Method for processing watch small button

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of processing methods of watch small button, it is related to watch spare part processing technical field.The method first uses CNC machine platform to process the button in array arrangement, then draws the 3D drawing of chamfer area, and generates the laser processing path of chamfer area by laser controller software;Then utilize CAM software to generate the laser processing path of polishing area, set chamfer and polishing parameter and button array parameter;Then chamfer processing and polishing processing are sequentially carried out to each button: first, form chamfer according to the set chamfer parameter and path, then polish according to polishing parameter and path, finally, the button that completes polishing is carried out crack processing.The application combines the advantages of CNC machining and laser processing, realizes the one-stop batch chamfering and polishing of button array, significantly improves the machining precision, efficiency and quality, improves the material utilization, reduces the production cost, and is especially suitable for large-scale production of high-precision watch small button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of watch component processing technology, and in particular to a method for processing small buttons on a watch. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the small buttons on smartwatches are typically made of high-hardness materials, including sapphire and other materials suitable for laser processing. These materials offer significant advantages in enhancing the watch's perceived quality and premium feel due to their high hardness, wear resistance, good light transmittance, excellent chemical stability, and high-temperature resistance. However, the intricate structure of the small buttons, the non-constant chamfer angles on each side, and the high hardness of the materials used greatly increase the manufacturing difficulty. Currently, the main structural machining of watch buttons, including chamfering, primarily relies on machining methods such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools. While CNC machining excels in many fields, it has the following limitations when handling small-sized, high-precision watch buttons:

[0003] 1. Limited Machining Precision: For small-sized watch buttons, traditional CNC machining struggles to achieve high-precision chamfering, limiting the final product's fineness. In multi-factor design schemes, CNC machining often fails to meet stringent positional accuracy requirements, impacting product consistency and reliability.

[0004] 2. Low processing efficiency and high cost: Due to the limitations of CNC grinding wheel paths, raw materials are wasted, reducing material utilization. The short lifespan of auxiliary materials such as grinding wheels and frequent replacements increase maintenance costs and downtime. To meet surface roughness requirements, polishing processes are typically added, increasing process complexity and cost. CNC machining methods are relatively fixed and lack flexibility, hindering factories from developing towards higher levels of automation. Especially in large-scale production environments, the high time cost of CNC machining cannot meet the demands of rapid production and market responsiveness.

[0005] 3. Low product quality: CNC machining is prone to introducing defects such as grinding wheel lines, affecting the appearance quality of the finished product. Furthermore, the stress generated during machining may negatively impact the quality and lifespan of the watch buttons.

[0006] In view of the above problems, there is an urgent need for a new processing method to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, so as to improve the precision, efficiency and quality of watch button processing, while reducing production costs and promoting the implementation of automated production. This invention is an innovative solution proposed to address these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for processing watch buttons that combines CNC machining with laser chamfering and polishing, in order to address the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for processing a small button on a watch. The small button has a flat outer surface, a concave inner surface, and rounded rectangular edges. The chamfer angles of the inner surface are different, and the edges are smoothly transitioned. The processing method includes the following steps:

[0009] Step S1: According to the button product drawings, use a CNC machine to process the main structure of multiple buttons on a hard transparent material plate. The multiple buttons are oriented in the same direction and arranged in an array.

[0010] Step S2 involves using a laser to sequentially chamfer and polish the edges of each button, specifically including:

[0011] Step S21: Draw a 3D drawing of the chamfered area according to the product drawing and chamfering requirements before chamfering, and import the 3D drawing into the laser control software; the control software generates the laser processing path of the chamfered area according to the 3D drawing;

[0012] Step S22: Use CAM software to generate a laser processing path drawing of the polishing area, and import the laser processing path drawing of the polishing area into the control software;

[0013] Step S23: Set the chamfering processing parameters, polishing parameters, button positions, quantities, and dimensions in the control software; the chamfering processing parameters and polishing parameters include laser energy, scanning speed, frequency, filling method, and filling spacing, and the laser energy during polishing is lower than that during chamfering.

[0014] Step S24: Fix the rigid transparent material plate to the laser's operating table by vacuum adsorption, determine the processing position of the button by CCD vision positioning system, and perform chamfering and polishing on each button in sequence. For each button, first perform chamfering according to the chamfering processing parameters and the laser processing path of the chamfering area, and then perform polishing according to the polishing parameters and the laser processing path of the polishing area.

[0015] Step S3: Crack the button after polishing.

[0016] In the method for processing the small button on a watch according to the present invention, the step of processing the button using a CNC machine tool in step S1 is as follows:

[0017] Design the grinding wheel according to the shape of the button to ensure that it meets the processing requirements; draw the 3D drawing of the button and write the processing program, specifying the type of grinding wheel used for roughing and finishing, as well as the specific processing parameters in the program;

[0018] Import the prepared machining program into the CNC machine tool;

[0019] Center the grinding wheel to ensure accurate machining position;

[0020] Start the processing program;

[0021] After processing, the workpiece is unloaded from the CNC machine.

[0022] In the processing method of the watch button of the present invention, step S1 further includes: cutting a corner of the hard transparent material plate to indicate the direction of the button.

[0023] In the processing method of the watch button of the present invention, in step S2, the laser is an infrared picosecond laser.

[0024] In the processing method of the watch button of the present invention, in step S24, a special fixture is used to fix a rigid transparent material plate on the operating table of the laser.

[0025] In the processing method of the watch button of the present invention, after step S24, the method further includes:

[0026] Step S25: Confirm whether the size, appearance, and roughness of the polished button meet the requirements. If not, improve the processing effect by adjusting the chamfering parameters, polishing parameters, and 3D drawings.

[0027] In the processing method of the watch button of the present invention, the specific method of step S3 is as follows:

[0028] Draw a key outline diagram, add the necessary positioning markers to the outline diagram, and then import the outline diagram into the control software of the cutting machine and set the cutting parameters.

[0029] The polished hard transparent material plate is fixed on the cutting machine table using a special fixture. The button is positioned according to the marked points using a CCD camera vision positioning system. Then, a coherent laser is used to cut along the edge of the button.

[0030] Fragment along the cutting marks.

[0031] This invention offers the following advantages: First, a CNC machine tool is used to fabricate an array of buttons. Then, a 3D drawing of the chamfered area is created, and laser processing paths for the chamfered area are generated using laser control software. Next, CAM software is used to generate laser processing paths for the polishing area, setting chamfering and polishing parameters as well as button array parameters. Then, each button is sequentially chamfered and polished: first, chamfering is performed according to the set chamfering parameters and laser processing path; then, polishing is performed according to the polishing parameters and path; finally, the polished buttons are split. This invention combines the advantages of CNC machining and laser processing, achieving one-stop, batch chamfering and polishing of button arrays. This significantly improves processing accuracy, efficiency, and quality, increases material utilization, and reduces production costs, making it particularly suitable for the large-scale production of small buttons for high-precision watches. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of a watch button manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 A side view of a single watch button machined by a CNC machine tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 A perspective view of a single small watch button machined by a CNC machine tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a watch button array machined by a CNC machine tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 A bottom view of a watch button array machined by a CNC machine tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a 3D image of the chamfered area provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 A side view of a single watch button after chamfering, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 A perspective view of a single watch button after chamfering, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the watch button array after chamfering, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0044] This invention is applicable to the processing of small buttons on smartwatches with different chamfer angles on each side.

[0045] like Figures 7-8 As shown in the figure, the outer surface of the watch button in this embodiment of the invention is flat, the inner surface is concave, and the edges are rounded rectangles. The chamfer angles of each side of the inner surface are different, and the transitions between the sides are smooth. In this embodiment of the invention, the chamfer angles of the two short sides of the inner surface are 0° and 7°, respectively, and the chamfer angles of the two long sides are 21° and 22°, respectively. The watch button itself is small in size, and given the non-constant chamfer angles and smooth transitions between the sides, it is difficult to guarantee accuracy when using traditional CNC machine tools for chamfering. Therefore, this invention combines CNC machining and laser chamfering, providing a completely new solution.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a Figures 7-8 The method for manufacturing the small button on the watch shown includes the following steps:

[0047] Step S1: Based on the button product drawings, use a CNC machine to process the main structure of multiple buttons on a rigid transparent material plate. The multiple buttons are oriented in the same direction and arranged in an array.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the rigid transparent material plate includes materials suitable for making small watch buttons, such as sapphire glass and ceramic. The structure of a single button is as follows: Figures 2-3 As shown.

[0049] To improve processing efficiency and the utilization rate of rigid transparent material plates, in this embodiment of the invention, a CNC machine tool is used to process materials such as... Figures 4-5The illustrated array-style button structure features buttons with their inner surfaces facing upwards, each exhibiting a grooved structure. The same orientation of multiple buttons refers to the orientation of sides with the same chamfer angle; for example, short sides with a 0° chamfer angle face upwards, and long sides with a 21° chamfer angle face left. The reasons for this array arrangement are twofold: first, to facilitate CNC machining, allowing for programmatic control of button positions on the CNC machine; and second, to facilitate subsequent laser processing, enabling batch processing of multiple buttons based on their array positions by setting array parameters in the laser control software. CNC chamfering is limited by the tool path, necessitating increased spacing between adjacent buttons when machining multiple buttons on a large sheet of material. However, in this embodiment, because the chamfering is achieved by laser, the non-contact processing characteristics of lasers allow for the close arrangement of multiple buttons on large sheets of hard, transparent material, significantly improving the utilization rate of the material. This advantage significantly improves the utilization rate of raw materials such as sapphire, reduces material costs, and effectively increases output per unit area in large-scale production, enhancing production efficiency and resource utilization.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the steps for machining buttons using a CNC machine tool are as follows:

[0051] (1) Design the grinding wheel according to the shape of the button to ensure that it meets the processing requirements. Diamond grinding wheels can be used to ensure the smoothness and precision of the button edge. Draw a 3D drawing of the button and write a processing program, specifying the type of grinding wheel used for roughing and finishing, as well as the specific processing parameters. In this embodiment of the invention, the parameters are as follows: feed: roughing 500mm / min, finishing 300mm / min; spindle speed: 24000-26000r / min; depth of cut: roughing 0.03mm~0.01mm.

[0052] (2) Import the prepared machining program into the CNC machine tool.

[0053] (3) Center the grinding wheel to ensure accurate machining position.

[0054] (4) Start the processing program.

[0055] (5) After processing, the workpiece is unloaded from the CNC machine.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, step S1 further includes: chopping a corner of the rigid transparent material plate to indicate the direction of the button. For example... Figures 4-5 As shown, the upper left corner of the rigid transparent material plate has been chamfered to indicate the direction of the buttons.

[0057] Step S2 involves using a laser to sequentially chamfer and polish the edges of each button, specifically including:

[0058] Step S21: Based on the product drawing and chamfering requirements before chamfering, a 3D drawing of the chamfered area is created and imported into the laser control software. The control software generates a laser processing path for the chamfered area based on the 3D drawing. The control software layers the 3D drawing according to the depth of focus and the required laser depth, dynamically adjusting the focus position to generate the laser processing path for the chamfered area.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the 3D drawing of the chamfered area is the part that needs to be removed in subsequent laser processing. In this embodiment of the invention, in order to ensure the accuracy of the chamfering process, the 3D drawing of the chamfered area needs to be drawn strictly according to the product drawings and chamfering requirements. In practical applications, when drawing the 3D drawing of the chamfered area, the button product drawing before chamfering is first copied, and then the chamfered surface is drawn on the basis of the drawing according to the chamfering requirements. The 3D drawing needs to completely and meticulously reflect the geometric information of each part of the product, as well as key elements such as chamfer angles and transition relationships, to provide accurate data support for subsequent laser processing.

[0060] In this embodiment of the invention, the laser is an infrared picosecond laser. To ensure processing accuracy and reduce material deformation or damage caused by the heat-affected zone, this embodiment of the invention uses a high-energy single-pulse infrared picosecond laser.

[0061] This invention, through the creation of a 3D model of the area to be removed based on product drawings and its import into a laser operating table, utilizes software to precisely control the focus on the product surface. This allows for accurate chamfering at non-constant angles with smooth transitions between directions. This processing method overcomes the limitations of traditional processing techniques in controlling complex angles, effectively ensuring product processing precision and meeting the stringent requirements of high precision and high-quality appearance for watch buttons, significantly enhancing the product's refinement and craftsmanship.

[0062] Step S22: Use CAM software to generate a laser processing path file for the polishing area, and import the laser processing path file for the polishing area into the control software.

[0063] Because the chamfer angles of each edge of the button are different and the edges are smoothly transitioned, the edge of the button after chamfering has a complex curved surface structure, making it impossible to generate the polishing processing path using the laser's built-in control software. In this embodiment of the invention, Siemens NX software (commonly known as UG (Unigraphics)) is used to assist in generating the laser processing path for the polishing area. In Siemens NX, the chamfered button surface is selected, and the CAM function module in Siemens NX is used to plan the specific laser path. The path selection is a 3D curved surface spiral drive mode. After planning, a 3D spiral drawing file is output. The 3D spiral drawing file contains a series of galvanometer commands, which are used to control the laser focus to move according to the set laser processing path of the polishing area.

[0064] Step S23: Set the chamfering processing parameters, polishing parameters, and the position, number, and size of the buttons in the control software. The chamfering processing parameters and polishing parameters include laser energy, scanning speed, frequency, filling method, and filling spacing. The laser energy during polishing is lower than that during chamfering. In this embodiment of the invention, the chamfering processing parameters are: laser energy: 18%–26%, scanning speed: 1600–2200 mm / s, frequency: 400 kHz, filling method: 90-degree and 0-degree intersecting line filling, filling spacing: 0.015 mm; the polishing parameters are: laser energy: 16%–18%, scanning speed: 2000 mm / s, frequency: 400 kHz, filling spacing: 0.015 mm.

[0065] Step S24: The rigid transparent material plate is fixed on the operating table of the laser by vacuum adsorption. The processing position of the button is determined by the CCD vision positioning system. Each button is chamfered and polished in sequence. For each button, chamfering is performed first according to the chamfering processing parameters and the laser processing path of the chamfering area. Then, polishing is performed according to the polishing parameters and the laser processing path of the polishing area.

[0066] In this embodiment of the invention, a special fixture is used to fix a rigid transparent material plate onto the laser's operating table, ensuring that the fixture's levelness is controlled within 0.02mm, thereby guaranteeing the overall levelness of the button and facilitating precise control of the laser focus position. The CCD vision positioning system employs a high-resolution camera and efficient image processing algorithms to ensure the accuracy of the button processing position.

[0067] During the chamfering process, the control software dynamically adjusts the focal point and angle on the product surface in real time according to the different chamfering angle requirements of each side in the 3D drawing, thereby meeting the complex processing needs of non-constant angle chamfering. In practical applications, through optimizing the optical system and calibration mechanisms, it is ensured that the laser beam can be stably focused on the product surface during processing, avoiding focal point shifts that could affect chamfering accuracy, and maintaining the accuracy and stability of non-constant angle chamfering on each side of the product throughout the entire processing.

[0068] This invention creatively sets up two parameter modes: chamfering parameters and polishing parameters. The chamfering parameters are used to quickly remove material to efficiently shape the basic form and chamfer contour of the product; while the polishing parameters focus on refining the processed surface, significantly improving surface finish while ensuring processing accuracy. The laser energy used in polishing is lower than that used in chamfering, and by precisely controlling the energy input, a seamless transition from roughing to finishing is achieved.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, by pre-setting the chamfering parameters, polishing parameters, and button array information in the control software, and fixing the positions of the hard transparent material plate and the CCD vision positioning system, one-stop batch processing of all buttons can be achieved. Figure 9 The diagram shows the button structure after batch processing. Each button undergoes chamfering followed by polishing. This invention innovatively uses a low-energy laser to achieve fine grinding of the chamfered surfaces of complex curved surfaces, resulting in a polished finish. Compared to existing liquid polishing methods, the chamfering and polishing processes for a single button do not require secondary clamping and positioning, simplifying the process and improving production efficiency.

[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, chamfers are formed by laser engraving. Because laser processing is non-contact, direct mechanical friction with the workpiece is avoided, resulting in almost no wear and tear on the workpiece and significantly reducing tool replacement frequency and costs. Furthermore, compared to CNC machining, laser processing is faster, significantly shortening the processing time for individual products and the overall production cycle, thus significantly improving production efficiency. This helps companies respond quickly to market demands and improve production capacity and supply capabilities. After CNC machining, an additional polishing process is often required to achieve the desired surface roughness. However, the laser processing in this invention, by using appropriate power and other parameters, can directly achieve the desired surface quality without additional polishing. This not only simplifies the production process and reduces manpower and material input in production, lowering production costs, but also avoids processing errors and quality risks that may be introduced by multiple process transitions, effectively improving product consistency and stability. In addition, laser processing is easier to automate than CNC machining. Its software-controlled processing mode can be easily integrated with automated production lines, achieving fully automated continuous production from raw material loading and processing to finished product unloading. This helps reduce human intervention, improve the stability and reliability of the production process, reduce labor costs, and enhance the controllability of product quality, providing strong support for the construction of modern intelligent manufacturing plants and adapting to the development needs of efficient and intelligent production in the Industry 4.0 era.

[0071] Step S25: Confirm whether the size, appearance, and roughness of the polished button meet the requirements. If not, improve the processing effect by adjusting the chamfering parameters, polishing parameters, and 3D drawings.

[0072] The most important parameters after processing are size, appearance, and roughness. If the size and appearance do not meet the requirements, they can be gradually improved by adjusting the laser power and 3D drawing. If the roughness does not meet expectations, it can be improved by modifying parameters such as the angle of the laser fill lines, the fill spacing, and the laser energy.

[0073] Step S3: Crack the button after polishing.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, the steps of the sharding process are as follows:

[0075] (1) Draw the outline of the button, add the positioning markers in the outline, and then import the outline into the control software of the cutting machine and set the cutting parameters.

[0076] (2) The polished hard transparent material plate is fixed on the cutting machine table using a special fixture. The button is positioned according to the marked points using a CCD camera vision positioning system, and then cut along the edge of the button using a coherent laser. In this embodiment of the invention, the laser cutting machine table used is a coherent laser Lx30, and the cutting parameters are: frequency 49KHz, power 30W, dot pitch 14um, and cutting speed 30mm / s. The fixture used during cutting is the same as the fixture used during chamfering and polishing, and its function is also to fix the product by vacuum adsorption.

[0077] (3) Fracturing along the cutting marks. In this embodiment of the invention, a special framing fixture is used to hold the main body of the cut product, and the excess part is detached under the action of a CO2 laser. In this step, an ultrasonic framing device or other framing device can also be used.

[0078] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Equivalent variations made by those skilled in the art based on this invention, as well as changes well-known to those skilled in the art, should still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for processing a small button on a watch, wherein the outer surface of the small button is flat, the inner surface is concave, the edges are rounded rectangles, the chamfer angles of each side of the inner surface are different, and the transitions between each side are smooth, characterized in that... The processing method includes the following steps: Step S1: According to the button product drawings, use a CNC machine to process the main structure of multiple buttons on a hard transparent material plate. The multiple buttons are oriented in the same direction and arranged in an array. Step S2 involves using a laser to sequentially chamfer and polish the edges of each button, specifically including: Step S21: Draw a 3D drawing of the chamfered area according to the product drawing and chamfering requirements before chamfering, and import the 3D drawing into the laser control software; the control software generates the laser processing path of the chamfered area according to the 3D drawing; Step S22: Use CAM software to generate a laser processing path drawing of the polishing area, and import the laser processing path drawing of the polishing area into the control software; Step S23: Set the chamfering processing parameters, polishing parameters, button positions, quantities, and dimensions in the control software; the chamfering processing parameters and polishing parameters include laser energy, scanning speed, frequency, filling method, and filling spacing, and the laser energy during polishing is lower than that during chamfering. Step S24: Fix the rigid transparent material plate to the laser's operating table by vacuum adsorption, determine the processing position of the button by CCD vision positioning system, and perform chamfering and polishing on each button in sequence. For each button, first perform chamfering according to the chamfering processing parameters and the laser processing path of the chamfering area, and then perform polishing according to the polishing parameters and the laser processing path of the polishing area. Step S3: Crack the button after polishing.

2. The method for processing the small button of a watch according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the steps for machining the buttons using a CNC machine tool are as follows: Design the grinding wheel according to the shape of the button to ensure that it meets the processing requirements; draw the 3D drawing of the button and write the processing program, specifying the type of grinding wheel used for roughing and finishing, as well as the specific processing parameters in the program; Import the prepared machining program into the CNC machine tool; Center the grinding wheel to ensure accurate machining position; Start the processing program; After processing, the workpiece is unloaded from the CNC machine.

3. The method for processing the small button of a watch according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S1 further includes: chopping a corner of the rigid transparent material plate to indicate the direction of the button.

4. The method for processing a small button on a watch according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the laser is an infrared picosecond laser.

5. The method for processing a small button on a watch according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S24, a special fixture is used to fix the rigid transparent material plate onto the laser's operating table.

6. The method for processing a small button on a watch according to claim 1, characterized in that, After step S24, the method further includes: Step S25: Confirm whether the size, appearance, and roughness of the polished button meet the requirements. If not, improve the processing effect by adjusting the chamfering parameters, polishing parameters, and 3D drawings.

7. The method for processing a small button on a watch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific method for step S3 is as follows: Draw a key outline diagram, add the necessary positioning markers to the outline diagram, and then import the outline diagram into the control software of the cutting machine and set the cutting parameters. The polished hard transparent material plate is fixed on the cutting machine table using a special fixture. The button is positioned according to the marked points using a CCD camera vision positioning system. Then, a coherent laser is used to cut along the edge of the button. Fragment along the cutting marks.

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