right fastening portion <NUM> and projects downward from the lower end of the right fastening portion <NUM>. Further, the hood lock device <NUM> includes a left engagement piece <NUM> that is integrally formed with the left fastening portion <NUM> and projects downward from the lower end of the left fastening portion <NUM>. The engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> each have the form of a substantially rectangular flat plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the vertical direction. The engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> each include a front surface that is roughened (knurled in eighth embodiment).

The shape of an upper core support <NUM> in accordance with the eighth embodiment will now be described.

The front surface of the upper core support <NUM> includes a right pocket <NUM> for accommodating the right engagement piece <NUM> and a left pocket <NUM> for accommodating the left engagement piece <NUM>. The pockets <NUM> and <NUM> each include a bottom wall <NUM> arranged at the lower side, a right wall <NUM> arranged at the right side, a left wall <NUM> arranged at the left side, and a front wall <NUM> arranged at the front side. Each bottom wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction. Each right wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. Each left wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. Each front wall <NUM> has the form of a plate extending in the vehicle transverse direction and the vertical direction.

The operation for tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> will now be described with the advantages.

When tentatively attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the right engagement piece <NUM>, which is integrated with the right fastening portion <NUM>, is inserted and fitted into the right pocket <NUM> from above, and the left engagement piece <NUM>, which is integrated with the left fastening portion <NUM>, is inserted and fitted into the left pocket <NUM> from above.

As a result, the rear surface of the hood lock device <NUM> (specifically, rear surface of right fastening portion <NUM>, rear surface of left fastening portion <NUM>, and rear surface of lower fastening portion <NUM>) is pressed against the front surfaces of the blind nuts <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. Also, the front surface of the hood lock device <NUM> (specifically, front surface of right engagement piece <NUM> and front surface of left engagement piece <NUM>) is pressed against the rear surfaces of the front walls <NUM> of the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, the hood lock device <NUM> is held between the front surface of the upper core support <NUM> (front surfaces of blind nuts <NUM>) and the rear surfaces of the front walls <NUM> of the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>.

This restricts separation of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> from the pockets <NUM> and <NUM> and, in turn, separation of the hood lock device <NUM> from the upper core support <NUM>. In the eighth embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the front surfaces of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>, that is, the surfaces that contact the rear surfaces of the front wall <NUM> of the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>, are roughened. Accordingly, compared to when the front surfaces of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are flat and smooth, this further restricts separation of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> from the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>.

In accordance with the eighth embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> through a simple operation of inserting and fitting the two engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM>, which are integrated with the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM>, into the corresponding pockets <NUM> and <NUM> from above.

In the eighth embodiment, the right engagement piece <NUM>, the right pocket <NUM>, the left engagement piece <NUM>, and the left pocket <NUM> correspond to a tentative attachment portion that tentatively attaches the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM> using fitting force.

Further, in the eighth embodiment, the distance between the right wall <NUM> and the left wall <NUM> of the pockets <NUM> and <NUM> is greater than the length of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction. This allows for movement of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction within the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, in this case, even when the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the hood lock device <NUM> is slidable and movable in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the upper core support <NUM>.

In the eighth embodiment, the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> and the pockets <NUM> and <NUM> are shaped to restrict separation of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> from the pockets <NUM> and <NUM> and allow movement of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> in the pockets <NUM> and <NUM>.

The eighth embodiment has the above-described advantages (<NUM>) to (<NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a ninth embodiment will now be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

The hood lock device <NUM> includes three fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that are fastened to the upper core support <NUM>. Specifically, a right fastening portion <NUM> is arranged at the right side of the base <NUM> projecting rightward, a left fastening portion <NUM> is arranged at the left side of the base <NUM> projecting leftward, and a lower fastening portion is arranged at a lower part of the base <NUM> projecting downward. Each of the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> has the form of a substantially flat plate extending in the vertical direction and the vehicle transverse direction and includes an elongated insertion hole <NUM> extending in the vehicle transverse direction. Further, a substantially rectangular through hole (fitting hole 40X) is formed at the right side of the insertion hole <NUM> of the right fastening portion <NUM> and at the left side of the insertion hole <NUM> of the left fastening portion <NUM>.

The upper core support <NUM> includes three blind nuts <NUM> each having female threads. The three blind nuts <NUM> respectively correspond to the insertion holes <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM>. When fastening the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, three bolts (<FIG>) are respectively inserted through the insertion holes <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and fastened to the blind nuts <NUM>. This fastens and fixes the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a right fitting projection 23X is arranged on the upper core support <NUM> at a position corresponding to the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM>. Also, a left fitting projection 24X is arranged on the upper core support <NUM> at the position corresponding to the fitting hole 40X of the left fastening portion <NUM>. When attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the right fitting projection 23X is inserted and fitted into the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM>, and the left fitting projection 24X is inserted and fitted into the fitting hole 40X of the left fastening portion <NUM>.

The right fitting projection 23X has the same structure as the left fitting projection 24X. Specifically, the fitting projections 23X and 24X are each U-shaped and each include a projected wall 25X at the upper side, a right wall 26X at the right side, and a left wall 27X at the left side. The projected wall 25X extends in the vehicle transverse direction and the front-rear direction, the right wall 26X extends in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, and the left wall 27X extends in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. The right wall 26X and the left wall 27X each include a front surface that is inclined so that the distance to the front surface of the upper core support <NUM> decreases downward.

In the ninth embodiment, the distance between the projected surface of the projected wall 25X and the lower end of the right wall 26X, and the distance between the projected surface of the projected wall 25X and the lower end of the left wall 27X are substantially equal to the vertical length of the fitting hole 40X. Further, the distance between the right side surface of the right wall 26X and the left side surface of the left wall 27X is less than the length of the fitting hole 40X in the vehicle transverse direction. Accordingly, in a state in which the fitting projections 23X and 24X are fitted in the fitting holes 40X but not fastened by the bolts <NUM> (tentative attachment state), movement of the fitting projections 23X and 24X in the vehicle transverse direction within the fitting hole 40X is allowed while movement of the fitting projections 23X and 24X in the vertical direction is restricted. In this manner, in the tentative attachment state, the hood lock device <NUM> is slidable in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the upper core support <NUM>.

The projected wall 25X of the right fitting projection 23X is spaced apart from the projected wall 25X of the left fitting projection 24X in the vehicle transverse direction. Each projected wall 25X includes two cutout parts 25A extending frontward from the rear end. The portion of the projected wall 25X between the two cutout parts 25A is referred to as a spring portion 25B. The spring portion 25B is elastically deformable when bent in the vertical direction relative to the peripheral portion extending around the spring portion 25B. The spring portion 25B includes an outer surface (top surface) on which a projection (engagement projection 25C) is arranged extending in the vehicle transverse direction at an intermediate part with respect to the front-rear direction. As shown in <FIG>, when the hood lock device <NUM> is attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the engagement projection 25C contacts the edge (open edge) of the fitting hole 40X in the front surface of the corresponding one of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In the ninth embodiment, the spring portion 25B corresponds to an engagement portion.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>, the right fitting projection 23X is fitted into the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM>, and the left fitting projection 24X is fitted into the fitting hole 40X of the left fastening portion <NUM>. More specifically, as indicated by the white arrow in <FIG>, the fitting projections 23X and 24X are inserted into the fitting holes 40X when the spring portions 25B are elastically deformed and inserted into the fitting projections 23X and 24X. When the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> pass the corresponding engagement projections 25C of the spring portions 25B, the spring portions 25B recover from the elastic deformation. In this manner, the engagement projections 25C of the spring portions 25B are caught by the edges of the fitting holes 40X in the front surface of the corresponding fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). In other words, each engagement projection 25C is engaged with the edge of the corresponding fitting hole 40X. This restricts separation of the fitting projections 23X and 24X from the fitting holes 40X. Consequently, separation of the hood lock device <NUM> from the upper core support <NUM> is restricted. In accordance with the ninth embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the core <NUM> through a simple operation of fitting the fitting projections 23X and 24X into the fitting holes 40X.

Also, in the ninth embodiment, the right fastening portion <NUM> (fitting hole 40X) is arranged at the right side of the hood lock device <NUM> (<FIG>). The right fitting projection 23X is arranged on the upper core support <NUM> in correspondence with the right fastening portion <NUM>. The left fastening portion <NUM> (fitting hole 40X) is arranged at the left side of the hood lock device <NUM>. The left fitting projection 24X is arranged on the upper core support <NUM> in correspondence with the left fastening portion <NUM>. Accordingly, when the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the two sides of the hood lock device <NUM> are supported by the upper core support <NUM>. Therefore, the hood lock device <NUM> is stably supported by the upper core support <NUM>.

The upper core support <NUM>, to which the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached, may be transported to an assembly factory where the vehicle <NUM> is assembled or to another work station in an assembly factory for a subsequent step. In accordance with the ninth embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> is attached to the upper core support <NUM> by fitting the fitting projections 23X and 24X to the corresponding fitting holes 40X of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM>. This restricts separation of the hood lock device <NUM> from the upper core support <NUM> when transporting the upper core support <NUM> in a state in which the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached.

Subsequently, the attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM> is adjusted. Specifically, the hood <NUM> is closed in a state in which the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, which is fixed to the vehicle <NUM>.

In this case, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> first abuts the upper end surface 34B of the hook 34A of the catch <NUM>. The upper end surface 34B of the hook 34A is inclined downward toward the tip. Accordingly, when the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> abuts the upper end surface 34B, the catch <NUM> is pushed by the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> and pivoted in the counterclockwise direction in the front view. In this manner, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> forces the hook 34A of the catch <NUM> away and enters the cutout 31A of the base <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the positional relationship of the base <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> and the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> when the tentative attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM> is shifted leftward (rightward in <FIG>). In this case, as shown in <FIG>, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> abuts the right side (left side in <FIG>) of the inner surface of the cutout 31A of the base <NUM>. As described above, the hood lock device <NUM> is movable relative to the upper core support <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction even in a state tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>. Thus, when the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> abuts the inner surface of the cutout 31A (specifically, surface at right side) and presses the inner surface of the cutout 31A, the hood lock device <NUM> moves rightward relative to the upper core support <NUM> as indicated by the black arrow in <FIG>. When the tentative attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM> is shifted rightward, the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> abuts the left side of the inner surface of the cutout 31A. This pushes the inner surface and moves the hood lock device <NUM> leftward relative to the upper core support <NUM>. When the tentative attachment position of the hood lock device <NUM> is located within an allowable range, the hood lock device <NUM> does not move relative to the upper core support <NUM> when closing the hood <NUM>.

In this manner, when the hood <NUM> is closed in a state in which the hood lock device <NUM> is tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM>, the hood lock device <NUM> is located at a position in the vehicle transverse direction that does not hinder smooth entry of the hook 13A of the hood striker <NUM> into the cutout 31A of the base <NUM>.

Then, the hood lock device <NUM> is fastened to the upper core support <NUM>. Specifically, three fastening bolts <NUM> (<FIG>) are respectively inserted through the insertion holes <NUM> of the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM> and fastened to the blind nuts <NUM> of the upper core support <NUM>. This fastens and fixes the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support <NUM>. In the ninth embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be fastened and fixed by the bolts <NUM> in a state in which the hood <NUM> is locked in the closed state.

In accordance with the ninth embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> through a simple operation of fitting the fitting projections 23X and 24X of the upper core support <NUM> into the fitting holes 40X of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the hood lock device <NUM>. This allows the hood lock device <NUM> to be supported by the upper core support <NUM> before the hood lock device <NUM> is fastened to the upper core support <NUM>. Further, in the state of tentative attachment, the position of the hood lock device <NUM> can be adjusted in the vehicle transverse direction by moving the hood lock device <NUM> relative to the upper core support <NUM>. In this manner, in accordance with the ninth embodiment, the tentative attachment and position adjustment of the hood lock device <NUM> are easily performed. This facilitates the attachment operation of the hood lock device <NUM>.

In the ninth embodiment, the upper core support <NUM> of the radiator core support <NUM> is formed from a synthetic resin material. Typically, the upper core support <NUM>, which is formed from a synthetic resin, tends to include a greater manufacturing error compared to an upper core support, which is formed from a metal. Accordingly, with the attachment structure of the ninth embodiment, in which the hood lock device <NUM> is fastened to the upper core support <NUM> formed from a synthetic resin, the relative positions of the hood lock device <NUM> and the hood striker <NUM> may be shifted. With the attachment structure, in which the hood lock device <NUM> is fastened to the upper core support <NUM> formed from a synthetic resin, the ninth embodiment facilitates the attachment operation of the hood lock device <NUM> while the position of the hood lock device <NUM> is adjusted in the vehicle transverse direction.

The ninth embodiment has the following advantage in addition to the above-described advantages (<NUM>), (<NUM>), and (<NUM>).

(<NUM>) The spring portions 25B including the engagement projections 25C are elastically deformed and respectively inserted into the fitting holes 40X of the fitting projections 23X and 24X. This allows the hood lock device <NUM> to be tentatively attached to the upper core support <NUM> when the engagement projection 25C is engaged with the edge of the fitting hole 40X. In this manner, the engagement of the engagement projections 25C and the edge of the fitting holes 40X restricts separation of the fitting projections 23X and 24X from the fitting holes 40X. Consequently, separation of the hood lock device <NUM> from the upper core support <NUM> is restricted.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with a tenth embodiment will now be described focusing on differences from the ninth embodiment. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the ninth embodiment. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the tenth embodiment, the right fitting projection differs only in shape from the ninth embodiment.

The right fitting projection of the tenth embodiment will now be described.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a right fitting projection 51X includes a cylindrical portion 52X and four ribs 53X. The cylindrical portion 52X extends in the front-rear direction. The four ribs 53X are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 52X. The four ribs 53X are arranged in intervals of <NUM> degrees in a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 52X. The four ribs 53X extend radially. In the four ribs 53X, the rib 53X located at an upper position is referred to as an upper rib 53A, and the rib 53X located at a lower position is referred to as a lower rib 53B. The upper rib 53A and the lower rib 53B extend in the vertical direction, and the distance between the projected surface of the upper rib 53A and the lower surface of the lower rib 53B is substantially equal to the vertical length of the fitting hole 40X. When attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to an upper core support 50X, the right fitting projection 51X is inserted and fitted into the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM>.

In a state in which the right fitting projection 51X is fitted in the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM> but not fastened by the bolt <NUM> (tentative attachment state), movement of the right fitting projection 51X in the vehicle transverse direction within the fitting hole 40X is allowed while movement of the right fitting projection 51X in the vertical direction is restricted. In this manner, in the tentative attachment state, the hood lock device <NUM> is slidable in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the upper core support 50X.

The tenth embodiment also has the above-described advantages (<NUM>), (<NUM>), (<NUM>), and (<NUM>).

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an attachment structure of a hood lock device in accordance with an eleventh embodiment will now be described focusing on differences from the ninth and tenth embodiments. Same reference numerals are given to those components that are the same as the corresponding components of the ninth and tenth embodiments. Such components will not be described in detail.

In the eleventh embodiment, the right fitting projection and the left fitting projection differ only in shape from the ninth and tenth embodiments.

The shape of the right fitting projection and the left fitting projection of the eleventh embodiment will now be described.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the right fitting projection 61X has the same structure as the left fitting projection 62X. The fitting projections 61X and 62X each include a lower wall 63X at the lower side, a front wall 64X at the front side, and an upper wall 65X at the upper side. The lower wall 63X has the form of a plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The front wall 64X has the form of a plate extending in the vertical direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The upper wall 65X has the form of a plate extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The lower wall 63X is arranged on the front surface of the upper core support 60X. The front wall 64X extends upward from the front end of the lower wall 63X. The upper wall 65X extends rearward from the upper end of the front wall 64X.

The distance between the lower surface of the lower wall 63X and the upper surface of the upper wall 65X in the vertical direction is less than the vertical length of the fitting hole 40X. This allows the fitting projections 61X and 62X to be inserted into the fitting holes 40X. Further, a gap is formed between the rear end of the front wall 64X and the front surface of the upper core support 60X. The length between the rear surface of the upper wall 65X and the front surface of the upper core support 60X in the front-rear direction is substantially equal to the thickness of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

When attaching the hood lock device <NUM> to the upper core support 60X, the right fitting projection 61X is inserted and fitted into the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM>, and the left fitting projection 62X is inserted and fitted into the fitting hole 40X of the left fastening portion <NUM>.

More specifically, the right fitting projection 61X is inserted into the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM>, and the left fitting projection 62X is inserted into the fitting hole 40X of the left fastening portion <NUM>. Then, the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted between the front surface of the upper core support 60X and the rear surfaces of the upper walls 65X of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, the hood lock device <NUM> is moved downward relative to the upper core support 60X. In this manner, the upper surface of each fitting hole 40X comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower wall 63X of the corresponding one of the fitting projection 61X and 62X, and a portion of each one of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> upward from the corresponding fitting hole 40X is fitted between the rear surface of the upper wall 65X and the front surface of the upper core support 60X (<FIG>).

In the eleventh embodiment, separation of the fitting projections 61X and 62X from the corresponding fitting holes 40X is restricted by fitting the right fitting projection 61X to the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM> and fitting the left fitting projection 62X to the fitting hole 40X of the left fastening portion <NUM>. This restricts separation of the hood lock device <NUM> from the upper core support 60X. In accordance with the eleventh embodiment, the hood lock device <NUM> can be tentatively attached to the upper core support 60X through a simple operation of fitting the fitting projections 61X and 62X into the fitting holes 40X of the corresponding fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Further, in the eleventh embodiment, the length of the fitting projections 61X and 62X in the vehicle transverse direction is less than the length of the corresponding fitting holes 40X of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the vehicle transverse direction. In this manner, in the tentative attachment state, movement of the fitting projections 61X and 62X in the vehicle transverse direction within the corresponding fitting holes 40X of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> is allowed, while movement of the fitting projections 61X and 62X in the vertical direction is restricted. Therefore, in the tentative attachment state, the hood lock device <NUM> is slidable in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the upper core support 60X.

The eleventh embodiment also has the above-described advantages (<NUM>), (<NUM>), (<NUM>), and (<NUM>).

The above embodiments may be modified as follows.

In each embodiment, the attachment position of the hood lock device may be adjusted in any manner. More specifically, the adjustment of the position of the hood lock device does not have to be performed when closing the hood in a state in which the hood lock device is tentatively attached to the upper core support. For example, a technician may manually move the hood lock device while visually checking the relative positions of the hood striker and the hood lock device.

In the second embodiment, the two right engagement pieces <NUM> and the two left engagement pieces <NUM> may each have a cross section that is wave-shaped, crank-shaped, or square-wave-shaped. Such structure also allows a flex portion of the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> to be longer compared to when the engagement pieces have the form of a flat plate. Thus, the engagement pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are more flexible.

In the two right engagement pieces and the two left engagement pieces in accordance with the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the upper engagement pieces may be the same as that of the lower engagement pieces. Alternatively, the thickness of the lower engagement pieces may be less than that of the upper engagement pieces.

In any one of the first to sixth and eighth embodiment, the hood lock device may include the tentative attachment portion at only the right side or the left side. For example, when the tentative attachment portion is arranged at only one side of the hood lock device, a support may be arranged at the other side of the hood lock device to support the hood lock device (specifically, fastener) from below. Such a structure will avoid a situation in which the hood lock device is tilted such that the portion of the hood lock device that does not include the tentative attachment portion is moved downward during tentative attachment of the hood lock device by the weight of the hood lock device or the impact of the closing the hood.

In one example, the tentative attachment portion in accordance with the first embodiment may be arranged on the right side of the hood lock device, and the tentative attachment portion in accordance with the second embodiment may be arranged at the left side of the hood lock device. Two different tentative attachment portions in accordance with the first to sixth and eighth to eleventh embodiments may be combined.

In the ninth embodiment, the structure for restricting separation of the fitting projections 23X and 24X from the corresponding fitting holes 40X of the fastening portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be changed. More specifically, the fitting projections 23X and 24X may include a structure other than the spring portion 25B and the engagement projection 25C. In one example of such structure, a groove (fitting groove) is arranged in a proximal end of the upper surface and a proximal end of the lower surface of the fitting projections 23X and 24X. The grooves extend along the front surface of the upper core support <NUM>. In this case, the vertical distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the fitting projections 23X and 24X may be slightly greater than the vertical distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the fitting hole 40X. Further, in this case, the vertical distance between the bottom surface of the fitting groove in the upper part of the fitting projections 23X and 24X and the bottom surface of the fitting groove in the lower part of the fitting projections 23X and 24X may be substantially equal to the vertical length of the fitting hole 40X. With this structure, the fitting projections 23X and 24X are pressed into the fitting holes 40X until the edges of the fitting holes 40X are fitted in the fitting grooves. In this manner, the edges of the fitting holes 40X are fitted in the fitting grooves of the fitting projections 23X and 24X. This restricts separation of the fitting projections 23X and 24X from the fitting holes 40X.

In the ninth embodiment, the upper core support may include a fitting projection only at the right side or the left side (right fitting projection 23X or left fitting projection 24X), and the hood lock device may include a fitting hole only in the right side or the left side (fitting hole 40X of right fastening portion <NUM> or fitting hole 40X of left fastening portion <NUM>). In other words, one of the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM> and the fitting hole 40X of the left fastening portion <NUM> may be omitted. In this case, a support may be arranged at a portion of the hood lock device where the fitting hole is not arranged to support the hood lock device (specifically, fastener) from below. Such a structure will avoid a situation in which the hood lock device is tilted such that the portion of the hood lock device that does not include the tentative attachment portion is moved downward during tentative attachment of the hood lock device by the weight of the hood lock device or the impact of closing the hood.

In the tenth embodiment, the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the right fitting projection 51X in the vertical direction may be substantially equal to the vertical length of the fitting hole 40X of the right fastening portion <NUM>, and the shape of the right fitting projection 51X may be changed in any manner. In one example, the right fitting projection may be cylindrical and extend in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the right fitting projection may extend in the front-rear direction and have a cross section that is I-shaped, circular, cross-shaped, or H-shaped.

In each embodiment, the upper core support may include a fitting hole extending in the vehicle transverse direction, and the hood lock device may include a fitting projection projecting from the fastener. The fitting projection is fitted in the fitting hole in a mode in which the fitting projection is projected toward the upper core support and slidable in the vehicle transverse direction.

The attachment structure of the above-described embodiments can be applied to a hood lock device that is fastened to an upper core support of a radiator core support by an intermediary member (dedicated bracket). In this case, the intermediary member corresponds to the attachment portion.

The attachment structure of the above-described embodiments can be applied to a hood lock device that is fastened to an upper core support formed from a metal.

Claim 1:
An attachment structure of a hood lock device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the hood lock device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to be fastened to an attachment portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 50X; 60X) arranged on a vehicle main body and configured to be engaged with a hood striker (<NUM>) arranged on an inner surface of a hood (<NUM>) of a vehicle (<NUM>) to lock the hood (<NUM>) in a closed state, the attachment structure comprising:
at least one tentative attachment portion configured to tentatively attach the hood lock device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to the attachment portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 50X; 60X) using a fitting force in a state in which the attachment portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 50X; 60X) and the hood lock device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) are movable relative to each other in a vehicle transverse direction.