Mechanical shock absorber

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a mechanical shock absorber or arrestor positioned between a fixed point and a movable constructional element, e.
g.
a pipe line and the like, to absorb a sudden shock which may arise, for example, from a pressure wave of an explosion or by earth quakes or the like.
In normal service, the relative movement between the fixed point and the movable element is acceptable.
Mechanical shock absorber of different types have been known for the above-mentioned purpose.
The casing of the shock absorber may be of a telescopic design, and the axial movement of an element connected to the casing, e.
g.
of a spindle, is converted into a rotary movement of another element connected to another part of the casing, e.
g.
a spindle nut, by interdisposition of a blocking action.
Upon surpassing a predetermined acceleration of the movable structural element, the mechanical shock arrestor is blocked up to form a rigid support between the fixed point and the movable element.
Between the two clamping points of the shock absorber a force is built up by the blocking action.
Only by the substantially complete diminishing of said force is the blocked condition of the shock absorber cancelled.
In known mechanical shock absorbers of this type, an additional device for arresting shocks from the outside is provided.
Moreover, a spindle with left-hand or right-hand threads can be used.
In another mechanical shock absorber, two spindles are provided which can be brought into operative connection by means of additional devices.
All of the known mechanical shock absorbers have the common problem that they are relatively complicated.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanical shock absorber or arrestor of the type mentioned hereinabove, which has a construction which is simple and requires a relatively small number of elements relative to prior art shock absorbers.
Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter; it should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description