Intrusion prevention device

Abstract

The system is low-cost and easy to install, and in the event that an intruder breaches the first barrier such as the entrance, it creates a second barrier, such as stairs inside the house, to ensure physical distance and provide residents with sufficient time to report the incident or evacuate. [Solution] Multiple horizontal members forming a barrier member (3) are stacked vertically on a guide rail (2) along the movement path and held in place, and when necessary they are lowered by their own weight to close the path. The movement restriction means (11) can be switched between a first state that prevents the lowering of the barrier member (3) and a second state that prevents it from rising again, preventing intruders from pushing it up. In addition, the operating cable (14) and its concealed structure suppress unauthorized operation, and the gaps between the horizontal members ensure visibility to the floor below even when closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blocking device for preventing intrusion at the entrance of a staircase or the like inside a house, and particularly to a device that moves a blocking member in the vertical direction to quickly close an intrusion path and prevent pushing up or breaking through by an intruder.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, organized intrusion and robbery incidents have become a social problem, and the number of cases where intruders break into the living area in a short time even when the residents are at home has been increasing. Along with such changes in the social situation, with the increase in crime prevention awareness, the need for means to temporarily block intrusion paths inside houses has been pointed out. However, passages and staircases inside houses often have an open structure, and it is difficult to secure space for installing large closing devices such as doors and shutters. Therefore, there were almost no intrusion prevention devices that could be retrofitted to existing houses.

[0003] In particular, when external openings such as the entrance and windows are broken through, cases have been reported where intruders reach the residents' living area via the staircase in a few seconds to dozens of seconds. Since there is no physical barrier in the house to delay the progress of intruders, it has been difficult to secure time for residents to evacuate or report. Against this background, the demand for an intrusion prevention device that can be quickly closed inside the house and can also be retrofitted to existing houses is increasing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-328614 (paragraph numbers 0022 to 0025, FIGS. 7, 8)

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional room door locking systems allow intruders to reach the front of the room, creating significant psychological stress, and the inability to perceive external conditions makes it difficult to make appropriate evacuation and reporting decisions.

[0006] Furthermore, existing security shutters are expensive and require extensive construction work for installation, making them difficult to retrofit to existing homes. Electrically operated shutters also have the problem of not working during power outages.

[0007] This invention aims to leverage the architectural characteristics of stairwells within houses to temporarily delay the progress of intruders, thereby ensuring that residents have "life-saving time" to evacuate or report the incident. It also aims to provide a low-cost intrusion prevention device that can be installed even in confined spaces and easily retrofitted to existing homes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The intrusion prevention device of the present invention comprises a guiding means for guiding a blocking member so that it can move in the vertical direction, and a movement restricting means for restricting the range of movement of the blocking member. The guiding means includes a guide member (guide rail) provided along the side of the blocking member, and has a configuration for stably moving the blocking member in the vertical direction.

[0009] The movement restriction mechanism is configured to be switchable between a state that prevents the lowering of the barrier member and a state that prevents the barrier member from rising again, thereby preventing intruders from pushing it up or tampering with it.

[0010] Furthermore, by incorporating a structure that conceals the operating cord and release mechanism, the operating section is made less visible to intruders, thereby deterring destruction and unauthorized operation.

[0011] The guidance system can be attached to walls, floors, ceilings, or support frames, etc., depending on the building structure, and a variety of fixing methods can be selected to facilitate retrofitting to existing houses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, even if an intruder breaches the first barrier such as the entrance, by quickly lowering the blocking member at the stairwell, a physical distance can be secured between the intruder and the resident, ensuring that the resident has enough time to evacuate or report the incident.

[0013] By using a movement restriction mechanism that prevents the barrier from rising again, it is possible to prevent intruders from pushing up the barrier from below and breaking through, thereby enhancing security performance.

[0014] The design, which conceals the operating cord and release mechanism, allows residents to safely release the lock from the floor below, while preventing intruders from easily seeing or operating the control unit, thus achieving both convenience and security. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows the state of the stairwell (1) where the intrusion prevention device of the present invention is installed, and shows the state before it is blocked. [Figure 2] This figure shows the state of the stairwell (1) where the intrusion prevention device of the present invention is installed, and shows the state after the device has been blocked off. [Figure 3] This is an overall configuration diagram of an intrusion prevention device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the upper floor, showing the state in which the blocking member has risen to the holding position. [Figure 4] This is an overall configuration diagram of an intrusion prevention device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the upper floor, showing the closed state with the blocking member lowered. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the blocking member (3), in which multiple horizontal members are stacked, a connecting cable (4) passes through them, and the spacing is maintained by a spacer (18). In addition, a buffer material (5) is provided at the bottom. [Figure 6] This is a top view showing the state in which the blocking member (3) is guided to the left and right walls by the guide rails (2). [Figure 7]This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a multifunctional configuration that includes a release mechanism (8) for holding and releasing the shut-off member (3) and a movement restricting part (11) for restricting the movement of the shut-off member (3). It shows a configuration in which a manual operating cord (9) is connected to a release pin (12) to activate the release mechanism (8), and a configuration in which an operating cord (14) and a switching lever (17) are connected to the movement restricting part (11). [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the movement restricting unit (11) when it is in the first state, and it shows the state in which the movement restricting unit (11) rotates to allow passage when the blocking member (3) descends. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the movement restricting unit (11) is in the first state, illustrating the state in which the movement restricting unit (11) locks in and prevents the blocking member (3) from rising when it attempts to rise. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the movement restricting section (11) is switched to the second state by the operating cable (14), and shows the state in which the movement restricting section (11) allows passage when the blocking member (3) rises. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the operation when the movement restricting unit (11) is switched to the second state by the operating cable (14), showing the state in which the movement restricting unit (11) locks in place to prevent the blocking member (3) from descending when it attempts to do so. The diagram also shows an example of operation in which a descent-restricting pin (13) is inserted into a through-hole in the guide rail (2) to physically restrict the descent of the blocking member (3) in order to prevent malfunctions and ensure reliable descent prevention. [Figure 12] This is a side view showing the operation sequence of holding and releasing the blocking member (3), and shows the state in which the blocking member (3) is held by the retaining pin (7). [Figure 13] This is a side view showing the operation sequence for holding and releasing the blocking member (3). It shows that the release pin (12) is pulled upward by operating the manual operation cord (9), and consequently the holding pin (7) is pushed out laterally, releasing the blocking member (3). [Figure 14]It is a side view showing the operation sequence of holding and releasing the blocking member (3), and shows a state where the release pin (12) rises due to the operation of the actuator (10), and the holding pin (7) is pushed out in the lateral direction by this operation to release the blocking member (3). [Figure 15] It is a side view showing a state where the movement restricting portion (11) locks and prevents upward movement after the blocking member (3) has descended. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory view showing the overall configuration including the path of the operating cable (14). [Figure 17] (a) A state where the shielding panel (15) is not attached, (b) the configuration of the shielding panel (15) and the key cylinder (16), and (c) an explanatory view collectively showing a state where the key cylinder (16) rotates and the operating cable (14) is locked. [Figure 18] It is an example in which the present invention is applied to a staircase where wall surfaces exist on both sides, and shows the state of the staircase before the installation of the device. [Figure 19] It is an example in which the present invention is applied to a staircase where wall surfaces exist on both sides, and shows a state where the guide rail (2) and the blocking member (3) are installed. [Figure 20] It is an example in which the present invention is applied when one side of the staircase is open, and shows the state of the staircase before the installation of the device. [Figure 21] It is an example in which the present invention is applied when one side of the staircase is open, and shows a state where a support frame (19) is provided on the open side to fix the guide rail (2), and the guide rail (2) and the blocking member (3) are installed.

[0016] In this specification, the "movement restricting means (11)" is a concept including the "movement restricting portion (11)" as a specific example thereof, and both are understood to refer to the same component.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The spacing between the blocking members (3) is kept constant by spacers (18). This spacing functions as a space into which the movement restricting section (11) can engage, and is also set as a gap to prevent the insertion of intrusion tools, etc. Furthermore, it ensures visibility so that the situation on the floor below can be seen from the resident's side when the door is closed.

[0018] It is preferable to use metal or resin pipe material for the horizontal members that constitute the barrier member (3). Pipe material is lightweight yet has high bending strength against impact from the front, making it possible to achieve both a lightweight overall barrier member and security performance.

[0019] A cushioning material may be provided at the bottom of the shielding member (3) to mitigate the impact when it collides with the floor. The cushioning material is made of rubber, resin, foam, etc., and contributes to preventing damage to the shielding member (3) and reducing noise.

[0021] Because the stairwells within the house have an open space that connects the upper and lower floors, the barrier member (3) can be kept in a state where multiple horizontal members are stacked vertically and held in place overhead (6) (see Figure 3) without folding it. Therefore, it does not require a winding mechanism or folding mechanism like conventional shutter devices, and the structure can be greatly simplified. In addition, when the holding mechanism is released, the barrier member (3) falls naturally due to its own weight, so the closing operation can be reliably performed even in the event of a power outage.

[0022] The blocking member (3) is held in a holding position (6) (see Figure 3) set on the upper part of the guide rail (2) by a holding pin (7) included in the movement restricting unit (11) or the release mechanism (8), or both, depending on the configuration. In the basic configuration, the release mechanism (8) is not provided, and the blocking member (3) is held by operating the switching lever (17) of the movement restricting unit (11). On the other hand, in the multi-functional configuration, the blocking member (3) can be kept in standby at the holding position (6) by the holding pin (7) of the release mechanism (8), and by using it in combination with the movement restricting unit (11) as needed, the holding method can be selected according to the operational situation, such as immediate drop operation at night or prevention of malfunction during the day. The holding position (6) is set at an altitude that gives potential energy to the blocking member (3) and functions as a standby location for immediately blocking the path using gravity in the event of an emergency.

[0023] The movement restricting section (11) can be switched between a first state (see Figures 8 and 9) that prevents the blocking member (3) from descending and a second state (see Figures 10 and 11) that prevents it from rising again, by operating the switching lever (17). The gear-shaped engaging section fits into the gap in the horizontal member, physically restricting the movement of the blocking member (3).

[0024] The movement restricting section (11) is not limited to a ratchet mechanism, and other locking methods may be adopted, such as a configuration in which a downward-preventing pin (13) is manually inserted into a through-hole provided in the guide rail (2).

[0025] The movement restriction section (11) can be remotely released from the floor below by the operating cable (14). The operating end is housed inside the guide rail (2), and as shown in Figures 16 and 17, a shielding panel (15) is provided to conceal the operating end from the outside. The shielding panel (15) is opened and closed by an authentication means, and a key cylinder (16) or the like can be used as the authentication means. However, the concealment means and authentication means are not limited to these, and a slide cover, a PIN code lock, an electronic authentication means, etc. may also be used.

[0026] The guide rail (2) can be fixed to a wall, floor, ceiling, or support frame using anchor members or the like, and as shown in Figures 18 and 19, it is equipped with elongated holes and an angle adjustment mechanism, allowing for flexible position adjustment according to the shape of the stairs and the slope of the wall. This makes it easy to retrofit to existing houses. In addition, in new construction or renovation work, the guide rail (2) may be embedded inside the wall.

[0027] This device can be configured in a minimal form consisting of only a single movement restricting unit (11), or in a multi-functional form equipped with a release mechanism (8), a manual operating cable (9), and an actuator (10).

[0028] The basic configuration does not include a release mechanism (8), and the holding and release of the shut-off member (3) are entirely performed by operating the switching lever (17) on the movement restricting unit (11) (see Figures 8 to 11). This configuration is suitable for use when sleeping or when family members are staying on the second floor at night, by switching the switching lever (17) to the downward-allowing side to manually lower the shut-off member (3) and close it, and when waking up in the morning or during daytime activities, by switching the switching lever (17) to the upward-allowing side to manually raise the shut-off member (3) and open it. Because this configuration does not use a release mechanism (8) and operates only with a switching lever, it has a simple structure, a low risk of failure, and is a low-cost configuration suitable for daily manual operation. In addition, to prevent malfunctions and ensure reliable descent prevention, a descent prevention pin (13) can be inserted into a through hole in the guide rail (2) to temporarily restrict the descent of the shut-off member (3).

[0030] The multi-functional configuration includes a release mechanism (8) in addition to the basic configuration, and the retaining pin (7) holds the shut-off member (3) in a waiting position (6) (see Figures 12 to 15). When setting up for bedtime, the switching lever (17) is set to the lowering-allowed side (second state), and the retaining pin (7) is made to protrude between the horizontal members of the shut-off member (3) and locked in place, thereby holding the shut-off member (3) above the head. When closing, the actuator (10) operates and the release pin (12) rises, and this action pushes the retaining pin (7) laterally, causing the shut-off member (3) to immediately descend under its own weight. In addition, the release pin (12) can be pulled upward by pulling the manual operation cord (9), and the retaining pin (7) is pushed laterally as a result, so the structure allows for both manual and automatic release. The actuator (10) can be activated based on detection signals from security sensors or operation signals from a hand switch, allowing for a quick closing operation from a distance if there are signs of intrusion or if the user senses something unusual. (Installation conditions)

[0031] In typical residential staircases, the staircase runs between the ceiling of the first floor and the floor of the second floor, creating an open space. Therefore, there is already space above the staircase opening for stacking and holding the barrier members (3) vertically. If both sides of the staircase opening are made up of walls, the guide rails (2) can be directly fixed to these walls (see Figures 18 and 19), eliminating the need for additional frames or retaining space forming members, and allowing the present invention to be easily retrofitted.

[0032] In houses where one side of the staircase entrance is open due to a handrail or the like, there is no surface on the other side for fixing the guide rail (2). In this case, a frame consisting of a panel, auxiliary wall, or support frame can be provided on the open side (see Figures 20 and 21), and the guide rail (2) can be fixed to this frame. The frame is installed in a position that does not obstruct the fall path of the blocking member (3), functions as a fixing surface for the guide rail (2), and also contributes to the formation of a holding position (6) for holding the blocking member (3) overhead. This makes it possible to apply the present invention retrofit even to stairs where one side is open.

[0033] In houses with high ceilings or open stairwells that extend to near the second-floor ceiling, a large space may remain above the holding position (6) after the blocking member (3) has been lowered. In such houses, a configuration can be adopted in which the upper space is partially closed off with panels, auxiliary walls, or decorative materials to form a holding space for stacking and holding the blocking members (3) overhead. Furthermore, if one side of the stairwell is open, there will be insufficient surface area for fixing the guide rail (2). In such cases, the present invention can be retrofitted by providing a frame on the open side and fixing the guide rail (2) to the frame.

[0034] As described above, even if the shape of the stairwell differs from house to house, the fall path and holding position (6) of the blocking member (3) can be secured by appropriately combining direct fixing to the wall, installation of a frame, and installation of a panel for forming a holding space. This makes it possible to retrofit the intrusion prevention device of the present invention to a wide range of building conditions, from ordinary houses to houses with high design standards.

[0035] (Modifications) The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented by appropriately changing the material of the blocking member, the fixing method of the guide means, the structure of the movement restricting means, the type of concealment means and authentication means, etc., depending on the building structure and usage environment. The shape, dimensions, material and number of blocking members can also be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1…Stairway entrance (entire) 2… Guide rail 3… Barrier 4...Connection rope 5…Cushioning material 6…Holding position 7…Retaining pin (belongs to the release mechanism) 8…Release mechanism 9…Manual operation line 10… Actuator 11…Movement Control Department 12…Release pin 13…Descending prevention pin 14...Operation cable 15…Shielding panel 16…Key cylinder 17... Switching lever 18…Spacer 19…Support frame

Claims

1. An intrusion prevention device comprising a guide rail (2) that guides a blocking member (3) so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a movement restricting means (11) that restricts the range of movement of the blocking member (3), wherein the movement restricting means (11) can be switched between a first state that prevents the blocking member (3) from descending and a second state that prevents the blocking member (3) from rising again, and the device is configured to allow movement in one direction and restrict movement in the other direction during the movement process of the blocking member (3).

2. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide rail (2) includes a guide member provided along the side of the blocking member (3).

3. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide rail (2) guides the blocking member (3) in the vertical direction.

4. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide rail (2) is configured to allow adjustment of its mounting position and mounting angle, and can be retrofitted and fixed to a wall surface by an anchor member.

5. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide rail (2) is configured to be fixable to at least one of a wall surface, a floor surface, a ceiling surface, or an upper beam.

6. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when there is no wall on one side of the passageway, the guide rail (2) is attached to a support frame fixed to the floor and ceiling.

7. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide rail (2) is embedded inside the wall.

8. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement restricting means (11) is configured to be switchable between a first state that prevents the lowering of the blocking member (3) and a second state that prevents the raising of the blocking member (3) again, and has a locking structure (ratchet mechanism, etc.) that allows movement of the blocking member (3) in one direction and restricts movement in the other direction.

9. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, further characterized by comprising a downward-restricting means for physically restricting the downward movement of the blocking member (3) by inserting a downward-restricting pin (13) into a through-hole provided in the guide rail (2).

10. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement restricting means (11) comprises the locking structure described in claim 8 and the downward preventing means described in claim 9.

11. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking member (3) includes a plurality of horizontal members connected at predetermined intervals by connecting ropes (4).

12. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 11, characterized in that the connecting rope (4) is provided with a spacer (18) interposed between the plurality of horizontal members to maintain the predetermined interval.

13. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a manual operating cord (9) and an actuator (10) as a release means for releasing the holding state of the blocking member (3), wherein the actuator (10) operates based on a signal from a hand-operated switch or a detection signal from a security sensor.

14. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement restricting means (11) is connected to an operating cord (14) for switching between the first state and the second state, and the guide rail (2) is provided with a concealing means for concealing the operating end of the operating cord (14) from the outside, and an authentication means for allowing only a legitimate user to open the concealing means.

15. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that a buffer material (5) is provided at the lowest stage of the blocking member (3).

16. The intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a configuration that allows the holding state of the blocking member (3) to be released, the release means is configured as a detachable unit, and it is possible to select between a basic configuration in which the holding state of the blocking member (3) is held and released by switching the movement restricting means (11), and a multifunctional configuration in which the holding state of the blocking member (3) can be released remotely by adding the release means.

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