Kitchen Unit

Abstract

To provide a kitchen unit that has electrical outlet components erected on the top surface of the kitchen counter, ensuring a sufficient range for the use of electrical appliances, while also facilitating maintenance of the outlet components. [Solution] The present invention is a kitchen unit comprising a counter, an outlet member erected on the upper surface of the counter, and a screen unit erected on the upper surface of the counter, wherein the outlet member is provided independently of the screen unit and is located on one side of the screen unit (including one side with respect to the extended surface of the screen unit).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a kitchen environment, electrical appliances are frequently used for cooking. In a wall-facing kitchen, electrical appliances can be used in a kitchen environment, for example, on a kitchen counter, by using outlets made in the wall.

[0003] However, in a face-to-face kitchen or an island kitchen, it is necessary to use outlets made in a wall away from the kitchen. In this case, since the length of the outlet cord is limited, the usable range of the electrical appliance is limited, which is inconvenient, such as the possibility that it cannot reach the working space on the kitchen counter.

[0004] Therefore, in recent years, as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a pair of insertion holes for outlets are provided in the pedestal portion of a panel erected on the upper surface of a kitchen counter so that the usable range of an electrical appliance can cover the entire upper surface of the kitchen counter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the kitchen units described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when the electrical outlet malfunctions and requires repair or replacement, or when maintenance of the electrical outlet is required, the panel and base must be removed from the top surface of the counter.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The object of this invention is to provide a kitchen unit in which an electrical outlet component is erected on the top surface of the kitchen counter, ensuring a sufficient usable area for electrical appliances, while also facilitating maintenance of the electrical outlet component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a kitchen unit comprising a counter, an electrical outlet member erected on the upper surface of the counter, and a screen unit erected on the upper surface of the counter, wherein the electrical outlet member is provided independently of the screen unit and is located on one side of the screen unit (including one side with respect to the extended surface of the screen unit).

[0009] According to the present invention, since the outlet component is provided independently of the screen unit, maintenance work on the outlet component is easy.

[0010] The kitchen unit of the present invention further comprises a stove or sink provided on the upper surface of the counter, and it is preferable that the stove or sink is located on one side of the screen unit.

[0011] According to this design, since the electrical outlet is located on the same side as the stove or sink relative to the screen unit, the usability of electrical appliances can be further improved.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that one side of the counter is positioned facing the kitchen user, and the other side of the counter is positioned facing the living room.

[0013] According to this, electrical appliances can be used more easily by kitchen users, the electrical outlets can be made less noticeable from the living room side, and a kitchen unit with a high level of design can be created.

[0014] Furthermore, the screen unit comprises a screen body and a base erected on the upper surface of the counter and supporting the screen body, and it is preferable that the outlet member is located near the base.

[0015] This improves the sense of unity between the base and the electrical outlet components, resulting in a kitchen unit with a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0016] In this case, it is even more preferable that the outlet member is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the base.

[0017] This further enhances the sense of unity between the base and the electrical outlet components, resulting in a kitchen unit with a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0018] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the base has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape on at least a portion of its front side, and that the outlet member has recesses that cover the front of the base, a portion of the upper surface on the front side of the base, and a portion of the left side and / or right side on the front side of the base.

[0019] This further enhances the sense of unity between the base and the electrical outlet components, resulting in a kitchen unit with a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer shell of the outlet member be substantially the same color as the outer shell of the base.

[0021] This feature also improves the integration of the pedestal and the socket member, enabling a kitchen unit with higher design quality.

[0022] Also, it is preferable that the outer shell of the socket member is formed of the same material as the outer shell of the pedestal.

[0023] This feature also improves the integration of the pedestal and the socket member, enabling a kitchen unit with higher design quality.

[0024] The socket member has a pair of insertion holes into which a power plug is inserted, and a socket surface that is exposed to the outside including the openings of the pair of insertion holes. It is preferable that the socket surface does not have a convex region protruding more than the openings of the pair of insertion holes.

[0025] According to this, no design consideration for interference between the convex region and the power plug is required, and a design with higher design quality can be adopted.

[0026] The socket member has a socket body including the socket surface and a lid that can cover the socket surface. The socket body has a first fitting portion, and the lid has a second fitting portion that can be removably fitted to the first fitting portion. The lid can be fixed to the socket body when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted to each other, and is preferably removable from the socket body by releasing the fitting between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion and pulling it out further upward.

[0027] According to this, since the socket surface when not in use can be covered by the lid, safety can be enhanced. On the other hand, since the lid can be easily removed, convenience is good.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a kitchen unit in which an electrical outlet component is erected on the top surface of the kitchen counter, ensuring a sufficient range for the use of electrical appliances, while also facilitating maintenance of the electrical outlet component. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a kitchen unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a kitchen unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the front-to-back direction of the outlet member and base of a kitchen unit according to one embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to the section along line III-III in Figure 4(a)). [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the outlet component of a kitchen unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, before and after changing the position of the lid. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a plan view showing the top surface of the outlet component without the cover in place, and Figure 5(b) is a plan view showing the underside of the cover. [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outlet component in the left-right direction with the cover in place (corresponding to the cross-section along line IV-IV in Figure 4(a)). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Next, with reference to the attached drawings, a kitchen unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0031] (composition) Figure 1 is a perspective view of a kitchen unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a side view of a kitchen unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the kitchen unit 10 of this embodiment comprises a counter 1, an electrical outlet member 2 erected on the upper surface 1a of the counter, and a screen unit 3 erected on the upper surface 1a of the counter.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the screen unit 3 of this embodiment includes a screen body 31 and a base 32 erected on the counter top surface 1a to support the screen body 31.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the kitchen unit 10 of this embodiment is located on the front side of the screen unit 3 in Figure 1 and includes a stove 5, a sink 6 with a faucet, and a cooking space 7 sandwiched between the stove 5 and the sink 6. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the stove 5 is provided on the countertop surface 1a, the sink 6 is also provided on the countertop surface 1a, and the cooking space 7 is also provided on the countertop surface 1a.

[0034] The outlet component 2 is provided independently of the screen unit 3 (screen body 31 and base 32) and is located on the stove 5 side (front side in Figure 1) relative to the screen unit 3 (screen body 31 and base 32). The outlet component 2 is also located near the base 32.

[0035] In this embodiment, the stovetop 5 side of counter 1 (the front side in Figure 1) is positioned facing the kitchen user (the design is intended for this arrangement), and the other side of counter 1 (the back side in Figure 1) is positioned facing the living room (the design is intended for this arrangement).

[0036] Cooking space 7 is a space for placing a cutting board and chopping ingredients, but it is also used as a space for using various electrical appliances for cooking that have become popular in recent years.

[0037] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outlet member 2 and base 32 in the front-to-back direction. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of the outlet member 2 in the state where the cover 21 covers the outlet surface 23 of the outlet member 2, and Figure 4(b) is a perspective view of the outlet member 2 in the state where the cover 21 does not cover the outlet surface 23 of the outlet member 2. Figure 5(a) is a plan view showing the top surface of the outlet member 2 without the cover 21, and Figure 5(b) is a plan view showing the back surface of the cover 21. Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outlet member 2 in the left-to-right direction with the cover 21 in place (corresponding to the section along line IV-IV in Figure 4(a)).

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the outlet member 2 of this embodiment has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape overall in the state shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b) (more precisely, each side is slightly inclined (inclination angle: 1.5°), the top surface is a rectangle of 3.6 cm × 7.7 cm, the bottom surface is a rectangle of 3.9 cm × 8.0 cm, and the height is 5.9 cm).

[0039] The base 32 of this embodiment has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape overall (more precisely, each side is slightly inclined (angle of inclination: 1.5°), the top surface is a rectangle of 2.5cm x 3.2cm, the bottom surface is a rectangle of 2.8cm x 3.5cm, and the height is 5.0cm).

[0040] The outlet member 2 is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the base 32. Specifically, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the outlet member 2 has a recess 24 that covers the entire front surface of the base 32, a portion of the upper surface on the front side of the base 32 (the portion corresponding to 32 mm from the front side of the upper surface of the base 32), and a portion of the right side of the front side of the base 32 (the portion on the front side of the line segment extending from 6 mm from the front side of the upper surface of the base 32 to 8.5 mm from the front side of the bottom surface of the base 32).

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the size of the recess 24 (the size of the wall element (end face or edge) exposed on the recess 24 side in the outlet member 2) is formed to be slightly larger than the size of the base 32 (for example, a gap of 0.5 mm is ensured), and as a result, the outlet member 2 and the base 32 do not come into contact with each other.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer shell of the outlet member 2 is formed from the same material as the outer shell of the base 32 (for example, zinc die-cast) (Editor's note: If possible, please provide specific examples of materials).

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer shell of the outlet component 2 is approximately the same color as the outer shell of the base 32 (for example, semi-gloss silver) (Editor's note: If possible, please provide specific color examples).

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(b), the outlet member 2 has an outlet 22 on its right side, which has a pair of insertion holes 22a and 22b into which a power plug is inserted. In other words, the right side of the outlet member 2 of this embodiment is an outlet surface 23 that is exposed to the outside, including the openings of the pair of insertion holes 22a and 22b (outlet 22). Also, as shown in Figure 4(b), the outlet surface 23 does not have any protruding areas that extend beyond the openings of the pair of insertion holes 22a and 22b (outlet 22).

[0045] The pair of insertion holes 22a and 22b are a left-right pair of holes 22a and 22b according to JIS standards, and the width from the left end of the left hole 22a to the right end of the right hole 22b (in this specification, this width is referred to as the "width of the pair of insertion holes") is 14.9 mm (14.6 mm or more according to JIS standards), and the lower ends of each hole 22a and 22b are positioned 25 mm from the top surface of the counter. In addition, in this embodiment, an earth hole 22c is also provided below the typical left-right pair of holes.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the outlet member 2 of this embodiment includes an outlet body 25 including an outlet surface 23, and a cover 21 that can cover the outlet surface 23.

[0047] The cover 21 has an L-shape when viewed from the side. In the configuration that covers the outlet surface 23 (Figure 4(a)), it covers the upper right area of ​​the outlet member 2 together with the outlet surface 23. In the configuration that does not cover the outlet surface 23 (Figure 4(b)), it covers the front right area of ​​the outlet member as well as the upper right area of ​​the outlet member 2.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the outlet body 25 has a first fitting portion 25f in the upper right region, and the cover 21 has a second fitting portion 21f on its back surface that can be detachably fitted to the first fitting portion 25f. The cover 21 can be fixed to the outlet body 25 by the fitting of the first fitting portion 25f and the second fitting portion 21fb with each other.

[0049] Furthermore, the cover 21 can be removed from the outlet body 25 by releasing the engagement between the first fitting portion 25f and the second fitting portion 21f and then pulling it upwards.

[0050] The cover 21 can be removed by pulling it upwards, and then selectively repositioned (re-fitted) to either cover the outlet surface 23 (Figure 4(a)) or not cover it (Figure 4(b)).

[0051] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the inclination angle R of the right side of the outlet body 25 of the outlet member 2 and the inclination angle F of the front of the outlet body 25 of the outlet member 2 are the same (for example, this angle is 91.5°).

[0052] Furthermore, within the outlet surface 23, a water-repellent portion 26 is provided, located between a pair of insertion holes 22a and 22b and the counter top surface 1a, to prevent or reduce water from rising from the counter top surface 1a. Specifically, the water-repellent portion 26 in this embodiment consists of a recessed area provided within the outlet surface 23.

[0053] (Main effects) According to the kitchen unit 10 of this embodiment as described above, since the outlet member 2 is provided independently of the screen unit 3, maintenance work on the outlet member 2 is easy.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the outlet member 2 is provided on the same side as the stove 5, sink 6, and cooking space 7 relative to the screen unit 3, the usability of electrical appliances can be further improved.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the stovetop 5, sink 6, and cooking space 7 side of the counter 1 are positioned facing the kitchen user, while the other side of the counter 1 faces the living room. This makes it easier for kitchen users to use electrical appliances, and the electrical outlet 2 is not conspicuous when viewed from the living room, thus providing a kitchen unit 10 with a high level of design appeal.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the outlet member 2 is located near the base 32, the sense of unity between the base 32 and the outlet member 2 is improved, making it possible to provide a kitchen unit 10 with a higher aesthetic appeal.

[0057] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the outlet member 2 is provided so as to cover at least a part of the base 32, the sense of unity between the base 32 and the outlet member 2 is further improved, making it possible to provide a kitchen unit 10 with a higher aesthetic appeal.

[0058] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the base 32 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in at least a portion of its front side, and the outlet member 2 has a recess 24 that covers the front of the base 32, a portion of the upper surface of the front side of the base 32, and a portion of the right side of the front side of the base 32. As a result, the sense of unity between the base 32 and the outlet member 2 is further improved, and a kitchen unit with a higher aesthetic appeal can be provided.

[0059] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the fact that the outer shell of the outlet member 2 is substantially the same color as the outer shell of the base 32 improves the sense of unity between the base 32 and the outlet member 2, making it possible to provide a kitchen unit with a higher aesthetic appeal.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the outer shell of the outlet member 2 is formed from the same material as the outer shell of the base 32, the sense of unity between the base 32 and the outlet member 2 is improved, making it possible to provide a kitchen unit with a higher aesthetic appeal.

[0061] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the outlet surface 23 does not have a protruding region that extends beyond the openings of the pair of insertion holes 22a and 22b, design considerations regarding interference between the protruding region and the power plug are unnecessary, and a more aesthetically pleasing design can be adopted.

[0062] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover 21 can be fixed to the outlet body 25 by the engagement of the first fitting portion 25f and the second fitting portion 21f with each other, and can be removed from the outlet body 25 by releasing the engagement of the first fitting portion 25f and the second fitting portion 21f and pulling it upwards. This allows the outlet surface 23 to be covered by the cover 21 when not in use, thereby enhancing safety, while the cover 21 is easy to remove, providing convenience.

[0063] (Other effects of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the outlet surface 23 faces the cooking space 7. This layout is convenient when using electrical appliances in the cooking space 7. Moreover, in the case of a face-to-face kitchen or island kitchen, it is convenient because the pair of sockets 22a and 22b can be easily accessed from both the stovetop 5 side and the living room side.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the structure of the lid 21 is simple and does not have, for example, a rotating mechanism, so oil splatters from the stove 5, etc., are less likely to enter the rotating mechanism and cause unsanitary problems, making it hygienic.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the inclination angle R of the right side of the outlet body 25 of the outlet member 2 and the inclination angle F of the front of the outlet body 25 of the outlet member 2 are the same angle, the appearance is aesthetically pleasing ("fits well"), and moreover, the same operating sensation can be provided whether the cover 21 is positioned to cover the outlet surface 23 (Figure 4(a)) or not to cover the outlet surface 23 (Figure 4(b)) (good operating sensation).

[0066] (modified version) In addition, although the outlet member 2 in the above-described embodiment is provided with only one pair of insertion holes 22a, 22b (one outlet 22), it may be provided with two or more pairs of insertion holes (two or more outlets).

[0067] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the recess 24 of the outlet member covers the front surface of the base 32, a part of the upper surface on the front side of the base 32, and a part of the right side on the front side of the base 32. However, the pattern may be reversed left to right, that is, it may cover the front surface of the base 32, a part of the upper surface on the left side of the base 32, and a part of the left side on the front side of the base 32.

[0068] Alternatively, the recess 24 of the outlet component may cover the front surface of the base 32, a portion of the upper surface on the front side of the base 32, a portion of the right side on the front side of the base 32, and a portion of the left side on the front side of the base 32. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10 kitchen units 1 counter 1a Countertop 2. Outlet components 3 screen units 31 Screen body 32 bases 5 stoves 6 sinks 7 Cooking space 21 Lid 21f Second fitting part 22 outlets 22a Left hole (insertion hole) 22b Right hole (insertion hole) 22c grounding hole 23 Outlet side 24 recesses 25 Outlet Unit 25f First fitting part 26 Water return section

Claims

1. The counter and An electrical outlet component erected on the top surface of the counter, A screen unit erected on the upper surface of the counter, Equipped with, The outlet member is provided independently of the screen unit and is located on one side of the screen unit. A kitchen unit characterized by the following features.

2. A stove provided on the top surface of the counter Furthermore, The stove is located on one side of the screen unit. The kitchen unit according to feature 1.

3. One side of the aforementioned counter is positioned to face the kitchen user. The other side of the aforementioned counter is positioned to face the living room. The kitchen unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned screen unit is The screen itself and A base erected on the top surface of the counter and supporting the screen body, It has, The outlet member is located near the base. A kitchen unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The outlet member is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the base. The kitchen unit according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned base has at least a portion of its front side that is roughly rectangular in shape. The outlet member has recesses that cover the front surface of the base, a portion of the upper surface on the front side of the base, and a portion of the left and / or right side of the front side of the base. The kitchen unit according to feature 5.

7. The outer shell of the outlet component is substantially the same color as the outer shell of the base. A kitchen unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The outer shell of the outlet member is formed from the same material as the outer shell of the base. A kitchen unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned outlet member is A pair of sockets into which the power plug is inserted, The outlet surface exposed to the outside, including the openings of the pair of insertion holes, It has, The outlet surface does not have any protruding regions that extend beyond the openings of the pair of socket holes. A kitchen unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The aforementioned outlet member is The outlet body including the aforementioned outlet surface, A cover capable of covering the outlet surface, It has, The aforementioned outlet body has a first mating portion, The lid has the first fitting portion and a second fitting portion that can be detachably fitted, The cover can be fixed to the outlet body by the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion fitting together, and can be removed from the outlet body by releasing the fitting of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion and pulling it upwards. A kitchen unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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