Quenching method, and quenching machine

Abstract

A quenching method for a press-formed product having a first wall, a second wall intersecting the first wall, and a bend part coupling the first wall and the second wall is provided. The quenching method includes: heating the bend part by irradiating the bend part with a laser beam; and cooling the heated bend part by spraying water on the bend part, following irradiation of the laser beam. The water is sprayed with a shield being positioned to separate an irradiation area of the laser beam from a spray area of the water.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A quenching method for a press-formed product having a first wall, a second wall intersecting the first wall, and a bend part coupling the first wall and the second wall, the quenching method comprising:
 heating the bend part by irradiating the bend part with a laser beam; and   cooling the heated bend part by spraying water on the bend part, following irradiation of the laser beam,   the water being sprayed with a shield being positioned to separate an irradiation area of the laser beam from a spray area of the water.   
     
     
         2 . The quenching method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the water is sprayed with the shield being positioned to cover the spray area of the water and not to cover the irradiation area of the laser beam.   
     
     
         3 . The quenching method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the water is sprayed with gas being suctioned on a side of the spray area of the water, out of the irradiation area of the laser beam and the spray area of the water separated by the shield.   
     
     
         4 . The quenching method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 irradiation of the laser beam and spraying of the water are performed with the first wall being fixed and the second wall being pressed in a direction approaching the first wall.   
     
     
         5 . The quenching method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the press-formed product is made of a high-tensile steel.   
     
     
         6 . A quenching machine for a press-formed product having a first wall, a second wall intersecting the first wall, and a bend part coupling the first wall and the second wall, the quenching machine comprising:
 a laser irradiator configured to irradiate the bend part with a laser beam;   a water sprayer configured to spray water to the bend part, following irradiation of the laser beam; and   a shield positioned to separate an irradiation area of the laser beam from a spray area of the water.   
     
     
         7 . The quenching machine according to  claim 6 , wherein
 the shield is positioned to cover the spray area of the water and not to cover the irradiation area of the laser beam.   
     
     
         8 . The quenching machine according to  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a gas sucker configured to suction gas on a side of the spray area of the water, out of the irradiation area of the laser beam and the spray area of the water separated by the shield.   
     
     
         9 . The quenching machine according to  claim 6 , further comprising:
 two fixers disposed on opposite sides of the first wall and configured to hold the first wall therebetween; and   two pressers disposed on opposite sides of the second wall and configured to hold the second wall therebetween, wherein   the two pressers are configured to hold the second wall therebetween with the second wall being pressed in a direction approaching the first wall.   
     
     
         10 . The quenching machine according to  claim 6 , wherein
 the press-formed product is made of a high-tensile steel.