CN1193175A - Button switch mfg. method and mfg. apparatus for applicating same thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A resin switch casing with a metal terminal is supplied to an embedded moulding in a working procedure S1. A thin sheet of round top-shaped movable contact part is assembled above an immovable contact inside a concave hole in the working procedure S2. A button is installed at the movable contact part in the working procedure S3. A covering plate is combined with the switch casing to close the switch casing to achieve the assembly operation towards button switches which are in series as annular belt shape in the working procedure S4. Operation detection is processed in the working procedure S7 that the button is pressed to detect the performance of each well assembled button switch. After the operation detection is finished, each button switch is separated from an annular belt shaped component in the working procedure.

Description

Manufacturing method of push button switch and related manufacturing equipment for implementing the method

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a push button switch which can be preferably used to operate various electronic devices and a related manufacturing device.

Push button switches are usually set in the operating part of electronic equipment, subject to frequent operations. In order to maintain product quality and reputation, it is necessary to ensure that each push button switch has stable operating performance, including mechanical feel during the pressing stroke, and reliable electrical connection and disconnection between metal terminals.

An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method capable of stably and reliably producing push button switches and a related manufacturing equipment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method and a related manufacturing equipment capable of producing push button switches smoothly and quickly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method capable of reliably inspecting assembled pushbutton switches and a related manufacturing equipment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method capable of effectively removing residual stress in electronic components such as movable contacts of a push button switch during the manufacturing process.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method capable of improving the productivity and quality of a push button switch and a related manufacturing equipment having a compact, simple and cost-effective structure.

In order to achieve the above and other related objects, the first aspect of the present invention provides a novel and excellent manufacturing method for assembling pushbutton switches connected in series in an endless belt, and after completing the assembly and required inspection operations Separate the switches from the ribbon assembly. The manufacturing method includes a step S1 of supplying a resin switch case 22 having a metal terminal 24 insert-molded. The switch housing has a concave hole 22b, and a non-movable contact piece 23 is exposed on the bottom surface of the concave hole. The non-movable contact is integrated with the metal terminal. In the next step S2, a thin dome-shaped movable contact 27 is fitted into the concave hole so that the movable contact is located above the non-movable contact.

In the next step S3, a push button 28 is mounted on the movable contact so that when a pressure F is applied to the push button, the push button elastically deforms the movable contact. In the next step S4, a cover plate 29 is combined with the switch case to close the switch case containing the movable contact and the button in the concave portion, and complete the assembly operation of the push button switches connected in series into an endless belt.

In the next step S7, operation inspection is performed, and the performance of each assembled pushbutton switch is checked by pressing the button. In the next step S8, each push button switch is separated from the endless band assembly after the operation inspection is completed.

The above method of manufacturing the pushbutton switch preferably further includes a step S6 of performing an insertion operation before the operation inspection. In this insertion operation, the push button is pressed at least three times to elastically deform the movable contact, thereby removing residual stress in the movable contact.

The above method of manufacturing the push button switch preferably further includes a step S9 of electrically inspecting each push button switch after the push button switch is separated from the endless band assembly.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a novel and superior pushbutton switch manufacturing apparatus implementing the above manufacturing method. The switch housing supply section 1 supplies a plurality of endless belt-shaped assemblies of switch housings 22 , which are connected in series by a metal terminal 24 insert-molded in the switch housing 22 . Each switch housing 22 has a concave hole 22b, and a non-movable contact piece 23 is exposed on the bottom surface of the concave hole. The non-movable contact is integrated with the metal terminal. The assembly section 7 installs the movable contact piece 27 and a button 28 in the recessed hole of the switch housing, and closes the switch housing with a cover plate 29, thus completing the installation of the push button switch 19 connected in series through metal terminals into an annular band. Assembly operations.

In addition, the manufacturing equipment includes an insertion operation section 9 for pressing the button of each assembled push button switch at least three times to elastically deform the movable contact so as to eliminate residual stress in the movable contact. The operation inspection station 10 performs operation inspection, including checking the performance of each assembled pushbutton switch by pressing a button. The finishing station 11 separates the pushbutton switches connected in series by cutting off the metal terminals after completing the operation inspection.

Preferably, an elastic member 15 is arranged between the operation inspection section 10 and the equipment body 16, so that the operation inspection section is elastically supported on the equipment body.

The finishing station 11 preferably tests the conductivity of the separated pushbutton switches.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a novel and superior method of manufacture for assembling pushbutton switches connected in series in an annulus and separating the switches from the annulus after completion of assembly and required inspection operations come out. The manufacturing method according to the third aspect includes: steps S11, S21, supplying a resin switch case 22 insert-molded with a metal terminal 24; steps S12, S22, assembling a thin dome-shaped movable contact piece 27 into hole, so that the movable contact is located above the immovable contact; process S13, S23, the button 28 is installed on the movable contact, so that when a pressure F is applied to the button, the button elastically deforms the movable contact ; Process S14, S24, a cover plate 29 is combined with the switch housing to close the switch housing containing the movable contact and the button in the recess, thus completing the assembly operation of the button switch connected in series into an annular belt.

In addition, the manufacturing method includes: steps S17 and S26, performing electrical inspection by pressing the button at least three times to elastically deform the movable contact, checking the electrical conductivity of each assembled push button switch, and removing residuals in the movable contact. Stress; and processes S18 and S27, after the electrical inspection is completed, the operation inspection is performed by pressing the button, and the performance of each assembled button switch is checked.

The manufacturing method may preferably include a step S16 of separating each pushbutton switch from the ring-shaped assembly before the electrical inspection and operation inspection.

The manufacturing method may preferably include a step S28 of separating each pushbutton switch from the ring-shaped assembly after the completion of the electrical inspection and operation inspection.

The annular band assembly may preferably comprise a band-shaped metallic annular band 31 formed in a predetermined pattern, having branched portions serving as metal terminals and a plurality of front edge insert molded into switch housing 22 sidewalls. The branch 37 temporarily supports each switch case at an appropriate interval along the production line on the connection branch.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a novel and excellent push button switch manufacturing apparatus having the following features. The switch housing supply section 41 supplies a plurality of endless belt-shaped assemblies of switch housings 22 , which are connected in series through a metal terminal 24 insert-molded in the switch housing 22 . Each switch housing 22 has a concave hole 22b, and a non-movable contact piece 23 is exposed on the bottom surface of the concave hole. The non-movable contact is integrated with the metal terminal. The movable contact supply section 44 continuously supplies the movable contact 27 . The button supply section 43 supplies buttons 28 continuously. The cover plate supply section 45 continuously supplies the cover plates 29 . Assembly section 47 assembles a movable contact piece 27 supplied by movable contact piece supply section 44, a button 28 supplied by button supply section 43, and a cover plate 29 supplied by cover plate supply section 45 into the conveyor belt conveyed along the production line. In a switch housing 22 of the ring-shaped assembly.

More specifically, the assembly section 47 includes: a rotating body, which has three arms extending in different directions, and is equipped with a first clamper 54, a second clamper 55 and a second clamper respectively at the front edges of these arms. Three grippers 56. The first holder 54 clamps the movable contact piece 27 supplied by the movable contact piece supply section 44, and puts the supplied movable contact piece 27 into the switch housing 22 of the endless belt-shaped assembly conveyed along the production line. . The second clamper 55 clamps the cover plate 29 supplied by the cover plate supply section 45 and assembles the supplied cover plate 29 and the button switch 28 together. The third gripper 56 mounts the button 28 and cover plate 29 assembly over the movable contact 27 in the recess 22b of the switch housing 22 of the endless belt-like assembly conveyed along the production line.

The manufacturing facility may preferably include an operation inspection station 49 for performing operation inspection, including checking the performance of each assembled pushbutton switch 19 by pressing the button 28 .

The manufacturing facility may preferably include a finishing station 50 for separating the pushbutton switches 19 connected in series by cutting off the metal terminals 24, 26 after operational verification has been completed.

In such a case, the finishing station 50 may conduct an electrical inspection, checking the conductivity of each isolated pushbutton switch.

The assembly station 47 preferably performs a preliminary riveting operation to temporarily fix the cover plate 29 on the upper surface of the switch housing 22 .

The manufacturing facility may preferably include a riveting station 48 for performing the main riveting operations. In the main riveting operation, the protrusion 22a of the switch housing 22 is combined with the mating hole 29a of the cover plate 29, and thermally deformed by heating, thereby firmly fixing the cover plate and the switch housing together.

The symbols added in the above description correspond to the components in the following preferred embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, these reference numerals are only used to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and are not used to narrow the scope of the present invention.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the flowchart of the button switch manufacturing method of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a characteristic diagram of the operation condition of the movable contact in response to the push of the button;

3 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the push button switch manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic top view of the manufacturing equipment shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the operation inspection section of the manufacturing equipment shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the main part in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a top view of the operation inspection section of the manufacturing equipment shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the button switch in an assembled state;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the button switch in an exploded state;

10 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a push button switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

11 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a push button switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the detailed structure of the endless belt-shaped assembly of the present invention;

13 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a push button switch manufacturing apparatus of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a schematic top view of the manufacturing equipment shown in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a detailed configuration of an assembly section of the manufacturing facility shown in Fig. 13;

Figure 16 is a top view showing the operation of the assembly section shown in Figure 15;

17A is a front sectional view showing a detailed configuration of a holder equipped in the assembly section shown in FIG. 15;

Fig. 17B is a side sectional view showing a detailed arrangement of clampers provided in the assembly station shown in Fig. 15 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The structure of the button switch

Next, the structure of the push button switch will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . The push button switch 19 includes a switch case 22 having a box-like body made of insulating resin. The upper surface of the switch housing 22 is partially formed at the center thereof with a circular concave hole 22b opening upward. A plurality of metal terminals 24 and 26 insert molded into the resin switch housing 22 extend from side to side and protrude from opposite surfaces of the switch housing 22 . The exposed members provided on the bottom of the recessed hole 22 b are one central immovable contact 23 and two outer immovable contacts 25 . The central non-movable contact 23 is integral with the terminal 24 , and the outer non-movable contact 25 is integral with the terminal 26 . A total of four protrusions 22a protrude upward from the unrecessed upper surface of the switch housing 22 at the four corners of the box-shaped body.

The thin dome contact 27 is made of elastic metal thin and serves as a movable contact. The periphery of the thin dome contact 27 is mounted on the outer non-movable contact 25 so as to always be in electrical conduction with the outer non-movable contact 25 . Due to its elasticity, the foil dome contact 27 can elastically deform in response to pressure applied to the top of the dome. Therefore, the sheet dome contact 27 selectively contacts the non-movable contact 23 at its central portion facing the central non-movable contact 23 (ie, the opposite side of the dome top) when elastically deformed. That is, the chip dome contact 27 remains a predetermined vertical distance above the central non-movable contact 23 unless it is elastically deformed toward the central non-movable contact 23 .

The push button 28 has a protrusion 28a protruding downward from its bottom and contacts the top of the dome, which pushes against the chip dome contact 27 . The cover plate 29 has a hole in its center, which fits perfectly with the cylindrical body of the button 28, allowing the button 28 to move in the vertical direction. The pushbutton 28 has a flange portion which engages with the reverse side of the cover plate 29 . After the cover plate 29 and the button 28 are assembled together, the cover plate is firmly fixed on the upper surface of the switch housing 22 by riveting the protrusions 22a and the matching holes 29a at the corners of the cover plate 29 .

According to the above structure of the push button switch 19, the push button 28 is operable in response to the pressure F applied from above as shown in FIG. The dome top of the foil dome contact 27 is elastically deformable downward in response to an applied pressure F. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the chip dome contact member 27 can be used as a movable contact member which can be brought into contact with the central non-movable contact member 23 . When the sheet dome contact 27 is in contact with the central non-movable contact 23 , the central non-movable contact 23 is electrically connected to the outer non-movable contact 25 . Therefore, the terminal 24 conducts with the other terminal 26 . However, when the pressure F of the button 28 is released, the chip dome contact 27 springs back to its original state due to elasticity.

The first embodiment

Referring to the flow chart in FIG. 1, the manufacturing method of the button switch 19 shown in FIG. 8 will be described according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The first step S1 is to supply a plurality of switch cases 22 connected in series in an endless belt shape. Each switch housing 22 includes metal terminals 24 and 26 insert-molded in the resin body of the switch housing 22, and the central non-movable contact 23 and the outer non-movable contact 25 are exposed to the recessed hole 22b of the switch housing 22. bottom surface. The second process S2 is to fit the chip dome contact 27 into a predetermined position in the concave hole 22b. The thin dome contact 27 is placed above the central non-movable contact 23 and its periphery is in contact with the outer non-movable contact 25 . The third process S3 is to install the button 28 on the chip dome contact piece 27 such that the protrusion 28 a is directly mounted on the top center of the chip dome contact piece 27 . The fourth process S4 is to fit the cover plate 29 on the button 28 . A protrusion 22 a protruding from an upper corner of the switch case 22 engages with a fitting hole 29 a on the cover plate 29 . In this way, the upper opening of the switch housing 22 is closed by the cover plate 29 .

The fifth process S5 is to perform riveting operation. By plastically deforming or flattening the protrusion 22a, the cover plate 29 is firmly combined with the switch case 22, thereby completing the assembly operation of the push button switch 19. At this time, the completed push button switches 19 are connected in series to form an endless belt.

The sixth step S6 is to perform the insertion operation by pressing the button 28 several times (at least three times). Through this insertion operation, the sheet dome contact 27 is repeatedly elastically deformed in the vertical direction (up and down). The seventh step S7 is to perform an operation check to check the operability of the push button switch 19 . In this operational check, the button 28 is pressed again. The eighth process S8 is to separate each push button switch 19 from the ring-shaped assembly of other push button switches 19 connected in series. The ninth step S9 is to perform an electrical test, and check the conductivity of each of the separated push buttons 19 . Finally, the tenth process S10 is to ship the push button switch 19 as a finished product.

According to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment described above, before the operation check of the push button switch 19 is performed, the button 28 is pressed several times (at least three times) as an insertion operation. Performing the above insertion operation effectively removes the residual stress in the chip dome contact 27 . In forming the thin dome contact 27, an elastic metal thin sheet is forcibly formed into a dome shape, and there is a large amount of residual stress in the thin dome contact 27 obtained. In order to remove this residual stress, this first embodiment elastically deforms the foil dome contact 27 several times before starting the operational test. Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the ON-OFF pressing action of the switch 19 is sufficiently stabilized, thereby enabling the operation check to be performed later with high reliability.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram of the operating condition of the movable contact 27 in response to the push of the button 28. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the abscissa represents one stroke of the button 28, and the ordinate represents the required operating force. The test data obtained are based on repeated (five) press tests. It can be seen from FIG. 2 that the maximum operating force in a pressing stroke is greater than that in the subsequent pressing operations. This large operating force peak is caused by the residual stress of the laminar dome contact 27 during its manufacture. The peak value of the operating force significantly decreases in the second pressing operation, and then stabilizes at a constant value in the third and subsequent pressing operations.

From the test data shown in FIG. 2, it can be considered that performing the above-described insertion operation involving repeated pressing of the button 28 at least three times is very effective in completely removing the residual stress in the chip dome contact 27. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the present invention makes it possible to completely eliminate the residual stress in the foil dome contact 27 . The operability of the push button switch 19 is sufficiently stabilized before the operation check starts, ensuring reliable operation check.

Next, a manufacturing facility for carrying out the method of manufacturing the push button switch 19 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a push button switch 19 manufacturing facility. FIG. 4 is a top view of the manufacturing equipment shown in FIG. 3 . The switch case supply section 1 is provided on the upstream side of the production line for push button switches 19 . The function of the switch housing supply section 1 is to supply a plurality of switch housings 22 connected in series through their metal terminals 24 and 26 at predetermined intervals. In the present invention, this state is called "annular state", and the assembly of the series switch housing 22 is called "annular assembly". The endless band assembly of series switch housing 22 is fed from a drum which winds the endless band assembly about its axis. The pretreatment station 2 is arranged after the switch housing supply station 1 . The function of the pretreatment section 2 is to clean the respective switch housings 22 by spraying the supplied switch housings 22 with air, and to coat the cleaned surfaces of the switch housings 22 with a surfactant.

The button supply section 3 is located on the downstream side of the pretreatment section 2, and it extends perpendicularly to the production line. The pushbutton supply section 3 includes a suitable parts feeder which receives the continuously fed pushbuttons 28 and feeds the pushbuttons 28 one by one to the switch housings 22 coming from the preprocessing station 2 . The movable contact member supply section 4 is located on the other side of the production line and extends perpendicularly to the production line, opposite to the button supply section 3 . The function of this movable contact member supply section 4 is to separate each movable contact member 27 from an endless band-shaped material made of elastic sheet metal forming a plurality of domes serving as movable contact members 27, and The separated movable contacts 27 are conveyed to the switch case 22 conveyed along the production line.

The cover supply section 5 is arranged behind the movable contact supply section 4 and parallel to the movable contact supply section 4 . The cover plate supply section 5 processes the endless strip material into the shape of the cover plate 29 and delivers the finished cover plate 29 to the switch housing 22 conveyed along the production line. The winding drum 6 winds up the remaining endless web material not used for the cover plate 29 .

The assembly section 7 is arranged between the button supply section 3 , the movable contact piece supply section 4 and the cover plate supply section 5 , and performs a series of assembly operations. More specifically, the assembly station 7 holds the separated movable contact 27 conveyed from the movable contact supply station 4, and incorporates the movable contact 27 conveyed from the switch case supply station 1 along the production line. Come in the switch housing 22. At the same time, the assembly section 47 holds the button 28 conveyed from the button supply section 3 and mounts the button 28 on the movable contact 27 . And the assembly section 7 clamps the cover plate 29 conveyed from the cover plate supply section 5, and after the movable contact piece 27 and the button 28 are assembled into the switch housing 22, the cover plate 29 is combined with the switch housing 22 to close the cover plate 29. The upper surface of the switch housing 22 .

The riveting station 8 is provided on the downstream side of the assembly station 7 . The riveting section 8 makes the cover plate 29 firmly fixed to the switch case 22 by flattening (plastically deforming) the protrusion 22 a.

The insertion operation station 9 is located behind the riveting station 8 . In this insertion operation station 9, the button 28 of the completed pushbutton switch 19 is pressed several times (at least three times). By this insertion operation, the movable contact piece 27 having a dome shape of a sheet is elastically deformed, so that the residual stress in the movable contact piece 27 can be completely removed.

An operation inspection station 10 is provided on the downstream side of the insertion operation station 9 . The operation inspection station 10 checks the operation performance of the completed switch 19 by pressing the button 28, including the mechanical feel during the pressing stroke. The finishing section 11 is located on the downstream side of the operation inspection section 10 . The finishing station 11 separates the individual switches 19 from the endless belt-like assembly of the continuously connected switch housings 22 and conducts an electrical inspection of the separated pushbutton switches 19 , checking the conductivity of the separated pushbutton switches 19 . The finishing station 11 also forms the terminals 24 and 26 of the tested pushbutton switch 19 into the desired shape, as shown in FIG. 8 .

A transport section 12 is provided for transporting the checked button switch 19 to a labeling section 13 . This labeling section 13 checks the appearance of each push button switch 19, and only labels are good (that is, without defects) products.

Following the labeling station 13 is a packing station 14 which packs the pushbutton switches 19 into suitable boxes or the like for shipment.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing the detailed configuration of the operation inspection station 10 . FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a main part of the operation inspection station 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a top view of the operation inspection station 10 . As shown in the figure (especially FIG. 7 ), a pair of partitions 15 are arranged between the operation inspection section 10 and the equipment body 16 . These partitions 15 are made of elastic members such as resin and rubber. Therefore, the operation inspection station 10 is elastically supported on the equipment body 16 . The partition 15 has a shock-absorbing function, thereby preventing any disturbance such as vibration generated by the equipment from being transmitted to the operation inspection station 10 .

The verification device used in the operation verification station 10 is a so-called load cell 17 having a measuring rod 18 extending downwardly from its lower surface. The measuring rod 18 can be arranged above a push button switch 19 that needs to be checked. When the load sensor 17 presses the button switch 19 through the measuring rod 18, the action of the measuring rod 18 is detected. The detected motion is converted into an electrical signal. More specifically, the load sensor 17 is lowered at a constant speed so that the push button switch 19 is pressed by the measuring rod 18, and then raised to return to the original position. The load sensor 17 continuously repeats this reciprocating motion in the up and down direction. During one cycle of this reciprocating action, the performance of each push button switch 19 is checked.

The air cylinder 20 is supported by the fixed bracket 21a. The air cylinder 20 generates a predetermined pressure applied to a movable support 21b. The load sensor 17 is connected to the movable bracket 21b. With this pressure, the air cylinder 20 prevents the load cell 17 from vibrating or rocking in its reciprocating motion in the up and down direction. Therefore, operation checks can be performed with higher accuracy.

Next, the operation of the above manufacturing equipment will be explained.

The endless belt-shaped assembly of series switch housings 22 is wound on the drum of the switch housing supply section 1 . According to the present embodiment of the invention, the switch housing supply section 1 has a total of six drums, so that a simultaneous, multivariate production with six lines is realized. However, it goes without saying that the number of production lines can be flexibly changed.

The endless belt-shaped assembly of series-connected switch housings 22 provided by the switch housing supply section 1 is conveyed to the pretreatment section 2 . The compressed air is sprayed on each switch housing 22 to clean the switch housing 22 body. Then, a surfactant is applied to the cleaned switch housing 22 . Coating the surfactant can effectively prevent the flux from extending along the terminals and reaching the contacts during the soldering process of the terminals of the completed push button switch 19 .

Next, after passing through the preprocessing section 2, the ring-shaped switch housing 22 arrives at the assembly section 7 of the manufacturing facility. The movable contact supply section 4 conveys the movable contacts 27 to the assembly section 7 one by one. The assembly station 7 mounts the supplied movable contacts 27 in the corresponding switch housings 22 provided at a predetermined position in the assembly station 7 . Simultaneously, the pushbutton supply station 3 continuously delivers the pushbuttons 28 to the assembly station 7 . The assembly section 7 installs the supplied buttons 28 on the corresponding movable contacts 27 in the switch housing 22 . In addition, the cover supply station 5 delivers the cover 29 to the assembly station 7 . The assembly station 7 combines the supplied cover plates 29 with the protrusions 22a protruding from the corresponding switch housings 22 by provisional riveting. Then, the button switch 19 connected in series with the movable contact piece 27 and the button 28 in each concave hole 22b is transported to the riveting section 8, where the cover plate 29 is firmly fixed with the switch housing 22 by riveting .

Then, the insertion operation section 9 presses the button 28 of each completed push button switch 19 several times (at least three times). By this insertion operation, the thin dome-shaped movable contact is elastically deformed, so that the residual stress of the movable contact 27 can be completely removed.

Afterwards, the push button switches 19 are transported to the operation inspection station 10, where their buttons 28 are pressed again to check the operability of each completed switch 19, including the mechanical feel in the pressing action.

Next, the endless belt-shaped assembly of push button switches 19 connected in series in an endless belt is transported from the operation inspection section 10 to the sorting section 11 . The finishing station 11 separates each switch 19 from the endless belt assembly by cutting the terminals 24 and 26 connecting adjacent switch housings 22 . Then check whether the conductivity of each push button switch 19 is up to standard. Then, the terminals 24 and 26 of each push button switch 19 are formed into desired shapes. Then each button switch 19 is transported to the labeling section 13 through the transmission section 12 .

In the labeling section 13, the appearance of each push button switch 19 is checked, and when the appearance is qualified, it is labeled as a good (ie non-defective) product.

Thereafter, in the packaging section 14, the push button switch 19 is packaged in a suitable box or the like.

As can be seen from the above description, the first embodiment of the present invention performs an insertion operation in which the button is pressed at least three times. By this insertion operation, the thin dome-shaped metal movable contact piece is elastically deformed, thereby completely removing residual stress. Therefore, the pressing performance of the switch is stabilized before the operation check starts. In addition, the first embodiment employs an elastic member to elastically support the operation inspection section and the air cylinder that applies a predetermined load to the inspection device relative to the device body. Thus, the first embodiment ensures high accuracy and reliability in operation inspection, thereby providing a method of manufacturing a push button switch with high quality and excellent productivity and a related manufacturing apparatus.

The second embodiment

Referring to the flow chart in FIG. 10 , another manufacturing method of the push button switch 19 shown in FIG. 8 will be described according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The first step S11 is to supply a plurality of switch cases 22 connected in series in an endless belt shape. Each switch housing 22 includes metal terminals 24 and 26 insert-molded in the resin body of the switch housing 22, and the central non-movable contact 23 and the outer non-movable contact 25 are exposed to the recessed hole 22b of the switch housing 22. bottom surface. The second process S12 is to fit the movable contact (i.e., the sheet dome contact) 27 into a predetermined position in the concave hole 22b. The movable contact piece 27 is placed above the central non-movable contact piece 23 , and its periphery is in contact with the outer non-movable contact piece 25 . The third process S13 is to install the button 28 on the movable contact piece 27 such that the protrusion 28 a is directly installed on the top center of the movable contact piece 27 . The fourth process S14 is to fit the cover plate 29 on the button 28 . A protrusion 22 a protruding from an upper corner of the switch case 22 engages with a fitting hole 29 a on the cover plate 29 . In this way, the upper opening of the switch housing 22 is closed by the cover plate 29 . The fifth process S15 is to perform riveting operation. By plastically deforming or flattening the protrusion 22a, the cover plate 29 is firmly combined with the switch case 22, thereby completing the assembly operation of the push button switch 19. At this time, the completed push button switches 19 are connected in series to form an endless belt.

The sixth step S16 is to separate each push button switch 19 from the ring-shaped assembly of other push button switches 19 connected in series by cutting off the terminals 24 and 26 .

The seventh step S17 is to conduct an electrical inspection, and check the conductivity of each separated push button switch 19 by pressing the button of each separated push button switch 19 at least three times. Through this electrical inspection, the electrical contact between the movable contact 27 and the non-movable contact 23 is checked.

The eighth process S18 is to conduct an operation check to check the operability of each of the separated push button switches 19 by pressing the push button 28 only once.

Finally, the ninth process S19 is to ship the push button switch 19 as a finished product.

According to the manufacturing method of the second embodiment described above, the button 28 is pressed several times (at least three times) during the electrical inspection before the operation inspection of the push button switch 19 is performed. That is, the second embodiment performs the insertion operation of the push button switch 19 during the electrical inspection. Performing the above insertion operation effectively removes the residual stress in the thin dome-shaped contact 27 . In forming the movable contact 27, an elastic thin metal sheet is forcibly formed into a dome shape, and a large amount of residual stress is present in the resulting movable contact 27. In order to remove such residual stress, this second embodiment elastically deforms the movable contact 27 several times before starting the operation test. Therefore, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the ON-OFF pressing action of the switch 19 is sufficiently stabilized, thereby enabling the operation check to be performed later with high reliability.

The third embodiment

Referring to the flow chart in FIG. 11 , another manufacturing method of the push button switch 19 shown in FIG. 8 will be described according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the process of separating the push button switches 19 connected in series into an endless belt into individual components is performed after completion of the electrical inspection and operation inspection.

That is to say, the first process 21 is to supply a plurality of switch housings 22 connected in series in an endless belt shape. Each switch housing 22 includes metal terminals 24 and 26 insert-molded in the resin body of the switch housing 22, and the central non-movable contact 23 and the outer non-movable contact 25 are exposed to the recessed hole 22b of the switch housing 22. bottom surface. The second process S22 is to fit the movable contact (ie, the thin dome contact) 27 into the predetermined position in the concave hole 22b. The thin dome contact 27 is placed above the central non-movable contact 23 and its periphery is in contact with the outer non-movable contact 25 . The third process S23 is to install the button 28 on the movable contact piece 27 such that the protrusion 28 a is directly installed on the top center of the movable contact piece 27 . The fourth process S24 is to fit the cover plate 29 on the button 28 . A protrusion 22 a protruding from an upper corner of the switch housing 22 engages with a fitting hole 29 a on the cover plate 29 . In this way, the upper opening of the switch housing 22 is closed by the cover plate 29 . The fifth process S25 is to perform riveting operation. By plastically deforming or flattening the protrusion 22a, the cover plate 29 is firmly combined with the switch case 22, thereby completing the assembly operation of the push button switch 19. At this time, the completed push button switches 19 are connected in series to form an endless belt.

Then, this third embodiment changes the order of the steps S16 to S19. That is to say, the sixth process S26 is to conduct an electrical inspection, and check the conductivity of each separated push button switch 19 by pressing the button of each separated push button switch 19 at least three times. Through this electrical inspection, the electrical contact between the movable contact 27 and the non-movable contact 23 is checked.

The seventh process S27 is to perform an operation check, and check the operability of each of the separated push button switches 19 by pressing the push button 28 only once.

Then, the eighth step S28 is to separate each push button switch 19 from the ring-shaped assembly of other push button switches 19 connected in series by cutting off the terminals 24 and 26 .

Finally, the ninth process S29 is to ship the push button switch 19 as a finished product.

The structure of the ring-ribbon component

Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the detailed structure of the endless belt-shaped unit employed in the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

The band-shaped metal ring band 31 is formed by punching a metal thin plate into a predetermined pattern, and has branched portions serving as the metal terminals 24 and 26 . A part of the annular band 31 is insert-molded in each resin switch housing 22 so that the central non-movable contact 23 and the outer non-movable contact 25 are exposed on the bottom surface of the recessed hole 22 b of the switch housing 22 .

The central non-movable contact 23 is integral with a metal terminal 24 as indicated by the dotted line. The outer non-movable contact 25 is integrated with another metal terminal 26 .

The annular band 31 has a plurality of connecting branches 37 whose front edges are insert-molded in the side wall of the switch housing 22 . In this way, each switch housing 22 is temporarily supported by a total of four connection branches 37 . The endless belt-like member 31 is provided with supply holes 38 at appropriate intervals to feed the endless belt-like member 31 along the production line.

In the state (A) of FIG. 12 , the movable contact 27 , the push button 28 and the cover plate 29 are successively installed. Then, in the state (B) of FIG. 12 , the metal terminals 24 and 26 are cut off from the endless band 31 . In this state, the switch housing 22 is still connected to the annular band 31 via the connection branch 37 . Therefore, even after the metal terminals 24 and 26 are cut off from the endless band 31 , operation checks and electrical checks can be performed on each of the push switches 19 stably supported by the frame of the endless band 31 .

After completion of assembly and required inspections, each push button switch 19 can be easily pulled away from the endless band 31, as shown in state (C) of FIG. 12 . In this way, the push button switch 19 is completely separated into a separate product.

The fourth embodiment

Next, another manufacturing apparatus for the push button switch 19 shown in FIG. 8 will be described according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17B.

The switch case supply section 41 is provided on the upstream side of the production line for the push button switches 19 . The switch housing supply section 41 supplies a plurality of endless belt-shaped assemblies of switch housings 22 connected in series at predetermined intervals through their metal terminals 24 and 26 . The endless band assembly of series switch housing 22 is fed from a drum which winds the endless band assembly about its axis. A pretreatment section 42 is arranged downstream of the switch housing supply section 41 . The pretreatment section 42 cleans each switch case 22 by spraying the supplied body of the switch case 22 with air, and coats a surface active agent on the cleaned surface of the switch case 22 .

The button supply section 43 is located on the downstream side of the pretreatment section 42, and it extends perpendicularly to the production line. The button supply section 43 includes a suitable parts feeder which receives the continuously fed buttons 28 and feeds the buttons 28 one by one to the switch housings 22 coming from the preprocessing section 2 . The movable contact supply section 44 is located on the other side of the production line and extends perpendicularly to the production line, diagonally opposite to the button supply section 43 . The function of this movable contact member supplying section 44 is to separate each movable contact member 27 from an annular band-shaped material made of elastic sheet metal forming a plurality of domes serving as movable contact members 27, and The separated movable contacts 27 are conveyed to the switch case 22 conveyed along the production line.

The cover supply section 45 is arranged beside and upstream of the movable contact supply section 44 and parallel to the movable contact supply section 44 . The cover plate supply section 45 processes the endless strip-shaped material into the shape of the cover plate 29 and delivers the finished cover plate 29 to the switch housing 22 conveyed along the production line. The winding drum 46 winds up the remaining endless web material not used for the cover plate 29 .

The assembly section 47 is arranged between the button supply section 43 , the movable contact piece supply section 44 and the cover plate supply section 45 , and performs a series of assembly operations. More specifically, the assembly section 47 generally forms a T-shaped body of revolution comprising three integrally formed arms extending in different directions at predetermined angular intervals. Each arm of assembly station 47 supports a gripper provided on the lower surface of its leading edge. The T-shaped rotating body of the assembly station 47 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise about its axis 47A. Shaft 47A is driven by a suitable drive (not shown), such as an electric motor. Therefore, the assembly section 47 holds the separated movable contact 27 delivered from the movable contact supply section 4, and incorporates the movable contact 27 into the switch case delivered from the switch case supply section 41 along the production line. Body 22. At the same time, the assembly section 47 holds the button 28 conveyed from the button supply section 43 and mounts the button 28 on the movable contact 27 . Moreover, the assembly section 47 clamps the cover plate 29 conveyed from the cover supply section 45, and combines the cover plate 29 with the switch case 22 after the movable contact 27 and the button 28 are assembled into the switch case 22, The upper surface of the switch housing 22 is closed.

The riveting station 48 is provided on the downstream side of the assembly station 47 . The riveting section 48 firmly fixes the cover plate 29 to the switch case 22 by flattening (plastically deforming) the protrusion 22 a of the switch case 22 .

The operation inspection section 49 is provided on the downstream side of the riveting section 48 . The operation checking station 49 checks the operation performance of the completed switch 19 by pressing the button 28, including the mechanical feel in the pressing stroke. The finishing section 50 is located on the downstream side of the operation inspection section 49 . The finishing station 50 separates each switch 19 from the endless belt-shaped assembly of the continuously connected switch housings 22 and performs electrical inspection on the separated pushbutton switches 19 to check the conductivity of the separated pushbutton switches 19 . The finishing station 50 also forms the terminals 24 and 26 of the tested pushbutton switch 19 into the desired shape, as shown in FIG. 8 .

A transport section 51 is provided for transporting the checked pushbutton switch 19 to a labeling section 52 . The labeling section 52 checks the appearance of each push button switch 19, and only labels the products that are good (that is, without defects).

A packing station 53, located after the labeling station 52, packs the pushbutton switches 19 into suitable boxes or the like for shipment.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed configuration of the assembly station 47 . On the lower surface of the front arm end of the assembly station 47 are provided a first clamper 54 , a second clamper 55 and a third clamper 56 , which are rotatably supported around the shaft 47A. The first holder 54 clamps the movable contact piece 27 supplied by the movable contact piece supply section 44, and puts the movable contact piece 27 into the switch case 22 conveyed from the switch case supply section 41 along the production line . The second clamper 55 clamps the cover plate 29 supplied by the cover plate supplying section 45 , and assembles the cover plate 29 and the button 28 delivered by the button supplying section 43 . The third holder 56 installs the assembled button 28 and cover plate 29 in the switch housing 22 after the movable contact piece 27 and the button 28 are arranged at predetermined positions in the switch housing 22, thereby closing the switch housing The upper surface of the body 22.

17A and 17B together show the detailed structure of the third holder 56 . The third holder 56 includes a pair of claws 57 . Each pawl 57 is associated with an opening/closing cam 58 . The opening/closing cam 58 includes a cam portion 58a for driving the claw 57 and a pawl portion 58b for gripping the side of the switch case 22. As shown in FIG. The vacuum pad 59 holds the button 28 . In addition, the third holder 56 has a guide pin 60 for positioning the cover plate 29 and a riveting punch 61 for temporarily riveting the cover plate 29 to the upper surface of the switch case 22 .

Although not shown in the drawings, the second holder 55 is basically the same as the third holder 56 . Thus, with the same jaw 57 and associated opening/closing cam 58 , the second gripper 55 can grip the cover plate 29 .

Next, the operation of the push button switch manufacturing apparatus of the fourth embodiment described above will be explained.

The endless belt-like assembly of switch housings 22 in series is fed from a drum in a switch housing supply section 41 and cleaned with compressed air in a pretreatment section 42 . Then, a surfactant is applied to the cleaned switch case 22 . Next, after passing through the preprocessing section 42 , the ring-shaped switch case 22 arrives at the assembly section 47 .

In the assembly station 47 , the first holder holds the movable contact 27 with a suction nozzle (not shown) while the movable contact 27 is conveyed out from the movable contact supply station 44 . Then, the T-shaped rotating body of the assembly station 47 rotates in the clockwise direction about the axis 47A from the state of FIG. 15 to the state of FIG. 16 . When the first clamper 54 reaches above the switch housing 22 on the production line, the first clamper 54 cuts off the vacuum to release the movable contact 27, and installs the released movable contact 27 on the switch housing 22. In the concave hole 22b.

Simultaneously, the second holder 55 rotates clockwise about the shaft 47A by the same angle, from the state of FIG. 15 to the state of FIG. 16 . Then, in the state of FIG. 16 , the second gripper 55 grips the cover plate 29 conveyed by the cover plate supply section 45 .

Next, the T-shaped rotating body of the assembly station 47 reverses, and rotates counterclockwise around the axis 47A from the state of FIG. 16 to the state of FIG. 15 . Then, the second holder 55 performs a pre-assembly operation before the cover plate 29 and the button 28 are installed in the switch case 22 , and assembles the cover plate 29 and the button 28 delivered by the button supply section 43 . The first holder 54 holds the next movable contact 27 delivered from the button supply section 44 .

Next, the T-shaped rotating body of the assembly section 47 rotates clockwise around the axis 47A again from the state of FIG. 15 to the state of FIG. 16, and the next movable contact 27 is installed in the concave hole 22b of the switch housing 22 . The second clamper 55 clamps the next cover plate 29 conveyed by the cover plate supply section 45 . The third holder 57 holds the pre-assembled button 28 and cover plate 29 .

After that, the T-shaped rotating body of the assembly station 47 rotates counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 16 to the state of FIG. 15 . Then, the third holder 57 installs the pre-assembled button 28 and cover plate 29 into the switch housing 22 , so that the movable contact 27 and the button 28 are located in the predetermined position in the concave hole 22 b of the switch housing 22 . Then, the cover plate 29 is temporarily fixed to the upper surface of the switch case 22 by a caulking punch 61 shown in FIG. 17B through a preliminary caulking operation. The first gripper 54 holds the next movable contact 27 delivered from the movable contact supply section 44 . The second contactor 55 performs a pre-assembly operation to assemble the cover plate 29 with the button 28 delivered by the button supply section 43 .

In this manner, the first, second, and third grippers 54, 55, and 56 perform predetermined assembly operations during repeated swings of the T-shaped rotating body of the assembly station 47 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions around the axis 47A. . Therefore, a series of assembling operations of the movable contact 27, the button 28 and the cover plate 29 can be smoothly performed.

Then, the pushbutton switches 19 in series each containing the movable contact 27 and the button 28 in the recess 22b are transported to the riveting section 48, where their cover plates 29 are firmly connected to the switch case by a main riveting operation. Body 22 is fixed together. In the main riveting operation, heating causes thermoplastic deformation of the protrusion 22a of the switch case 22 inserted into the fitting hole 29a of the cover plate 29, thereby firmly fixing the cover plate 29 and the switch case 22 together.

Then, the push button switches 19 are transported to the operation inspection station 49, where their buttons 28 are pressed, and the operability of each completed switch 19 is checked, including the mechanical feel in the pressing action.

Next, the endless belt-shaped assembly of the button switches 19 connected in series in an endless belt is transported from the operation inspection section 49 to the sorting section 50 . The finishing station 50 cuts the terminals 24 and 26 connecting the adjacent switch housings 22 and separates each switch 19 from the belt assembly. Then check whether the conductivity of each push button switch 19 is up to standard. Thereafter, the terminals 24 and 26 of each button are formed into the desired shape. Then, the transport section 51 transports each push button switch 19 to the labeling section 52 .

In the labeling section 52, each push button switch 19 is inspected for appearance, and when the appearance is qualified, it is labeled as a good (non-defective) product.

Thereafter, in a packing section 53, the push button switch 19 is packed in a suitable box or the like for shipment.

As can be seen from the above description, the fourth embodiment of the present invention adopts a rotary type rotating body with a T-shaped rotating body and three holders for assembling movable contacts, buttons and cover plates into the switch housing. Assembly section. Therefore, productivity of push button switches can be improved.

The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the characteristic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described above are illustrative only and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Accordingly, all changes that come within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds, are intended to be encompassed by the claims.

Claims (16)

1. an assembling is connected into each push-button switch of ring-band shape and the manufacture method of after finishing assembling and required checked operation each switch being separated from the ring-band shape assembly, and described manufacture method comprises:

Operation (S1), supply with and embed the resin switch case (22) that is molded with a metal terminal (24), described switch case has a shrinkage pool (22b), and exposing on the bottom surface of this shrinkage pool has not movable contact (23), and described not movable contact and described metal terminal are integral;

Operation (S2) is fitted into this shrinkage pool with the dome-shaped movable contact of a thin slice (27), makes described movable contact be positioned at the described not top of movable contact.

Operation (S3) is installed on a button (28) on the described movable contact, makes that described button makes described movable contact strain when exerting pressure (F) on described button;

Operation (S4) combines a cover plate (29) with described switch case, thereby is enclosed in the described switch case that accommodates described movable contact and described button in the described recess, finishes the assembly manipulation to the push-button switch that is connected into ring-band shape;

Operation (S7) is carried out performance tests, by pushing the performance of each push-button switch that described button inspection assembles; And

Operation (S8) is separated each push-button switch after finishing described performance tests from the ring-band shape assembly.

2. push-button switch manufacture method as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, it also comprised the operation (S6) of inserting operation before described performance tests, in described insertion operation, push described button at least three times and make described movable contact strain, thereby remove the residual stress in the described movable contact.

3. push-button switch manufacture method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that, it also comprises an operation (S9) of described each push-button switch being carried out electrical inspection at each push-button switch after the ring-band shape components apart is come out.

4. push-button switch manufacturing equipment comprises:

One switch case is supplied with workshop section (1), supply with the ring-band shape assembly of a plurality of switch case (22), these housings embed the metal terminal (24) that is overmolded in the switch case (22) by one and are series at together, described switch case has a shrinkage pool (22b), and exposing on the bottom surface of this shrinkage pool has not movable contact (23).Described not movable contact and metal terminal are integral;

One assembly bay (7), an one movable contact (27) and a button (28) are installed in the shrinkage pool of described switch case, and seal described switch case with a cover plate (29), finish assembly manipulation to the push-button switch (19) that is connected into ring-band shape by metal terminal;

One inserts operation workshop section (9), pushes the button of described each push-button switch that assembles at least three times and makes described movable contact strain, thereby eliminate the residual stress in the movable contact;

One performance tests workshop section (10) carries out performance tests, comprises by pushing the performance of each push-button switch that described button inspection assembles; And

One arrangement workshop section (11), after finishing described performance tests, cut off metal terminal and the push-button switch that makes described series connection separately.

5. push-button switch manufacturing equipment as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, between described performance tests workshop section (10) and apparatus body (16) elastic component (15) is set, and makes described performance tests workshop section elastic bearing in described apparatus body.

6. as claim 4 or 5 described push-button switch manufacturing equipments, it is characterized in that the conductivity of each push-button switch that arrangement workshop section (11) check separates.

7. an assembling is connected into each push-button switch of ring-band shape and the manufacture method of after finishing assembling and required checked operation each switch being separated from the ring-band shape assembly, and described manufacture method comprises:

Operation (S11, S21), supply with and embed the resin switch case (22) that is molded with a metal terminal (24), described switch case has a shrinkage pool (22b), and exposing on the bottom surface of this shrinkage pool has not movable contact (23), and described not movable contact and described metal terminal are integral;

Operation (S12, S22) is fitted into described shrinkage pool with the dome-shaped movable contact of a thin slice (27), makes described movable contact be positioned at the described not top of movable contact;

Operation (S13, S23) is installed on described movable contact top with a button (28), makes when applying a pressure (F) on described button that described button makes described movable contact strain;

Operation (S14, S24) combines a cover plate (29) with described switch case, thereby is enclosed in the described switch case that accommodates described movable contact and described button in the described recess, finishes the assembly manipulation to the push-button switch that is connected into ring-band shape;

Operation (S17, S26) is pushed described button by at least three times and is made described movable contact strain carry out electrical inspection, checks the conductivity of each push-button switch that assembles, thereby removes the residual stress in the movable contact; And

Operation (S18, S27) after finishing described electrical inspection, is carried out performance tests by pressing button, checks the performance of each push-button switch that assembles.

8. push-button switch manufacture method as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, it also comprised an operation (S16) that each push-button switch is separated from the ring-band shape assembly before carrying out described electrical inspection and described performance tests.

9. push-button switch manufacture method as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, it comprises also that after finishing described electrical inspection and described performance tests one separates operation (S28) with each push-button switch from the ring-band shape assembly.

10. as claim 1 or 7 described push-button switch manufacture methods, it is characterized in that, described ring-band shape assembly comprises that one forms the banded part (31) of band shape becket of predetermined pattern, this ring-band shape spare has to embed to be overmolded to as the component of metal terminal and a plurality of leading edges and is connected branch (37) in switch case (22) sidewall, make described switch case temporarily be supported on described connection branch, and separate with suitable spacing along production line.

11. a push-button switch manufacturing equipment comprises:

One switch case is supplied with workshop section (41), supply with the ring-band shape assembly of a plurality of switch case (22), these housings embed the metal terminal (24) that is overmolded in the described switch case (22) by one and are series at together, described switch case (22) has a shrinkage pool (22b), exposing on the bottom surface of this shrinkage pool has not movable contact (23), and described not movable contact and described metal terminal are integral;

One movable contact is supplied with workshop section (44), supplies with movable contact (27) continuously;

One button is supplied with workshop section (43), supplies with button (28) continuously;

One cover plate is supplied with workshop section (45), supplies with cover plate (29) continuously; And

One assembly bay (47), described movable contact is supplied with a movable contact 2 (7), described button that workshop section (44) supplied with to be supplied with a cover plate (29) that a button (28) that workshop section (43) supplied with and described cover plate supply workshop section (45) supplied with and is fitted into along in the switch case (22) of the described ring-band shape assembly of production line conveying

Wherein, assembly bay (47) comprising: a rotary body, and it has three arms that extend along different directions, and is furnished with one first clamper (54), one second clamper (55) and one the 3rd clamper (56) respectively on these arms,

The described movable contact of described first clamper (54) clamping is supplied with the described movable contact (27) that workshop section (44) is supplied with, and the described movable contact of being supplied with (27) packed in the described switch case (22) of the described ring-band shape assembly carried along production line

The described cover plate of described second clamper (55) clamping is supplied with the described cover plate (29) that workshop section (45) is supplied with, and the described cover plate of being supplied with (29) is assembled together with described push-button switch (28), and

Described the 3rd clamper (56) is installed on the assembly of described button (28) and described cover plate (29) top of the described movable contact (27) in the described shrinkage pool (22b) of described switch case (22) of the described ring-band shape assembly of carrying along production line.

12. push-button switch manufacturing equipment as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, it also comprises the performance tests workshop section (49) that carries out performance tests, comprises by pushing described button (28) checking the performance of each push-button switch (19) that assembles.

13. push-button switch manufacturing equipment as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, it comprises an arrangement workshop section (50), after finishing described performance tests, cuts off described metal terminal (24,26) and separates the push-button switch (19) of described series connection.

14. push-button switch manufacturing equipment as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described arrangement workshop section (50) also carries out electrical inspection, checks the conductivity of each push-button switch that separates.

15. each the described push-button switch manufacturing equipment as claim 11 to 14 is characterized in that, described assembly bay (47) carries out a preliminary riveting operation, and described cover plate (29) temporarily is fixed on the upper surface of described switch case (22).

16. push-button switch manufacturing equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterized in that, it also comprises the riveted joint workshop section (48) that carries out main riveting operation, in main riveting operation, the projection (22a) of switch case (22) is combined with the mating holes (29a) of described cover plate (29), and make its thermoplastic distortion, thereby described cover plate and described switch case are firmly fixed together.

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