Header beam of a vehicle frame and method of forming the same

摘要

A header beam couples between A-pillars of a vehicle frame. The header beam is formed from a generally straight beam segment that is extruded to have a hollow body portion with supportive legs extending within the hollow interior along the length of the beam segment, defining uninterrupted forward and rearward box sections for supporting continuous load paths on the header beam. The end portions of the beam segment are clamped and the beam segment is stretch bent to form a curvature between the end portions that remain generally straight. A front flange extends forward along the body portion and is struck proximate the end portions to form an edge that is parallel to the curvature formed between the end portions. The end portions are attached to the A-pillars and the edge of the front flange is attached to a windshield.

主权项

1. An extruded vehicle header beam comprising:
an elongated member having a hollow interior extending a length of the beam between opposing ends thereof; front and rear legs extending continuously within the hollow interior between the opposing ends; a central area between the front and rear legs having engagement apertures spaced along the length, wherein the front and rear legs define uninterrupted box sections outside the central area; and a rear flange extending rearward from the elongated member along the length and having an elongated cutout centered on the elongated member to define rearward projecting members proximate the end portions.