Metal sheet edge forming device by bending

Abstract

A device (1) for forming the edges of sheet metal by bending, comprising a fixed support (3); an intermediate support (5) rotatable relative to the fixed support (3); a blade holder (7) translationally movable relative to the intermediate support (5) by means of one or more guide rails (25), said blade holder (7) carrying at least one blade (9) selected from at least one angling blade or at least one crimping blade; an actuating cylinder (11) comprising a cylinder (13) connected to the blade holder (7) and a sliding rod (15) having a free end (17) configured to engage with a support piece (19) carried by a receiving die (21) for the edges of sheet metal. The guide rail(s) (25) is fixed to the blade holder (7) and is arranged to extend at least partially over the blade(s) (9). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for forming the edges of metal sheets by bending

[0001] The invention relates to the field of sheet metal forming by folding an edge of a sheet, and possibly to the assembly of vehicle body components by folding their edges. The invention relates in particular to forming installations and processes of the angle forming (or pre-crimping) and crimping type.

[0002] In the automotive field, it is common to shape sheet metal to form a body panel of a motor vehicle. This includes, for example, cold joining operations by crimping for shaping body panels such as doors, fenders, wheel arches or hoods.

[0003] The edge of the sheet metal is first raised in a first operation, generally by stamping, so as to show an angle of approximately 90° with the body of the sheet metal. It is then bent back at a predetermined angle (for example, around 45°) using specific tooling commonly referred to as beveling tooling.

[0004] An example is given in document FR3092505, which describes a multi-position beveling tool for selectively bending the edge of a sheet metal between a die and a blade. The beveling tool comprises a frame on which a generally flat die and a sheet metal press against the die are mounted. A blade having at least one working face and a slide are also mounted on the frame. The slide is equipped with a blade mounting head and is movable in translation along the frame towards the die to apply the blade against the edge of the sheet metal to be bent. The blade is mounted pivotally on the frame about a transverse axis and can be locked in a working position about said axis selectively among several angular working positions.

[0005] This solution is interesting but can still be improved. There is indeed a need for greater compactness in the angling tools.

[0006] The angling operation is often followed by a crimping operation. For this purpose, the sheets are held against a die, and one edge of one of the sheets is folded by a tool, such as a forming blade or at least a roller, towards an edge of the other sheet against which it is pressed. Moving the blade along the edges of the sheets allows them to be crimped together according to a pre-established crimping stroke.

[0007] Document FR 3089831 discloses a crimping unit for crimping the bottom of a motor vehicle window. However, this unit is heavy and bulky. Furthermore, the forces applied by this type of machine, i.e., motor or An electric actuator, driving a connecting rod and crank system during the crimping phase, is supported by the crimping die and its support. Furthermore, this connecting rod and crank system has limitations due to the lack of guidance, necessitating significant dimensioning.

[0008] Document WO2023 / 052700 proposes a crimping device comprising a support, a blade holder movable relative to the support and carrying at least one crimping blade, an intermediate support pivotally mounted on the support, the blade holder being mounted to move in translation on the intermediate support, and an actuating cylinder comprising a cylinder linked to the blade holder and a sliding rod having a spherical distal end opposite the crimping blade and configured to engage with a support piece on a die for receiving the edges of sheet metal. The technology presented is interesting but can still be improved.

[0009] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems and drawbacks of the prior art. The invention aims to provide a robust and compact forming device; and in particular, an angling device.

[0010] To this end and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for forming the edges of metal sheets by bending, remarkable in that it comprises a fixed support; an intermediate support movable in rotation relative to the fixed support; a blade holder movable in translation relative to the intermediate support by means of one or more guide rails, said blade holder carrying at least one blade chosen from at least one angling blade or at least one crimping blade; an actuating cylinder comprising a cylinder linked to the blade holder and a sliding rod showing a free end configured to engage with a support piece carried by a die for receiving the edges of metal sheets; and in that the or at least one of the guide rails is fixed to the blade holder and is arranged so as to extend at least partially over the or one of the blades.

[0011] As will be understood from the definition just given, the invention is remarkable in that the arrangement of the guide rails allows them to perform a dual function of guidance and structural reinforcement. The forming device is thus more compact and lighter while remaining robust.

[0012] Preferably, the support piece intended to receive the free end of the sliding rod of the actuating cylinder comprises a concave bearing surface and a cylindrical engagement throat at the opening of said bearing face. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it constitutes an anti-disengagement and anti-lift device especially suited to the application of significant forces such as those applied during an angle-cutting operation.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the forming device is intended to cooperate with a receiving die showing a receiving face for the edges of metal sheets and the forming device is an angling (or pre-crimping) device so that the angling (or pre-crimping) blade(s) show a curved and concave working face.

[0014] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the forming device is intended to cooperate with a die showing a receiving face for the edges of metal sheets and the forming device is a crimping device such that the crimping blade(s) show a flat working face.

[0015] Regardless of the embodiment chosen, it is advantageous for the intermediate support to be a subset of parts assembled by screwing; and / or for the blade holder to be a subset of parts assembled by screwing. The reversible nature of a screw-mounted assembly facilitates the manufacture, maintenance, and adjustment of the blade holder and / or the intermediate support. In particular, this makes it possible to offer a compact device that always provides access to the blades for adjustment or maintenance by disassembling certain parts.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the fixed support comprises a lower end and an upper end, and the intermediate support is mounted to rotate relative to the fixed support around an axis of rotation located at the lower end. This configuration allows for a greater range of motion relative to a centrally located axis of rotation. With a constant range of motion, the forming device can therefore be more compact.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the fixed support comprises a lower end and an upper end, the intermediate support is mounted to rotate movably relative to the fixed support, and the intermediate support comprises a pivoting cylinder carried by the upper end of the fixed support, including a rod articulated on a cylinder axis carried by the intermediate support. This configuration is advantageous in that it allows pressure to be applied as close as possible to the working area of ​​the blade(s).

[0018] According to one embodiment, the intermediate support comprises a positioning stop intended to bear against a surface of the receiving die or against a stop carried by the receiving die. The invention is remarkable in that the positioning of the forming device is done relative to the receiving die itself.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the forming device comprises a single guide rail. This configuration makes the forming device more compact and facilitates adjustments to said device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the forming device includes at least one spring-loaded cylinder fixed to the intermediate support and exerting an elastic force on the blade holder in the direction of translation.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a unit for forming metal sheet edges by bending, remarkable in that it comprises: a receiving die with a receiving face for the metal sheet edges and a support piece; a device for forming the metal sheet edges according to the first aspect.

[0022] Preferably, the forming unit is a angling (or pre-crimping) unit. It will be understood that, in such a case, the forming device is then an angling (or pre-crimping) device.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the invention proposes a method for forming the edges of metal sheets by bending, said method being remarkable in that it is implemented by a forming unit according to the second aspect, and in that it comprises a positioning step including the rotation of a blade holder relative to the fixed support from an open position to a closed position; and a forming step including the sliding of the blade holder relative to an intermediate support, from a deployed position to a working position; and in that the positioning step includes the bearing of the intermediate support on the die in a first direction and the forming step includes the bearing of an actuating cylinder on the die in a second direction, the first and second directions being non-parallel.

[0024] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a view of a device for forming metal sheet edges by bending according to the invention.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a profile and cross-sectional view of a device for forming metal sheet edges by bending according to the invention, in the open position.

[0027] Fig. 3 represents a profile and cross-sectional view of a device for forming metal sheet edges by bending according to the invention, in the closed position, with the blade deployed.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a profile and cross-sectional view of a device for forming metal sheet edges by bending according to the invention during the movement of the blade from its deployed position to its working position.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a profile and cross-sectional view of a device for forming metal sheet edges by bending according to the invention, in working position, blade engaged.

[0030] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the forming device or unit, or other steps in the process to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of". The ranges The values ​​include the boundaries that define them. Equality between values ​​is not to be understood in a strict sense, as each equality allows a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, and more preferably at most 2%, between these values. The same reference symbols are used in the various figures to designate identical or similar entities.

[0031] In figures 1 to 5, the unit and forming device shown are a unit and an angle-forming device, but a person skilled in the art can adapt the invention to a unit and a crimping device.

[0032] Reference will first be made to [Fig. 1] showing a forming unit comprising a receiving die 21 (partially shown) with a receiving face 59 of a metal sheet 23 and a device 1 for forming the edges of said metal sheet by bending. The forming device 1, the associated forming unit and the forming process will be described together.

[0033] According to the invention, the forming device 1 can be a swaging (or pre-crimping) device or a crimping device. Preferably, the forming device 1 is a swaging device. One of the main differences between a swaging device and a crimping device lies in the blade(s) 9 used. In the case of a swaging device, the swaging blade(s) are configured to bend a raised edge of sheet metal, showing an angle of 90° to the body of the sheet metal, until it presents an angle ranging from 30° to 60°. To do this, the swaging (or pre-crimping) blade(s) will have a curved and concave working face. The swaging blade(s) will therefore not be parallel to the receiving face 59 of the edges of the metal sheets when the blade(s) are in the working position.

[0034] In the case of a crimping device, the crimping blade(s) are configured to fold a metal sheet edge until it is parallel to the body of said sheet 23. The blade(s) used will therefore show a flat working face which is intended to be placed parallel to the receiving face 59 of the metal sheet edges when the blade(s) are in the working position.

[0035] According to the invention, the forming device 1 comprises a fixed support 3; an intermediate support 5 rotatable relative to the fixed support 3; a blade holder 7 translationally movable relative to the intermediate support 5 by means of one or more guide rails 25, said blade holder 7 carrying at least one blade 9 selected from at least one angling blade or at least one crimping blade; an actuating cylinder 11 comprising a cylinder 13 connected to the blade holder 7 and a sliding rod 15 having a free end 17 configured to engage with a support piece 19 carried by a receiving die 21 for the edges of metal sheets. The sliding rod 15 and its free end 17, as well as the support piece 19, are visible in Figures 2 to 5 due to the compactness of the device.

[0036] The invention is particularly remarkable in that the or at least one of the guide rails 25 is fixed to the blade holder 7 and is arranged so as to extend at least partly over the or one of the blades 9.

[0037] The invention also relates to a forming unit comprising a forming device 1 according to the invention and a receiving die 21 for receiving the sheet metal 23 to be formed by bending at least one of its edges and having for this purpose a receiving face 59 for the edges of metal sheets. According to the invention, the receiving die 21 also comprises a support piece 19 for cooperating with the actuating cylinder 11 of the forming device 1 during the actual forming operation.

[0038] The invention also relates to a forming process implemented by said forming unit. The forming process will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 and comprises the following steps, carried out in the following order:

[0039] a) a step of supplying one or more sheets 23 and placing them on the receiving face 59 of the receiving die 21;

[0040] b) a positioning step of the blade holder 7 comprising its rotation relative to the fixed support 3, from an open (or high) position to a closed (or low) position;

[0041] c) a forming step comprising sliding the blade holder 7 relative to the intermediate support 5, from a deployed position to a working position;

[0042] d) a blade release step 9 comprising sliding the blade holder 7 relative to the intermediate support 5, from its working position to its deployed position;

[0043] e) an opening step of the forming device 1 comprising the rotation of the blade holder 7, from its closed (or lower) position to its open (or upper) position; and

[0044] g) a withdrawal step of the folded sheet or sheets 23.

[0045] The forming process is remarkable in that the positioning step includes placing the intermediate support on the die in a first direction and the forming step includes placing an actuating cylinder on the die in a second direction, the first and second directions being non-parallel.

[0046] Reference will now be made to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the forming device 1 in the open position. Figure 3 is a similar view in the closed position. The rotational movement of the intermediate support 5 between Figures 2 and 3 illustrates step b) of positioning the blade holder 7; or conversely, between Figures 3 and 2, step e) of opening the forming device 1.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed support 3 comprises a lower end 31 and an upper end 33 and forms an arc, or the letter C. Other Several forms are conceivable by a person skilled in the art. The fixed support 3 can be mounted integrally with the receiving matrix 21 or with a frame (not shown). Preferably, the fixed support 3 is mounted integrally with the receiving matrix 21.

[0048] The intermediate support 5 is mounted to rotate movably relative to the fixed support 3 around an axis of rotation 35. The pivoting operation can be carried out by any means, such as for example by means of a pivoting cylinder 37.

[0049] In an embodiment not shown, the pivot axis is arranged in the central part of the intermediate support so as to define a working end where the blade(s) will be located and an opposite end. The pivot cylinder is arranged at the opposite end. The distal part of the positioning cylinder rod is articulated on an axis of the intermediate support, and two stops belonging to the intermediate support ensure the repeatability of the positioning between the open and closed positions.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the rotation axis 35 is arranged at the lower end 31 of the fixed support 3. The rotation axis 35 forms a pivot joint between the fixed support 3 and the intermediate support 5. Advantageously, the intermediate support 5 is connected to the upper end 33 of the fixed support 3 by means of at least one pivoting cylinder 37, which generates the pivoting movements. For example, the pivoting cylinder 37 is carried by the upper end 33 of the fixed support 3, which includes a rod 39 articulated on a cylinder axis 41 carried by the intermediate support 5.

[0051] The intermediate support 5 can be welded or assembled by screwing; preferably, it constitutes a sub-assembly of parts assembled by screwing.

[0052] For example, as illustrated, the intermediate support 5 comprises two legs 55 and an upper plate 57. The legs 55 connect the upper plate 57 to the axis of rotation 35. The upper plate 57 comprises a cylinder axis 41 forming a pivot joint with the rod 39 of the pivoting cylinder 37, carried by the upper end 33. The pivoting cylinder 37 comprises a body 61 and a rod 39 articulated on the cylinder axis 4L. The pivoting cylinder 37 can be a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric cylinder.

[0053] As will be understood, in such a configuration, step b) of positioning the blade holder 7, including its rotation from an open (or high) position to a closed (or low) position, is carried out by extending the rod 39 of the pivoting cylinder 37. Conversely, the step of opening the forming device 1, including the rotation of the blade holder 7 from its closed (or low) position to its open (or high) position, is carried out by retracting the rod 39 of the pivoting cylinder 37. This allows the blade(s) 9 to be positioned above the edge of the sheets to be crimped and at their working face. to find themselves facing the edge of the sheets to be formed, the blade(s) 9 are then in a deployed position before forming.

[0054] It is understood that the pivoting cylinder 37 connects the fixed support 3 to the intermediate support 5 and therefore acts indirectly on the blade holder 7 since it is carried by the intermediate support 5.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving die 21 comprises at least one stop 45 or a bearing surface intended to cooperate with at least one positioning stop 43 carried by the intermediate support 5. Thus, when the forming device 1 is in the closed position, the positioning stop 43 bears against the die, for example, against a stop. The invention therefore provides direct support on the die when the forming device 1 is closed at a location close to the forming blade(s), and thus as close as possible to the working area.

[0056] Reference will now be made to figures 3 to 5 illustrating step c) of forming (and conversely in a reading of figures 5 to 3, step d) of disengagement).

[0057] The blade holder 7 is mounted for movability in translation on an intermediate support 5 by means of one or more guide rails 25. The intermediate support 5 comprises one or more slides 63, each configured to accommodate a corresponding guide rail 25. For example, the guide rail(s) 25 may have a dovetail cross-section, but other shapes may be considered provided they are suitable for retaining the rail in its slide during rotational movement.

[0058] The blade holder 7 can be welded or assembled by screwing; preferably, it constitutes a sub-assembly of parts assembled by screwing.

[0059] According to the invention and as stated above, the guide rail(s) 25 have a primary function of guiding the blade holder 7 in translation relative to the intermediate support 5. Advantageously, their attachment and arrangement on the blade holder 7, so as to extend at least partially over the blade(s) 9, provides them with a secondary function of structurally reinforcing said blade holder 7, preventing it from bending or deforming due to the high pressures exerted on the blade(s) for bending the sheet metal. This increases the rigidity and compactness of the forming device 1, while reducing its mass.

[0060] Thus, depending on the size of the blades and the pressures to be applied, the forming device 1 will include one or more guide rails 25 fixed to the blade holder 7. For example, the forming device 1 may include a single guide rail in the case of an angle forming device showing a blade with a length between 50 and 200 mm, preferably between 50 and 150 mm. When the forming device is a crimping device, it may include a single guide rail for a blade with a length between 50 and 350 mm, preferably between 50 and 300 mm. A skilled professional can also adjust the size of the rail section(s) according to their needs. Beyond a certain blade length, a skilled professional will ensure structural reinforcement with two or more guide rails.

[0061] In [Fig. 3], the forming device 1 is in the closed position. The forming device 1 comprises an actuating cylinder 11, including a cylinder 13 connected to the blade holder 7 and a sliding rod 15. The actuating cylinder 11 extends longitudinally between the legs and under the upper plate 57 of the intermediate support 5. The actuating cylinder 11 may be a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric cylinder. The translational movable mounting of the blade holder 7 on the intermediate support 5 is parallel to the direction of the sliding rod 15 of the actuating cylinder 11. The sliding rod 15 has a free end 17 configured to engage with a support piece 19 carried by a receiving die 21 for the edges of sheet metal.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the forming device 1 comprises at least one spring-loaded cylinder 47 fixed to the intermediate support 5 and exerting an elastic force on the blade holder 7 in the translational direction. Each of the spring-loaded cylinders 47 comprises a sleeve 49 rigidly fixed to the intermediate support 5 and a sliding rod 51 in contact with the blade holder 7. Preferably, the spring-loaded cylinder(s) 47 are gas springs. Advantageously, gas springs are easier to assemble and maintain compared to metal springs. In addition, they present less risk of injury to maintenance personnel. According to an alternative of the invention, not shown, the spring-loaded cylinder(s) are metal springs.

[0063] Advantageously, the spring-loaded cylinder(s) are pre-stressed and exert sufficient force to maintain a gap between the free end 17 of the sliding rod 15 opposite the support piece 19 and to hold the blade(s) 9 in the deployed position. To achieve this, they exert an elastic force on the blade holder 7 by ensuring contact between stops of the blade holder 7 and the intermediate support 5, preventing the blade holder 7 from sliding unintentionally along the guide rails 25 under the effect of gravitational forces.

[0064] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the rotational movement of the positioning step has placed the free end 17 of the sliding rod 15 opposite the support piece 19. The blade(s) 9 are in the deployed position and must now be pressed against the edge of the sheet metal to be formed.

[0065] The forming step will begin with the sliding rod 15 of the actuating cylinder 11 extending towards the support piece 19 until its free end engages in the support piece 19 carried by the die as illustrated in [Fig.4]. The free end 17 advantageously has a convex shape that can cooperate with the bearing surface 29 of the bearing piece 19.

[0066] The support piece 19 comprises a support surface 29 of planar or concave shape, preferably concave; for example hemispherical or conical, preferably conical for the absorption of positioning tolerances.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the bearing surface 29 is concave so as to show an opening and has a cylindrical engagement collar 27 at its opening. The presence of a cylindrical engagement collar constitutes an anti-lifting and anti-disengagement device enabling the free end 17 of the sliding rod 15 to remain engaged in the support piece 19 notwithstanding the bending resistance of the metal sheet(s), which is exerted by an upward vertical lifting force on the blade holder 7 and on the intermediate support 5.

[0068] In [Fig. 4], the free end 17 of the sliding rod 15 is in direct contact with the bearing surface 29 of the support piece 19 of the receiving die 21, but the relative position of the blade holder 7 with respect to the intermediate support 5 remains the same. The spring-loaded cylinders 47 maintain the elastic force exerted on the blade holder 7. The blade(s) 9 are always in the deployed position.

[0069] Figure 5 illustrates the movement in the working position in which the blade(s) exert pressure on the sheet metal edges to shape them. Once the free end 17 of the sliding rod 15 is engaged in the support piece 19, the extension of the sliding rod 15 continues. With the free end 17 bearing against the support piece 19 of the receiving die 21, the extension of the rod will generate a relative recoil movement of the cylinder 13 which, being fixed to the blade holder 7, will cause the latter to move in translation relative to the intermediate support 5. It is therefore understood that the translational moving assembly of the blade holder 7 on the intermediate support 5 is parallel to the sliding rod 15 of the actuating cylinder 11.

[0070] The blade holder 7 retracts, reducing the space between the blade(s) and the die. The blade(s) 9 are moved from their deployed position to their working position, and the sheet metal edges are bent. This relative movement will constrain the spring-loaded cylinders 47 until it generates a separation between the stops of the blade holder 7 and the intermediate support 5.

[0071] During the reverse disengagement operation, the sliding rod 15 of the actuating cylinder 11 retracts until it disengages from the support piece 19 of the die. The spring-loaded cylinders 47 extend until the blade holder 7 returns to its initial position relative to the intermediate support 5, in which the stops of the blade holder 7 and the intermediate support 5 are again in contact. The blades 9 leave their working position and are returned to the deployed position.

[0072] As seen above, an opening step of the forming device can then be implemented including the rotation of the blade holder 7 from its closed (or lower) position to its open (or upper) position in order to be able to remove the folded sheets.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for forming metal sheet edges by bending characterized in that it comprises: • a fixed support (3); • an intermediate support (5) movable in rotation relative to the fixed support (3); • a blade holder (7) movable in translation relative to the intermediate support (5) by means of one or more guide rails (25), said blade holder (7) carrying at least one blade (9) selected from at least one angling blade or at least one crimping blade; • an actuating cylinder (11) comprising a cylinder (13) linked to the blade holder (7) and a sliding rod (15) showing a free end (17) configured to engage with a support piece (19) carried by a receiving die (21) for the metal sheet edges; and in that the or at least one of the guide rails (25) is fixed to the blade holder (7) and is arranged so as to extend at least partly over the or one of the blades (9).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support piece (19) intended to receive the free end (17) of the sliding rod (15) of the actuating cylinder (11) comprises a concave bearing surface (29) and a cylindrical engagement neck (27) at the mouth of said bearing face (29).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that it is intended to cooperate with a receiving die (21) showing a receiving face (59) of the edges of metal sheets and in that the forming device (1) is an angling device such that the angling blade(s) (9) show a curved and concave working face.

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the intermediate support (5) is a subset of parts assembled by screwing; and / or in that the blade holder (7) is a subset of parts assembled by screwing.

5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the fixed support (3) comprises a lower end (31) and a upper end (33) and in that the intermediate support (5) is mounted movable in rotation relative to the fixed support (3) around an axis of rotation (35) arranged at the lower end (31).

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the fixed support (3) comprises a lower end (31) and an upper end (33), the intermediate support (5) is mounted movable in rotation relative to the fixed support (3) and in that it comprises a pivoting cylinder (37) carried by the upper end (33) of the fixed support (3), comprising a rod (39) articulated on a cylinder axis (41) carried by the intermediate support (5).

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the intermediate support (5) includes a positioning stop (43) intended to bear against a surface of the receiving matrix (21) or against a stop (45) carried by the receiving matrix (21).

8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that it comprises a single guide rail (25); and / or in that it further comprises at least one spring-loaded jack (47) fixed to the intermediate support (5) and exerting an elastic force on the blade holder (7) in the direction of translation.

9. A metal sheet edge forming unit by bending, comprising: • a receiving die (21) with a metal sheet edge receiving face (59) and a support piece (19); • a device (1) for forming metal sheet edges according to any one of claims 1 to 8; preferably, the forming unit is a beveling unit.

10. A method for forming the edges of sheet metal by bending, said method being characterized in that it is carried out by a forming unit according to claim 9, and in that it comprises a positioning step including the rotation of a blade holder (7) relative to the fixed support (3) from an open position to a closed position; and a forming step including the sliding of the blade holder (7) relative to an intermediate support (5) from an extended position to a working position; and in that the positioning step includes the bearing of the intermediate support (5) on the receiving die (21) in a first direction and the forming step includes the bearing of an actuating cylinder (11) on the receiving die (21) in a second direction, the first and second directions being non-parallel.

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