Kitchen unit

Abstract

To provide a kitchen unit that can secure sound quality and sound volume even if a heavy object is placed in a kitchen sink.SOLUTION: A kitchen unit K1 comprises: a kitchen sink S having a bottom surface part 1, a side surface part 2, and an upper surface part 3; a cabinet C connected to the kitchen sink S; and a driving unit 5 provided in the cabinet C, and for generating sound by vibrating the kitchen sink S. The driving unit 5 is installed on the upper surface part 3, one side surface part 2a connected to the upper surface part 3 out of the side surface part, and the other side surface part 2b opposed to the one side surface part 2a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a kitchen unit. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the development of electronic devices, an increasing number of people are using sound systems to enjoy entertainment while cooking or working in the kitchen, such as watching TV or listening to music or videos on their smartphones. However, there has been a problem in that the noise generated while working can be loud, making it difficult to fully enjoy the music or sound.

[0003] To solve this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a drive unit is attached to the rear surface of a kitchen sink to vibrate the kitchen sink and reproduce sound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-209287 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since heavy items such as pots and pans are placed inside the kitchen sink, if the drive unit is installed on the back of the bottom part, the vibration of the kitchen sink will be suppressed, which poses the problem of not being able to ensure sound quality or volume.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide a kitchen unit that can ensure sound quality and volume even when heavy objects are placed in the kitchen sink. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The kitchen unit according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a kitchen sink having a bottom surface, side surfaces surrounding the bottom surface, and a top surface extending approximately horizontally from the upper end of the side surface and having a faucet installed thereon; a cabinet connected to the kitchen sink; and a drive unit provided within the cabinet that vibrates the kitchen sink to generate sound, wherein the drive unit is installed on either the top surface, one of the side surfaces connected to the top surface, or the other side surface opposite the one side surface.

[0008] With this configuration, the vibration of the kitchen sink is not suppressed by heavy objects, and sound quality and volume can be maintained.

[0009] In the kitchen unit according to the second aspect of the present invention, the drive unit is installed on one of the top surface and the one side surface.

[0010] According to this configuration, the drive unit is disposed at the rear of the cabinet, so the wiring of the drive unit is not noticeable, improving the design.

[0011] In the kitchen unit according to the third aspect of the present invention, the drive unit is installed on the one side surface portion.

[0012] This configuration makes it easier to install the drive unit compared to installing the drive unit on the top surface of the kitchen sink.

[0013] In the kitchen unit according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the sound reproducing device is installed in the space of the cabinet below the top surface portion.

[0014] The space in the cabinet below the top surface is a dead zone and cannot be used for storage. This configuration makes it possible to effectively utilize the dead zone in the kitchen unit, and also improves the design by eliminating the need for wiring for audio playback devices.

[0015] In a kitchen unit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the faucet is an electronic faucet having a controller unit, and the sound reproducing device receives power supply from the controller unit.

[0016] This configuration eliminates the need for a power supply unit for the sound playback device, achieving significant cost reductions, and also eliminates the need for outlet installation work, reducing installation costs for the user.

[0017] In a kitchen unit according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the sound reproducing device has a wireless communication function.

[0018] With this configuration, even if the sound playback device is installed in the dead zone of the kitchen unit, the user can still control the volume and output settings using a wirelessly connected device such as a smartphone or television. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, a kitchen unit can be provided that can ensure sound quality and volume even when a heavy object is placed in the kitchen sink. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a kitchen unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a kitchen unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a kitchen unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0022] [First embodiment] First, a kitchen unit K1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a kitchen unit K1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the right side of Fig. 1 will be referred to as "front" and the opposite direction will be referred to as "rear." Furthermore, the vertically upward direction will be referred to as "top," and the vertically downward direction will be referred to as "bottom."

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the kitchen unit K1 according to this embodiment includes a kitchen sink S, a cabinet C, a faucet 4, a drive unit 5, and a sound reproducing device 6.

[0025] The kitchen sink S has a bottom surface portion 1, a side surface portion 2, and a top surface portion 3.

[0026] The bottom surface 1 has a flat shape that extends in a substantially horizontal direction. Heavy objects such as pots and frying pans can be placed on the bottom surface 1.

[0027] The side surface portion 2 surrounds the bottom surface portion 1. The side surface portion 2 includes a rear side surface portion 2a (one side surface portion) and a front side surface portion 2b (the other side surface portion). The rear side surface portion 2a is located rearward of the center of the kitchen sink S in FIG. 1. The front side surface portion 2b is located forward of the center of the kitchen sink S in FIG. 1.

[0028] The upper surface portion 3 extends rearward from the upper end of the rear side surface portion 2a in a substantially horizontal direction. A water faucet 4 is provided on this upper surface portion 3.

[0029] Cabinet C is connected to kitchen sink S and is located below kitchen sink S. The space within cabinet C below top surface 3 of kitchen sink S and below bottom surface 1 of kitchen sink S contains pipes, wiring, etc., and therefore a storage area cannot be provided, so this space becomes dead zone D when kitchen unit K1 is in use.

[0030] The faucet 4 is an electronic faucet having a controller unit 7. This controller unit 7 is installed in the cabinet C, and is preferably installed in the dead zone D in order to make effective use of the space in the cabinet C.

[0031] The drive unit 5 is provided within the cabinet C and vibrates the kitchen sink S to generate sound. The drive unit 5 is a device that receives sound signals or sound waves and causes physical movement. The drive unit 5 is installed on one of the top surface 3, the rear surface 2a, and the front surface 2b. In the first embodiment, the drive unit 5 is located on the back surface of the rear surface 2a. The back surface of the rear surface 2a is the surface that connects to the cabinet C. With regard to this location, when a center line O in the height direction of the kitchen sink S is drawn, the drive unit 5 is preferably located below the center line O of the rear surface 2a from the perspective of ease of installation. Furthermore, the drive unit 5 is preferably located above the center line O of the rear surface 2a from the perspective of vibrating the rear surface 2a. Furthermore, the drive unit 5 is preferably located near the center line O of the rear surface 2a to strike a balance between ease of installation and vibrating the rear surface 2a.

[0032] The sound reproduction device 6 controls the drive unit 5. This sound reproduction device 6 is installed inside the cabinet C, and is preferably installed in the dead zone D to make effective use of the space in the cabinet C. In FIG. 1, the sound reproduction device 6 is shown installed above the controller unit 7, but the sound reproduction device 6 may be installed at the same height as the controller unit 7 or below the controller unit 7. Examples of the sound reproduction device 6 include an amplifier and a CD player. The sound reproduction device 6 controls the drive unit 5. The sound reproduction device 6 can be operated via an operation panel connected to the sound reproduction device 6 or via a wireless remote control with a wireless communication function. The sound reproduction device 6 can also receive power from the controller unit 7.

[0033] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment, an installation position of the drive unit 5 that is different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Note that a description of the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, the second embodiment can be combined with the first embodiment.

[0034] Next, a kitchen unit K2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the kitchen unit K2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the second embodiment, the drive unit 5 is disposed on the back surface of the top surface 3 of the kitchen sink S within the cabinet C. Here, the back surface of the top surface 3 is the surface that connects to the cabinet C. With regard to this arrangement, it is preferable that the drive unit 5 be disposed at a position on the top surface 3 that is a predetermined distance away from the faucet 4, from the viewpoint of vibrating the top surface 3.

[0036] [Third embodiment] Next, a kitchen unit K3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a kitchen unit K3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] In the third embodiment, an installation position of the drive unit 5 that is different from that of the first and second embodiments will be described. Note that a description of the same points as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted. Also, the third embodiment can be combined with the first and second embodiments.

[0038] In the third embodiment, the drive unit 5 is disposed on the backside of the front side surface portion 2b of the kitchen sink S inside the cabinet C. Here, the backside of the front side surface portion 2b is the surface that connects to the cabinet C. With regard to this arrangement, when a center line O in the height direction of the kitchen sink S is drawn, it is preferable that the drive unit 5 be disposed above the center line O of the front side surface portion 2b from the viewpoint of vibrating the front side surface portion 2b.

[0039] [Action and effect] The kitchen units K1, K2, and K3 according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention comprise a kitchen sink S having a bottom surface portion 1, a side surface portion 2 surrounding the bottom surface portion 1, and a top surface portion 3 extending approximately horizontally from the upper end of the side surface portion 2 and on which a faucet 4 is installed, a cabinet C connected to the kitchen sink S, and a drive unit 5 provided on the cabinet C and vibrating the kitchen sink S to generate sound, and the drive unit 5 is installed on either the top surface portion 3, one side surface portion 2a of the side surface portions 2 connected to the top surface portion, or the other side surface portion 2b opposite the one side surface portion 2a.

[0040] With this configuration, sound quality and volume can be ensured without the vibration of the kitchen sink S being suppressed by a heavy object, compared to when the drive unit 5 is placed on the bottom surface 1. Also, compared to when the drive unit 5 is placed on the bottom surface 1, condensation is less likely to occur on the top surface 3, one side surface 2a, and the other side surface 2b, making the drive unit 5 less susceptible to mold and deterioration due to condensation.

[0041] The kitchen units K1 and K2 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention are installed on either one of the top surface portion 3 and one of the side surface portions 2a.

[0042] According to this configuration, the drive unit 5 is disposed at the rear side of the cabinet C, so the wiring of the drive unit 5 is not noticeable, improving the design.

[0043] The kitchen unit K1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed on one side surface portion 2a.

[0044] According to this configuration, the drive unit 5 can be attached more easily than when the drive unit 5 is attached to the upper surface 3 of the kitchen sink S.

[0045] In the kitchen unit K1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sound reproducing device 6 is installed in the space of the cabinet C below the upper surface portion 3.

[0046] The space of the cabinet C below the top surface portion 3 becomes a dead zone D and cannot be used for storage. With this configuration, the dead zone D of the kitchen unit K1 can be effectively utilized, and the wiring of the sound playback device 6 becomes less of a concern, improving the design.

[0047] In the kitchen unit K1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the faucet 4 is an electronic faucet having a controller unit 7, and the sound reproducing device 6 receives power supply from the controller unit 7.

[0048] According to this configuration, a power supply unit is not required from the sound reproducing device 6, which reduces costs, and since there is no need for outlet installation work, construction costs for the user can also be reduced.

[0049] In the kitchen unit K1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sound reproducing device 6 has a wireless communication function.

[0050] With this configuration, even if the sound playback device 6 is installed in the dead zone D of the kitchen unit K1, the user can control the volume and output settings using a wirelessly connected device such as a smartphone or television.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0052] For example, in the first embodiment, the faucet 4 is an electronic faucet having a controller unit 7, but the faucet may not have a controller unit 7.

[0053] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a case has been described in which one faucet 4 is installed on the upper surface portion 3, but multiple faucets 4 may be installed on the upper surface portion 3 as outlets for purified water and raw water.

[0054] In the first embodiment, only the kitchen sink S is installed in the cabinet C, but the cabinet C may also be equipped with a stove or a dishwasher, and a storage section may be provided below the bottom surface 1 of the kitchen sink S within the cabinet C. The storage section may be divided by a partition board to form a storage shelf, or a drawer may be installed.

[0055] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the kitchen unit K1 is provided with the sound reproducing device 6. However, if the kitchen unit K1 has a wireless communication function, the sound reproducing device 6 may be located outside the kitchen unit K1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] K1, K2, K3: Kitchen unit S: Kitchen sink C: Cabinet 1: Bottom part 2: Side part 2a: Rear side part (one side part) 2b: Front side part (other side part) 3:Top part 4: Faucet 5: Drive unit 6: Sound playback equipment 7: Controller unit

Claims

1. a kitchen sink having a bottom surface, a side surface surrounding the bottom surface, and an upper surface extending substantially horizontally from an upper end of the side surface and having a faucet installed thereon; a cabinet connected to the kitchen sink; a drive unit provided in the cabinet that vibrates the kitchen sink to generate sound; Equipped with the drive unit is installed on one of the top surface portion, one of the side surface portions connected to the top surface portion, and another of the side surface portions facing the one side surface portion; Kitchen unit.

2. The drive unit is installed on one of the top surface portion and the one side surface portion.

2. The kitchen unit according to claim 1.

3. The drive unit is installed on the one side surface portion.

2. The kitchen unit according to claim 1.

4. Further, a sound reproduction device that controls the drive unit is provided. the sound reproduction device is located in a space in the cabinet below the top surface; A kitchen unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The faucet is an electronic faucet having a controller unit, The sound reproduction device receives power from the controller unit.

5. A kitchen unit according to claim 4.

6. The sound reproduction device has a wireless communication function.

5. A kitchen unit according to claim 4.

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