Booth furniture

Abstract

To provide novel booth furniture capable of suppressing sound leakage to the surroundings.SOLUTION: Booth furniture 1 of the present invention includes multiple panel members 10, 11, 12, each having a structure in which block portions are formed on the surface of a sound-absorbing material covered with a covering material. Each block portion is defined by two pairs of grooves extending substantially in parallel to each other so as to form a ridge, and the multiple block portions are arranged vertically and horizontally. These panel members are connected in multiple U-shapes to form an internal space having at least one open side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to booth furniture and booth units that can be used in offices, public facilities, etc., suitable for personal office work or tasks. [Background technology]

[0002] In offices, public facilities, etc., booths that include left and right side panels and a back panel that connects one end of these side panels are known as spaces for individual work or tasks (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Inside the booth, a top panel is arranged along the left and right side panels and the back panel, creating a space where users seated facing the top panel can concentrate on their work or tasks without being distracted by their surroundings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4804939 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, online meetings are often held using personal computers in booths. In these cases, users seated in the booth make various statements while looking at the screen of a personal computer placed on the top panel. The booth described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the left and right side panels and back panel are simply made of plate-like members, which causes the sound of what users say to leak to the surrounding area. This problem also occurs when multiple users hold a meeting in a relatively large booth.

[0005] The present invention has been made with an eye on these issues, and aims to realize new booth furniture and booth units that make it possible to suppress sound leakage to the surrounding area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

[0007] In other words, the booth furniture of the present invention has a surface of sound-absorbing material covered with upholstery, on which are formed block sections that form convex strips surrounded by two sets of grooves that run approximately parallel to one another, and multiple panel materials having a structure arranged vertically and horizontally are connected in a U-shape to form an internal space with at least one side open.

[0008] In this way, the interior space of the booth is surrounded by a panel material having a structure in which multiple blocks with convex sound-absorbing material arranged on either side of grooves are arranged, and sound generated in the interior space of the booth is easily absorbed by the panel material. This prevents sound, such as what a user says in the interior space of the booth, from leaking to the surroundings, resulting in booth furniture with high sound absorption properties.

[0009] In the booth furniture of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of panel materials include a pair of side panels and a back panel connecting the back ends of the pair of side panels, and that an upper panel is provided above the internal space, extending from near the upper end of the panel material toward the internal space and with the block portion arranged on its underside.

[0010] In this way, the upper panel is located above the booth interior, which reduces the open area above the booth interior, thereby reducing the area through which sound leaks, effectively suppressing sound leakage from the booth interior to the surrounding area.

[0011] For example, in booth furniture where two chairs are arranged along the inner surfaces of a pair of opposing side panels, if a top panel is attached above each of the pair of side panels, the top panel at the top of one of the side panels will be positioned opposite the chair positioned below the other opposing side panel, effectively absorbing the voices of the person sitting in the opposing chair. The same relationship is also true for the top panel at the top of the other side panel and the chair below one of the side panels, resulting in two sets of opposing top panels and chairs being housed in the booth interior space. This provides a sound-absorbing effect that effectively reduces the upward leakage of voices from people seated and talking inside the booth.

[0012] Additionally, in booth furniture where a tabletop is placed along the inside surface of the back panel, if the top panel is attached to the top of the back panel, the top panel on the top of the back panel will be positioned above the tabletop, effectively absorbing the voices of people sitting in chairs in front of the table that are reflected upward by the tabletop. This provides a sound-absorbing effect that effectively reduces the upward leakage of voices of people talking during web conferences, etc. while seated in the booth.

[0013] In the booth furniture of the present invention, it is preferable that the upper panel is inclined so that it is positioned upward as it moves away from the vicinity of the upper end of the panel material.

[0014] In this way, the upper panel is arranged so as to be inclined above the booth interior space, making it easier for lighting light to enter the booth interior space from above the booth furniture, for example.

[0015] In the booth furniture of the present invention, it is preferable that the multiple panel materials include a pair of side panels and a back panel connecting the back ends of the pair of side panels, and that a front panel having the same panel structure as the panel materials is provided connected to or adjacent to the front ends of the pair of side panels and facing the back panel.

[0016] In this way, the front panel is located at the front of the booth interior space, so the open area at the front of the booth interior space can be reduced, thereby reducing the area from which sound leaks and effectively suppressing sound leakage from the booth interior space to the surrounding area.

[0017] In the booth furniture of the present invention, it is preferable that the sound-absorbing material is made of a soft, elastically deformable material and is arranged along the surface of a core material that can maintain its shape by itself.

[0018] In this way, the sound absorbing material is made of a soft, elastically deformable material, so that contact with the sound absorbing material does not cause pain.

[0019] In the booth furniture of the present invention, it is preferable that the end of the block portion is arranged along the end of the core material, the upholstery covering the surface of the block portion extends outward beyond the end of the core material, and the end of the upholstery is wrapped within an outer groove formed on the end surface of the core material.

[0020] In this way, multiple block sections can be arranged so that the ends of the block sections having convex sound-absorbing material arranged on either side of the grooves approximately coincide with the ends of the panel material, and the ends of the upholstery material can be fixed to the end faces of the core material.

[0021] In the booth furniture of the present invention, the core material is preferably a paper honeycomb core.

[0022] In this way, the core material also has a sound absorbing effect, so booth furniture with a higher sound absorbing effect can be obtained.

[0023] In the booth furniture of the present invention, it is preferable that the block portion is arranged on only one side of the panel material, and that the side on which the block portion is arranged becomes the inner surface of the booth space.

[0024] In this way, the block portion having the convex sound-absorbing material is positioned facing the space inside the booth, so that sound generated in the space inside the booth is reliably absorbed by the panel material.

[0025] The booth unit of the present invention is constructed by connecting any of the above-mentioned booth furniture pieces vertically or horizontally.

[0026] In this way, a booth unit can be obtained that is made up of a plurality of booth furniture pieces arranged in series, each of which has a high sound absorption effect.

[0027] In the booth unit of the present invention, it is preferable that in two adjacent booth furniture pieces, the panel material on both sides of which the block portions are arranged is shared between the two booth furniture pieces whose interior spaces are adjacent to each other.

[0028] In this way, the number of panel material parts can be reduced in a booth unit formed by arranging a plurality of booth furniture pieces in series.

[0029] In the booth unit of the present invention, it is preferable that in two adjacent booth furniture pieces, the block portion is connected by butting together the front end portions of the side panels arranged on one side facing the interior space of each piece of booth furniture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, booth furniture with a high sound absorbing effect and a booth unit formed by connecting booth furniture pieces together can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of booth furniture 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the booth furniture 1 of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the booth furniture 1 of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a1-a1 in FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the booth furniture 1 of FIG. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a method for connecting the side panel 10 and the rear panel 12. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for attaching an upper panel 31 to a side panel 10. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the rear panel 12, and FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line a2-a2 in FIG. 8(a). [Figure 9] 9(a) is a front view of the rear panel 12, FIG. 9(b) is a top view of the rear panel 12, and FIG. 9(c) is a side view of the rear panel 12. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a procedure for providing a surface layer material 63 so as to cover an MDF 61 provided on a core material 60. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of booth furniture 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the booth furniture 101 of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of booth furniture 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 14(a) is a perspective view of the sound-absorbing panel 80 as seen from below, FIG. 14(b) is a bottom view of the sound-absorbing panel 80, and FIG. 14(c) is a side view of the sound-absorbing panel 80. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a booth unit 301 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16(a) is a perspective view of multiple sound-absorbing panels 380 viewed from below, Figure 16(b) is a perspective view of multiple sound-absorbing panels 380 viewed from below, and Figure 16(c) is a side view of multiple sound-absorbing panels 380. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a booth unit 401 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a booth unit 402 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a booth unit 403 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a booth unit 404 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of booth furniture 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a front view of the booth furniture 1 of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a plan view of the first booth, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the booth furniture 1 of Fig. 1. Note that the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4 omits illustration of two chairs 2. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the booth furniture 1, showing only the main components.

[0034] The booth furniture 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 includes a pair of side panels 10, 11 arranged opposite each other, and a back panel 12 connected between end portions (rear end portions) 10a, 11a of the side panels 10, 11. The entire piece is U-shaped in plan view, making it self-standing and forming an interior booth space S1 that serves as a living space. Two chairs 2 are arranged inside the booth furniture 1. The two chairs 2 are arranged along the inner surfaces of the side panels 10, 11, respectively.

[0035] The side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12 are each made of panel material of approximately the same shape, forming a horizontally elongated rectangle with a relatively large width. Front panels 13a, 13b are connected to the other ends (front end portions) 10b, 11b of the side panels 10, 11. The front panels 13a, 13b are each made of panel material of approximately the same shape, forming a vertically elongated rectangle with a relatively small width.

[0036] The front panels 13a and 13b are arranged opposite the rear panel 12, and their width is smaller than that of the rear panel 12. Therefore, the space between the front panels 13a and 13b is an opening OP for users to enter and exit the booth space S1. The side panels 10 and 11, the rear panel 12, and the front panels 13a and 13b are set to have the same height.

[0037] 5 and 6, cutouts 10c, 11c, and 12c are formed in the upper ends of both horizontal ends of the side panels 10 and 11 and the back panel 12. Similarly, cutouts 13c, 13c are formed in the upper ends of one horizontal end of the front panels 13a and 13b (the side connected to the side panels 10 and 11).

[0038] The upper ends of the butt corners of the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12, the upper ends of the butt corners of the front panel 13a and the side panel 11, and the upper ends of the butt corners of the front panel 13b and the side panel 11 are each connected by fastening bolts 14a using L-shaped connectors 14 in a plan view as a simple connecting means.

[0039] For example, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the upper ends of the butt corners of the side panel 10 and the back panel 12 are connected by fastening bolts 14a with connectors 14 that are L-shaped in plan view placed in cutouts 10c of the side panel 10 and cutouts 12c of the back panel 12. Then, as shown in Fig. 6(b), lids 15 are placed in cutouts 10c of the side panel 10 and cutouts 12c of the back panel 12 to close them.

[0040] Although detailed explanations are omitted, the lower ends of the butt corners of the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12, the lower ends of the butt corners of the front panel 13a and the side panel 11, and the lower ends of the butt corners of the front panel 13b and the side panel 11 are also connected by fastening with bolts L-shaped connectors (not shown) in a plan view as a simple connecting means.

[0041] On the sides of the booth furniture 1, covers 16 extending in the vertical direction are attached to the butt corners of the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12, the butt corners of the front panel 13a and the side panel 11, and the butt corners of the front panel 13b and the side panel 11.

[0042] Adjusters 3 for adjusting the ground height are attached as grounding members at three equally spaced locations on the lower ends of the side panels 10 and 11, four locations in the center of the back panel, and one location at the end of the opening OP side of the front panels 13a and 13b.

[0043] In the booth furniture 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an upper panel 31 is provided above the booth interior space S1, extending from near the upper ends of the side panels 10, 11 toward the inside of the booth interior space S1. The upper panel 31 is inclined so as to be positioned upward as it moves away from near the upper ends of the side panels 10, 11. The upper end of the upper panel 31 is positioned at approximately the same height as the upper ends of the side panels 10, 11. Furthermore, the lower end of the upper panel 31 contacts the inner surfaces of the side panels 10, 11 below the upper ends of the side panels 10, 11. Furthermore, as will be described later, a block portion 51 surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending approximately parallel to each other is formed on the inner surface of the back panel 12, and the base portion of the upper panel 31 is positioned to correspond to the grooves 50 extending horizontally on the inner surfaces of the side panels 10, 11.

[0044] Additionally, the top panel 31 is attached to the top of the side panels 10, 11, above two chairs 2 arranged along the inner surfaces of the side panels 10, 11 in the booth interior space S1. The top panel 31 at the top of the side panel 10 is positioned opposite the chair 2 arranged at the bottom of the opposing side panel 11, thereby effectively absorbing the voices of the person sitting in the opposing chair. The top panel 31 at the top of the side panel 11 and the chair 2 at the bottom of the side panel 10 are in the same relationship, and as a result, the booth interior space S1 accommodates two sets of top panels 31 and chairs 2 arranged opposite each other. This provides a sound-absorbing effect that effectively reduces the upward leakage of voices of people talking while seated in the booth.

[0045] 7(a), brackets 32 are provided near the upper ends of the front and rear ends of the side panel 10 to attach the top panel 31. The brackets 32 are fastened with bolts 33 to outer peripheral grooves 60a formed in the front and rear ends of the side panel 10, respectively.

[0046] 7(b), both ends of the top panel 31 are held on brackets 32, so that the top panel 31 is held near the upper end of the side panel 10. The top panel 31 held near the upper end of the side panel 11 is also attached in the same manner.

[0047] The following describes the structures of the side panels 10, 11, rear panel 12, front panels 13a, 13b, and top panel 31. In this embodiment, the structure of the rear panel 12 shown in Fig. 8 will be described in detail, but the structures of the side panels 10, 11, front panels 13a, 13b, and top panel 31 are also similar.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8(a), the inner surface of the rear panel 12 (the surface facing the booth interior space S1) is a panel material having a panel structure in which a plurality of block portions 51 surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending approximately parallel to each other are arranged vertically and horizontally via the grooves 50. The block portions 51 have a rectangular shape and are arranged over the entire inner surface of the rear panel 12.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(b), the back panel 12 has a lightweight core material 60 such as paper honeycomb, MDF 61 (Medium Density Fiberboard) provided on one side of the core material 60, MDF 62 provided on the other side of the core material 60, a surface material 63 provided to cover the MDF 61, and an upholstery material (upholstery) 64 provided to cover the MDF 62.

[0050] The core material 60 is a member disposed inside the back panel 12. As described above, the back panel 12 has cutouts 12c formed at both ends of its upper surface, and these cutouts 12c are formed at both ends of the upper end surface of the core material 60. As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the cutouts 12c have bolt holes 60c formed therein for fastening the connector 14 with bolts 14a.

[0051] A linear circumferential groove 60a is formed on the upper end surface of the core material 60 and is located between two cutout portions 12c. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the peripheral groove 60a is formed in the center of the thickness direction of the core material 60. Similarly, two cutout portions 12c are formed on both ends of the lower end surface of the core material 60, and a peripheral groove 60a is formed between the two cutout portions 12c. Similarly, linear circumferential grooves 60a are formed on the left and right end surfaces of the core material 60 and are located in the center of the thickness direction of the core material 60, as shown in FIG. 9(c).

[0052] 8(b), the surface material 63 is composed of three layers: nonwoven fabric 52 placed on MDF 61, sound-absorbing material (urethane) 53 forming convex stripes, and tension material 54 covering the surface of the sound-absorbing material 53. Therefore, the block portion 51 is composed of the nonwoven fabric 52, sound-absorbing material 53, and tension material 54 in the area surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending approximately parallel to each other.

[0053] In this way, the block portion 51 is arranged on only one side of the rear panel 12, and the side on which the block portion 51 is arranged becomes the inner surface of the booth interior space S1. Note that the block portion 51 is also arranged on only one side of the side panels 10, 11 and the front panels 13a, 13b. The block portion 51 is arranged on both sides of the top panel 31.

[0054] 1, the side panels 10, 11, back panel 12 and front panels 13a, 13b are provided with convex sound absorbing materials 53 in the portions facing the booth interior space S1 of the booth furniture 1, and are not provided with convex sound absorbing materials 53 in the portions not facing the booth interior space S1. Note that the top panel 31 is provided with convex sound absorbing materials 53 in the portions facing the booth interior space S1 of the booth furniture 1 and in the portions not facing the booth interior space S1.

[0055] The procedure for providing the surface layer material 63 having the above-described three-layer structure so as to cover the MDF 61 provided on the core material 60 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0056] The surface layer material 63 has a three-layer structure of nonwoven fabric 52, sound-absorbing material 53, and upholstery material 54, and is formed to be longer than the length of the core material 60. Therefore, the surface layer material 63 is cut according to the length of the core material 60, such as the back panel 12, before use.

[0057] First, the surface material 63 is brought close to the MDF 61 provided on the core material 60, and it is confirmed that the groove 50A at the end of the block portion 51 is aligned along the end 60A of the core material 60, as shown in Figure 10(a).

[0058] 10(b), the nonwoven fabric 52 and the sound-absorbing material 53 are cut along the groove 50A at the end of the block portion 51. At this time, the stretching material 54 is not cut along the groove 50A at the end of the block portion 51. As a result, the stretching material 54 covering the surface of the block portion 51 extends outward beyond the end 60A of the core material 60. As will be described later, the stretching material 54 is cut to a length that allows its end to be pushed into the peripheral groove 60a formed in the end face of the core material 60.

[0059] The surface layer material 63, which is made by cutting the nonwoven fabric 52 and sound-absorbing material 53 according to the length of the core material 60, is placed on the surface of the MDF 61 provided on the core material 60 so that the groove 50A at the end of the block portion 51 is aligned with the end 60A of the core material 60. In this state, as shown in Figure 10(c), the end of the upholstery material 54 is pressed into the peripheral groove 60a formed on the end face of the core material 60. This causes the surface layer material 63 to be attached tightly to the surface of the MDF 61 provided on the core material 60.

[0060] The same procedure is followed for providing the upholstery material 64 to cover the MDF 62 provided on the core material 60 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the surface layer material 63 of the core material 60 is provided. That is, the upholstery material 64 is cut to the length of the core material 60, and the upholstery material 64 is placed on the surface of the MDF 62 provided on the core material 60. In this state, the end of the upholstery material 64 is pressed into the peripheral groove 60a formed on the end face of the core material 60. This causes the upholstery material 64 to be attached tightly to the surface of the MDF 62 provided on the core material 60.

[0061] As described above, the booth furniture 1 of this embodiment has a surface of sound-absorbing material 53 covered with upholstery material 54, on which a block portion 51 is formed, which is surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending approximately parallel to one another, forming a convex strip, and the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12, which have a structure in which multiple panels are arranged vertically and horizontally, are connected in a U-shape to form an internal space S1 which is open on one side.

[0062] In this way, the booth interior space S1 is surrounded by the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12, which have a panel structure in which a plurality of block sections 51 are arranged, each having a protruding sound-absorbing material 53 arranged on either side of a groove 50, and sound generated in the booth interior space S1 is easily absorbed by the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12. This prevents sound, such as what a user says in the booth interior space S1, from leaking to the surroundings, thereby providing booth furniture 1 with a high sound-absorbing effect.

[0063] The booth furniture 1 of this embodiment includes side panels 10, 11 connected in a U-shape and a back panel 12 connecting the back ends of the side panels 10, 11, and above the booth interior space S1 is provided an upper panel 31 which extends from near the upper ends of the side panels 10, 11 toward the booth interior space S1 and has a block portion 51 arranged on its underside.

[0064] In this way, the upper panel 31 is provided above the booth interior space S1, so the area open above the booth interior space S1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the area from which sound leaks, and effectively suppressing sound leakage from the booth interior space S to the surroundings.

[0065] In the booth furniture 1 of this embodiment, the upper panel 31 is provided so as to be inclined upward from the vicinity of the upper end of the side panels 10, 11 as it moves away from the side panels 10, 11.

[0066] In this way, the upper panel 31 is provided so as to be inclined above the booth interior space S1, so that, for example, lighting light can easily enter the booth interior space S1 from above the booth furniture 1.

[0067] The booth furniture 1 of this embodiment includes side panels 10, 11 connected in a U-shape and a back panel 12 connecting the back ends of the side panels 10, 11, and is provided with front panels 13a, 13b connected to the front ends 10b, 11b of the side panels 10, 11 and having the same panel structure as the side panels 10, 11 facing the back panel 12.

[0068] In this way, the front panels 13a and 13b are provided in front of the booth interior space S1, so that the open area in front of the booth interior space S1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the area from which sound leaks and effectively suppressing sound leakage from the booth interior space S1 to the surroundings.

[0069] In the booth furniture 1 of this embodiment, the sound absorbing material 53 is made of a soft, elastically deformable material and is arranged along the surface of the core material 60 that can maintain its shape by itself.

[0070] In this way, the sound absorbing material 53 is made of a soft and elastically deformable material, so that even if the sound absorbing material 53 comes into contact with the sound absorbing material 53, it does not hurt.

[0071] In the booth furniture 1 of this embodiment, the end of the block portion 51 is arranged along the end of the core material 60, the upholstery material 54 covering the surface of the block portion 51 extends outward beyond the end of the core material 60, and the end of the upholstery material 54 is wrapped up within the outer peripheral groove 60a formed on the end face of the core material 60.

[0072] In this way, multiple block sections 51 can be arranged so that the ends of the block sections 51, each having a convex sound-absorbing material 53 arranged on either side of the groove 50, approximately coincide with the ends of the side panels 10, 11, for example, and the ends of the upholstery material 54 can be fixed to the end faces of the core material 60.

[0073] In the booth furniture 1 of this embodiment, the core material 60 is a paper honeycomb core.

[0074] In this way, the core material 60 also has a sound absorbing effect, so that booth furniture 1 with a higher sound absorbing effect can be obtained.

[0075] In the booth furniture 1 of this embodiment, the block portion 51 is arranged on only one side of the side panels 10, 11, the back panel 12, the front panels 13a, 13b and the top panel 31, and the surface on which the block portion 51 is arranged becomes the inner surface of the booth interior space S1.

[0076] In this way, the block portion 51 having the convex sound-absorbing material 53 is positioned facing the booth interior space S1, so that sound generated in the booth interior space S1 is reliably absorbed by the side panels 10, 11, rear panel 12, front panels 13a, 13b and top panel 31.

[0077] (Second embodiment) The booth furniture 101 of this embodiment differs from the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment mainly in that, in the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment, two upper panels 31 are provided near the upper ends of the side panels 10, 11, whereas in the booth furniture 101 of this embodiment, one upper panel 131 is provided near the upper end of the back panel 12. Detailed description of parts of the configuration of the booth furniture 101 of this embodiment that are similar to the configuration of the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0078] 11 and 12 includes a pair of side panels 110, 111 arranged opposite each other, and a rear panel 112 connected between end portions (rear end portions) 110a, 111a of these side panels 110, 111. The entirety is U-shaped in plan view, making it self-standing and forming an interior booth space S101 that serves as a living space. A table 102 is arranged inside the booth furniture 101. A top plate 102a of the table 102 is rectangular and is arranged along the inner surfaces of the side panels 110, 111 and the inner surface of the rear panel 112.

[0079] The widths of the side panels 110, 111 and the rear panel 112 are smaller than the widths of the side panels 10, 11 and the rear panel 12 of the first embodiment. The structures of the side panels 110, 111 and the rear panel 112 are substantially the same as the structures of the side panels 10, 11 and the rear panel 12 of the first embodiment.

[0080] In the booth furniture 101, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, an upper panel 131 is provided above the booth interior space S101, extending from near the upper end of the rear panel 112 toward the inside of the booth interior space S101. The upper panel 131 is inclined so that it is positioned upward as it moves away from the rear panel 112. The upper end of the upper panel 131 is positioned at approximately the same height as the upper end of the rear panel 112. In addition, the lower end of the upper panel 131 is in contact with the inner surface of the rear panel 112 below the upper end of the rear panel 112.

[0081] In the booth furniture 101, an upper panel 131 is disposed near the upper end of the rear panel 112, as shown in Fig. 11. To attach the upper panel 131, brackets (not shown) are provided near the upper ends of the left and right ends of the rear panel 112, as in the first embodiment. Both ends of the upper panel 131 are held on the brackets, so that the upper panel 131 is held near the upper end of the rear panel 112.

[0082] The top panel 131 is attached to the top of the back panel 112, which is above the top plate 102a of the table 102 arranged along the inner surface of the back panel 112 of the booth space S110. By being positioned above the top plate 102a, the top panel 131 on the top of the back panel 112 effectively absorbs the voice of the person sitting in the chair in front of the table 102 that is reflected upward by the top plate 102a. This provides a sound absorption effect that effectively reduces the voices of people talking in a web conference or the like while seated in the booth from leaking upward.

[0083] As described above, the booth furniture 101 of this embodiment provides the same effects as the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment.

[0084] (Third embodiment) The booth furniture 201 of this embodiment differs from the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment mainly in that the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment is provided with two upper panels 31, whereas the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment is not provided with an upper panel. Detailed description of parts of the configuration of the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment that are similar to the configuration of the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0085] The booth furniture 201 shown in Fig. 13 includes a pair of side panels 10, 11 arranged opposite each other and a rear panel 12 connected between end portions (rear end portions) 10a, 11a of the side panels 10, 11, and is U-shaped in plan view, making it self-standing and forming an interior booth space S1 that serves as a living space. A table 202 having a top panel 202a is arranged inside the booth furniture 201. The table 202 is arranged approximately in the center of the interior booth space S1.

[0086] In the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, two sets of sound-absorbing panels 80A are arranged above the booth interior space S1. Both sets of sound-absorbing panels 80A have substantially the same configuration. Each set of sound-absorbing panels 80A includes three sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c. The sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c are each suspended from the ceiling via a suspension member 82. The sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c all have the same configuration and are flat, plate-like members that are substantially circular in plan view. In the following description, each of the sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c may be simply referred to as the sound-absorbing panel 80.

[0087] The sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c are each suspended from the ceiling via a suspension member 81 so as to be positioned above the booth interior space S1. The sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c are positioned at different horizontal positions in a plan view. That is, the three sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c are positioned so as not to overlap each other in a plan view. The three sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c are also positioned at different heights. That is, the sound-absorbing panel 80a is positioned at the lowest height, followed by the sound-absorbing panels 80b and 80c at higher heights.

[0088] The structure of the sound-absorbing panel 80 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] The sound-absorbing panel 80 is formed in a substantially circular, flat plate shape. The sound-absorbing panel 80 is configured in the same manner as the above-mentioned back panel 12. That is, the lower surface of the sound-absorbing panel 80 (the surface facing the booth interior space S1) is a panel material having a panel structure in which a plurality of block portions 51, each surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending substantially parallel to one another, are arranged vertically and horizontally with the grooves 50 interposed therebetween. The block portions 51 are rectangular and are arranged over the entire lower surface of the sound-absorbing panel 80.

[0090] Specifically, similar to the back panel 12 described above, the sound-absorbing panel 80 has a lightweight core material 60 such as paper honeycomb, MDF 61 (Medium Density Fiberboard) provided on one side of the core material 60, MDF 62 provided on the other side of the core material 60, a surface material 63 provided to cover the MDF 61, and an upholstery material (upholstery) 64 provided to cover the MDF 62.

[0091] The surface material 63 is composed of three layers: nonwoven fabric 52 placed on MDF 61, sound-absorbing material (urethane) 53 forming convex stripes, and tension material 54 covering the surface of the sound-absorbing material 53. Therefore, the block portion 51 is composed of the nonwoven fabric 52, sound-absorbing material 53, and tension material 54 in the area surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending approximately parallel to each other.

[0092] As described above, in the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment, a plurality of sound-absorbing panels 80 are arranged above the top plate 202a of the table 202 installed in the booth interior space S1. Therefore, the voices of the occupants seated around the table 202 in the booth furniture 201 are reflected upward by the top plate 202a and are effectively absorbed by the sound-absorbing panels 80.

[0093] As described above, the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment provides the same effects as the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment.

[0094] (Fourth embodiment) The booth furniture 301 of this embodiment differs mainly from the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment in that the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment is provided with two top panels 31 and front panels 13a, 13b, whereas the booth furniture 301 of this embodiment is not provided with a top panel or a front panel. Detailed description of parts of the configuration of the booth furniture 301 of this embodiment that are similar to the configuration of the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0095] 15 includes a pair of side panels 10, 11 arranged opposite each other and a rear panel 12 connected between end portions (rear end portions) 10a, 11a of the side panels 10, 11, and is U-shaped in plan view, making it self-standing and forming an interior booth space S1 that serves as a living space. A table 302 having a top panel 302a is arranged inside the booth furniture 301. The table 302 is arranged in approximately the center of the interior booth space S1.

[0096] Two mounting members 81a and 81b are arranged approximately in parallel between the vicinity of the center of the upper end of the side panel 10 and the vicinity of the center of the upper end of the side panel 11. The mounting member 81a is arranged on the front side, and the mounting member 81b is arranged on the rear side of the booth furniture 1 relative to the mounting member 81a.

[0097] In the booth furniture 301 of this embodiment, four sound-absorbing panels 380a and four sound-absorbing panels 380b are arranged above the booth interior space S1. The four sound-absorbing panels 380a and the four sound-absorbing panels 380b are all arranged at approximately the same height. As shown in FIG. 16 , the sound-absorbing panels 380a and 380b each have a hole 380c formed in the front end and a hole 380c formed in the rear end. Therefore, the sound-absorbing panels 380a and 380b are supported by inserting the attachment member 81a into the hole 380c at the front end and the attachment member 81b into the hole 380c at the rear end.

[0098] The sound-absorbing panels 380a, 380b are both elongated flat members having a predetermined length. The sound-absorbing panels 380a and 380b are arranged alternately and approximately parallel to each other in a direction from the side panel 10 toward the side panel 11. When the booth furniture 301 is viewed from the front, the sound-absorbing panel 380a is inclined so that its right end is positioned higher than its left end, and the sound-absorbing panel 380b is inclined so that its left end is positioned higher than its right end.

[0099] As described above, in the booth furniture 301 of this embodiment, the sound-absorbing panels 380a, 380b are supported with a gap between them on the mounting members 81a, 81b that are bridged across the upper ends of the opposing side panels 10, 11. As a result, the sound-absorbing panels 380a, 380b are disposed with a gap between them above the top plate 302a of the table 302 installed in the booth interior space S1. Therefore, the voices of the occupants seated around the table 302 in the booth furniture 301 that are reflected upward by the top plate 302a are effectively absorbed by the sound-absorbing panels 380a, 380b.

[0100] As described above, the booth furniture 301 of this embodiment provides the same effects as the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment.

[0101] (Fifth embodiment) The booth furniture 1, 101, 201, 301 of the first to third embodiments can be used alone or can be arranged adjacent to each other for use.

[0102] As a fifth embodiment, a booth unit having booth furniture according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0103] The booth unit 401 shown in Fig. 17 is configured by arranging two booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment side by side. Specifically, the right side panel 11 of the booth furniture 1a and the left side panel 10 of the booth furniture 1b are arranged so as to overlap each other.

[0104] The booth unit 402 shown in Fig. 18 is configured by vertically connecting two booth furniture 101 of the second embodiment. Specifically, the booth furniture 101a and the booth furniture 101b are arranged so that the leading end of the right side panel 111 is connected to the leading end of the right side panel 111. In this way, in two adjacent booth furniture 101, the block portion 51 connects the front side ends of the side panels 111 arranged on one side facing the interior space of each of the booth furniture 101 by butting them together.

[0105] 19 is configured by arranging two booth furniture 101 of the second embodiment side by side. Specifically, the right side panel 110 of the booth furniture 101a and the back panel 112 of the booth furniture 101b are arranged so as to overlap each other.

[0106] The booth unit 404 shown in Fig. 20 is configured by vertically arranging two booth furniture 101 of the second embodiment in a row and horizontally arranging two of these booth furniture 101 in a row. Specifically, the back panel 112 of the booth furniture 101a and the back panel 112 of the booth furniture 101b are arranged so as to overlap, and furthermore, the two booth furniture 101a and the booth furniture 101b are arranged horizontally, thereby configuring four booth furniture 101 in a row.

[0107] The booth units 401 to 404 of this embodiment are configured by vertically or horizontally arranging the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment or the booth furniture 101 of the second embodiment in series.

[0108] In this way, a booth unit can be obtained that is made up of a plurality of booth furniture pieces arranged in series, each of which has a high sound absorption effect.

[0109] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0110] In the first embodiment, the top panel 31 is provided, extending from near the upper ends of the side panels 10, 11 toward the inside of the booth interior space S1 and having the same panel structure as the side panels 10, 11, but is not limited to this. For example, the top panel 31 may be provided near the upper ends of the side panels 10, 11 and near the upper end of the back panel 12. The top panel 31 may also be provided near the upper ends of the front panels 13a, 13b. In other words, the top panel may be provided near the upper end of at least one of the multiple panel materials of the booth furniture 1. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0111] In the first embodiment, the top panel 31 is provided so as to be inclined upward from near the top ends of the side panels 10, 11 as it moves away from the side panels 10, 11, but this is not limiting. For example, the top panel 31 may be provided along the horizontal direction from near the top ends of the side panels 10, 11. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the front panels 13a, 13b facing the back panel 12 are provided, but this is not limiting. The front panels 13a, 13b do not have to be provided. Also, only one of the front panels 13a, 13b facing the back panel 12 may be provided. The booth furniture 1 of the present invention only needs to include at least the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12 connecting the back end portions of the side panels 10, 11. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the sound absorbing material 53 is made of a soft, elastically deformable material, but this is not limiting. For example, the sound absorbing material 53 may be made of a hard, non-elastically deformable material. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0114] In the first embodiment, the surface layer material 63 including the sound absorbing material 53 is fixed to the core material 60 by wrapping the end of the upholstery material 54 in the outer peripheral groove 60a formed on the end face of the core material 60, but this is not limitative. Any method can be used to fix the surface layer material 63 including the sound absorbing material 53 to the core material 60. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0115] In the first embodiment, the core material 60 is a paper honeycomb core, but is not limited to this. The material and structure of the core material 60 are arbitrary. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0116] In the first embodiment, MDF 61 is provided on one side of core 60 and MDF 62 is provided on the other side of core 60, but this is not limited to this. MDF may be provided on only one side of core 60. Furthermore, MDF does not have to be provided on both sides of core 60. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0117] In the first embodiment, the block portions 51 having the convex sound-absorbing material 53 on the side panels 10, 11, the back panel 12, and the front panels 13a, 13b are arranged facing the booth interior space S1, but this is not limited to this. The block portions 51 having the convex sound-absorbing material 53 may be arranged facing the outside of the booth interior space S1. Furthermore, the block portions 51 having the convex sound-absorbing material 53 may be arranged facing both the booth interior space S1 and the booth interior space S1. In other words, the convex sound-absorbing material 53 may be provided on both sides of the multiple panel materials of the booth furniture 1. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0118] In the first embodiment, the block portions 51 having the convex sound-absorbing material 53 are provided on both sides of the panel material of the upper panel 31, but this is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the block portions 51 having the convex sound-absorbing material 53 are provided on at least the lower surface of the upper panel 31. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0119] In the first embodiment, the front panels 13a and 13b are connected to the front end portions 10b and 11b of the side panels 10 and 11, respectively. However, this is not limiting. For example, the left end portion of the front panel 13a may be disposed adjacent to the front end portion 10b of the side panel 10, and the right end portion of the front panel 13b may be disposed adjacent to the front end portion 110b of the side panel 11. That is, a gap may be formed between the left end portion of the front panel 13a and the front end portion 10b of the side panel 10, or a gap may be formed between the right end portion of the front panel 13b and the front end portion 110b of the side panel 11. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0120] In the booth unit 401 shown in FIG. 17 of the fifth embodiment, the right side panel 11 of the booth furniture 1a and the left side panel 10 of the booth furniture 1b are arranged so as to overlap, but this is not limited thereto. In the booth unit 301 of the fourth embodiment, the panel material arranged between two adjacent booth furniture 1, i.e., the right side panel 11 of the booth furniture 1a and the left side panel 10 of the booth furniture 1b, may be shared by a single panel material. This can reduce the number of panel material parts in the booth unit 401, which is configured by arranging multiple booth furniture 1 in a row. In this case, it is preferable that the convex sound-absorbing material 53 be provided on both sides of the shared panel material. In other words, it is preferable that the panel material on both sides of the adjacent booth furniture 1a, 1b, in which the block portion 51 is arranged, is shared between the two booth furniture 1a, 1b whose interior spaces are adjacent to each other. The same applies to the other booth units 402 to 404.

[0121] Although the fifth embodiment has been described above as an example of a booth unit, the present invention is not limited to this. The number, arrangement, size, etc. of booth furniture included in the booth unit are arbitrary.

[0122] Other configurations can also be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Booth furniture 10 Side panel (panel material) 11 Side panel (panel material) 12 Rear panel (panel material) 31 Top panel 13a, 13b Front panel 50 grooves 51 Block section 52 Nonwoven fabric 53 Sound-absorbing material 54 Upholstery 60 Core material 60a Peripheral groove 101 Booth Furniture 110 Side panel (panel material) 111 Side panel (panel material) 112 Back panel (panel material) 131 Top panel 201 Booth Furniture 301 Booth Furniture 401, 402, 403, 404 Booth Units S1, S101 Booth space (internal space)

Claims

1. The booth furniture has a surface of a sound absorbing material covered with a stretching material, on which a block section is formed to form a convex strip surrounded by two sets of grooves extending approximately parallel to each other, and a plurality of panel materials having a structure in which a plurality of block sections are arranged lengthwise and widthwise are connected in a U-shape to form an internal space with at least one side open.

2. The plurality of panel materials include a pair of side panels and a back panel connecting back side ends of the pair of side panels, 2. The booth furniture according to claim 1, wherein an upper panel is provided above the interior space, extending from near the upper end of the panel material toward the interior space and having the block portion disposed on its underside.

3. 3. The booth furniture according to claim 2, wherein the upper panel is provided so as to be inclined upward from the vicinity of the upper end of the panel material as it moves away from the panel material.

4. The plurality of panel materials include a pair of side panels and a back panel connecting back side ends of the pair of side panels, Booth furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a front panel having the same panel structure as the panel material is provided connected to or adjacent to the front end portions of the pair of side panels and facing the back panel.

5. Booth furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sound-absorbing material is made of a soft, elastically deformable material and is arranged along the surface of a core material that can maintain its shape.

6. Booth furniture as described in claim 5, wherein the end of the block portion is arranged along the end of the core material, the upholstery covering the surface of the block portion extends outward beyond the end of the core material, and the end of the upholstery is wound into an outer peripheral groove formed on the end surface of the core material.

7. 7. Booth furniture according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the core material is a paper honeycomb core.

8. Booth furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the block portion is arranged on only one side of the panel material, and the side on which the block portion is arranged becomes the inner surface of the booth interior space.

9. A booth unit comprising booth furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 8 arranged vertically or horizontally.

10. The booth unit according to claim 9, wherein the panel material on both sides of which the block portions are arranged is shared between two adjacent booth furniture pieces whose interior spaces are adjacent to each other.

11. The booth unit according to claim 9, wherein the block portion connects the front end portions of the side panels of two adjacent booth furniture pieces that are arranged on one side facing the interior space of each piece of booth furniture piece by butting them together.

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