JP7784864B2 - Panel body - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a panel body used with booth furniture that can be used for personal office work or tasks, for example in offices, public facilities, etc.

In offices, public facilities, etc., booths are known that are configured with left and right side panels and a back panel connecting one end of these side panels to form a space for individual work or tasks (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Inside the booth, a tabletop is arranged along the left and right side panels and back panel, creating a space where users seated facing the tabletop can concentrate on their work or tasks without being distracted by their surroundings.

Patent No. 4804939

In recent years, online meetings have become commonplace, often held inside booths using computers. Booths have openings that serve as entrances and exits to the booth interior, and because these openings are completely open, people are concerned about being seen from behind, and the inside of the booth can easily be seen from outside. Furthermore, users seated inside the booth make various statements while looking at the computer screen placed on the top panel. However, if the left and right side panels and back panel are simply made of plate-like materials, there is a problem of sound leaking out from the users' comments to the surrounding area. This same problem also arises when multiple users hold meetings in relatively large booths. In particular, in booths where multiple panels are connected in a U-shape to form an opening for users to enter and exit the booth interior, sound is likely to leak out from the opening to the surrounding area.

The present invention was developed with these issues in mind, and aims to provide a panel body that can, for example, prevent peeking through booth openings and reduce sound leakage.

To achieve this objective, the present invention takes the following measures:

In other words, the panel body of the present invention is a panel body that is formed so that it can stand on its own by adding legs made of a rigid material to the middle part of a flexible panel body that does not have a core material, excluding the left and right ends, and the legs have two opposing steel plates that sandwich the flexible panel body between them, and the flexible panel body has a fitting portion that is sandwiched between the two steel plates, and the thickness of the fitting portion is thinner than that of the surrounding part .

In this way, for example, by installing a panel body near the opening through which users enter and exit booth furniture made of multiple panel materials connected in a U-shape, it is possible to prevent the state inside the booth from being easily seen from the outside through the opening of the booth furniture, and to prevent sound from leaking into the surrounding area through the opening of the booth furniture. Furthermore, since the panel body has a flexible panel body and the periphery of the flexible panel body is soft, users of the booth furniture will not be hurt when they come into contact with it when entering or exiting.

Furthermore , since the panel body is constructed by sandwiching the flexible panel body between two steel plates facing the leg body, when sandwiching the flexible panel body between the two steel plates, the flexible panel body can be sandwiched vertically or horizontally, allowing the panel body to be assembled in any way desired.

Furthermore , the flexible panel body can be easily positioned relative to the leg body.

In the panel body of the present invention, it is preferable that a plate installed on the floor surface is connected to the lower ends of the two opposing steel plates of the leg body, and that the upper parts of the steel plates can be connected to each other.

In this way, by connecting the upper parts of the two opposing steel plates of the leg body, the leg body can be stably erected on the plate.

In the panel body of the present invention, it is preferable that the flexible panel body has a slit into which the upper portions of two steel plates connected to each other by the leg body are fitted.

In this way, the panel body can be easily fitted onto the upper parts of the two steel plates.
The panel body of the present invention is a panel body that is formed so that it can stand on its own by adding legs made of a rigid material to the middle part of a flexible panel body that does not have a core material, excluding the left and right ends, and the legs have two opposing steel plates that sandwich the flexible panel body between them, and a plate that is placed on the floor is connected to the lower ends of the two opposing steel plates of the legs, and the middle and upper parts of the steel plates in the height direction are connected to each other by two pins, and the flexible panel body has slits that extend in the vertical direction, and the upper parts of the two steel plates can be fitted into the flexible panel body so that the two pins are positioned within the slits.
In this way, for example, by installing the panel body near the opening through which users enter and exit booth furniture made of multiple panel materials connected in a U-shape, it is possible to prevent the state inside the booth from being easily seen from the outside through the opening of the booth furniture, and to prevent sound from leaking to the surroundings through the opening of the booth furniture. Also, since the panel body has a flexible panel body and the periphery of the flexible panel body is soft, users of the booth furniture will not be hurt when they come into contact with it when entering or exiting.
Furthermore, since the panel body is constructed by sandwiching the flexible panel body between two steel plates facing the leg body, when sandwiching the flexible panel body between the two steel plates, the flexible panel body can be sandwiched vertically or horizontally, allowing the panel body to be assembled in any way desired.
Furthermore, the flexible panel body can be easily positioned relative to the leg body.

In the panel body of the present invention, it is preferable that the flexible panel body be constructed by surface-bonding multiple flexible materials.

In this way, by surface-bonding multiple flexible materials, the thickness of the flexible panel body can be made relatively large.

The panel body of the present invention is preferably placed near the opening of a U-shaped booth to prevent peeping and sound leakage.

This prevents the situation inside the booth from being easily visible from the outside through the opening of the U-shaped booth, and also prevents sound from leaking into the surrounding area through the opening in the booth furniture.

The panel body of the present invention is preferably positioned near the opening of the U-shaped booth so as to shield the opening.

This completely shields the opening of the U-shaped booth, effectively preventing peeking and sound leakage.

This invention can, for example, prevent sound from leaking into the surrounding area through openings in booth furniture.

1 is a perspective view of booth furniture 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the booth furniture 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the booth furniture 1 of FIG. 1. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a1-a1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the booth furniture 1 of FIG. 1. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for connecting the side panel 10 and the rear panel 12. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for attaching the upper panel 31 to the side panel 10. FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the rear panel 12, and FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line a2-a2 in FIG. 8(a). 9(a) is a front view of the rear panel 12, FIG. 9(b) is a top view of the rear panel 12, and FIG. 9(c) is a side view of the rear panel 12. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a procedure for providing a surface material 63 so as to cover an MDF 61 provided on a core material 60. FIG. FIG. 11(a) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the panel body 65, and FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line a3-a3 in FIG. 11(a). FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the panel body 65 of FIG. 11. 13(a) is a front view of the flexible panel body 66, and FIG. 13(b) is a side view of the flexible panel body 66. FIG. 14(a) is a front view of the leg body 67, and FIG. 14(b) is a side view of the leg body 67. FIG. FIG. 15( a ) is a cross-sectional view of the flexible panel body 66 , and FIG. 15( b ) is a diagram illustrating a method for molding the flexible panel body 66 . FIG. 1 is a perspective view of booth furniture 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the booth furniture 101 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of booth furniture 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 19(a) is a perspective view of the sound-absorbing panel 80 as seen from below, FIG. 19(b) is a bottom view of the sound-absorbing panel 80, and FIG. 19(c) is a side view of the sound-absorbing panel 80. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a booth unit 301 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21(a) is a perspective view of multiple sound-absorbing panels 380 viewed from below, Figure 21(b) is a perspective view of multiple sound-absorbing panels 380 viewed from below, and Figure 21(c) is a side view of multiple sound-absorbing panels 380. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a panel body 365 according to a modified example of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

The booth furniture 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 includes a pair of side panels 10, 11 arranged opposite each other, and a back panel 12 connected between one end (rear end) 10a, 11a of these side panels 10, 11. The overall U-shaped design allows the piece to stand on its own, forming an interior booth space S1 that serves as living space. Two chairs 2 are placed inside the booth furniture 1. The two chairs 2 are positioned along the inner surfaces of the side panels 10, 11, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adjusters 3, which function as ground contact members and adjust the ground contact height, are attached to the bottom edges of the side panels 10 and 11 at three equally spaced locations, the back panel at four locations in the center, and the front panels 13a and 13b at one location on the edge of the opening OP.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the booth furniture 1 includes a top panel 31 above the booth interior space S1, extending from near the upper ends of the side panels 10 and 11 toward the inside of the booth interior space S1. The top panel 31 is inclined so that it is positioned upward as it moves away from near the upper ends of the side panels 10 and 11. The top end of the top panel 31 is positioned at approximately the same height as the top ends of the side panels 10 and 11. The bottom end of the top panel 31 contacts the inner surfaces of the side panels 10 and 11 below their upper ends. As will be explained later, the inner surface of the back panel 12 is formed with a block portion 51 surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending approximately parallel to each other, and the base of the top panel 31 is positioned to correspond to the horizontally extending grooves 50 on the inner surfaces of the side panels 10 and 11.

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

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

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

The structures of the side panels 10, 11, rear panel 12, front panels 13a, 13b, and top panel 31 will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the structure of the rear panel 12 shown in Figure 8 will be described in detail, but the structures of the side panels 10, 11, front panels 13a, 13b, and top panel 31 are similar.

As shown in Figure 8(a), the inner surface of the rear panel 12 (the surface facing the booth interior space S1) is a panel material with a panel structure in which multiple block sections 51, each surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending approximately parallel to one another, are arranged vertically and horizontally with the grooves 50 interposed between them. The block sections 51 are rectangular and are arranged across the entire inner surface of the rear panel 12.

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

The core material 60 is a component placed inside the back panel 12. As described above, cutouts 12c are formed at both ends of the top surface of the back panel 12, and these cutouts 12c are formed at both ends of the top surface of the core material 60. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), bolt holes 60c are formed in the cutouts 12c for fastening the connectors 14 with bolts 14a.

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the side panels 10, 11, back panel 12, and front panels 13a, 13b have convex sound-absorbing material 53 in the portions facing the booth interior space S1 of the booth furniture 1, and no convex sound-absorbing material 53 in the portions not facing the booth interior space S1. Furthermore, the top panel 31 has convex sound-absorbing material 53 in the portions facing the booth interior space S1 of the booth furniture 1 and in the portions not facing the booth interior space S1.

The procedure for installing the three-layer surface material 63 described above to cover the MDF 61 installed on the core material 60 will be explained with reference to Figure 10.

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

First, place the surface material 63 close to the MDF 61 on the core material 60, and confirm that the groove 50A at the end of the block portion 51 is aligned with the end 60A of the core material 60, as shown in Figure 10(a).

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

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

The same procedure applies to placing the upholstery material 64 on the surface of the core material 60 opposite the surface on which the surface layer 63 is provided, covering the MDF 62 placed on the core material 60. That is, the upholstery material 64 is cut to the length of the core material 60, placed on the surface of the MDF 62 placed on the core material 60, and then the end of the upholstery material 64 is pressed into the peripheral groove 60a formed on the end face of the core material 60. This causes the upholstery material 64 to be attached tightly to the surface of the MDF 62 placed on the core material 60.

In the booth furniture 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, a panel body 65 is installed in front of an opening OP through which users enter and exit the booth interior space S1. The panel body 65 is installed at a predetermined distance from the opening OP, and users can enter and exit the booth interior space S1 by passing through a gap formed between the panel body 65 and the front end of the front panel 13a or the front end of the front panel 13b.

As shown in Figure 11, the panel body 65 has a flexible panel body 66 and legs 67. The panel body 65 is made self-standing by adding legs 67 made of a rigid material to the middle portion 66n of the panel body 66, excluding the left and right ends. The flexible panel body 66 is made of a material, such as fiber, that can bend with the hand. The legs 67 are made of a hard material that cannot bend with the hand.

As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the flexible panel body 66 is a flat, vertically elongated, roughly elliptical member. The flexible panel body 66 has a linear fitting portion 66A that extends upward from its lower end. The fitting portion 66A is the portion that is sandwiched between the legs 67, and is formed to be thinner than the surrounding portion.

A linear slit 66T is formed in the center of the fitting portion 66A. The slit 66T extends vertically, cutting through the fitting portion 66A. In other words, the fitting portion 66A is the peripheral edge of the slit 66T.

As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the leg body 67 has two opposing steel plates 68 and a plate 67A connected to the lower ends of the two steel plates 68. The plate 67A is the part that is placed on the floor.

The two steel plates 68 are long, plate-like members extending vertically from plate 67A. The two steel plates 68 are arranged parallel to each other with their inner surfaces spaced a predetermined distance apart. The gap formed between the two steel plates 68 is approximately the same as the thickness of the mating portion 66A of the panel body 66. The two steel plates 68 are connected by pins 68a near their middle and upper heights.

In the panel body 65, the flexible panel body 66 is held by the two steel plates 68 with its fitting portion 66A sandwiched between them. At this time, the panel body 66 is fitted over the tops of the two steel plates 68 so that the pins 68a connecting the middle and upper portions of the two steel plates 68 in the height direction are positioned within the slits 66T.

The detailed structure of the flexible panel body 66 will be explained with reference to Figure 15(a).

As shown in Figure 15(a), the flexible panel body 66 has a fiber cushion 66a disposed in the center of its thickness direction. A skin 66b is provided on the front surface of the fiber cushion 66a, and another skin 66b is provided on the back surface of the fiber cushion 66a.

The molding method for the flexible panel body 66 will be explained with reference to Figure 15(b).

First, two fiber cushions _66a1 , _66a2 are pressed and thermally bonded to form the fiber cushion 66a. Hot melt is placed between the front surface of the fiber cushion 66a and the skin 66b, and hot melt is placed between the back surface of the fiber cushion 66a and the skin 66b, followed by cold pressing to form the skin 66b on the front and back surfaces of the fiber cushion 66a. In this way, the flexible panel body 66 is formed by surface-bonding a plurality of fiber cushions _66a1 , _66a2 , which are made of flexible material.

In the panel body 65 of this embodiment, the fiber cushion 66a, which is located in the center of the thickness direction of the flexible panel body 66, is made of a material that does not have a core material. The flexible panel body 66 can be made of a material such as foam, fiber, woven or knitted fabric, etc. In this embodiment, the material that makes up the flexible panel body 66 is preferably a sound-absorbing material.

The steel plate 68 that constitutes the leg body 67 can be made of materials such as steel, wood, hard resin, etc.

As explained above, the panel body 65 of this embodiment is made self-supporting by adding legs 67 made of a rigid material to the middle portion 66n of the flexible panel body 66, excluding the left and right ends, which does not have a core material.

In this way, for example, by installing the panel body 65 near the opening OP through which users enter and exit booth furniture 1, which is made up of multiple panel materials connected in a U-shape, it is possible to prevent the state inside the booth from being easily seen from the outside through the opening OP of the booth furniture 1, and to prevent sound from leaking to the surrounding area through the opening of the booth furniture 1. Furthermore, because the panel body 65 has a flexible panel body 66 and the periphery of the flexible panel body 66 is soft, users of the booth furniture 1 will not be hurt when they come into contact with it when entering or exiting.

In the panel body 65 of this embodiment, the flexible panel body 66 has a fitting portion 66A that is sandwiched between two steel plates 68.

This makes it easy to position the flexible panel body 66 relative to the leg body 67.

In the panel body 65 of this embodiment, the lower ends of the two opposing steel plates 68 of the leg body 67 are connected to a plate 67A that is installed on the floor surface, and the upper parts of the steel plates 68 can be connected to each other.

In this way, by connecting the upper parts of the two opposing steel plates 68 of the leg body 67, the leg body 67 can be stably erected on the plate 67A.

In the panel body 65 of this embodiment, the flexible panel body 66 has a slit 66T into which the upper parts of two steel plates 68 connected to each other by legs 67 are fitted.

This allows the flexible panel body 66 to be easily fitted onto the top of the two steel plates 68.

In the panel body 65 of this embodiment, the flexible panel body 66 is constructed by surface-bonding multiple flexible materials.

In this way, by surface-bonding multiple flexible materials, the thickness of the flexible panel body 66 can be made relatively large.

In this embodiment, the panel body 65 is placed near the opening OP of the booth furniture 1, providing the effect of preventing peeking and sound leakage.

This prevents the interior of the booth from being easily visible from the outside through the opening OP of the booth furniture 1, and also prevents sound from leaking out to the surrounding area through the opening OP of the booth furniture 1.

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

The booth furniture 101 shown in Figures 16 and 17 includes a pair of side panels 110, 111 arranged opposite each other, and a rear panel 112 connected between one end (rear end) 110a, 111a of these side panels 110, 111. The overall U-shape in plan view makes it self-standing, forming an interior booth space S101 that serves as living space. A table 102 is placed inside the booth furniture 101. The top plate 102a of the table 102 is rectangular and is placed along the inner surfaces of the side panels 110, 111 and the inner surface of the rear panel 112.

The width of the side panels 110, 111 and the rear panel 112 is smaller than the width of the side panels 10, 11 and the rear panel 12 of the first embodiment. The structure of the side panels 110, 111 and the rear panel 112 is substantially the same as the structure of the side panels 10, 11 and the rear panel 12 of the first embodiment.

In the booth furniture 101, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, an upper panel 131 is provided above the booth interior space S101, extending from near the upper end of the rear panel 112 toward the inside of the booth interior space S101. The upper panel 131 is inclined so that it is positioned upward as it moves away from the rear panel 112. The upper end of the upper panel 131 is positioned at approximately the same height as the upper end of the rear panel 112. In addition, the lower end of the upper panel 131 contacts the inner surface of the rear panel 112 below the upper end of the rear panel 112.

In the booth furniture 101, as shown in FIG. 16, a top panel 131 is disposed near the upper end of the back panel 112. To attach the top panel 131, brackets (not shown) are provided near the upper ends of the left and right ends of the back panel 112, as in the first embodiment. Both ends of the top panel 131 are held on the brackets, thereby holding the top panel 131 near the upper end of the back panel 112.

The top panel 131 is attached to the top of the back panel 112, which is above the top plate 102a of the table 102 arranged along the inner surface of the back panel 112 of the booth space S110. By being positioned above the top plate 102a, the top panel 131 on the top of the back panel 112 effectively absorbs the voice of the person sitting in the chair in front of the table 102 that is reflected upward by the top plate 102a. This provides a sound-absorbing effect that effectively reduces the voices of people seated in the booth who are conversing during a web conference, etc. from leaking upward.

In the booth furniture 101 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, a panel body 65 is installed on the front side of the opening OP through which users enter and exit the booth interior space S101.

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

(Third embodiment)
The booth furniture 201 of this embodiment differs from the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment mainly in that the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment is provided with two top panels 31 and front panels 13a, 13b, whereas the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment is not provided with a top panel or a front panel. Detailed description of parts of the configuration of the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment that are similar to the configuration of the booth furniture 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The booth furniture 201 shown in Figure 18 includes a pair of side panels 10, 11 arranged opposite each other, and a back panel 12 connected between one end (rear end) 10a, 11a of these side panels 10, 11. The overall U-shape in plan view makes it self-standing, forming an interior booth space S1 that serves as living space. A table 202 with a top panel 202a is placed inside the booth furniture 201. The table 202 is placed approximately in the center of the interior booth space S1.

In the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, two sets of sound-absorbing panels 80A are arranged above the booth interior space S1. Both sets of sound-absorbing panels 80A have substantially the same configuration. Each set of sound-absorbing panels 80A includes three sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c. The sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c all have the same configuration and are flat, plate-like members that are substantially circular in plan view. In the following description, each of the sound-absorbing panels 80a to 80c may be simply referred to as the sound-absorbing panel 80.

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

The structure of the sound-absorbing panel 80 will be explained with reference to Figure 19.

The sound-absorbing panel 80 is formed in a generally circular, flat plate shape. The sound-absorbing panel 80 is constructed in the same manner as the back panel 12 described above. That is, the underside of the sound-absorbing panel 80 (the surface facing the booth interior space S1) is a panel material with a panel structure in which multiple block portions 51, each surrounded by two sets of grooves 50 extending generally parallel to one another, are arranged vertically and horizontally with the grooves 50 interposed between them. The block portions 51 are rectangular and are arranged across the entire underside of the sound-absorbing panel 80.

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

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

In this way, in the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment, multiple sound-absorbing panels 80 are arranged above the top plate 202a of the table 202 installed in the booth interior space S1. Therefore, the sound absorbing panels 80 effectively absorb the voices of the occupants seated around the table 202 in the booth furniture 201 that are reflected upward by the top plate 202a.

In the booth furniture 201 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, a folding screen-shaped panel body 165 is installed in front of the opening OP through which users enter and exit the booth interior space S1.

The panel body 165 has four flexible panel bodies 166. The flexible panel body 166 is a vertically elongated plate-like member having a generally rectangular shape. The four flexible panel bodies 166 are connected at their ends and are configured to be bendable at the connected portions. Therefore, the panel body 165 is formed to be self-standing by bending the lower ends of the four flexible panel bodies 166 so that they are not arranged in a straight line.

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

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

The booth furniture 301 shown in Figure 20 includes a pair of side panels 10, 11 arranged opposite each other, and a back panel 12 connected between one end (rear end) 10a, 11a of these side panels 10, 11. The overall U-shape in plan view makes it self-standing, forming an interior booth space S1 that serves as living space. A table 302 with a top panel 302a is placed inside the booth furniture 301. The table 302 is placed approximately in the center of the interior booth space S1.

Two mounting members 81a and 81b are placed approximately parallel between the center of the upper end of side panel 10 and the center of the upper end of side panel 11. Mounting member 81a is located on the front side, and mounting member 81b is located closer to the rear of booth furniture 1 than mounting member 81a.

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

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

In this way, in the booth furniture 301 of this embodiment, the sound-absorbing panels 380a, 380b are supported with a gap between them on mounting members 81a, 81b that span the upper ends of the opposing side panels 10, 11. This allows the sound-absorbing panels 380a, 380b to be positioned with a gap between them above the top plate 302a of the table 302 installed in the booth interior space S1. Therefore, the voices of the occupants seated around the table 302 in the booth furniture 301 that are reflected upward by the top plate 302a are effectively absorbed by the sound-absorbing panels 380a, 380b.

In the booth furniture 301 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, a folding screen-shaped panel body 165 is installed in front of the opening OP through which users enter and exit the booth interior space S1. The configuration of the panel body 165 is the same as in the third embodiment.

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

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

In the first embodiment described above, the panel body 66 has a vertically elongated, approximately oval shape, but this is not limited to this. The shape and size of the panel body 66 are arbitrary. The same applies to the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the panel body 65 includes the fiber cushion 66a, but this is not a limitation. The material of the panel body 65 can be any material, such as foam, fiber, woven fabric, or knitted fabric. In the first embodiment, the two fiber cushions _66a1 and _66a2 are thermally bonded by press working, but this is not a limitation. The members constituting the flexible panel body 66 can be joined by any method. The flexible panel body 66 can be joined by, for example, an organic solvent-based adhesive, fusion bonding, or adhesive bonding.

In the first embodiment, the legs 67, which are made of a rigid material, have steel plates 68, but this is not limited to this. The rigid material that makes up the legs 67 can be any material, such as steel, wood, or hard resin.

In the first embodiment described above, the panel body 65 is installed in front of the opening OP through which users enter and exit the booth interior space S1, but this is not limited to this. The panel body 65 can be installed in any location. The same applies to the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment described above, the flexible panel body 66 has a fitting portion 66A that is sandwiched between two steel plates 68, but this is not limited to this. For example, the flexible panel body 66 may not have a fitting portion 66A that is sandwiched between two steel plates 68, and any part of the flexible panel body 66 may be sandwiched between the two steel plates 68, thereby holding the flexible panel body 66 to the leg body 67. The same applies to the second embodiment.

As shown in Figure 22, the panel body 365 of this modified example has a panel body 366 and legs 367. The panel body 365 is made self-supporting by adding legs 367 made of a rigid material to the middle portion 366n of the panel body 366, excluding the left and right ends.

The panel body 366 has the same configuration as the flexible panel body 66 of the first embodiment, with a fiber cushion positioned in the center of its thickness direction. Therefore, the thickness of the flexible panel body 366 can be partially thinned by deforming it, and that portion can be sandwiched between two steel plates 368.

In the panel body 365, the flexible panel body 366 is held by two steel plates 368 by sandwiching its middle portion 366n between the two steel plates 368. In the panel body 365 of this modified example, the flexible panel body 366 can be held by the leg body 367 in a vertically elongated position, as shown in FIG. 22(b), and the flexible panel body 366 can be held by the leg body 367 in a horizontally elongated position, as shown in FIG. 22(c).

In the panel body 365 of this modified example, the leg body 367 has two opposing steel plates 368, with the panel body 366 sandwiched between them.

In this way, the panel body 365 is constructed by sandwiching the flexible panel body 366 between two opposing steel plates 368 of the leg body 367. When sandwiching the panel body 366 between the two steel plates 368, the panel body 366 can be sandwiched vertically or horizontally, allowing the panel body 365 to be assembled in any way desired.

In the first embodiment described above, the panel body 65 is positioned away from the front side of the opening OP of the booth furniture 1, but this is not limited to this. The panel body 65 may also be positioned near the opening OP of the booth furniture 1 so as to shield the opening OP. In this case, the opening OP of the booth furniture 1 is completely shielded, effectively preventing peeking and sound leakage. The same applies to the second embodiment.

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

In the first embodiment described above, the top panel 31 is inclined upward from near the top ends of the side panels 10, 11 as it moves away from the side panels 10, 11, but this is not limited to this. For example, the top panel 31 may be arranged horizontally from near the top ends of the side panels 10, 11. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

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

In the first embodiment described above, the sound-absorbing material 53 is made of an elastically deformable material, but this is not limited to this. For example, the sound-absorbing material 53 may be made of a material that is not elastically deformable. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

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

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

In the first embodiment described above, MDF 61 is provided on one side of core material 60 and MDF 62 is provided on the other side of core material 60, but this is not limited to this. MDF may be provided on only one side of core material 60. Also, MDF does not have to be provided on both sides of core material 60.

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

In the first embodiment described above, block portions 51 having convex sound-absorbing material 53 are provided on both sides of the upper panel 31, but this is not limited to this. It is sufficient that block portions 51 having convex sound-absorbing material 53 are provided on at least the lower surface of the upper panel 31.

In the first embodiment described above, the front panels 13a and 13b are connected to the front end portions 10b and 11b of the side panels 10 and 11, respectively, but this is not limited to this. For example, the left end portion of the front panel 13a may be positioned close to the front end portion 10b of the side panel 10, and the right end portion of the front panel 13b may be positioned close to the front end portion 110b of the side panel 11. In other words, a gap may be formed between the left end portion of the front panel 13a and the front end portion 10b of the side panel 10, or a gap may be formed between the right end portion of the front panel 13b and the front end portion 110b of the side panel 11.

In the first embodiment described above, the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12 are connected in a U-shape to form an interior space S1 with one side open, but this is not limited to this. The booth furniture of the present invention may be any type in which multiple panel materials are connected in a U-shape to form an interior space with at least one side open. For example, the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12 may be connected in a U-shape, with one side open and at least a portion of the side panels 10, 11 and the back panel 12 open.

Various modifications to other configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1. Booth furniture 10. Side panels (panel material)
11 Side panel (panel material)
12 Back panel (panel material)
31 Upper panel 13a, 13b Front panel 50 Groove 51 Block portion 52 Nonwoven fabric 53 Sound absorbing material 54 Upholstery material 60 Core material 60a Peripheral groove 65 Panel body 66 Flexible panel body 66a Fiber cushion 66n Middle portion 66A Fitting portion 66T Slit 67 Leg body 67A Plate 68 Steel plate 101 Booth furniture 110 Side panel (panel material)
111 Side panel (panel material)
112 Back panel (panel material)
131 Upper panel 201 Booth furniture 301 Booth furniture 365 Panel body 366 Flexible panel body 366n Middle part 367 Leg body 367A Plate 368 Steel plate S1, S101 Booth interior space (internal space)

Claims (7)

A panel body formed to be self-supporting by adding legs made of a rigid material to a middle portion of a flexible panel body having no core material, excluding the left and right ends,
The leg body has two opposing steel plates, and the flexible panel body is sandwiched between them.
the flexible panel body has a fitting portion that is sandwiched between the two steel plates,
The panel body is characterized in that the thickness of the fitting portion is thinner than that of the surrounding portion . The panel body according to claim 1 , characterized in that a plate installed on the floor surface is connected to the lower ends of the two opposing steel plates of the leg body, and the upper parts of the steel plates are connectable to each other. The flexible panel body has a slit,
3. The panel body according to claim 1 , wherein the upper portions of two steel plates connected to each other by the leg body are fitted into the slits. A panel body formed to be self-supporting by adding legs made of a rigid material to a middle portion of a flexible panel body having no core material, excluding the left and right ends,
The leg body has two opposing steel plates, and the flexible panel body is sandwiched between them.
A plate installed on the floor surface is connected to the lower ends of the two opposing steel plates of the leg body, and the middle and upper parts of the steel plates in the height direction are connected to each other by two pins,
The flexible panel body has a slit extending in the vertical direction,
A panel body characterized in that the flexible panel body can be fitted onto the upper parts of two steel plates so that the two pins are positioned within the slits . 5. The panel body according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible panel body is formed by surface-bonding a plurality of flexible materials. The panel body according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , which is arranged near the opening of a U-shaped booth and has the effect of preventing peeping and sound leakage. 6. The panel body according to claim 1 , which is disposed near the opening of the U-shaped booth so as to shield the opening.