Private booth

Abstract

To provide a private booth which can reduce voice output from an electronic apparatus by arranging a voice output part of a speaker in the vicinity of ears of a user, and thereby can prevent sound from leaking to the outside of the private room.SOLUTION: A booth device 1A as one embodiment of a private booth includes a top plate 152 for work provided so as to be usable toward a back plate 25 as a front wall in a private room surrounded by a peripheral wall 2 having the back plate 25 and side plates 22 and 22 as right and left side walls crossing the back plate 25, wherein a speaker Sa is provided on at least one of the side plates 22 and 22, and a voice output part So of the speaker Sa is installed at a height position overlapping the ears of a user in a horizontal direction of at least the top plate 152.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to private booths that can be used by one person or a small number of people. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Dedicated private booths that can be used by one person or a small number of people in an office or the like have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129764 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The private booth described in Patent Document 1 has a speaker installed at the upper end of the peripheral wall that constitutes the private booth. With this configuration, in order to prevent sound leakage from the private booth, it is necessary to cover the upper part of the private booth with a ceiling member and also to consider the sound insulation of the ceiling member and the peripheral wall. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A private booth according to a first aspect of the present invention is a private booth surrounded by peripheral walls having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, the private booth having a work top panel that is arranged to be used facing the front wall, and a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls, and an audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of a user of the top panel in the horizontal direction. At least a part of the audio output section of the speaker is installed at a position higher than the upper surface of the tabletop and at a position rearward of the use end of the tabletop, the upper end of the peripheral wall is open, the speaker is formed in a plate shape having a thickness thinner than the width and height dimensions of the surface on the audio output section side, has directionality, and is arranged at positions symmetrical on each of the side walls, the speaker is fixed to the side walls via mounting members, sound-absorbing panels are provided around the speaker, the sound-absorbing panels are attached to the surfaces of the side walls, and the peripheral walls are made of steel panels. .

[0006] According to the private booth of the first aspect, by placing the speaker's audio output unit near the user's ears, the sound output from the electronic device can be reduced, making it less likely for sound to leak outside the private booth.

[0007] A private booth according to a second aspect of the present invention is a private booth surrounded by peripheral walls having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and equipped with a work top panel that is arranged to be used facing the front wall, wherein a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls, and all or a part of an audio output section of the speaker is installed at a height position closer to the top surface of the top panel than the upper ends of the side walls. At least a part of the audio output section of the speaker is installed at a position higher than the upper surface of the tabletop and at a position rearward of the use end of the tabletop, the upper end of the peripheral wall is open, the speaker is formed in a plate shape having a thickness thinner than the width and height dimensions of the surface on the audio output section side, has directionality, and is arranged at positions symmetrical on each of the side walls, the speaker is fixed to the side walls via mounting members, sound-absorbing panels are provided around the speaker, the sound-absorbing panels are attached to the surfaces of the side walls, and the peripheral walls are made of steel panels. .

[0008] According to the private booth relating to the second aspect, by arranging the speaker's audio output unit at a height position close to the top surface of the tabletop, the sound output from the electronic device can be reduced, making it less likely for sound to leak outside the private booth.

[0009] In the private booth according to the second aspect, the speaker's audio output unit may be located at a height on the tabletop that does not overlap horizontally with the user's ears. In this case, for example, if the speaker is located below the tabletop, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the speaker is angled upward. In this way, by making the speaker's angle in the vertical direction variable, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the speaker's audio output unit is located at a height that does not overlap horizontally with the user's ears on the tabletop.

[0010] In the private booth according to the second aspect, it is also possible to configure it with a vertical position adjustment mechanism (for example, a speaker replacement mechanism or a slide adjustment mechanism) that allows the speaker height to be finely adjusted to suit the user's physique and posture.

[0011] In the private booths according to the first and second aspects, the audio output unit of the speaker may be located at a position on the tabletop that does not overlap the ears of the user in the front-to-back direction. In this case, for example, if the speaker is located closer to the front wall than the usable end of the tabletop, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the speaker is positioned at an angle toward the usable end of the tabletop. In this way, by making the angle of the speaker variable in the front-to-back direction, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the audio output unit of the speaker is positioned at a position that does not overlap the ears of the user in the front-to-back direction.

[0012] In the private booths according to the first and second aspects, it is also possible to configure the booths with a front-to-back position adjustment mechanism (for example, a speaker replacement mechanism or a slide adjustment mechanism) that allows the front-to-back position of the speaker to be finely adjusted to suit the user's physique and posture.

[0013] In addition, the present invention Third perspective The private booth according to the present invention is a private booth surrounded by peripheral walls having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a chair arranged to be seated facing the front wall, and a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls, and an audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of the chair user in the horizontal direction. At least a part of the audio output section of the speaker is installed at a position higher than the seat surface of the chair and overlaps the front-to-rear width of the chair in a side view, the upper end of the peripheral wall is open, the speaker is formed in a plate shape with a thickness thinner than the width and height dimensions of the surface on the audio output section side, has directionality, and is arranged at positions symmetrical on each of the side walls, the speaker is fixed to the side walls via mounting members, sound-absorbing panels are provided around the speaker, the sound-absorbing panels are attached to the surfaces of the side walls, and the peripheral walls are made of steel panels. .

[0014] the above Third perspective According to the private booth, by placing the speaker's audio output unit near the user's ears, the sound output from the electronic device can be reduced, making it less likely for sound to leak outside the private booth.

[0015] In addition, the present invention Fourth viewpoint The private booth according to the present invention is a private booth surrounded by peripheral walls having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a chair arranged to be seated facing the front wall, and a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls, and all or a part of the audio output section of the speaker is installed at a height position closer to the seat of the chair than the upper end of the side wall. At least a part of the audio output section of the speaker is installed at a position higher than the seat surface of the chair and overlaps the front-to-rear width of the chair in a side view, the upper end of the peripheral wall is open, the speaker is formed in a plate shape with a thickness thinner than the width and height dimensions of the surface on the audio output section side, has directionality, and is arranged at positions symmetrical on each of the side walls, the speaker is fixed to the side walls via mounting members, sound-absorbing panels are provided around the speaker, the sound-absorbing panels are attached to the surfaces of the side walls, and the peripheral walls are made of steel panels. .

[0016] the above Fourth viewpoint According to the private booth, by arranging the speaker's audio output unit at a height close to the seat of the chair, the sound output from the electronic device can be reduced, making it less likely for sound to leak outside the private booth.

[0017] the above Fourth viewpoint In the private booths described above, the audio output unit of the speaker may be located at a height that does not overlap horizontally with the ears of the chair user. In this case, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the audio output unit of the speaker is located at a height that does not overlap horizontally with the ears of the chair user by making the angle of the speaker adjustable in the vertical direction.

[0018] the above Fourth viewpoint In the private booths described above, it is also possible to configure them with a vertical position adjustment mechanism (for example, a speaker replacement mechanism or a slide adjustment mechanism) that allows the speaker height to be finely adjusted to suit the user's physique and posture.

[0019] the above Third and Fourth Perspectives In the private booths described above, the audio output unit of the speaker may be located in a position that does not overlap the ears of the chair user in the front-to-back direction. In this case, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the audio output unit of the speaker is located in a position that does not overlap the ears of the chair user in the front-to-back direction by making the angle of the speaker variable in the front-to-back direction.

[0020] the above Third and Fourth Perspectives In the private booths described above, it is also possible to configure them with a front-to-back position adjustment mechanism (for example, a speaker replacement mechanism or a slide adjustment mechanism) that allows the front-to-back position of the speaker to be finely adjusted to suit the user's physique and posture.

[0021] In addition, the present invention Fifth viewpointThe private booth according to the present invention is a private booth surrounded by peripheral walls having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a work top panel that is set up to be used facing the front wall, and a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls, and the audio output unit of the speaker is set at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of the user of the top panel in the horizontal direction. A shielding portion having a shielding rate of 30% or less is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall, and the shielding portion is disposed at a position where it overlaps with the speaker in the front-rear direction in a plan view. .

[0022] the above Fifth viewpoint According to the private booth of the present invention, the influence of the shielding portion on the water spray can be suppressed, and the shielding portion can also make it difficult for sound to leak outside the room.

[0023] In addition, the present invention Sixth viewpoint The private booth according to the present invention is a private booth surrounded by peripheral walls having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a work top panel that is set up to be used facing the front wall, and a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls, and all or a part of the audio output section of the speaker is set at a height position closer to the top surface of the top panel than the upper ends of the side walls. A shielding portion having a shielding rate of 30% or less is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall, and the shielding portion is disposed at a position where it overlaps with the speaker in the front-rear direction in a plan view. .

[0024] the above Sixth viewpoint According to the private booth of the present invention, the influence of the shielding portion on the water spray can be suppressed, and the shielding portion can also make it difficult for sound to leak outside the room.

[0025] In addition, the present invention Seventh viewpoint The private booth according to the present invention is a private booth surrounded by peripheral walls having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a chair arranged to be seated facing the front wall, and a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls, and an audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of the chair user in the horizontal direction. A shielding portion having a shielding rate of 30% or less is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall, and the shielding portion is disposed at a position where it overlaps with the speaker in the front-rear direction in a plan view. .

[0026] the above Seventh viewpointAccording to the private booth of the present invention, the influence of the shielding portion on the water spray can be suppressed, and the shielding portion can also make it difficult for sound to leak outside the room.

[0027] In addition, the present invention Eighth Viewpoint The private booth according to the present invention is a private booth surrounded by peripheral walls having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a chair arranged to be seated facing the front wall, and a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls, and all or a part of the audio output section of the speaker is installed at a height position closer to the seat of the chair than the upper end of the side wall. A shielding portion having a shielding rate of 30% or less is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall, and the shielding portion is disposed at a position where it overlaps with the speaker in the front-rear direction in a plan view. .

[0028] the above Eighth Viewpoint According to the private booth of the present invention, the influence of the shielding portion on the water spray can be suppressed, and the shielding portion can also make it difficult for sound to leak outside the room.

[0029] In the private booths described above, the "users" are adults (office workers) ranging from the 5th percentile for women to the 95th percentile for men.

[0030] In the private booths relating to each of the above points, the term "work surface" refers not only to a work surface for a seated position (one used when the user is sitting in a chair of normal height), but also to a work surface for a standing position (one used when the user is standing or sitting in a chair that is close to the height of the user's upper body when standing). [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the private booth of the present invention described above, it is possible to make it difficult for sound to leak outside the private room. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a booth device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the booth apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]Cross-sectional view taken along line Y1-Y1 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a booth apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an assembly configuration of a speaker and a sound-absorbing panel. [Figure 7] 2A to 2C are enlarged cross-sectional views taken along lines X1-X1, X2-X2, and X3-X3 in FIG. 1, respectively. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the assembly configuration of the side panels and the top panel to the support columns. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a perspective view showing the assembly configuration of the support posts and the side plates. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a booth unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the mounting frame is attached to the side plate. [Figure 12] 4A and 4B are a perspective view and a plan view showing an assembly configuration of a side plate and a mounting frame. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are a plan view showing the configuration of the measurement test and a diagram showing the measurement test results, respectively. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a booth device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a booth apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 15 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line Y2-Y2 in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a booth apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the assembly configuration of the sound-absorbing panel. [Figure 19] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing the assembly configuration of the sound-absorbing panel, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view showing the assembled parts. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22]FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the booth apparatus according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] [Booth equipment 1] The booth apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. The booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is one example of a private booth according to the present invention. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is placed on the floor and used for indoor use by one person or a small number of people. The booth apparatus 1 is mainly constructed by combining metal members such as steel or aluminum alloy. In this embodiment, the directions of the booth apparatus 1 are defined by arrows in Fig. 1.

[0034] 1 and 2, the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall 2 having an opening 2a formed at the top, thereby forming a private room. The peripheral wall 2 is formed into a rectangular shape in a plan view, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. The peripheral wall 2 is made up of support columns 21 arranged at the four corners in the vertical direction, side panels 22 arranged on both sides of the peripheral wall 2, a door frame panel 23 and a door 24 arranged at the front of the peripheral wall 2, and a back panel 25 arranged at the rear of the peripheral wall.

[0035] 1 and 4, the support pillars 21 are columnar members arranged at the four corners of the peripheral wall 2, to which the side panels 22, door frame panels 23, doors 24, and back panel 25 are attached. Side cover members 21a are attached to the side surfaces of the support pillars 21 exposed to the outside of the peripheral wall 2. Furthermore, an upper cover member 21b is attached to the upper surfaces of the support pillars 21.

[0036] 8 and 9(a), the support pillar 21 is formed with longitudinally extending protrusions 21c that protrude diagonally in the front, rear, left, and right directions and serve as corners of the support pillar 21. Numerous engagement holes 21d are formed on the outer surface of the protrusions 21c. The spaces between the protrusions 21c are formed as insertion sections 21e into which connecting members such as the side plates 22 can be inserted or into which the wiring cord C or the like can be inserted (see FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)).

[0037] The side panels 22 and the back panel 25 are attached to the support posts 21 via connecting members 22b and 25b fixed to the upper parts of the side panels 22 and the back panel 25. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(a), locking portions are formed at the ends of the connecting members 22b and 25b, and these locking portions extend from the end faces of the side panels 22 and the back panel 25. The locking portions are inserted between the protrusions 21c and 21c of the support posts 21, thereby connecting the connecting members 22b and 25b to the support posts 21. The lower parts of the side panels 22 and the back panel 25 are also connected to the support posts 21 in the same way as the upper parts. The door frame panel 23 is also attached to the support posts 21 in the same way as the side panels 22 and the back panel 25.

[0038] 1, the door frame panel 23 and the door 24 are rotatably assembled via hinges H. A door knob 24a is provided on the door 24. A door closer 24b is also provided on the upper rear surface of the door 24. In this embodiment, a transparent glass panel is assembled to the door 24, but the door 24 may also be made of an opaque material.

[0039] In this embodiment, two side plates 22 are connected to each other and disposed on both sides of the peripheral wall 2. A groove 22a is formed on the upper edge of each side plate 22, allowing the side plates 22 to communicate with each other. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, locking portions 22c are formed on the inner surface of the groove 22a in the longitudinal direction, protruding and facing each other. A groove 25a is also formed on the upper edge of the back plate 25.

[0040] The outer dimensions of the peripheral wall 2 can be changed by changing the width dimensions (horizontal length dimension perpendicular to the thickness direction) of the side panels 22, the door frame panels 23 and the doors 24, and the back panel 25. In other words, the booth apparatus 1 can be appropriately changed in size in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by changing the outer dimensions of the peripheral walls 2.

[0041] 2 to 4, a plurality of sound-absorbing panels 42 made of a sound-absorbing material such as nonwoven fabric are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 2, at the rear of the side panels 22 and on the back panel 25 (opposite the door 24). According to the booth apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the sound-absorbing panels 42 absorb the voices of the user inside the booth apparatus 1, thereby improving the sound insulation of the booth apparatus 1 (attenuation of the sound volume transmitted between the inside and outside of the booth apparatus 1). In this embodiment, the plurality of sound-absorbing panels 42 are provided separately in the vertical direction and are each independently attachable to and detachable from the peripheral wall 2.

[0042] In the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a roof member 31, a first louver member 32, and a second louver member 33 are provided as shielding parts at the opening 2a of the peripheral wall 2, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. In this embodiment, the roof member 31, the first louver member 32, and the second louver member 33, which are shielding parts, are configured so that a sound-absorbing material such as a nonwoven fabric is exposed.

[0043] In this embodiment, the roof member 31, first louver member 32, and second louver member 33, which are the shielding portions, are configured to shield an area of ​​30% or less of the opening area of ​​the opening 2a in a plan view, thereby ensuring that water is sprayed from above by sprinklers or the like in the event of a fire.

[0044] 1 and 2, the roof member 31 is a plate-like member arranged substantially horizontally so that its horizontal dimensions (front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions) are greater than its height. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the roof member 31 includes a roof main body portion 31a recessed in the vertical direction so as to have a rectangular shape in a plan view, and hook-shaped engaging portions 31b formed on both the left and right sides of the roof main body portion 31a. In the booth apparatus 1, the engaging portions 31b of the roof member 31 engage with the grooves 22a of the opposing side plates 22, thereby assembling the roof member 31 to the peripheral wall 2.

[0045] 1 to 4, the roof member 31 of the booth apparatus 1 is open between two opposing side edges in the front-to-rear direction and the peripheral wall 2. In other words, a gap is formed between the roof member 31 and the peripheral wall 2 (the door frame panel 23, the door 24, and the back panel 25) on both the front and rear sides.

[0046] Four first louver members 32 are provided in the gap between the roof member 31 and the door frame panel 23 and door 24. Four second louver members 33 are provided in the gap between the roof member 31 and the back panel 25. The number of each louver member is not limited, and other numbers are also possible.

[0047] 1 and 2, the first louver member 32 and the second louver member 33 are plate-shaped members arranged so that their up-down and left-right dimensions are greater than their front-to-rear dimensions. Also, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the first louver member 32 includes a plate-shaped first louver portion 32a arranged parallel to the door 24 and hook-shaped first engagement portions 32b formed on both the left and right sides of the first louver portion 32a. Also, as shown in Fig. 7(c), the second louver member 33 includes a plate-shaped second louver portion 33a arranged parallel to the back panel 25 and hook-shaped second engagement portions 33b formed on both the left and right sides of the second louver portion 33a.

[0048] 7(a) and 7(c), in the booth apparatus 1, the first engaging portions 32b and the second engaging portions 33b are engaged with the grooves 22a of the opposing side plates 22, thereby assembling the first louver members 32 and the second louver members 33 to the peripheral wall 2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(c), a sound-absorbing panel 42 is provided on the side plate 22 in the portion where the second louver members 33 are to be assembled, and therefore the second louver portions 33a are formed so that their width in the left-right direction is smaller than that of the first louver portions 32a.

[0049] In the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the engaging portions 31b of the roof member 31, the first engaging portions 32b of the first louver members 32, and the second engaging portions 33b of the second louver members 33 can be positioned at any position in the front-rear direction in the grooves 22a of the side panels 22. It is also possible to form a plurality of slits at predetermined intervals in the grooves 22a and insert the engaging portions 31b, the first engaging portions 32b, and the second engaging portions 33b into the slits, thereby restricting the front-rear positions of the roof member 31, the first louver members 32, and the second louver members 33. Alternatively, a positioning metal fitting having slits formed therein can be fixed to the grooves 22a along the longitudinal direction of the grooves 22a, and the engaging portions 31b, the first engaging portions 32b, and the second engaging portions 33b can be inserted into the slits of the positioning metal fitting, thereby assembling the roof member 31, the first louver members 32, and the second louver members 33 in a state where they are positioned in the grooves 22a.

[0050] As described above, in the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the roof member 31 reflects the voice of a user inside the booth apparatus 1, making it difficult for the voice to be emitted to the outside of the booth apparatus 1, thereby improving the sound insulation of the booth apparatus 1. Furthermore, since the roof member 31 has an open space between the two opposing side edges in the front-rear direction and the peripheral wall 2, it does not impede the spraying of water from above by a sprinkler or the like.

[0051] Furthermore, in the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the voice of the user inside the booth apparatus 1 is reflected between the first louver members 32 and between the second louver members 33, making it difficult for the voice to be emitted outside the booth apparatus 1, thereby further improving the soundproofing of the booth apparatus 1.

[0052] In the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, speakers S are provided on inner peripheral surfaces (inner surfaces of the side plates 22) that face each other in the left-right direction in the peripheral wall 2. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the speakers S are attached to the side plates 22 via mounting frames 41. The mounting frames 41 are ladder-shaped optional mounting frames made up of a frame body, and are connecting members that are inserted between the side plates 22 and the sound-absorbing panels 42.

[0053] 5, the mounting frame 41 includes a locking portion 41a formed at the upper end, a frame 41b that forms the framework of the mounting frame 41, and a support plate 41c that is provided on the frame 41b and to which the speaker S is fixed. When assembling the mounting frame 41 to the side plate 22, first, the locking portion 41a is locked into the groove portion 22a of the side plate 22, as shown in FIG.

[0054] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 6, the speaker S is attached to the support plate 41c. The mounting frame 41 is covered by attaching the sound-absorbing panel 42 to the side plate 22. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the sound-absorbing panel 42 with the window portion 42a opened is attached around the speaker S, thereby completing the booth apparatus 1 with the speaker S exposed to a part of the sound-absorbing panel 42. In this embodiment, the surface of the speaker S is covered with a cover member made of mesh fabric or the like.

[0055] 4, in the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the speaker S and the roof member 31 are provided in an overlapping area in a plan view. As a result, by reflecting the sound from the speaker S by the roof member 31, the sound from the speaker S is less likely to be emitted to the outside of the booth apparatus 1, and the sound insulation of the booth apparatus 1 can be further improved. Note that, from the viewpoint of making it less likely that the sound from the speaker S is emitted to the outside, it is preferable to employ a directional speaker as the speaker S. Furthermore, by arranging the speakers S so that the user is sandwiched between them on the left and right, it is possible to suppress the volume of the speakers S, and therefore it is possible to make it less likely that the sound from the speaker S will leak to the outside of the booth apparatus 1.

[0056] In the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the sound-absorbing panel 42 is attached to the mounting frame 41 via resin rivets or the like. It is also possible to attach the sound-absorbing panel 42 to the side panels 22 and the back panel 25 by attracting a magnetic material fixed to the sound-absorbing panel 42, or to fix the sound-absorbing panel 42 to the side panels 22 and the back panel 25 by adhesive.

[0057] Inside the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a top plate 52 is provided along the back plate 25. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, engaging portions 51a formed on the top plate bracket 51 are engaged with engaging holes 21d of the support columns 21, thereby assembling the top plate bracket 51 to each of the two support columns 21 located at the rear of the booth apparatus 1. Then, the top plate 52 is fixed to the upper portions of the two top plate brackets 51, thereby providing the top plate 52 inside the rear of the booth apparatus 1 (at a position along the back plate 25).

[0058] 3 and 8, in the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a tray 53 for accommodating communication devices, wiring, etc. is provided between two top plate brackets 51. A cover 54 for covering the upper side of the tray 53 is fixed to the front side of the tray 53.

[0059] 2 to 4, in the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the rear end of the top plate 52 is disposed near the roof member 31 in a plan view. Since the user of the booth apparatus 1 often speaks while sitting near the front side of the top plate 52, by bringing the rear end of the top plate 52 and the roof member 31 closer together in a plan view as described above, the head of the user of the booth apparatus 1 can be positioned below the roof member 31. This makes it easier for the roof member 31 to reflect the voice of the user of the booth apparatus 1. In other words, according to the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the voice of the user is less likely to be emitted to the outside of the booth apparatus 1, and therefore the sound insulation of the booth apparatus 1 can be further improved (see test results described later).

[0060] In particular, in the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the roof member 31 is fixed to the two side plates 22. This allows voices inside the booth apparatus 1 to be reflected by the roof member 31 near the side plates 22, making it difficult for the voices to be transmitted to the outside of the booth apparatus 1 to the sides.

[0061] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, by positioning the head of the user of the booth apparatus 1 below the roof member 31, it is possible to prevent sounds outside the booth apparatus 1 from reaching the user. That is, in the booth apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the roof member 31 blocks external sounds coming from above the user, thereby making it possible to further improve sound insulation.

[0062] [Booth Unit 100] Next, the booth unit 100 will be described with reference to Figure 10. The booth unit 100 according to this embodiment is formed by connecting two booth apparatuses 1 according to the above embodiment in the left-right direction. The components that make up the booth unit 100 are the same as those of the booth apparatus 1, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] In the booth unit 100 according to this embodiment, the left and right booth apparatuses 1 share the two support columns 21 and the side plate 22 disposed between them. Therefore, in the booth unit 100 according to this embodiment, the mounting frames 41, 41 assembled opposite to each other on the same side plate 22 are configured to be located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction without interfering with each other.

[0064] 11 and 12(a), the mounting frame 41 in this embodiment is formed by bending the claw-shaped locking portions 41a perpendicularly to a fixing plate 41d formed at the upper end of a frame 41b. In this case, as shown in Fig. 12(b), the distance from the center line L of the fixing plate 41d to the left locking portion 41a is formed to be greater than the distance to the right locking portion 41a.

[0065] 12(a) and 12(b), when the mounting frames 41 are engaged with the grooves 22a of the side plates 22 and the locking portions 41a are locked with the locked portions 22c, the center lines of the fixing plates 41d can be aligned with each other. In other words, the mounting frames 41, 41 that are assembled facing each other can be provided at the same position in the front-to-rear direction on the side plates 22 without interfering with each other.

[0066] In the booth unit 100 according to this embodiment, the roof member 31 provided on each booth apparatus 1 is fixed to one peripheral wall 2 (in this embodiment, a side panel 22 provided between the two booth apparatuses 1·1) arranged between the adjacent booth apparatuses 1, and to the other peripheral wall 2 opposite the one peripheral wall 2 (in this embodiment, side panels 22·22 provided on the left-right outer sides of the booth unit 100).

[0067] With the booth unit 100 configured as described above, voices uttered by neighboring booth apparatuses 1 and 1 can be reflected by the roof member 31 near the side panels 22. This makes it difficult for voices to leak outside to the sides of the booth apparatus 1, making it difficult for voices to be transmitted between the booth apparatuses 1 and 1. In other words, it is possible to further improve sound insulation between the booth apparatuses 1 and 1.

[0068] Furthermore, inside each booth apparatus 1·1 in the booth unit 100 according to this embodiment, a top panel 52 is provided along a back panel 25 that intersects with the side panels 22 (see FIG. 2). This allows a user using the top panel 52 inside each booth apparatus 1·1 to be positioned facing the back panel 25. This allows the user to speak in a direction perpendicular to the adjacent booth apparatus 1·1 (rearward in this embodiment), thereby further improving sound insulation between the adjacent booth apparatuses 1·1.

[0069] Furthermore, when using the booth unit 100 of this embodiment, from the viewpoint of minimizing the impact of sound leakage to the outside, it is preferable to place the back panel 25 of the booth apparatus 1 constituting the booth unit 100 close to the wall.

[0070] [Measurement test results] Next, the results of a measurement test conducted by the applicant to verify the sound insulation of the booth unit 100 will be explained with reference to Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 13(a), the applicant used two consecutive booth devices (a speech booth Bs and a measurement booth Bm) similar to the booth unit 100 to test their sound insulation against each other.

[0071] In this test, the speech booth Bs and the measurement booth Bm were configured to have the same configuration as the peripheral wall 2 in the booth apparatus 1, so that both booths were under the same conditions. In addition, sound-absorbing panels P similar to the sound-absorbing panels 42 provided in the booth apparatus 1 were placed on both sides of the room, on both the left and right sides and at the front. Then, as indicated by the arrow St, a speaker placed at a speech point Ps in the center of the speech booth Bs was used to emit a sound at 500 Hz toward the front. Furthermore, the volume was measured at a measurement point Pm in the center of the measurement booth Bm adjacent to the speech booth Bs.

[0072] In this test, as shown in Figure 13(b), Tests 1 to 5 were conducted, which differed in the placement of the roofing and louver elements. Specifically, Test 1 was configured without roofing or louver elements. Test 2 was configured with the roofing elements blocking the entire upper opening, with no louver elements. Test 3 was configured with the roofing elements blocking the front 30% of the upper opening, with no louver elements. Test 4 was configured with the roofing elements blocking 30% of the upper opening (above the sounding point Ps and measurement point Pm), with no louver elements. Test 5 was configured with the roofing elements positioned above the upper opening (above the sounding point Ps and measurement point Pm), and with a total of 10 louver elements positioned in front and behind the roofing elements, so that the roofing and louver elements blocked a total of 30% of the opening.

[0073] In this test, as shown in Figure 13(b), for each of Tests 1 to 5, the effect of reducing the measured sound volume was measured in comparison with the condition where the sound volume was measured near the phonation point Ps (hereinafter referred to as the "basic condition"). That is, in Test 1, where no roof member was provided, a sound volume reduction effect of 19.1 dB was confirmed compared to the basic condition. Also, in Test 2, where all openings were closed with roof members, a high sound volume reduction effect of 28.7 dB was confirmed compared to the basic condition.

[0074] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13(b), Test 3, in which the front 30% of the booth was blocked off with a roof member, only achieved a sound volume reduction of 20.2 dB compared to the base conditions, and no significant difference was observed from Test 1, in which no roof member was installed. Test 4, in which the overhead 30% was blocked off with a roof member, demonstrated a sound volume reduction of 25.2 dB compared to the base conditions. Thus, this test demonstrated that placing the roof member above the speaking point (above the booth user's head) reduced sound volume by more than 5 dB compared to placing the roof member in the front, demonstrating high sound insulation without impeding water spraying.

[0075] Furthermore, Test 5, in which 30% of the overhead space was blocked off with roof and louver elements, demonstrated a sound reduction of 27.9 dB compared to the basic conditions, similar to Test 2, in which all openings were blocked off with roof elements. This test thus confirmed that sound insulation can be further improved by installing louver elements in addition to roof elements.

[0076] [Other variations] The above embodiment can be modified as appropriate as shown in the other modifications below. Note that each modification described in this specification may be applied in combination with other modifications to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

[0077] The booth device may have a shape other than a rectangle in plan view, such as a circle, a triangle, a pentagon, or a trapezoid in plan view.

[0078] The roof member 31 of the booth apparatus 1 may be open not only between two side edges opposing in the front-rear direction and the peripheral wall 2 as in this embodiment, but also between two side edges opposing in the left-right direction and the peripheral wall 2. Furthermore, it is also acceptable for three or more side edges in the front-rear and left-right directions to be open between the peripheral wall 2.

[0079] In the booth apparatus 1, the roof member 31, the first louver member 32, and the second louver member 33 are provided as a shielding portion that shields the opening 2a of the peripheral wall 2, but it is also possible to configure the booth apparatus 1 so that only the roof member 31 is provided as a shielding portion. Also, in the booth apparatus 1, it is also possible to configure the shielding portion using only louver members, and to configure the roof member by rotating some of the louver members to be continuous with adjacent louver members.

[0080] In the booth apparatus 1, the roof member 31, first louver member 32, and second louver member 33, which are the shielding parts, are not limited to being made of nonwoven fabric, but may be made of other materials capable of reflecting sound, such as steel plate. It is also possible to form a sound-absorbing panel by inserting sound-absorbing material inside a panel body made of steel plate.

[0081] The booth apparatus 1 may be configured without either or both of the sound-absorbing panels 42 and the speakers S. The booth apparatus 1 may also be configured with the sound-absorbing panels 42 only at the rear or only at the sides. The booth apparatus 1 may also be configured with the speakers S only at the rear.

[0082] In the booth unit 100, it is also possible to install the booth apparatus 1 with the longitudinal direction of the roof member 31 facing the front-to-rear direction. It is also possible to configure the booth apparatus 1 so that the top plate 52 is provided along the side plates 22 (configuration in which the user uses the booth in a position facing the side plates 22).

[0083] [Booth equipment 1A] A booth apparatus 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 14 to 21. The booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment is an example of a private booth according to the present invention. As shown in Figs. 14 to 16, the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment is placed on the floor and used for indoor use by one person or a small number of people. Of the components constituting the booth apparatus 1A, those common to the booth apparatus 1 according to the previous embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] In this embodiment, the direction of the booth apparatus 1A is defined by the arrow in Fig. 14. Also, as shown in Fig. 16, the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment is configured so that the user faces the rear of the booth apparatus 1A when using it. Therefore, hereinafter, the front-rear direction will be described appropriately based on the posture of the user of the booth apparatus 1A (the rear of the booth apparatus 1A will be described as "the front side as seen from the user" in some cases).

[0085] 14 to 17, the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, like the booth apparatus 1 according to the previous embodiment, is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall 2 having an opening 2a formed at the top and contacting the floor, thereby forming a private room. The peripheral wall 2 is composed of four support columns 21 and side panels 22, a door frame panel 23, and a back panel 25, which are steel panels connected by the support columns 21 to form a rectangular shape in a plan view. A door 24 is attached to the door frame panel 23 via hinges H so that it can be opened and closed. In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the back panel 25 forms the front wall of the peripheral wall 2 (the peripheral wall located in front as seen from the user). Furthermore, the left and right side panels 22 form side walls that intersect with the back panel 25, which is the front wall.

[0086] 15 to 17, on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 2, a plurality of sound-absorbing panels 142 made of a sound-absorbing material such as nonwoven fabric are provided on the rear of the side panels 22 and the back panel 25 (opposite the door 24). In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the sound-absorbing panels 142 also absorb the voices of the user inside the booth apparatus 1, thereby improving the sound insulation of the booth apparatus 1 (attenuation of the sound volume transmitted between the inside and outside of the booth apparatus 1). In this embodiment, the plurality of sound-absorbing panels 142 are provided in a vertically divided manner into five panels, each of which is independently attachable to and detachable from the peripheral wall 2.

[0087] 18 and 19, the sound-absorbing panel 142 is attached to the side panel 22 and the back panel 25 via a mounting frame 141. The mounting frame 141 is a connecting member inserted between the side panel 22 and the sound-absorbing panel 42, and also functions as an optional mounting member for attaching a speaker Sa, as described below. In this embodiment, the assembly structure of the sound-absorbing panel 142 to the back panel 25 is the same as the assembly structure to the side panel 22, so the following describes a method for attaching the sound-absorbing panel 142 to the side panel 22.

[0088] The mounting frame 141 has a locking portion 141a formed at the upper end and a rod-shaped frame 141b that is the main body of the mounting frame 141. As shown in Fig. 18, the locking portion 141a is locked into a groove 22a in the side plate 22, thereby assembling the mounting frame 141 to the side plate 22. As shown in Figs. 14, 15, and 17, the locking portion 141a is covered with an upper cap 141d. A plurality of mounting holes 141c are opened in the frame 141b for fixing the panel support member 143. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 16, a mounting portion 141e is formed at the lower end of the frame 141b on which the sound-absorbing panel 142, which is provided at the bottom, is placed.

[0089] A sound-absorbing panel 142 is supported on the mounting frame 141 via a panel support member 143. Specifically, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, recessed locking portions 142a are formed on the back surface of the upper and lower ends of the sound-absorbing panel 142. In addition, the panel support member 143 is formed with locking portions 143a that protrude in the upper and lower directions.

[0090] 18 and 19(a), the mounting frame 141 is assembled to the side plate 22, and the sound-absorbing panel 142 is pressed against the side plate 22 so that the mounting frame 141 passes through the locked portions 142a. With this in mind, the fixing screws 144 are screwed into the fixing holes 143b and the mounting holes 141c of the panel support member 143. As a result, the locked portions 142a of the sound-absorbing panel 142 are locked with the locking portions 143a of the panel support member 143, and the sound-absorbing panel 142 is assembled to the side plate 22 via the mounting frame 141.

[0091] 19(b), a cap 145 is attached to the panel support member 143, thereby covering the surface of the panel support member 143 and the fixing screw 144. A groove-shaped insertion hole 145a is formed in the cap 145, and the locking portion 143a of the panel support member 143 is inserted into the insertion hole 145a, thereby attaching the cap 145 to the panel support member 143.

[0092] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, speakers Sa are provided on inner peripheral surfaces (inner surfaces of the side plates 22) that face each other in the left-right direction in the peripheral wall 2. In this embodiment, the front surface of the speaker Sa (the surface facing the user) is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and almost the entire front surface is configured as an audio output section So.

[0093] 20 and 21, the speaker Sa is attached to the side panel 22 via a mounting frame 141, which is an optional mounting member. Specifically, the speaker Sa is attached to the mounting frame 141 via a panel support member 143. More specifically, a speaker support member 146 is fixed to the panel support member 143 to which the speaker Sa is attached with a fixing screw 144, instead of a cap 145.

[0094] 21 , speaker support member 146 is formed by bending a plate-like member. Speaker support member 146 includes fixed portion 146a that is fixed to panel support member 143, and two speaker support portions 146b that support speaker Sa. With fixed portion 146a fixed to panel support member 143, speaker Sa is fixed to speaker support portion 146b with speaker fixing screws 147. In this way, speaker Sa is attached to side plate 22 via panel support member 143 and mounting frame 141.

[0095] The mounting frame 141, which is an optional mounting member, can be fitted with optional members other than the speaker Sa. For example, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, a light I and a display D are attached to the mounting frame 141 that supports the sound-absorbing panel 142 on the back panel 25.

[0096] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, a shielding portion is provided at the opening 2a of the peripheral wall 2 via a support member 130, as shown in Figures 14 to 17. In this embodiment, a roof member 131, a first louver member 132, and a second louver member 133 are used as the shielding portion.

[0097] In the booth apparatus 1A, the support members 130 are engaged with the grooves 22a of the side panels 22 on both the left and right sides. A roof member 131, a first louver member 132, and a second louver member 133 are then placed between the support members 130. In this way, the roof member 131, the first louver member 132, and the second louver member 133 are provided as a shielding section that shields the opening 2a.

[0098] In this embodiment, the roof member 131, first louver member 132, and second louver member 133, which are shielding portions, are configured so that sound-absorbing material such as nonwoven fabric is exposed. Furthermore, the roof member 131, first louver member 132, and second louver member 133, which are shielding portions, are configured so that they shield an area of ​​30% or less of the opening area of ​​the opening 2a in a plan view (a shielding rate of 30% or less). This ensures that water can be sprayed from above by sprinklers or the like in the event of a fire.

[0099] Inside the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, a top plate 152 is provided along the back plate 25. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, top plate support parts 151 are fixed to the support columns 21, and the top plate 152 is fixed to the upper parts of the two top plate support parts 151, so that the top plate 152 is provided inside the rear part of the booth apparatus 1A (at a position along the back plate 25). As shown in Fig. 16, the top plate 152 provided in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment is a work top plate provided so that a user can use it while facing the back plate 25, which is the front wall.

[0100] 16, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, a tray 153 for accommodating communication devices, wiring, etc. is provided between two top board support parts 151. In addition, a cover 154 for covering the upper side of the tray 153 is fixed to the front side of the tray 153.

[0101] A curtain 162 capable of shielding the interior of the booth apparatus 1A is provided at the front side of the interior of the booth apparatus 1A. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 17, a rail 161 capable of suspending the curtain 162 is attached to the door frame panel 23 via an attachment member. The curtain 162 is provided so as to be able to extend and retract while sliding along the rail 161. As a result, even if a transparent glass panel is used for the door 24, the curtain 162 can shield the interior of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0102] A chair 172 is provided inside the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment for a user to sit on when using the top panel 152. In this embodiment, the chair 172 is supported by a chair support member 171 extending from the lower end of the back panel 25, and its position inside the booth apparatus 1A is fixed and invariable.

[0103] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa provided on the side panel 22 is installed at a height position that overlaps at least horizontally with the ears of the user of the top panel 152. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, a first ear height He1, which is the height from the floor surface of the user's ear position Pe1 on the top panel 152, is configured to be smaller than a first upper end height H1, which is the height from the floor surface of the upper end of the audio output unit So, and larger than a first lower end height H2, which is the height from the floor surface of the lower end of the audio output unit So.

[0104] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the position of the chair 172 is fixed, but when the top plate 152 is fixed to the booth apparatus 1A as in this embodiment, the position and posture of the user are limited. For this reason, it is also possible to make the chairs arranged in the booth apparatus 1A not fixed, but so that the arrangement of the chairs can be freely changed.

[0105] According to the booth apparatus 1A of this embodiment, the audio output section So of the speaker Sa can be placed near the ears of the user, which reduces the volume of the audio output from electronic devices such as a personal computer or a display, thereby making it difficult for sound to leak outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0106] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is installed at a height position closer to the upper surface of the top plate 152 than to the upper ends of the side plates 22. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, the first upper end height H1 is configured to be smaller than the side plate height Hw, which is the height from the floor to the upper ends of the side plates 22. In addition, the first lower end height H2 is configured to be larger than the first top plate height Ht1, which is the height from the floor to the upper surface of the top plate 152. The difference (Hw-H1) between the side plate height Hw and the first upper end height H1 is configured to be larger than the difference (H2-Ht1) between the first lower end height H2 and the first top plate height Ht1.

[0107] According to the booth apparatus 1A of this embodiment, the audio output section So of the speaker Sa can be disposed at a height position close to the upper surface of the top board 152. This allows the volume of audio output from electronic devices such as personal computers and displays to be reduced, making it possible to prevent sound from leaking outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0108] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the entire audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is configured to be installed at a height position closer to the upper surface of the top plate 152 than the upper ends of the side plates 22, but it is also possible to configure the booth apparatus 1A so that part of the audio output unit So is installed at a height position closer to the upper surface of the top plate 152 than the upper ends of the side plates 22. Even in this case, since the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa can be arranged at a height position closer to the upper surface of the top plate 152, it is possible to prevent sound from leaking outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0109] Furthermore, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa to be provided at a height position that does not overlap horizontally with the ears of the user of the tabletop 152 (the user of the chair 172). For example, if the speaker Sa is provided at a position below the tabletop 152, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the angle of the audio output unit So of the speaker is arranged to face upward. In this way, by making the angle of the speaker Sa variable in the up-down direction, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is arranged at a height position that does not overlap horizontally with the ears of the user of the tabletop 152.

[0110] In addition, the booth device 1A of this embodiment can also be configured to include a vertical position adjustment mechanism (for example, a speaker Sa replacement mechanism or slide adjustment mechanism) that can fine-tune the height position of the speaker Sa to suit the user's physique and posture.

[0111] Furthermore, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa to be provided at a position that does not overlap with the ears of the user of the tabletop 152 (user of the chair 172) in the front-rear direction. For example, if the speaker Sa is provided closer to the front wall (backboard 25) than the usable end of the tabletop 152, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the speaker Sa is disposed at an angle toward the usable end of the tabletop 152. In this way, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ears of the user of the tabletop 152 in the front-rear direction, for example, by making the angle of the speaker Sa variable.

[0112] Furthermore, the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment may be configured to include a forward / backward position adjustment mechanism (e.g., a speaker replacement mechanism or a slide adjustment mechanism) that can finely adjust the forward / backward position of the speaker Sa to suit the user's physique and posture. For example, if the chair 172 provided inside the booth apparatus 1A has a backrest, a position adjustment mechanism that adjusts the speaker position along a trajectory that matches the backward tilt of the backrest may be provided. This makes it possible to minimize the volume with a speaker of the minimum size, which contributes to suppressing sound leakage from the booth apparatus 1A.

[0113] 16, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, at least a part of the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is installed at a position higher than the upper surface of the top plate 152 and at a position behind the usable end of the top plate 152 (front side of the booth apparatus 1A) as seen from the user. This makes it possible to position the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa in the booth apparatus 1A closer to the user.

[0114] In addition, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is installed at a height position that overlaps at least horizontally with the ears of the user of the chair 172. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, a first ear height He1, which is the height from the floor surface of the ear position Pe1 of the user of the chair 172, is configured to be smaller than a first upper end height H1, which is the height from the floor surface of the upper end of the audio output unit So, and larger than a first lower end height H2, which is the height from the floor surface of the lower end of the audio output unit So.

[0115] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the "user of the tabletop 152" and the "user of the chair 172" are assumed to be adults (office workers) ranging from the 5th percentile for women to the 95th percentile for men, who are seated. That is, the ear position Pe1 of the user of the tabletop 152 and the chair 172 is located within the range of possible ear positions when a person ranging from the 5th percentile for adult women to the 95th percentile for adult men sits in a chair.

[0116] According to the booth apparatus 1A of this embodiment, the audio output section So of the speaker Sa can be placed near the ears of the user, which reduces the volume of the audio output from electronic devices such as a personal computer or a display, thereby making it difficult for sound to leak outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0117] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is installed at a height position closer to the seat of the chair 172 than the upper end of the side panel 22. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, the first lower end height H2 is configured to be larger than the chair height Hc, which is the height of the seat of the chair 172 from the floor. The difference (Hw-H1) between the side panel height Hw and the first upper end height H1 is configured to be larger than the difference (H2-Hc) between the first lower end height H2 and the chair height Hc.

[0118] According to the booth apparatus 1A of this embodiment, the audio output section So of the speaker Sa can be disposed at a height position close to the seat of the chair 172. This allows the volume of audio output from electronic devices such as a personal computer or a display to be reduced, making it possible to prevent sound from leaking outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0119] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the entire audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is configured to be installed at a height position closer to the seat of the chair 172 than the upper ends of the side plates 22, but it is also possible to configure the booth apparatus 1A so that part of the audio output unit So is installed at a height position closer to the seat of the chair 172 than the upper ends of the side plates 22. Even in this case, since the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa can be arranged at a height position closer to the seat of the chair 172, it is possible to prevent sound from leaking outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0120] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the chair 172 is fixed in relative distance to the backboard 25 by the chair support member 171. As shown in Fig. 16, at least a part of the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is installed at a position higher than the seat of the chair 172 and overlapping the front-to-rear width of the chair 172 in a side view. This makes it possible to position the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa in the booth apparatus 1A closer to the user.

[0121] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the speakers Sa are disposed at symmetrical positions on the left and right side plates 22, as shown in Figures 15 and 17. This allows sound to be output from the speakers Sa on both sides, making even small sounds easy to hear.

[0122] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, a roof member 131, a first louver member 132, and a second louver member 133 are attached as a shielding section with a shielding rate of 30% or less to the upper end of the peripheral wall 2. As shown in Fig. 16, the roof member 131 of the shielding section is disposed at a position where it overlaps with the speaker Sa in the front-rear direction in a plan view.

[0123] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the shielding rate of the shielding portion is set to 30% or less, thereby suppressing the effect of the shielding portion on the sprinkling of water. Also, by blocking sound with the shielding portion, sound is less likely to leak outside the booth apparatus 1A.

[0124] In addition, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, sound-absorbing panels 142 are provided on the side plates 22. This allows the opposing sound-absorbing panels 142 to absorb the sound emitted from the sound output unit So of the speaker Sa, making it possible to prevent sound from leaking outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0125] With regard to the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, it is also possible to form a booth unit by connecting a plurality of booth apparatuses 1A, which are individual rooms, as in the booth apparatus 1 according to the previous embodiment shown in Fig. 10. When a booth unit is formed by connecting a plurality of booth apparatuses 1A according to this embodiment, the plurality of booth apparatuses 1A can be arranged in a parallel arrangement so that users of the respective booth apparatuses 1A can use them facing in the same direction perpendicular to the connecting direction of the booth apparatuses 1A (for example, a configuration in which the booth apparatuses 1A are connected in the left-right direction as in the booth unit 100 shown in Fig. 10).

[0126] In the booth unit configured as described above, the booth apparatus 1A (the same applies to the booth apparatus 1, and the same applies hereinafter) constituting each individual room has an opening 2a facing upward, and is formed into a rectangular shape in a plan view by a plurality of steel panels (side panels 22, door frame panels 23, and back panel 25) that contact the floor and are connected at the corners by a plurality of connecting members, i.e., supports 21. Sound-absorbing panels 142 are attached to part or all of the surfaces of the side panels 22 and back panel 25 that face inward of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0127] As described above, in the booth apparatus 1A according to the present invention, by attaching the sound-absorbing panels 142 to the side plates 22 and back plate 25 that constitute the peripheral wall 2, reverberation and sound leakage inside the booth apparatus 1A are reduced, making it possible to comfortably hold web conferences and the like even in small spaces. That is, when a booth unit is constructed using the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the side plates 22 and back plate 25, which are steel panels, provide sound insulation, and the sound-absorbing panels 142 can absorb sound and effectively suppress sound leakage.

[0128] Furthermore, the booth unit using the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment is configured so that the sound-absorbing panels 142 are attached to the steel panels, which makes it easier to install and dismantle the booth apparatus 1A. This makes it possible to flexibly accommodate changes in the number and layout of the booth apparatuses 1A that make up the booth unit.

[0129] When configuring a booth unit using the booth apparatus 1A, it is preferable to attach a sound-absorbing panel 142 to the steel panel (side panel 22) provided between the booth apparatus 1A and the adjacent booth apparatus 1A, as in the booth unit 100 shown in Fig. 10. This makes it possible to prevent voices from leaking to the adjacent booth apparatus 1A.

[0130] In addition, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, a mounting frame 141 is provided between the steel panels (side panels 22 and back panel 25) and the sound-absorbing panel 142 as an optional mounting member to which optional members can be attached. The mounting frame 141 is concealed by the sound-absorbing panel 142. This allows optional members such as a speaker Sa to be attached and detached via the mounting frame 141. Furthermore, the mounting frame 141 is prevented from being exposed inside the booth apparatus 1A, thereby maintaining the design of the interior of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0131] In the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the sound-absorbing panel 142 is detachably fixed to the mounting frame 141, which is an optional mounting member, via the panel support member 143. This allows the sound-absorbing panel 142 to be attached and detached by attaching and detaching the panel support member 143 to and from the mounting frame 141, making it possible to easily attach and detach the sound-absorbing panel 142 to and from the side panel 22 and the back panel 25.

[0132] Furthermore, when configuring a booth unit using the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the mounting frames 141 can be attached to both sides of the side plates 22 provided between adjacent booth apparatuses 1A so as to be at the same position in the width direction of the side plates 22. This allows the mounting positions in the front-rear direction of optional components such as the speaker Sa to be attached inside the booth apparatus 1A to be unified.

[0133] Furthermore, when configuring a booth unit using the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, it is preferable to form a space through which wiring can be inserted between the front surface of the steel panels (side panels 22 and back panel 25) and the rear surface of the sound-absorbing panel 142. This prevents the wiring from being exposed inside the booth apparatus 1A, allowing the wiring to be routed without impairing the interior design of the booth apparatus 1A.

[0134] Furthermore, in the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, the sound absorbing panel 142 is divided into five pieces in the vertical direction, and each piece can be attached and detached individually. This allows the vertical size of each sound absorbing panel 142 to be compact, making it easy to transport, attach and detach, and replace the sound absorbing panel 142.

[0135] Furthermore, when configuring a booth unit using the booth apparatus 1A according to this embodiment, it is preferable to install the top board 152 so that users of adjacent booth apparatuses 1A face the same direction without facing each other, as in the booth unit 100 shown in Fig. 10. This allows users to speak in a direction different from the adjacent booth apparatus 1A, making it possible to prevent voices from leaking into the adjacent booth apparatus 1A.

[0136] When configuring a booth unit using the booth apparatus according to the present invention, it is also possible to place chairs instead of tabletops inside the booth apparatus so that users of adjacent booth apparatuses face the same direction without facing each other. Even in this case, users will speak in a different direction from the adjacent booth apparatus, making it less likely that their voices will leak into the adjacent booth apparatus.

[0137] When a plurality of booth devices according to the present invention are connected to form a booth unit, the booth devices can be arranged in series so that users of the booth devices can use them facing the same direction along the connecting direction of the booth devices (serial arrangement). In this case, the doors of the booth devices are provided on the side panels.

[0138] The booth devices may be arranged in series or in parallel in the direction of connection of the booth devices.The booth devices may also be arranged in a rotational arrangement so that the user of each booth device can face the direction of the adjacent private room in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in a plan view.

[0139] [Booth device 1B] Next, a booth apparatus 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 22. The booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment is an example of a private booth according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 22, the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment is placed on the floor and is used for indoor use by one person or a small number of people.

[0140] The booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment is configured such that the height of the tabletop 152 in the booth apparatus 1A according to the previous embodiment is increased and no chair 172 is provided. For this reason, of the components constituting the booth apparatus 1B, those that are common to the booth apparatus 1A according to the previous embodiment are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that, since the position of the tabletop 152 is increased compared to the booth apparatus 1A, in the booth apparatus 1B, the speaker Sa, lighting I, and display D are also positioned at heights that are the same as the vertical width of the tabletop 152.

[0141] Inside the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, a top panel 152 is provided along the back panel 25. As shown in Fig. 22, the top panel 152 provided in the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment is a work top panel provided so that a user can use it while facing the back panel 25, which is the front wall.

[0142] In the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa provided on the side panel 22 is installed at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of the user of the top panel 152 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 22, a second ear height He2, which is the height from the floor surface of the user's ear position Pe1 on the top panel 152, is configured to be smaller than a second upper end height H3, which is the height from the floor surface of the upper end of the audio output unit So, and larger than a second lower end height H4, which is the height from the floor surface of the lower end of the audio output unit So.

[0143] In the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, the "user of the tabletop 152" is assumed to be an adult (office worker) ranging from the 5th percentile for women to the 95th percentile for men in a standing position. That is, the ear position Pe2 of the user of the tabletop 152 is located within the range of possible ear positions for a person ranging from the 5th percentile for adult women to the 95th percentile for adult men when standing.

[0144] In the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, it is also possible to assume that the "user of the tabletop 152" is an adult (office worker) ranging from the 5th percentile for women to the 95th percentile for men, sitting in a chair at a height similar to that of the upper body when standing. In other words, the ear position Pe2 of the user of the tabletop 152 can be located within the range of ear positions that can be assumed when a person ranging from the 5th percentile for adult women to the 95th percentile for adult men sits on a high chair.

[0145] As shown in Fig. 22, the booth apparatus 1B (standing position specification) according to this embodiment is different from the booth apparatus 1A (seated position specification) according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 16 in that the height of the speaker Sa is set to differ in units of the height of the sound-absorbing panel 142. That is, in the seated position specification shown in Fig. 16, the speaker Sa is provided at the same height as the fourth sound-absorbing panel 142 from the top. On the other hand, in the standing position specification shown in Fig. 22, the speaker Sa is provided at the same height as the third sound-absorbing panel 142 from the top.

[0146] In this embodiment, the above-described configuration eliminates the need to change the shape, etc., of the sound-absorbing panels 142 depending on whether the speaker Sa is located in a position or not, allowing the shape, etc., of all the sound-absorbing panels 142 to be standardized. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the speaker Sa is fixed, the speaker support member 146 is supported via the support member 143. Therefore, when changing the position of the speaker Sa, it is sufficient to simply attach or detach the cap 145; there is no need to remove the sound-absorbing panel 142 to attach or detach the speaker Sa, making it possible to change the position of the speaker Sa with a simple procedure. If the position of the speaker Sa is shifted due to a combination of the height of the user's ears and the height of the tabletop, it would be more preferable to have a means for fine-tuning the speaker position, as described above.

[0147] According to the booth apparatus 1B of this embodiment, the audio output section So of the speaker Sa can be placed near the ears of the user, which reduces the volume of the audio output from electronic devices such as a personal computer or a display, thereby making it difficult for sound to leak outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1B.

[0148] In the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is installed at a height position closer to the upper surface of the top plate 152 than to the upper ends of the side plates 22. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 22, the second upper end height H3 is configured to be smaller than the side plate height Hw, which is the height from the floor to the upper ends of the side plates 22. In addition, the second lower end height H4 is configured to be larger than the second top plate height Ht2, which is the height from the floor to the upper surface of the top plate 152. The difference (Hw-H3) between the side plate height Hw and the second upper end height H3 is configured to be larger than the difference (H4-Ht2) between the second lower end height H4 and the second top plate height Ht2.

[0149] According to the booth apparatus 1B of this embodiment, the audio output section So of the speaker Sa can be disposed at a height position close to the upper surface of the top board 152. This allows the volume of audio output from electronic devices such as personal computers and displays to be reduced, making it possible to prevent sound from leaking outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1B.

[0150] In the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, the entire audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is configured to be installed at a height position closer to the upper surface of the top plate 152 than the upper ends of the side plates 22, but it is also possible to configure the booth apparatus 1B so that part of the audio output unit So is installed at a height position closer to the upper surface of the top plate 152 than the upper ends of the side plates 22. Even in this case, since the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa can be arranged at a height position closer to the upper surface of the top plate 152, it is possible to prevent sound from leaking outside the private room of the booth apparatus 1B.

[0151] Furthermore, in the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, similarly to the booth apparatus 1A according to the previous embodiment, it is also possible to configure the audio output section So of the speaker Sa at a height position on the top board 152 that does not overlap horizontally with the ears of the user. Furthermore, the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment can also be configured to include a vertical position adjustment mechanism (for example, a speaker Sa replacement mechanism or slide adjustment mechanism) that can finely adjust the height position of the speaker Sa to suit the physique and posture of the user.

[0152] Furthermore, in the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, similarly to the booth apparatus 1A according to the previous embodiment, it is also possible to configure the audio output section So of the speaker Sa at a position on the top board 152 that does not overlap with the user's ears in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment can also be configured to include a front-to-rear position adjustment mechanism (for example, a speaker replacement mechanism or a slide adjustment mechanism) that can finely adjust the front-to-rear position of the speaker Sa to suit the user's physique and posture.

[0153] 22, in the booth apparatus 1B according to this embodiment, at least a part of the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa is installed at a position higher than the upper surface of the top plate 152 and at a position behind the usable end of the top plate 152 (front side of the booth apparatus 1B) as seen from the user. This makes it possible to arrange the audio output unit So of the speaker Sa in the booth apparatus 1B closer to the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1 Booth device (first embodiment) 1A Booth device (second embodiment) 1B Booth device (third embodiment) 2 Peripheral wall 2a opening 21 Support 21a Side cover member 21b upper surface cover member 21c protrusion portion 21d Engagement hole 21e Insertion portion 22 Side plate 22a Groove 22b Connecting member 22c Locked part 23 Door frame panel 24 Door 24a Door knob 24b Door closer 25 Back plate 25a Groove 25b Connecting member 31 roof member 31a roof main body 31b Engagement portion 32 First louver member 32a First louver portion 32b First engagement portion 33 Second louver member 33a Second louver portion 33b Second engagement portion 41 Mounting frame 41a Locking portion 41b Frame 41c Support plate 41d Fixing plate 42 Sound absorbing panel 42a Window section 51 Top plate bracket 51a Engagement portion 52 baking sheet 53 tray 54 Cover 100 booth units 130 Support member 131 Roof member 132 First louver member 133 Second louver member 141 Mounting frame 141a Locking portion 141b Frame 141c Mounting hole 141d Upper cap 141e Placement part 142 sound absorbing panel 142a engaging portion 143 Panel support member 143a Locking portion 143b Fixing hole 144 Fixing screw 145 Cap 145a Insertion hole 146 Speaker support member 146a Fixed part 146b Speaker support part 147 Speaker fixing screw 151 top plate support part 152 top plate 153 Tray 154 Cover 161 Rail 162 Curtain 171 chair support member 172 chair H Hinge S Speaker Sa Speaker So Audio output section D Display I Lighting C Wiring cord L Center line Bs vocalization booth Bm measurement booth Ps: vocalization point Pm: measurement point P Sound-absorbing panel St Arrow Pe1 Ear position (sitting posture) Pe2 Ear position (standing posture) He1 First ear height He2 Second ear height Ht1 First tabletop height Ht2 Second tabletop height H1 First upper end height H2 First lower end height H3 Second upper end height H4 Second lower end height Hw Side panel height Hc Chair height

Claims

1. A private booth surrounded by a peripheral wall having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and equipped with a work top panel that is provided so as to face the front wall, a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls; The audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of a user of the tabletop in a horizontal direction, At least a part of the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a position higher than an upper surface of the tabletop and rearward of a use end of the tabletop, The upper end of the peripheral wall is open, the speakers are formed in a plate shape having a thickness smaller than the width and height of the surface on the audio output unit side, and have directionality, and are arranged at positions symmetrical to each of the side walls, the speaker is fixed to the side wall via a mounting member; A sound-absorbing panel is provided around the speaker, the sound-absorbing panel is attached to a surface of the side wall; A private booth with the surrounding walls made of steel panels.

2. A private booth surrounded by a peripheral wall having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and equipped with a work top panel that is provided so as to face the front wall, a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls; All or a part of the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position closer to the top surface of the top plate than the upper end of the side wall, At least a part of the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a position higher than an upper surface of the tabletop and rearward of a use end of the tabletop, The upper end of the peripheral wall is open, the speakers are formed in a plate shape having a thickness smaller than the width and height of the surface on the audio output unit side, and have directionality, and are arranged at positions symmetrical to each of the side walls, the speaker is fixed to the side wall via a mounting member; A sound-absorbing panel is provided around the speaker, the sound-absorbing panel is attached to a surface of the side wall; A private booth with the surrounding walls made of steel panels.

3. A private booth is provided in a private room surrounded by a peripheral wall having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a chair provided so that a person can sit facing the front wall, a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls; the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of the user of the chair in a horizontal direction, At least a part of the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a position higher than the seat of the chair and overlaps with the front-to-rear width of the chair in a side view, The upper end of the peripheral wall is open, the speakers are formed in a plate shape having a thickness smaller than the width and height of the surface on the audio output unit side, and have directionality, and are arranged at positions symmetrical to each of the side walls, the speaker is fixed to the side wall via a mounting member; A sound-absorbing panel is provided around the speaker, the sound-absorbing panel is attached to a surface of the side wall; A private booth with the surrounding walls made of steel panels.

4. A private booth is provided in a private room surrounded by a peripheral wall having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a chair provided so that a person can sit facing the front wall, a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls; All or a part of the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position closer to the seat surface of the chair than the upper end of the side wall, At least a part of the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a position higher than the seat of the chair and overlaps with the front-to-rear width of the chair in a side view, The upper end of the peripheral wall is open, the speakers are formed in a plate shape having a thickness smaller than the width and height of the surface on the audio output unit side, and have directionality, and are arranged at positions symmetrical to each of the side walls, the speaker is fixed to the side wall via a mounting member; A sound-absorbing panel is provided around the speaker, the sound-absorbing panel is attached to a surface of the side wall; A private booth with the surrounding walls made of steel panels.

5. A private booth surrounded by a peripheral wall having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and equipped with a work top panel that is provided so as to face the front wall, a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls; The audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of a user of the tabletop in a horizontal direction, A shielding portion having a shielding rate of 30% or less is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall, A private booth in which the shielding portion is positioned at a location that overlaps with the speaker in a front-to-rear direction when viewed from above.

6. A private booth surrounded by a peripheral wall having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and equipped with a work top panel that is provided so as to face the front wall, a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls; All or a part of the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position closer to the top surface of the top plate than the upper end of the side wall, A shielding portion having a shielding rate of 30% or less is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall, A private booth in which the shielding portion is positioned at a location that overlaps with the speaker in a front-to-rear direction when viewed from above.

7. A private booth is provided in a private room surrounded by a peripheral wall having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a chair provided so that a person can sit facing the front wall, a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls; the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position that overlaps at least the ears of the user of the chair in a horizontal direction, A shielding portion having a shielding rate of 30% or less is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall, A private booth in which the shielding portion is positioned at a location that overlaps with the speaker in a front-to-rear direction when viewed from above.

8. A private booth is provided in a private room surrounded by a peripheral wall having a front wall and left and right side walls intersecting the front wall, and is provided with a chair provided so that a person can sit facing the front wall, a speaker is provided on at least one of the side walls; All or a part of the audio output unit of the speaker is installed at a height position closer to the seat surface of the chair than the upper end of the side wall, A shielding portion having a shielding rate of 30% or less is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall, A private booth in which the shielding portion is positioned at a location that overlaps with the speaker in a front-to-rear direction when viewed from above.

Images