Booth

Abstract

To ensure sufficient ventilation performance of the interior space of a booth and extraordinarily keep the booth interior space quiet.SOLUTION: A booth that forms an internal space IS in isolation from the external space OS is configured to include a base plate 1 that is raised from the building floor F by casters 111 or adjusters 112 that touch the building floor F and closes the underside of the internal space IS, peripheral walls 3, 4 that surround the periphery of the internal space IS, a ceiling 5 that closes the upper side of the internal space IS, an opening or notch 15 opened on the base plate 1, a ventilation fan 14 that is provided on the side of the base plate 1 and sucks air from the gap between the base plate 1 and the building floor F through the opening or notch 15 and supplies it to the internal space IS, or exhausts air from the internal space IS to the gap between the base plate 1 and the building floor F through the opening or notch 15, and a ventilation opening 34 that opens on the ceiling 5 or the upper part of the peripheral walls 3, 4 facing the internal space IS and communicates with the external space OS.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a booth used for office work, meetings, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Portable booths that can be used by one or a few people are known (see, for example, the following prior art documents). These booths can prevent outside voices and noises from entering the interior space, allowing users to concentrate on their work and contributing to improved efficiency. They can also prevent sounds generated within the interior space from leaking outside.

[0003] The interior space of the booth needs to be properly ventilated, but simply drilling ventilation holes in the surrounding walls or doors of the booth makes them very obvious and also makes it easier for sounds to leak between the inside and outside of the booth.

[0004] Therefore, it is conceivable to adopt a structure such as that shown in Figure 8. Specifically, an exhaust port with an attached ventilation fan X1 is installed on the ceiling side of the booth, and this ventilation fan X1 draws air from inside the booth and exhausts it outside the booth. In addition, an air inlet X2 that communicates with the bottom of the booth is installed inside the booth, and air from outside the booth is supplied into the booth through this air inlet X2. Furthermore, regulations (Building Standards Act, Fire Service Act, etc.) require that smoke must be able to be exhausted in the event of a fire, so a separate smoke exhaust port X3 is installed on the ceiling side.

[0005] The airflow from the air intake X2 toward the exhaust outlet with the attached exhaust fan X1 flows from top to bottom throughout most of the booth's interior space, ventilating the interior space. However, at the same time, as shown by the arrows in Figure 8, air is drawn into the booth through the smoke exhaust X3 on the ceiling, passing through the area near the ceiling of the interior space and flowing toward the exhaust outlet on the same ceiling. If this type of short-circuiting flow becomes more frequent, the flow of air supplied from the air intake X2 on the base panel will decrease accordingly. Therefore, depending on the exhaust fan's discharge flow rate (output), there is a concern that the interior space of the booth may not be sufficiently ventilated.

[0006] Furthermore, while the ventilation fan X1 installed in the ceiling is operating, the operating noise generated by this ventilation fan X1 propagates into the interior space of the booth and may be clearly detected by the user's hearing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 2020-110329 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] "WORKPOD (registered trademark)", KOKUYO General Catalog 2021 Furniture Edition, KOKUYO Co., Ltd., December 2020, pp. 870-871 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] An object of the present invention is to maintain a high level of quietness in the interior space of a booth while ensuring sufficient ventilation performance in the interior space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In the present invention, a booth is configured that forms an internal space isolated from the external space, and that includes a base plate that is raised above the building floor by casters or adjusters that contact the building floor and blocks the underside of the internal space, a peripheral wall that surrounds the internal space, a ceiling that blocks the upper side of the internal space, an opening or cutout in the base plate, a ventilation fan that is provided on the base plate side and draws air through the opening or cutout from the gap between the base plate and the building floor and supplies it to the internal space, or exhausts air from the internal space through the opening or cutout to the gap between the base plate and the building floor, and a ventilation port that opens into the ceiling or the upper part of the peripheral wall facing the internal space and communicates with the external space.

[0011] In particular, it is preferable that no ventilation fan is provided on the ceiling side.

[0012] The booth may also be provided with a seat that is arranged so as to cover from above an area that includes the opening or notch and the ventilation fan in a plan view.

[0013] The apparatus may be configured to include a top plate, and the opening or notch and the ventilation fan do not overlap with the top plate in a plan view.

[0014] If the interior space is provided with a top plate facing a seating area for arranging a seat where a user can sit and installed at a higher position than the seat, it can be used as a simple desk or as a table on which required items can be placed.

[0015] If casters that come into contact with the building floor are attached to the base plate, making the booth movable on the building floor, convenience will be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain a high level of quietness in the interior space of the booth while ensuring sufficient ventilation performance in the interior space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a booth according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view showing a main part on the bottom side of the booth according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view showing a main part on the top plate side of the booth according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a booth according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a booth of a comparative example in comparison with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The booth of this embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 is basically designed to be used by a small number of users, such as one or two, for office work or other tasks.

[0019] This booth has a housing-like exterior, with a base 1, peripheral walls 2, 3, 4, and ceiling 5 surrounding its internal space IS and isolating it from the external space OS. That is, the base 1, which is roughly rectangular in plan view, closes off the underside of the internal space IS, the peripheral walls 2, 3, 4 rising from the outer periphery of the base 1 surround the periphery of the internal space IS, and the ceiling 5, which covers the upper ends of the peripheral walls 2, 3, 4, closes off the upper side of the internal space IS. The internal space IS of the booth is equipped with a top panel 6 that the user can use as a desk or table, and a seat 7 on which the user can sit.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the base plate 1 is composed of a base body 11 made of a metal that is sufficiently reinforced and rigid, a floor plate 12 laid on the base body 11, and a mat 13 placed on the floor plate 12. The downward surface of the base plate 1 (of the base body 11) is provided with casters 111 and adjusters 112 that come into contact with the building floor F. The casters 111 enable the base plate 1, and therefore the booth, to be transported along the building floor F. The adjusters 112, along with the casters 111, are located at the four corners of the base plate 1. Similar to known adjusters, the adjusters 112 extend and retract by screwing the screw shaft back and forth, making it possible to adjust the vertical distance between the downward surface of the base plate 1 and the building floor F. Each adjuster 112 also functions to accommodate unevenness in the building floor F.

[0021] In addition, a fixing device 113, which is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the front of the booth, is fixed to the downward surface of the base plate 1. The fixing device 113 is used to secure the base plate 1 of the booth to the building floor F via anchor bolts or the like (not shown).

[0022] The peripheral walls 2, 3, and 4 of the booth comprise a front wall 2 that closes the front side of the internal space IS, left and right side walls 3 that close the side sides of the internal space IS, and a back wall 4 that closes the back side of the internal space IS. The front wall 2 is a door that can be opened and closed. The face plate of this door 2 is transparent so that the internal space IS of the booth can be seen from the outside. When viewed from the front, the left edge of the door 2 is connected to the left side wall 3 via a hinge 23 and is supported so that it can rotate around a horizontal axis. A lever or knob 21 and a lock 22 are provided on the right side of the door 2, which anchor the right edge of the door 2 to the right side wall 3 and prevent unnecessary opening and closing of the door 2.

[0023] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the side wall 3 is composed of a metal exterior panel 31 that is sufficiently reinforced and rigid and exposed to the exterior space OS; an interior panel 32 that is located inside the exterior panel 31 and faces the exterior panel 31 across a gap, exposed to the interior space IS; and a sound-absorbing material 33 disposed between the exterior panel 31 and the interior panel 32. The exterior panel 31 covers and closes the entire side of the booth. The sound-absorbing material 33 is attached to the inner surface of the exterior panel 31 in a location where the reinforcing material is not welded. The sound-absorbing material 33 is made of a foam material (cushion material) such as slab urethane, and its outer surface facing the exterior space OS is joined to the exterior panel 31, while its inner surface facing the interior space IS of the booth is close to the interior panel 32. The inner surface of the sound-absorbing material 33 is not flat but uneven, creating an air gap between the inner surface and the outer surface of the interior panel 32.

[0024] The interior panel 32 itself also functions as a sound-absorbing panel, and is made, for example, of a wooden board with urethane material attached to the inner surface, and a flame-retardant upholstery that embraces the urethane material is stretched so that it is exposed to the interior space IS of the booth.

[0025] Regarding the sound absorbing performance of the sound absorbing material 33 and the interior panel 32, the higher the density of the urethane material (the lower the foaming ratio), the higher the sound absorbing performance. Also, closed-cell foam has better sound absorbing performance than open-cell foam.

[0026] The back wall 4, like the side walls 3, may be soundproofed with sound absorbing materials and / or sound absorbing panels.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 6, the ceiling 5 is composed of a metal ceiling body 51 that is sufficiently reinforced and rigid, and ceiling panels 52 that are laid below the ceiling body 51. A sprinkler 53 is installed in the center of this ceiling 5. In the unlikely event that a fire is detected, the sprinkler 53 sprays fire-extinguishing water or extinguishing agent into the interior space IS of the booth.

[0028] The top plate 6 installed in the interior space IS of the booth is supported by the side wall 3 on the right side when viewed from the front (the side where the front wall door 2 is not supported by the hinges 23, and where the lever 21 etc. are provided) and extends inward, i.e., to the left. The top plate 6 is located higher than the top surface of the seat 7.

[0029] The seat 7 installed in the interior space IS of the booth, together with the backrest 8, constitutes a sofa on which a user who enters the interior space IS of the booth can sit. The seat 7 protrudes inward, i.e., to the right, from the left side wall 3 when viewed from the front, and the backrest 8 is also provided along the left side wall 3. A user who sits on this sofa will be facing the top board 6, and can use it as a simple desk or as a table on which desired items can be placed.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the seat 7 has a hollow box-like shape, the upper surface of which forms the seat surface 71 on which the user rests. As already mentioned, the seat surface 71 is located lower than the top board 6. As shown in Figure 4, the seat 7 and backrest 8 extend to a size that is approximately equivalent to the internal dimensions of the booth in the depth direction, that is, the internal dimensions of the door 2, which serves as the front wall, and the back wall 4.

[0031] The following describes the mechanism for ventilating the internal space IS of this booth. In this booth, air from the external space OS is taken into the internal space IS from the base 1 side, and the air is circulated from bottom to top in the internal space IS, and then exhausted from the ceiling 5 side.

[0032] The base plate 1 of the booth is elevated above the building floor F via casters 111 and / or adjusters 112 that are in contact with the building floor F. A ventilation fan 14 is installed on the left side of the base body 11 when viewed from the front, in a section that opens to the external space below. This ventilation fan 14 draws air from below and expels it upward. In addition, an opening window or notch 15 that penetrates the floorboard 12 and carpet 13 vertically is opened in a location directly above the ventilation fan 14. The air drawn by the ventilation fan 14 from the external space OS, i.e., the gap between the base plate 1 of the booth and the building floor F, is supplied above the base plate 1, or in other words, the internal space IS of the booth 1, through the opening window or notch 15.

[0033] Seat 7 is a box-shaped body with an open bottom and the other five sides closed, and is arranged so as to cover from above the area containing planar-view ventilation fan 14 and open window or cutout 15. Ventilation fan 14 and open window or cutout 15 in this seat arrangement area are concealed by seat 7, and are not visible to users who enter the interior space IS of the booth.

[0034] Furthermore, a plurality of holes or slits 73 are drilled through the side of the four-sided frame-shaped base 72 at the lower end of the seat 7, more specifically, on the right side when viewed from the front of the booth, penetrating the base 72. The holes or slits 73 provide communication between the inside and outside of the seat 7 installed in the internal space IS of the booth. In this embodiment, these holes or slits 73 serve as first ventilation openings. The above-mentioned ventilation fan 14 provides communication between the inside of the seat 7 and the external space OS. Overall, an air passage is formed within the seat 7, leading from the ventilation fan 14 to the first ventilation opening 73.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, there is an intermediate plate 74 installed inside the seat 7 to divide it into left and right sides. Sound-absorbing material 75 is attached, for example, by adhering, to the inward surface of the seat 7 and the outer surface of the intermediate plate 74. The sound-absorbing material 75 is made from a foam material such as slab urethane, and the surface facing the inside of the seat 7 is uneven. The upper end of the intermediate plate 74 does not reach the top of the seat 7, and an air passage 76 exists between the upper end of the intermediate plate 74 and the seat surface 71.

[0036] As shown by arrow A in Figure 5, the air drawn in from the external space OS by the ventilation fan 14 flows into the seat 7 through the opening window or notch 15, flows upward over the intermediate plate 74, passes through the air passage 76, and then flows downward through the first ventilation opening 73 and into the internal space IS where the user entering the booth is located.

[0037] As an additional option, optional equipment 77 with an air purification function may be installed inside the seat 7. Examples of optional equipment 77 include a filter or air purifier that captures minute dust particles and pathogens in the air, a deodorizing or sterilizing device that generates ozone, and a sterilizing lamp that irradiates the air with ultraviolet light. When installing such optional equipment 77 inside the seat 7, it is also preferable to provide an intake port (not shown) in an inconspicuous location on the backrest 8 and / or seat 7 that re-intakes air from outside the seat 7 (i.e., the interior space IS where the user who entered the booth is located) into the seat 7. This allows air to circulate between the inside and outside of the seat 7 (and thus within the interior space IS of the booth) while the optional equipment 77 purifies the air. However, installing optional equipment 77 inside the seat 7 is not essential.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the booth ceiling 5 has a double-wall structure made up of a ceiling main body 51 and ceiling panels 52. A plurality of holes or slits 54 are drilled in the top wall of the ceiling main body 51, penetrating it vertically. The holes or slits 54 connect the area below the top wall, i.e., the inside of the double-wall structure of the ceiling 5, with the area above the top wall, i.e., the external space OS above the ceiling 5.

[0039] An opening window or notch 34 is provided at the upper end of the interior panel 32 of the side wall 3, which is adjacent to the ceiling panel 52, penetrating the interior panel 32 from the inside to the outside. In this embodiment, this opening window or notch 34 serves as a second ventilation opening. Thus, an air passage is formed in the ceiling 5, leading from the second ventilation opening 34 to the hole or slit 54. No ventilation fan that draws in and expels air is installed in the ceiling 5.

[0040] When the ventilation fan 14 is operating, air is supplied from the external space OS to the internal space IS of the booth. At the same time, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 6, air from the internal space IS flows into the ceiling 5 through the second ventilation opening 34, and then passes through the holes or slits 54 and is exhausted to the external space OS, thereby ventilating the internal space IS. Therefore, a stable air flow is generated in the internal space IS of the booth, flowing exclusively from below to above. The air passage from the second ventilation opening 34 to the holes or slits 54 also serves as a smoke exhaust port for exhausting smoke in the event of a fire.

[0041] In this embodiment, the booth forms an internal space IS isolated from the external space OS, and is provided with a base 1 that closes the underside of the internal space IS, peripheral walls 2, 3, and 4 that surround the internal space IS, a ceiling 5 that closes the upper side of the internal space IS, a first ventilation opening 73 that opens at a location below a seat 7 in a seat arrangement area in the internal space IS where a seat 7 on which a user can sit is arranged and that communicates with the external space OS, a ventilation fan 14 that draws in and expels air and circulates air between the external space OS and the internal space IS through the first ventilation opening 73, and a second ventilation opening 34 that opens at the top of the peripheral wall 3 facing the internal space IS and communicates with the external space OS.

[0042] Users can carry out office work, meetings, and other tasks in the internal space IS of this booth. The internal space IS is surrounded by a base 1, surrounding walls 2, 3, and 4, and a ceiling 5, and is isolated from the external space OS, allowing users to concentrate on their work.

[0043] Moreover, according to this embodiment, one of the first ventilation opening 73 and the second ventilation opening 34, which are arranged separately above and below the booth, serves as an air intake port, and the other as an exhaust port, and a consistent airflow is generated that flows in one direction between them within the internal space IS of the booth. Unlike the booth illustrated in Figure 8, no short-circuiting airflow occurs that passes only through the area near the ceiling of the internal space, and the internal space IS can be ventilated more efficiently.

[0044] The seat 7 on which the user can sit is naturally located below the user's head, shielding the user's eyes and ears from the ventilation fan 14 attached to the base panel 1 side, i.e., the first ventilation opening 73 side. This prevents the operating noise generated by operating the ventilation fan 14 from reaching the user's ears directly and being clearly perceived by the user's hearing. This prevents discomfort and annoyance to users using the booth and reduces concerns about interruptions to their work. In addition, the presence of the ventilation fan 14 and the first ventilation opening 73 is less noticeable to users, enhancing the aesthetic and elegance of the furniture or fixtures. The presence of the wind blowing from the first ventilation opening 73 into the interior space IS is also less noticeable to users.

[0045] Other than the first ventilation opening 73, there is no ventilation opening that opens to the internal space IS, communicates with the external space OS, and is equipped with a ventilation fan 14 that circulates air between the external space OS and the internal space IS. In other words, the second ventilation opening 34 on the ceiling 5 side does not have a ventilation fan attached. Providing the minimum number of ventilation fans 14 only on the base panel 1 side is advantageous in terms of quietness of the internal space IS and cost.

[0046] The booth of this embodiment is equipped with a seat 7 installed in the seat arrangement area. The seat 7 is box-shaped, with the first ventilation opening 73 opened at the bottom, and an air flow path is formed within it that connects the external space OS with the first ventilation opening 73. Furthermore, sound-absorbing material 75 is provided within the seat 7. This further improves sound insulation between the internal space IS of the booth and the external space OS, and quietness of the internal space IS.

[0047] This booth is equipped with a tabletop 6 that faces the seat placement area of ​​the internal space IS and is installed at a higher position than the seats 7, so that the tabletop 6 can be used as a simple desk or as a table on which desired items can be placed.

[0048] Casters 111 that come into contact with the building floor F are attached to the base plate 1, making it possible to move the booth on the building floor F. Such a movable booth can be set up and operated in any suitable space, such as an office, a train station, or an exhibition hall.

[0049] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the ventilation fan 14 provided on the base panel 1 side draws air from below upward and discharges it, i.e., draws air from the external space OS and discharges it toward the internal space IS of the booth. However, this ventilation fan 14 may also operate to draw air from above downward and discharge it, i.e., draws air from the internal space IS of the booth and discharges it toward the external space OS. In this case, contrary to the above embodiment, the second ventilation opening 34 serves as an air intake and the first ventilation opening 73 serves as an exhaust opening, and a stable air flow mainly from above downward is generated in the internal space IS.

[0051] Furthermore, a control circuit may be implemented that can switch the direction of rotation of the ventilation fan 14 between forward and reverse, allowing the ventilation fan 14 to appropriately select between a state in which it draws air from the external space OS and expels it toward the internal space IS of the booth, and a state in which it draws air from the internal space IS of the booth and expels it toward the external space OS.

[0052] In the above embodiment, no ventilation fan was installed on the ceiling 5 side, i.e., on the side of the second ventilation opening 34. However, a ventilation fan (not shown) may also be installed on the ceiling 5 side. In this case, the ventilation fan 14 on the base panel 1 side draws air from the external space OS and discharges it toward the internal space IS of the booth, while the ventilation fan on the ceiling 5 side draws air from the internal space IS of the booth and discharges it toward the external space OS. Alternatively, the ventilation fan on the ceiling 5 side draws air from the external space OS and discharges it toward the internal space IS of the booth, while the ventilation fan 14 on the base panel 1 side draws air from the internal space IS of the booth and discharges it toward the external space OS. One ventilation fan generates positive pressure that draws air into the internal space IS, while the other ventilation fan generates negative pressure that draws air out of the internal space IS, thereby reliably creating a vertical air flow and ensuring sufficient ventilation performance.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the second ventilation opening 34 facing the internal space IS opened at the top of the peripheral wall 3 (particularly, the interior panel 32 of the side wall 3), but the second ventilation opening may also open in the ceiling 5 (particularly, the ceiling panel 52).

[0054] It is not essential that the booth according to the present invention be provided with a seat 7 (or sofa) in advance. As shown in Figure 7, the booth may be configured without a seat 7, allowing the user to bring any chair 9 with a seat 91 into the interior space IS.

[0055] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 is similar to the booth of the above embodiment, except that the seat 7 and backrest 8 have been removed and a cover member 16 has been provided to close the opening window or notch 15 formed in the base plate 1. The cover member 16 covers the ventilation fan 14 from above. The cover member 16 has a plurality of holes or slits 17 that penetrate it vertically. In the booth of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the holes or slits 17 serve as first ventilation openings, and air circulates between the external space OS below the base plate 1 and the internal space IS above the base plate 1 through these first ventilation openings 17.

[0056] The first ventilation opening 17 faces a seating area where chairs 9 can be placed, and is located below the seats 91 of the chairs 9 placed in that seating area. In other words, the first ventilation opening 17 is located directly below the seats 91, and the seats 91 and the first ventilation opening 17 may at least partially overlap in a plan view. Therefore, the presence of the first ventilation opening 17 and the ventilation fan 14 is less noticeable, and the operating sound generated by operating the ventilation fan 14 does not reach the user's ears directly, so it is not clearly perceived by the user's hearing. This prevents discomfort or annoyance to users using the booth, and reduces concerns that it will interfere with their concentration on their work.

[0057] Furthermore, the first ventilation opening 17 is not located directly below the top plate 6. Since the top plate 6 and the first ventilation opening 17 do not overlap in a plan view, the flow of air for ventilation through the first ventilation opening 17 is less likely to be obstructed by the top plate 6.

[0058] In addition, the specific configuration of each part can be modified within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1…Bottom board 111... Caster 14...Ventilation fan 17...First ventilation opening 2, 3, 4...peripheral wall 34…Second ventilation opening 5...Ceiling 6...Tabletop 7…za 73...First ventilation opening 75...Sound absorbing material 91…za A...Air flow through the air passage F…Architectural floor IS…Interior space of the booth OS…External space

Claims

1. A booth that forms an internal space isolated from an external space, a base plate that is raised from the building floor by casters or adjusters that come into contact with the building floor and that closes the underside of the internal space; a peripheral wall surrounding the internal space; a ceiling that closes the upper surface side of the internal space; An opening or notch formed in the base plate; a ventilation fan that is provided on the base plate side and that draws air from the gap between the base plate and the building floor through the opening or the notch and supplies it to the internal space, or that exhausts air from the internal space to the gap between the base plate and the building floor through the opening or the notch; a ventilation opening that opens in the ceiling or the upper portion of the peripheral wall facing the internal space and communicates with the external space; A booth equipped with:

2. 2. The booth according to claim 1, wherein no ventilation fan is provided on the ceiling side.

3. 3. The booth according to claim 1, further comprising a seat arranged so as to cover from above an area that includes the opening or notch and the ventilation fan in a plan view.

4. Equipped with a top plate, 4. The booth according to claim 1, wherein the opening or notch and the ventilation fan do not overlap with the top plate in a plan view.

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