A sping handle structure for a spare tire cover
The snap-fit design of the spare tire cover handle solves the problems of complex assembly and insufficient tensile strength caused by traditional bolt or riveting methods, achieving efficient and stable connection and convenient operation, thus improving production efficiency and service life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO TUOPU AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
The existing spare tire cover handle structure uses bolts or rivets, which leads to complex assembly process, low production efficiency, high manufacturing cost, insufficient tensile strength, easy loosening and breakage, and difficult maintenance.
The spare tire cover handle structure adopts a snap-fit design, including a front handle base, a back handle base, and a lifting handle. The snap-fit structure enables quick installation, and the combination of hooks and slots provides a reliable connection. Combined with the design of reinforcing ribs, embossing, and reset elastic elements, it improves tensile strength and ease of operation.
It simplifies the assembly process, improves production efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances the stability and vibration resistance of the connection, and improves the user experience and service life.
Smart Images

Figure CN224468963U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and more specifically, to a spare tire cover handle structure for automobiles. Background Technology
[0002] In the automotive parts manufacturing industry, spare tire cover handles are an important functional component in daily vehicle use, and their installation stability and ease of operation directly affect the user experience. Currently, traditional spare tire cover handles are generally fixed to the spare tire cover using bolts or riveting. Bolting requires multiple steps, including positioning, drilling, and tightening, demanding high skill from assembly workers and prone to problems such as stripped bolts and misaligned holes, significantly reducing production efficiency and increasing manufacturing costs. While riveting simplifies the assembly process to some extent, the handle's overall tensile strength is insufficient due to the characteristics of the riveting process. During vehicle travel, vibrations, or frequent opening and closing operations, stress concentration can occur at the riveted joint, leading to loosening or breakage at the connection between the handle and the spare tire cover, severely impacting the handle's lifespan and safety. Furthermore, both of these fixing methods require specialized tools to remove bolts or damage the riveting points during product repair or replacement, resulting in difficult and time-consuming repairs, further increasing usage costs. With the automotive manufacturing industry's increasingly urgent need for lightweight, modular, and low-cost components, there is a pressing need for an innovative spare tire cover handle structure and assembly method to solve the problems of cumbersome assembly, low tensile strength, and easy damage inherent in traditional technologies. Utility Model Content
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this application is that the existing automobile spare tire cover handles are made by bolts or rivets, which result in complex assembly processes, low production efficiency and high manufacturing costs. In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, this application provides an automobile spare tire cover handle structure.
[0004] This application provides a handle structure for a car spare tire cover, including:
[0005] The handle base has a first snap-fit structure on the back and a recessed mounting groove on the front;
[0006] The back handle base has a second snap-fit structure on its front that matches the first snap-fit structure.
[0007] A lifting handle is rotatably connected to the mounting groove via a hinge shaft, and the lifting handle has a finger hole for fingers to pass through. A pressing part is provided on the side of the lifting handle away from the finger hole, and the pressing part and the finger hole are respectively located on both sides of the hinge shaft.
[0008] The first snap-fit structure and the second snap-fit structure are snapped together, so that the front handle base and the back handle base are fixedly assembled on both sides of the main body of the car spare tire cover.
[0009] Compared with existing technologies, the spare tire cover handle structure proposed in this application has the following advantages: it eliminates the need for bolts or rivets, enabling rapid installation through a snap-fit structure, simplifying the assembly process, improving production efficiency, and reducing manufacturing costs; the snap-fit method ensures a tight connection between the handle and the spare tire cover body, avoiding the problems of stripped bolts or loose rivets, and improving tensile strength and vibration resistance; the finger hole design of the lifting handle conforms to ergonomics, and when the pressing part is subjected to pressure, the finger holes of the lifting handle are raised, making it easier for users to lift and operate, thus improving the user experience.
[0010] In one possible implementation, the first snap-fit structure includes an annular groove, and the second snap-fit structure includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced hooks, which are correspondingly snapped into the groove. Compared with the prior art, the circumferentially distributed hooks evenly distribute the tensile force, avoid local stress concentration, and enhance the reliability and fracture resistance of the connection; the cooperation between the groove and the hooks can achieve precise alignment, ensuring the stability of the handle position after installation and reducing deviation.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the outer periphery of the hook is provided with reinforcing ribs. Compared with the prior art, the reinforcing ribs improve the structural rigidity of the hook, prevent the hook from breaking under stress, and extend the service life of the handle; especially in environments with frequent opening and closing or vibration, they reduce the risk of damage to the locking parts.
[0012] In one possible implementation, the front handle base is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the back handle base is provided with a positioning groove that matches the positioning protrusion, with the positioning protrusion embedded in the positioning groove. Compared with the prior art, the cooperation between the positioning protrusion and the groove allows for quick and accurate positioning during installation, avoiding structural instability caused by installation deviations and further improving assembly efficiency; the auxiliary snap-fit structure enhances the overall fixing effect of the handle, preventing displacement due to vibration and other factors during use.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the sidewalls of both the front and back handle bases that contact the main body of the spare tire cover are embossed. Compared to existing technologies, the embossed design increases the contact friction between the handle and the spare tire cover, preventing the handle from slipping during use and improving stability.
[0014] In one possible implementation, a reset elastic element is provided on the hinge shaft, which drives the pull handle to reset into the mounting slot. Compared with the prior art, the pull handle can automatically retract into the mounting slot after use, avoiding damage from impacts caused by long-term exposure or affecting other operations of the spare tire cover; no manual reset is required, simplifying user operation and keeping the surface of the spare tire cover clean.
[0015] In one possible implementation, the reset elastic element is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the hinge shaft. One end of the torsion spring is connected to the lifting handle, and the other end is connected to the base of the handle. Compared with the prior art, the torsion spring design occupies less space, provides a uniform and stable reset force, reliably drives the lifting handle to reset, and is convenient to install and maintain.
[0016] In one possible implementation, a support post is provided within the mounting groove, the support post being used to abut against the side of the pull handle near the finger hole. Compared to the prior art, the support post limits the rotation angle of the pull handle, preventing excessive rotation after reset and enhancing the stability of the handle.
[0017] In one possible implementation, a damping pad is provided at the top of the support column. Compared with the prior art, the damping pad can absorb the impact force when the handle is pulled back to its original position, reduce noise and vibration, improve user comfort, and protect the handle.
[0018] In one possible implementation, the mounting groove is provided with a protrusion for sealing the finger holes. Compared with the prior art, this prevents dust and other foreign objects from entering the mounting groove through the finger holes, prevents components such as hinge pins and torsion springs from jamming or corroding due to the accumulation of impurities, ensures smooth operation of the handle, and improves its service life. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application;
[0020] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the handle base Figure 1 ;
[0021] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the handle base Figure 2 ;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the back handle base;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the lifting handle;
[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of this application;
[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the usage status of this application;
[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0027] 1. Front handle base; 11. Mounting groove; 12. Slot; 13. Positioning protrusion; 14. Embedded groove; 2. Back handle base; 21. Hook; 22. Reinforcing rib; 23. Positioning groove; 3. Lifting handle; 31. Finger hole; 32. Pressing part; 4. Hinge shaft; 5. Torsion spring; 6. Support column; 61. Damping pad; 7. Protrusion; 10. Main body of car spare tire cover. Detailed Implementation
[0028] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.
[0029] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0030] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0031] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0032] See Figures 1 to 7This application discloses a handle structure for a car spare tire cover, including: a front handle base 1, a back handle base 2, and a lifting handle 3; the back of the front handle base 1 is provided with a first snap-fit structure, and the front is provided with a recessed mounting groove 11; the front of the back handle base 2 is provided with a second snap-fit structure that matches the first snap-fit structure; the lifting handle 3 is rotatably connected to the mounting groove 11 through a hinge shaft 4, and the lifting handle 3 is provided with a finger hole 31 for fingers to pass through, and a pressing part 32 is provided on the side of the lifting handle 3 away from the finger hole 31, the pressing part 32 and the finger hole 31 are respectively located on both sides of the hinge shaft 4; wherein, the first snap-fit structure and the second snap-fit structure are snapped together, so that the front handle base 1 and the back handle base 2 are fixedly assembled on both sides of the car spare tire cover body 10.
[0033] The front handle base 1 is made of high-strength engineering plastic injection molding. The first snap-fit structure is integrally molded on its back using a mold, while the front has a recessed mounting groove 11. The size and shape of the mounting groove 11 are adapted to the lifting handle 3, ensuring that the lifting handle 3 can rotate flexibly within the groove. The back handle base 2 is also made of high-strength engineering plastic injection molding, and a second snap-fit structure matching the first snap-fit structure is provided on its front.
[0034] The lifting handle 3 is molded from a sturdy and wear-resistant injection-molded material. A finger hole 31 is provided at the front of the lifting handle 3 for fingers to pass through. The size of the finger hole 31 is ergonomically designed for easy application of force by the user. Then, the lifting handle 3 is installed in the mounting groove 11 of the handle base 1 via a hinge pin 4. The two ends of the hinge pin 4 are fixed to the opposite side walls of the mounting groove 11, allowing the lifting handle 3 to rotate around the hinge pin 4. The hinge pin 4 is located between the finger hole 31 and the pressing part 32.
[0035] When assembling the spare tire cover body 10, the front handle base 1 is attached to one side of the spare tire cover body, and the back handle base 2 is attached to the other side of the spare tire cover body, so that the first snap-fit structure and the second snap-fit structure are snapped together. Through this snap-fit method, the front handle base 1 and the back handle base 2 are quickly and firmly fixedly assembled to both sides of the spare tire cover body 10. Compared with the traditional bolt connection or riveting, the assembly process is greatly simplified and the production efficiency is improved.
[0036] See also Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first snap-fit structure includes an annular snap-fit groove 12, and the second snap-fit structure includes a plurality of snap hooks 21 distributed circumferentially, with the plurality of snap hooks 21 correspondingly snapped into the snap-fit groove 12.
[0037] Specifically, the slots 12 of the first snap-fit structure are distributed in a ring on the back of the front handle base 1. The shape of the slots 12 can be a circular ring, a square ring, or other regular or irregular ring structures, and their size and depth are designed according to the actual assembly requirements. The second snap-fit structure on the front of the back handle base 2 includes multiple hooks 21. The number of hooks 21 is determined according to the size of the handle structure and the required load-bearing strength, usually 4-8, and the multiple hooks 21 are evenly distributed around the circumference.
[0038] During assembly, align the hook 21 on the back handle base 2 with the slot 12 on the front handle base 1, and then apply force to snap the hook 21 into the slot 12. Since the hook 21 and the slot 12 match each other, they can achieve a tight connection, providing reliable connection strength for the front handle base 1 and the back handle base 2, and ensuring that the handle structure will not easily loosen during use.
[0039] See also Figure 4 In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the hook 21 is provided with reinforcing ribs 22.
[0040] Specifically, reinforcing ribs 22 are integrally molded on the outer periphery of the hook 21 of the back handle base 2 using an injection molding process. The reinforcing ribs 22 can be strip-shaped, extending along the axial direction of the hook 21, or distributed in a grid pattern around the outer periphery of the hook 21. The reinforcing ribs 22 increase the structural strength of the hook 21, effectively distributing force when the hook 21 engages with the slot 12, preventing the hook 21 from breaking due to excessive force during use, and further improving the stability and reliability of the handle structure.
[0041] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the front handle base 1 is provided with a positioning protrusion 13, and the back handle base 2 is provided with a positioning groove 23 that matches the positioning protrusion 13. The positioning protrusion 13 is embedded in the positioning groove 23.
[0042] Specifically, a positioning protrusion 13 is formed by a mold at the edge of the front handle base 1. The positioning protrusion 13 can be cylindrical, square, or other shapes, and its height and size are determined according to the actual assembly accuracy requirements. On the back handle base 2, a matching positioning groove 23 is formed at the position corresponding to the positioning protrusion 13. The shape and size of the positioning groove 23 are adapted to the positioning protrusion 13.
[0043] When assembling the front handle base 1 and the back handle base 2, first align the positioning protrusion 13 with the positioning groove 23, and then embed the positioning protrusion 13 into the positioning groove 23. Through the cooperation of the positioning protrusion 13 and the positioning groove 23, not only can the first snap-fit structure and the second snap-fit structure be accurately assembled, but the positioning accuracy between the front handle base 1 and the back handle base 2 can also be further enhanced, preventing relative displacement between the two during the assembly process and ensuring the overall stability of the handle structure.
[0044] In this embodiment, the sidewalls of the front handle base 1 and the back handle base 2 that contact the main body 10 of the car spare tire cover are both embossed.
[0045] Specifically, embossing is applied to the sidewalls of the front handle base 1 and the back handle base 2 that contact the main body 10 of the car spare tire cover through a surface treatment process. The shape of the embossing can be striped, grid-like, or other anti-slip patterns, and its depth and spacing are designed according to the surface material and friction requirements of the main body 10 of the car spare tire cover.
[0046] When the handle structure is assembled onto the main body 10 of the car spare tire cover, the embossing of the front handle base 1 and the back handle base 2 fits tightly against the surface of the main body 10 of the car spare tire cover. The embossing increases the friction between the two, so that the handle structure can be more firmly fixed on the main body of the spare tire cover, preventing the handle structure from loosening or shifting due to vibration or other factors during vehicle operation.
[0047] See also Figure 6 In this embodiment, a reset elastic element is provided on the hinge shaft 4. The reset elastic element is used to drive the lifting handle 3 to reset into the mounting groove 11.
[0048] Specifically, a reset elastic element is installed on the hinge shaft 4. The function of the reset elastic element is to drive the pull handle 3 to return to the mounting groove 11. In the actual installation process, the reset elastic element is first installed on the hinge shaft 4, and then the pull handle 3 is installed into the mounting groove 11 of the handle base 1 through the hinge shaft 4. When the user pulls the pull handle 3 to operate, and then releases the pull handle 3, the reset elastic element can generate an elastic restoring force, driving the pull handle 3 to rotate around the hinge shaft 4, so that it automatically returns to the mounting groove 11, maintaining the neatness and aesthetics of the handle structure, and also facilitating the next use.
[0049] In this embodiment, the reset elastic element is a torsion spring 5, which is sleeved on the hinge shaft 4. One end of the torsion spring 5 is connected to the lifting handle 3, and the other end of the torsion spring 5 is connected to the positive handle base 1.
[0050] Specifically, a torsion spring 5 is selected as the reset elastic element, and the specifications of the torsion spring 5 are chosen according to the weight of the lifting handle 3 and the required reset force. The torsion spring 5 is sleeved on the hinge pin 4, allowing the torsion spring 5 to rotate freely around the hinge pin 4. One end of the torsion spring 5 is connected to the lifting handle 3 by welding, snap-fit connection or other fixing methods, and the other end is connected to the handle base 1. For example, a special groove 14 can be provided on the handle base 1, and the other end of the torsion spring 5 can be embedded in the groove 14.
[0051] When the handle 3 is pulled, the torsion spring 5 undergoes torsional deformation and stores elastic potential energy; when the user releases the handle 3, the torsion spring 5 releases the elastic potential energy, generates torque, and drives the handle 3 to return to the mounting groove 11, thus realizing the automatic reset function of the handle 3.
[0052] See also Figure 2 In this embodiment, a support column 6 is provided in the mounting groove 11. The support column 6 is used to abut against the side of the lifting handle 3 near the finger hole 31.
[0053] Specifically, a support post 6 is installed in the mounting groove 11 of the handle base 1, near the finger hole 31 of the handle 3, by injection molding or other fixing methods. The height of the support post 6 is designed according to the reset angle of the handle 3 and the depth of the mounting groove 11 to ensure that after the handle 3 is rotated and reset, the support post 6 can accurately abut against the side of the handle 3 near the finger hole 31.
[0054] In this embodiment, a damping pad 61 is provided at the top of the support column 6.
[0055] Specifically, a damping pad 61 is fixed to the top of the support column 6 by means of bonding, heat pressing, etc. The damping pad 61 is made of a material with elastic and damping properties, such as rubber or silicone. When the lifting handle 3 rotates to contact the support column 6, the damping pad 61 can buffer the impact force between the lifting handle 3 and the support column 6, reduce the noise generated by the collision, and at the same time protect the lifting handle 3 and the support column 6, preventing them from being damaged due to the return collision, thereby improving the service life of the handle structure and the comfort of use.
[0056] See also Figure 6 In this embodiment, the mounting groove 11 is provided with a protrusion 7 for sealing the finger hole 31.
[0057] Specifically, within the mounting groove 11 of the handle base 1, corresponding to the finger hole 31 of the handle 3, a protrusion 7 is integrally molded using an injection molding process. The shape and size of the protrusion 7 are adapted to the finger hole 31, effectively sealing it. When the handle structure is not in use, the protrusion 7 effectively prevents dust and debris from entering the mounting groove 11 through the finger hole 31, avoiding wear or disruption to the normal operation of components such as the hinge pin 4 and the reset elastic element, maintaining the cleanliness of the handle structure's interior, and extending its service life.
[0058] This embodiment provides a handle structure for a car spare tire cover. Its beneficial effects include:
[0059] I. High-efficiency assembly and cost reduction: The snap-fit structure of the handle base enables boltless and riveting-free assembly, simplifies positioning, drilling and other processes, significantly improves production efficiency, and reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty.
[0060] II. Stable and vibration-resistant connection: The circumferentially distributed hooks 21 and annular grooves 12 evenly distribute the tensile force and avoid stress concentration; the outer side of the hooks 21 is reinforced with reinforcing ribs 22 to improve the structural rigidity, and the base embossing increases the friction force, effectively preventing loosening and breakage caused by vehicle vibration and extending the service life.
[0061] III. Convenient and user-friendly operation: The lifting handle 3 is equipped with finger holes 31 in accordance with ergonomics, and the pressing part 32 triggers the handle to lift up for easy application of force; a torsion spring 5 is set at the hinge 4 to drive automatic reset to the mounting groove 11, avoiding exposed bumps and keeping the spare tire cover clean.
[0062] IV. Enhanced Protection and Durability: The protrusion 7 inside the mounting groove 11 seals the finger hole 31, preventing dust from entering the internal structure such as the hinge shaft 4 and torsion spring 5; the damping pad 61 at the top of the support column 6 absorbs the reset impact force, reduces noise, and protects the components; the positioning protrusion 13 / positioning groove 23 ensures the assembly alignment accuracy.
[0063] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer" and other terms indicating direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0064] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "in this embodiment," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0065] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A handle structure for a car spare tire cover, characterized in that, include: The handle base has a first snap-fit structure on the back and a recessed mounting groove on the front; The back handle base has a second snap-fit structure on its front that matches the first snap-fit structure. A lifting handle is rotatably connected to the mounting groove via a hinge shaft, and the lifting handle has a finger hole for fingers to pass through. A pressing part is provided on the side of the lifting handle away from the finger hole, and the pressing part and the finger hole are respectively located on both sides of the hinge shaft. The first snap-fit structure and the second snap-fit structure are snapped together, so that the front handle base and the back handle base are fixedly assembled on both sides of the main body of the car spare tire cover.
2. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first snap-fit structure includes an annular slot, and the second snap-fit structure includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced hooks, which are snapped into the slot.
3. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the hook is provided with reinforcing ribs.
4. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front handle base is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the back handle base is provided with a positioning groove that matches the positioning protrusion. The positioning protrusion is embedded in the positioning groove.
5. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewalls of the front handle base and the back handle base that contact the main body of the car spare tire cover are all embossed.
6. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge shaft is provided with a reset elastic element, which is used to drive the lifting handle to reset into the mounting groove.
7. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reset elastic element is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the hinge shaft. One end of the torsion spring is connected to the lifting handle, and the other end of the torsion spring is connected to the base of the pull handle.
8. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting groove is provided with a support column, which is used to abut against the side of the lifting handle near the finger hole.
9. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top of the support column is provided with a damping pad.
10. The automobile spare tire cover handle structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting groove is provided with a protrusion for sealing the finger hole.