kitchen unit

Abstract

To provide a kitchen unit in which electric appliances can be used in a wide range around a kitchen counter.SOLUTION: A kitchen unit (100) includes: a kitchen counter (110) having a top plate (101); a shielding panel unit (1) erected on the top plate in the neighborhood of a stove (102) or a sink (103) provided on the kitchen counter; and a power supply unit (4) provided in the shielding panel unit, which can be energized when a plug is inserted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, electrical cooking appliances such as a mixer may be used on a kitchen counter equipped with a stove, sink, etc. For this reason, kitchen units have been proposed that are equipped with a power supply section (plug socket) for inserting the plug of the electrical cooking appliance to energize it. In the kitchen device described in Patent Document 1, an outlet section is provided on the front end surface of the cooking table. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-104562 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the kitchen appliance disclosed in Patent Document 1, the outlet protrudes downward from the front end surface, which is located in front of the cook when standing facing the kitchen appliance. When the outlet protrudes from the front end surface of the kitchen counter, when the plug is connected, the plug protrudes from the front of the kitchen counter and the cord hangs down toward the front. As a result, the cord can get caught in the drawer or shelf door located below the kitchen counter, obstructing the cook's work flow.

[0005] Examples of kitchen unit layouts include island-style kitchens, where the kitchen unit is set upright on the floor away from the building wall, and peninsula-style kitchens, where one of the widthwise side walls of the kitchen unit (the side wall on either side of the cook standing at the kitchen unit) is adjacent to the building wall.In open kitchens, when the cook stands facing the kitchen counter while cooking, there is no partition wall on the far side of the kitchen counter, and the kitchen is open to the dining room or other area adjacent to the kitchen.

[0006] In such open kitchens, the top surface of the kitchen counter, excluding the stove and sink, is often flat with few irregularities to create a sense of unity between the kitchen space and the living space. In addition, the kitchen counter may be made larger so that part of it doubles as a dining table.

[0007] In such open kitchens, cooks are not limited to standing facing the kitchen counter on one side, but can stand on all four or three sides of the counter. As a result, electrical cooking appliances may also be used in the dining area.

[0008] In such cases, if an outlet is provided on the front of the kitchen counter as in Patent Document 1, when an electrical cooking appliance is used in the dining space, the cord crosses the kitchen counter, interfering with cooking work. Also, if the kitchen counter has a large floor area, an outlet that opens downward from the front as in Patent Document 1 may not have a long enough cord, making it impossible to use the electrical cooking appliance in the dining space. Also, because kitchen counters use water, it is not possible to embed a power supply in the counter top.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a kitchen unit that allows electrical appliances to be used over a wide area around the kitchen counter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The kitchen unit of the present invention is characterized by comprising a kitchen counter having a top plate, a shielding panel unit erected on the top plate near a stove or sink installed on the kitchen counter, and a power supply unit installed on the shielding panel unit and capable of being energized by inserting a plug.

[0011] According to this invention, the power supply unit is provided on the shielding panel unit that is installed upright near the stove or sink, allowing the power supply unit to be installed on the countertop. As a result, the cords of electrical cooking appliances will not get caught in drawers or the like installed in front of the kitchen unit, and will not interfere with the cook's work flow. It is also possible to provide a kitchen unit that allows electrical appliances to be used over a wide area around the kitchen counter. Furthermore, by providing the power supply unit on the shielding panel unit, the power supply unit is less noticeable in appearance than when the power supply unit is installed independently protruding from the countertop, allowing for a kitchen unit with excellent exterior design.

[0012] In the kitchen unit of the present invention, the shielding panel unit comprises a panel body and a frame attached to the top plate and supporting and fixing the panel body, and the power supply unit may be provided on the frame.

[0013] According to this invention, the power supply unit is provided on a frame that is provided to support the shielding panel, so that the power supply unit is less noticeable in appearance than when the power supply unit is provided to protrude independently from the top plate, and a kitchen unit with excellent external design can be provided.

[0014] In the kitchen unit according to the present invention, the power supply unit may be provided on the frame below the panel body.

[0015] According to this invention, by providing the power supply unit on the frame below the panel body, the power supply unit is not noticeable from the outside, and a kitchen unit with excellent exterior design can be provided. Furthermore, when a plug is connected to the power supply unit, the cord of the electrical appliance extends near the countertop, and is less likely to interfere with work flow on the countertop.

[0016] In the kitchen unit of the present invention, the frame comprises a vertical frame provided on the vertical edge of the panel body and a horizontal frame provided on the horizontal edge of the panel body, and the power supply unit may be provided on the vertical frame.

[0017] According to this invention, since the power supply unit is provided in the vertical frame of the frame having the horizontal frame and the vertical frame, the power supply unit can be provided at a position spaced above the top plate.

[0018] In the kitchen unit according to the present invention, the power supply unit may be provided on an outer surface of the frame that is substantially parallel to the thickness direction of the panel body.

[0019] According to this invention, the power supply unit is located on the outer surface of the frame, which is approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the panel body, making it difficult to see the power supply unit from the living or dining space, providing a shielding panel unit with a high level of exterior design. Furthermore, the user can easily insert the plug into the outlet whether they are standing in front of or behind the kitchen counter.

[0020] In the kitchen unit of the present invention, the power supply unit may be provided on a side of the frame of the shielding panel unit opposite to the stove or sink side.

[0021] According to this invention, by providing the power supply unit on the side of the frame of the shielding panel unit opposite the stove or sink side, the power supply unit is not noticeable from the outside, making it possible to provide a kitchen unit with excellent exterior design. Also, when a plug is connected to the power supply unit, the cord of the electrical appliance is unlikely to be positioned closer to the stove or sink than the panel body, which inevitably ensures the safety of the wiring.

[0022] In the kitchen unit of the present invention, the kitchen counter may be arranged so that the end of the shielding panel unit on the side opposite the stove or sink is spaced apart from the wall of the building.

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a kitchen unit that allows electrical appliances to be used over a wide area around the kitchen counter, particularly in an open kitchen where customers can face each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] To provide a kitchen unit that allows electrical appliances to be used over a wide area around the kitchen counter in a face-to-face open kitchen. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a kitchen unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a kitchen unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a kitchen unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a screen unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the screen unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the screen unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the screen unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the screen unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fourth modified example of the screen unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth modified example of the screen unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the screen unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth modified example of the screen unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a kitchen unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of a kitchen unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] (First embodiment) A kitchen unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a kitchen unit 100 according to this embodiment. The kitchen unit 100 according to this embodiment is installed at the boundary between the living space or dining space and the kitchen space in a living room. The kitchen unit 100 according to this embodiment is suitable for use in an island-type kitchen that is located away from the wall of a building, or in a peninsula-type kitchen where only one end of the kitchen counter is located close to the wall of a building.

[0027] In a face-to-face kitchen unit placed facing the living space or dining space, a built-in wall or storage cabinet that is taller than the kitchen counter top may be placed to shield the kitchen counter top. In contrast, as shown in Figure 1, there are kitchen units that do not have any fixtures taller than the counter top at the end of the kitchen counter. In the following description, a kitchen unit that does not have any fixtures taller than the counter top will be referred to as an open kitchen. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the floor F on which the kitchen unit 100 is installed will be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a kitchen unit 100 according to this embodiment includes a kitchen counter 110, a stove 102, a sink 103, a screen unit (shielding panel unit) 1, and a power supply unit 4.

[0029] Kitchen counter 110 has a top plate 101 and a cabinet 104 that supports top plate 101. Cabinet 104 is a rectangular parallelepiped structure that stands on floor F. Although not shown in the figure, cabinet 104 is appropriately provided with storage sections such as drawers and shelves for storing cooking utensils, storage sections for electrical appliances such as dishwashers and ovens, and piping storage sections for storing gas pipes, electrical wiring, water supply and drainage pipes, etc.

[0030] The top plate 101 is a flat member that is approximately rectangular in plan view. The top plate 101 is placed on and fixed to the cabinet 104. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal dimension of the top plate 101 is approximately equal to the longitudinal dimension of the cabinet 104. The top plate 101 has two longitudinal sides 101a, 101b, of which the first side 101a is arranged near the side wall of the cabinet 104, and the other longitudinal side, the second side 101b, is arranged to protrude horizontally from the side wall of the cabinet 104.

[0031] Openings that penetrate vertically are formed in the top plate 101 at positions where the stove 102, sink 103, and faucet 105 (see FIG. 3) are to be installed. The stove 102, sink 103, and faucet 105 installed near the sink 103 are disposed and fixed in these openings.

[0032] The stove 102 and sink 103 are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the countertop 101. The stove 102 and sink 103 are located near the first side 101a of the countertop 101. When cooking, a user of the kitchen unit 100 mainly stands on the first side 101a side. A work area R between the stove 102 and sink 103 on the countertop 101 functions as a work surface. The second side 101b side of the countertop 101 is configured to be usable not only as a work surface for the kitchen, but also as a work surface for the dining space or living space. Furthermore, if chairs are placed on the second side 101b side, it can function as a counter table.

[0033] The stove 102 is a known gas stove or electric stove, and is connected to gas piping or electric wiring within the cabinet 104, and is configured to be capable of heating and cooking.

[0034] Sink 103 is a well-known sink, and its drain outlet (not shown) is connected to a drain pipe provided inside cabinet 104. Faucet 105 is connected to a water supply pipe inside cabinet 104 and is configured to be able to discharge water into sink 103. Water discharged from faucet 105 is discharged into the drain pipe through the drain outlet of sink 103.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the kitchen unit 100 in Fig. 1, and is a perspective view showing the stove 102 and the screen unit 1 provided near the stove 102. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the kitchen unit 100 in Fig. 1, and is a perspective view showing the sink 103 and the screen unit 1 provided near the stove 102.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the screen unit 1 is installed upright on the countertop 101 near the stove 102 and sink 103 installed on the kitchen counter 110. The screen unit 1 is installed near the end of the stove 102 on the second side 101b side, and near the end of the sink 103 on the second side 101b side. The screen unit 1 is a panel that functions to shield the stove 102 or sink 103 from the surroundings. For the stove 102, it functions to prevent splashes of oil and the like during cooking, to capture smoke, and to provide a windbreak for the flame, and for the sink 103, it functions to prevent splashes of water when the sink is in use.

[0037] The screen unit 1 includes a frame 2 and a screen (panel main body) 3. The frame 2 is a substantially rectangular, elongated member fixed onto the top plate 101. The frame 2 is provided to support and fix the panel main body. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the frame 2 of the screen unit 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 2 includes a frame main body 21 that forms an outer frame, and a locking member 22 that locks the screen 3. The frame main body 21 and the locking member 22 are elongated members whose dimensions in the longitudinal direction are substantially equal to those of the frame 2. The frame main body 21 and the locking member 22 are formed from aluminum alloy profiles. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 2 further includes end caps 5, 5 provided at both longitudinal ends.

[0038] In the following description of the screen unit 1 and the power supply unit 4, for various components other than the frame 2, when attached to the screen unit 1, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the frame 2 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction will be referred to as the front-to-rear direction. Within the front-to-rear direction, when the screen unit 1 is attached to the top plate 101, the side of the first side 101a of the top plate 101 will be referred to as the front side, and the side of the second side 101b will be referred to as the rear side.

[0039] The frame main body 21 is a member fixed onto the top plate 101. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame main body 21 is a member having a substantially U-shaped vertical cross section, and is composed of a base 210 that abuts against the top plate 101 and a first side wall 211 and a second side wall 212 that extend in the up-down direction. The frame main body 21 has the first side wall 211 and the second side wall 212 that extend upward from both front-to-rear end portions of the base 210, and a groove 213 that opens upward is formed by the base 210, the first side wall 211, and the second side wall 212. Two through holes 25, 25 for arranging the power supply unit 4 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction at one longitudinal end portion of the second side wall 212 (the end portion on the working area R side). A wiring hole 26 that penetrates in the up-down direction is formed at the longitudinal end portion of the base 210 near the through holes 25, 25.

[0040] The locking member 22 is a member that fits into the groove portion 213 of the frame main body 21. The locking member 22 has a first abutment wall 221, a second abutment wall 222, a locking groove 223, and upper cover portions 224a and 224b. The first abutment wall 221 and the second abutment wall 222 are located at the lower end of the locking member 22 and have flat surfaces that extend in the up-down direction. The first abutment wall 221 and the second abutment wall 222 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction. An insertion recess 227 (see FIG. 4 ) is formed at the longitudinal end of the second abutment wall 222 at a position that is the same longitudinal position as the through holes 25, 25 of the second side wall 212. The insertion recess 227 is a recess formed by cutting out the second abutment wall 222 (including the horizontal extension) to a size that allows the power supply box 41, which will be described later, to pass through.

[0041] Locking grooves 223 are provided in the upper portions of the first and second contact walls 221 and 222. The upper cover portions 224a and 224b extend from the upper ends of the locking grooves 223 in a substantially horizontal direction in the front-to-rear direction of the frame 2 to the upper ends of the first and second side walls 211 and 212 of the frame main body 21. The upper cover portions 224a and 224b include upper locking portions 225 and 226 extending downward from both ends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0042] 4, the locking groove 223 is offset toward the first side 101a (front side) from the center in the front-rear direction of the frame 2. A gap Sb between the second side wall 212 and the outer wall of the locking groove 223 is wider than a gap Sa between the first side wall 211 and the outer wall of the locking groove 223. The gap Sb between the second side wall 212 and the outer wall of the locking groove 223 becomes a power supply storage section 4S of the power supply unit 4, which will be described later.

[0043] The screen 3 is a panel made of glass or plastic. A transparent or translucent screen 3 is particularly preferable because it does not impair the sense of openness in a face-to-face open kitchen. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower end of the screen 3 is covered with a cover member 31. The cover member 31 is a long resin member with a substantially U-shaped vertical cross section, and has an outer dimension that allows it to be inserted into the locking groove 223 of the locking member 22 of the frame 2 while making contact with it. The cover member 31 has a support groove 32 that opens upward, and the lower end of the screen 3 is inserted into the support groove 32 and tightly fixed.

[0044] The power supply unit 4 is provided on the frame 2 of the screen unit 1. The power supply unit 4 is a known plug receptacle that has a plug socket 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), a power supply box 41 that houses an electrical connection mechanism, and wiring 42, and can be energized by inserting a plug of an electrical appliance. In this embodiment, two power supply units 4 are provided.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the power supply unit 4 is provided on the frame 2 below the screen 3. Specifically, the power supply unit 4 is provided on the second side wall 212 located on the second edge 101b side of the frame 2 of the screen unit 1, opposite the stove 102 or sink 103 side. The power supply unit 4 is disposed toward the second edge 101b of the top plate 101. Furthermore, each of the plug sockets 40 is disposed so that its lower end is located above the top plate 101. As a result, water spilled on the top plate 101 can be prevented from reaching the plug socket 40. Although not shown, a cap may be provided to cover the plug socket 40 from the outside when the power supply unit 4 is not in use.

[0046] The end caps 5, 5 are generally flat caps whose shape and dimensions correspond to the external shapes of both longitudinal ends of the frame 2, and are arranged to cover both longitudinal ends of the frame 2 and engage with the frame 2. The end caps 5, 5 seal the ends of the frame 2 to prevent water from entering the frame 2. The end caps 5, 5 are detachably attached to the frame 2. Therefore, the end caps 5 are removed when performing maintenance on the power supply unit 4.

[0047] Next, we will explain how to install the screen unit 1 and the power supply unit 4. First, the frame main body 21 is placed on the top plate 101 so that the base 210 abuts on the top plate 101 on the second side 101b near the stove 102 or sink 103. The frame main body 21 is fixed to the top plate 101 by inserting screws into the grooves 213.

[0048] Next, the power supply unit 4 is placed. The wiring 42 of the power supply unit 4 is inserted through the wiring hole 26 in the base 210 of the frame 2 and the wiring hole 106 that penetrates the top plate 101 in the vertical direction, and is electrically connected to the electrical wiring provided inside the cabinet 104. The plug sockets 40 are arranged in the power supply storage section 4S inside the frame 2, and each plug socket 40 is fitted into and fixed in each of the through holes 25, 25 in the second side wall 212.

[0049] Next, the locking member 22 is placed in the groove 213 of the frame main body 21. Specifically, the flat surfaces of the first abutment wall 221 and the second abutment wall 222 are placed in contact with the inner surfaces of the first side wall 211 and the second side wall 212 of the frame main body 21, respectively, and the upper cover portions 224a and 224b are placed so as to cover the upper opening of the groove 213 of the frame main body 21. The upper locking portions 225 and 226 cover the upper ends of the first abutment wall 221 and the second abutment wall 222, and the lower ends of the upper locking portions 225 and 226 abut against the support surfaces 221a and 222a provided horizontally on the upper ends of the first abutment wall 221 and the second abutment wall 222, respectively. This causes the locking member 22 to be locked to the frame main body 21. When the locking member 22 is inserted into the groove 213 from above, the insertion recess 227 is positioned to correspond to the power supply box 41 , and the power supply box 41 is positioned to pass through the insertion recess 227 .

[0050] Next, the screen 3 is fixed to the frame 2. Adhesive is placed in the locking grooves 223, and when the cover member 31 of the screen 3 is inserted into the locking grooves 223, the cover member 31 is pressed and adhered to the locking grooves 223. The adhesive supports and fixes the bottom end of the screen 3 to the locking grooves 223. As a result, the screen 3 inserted into the frame 2 will not come out of the frame 2. In this way, the screen unit 1 and the power supply unit 4 can be installed on the top plate 101.

[0051] According to the kitchen unit 100 of this embodiment, the power supply unit 4 is provided on the screen unit 1 that is erected near the stove 102 or the sink 103, so that the power supply unit 4 can be provided on the top board 101. As a result, the cords of the electrical appliances for cooking will not get caught in the drawers or the like provided in front of the kitchen unit 100, and the working flow of the user who cooks can be improved. It does not interfere with the operation of the kitchen unit 100. It is also possible to provide a kitchen unit 100 that allows electrical appliances to be used over a wide area around the tabletop 101. Furthermore, by providing the power supply unit 4 on the screen unit 1, the power supply unit 4 is less noticeable in appearance than when the power supply unit 4 is provided independently protruding from the tabletop 101, and it is possible to provide a kitchen unit 100 that has an excellent exterior design.

[0052] According to kitchen unit 100 of this embodiment, power supply unit 4 is provided on frame 2, which is provided to support screen 3, so power supply unit 4 is less noticeable in appearance than when power supply unit 4 is provided to protrude independently from tabletop 101, making it possible to provide kitchen unit 100 with excellent exterior design. Furthermore, because power supply unit 4 is positioned higher than the upper surface of tabletop 101, even if water is spilled on tabletop 101, the water is less likely to adhere to plug socket 40.

[0053] According to the kitchen unit 100 of this embodiment, the power supply unit 4 is provided on the frame 2 provided below the screen 3, so that the power supply unit 4 is not noticeable externally, making it possible to provide a kitchen unit 100 with excellent external design. Furthermore, when a plug is connected to the power supply unit 4, the cord of the electrical appliance extends near the top plate 101, which is unlikely to interfere with the work flow on the top plate 101.

[0054] According to the kitchen unit 100 of this embodiment, the power supply unit 4 is provided on the second side wall 212 (side surface) of the frame 2 of the screen unit 1 opposite the stove 102 or sink 103 side, so that the power supply unit 4 is not noticeable externally, making it possible to provide a kitchen unit 100 with excellent external design. Furthermore, when a plug is connected to the power supply unit 4, the cord of the electrical appliance is unlikely to be positioned closer to the stove 102 or sink 103 than the screen 3, which inevitably ensures the safety of the electrical wiring.

[0055] According to the kitchen unit 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide a kitchen unit 100 in which electrical appliances can be used over a wide area around the top plate 101, particularly in a face-to-face open kitchen.

[0056] In open kitchens, there are island-type kitchen counters 110 that are set up independently in the living room, away from the building's wall, and peninsula-type kitchen counters where only one side of the kitchen counter is adjacent to the building's wall. In the case of island-type and peninsula-type kitchen counters, there are often no partition walls at the ends of the kitchen counter for the purpose of concealment. According to this invention, by providing a power supply unit as part of the screen unit, the power supply unit can be placed in an inconspicuous location from the outside.

[0057] In order to arrange the power supply unit 4 on the top panel 101 so that it is not noticeable externally, the power supply unit 4 may be provided on the frame 2. Therefore, the position of the power supply unit 4 on the frame 2 is not limited to the position shown in the above embodiment. Modified examples of the screen unit are shown below. In the following explanations and drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

[0058] (First Modification) FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a screen unit 1A of a first modified example of the first embodiment, showing one longitudinal end of the frame 2A. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the frame 2A of the screen unit 1A of the first modified example. The screen unit 1A of this modified example is an example that differs from the above embodiment in the configuration of the frame 2A and end cap 5A and the position of the power supply unit 4. In this modified example, the power supply unit 4 is provided at the bottom of the frame 2.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the end cap 5A is a substantially flat plate-shaped member, and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the frame 2A. The power supply unit 4 is a member fitted into the longitudinal end of the frame 2A of the screen unit 1A. The power supply unit 4 is provided along the front-to-rear direction at the longitudinal end of the frame 2A of the screen unit 1A. Specifically, the power supply unit 4 is provided in the end cap 5A (outer surface of the frame) on the work area R side. A single through-hole 52A for locating the power supply unit 4 is formed in the bottom of the end cap 5A, and the plug socket 40 of the power supply unit 4 is fitted into the through-hole 52A.

[0060] In this modification, the power supply storage section 4S is provided in the lower part of the frame 2A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the frame 2A has a higher first side wall 211A and a second side wall 212A and a shorter dimension in the front-to-rear direction compared to the frame 2 of the above embodiment. The locking groove 223 is disposed in approximately the center of the frame 2A in the front-to-rear direction. The power supply storage section 4S is provided below the locking member 22 in the groove 213 of the frame main body 21. The other configurations of the frame main body 21 and the locking member 22 are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0061] A method for installing the screen unit 1A and power supply unit 4 of this modified example will now be described. After fixing the frame main body 21A onto the top plate 101, the power supply unit 4 is attached. Specifically, the wiring 42 is inserted through the wiring hole 26 in the base 210 and the wiring hole 106 that penetrates the top plate 101 in the vertical direction, and connected to the electrical wiring inside the cabinet 104. The power supply box 41 is temporarily placed on the top plate 101 with it protruding outward from the longitudinal end of the frame 2A. Next, as in the above embodiment, the locking member 22 is locked into the groove portion 213 of the frame main body 21A, and the screen 3 is fixed in the locking groove 223.

[0062] Next, the plug socket 40 is fitted into the through-hole 52A of the end cap 5A, the power supply box 41 is placed in the power supply storage section 4S of the frame 2A, and the end cap 5A is fitted to the longitudinal end of the frame 2A. This completes the installation of the screen unit 1A and the power supply section 4.

[0063] According to the screen unit 1A and power supply unit 4 of this modified example, the power supply unit 4 can be arranged on the tabletop 101 so as not to be noticeable externally, as in the above embodiment. Furthermore, according to the screen unit 1A and power supply unit 4 of this modified example, the power supply unit 4 can be arranged on the longitudinal end face of the frame 2B on the work area R side. Therefore, the power supply unit 4 is not easily visible from the living space or dining space side, and a screen unit 1A with a highly designed external appearance can be provided. Furthermore, whether the user is standing on the first side 101a or the second side 101b of the kitchen counter, it is easy to insert the plug into the plug socket 40.

[0064] (Second Modification) 7 is a perspective view showing a screen unit 1B of a second modified example and a part of the power supply unit 4. The screen unit 1B of this modified example is an example that differs from the above embodiment in the configuration of the frame 2B and the end cap 5B and the position of the power supply unit 4. In this modified example, the power supply unit 4 is provided at a position that protrudes from the screen 3.

[0065] In this modification, a power supply storage section 4S is provided in the end cap 5B on the work area R side. The end cap 5B is a hollow, roughly rectangular parallelepiped member with one horizontal end open. The hollow portion forms the power supply storage section 4S, and the open portion forms a cap section 51 that covers the longitudinal end of the frame 2B. A through-hole 52 penetrating vertically is formed in the top surface of the end cap 5B, and a plug socket 40 is fitted into the through-hole 52. Therefore, the plug socket 40 is positioned longitudinally outboard of the screen 3 and faces upward. The wiring 42 of the power supply section 4 is inserted into the frame 2B, passed through the wiring hole 26 of the base 210 and the wiring hole 106 of the top plate 101, and connected to the electrical wiring in the cabinet 104. In this state, the end cap 5B is engaged with the longitudinal end of the frame 2B.

[0066] According to the screen unit 1B and power supply unit 4 of this modified example, as in the above embodiment, the power supply unit 4 can be arranged on the tabletop 101 so as not to stand out from the outside. Furthermore, according to the screen unit 1B and power supply unit 4 of this modified example, the plug socket 40 is provided facing upward at the top of the frame 2B, so that the user can easily insert a plug into the plug socket 40 whether they are standing on the first side 101a or the second side 101b of the kitchen counter.

[0067] (Third Modification) FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a portion of the screen unit 1C and power supply unit 4 of the third modified example. Like the second modified example, this modified example is an example in which a power supply storage unit 4S is provided in the end cap 5C, but the position of the plug socket 40 differs from that of the second modified example. The frame 2B has the same configuration as the second modified example. A through-hole 52 is formed in the longitudinal end face 55 (the outer surface of the frame) of the end cap 5C, which is approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the screen 3, and the plug socket 40 is fitted into the through-hole 52. As shown in FIG. 8, the plug socket 40 may be disposed facing sideways along the longitudinal direction of the frame 2B. According to the screen unit 1C and power supply unit 4 of this modified example, the power supply unit 4 can be disposed on the tabletop 101 so as not to be noticeable externally, as in the above embodiment. Furthermore, according to the kitchen unit of this modified example, the plug socket 40 is provided on the side of the frame 2B facing upward, making it easy for a user to insert a plug into the plug socket 40 whether they are standing on the first side 101a or the second side 101b of the kitchen counter.

[0068] (Fourth Modification) Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a screen unit 1D of the fourth modified example and a part of the power supply unit 4. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the screen unit 1D of the fourth modified example and the power supply unit 4. The screen unit 1D is an example in which the frame main body 21D of the frame 2D is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the screen 3, and the power supply unit 4 is provided in a portion that protrudes beyond the screen 3.

[0069] The frame main body 21D has a longer longitudinal length than the screen 3. The locking member 22 has a dimension substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the screen 3, and therefore the frame main body 21D extends further than the longitudinal ends of the locking member 22. As a result, a space where the locking member 22 is not disposed is formed in the groove 213 at the longitudinal end of the frame main body 21D. This space functions as the power supply storage section 4S. A through-hole 25 is formed in the second side wall 212 of the longitudinally protruding portion of the frame main body 21D, and the plug socket 40 is fitted into the through-hole 25. Therefore, the plug socket 40 is disposed toward the second side 101b of the top panel 101.

[0070] The same end caps 5 as in the above embodiment are provided at the longitudinal ends of the frame main body 21D. A generally flat top cover 6 is provided above the frame main body 21D, between the longitudinal ends of the screen 3 and the end caps 5. The top cover 6 has parallel locking recesses 61, 61 formed at both front-to-rear ends on the underside. Step portions 29, 29 are formed at the upper ends 28, 28 of the longitudinal ends of the frame main body 21D. The upper ends 28, 28 enter the locking recesses 61, 61 of the top cover 6, and the lower end of the frame main body 21D abuts against the step portions 29, 29, so that the groove portion 213 is covered by the top cover 6. The top cover 6 is detachably attached to the frame main body 21D.

[0071] According to the screen unit 1D and power supply unit 4 of this modified example, as in the above embodiment, the power supply unit 4 can be disposed on the top board 101 so as not to stand out from the outside. Furthermore, the power supply unit 4 is provided in a position that does not interfere with the support structure of the screen 3 in the frame 2D, making it easy to install the power supply unit 4. Furthermore, maintenance of the power supply unit 4 can be easily performed by removing the top lid 6.

[0072] (Fifth Modification) FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a screen unit 1E and a portion of the power supply unit 4 of the fifth modified example. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the screen unit 1E and the power supply unit 4 of the fifth modified example. The screen unit 1E of this modified example is an example in which the position of the plug socket 40 and the configuration of the top cover 6E differ from those of the fourth modified example. The frame main body 21E has the same configuration as that of the fourth modified example. This is an example in which the power supply unit 4 is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the screen 3 and is provided in a portion that protrudes from the screen 3 toward the work area R.

[0073] A through-hole 62 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 6E. The plug socket 40 is fitted into this through-hole 62. Therefore, the plug socket 40 is arranged facing upward. A support base 45 is provided in the groove 213 of the frame main body 21. The power supply box 41 is placed on the support base 45, and the wiring 42 is inserted through the through-hole 451 of the support base 45, the wiring hole 26 of the base 210, and the wiring hole 106 of the top plate 101 to be connected to the electrical wiring inside the cabinet 104. The longitudinal end E of the frame main body 21 is covered by the end cap 5, which is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0074] According to the screen unit 1E and power supply unit 4 of this modified example, as in the above embodiment, the power supply unit 4 can be disposed on the top board 101 so as not to stand out from the outside. Furthermore, the power supply unit 4 is provided in a position that does not interfere with the support structure of the screen 3 in the frame 2D, making it easy to install the power supply unit 4. Furthermore, maintenance of the power supply unit 4 can be easily performed by removing the top lid 6.

[0075] While the screen unit in each of the above embodiments has been described as an example in which a long horizontal frame 2 is provided on the top plate 101, the frame 2 of the screen unit 1 is not limited to this configuration and may have any configuration that allows the screen 3 to be supported upright on the top plate 101. For example, two frames made of long members and having grooves formed therein that sandwich the screen 3 in the longitudinal direction may be set upright on the top plate 101 so as to extend vertically and apart with the grooves facing each other, and the screen 3 is inserted into each groove of the two frames to support the screen body. Even with frames of such various configurations, it is sufficient that the power supply box 41 is placed inside the frame and the plug socket 40 is fixed to the frame.

[0076] Second Embodiment A kitchen unit 100F according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing kitchen unit 100F according to the present embodiment. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a portion of kitchen unit 100F according to the present embodiment. In the following description, components similar to those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 13, a kitchen unit 100F according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of a screen unit 1F.

[0078] In the screen unit 1F, the screen 3F is larger than that in the first embodiment. That is, the screen 3F is provided from the top plate 101 to near the lower end of the range hood 107 provided above the stove 102. In addition, the screen unit 1F is configured such that the screen 3F is supported by being surrounded on all four sides by a frame.

[0079] The frame 2F includes a lower frame 71 (horizontal frame), an upper frame 72 (horizontal frame), and a pair of vertical frames 73 and 74. The lower frame 71 is fixed onto the top plate and supports the lower edge (horizontal edge) of the screen 3F. The configuration of the lower frame 71 is the same as that of the frame main body 21 and the locking member 22 of the first embodiment.

[0080] The upper frame 72 is fixed to the rear lower end of the range hood 107 and is The screen 3F is supported by clamping its upper edge (lateral edge). The configuration of the portion of the upper frame 72 that clamps the screen 3F is similar to the configuration of the frame body 21 and the locking member 22 in the first embodiment. A fixing portion (not shown) that is fixed to the lower end portion of the rear side of the range hood 107 is provided on the upper end surface of the upper frame 72.

[0081] The pair of vertical frames 73, 74 are made of elongated members and have a substantially U-shaped horizontal cross section with grooves formed in the longitudinal direction that sandwich the screen 3F. The pair of vertical frames 73, 74 are erected on the top plate 101 so that the grooves face each other and are spaced apart, extending in the vertical direction. Frame accommodating sections are provided at the upper and lower ends of the grooves of the vertical frames 73, 74. Both longitudinal ends of the lower frame 71 and the upper frame 72 are accommodated in the frame accommodating sections. The longitudinal (width) ends (vertical edge portions) of the screen 3F are inserted into the grooves of the vertical frames 73, 74, so that the pair of vertical frames 73, 74 support the screen 3F.

[0082] Of the pair of vertical frames 73, 74, the vertical frame 73 provided on the work area R side of the top board 101 has an outer surface 731 (outer surface of the frame) approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the screen 3F, and has a through hole 25F formed in the lower part thereof.

[0083] The power supply unit 4 is provided on the vertical frame 73 of the screen unit 1F. Specifically, it is provided on the vertical frame 73 that is provided on the work area R side. The power supply unit 4 has a plug socket 40 provided in a through hole 25F of the vertical frame 73. The plug socket 40 is provided along an outer side surface 731 that is approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the screen 3F. The power supply unit 4 is disposed at a position higher than the upper end of the lower frame 71.

[0084] According to the kitchen unit 100F of this embodiment, the power supply unit 4 is provided on the vertical frame 73 of the frame including the upper frame 72, the lower frame 71, and the vertical frames 73, 74, so that the power supply unit 4 can be provided at a position spaced above the tabletop 101. In other words, because the power supply unit 4 is provided on the vertical frame 73, the power supply unit can be provided at a higher position than the power supply unit 4 of the first embodiment. As a result, it is possible to prevent liquids, powders, etc. from getting on the tabletop 101 and onto the power supply unit 4.

[0085] In the kitchen unit 100F according to this embodiment, the power supply unit 4 is provided on the outer surface 731 of the vertical frame 73 that is approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the screen 3F, making it difficult to see the power supply unit 4 from the living space or dining space, thereby providing a screen unit 1F with a highly aesthetically designed appearance. Furthermore, whether the user is standing on the first side 101a or the second side 101b of the kitchen counter 110, the plug can be easily inserted into the plug socket 40.

[0086] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the kitchen unit 100, 100F was equipped with both the stove 102 and the sink 103, but the kitchen unit according to the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured such that either the stove or the sink is provided, with the screen unit 1 provided nearby. Also, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the power supply unit 4 was provided on the work area R side, but it is not limited to being provided on the work area R side.

[0087] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the power supply unit is provided at one end of the frame in the longitudinal direction, but a power supply unit may be provided at each end of the frame in the longitudinal direction. Also, in the above embodiment and modified examples, one or two power supply units are provided, but the number of power supply units is not limited to this.

[0088] In the above embodiment, an example of the kitchen unit 100 including the top plate 101 and the cabinet 104 that are substantially rectangular in plan view has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the top plate may be substantially square in plan view and the cabinet supporting the top plate may be a top plate having an arc portion on part of its periphery. If the top plate is not rectangular, the longitudinal direction in the above description is set based on the longitudinal direction of the screen unit.

[0089] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the components shown in the above-described embodiment and each modification can be appropriately combined to form a configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1st and 1st floor screen unit (shielding panel unit) 2, 2A, 2B, 2D, 2F Frame 3, 3F Screen (panel body) 4 Power supply section 5A End cap (outer side of frame) 55 End face (outer surface of frame) 71 Lower frame (horizontal frame) 72 Upper frame (horizontal frame) 73,74 Vertical frame 101 Top plate 102 Stove 103 Sink 100 Kitchen Unit 731 Outer surface (outer surface of frame)

Claims

1. A kitchen counter with a top, a plate-shaped panel main body erected on the top plate; a support portion that supports and fixes a lower portion of the panel body; a power supply unit that can be energized by inserting a plug into the power supply unit; The power supply unit is provided at a position overlapping the panel main body in the front-rear direction. Kitchen unit.

2. The kitchen unit according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply unit is provided adjacent to the lower end of the panel body.

3. The power supply unit has a plug socket into which a plug is inserted, The kitchen unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cap that covers the plug socket from the outside when the power supply unit is not in use.

4. A kitchen counter with a top, a plate-shaped panel main body erected on the top plate; a support portion that supports and fixes a lower portion of the panel body; a power supply unit that can be energized by inserting a plug into the power supply unit; The power supply unit is a kitchen unit installed on the left and right end sides of the panel body.

5. The power supply unit has a plug socket into which a plug is inserted, The kitchen unit according to claim 4, further comprising a cap for covering the plug socket from the outside when the power supply unit is not in use.

6. The power supply unit has a plug socket into which a plug is inserted, 6. The kitchen unit according to claim 4, wherein the plug sockets are provided on the left and right end sides of the panel body.

Images