Method and apparatus for forming a bent or folded edge rim of a self-supporting thin-walled molded component

Abstract

An apparatus includes several bending units for forming a singly-bent or doubly-folded edge rim around the perimeter of a molded component, e.g. a laminated contoured interior trim component for a motor vehicle. Each bending unit includes an electrically heatable cutting or impressing tool, and a bending tool. A workpiece holder clamps the component into a forming mold. The heated impressing tool melts and presses one or two grooves forming weakened zones and corresponding bending lines in the edge rim of the component. The bending tool then presses and bends the edge rim flange back along the bending line. Optionally, the bending tool additionally bends the free edge flange portion down along the second bending line to form the doubly-folded rim. The portions of the rim folded against each other are melt-bonded together and then cooled to permanently fix the bonded and folded configuration of the rim.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.