Intelligent watch key assembly line and use method thereof
By constructing a fully automated modular production line and intelligent processes, the issues of consistency and efficiency in smartwatch button assembly have been resolved, achieving consistent button feel and efficient production, preventing defective products from leaving the factory, and establishing a complete production data traceability system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511750267.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
The assembly of smartwatch buttons largely relies on manual operation or semi-automated equipment, resulting in poor assembly quality consistency, unstable sealing performance, lack of full inspection methods, low production efficiency, and a lack of process data traceability capabilities.
Build a fully automated modular production line that integrates multiple online inspections and intelligent processes. Employ servo precision control and sensor testing technologies to achieve consistent button feel. Perform 100% inspection through an AI vision inspection system and establish a production data traceability system.
This ensures consistency between button feel and mechanical performance, prevents defective products from leaving the factory, significantly improves production efficiency, and achieves refined and intelligent quality control.
Smart Images
Figure CN121589581A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a smartwatch button assembly line and its usage method, particularly to a smartwatch button assembly line and its usage method, belonging to the field of smart wearable device manufacturing technology. Background Technology
[0002] The smartwatch button assembly line is an automated production line used to produce button components for smartwatches. It mainly assembles precision parts such as keycaps, springs, sealing rings, and brackets through processes such as automatic feeding, visual positioning, precision dispensing, pressure welding, and functional testing. The production line integrates technologies such as robots, vision systems, and precision sensors to achieve high-precision, high-efficiency, and high-yield mass production, ensuring the mechanical performance, waterproof sealing, and electrical reliability of the buttons. It is a key link in the precision manufacturing of consumer electronics. The assembly of smartwatch buttons largely relies on manual operation or semi-automated equipment. This traditional model has significant limitations: First, assembly quality is highly dependent on the skill and responsibility of the operators, resulting in poor consistency in button feel and sealing performance between different batches and even individual products. Second, key processes such as sealing ring installation, solder joint quality, and micro-oil application lack reliable full-inspection methods, and are mostly carried out through sampling inspection, which cannot prevent defective products from flowing out and poses potential quality risks. Finally, the efficiency of the connection between various processes is low, and there is a lack of process data traceability. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve a smartwatch button assembly line and its usage method to solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a smartwatch button assembly line and its usage method, addressing the significant limitations of the traditional method where smartwatch button assembly relies heavily on manual operation or semi-automated equipment. Firstly, assembly quality is highly dependent on the operator's skill and responsibility, leading to inconsistent button feel and sealing performance between different batches and even individual products. Secondly, key processes such as sealing ring installation, solder joint quality, and micro-oil application lack reliable full-inspection methods, relying primarily on sampling inspections, which cannot prevent defective products from leaving the factory and poses potential quality risks. Finally, there is low efficiency in the connection between different processes and a lack of process data traceability.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A smartwatch button assembly cable and its usage method, comprising the following steps: Step A: Perform multi-station laser marking on the button substrate, followed by surface activation cleaning and electrical performance verification; Step B: Perform automatic feeding, assembly, and welding of the tube and square nut, and perform online visual inspection of the weld points; Step C: Complete the automatic assembly and functional testing of the elastic element, sealing element, button body and retaining ring of the first type of button; Step D: Perform threaded fastener installation, sealing test, lubrication, and body assembly for the second type of key; Step E: Perform automated laser welding to fix the retaining ring and the threaded fastener; Step F: Perform quality assessment and sorting of all solder joints generated in Step E based on machine vision; Step G: Achieve automatic assembly and locking of the elastic element, bracket body, and fastening screws of the quick-release mechanism; Step H: Perform automatic bonding and labeling of multi-layer dustproof components, and perform interface pressure holding and curing.
[0005] Preferably, step A specifically includes: Precision laser engraving is performed sequentially on the back and front of the button substrate using an ultraviolet laser. A red laser is used to selectively laser-etch specific antenna coupling areas; Subsequently, in a plasma field with asymmetric power settings, the components are cleaned alternately on both sides. The front side is cleaned with the first power to remove laser engraving residue and maintain the surface microstructure, while the back side is cleaned with the second power, which is higher than the first power, to enhance the bonding force with subsequent assembled components. Finally, the conduction resistance of the antenna corners is tested, and qualified products flow into the assembly line.
[0006] Preferably, step B specifically includes: The directional automatic feeding of square nuts and tubing is achieved through a vibratory feeder and a machine vision positioning system. The two are assembled and positioned in a specialized fixture; The tube is welded to the substrate using a laser welding machine; A CCD vision inspection module with integrated AI defect classification algorithm is used to perform real-time online detection and classification recording of the integrity, porosity and cracks of the weld joints.
[0007] Preferably, step C specifically includes: Automatic feeding and pressing of springs; The installation and deformation status of the 4H button sealing ring are detected by CCD vision. Automatic assembly of the 4H button body; Automatic clamping rings are used to secure the button assembly; Finally, using an integrated probe with force and displacement sensors, the actual pressing operation was simulated to test the button travel and force feedback curve, and compared with a preset standard curve to determine the consistency of the feel.
[0008] Preferably, step D specifically includes: Automatic feeding and assembly of hexagonal nuts; The installation posture and sealing lip integrity of the 2H button sealing ring are detected by a CCD vision system. Subsequently, a piezoelectric spray valve with micro-droplet control function was used to spray special silicone grease lubricant onto the sliding contact surface of the 2H button in a quantitative and precise manner. Finally, the lubricated 2H button is automatically pressed into place.
[0009] Preferably, step E specifically includes: A coaxial vision positioning and energy-adjustable pulsed fiber laser were used to perform laser deep penetration welding on the retaining ring and the hexagonal nut in sequence. When welding the hexagonal nut, the first set of energy waveform parameters was used to ensure that the thread did not deform, and when welding the retaining ring, the second set of energy waveform parameters was used to control the heat-affected zone.
[0010] Preferably, step F specifically comprises: A high-resolution CCD camera equipped with a ring-shaped multi-angle illumination system is used to collect two-dimensional and three-dimensional morphological data of each solder joint. The area, indentation depth and contour uniformity features of the solder joint are extracted by the image processing unit and matched with the standard process database to achieve automated full inspection of solder joint quality.
[0011] Preferably, step G specifically includes: Automatic feeding and spring installation; Feed and position the quick-release bracket; Screws are fed via an automatic screw feeder; Using a servo electric screwdriver, screws are automatically tightened according to a preset torque-angle curve, and the tightening process data is monitored in real time to ensure the accuracy and consistency of assembly torque.
[0012] Preferably, step H specifically includes: First, use a vacuum nozzle to precisely attach the first layer of dustproof netting to the designated position; Subsequently, a unique identifier is automatically attached via QR code printing or labeling. Next, attach the second layer of dustproof netting; Finally, the components are placed into a multi-stage pressure-holding fixture with a temperature gradient and held at a certain temperature and pressure for a set time to allow the adhesive layer to fully cure and release internal stress, ensuring the flatness and bonding reliability of the dustproof net.
[0013] Preferably, the following are arranged sequentially on the production line base: The laser engraving and cleaning workstation is equipped with an ultraviolet laser engraving module, a red laser engraving module, a plasma cleaning module, and a resistance testing module. The bar tube assembly and welding workstation is equipped with an automatic feeding mechanism for square nuts and bar tubes, assembly fixtures, laser welding heads, and a CCD weld point detection module. The 4H snap ring assembly workstation is equipped with an automatic feeding and pressing mechanism for springs, 4H buttons, sealing rings and snap rings, a CCD vision module for detecting sealing rings and a button travel test module. The 2H installation and assembly workstation is equipped with an automatic hexagonal nut feeding mechanism, a 2H button sealing ring CCD detection module, an automatic oiling device, and a 2H button assembly mechanism. A laser welding workstation equipped with an automated laser welding system for welding snap rings and hexagonal nuts; The integrated weld point inspection workstation is equipped with a CCD vision inspection system for re-inspecting all the aforementioned weld points; The quick-release bracket assembly workstation is equipped with an automatic feeding mechanism for springs, quick-release brackets and screws, as well as an automatic screw-locking mechanism. The dustproof bonding workstation is equipped with an automatic dustproof mesh bonding mechanism, a QR code attaching mechanism, and an automatic pressure holding fixture. The control system and the conveying mechanism connecting each workstation are used to transfer the workpieces between the workstations in the order described above, and to collaboratively complete the automated assembly of the smartwatch buttons.
[0014] This invention has at least the following beneficial effects: This invention successfully solves the core problems of poor quality consistency, lack of testing methods, and low production efficiency in traditional assembly methods by constructing a fully automated modular production line that integrates multiple online inspections and intelligent processes. Servo precision control and sensor testing technology eliminate human error, ensuring high consistency in button feel and mechanical performance. An AI vision inspection system enables 100% inspection of key processes such as weld points and sealing rings, preventing defective products from leaving the factory. Simultaneously, fully automated integration and digital monitoring of process parameters significantly improve production efficiency and establish a complete production data traceability system, achieving refined and intelligent quality control. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a smartwatch button assembly line structure according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The following will describe in detail the implementation of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, so that the implementation process of how this application uses technical means to solve technical problems and achieve technical effects can be fully understood and implemented accordingly.
[0017] like Figure 1As shown in this embodiment, a smartwatch button assembly line and its usage method are provided. The smartwatch button assembly line consists of eight core workstations arranged sequentially along a straight conveyor belt: a laser engraving and cleaning workstation, a tubing assembly and welding workstation, a 4H snap ring assembly workstation, a 2H mounting and assembly workstation, a laser welding workstation, a comprehensive weld point inspection workstation, a quick-release bracket assembly workstation, and a dustproof bonding workstation. The entire system is controlled by a central PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and each workstation is equipped with an independent industrial robot, vision system, and actuator. Workpieces move along the conveyor belt using customized fixtures.
[0018] Step 1: Precision laser engraving and surface treatment: First, use ultraviolet laser to precisely mark the front and back of the button substrate, and then use red laser to mark the antenna area. Next, a plasma cleaning process with asymmetric power settings is carried out, with different power used for different cleaning and activation on the front and back sides. Finally, a resistance test is performed to ensure electrical performance. Step 2: Automatic assembly of the bar tube assembly: The square nut and bar tube are automatically fed, precisely positioned and assembled, and then fixed by laser welding; Immediately after welding, a vision system integrating AI defect classification algorithms is used to conduct online inspection of the weld joints to prevent defective products from flowing into the next stage; Step 3: Modular Assembly and Testing of the 4H Button: The spring is automatically assembled, and the sealing ring status is inspected using CCD vision. Then, the 4H button body and retaining ring are assembled. Finally, the button travel and tactile feedback are tested using a probe with integrated force and displacement sensors to ensure the pressing feel meets preset standards. Step 4: 2H button lubrication and assembly: After automatically assembling the hexagonal nut and visually inspecting the 2H button sealing ring, micro-droplet control technology is used to accurately and quantitatively apply oil to the sliding surface of the button, and finally the button is pressed into place. Step 5: Laser welding of key components: Using a coaxial vision positioning and energy-adjustable laser, laser welding is performed on the retaining ring and hexagonal nut respectively. Different energy parameters are used for different components to ensure connection strength while avoiding component deformation. Step 6: Comprehensive re-inspection of weld joint quality: Using a high-resolution vision system equipped with multi-angle illumination, a comprehensive two-dimensional / three-dimensional morphological inspection of all laser weld joints is carried out to automatically determine the quality of the weld joints, achieving full inspection rather than sampling inspection; Step 7: Automatic locking of quick-release bracket: The spring and quick-release bracket are automatically assembled, and the screws are tightened using a servo electric screwdriver according to a precise torque-angle curve. Data is monitored and recorded in real time to ensure consistency of each locking. Step 8: Dustproof mesh bonding and curing: Automatically bond the dustproof mesh, affix the QR code, and then bond the second layer of dustproof mesh in sequence; Finally, it is fed into a multi-stage temperature gradient pressure-holding fixture, where the adhesive is fully cured under constant pressure and gradually changing temperature to ensure that the dustproof net is flat and firmly bonded.
[0019] If certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components, those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in function. The term "comprising" as used throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to." "Approximately" means that within an acceptable margin of error, those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and substantially achieve the technical effect within a certain margin of error.
[0020] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes that element.
[0021] The foregoing description illustrates and describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, as previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for using a smartwatch button assembly cable, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step A: Perform multi-station laser marking on the button substrate, followed by surface activation cleaning and electrical performance verification; Step B: Perform automatic feeding, assembly, and welding of the tube and square nut, and perform online visual inspection of the weld points; Step C: Complete the automatic assembly and functional testing of the elastic element, sealing element, button body and retaining ring of the first type of button; Step D: Perform threaded fastener installation, sealing test, lubrication, and body assembly for the second type of key; Step E: Perform automated laser welding to fix the retaining ring and the threaded fastener; Step F: Perform quality assessment and sorting of all solder joints generated in Step E based on machine vision; Step G: Achieve automatic assembly and locking of the elastic element, bracket body, and fastening screws of the quick-release mechanism; Step H: Perform automatic bonding and labeling of multi-layer dustproof components, and perform interface pressure holding and curing.
2. The method of using a smartwatch button assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step A specifically includes: Precision laser engraving is performed sequentially on the back and front of the button substrate using an ultraviolet laser. A red laser is used to selectively laser-etch specific antenna coupling areas; Subsequently, in a plasma field with asymmetric power settings, the components are cleaned alternately on both sides. The front side is cleaned with the first power to remove laser engraving residue and maintain the surface microstructure, while the back side is cleaned with the second power, which is higher than the first power, to enhance the bonding force with subsequent assembled components. Finally, the conduction resistance of the antenna corners is tested, and qualified products flow into the assembly line.
3. The method of using a smartwatch button assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step B specifically includes: The directional automatic feeding of square nuts and tubing is achieved through a vibratory feeder and a machine vision positioning system. The two are assembled and positioned in a specialized fixture; The tube is welded to the substrate using a laser welding machine; A CCD vision inspection module with integrated AI defect classification algorithm is used to perform real-time online detection and classification recording of the integrity, porosity and cracks of the weld joints.
4. The method of using a smartwatch button assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step C specifically includes: Automatic feeding and pressing of springs; The installation and deformation status of the 4H button sealing ring are detected by CCD vision. Automatic assembly of the 4H button body; Automatic clamping rings are used to secure the button assembly; Finally, using an integrated probe with force and displacement sensors, the actual pressing operation was simulated to test the button travel and force feedback curve, and compared with a preset standard curve to determine the consistency of the feel.
5. The method of using a smartwatch button assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step D specifically includes: Automatic feeding and assembly of hexagonal nuts; The installation posture and sealing lip integrity of the 2H button sealing ring are detected by a CCD vision system. Subsequently, a piezoelectric spray valve with micro-droplet control function was used to spray special silicone grease lubricant onto the sliding contact surface of the 2H button in a quantitative and precise manner. Finally, the lubricated 2H button is automatically pressed into place.
6. The method of using a smartwatch button assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step E specifically includes: A coaxial vision positioning and energy-adjustable pulsed fiber laser were used to perform laser deep penetration welding on the retaining ring and the hexagonal nut in sequence. When welding the hexagonal nut, the first set of energy waveform parameters was used to ensure that the thread did not deform, and when welding the retaining ring, the second set of energy waveform parameters was used to control the heat-affected zone.
7. The method of using a smartwatch button assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step F specifically involves: A high-resolution CCD camera equipped with a ring-shaped multi-angle illumination system is used to collect two-dimensional and three-dimensional morphological data of each solder joint. The area, indentation depth and contour uniformity features of the solder joint are extracted by the image processing unit and matched with the standard process database to achieve automated full inspection of solder joint quality.
8. The method of using a smartwatch button assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step G specifically includes: Automatic feeding and spring installation; Feed and position the quick-release bracket; Screws are fed via an automatic screw feeder; Using a servo electric screwdriver, screws are automatically tightened according to a preset torque-angle curve, and the tightening process data is monitored in real time to ensure the accuracy and consistency of assembly torque.
9. The method of using a smartwatch button assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step H specifically includes: First, use a vacuum nozzle to precisely attach the first layer of dustproof netting to the designated position; Subsequently, a unique identifier is automatically attached via QR code printing or labeling. Next, attach the second layer of dustproof netting; Finally, the components are placed into a multi-stage pressure-holding fixture with a temperature gradient and held at a certain temperature and pressure for a set time to allow the adhesive layer to fully cure and release internal stress, ensuring the flatness and bonding reliability of the dustproof net.
10. A smartwatch button assembly line according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: Including those sequentially arranged on the production line base: The laser engraving and cleaning workstation is equipped with an ultraviolet laser engraving module, a red laser engraving module, a plasma cleaning module, and a resistance testing module. The bar tube assembly and welding workstation is equipped with an automatic feeding mechanism for square nuts and bar tubes, assembly fixtures, laser welding heads, and a CCD weld point detection module. The 4H snap ring assembly workstation is equipped with an automatic feeding and pressing mechanism for springs, 4H buttons, sealing rings and snap rings, a CCD vision module for detecting sealing rings and a button travel test module. The 2H installation and assembly workstation is equipped with an automatic hexagonal nut feeding mechanism, a 2H button sealing ring CCD detection module, an automatic oiling device, and a 2H button assembly mechanism. A laser welding workstation equipped with an automated laser welding system for welding snap rings and hexagonal nuts; The integrated weld point inspection workstation is equipped with a CCD vision inspection system for re-inspecting all the aforementioned weld points; The quick-release bracket assembly workstation is equipped with an automatic feeding mechanism for springs, quick-release brackets and screws, as well as an automatic screw-locking mechanism. The dustproof bonding workstation is equipped with an automatic dustproof mesh bonding mechanism, a QR code attaching mechanism, and an automatic pressure holding fixture. The control system and the conveying mechanism connecting each workstation are used to transfer the workpieces between the workstations in the order described above, and to collaboratively complete the automated assembly of the smartwatch buttons.