Steady rest

Abstract

It is already known to detect the position of a pressure element of a steady rest, by means of which its angle levers are actuated, via a traction cable and its rolling position. Possible penetration of liquid via openings in the housing, present for functioning, is avoided by applying sealing air which generates a positive pressure in the housing. After operation, however, penetrated or penetrating liquid could damage the coiling device of the traction cable and impair the position detection. The present invention is intended to provide the option to provide a more accurate and simpler detection of the position of the pressure element, and thereby further alleviate the problem of penetrating liquid. This is achieved by use of a distance sensor that detects the position of the pressure element and is drained via a drain hole. During operation the drain hole is closed via a sealing air-actuated discharge valve, so that during operation the sealing air cannot escape through the drain hole, but in the rest state, any liquid that has still penetrated drains off.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.