Textile machine for processing fibrous material and method for operating a textile machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a textile machine (1) for processing fibrous material and a method for operating such a textile machine (1). The textile machine (1) comprises at least one roller (2) rotatably arranged about a rotary axis (D), with which the fibrous material can be processed, and side plates (3) arranged on both sides of the roller (2), each of which is attached to an associated base frame (8). At least one of the side plates (3) is fixedly attached to its associated base frame (8), and at least one actuating element (12) that interacts with the base frame (8) is associated with this side plate (3).By actuating the adjusting element (12), a tensile or compressive force can be applied to the side plate (3) in interaction with the base frame (8) in the direction of the axis of rotation (D) of the roller (2) in order to change the position of the side plate (3) relative to the end face (S) of the roller (2) and to adjust a gap (13) between the side plate (3) and the opposite end face (S) of the roller (2) to a predetermined setpoint.

Description

Beschreibung

[0001] The invention relates to a textile machine for processing fiber material, comprising at least one roller arranged to rotate about a rotational axis, with which the fiber material can be processed, and side plates arranged on both sides of the roller, each of which is attached to an associated stationary base frame. The invention also relates to a method for operating a textile machine.

[0002] According to the state of the art, textile machines, for example in the form of a carding machine, typically comprise a plurality of rollers, each arranged to rotate about a rotational axis. Side plates are usually arranged on the end faces of these rollers. A uniform gap with a tolerance of + / - 0.2 mm should exist between the end face of a roller and a component arranged laterally thereto in the form of a side plate. Due to the tolerance chain of the components involved and the corresponding manufacturing tolerances, it is necessary according to the state of the art to individually adapt the components involved to one another, i.e., to machine at least one of the two components during assembly.

[0003] Due to the tolerances described above, the surfaces of a side plate on the one hand and the end face of a roller on the other hand are not perfectly parallel to each other, resulting in an irregular gap across the circumference of the side plate. As is well known, such irregularities are compensated for by mechanically machining the support surface of a side plate. This involves iteratively removing the side plate from an associated base frame, followed by machining, re-fitting the side plate, checking, removing the side plate, and so on. This results in the side plate no longer fully resting on the associated base frame, as the machined surface becomes less even than the original due to material removal (filing, etc.).

[0004] The machining described above to compensate for existing irregularities in a side plate has the disadvantage that the assembly of this component of a textile machine involves increased effort. Furthermore, if the components change, e.g., due to settling during transport, readjustment is not easily possible.

[0005] From CN 208 008 970 U a textile machine for processing fibre material is known, comprising at least one roller arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation, with which the fibre material can be processed, and side plates arranged on both sides of the roller, each of which is attached to an associated base frame.

[0006] Accordingly, the invention is based on the object of simplifying a textile machine with regard to the attachment or adjustment of a side plate adjacent to a front side of a roller and also of optimizing the ongoing operation of a textile machine.

[0007] The invention solves the stated problem by a textile machine having the features specified in claim 1, and also by a method having the features specified in claim 15. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] A textile machine according to the present invention is used for processing fiber material and comprises at least one roller rotatable about a rotational axis, with which the fiber material can be processed, and side plates arranged on either side of the roller, each of which is attached to an associated base frame. The base frame can be fixed to the floor or a machine frame or machine frame, or can be designed to be movable relative to the floor or machine frame.

[0009] The invention includes the technical teaching that at least one of the side plates is fixedly mounted on its associated base frame, and that at least one actuator interacting with the base frame is associated with this side plate. By actuating the actuator on the movable side plate, a tensile or compressive force can be applied in interaction with the base frame in the direction of the roller's rotation axis, thereby changing the position of the side plate relative to the end face of the associated roller and adjusting the gap between the side plate and the opposite end face of the roller to a predetermined target value.

[0010] The invention is based on the essential finding that a change in the distance of the side plate relative to the end face of an associated roller, and thus also the adjustment of the gap between the side plate and an adjacent end face of a roller of the textile machine, is achieved solely by actuating at least one actuator associated with the side plate, namely by generating a tensile or compressive force exerted on the side plate in interaction with the base frame. This means that, in contrast to the conventional approach according to the prior art, in order to change the gap between the side plate and an end face of the adjacent roller, the side plate does not have to be mechanically machined, and thus its disassembly is not necessary to change the distance to the end face of an adjacent roller.The mobility of the side plate on the base frame is essential for axially aligning the side frame so that the bottom line of the side frame serves as the target distance from the roller. The prerequisite for adjusting the side frame at all other points is that it is firmly connected to the base frame at its lower edge. The lower edge of the side frame on or with the base frame is therefore the pivot point for aligning the side frame with its surface facing the front of the roller. The side frame must therefore be inherently flexible and, if necessary, also be able to bend.

[0011] At this point, it should be specifically noted that, for the purposes of the present invention, the feature "side plate" is to be understood as synonymous with a "side frame." In other words, according to the present invention, the terms "side plate" and "side frame" have the same meaning, although for the sake of simplicity, only the term "side plate" will be used below.

[0012] In an advantageous development of the invention, two actuators can be assigned to the side plate, with which the position of the side plate relative to the side surface of the associated roller can be variably adjusted. This also makes it possible—if necessary—to exert torsional forces on the side plate in the direction of the roller's rotational axis, thus achieving an opposite adjustment, i.e., a kind of twisting of the side plate, in order to precisely adjust the gap between the side plate and the adjacent end face of the roller along the entire circumference of the side plate to the predetermined target value.

[0013] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that one actuator, preferably two such actuators, is / are (each) designed as a screw. It is important here that such a screw is accessible from an outer side of the side plate and can be actuated accordingly from this side. Thus, by turning this screw(s), an operator can exert a tensile or compressive force on the side plate in interaction with the base frame, as explained, in order to adjust the gap between the side plate and the adjacent end face of the roller to a predetermined target value.

[0014] According to an alternative advantageous development of the invention, at least one actuating element can also be designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic actuating cylinder. It is expedient for such an actuating cylinder to be connected in a suitable manner to the pneumatic or hydraulic circuit of the textile machine. This actuating cylinder can be actuated automatically, if necessary even during ongoing operation of the textile machine, without any potential danger to the operator.

[0015] Furthermore, the control elements can alternatively be designed as controllable actuators that have sufficient positioning accuracy and the necessary force, and can be fixed in position either by themselves or by means of auxiliary means. For example, an actuator can be designed as a piezo element, an electric actuator, or a pneumatic cylinder or control element.

[0016] In an advantageous development of the invention, a measuring device can be provided, preferably adjacent to one end face of the roll, by means of which the distance or gap between the side plate and the adjacent end face can be measured or determined. This measuring device has a signal connection to a processor unit, to which an actuator in the form of an aforementioned actuating cylinder can also be connected. The data determined by the measuring device regarding the distance or gap between the side plate and the adjacent end face of the roll is then transmitted to the processor unit. Using the processor unit, it is then possible to compare the actual gap (= "actual value") between the side plate and the adjacent end face of a roll with a predetermined target value and, if necessary, to actuate or deactuate the actuator in the form of an actuating cylinder.in order to change the distance between the side plate and an adjacent end face of the roll and to set the gap to the predetermined target value.

[0017] The aforementioned automatic adjustment of the gap formed between the side plate and an adjacent end face of the roller by adjusting or actuating an adjusting cylinder can also be performed during ongoing operation of the textile machine according to the invention. This ensures that during ongoing operation of the textile machine, for example, due to heating or other disturbances, the gap between the side plate and the adjacent end face of a roller does not change inadmissibly, but always assumes the predetermined target value or remains set to it.

[0018] The invention also provides a method for operating a textile machine, which may be the textile machine according to the invention explained above. In any case, this method provides that at least one side plate is arranged adjacent to an end face of a roller arranged to rotate about a rotational axis for processing fiber material, wherein the side plate is movably attached to an associated base frame and a gap between the side plate and the adjacent end face of the roller is continuously measured, wherein an actuator assigned to the side plate and interacting with the base frame exerts a tensile or compressive force on the side plate and is controlled in a regulated manner in order to thereby set the gap between the side plate and the adjacent end face of the roller to a predetermined target value.

[0019] As already explained elsewhere above, the actuating element can expediently be designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic actuating cylinder. This makes it possible for the aforementioned method according to the invention to easily and without endangering an operator, to change the gap between the side plate and an adjacent end face of the roll as needed, or to adjust it to the predetermined target value.

[0020] In an advantageous development of the invention, the textile machine with which the above-mentioned method can also be carried out can be designed in the form of a carding machine or carding machine.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the textile machine according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematically simplified side view of a side plate which is part of the textile machine according to the invention of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 is a schematically simplified side view of a base frame which is part of the textile machine according to the invention of Fig. 1 Fig. 4 is a schematically simplified side view of the side plate of Fig. 2 and the undercarriage of Fig. 3 when these components are mounted together, Fig. 5 a schematically simplified side view of a part of a roller of a textile machine of Fig. 1 if adjacent to one end face thereof the side plate and the undercarriage are in accordance with Fig. 4 are arranged, and Fig. 6 a schematically simplified side view of the front side of a roller of the textile machine according to the invention, wherein the associated side plate according to Fig. 2 not shown here for simplicity.

[0022] Below, with reference to the Fig. 1 bis 6 Preferred embodiments of a textile machine 1 according to the invention, which serves for processing fiber material or for its production, and a method for operating such a textile machine 1 are explained. Identical features in the drawings are each provided with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that the drawing is merely simplified and, in particular, is not drawn to scale.

[0023] The Fig. 1 shows a schematically simplified perspective view of a part of the textile machine 1 according to the invention, which in the Fig. 6 is shown again in a schematically simplified side view.

[0024] The textile machine 1 comprises at least one roller 2 which rotates about an axis of rotation D (cf. Fig. 6 ) is rotatably arranged. By means of this roller 2, fiber material can be processed or produced in a known manner.

[0025] On both sides of the roller 2 of the textile machine 1, side plates 3 are arranged, each of which is attached to an associated base frame 8. In the Fig. 1 For the purpose of a simplified representation, only one end face of the roller 2 is shown, with a side plate 3 arranged adjacent thereto. The base frame 8 can be arranged in a stationary manner on a floor or machine frame, or can be designed to be movable on a floor or machine frame.

[0026] Below, with reference to the Fig. 2-4 Further details regarding the side plate 3 and the base frame 8 and their assembly and connection to each other are explained in detail.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows the side plate 3 in a simplified schematic side view. In this embodiment, the side plate 3 is formed with a central recess 6. An upper region of the side plate 3 extends annularly around the recess 6. Starting from the recess 6, two inner flanks 7 of the side plate 3 extend vertically downward, with an outer edge 4 of the side plate being flattened in a lower region thereof.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows the base frame 8 in a simplified schematic side view. On an upper side 9 of the base frame 8, a raised portion 10 is formed in a central region thereof, which, in the embodiment shown here, is rectangular in shape—as seen in a plane orthogonal to the rotational axis D of the roller 2.

[0029] The roller 2 is fixed with its bearing housing on the base frame 8. The bearing housing and thus also the roller 2 are designed to be adjustable to a limited extent on the base frame 8, for example, to interact with another roller at a constant distance across the entire working width of the carding machine or carding machine. The base frame 8 is fixed in this embodiment. The base frame 8 and the roller 2 can also be arranged so that they can be moved relative to a floor or machine frame.

[0030] The rectangular elevation 10 of the base frame 8 includes lateral wall areas 11 to the left and right of it.

[0031] Reference points R are provided in the two upper corner areas of the elevation 10. These reference points R have, as shown in the illustration of Fig. 3 a relatively large distance from each other. The significance of these reference points R with regard to the interaction with actuators will be explained separately below.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows a schematically simplified side view of the side plate 3 according to Fig. 2 and the base frame 8 according to Fig. 3 when these components of the textile machine 1 are mounted together.

[0033] Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 illustrate with regard to the side plate 3 that reinforcing ribs 5 are provided on its lower outer edge 4, along the vertical inner flanks 7 and along an arc segment adjacent to the central recess 6.

[0034] The side plate 3 is mounted on or on the base frame 8 in such a way that the outer edge 4 of the side plate 3, which is flattened in the lower area thereof as explained, is brought into contact with the upper side 9 of the base frame 8 or sits thereon, namely to the left and right of the central elevation 10. The reinforcing ribs 5, which are provided on the vertical inner flanks 7 of the side plate 3, are located adjacent to the lateral wall areas 11 of the central elevation 10 of the base frame 8. The lower flattened outer edge 4 of the side plate 3 is fixedly connected to the base frame 8 and forms the pivot point around which the side plate 3 is adjusted to the front side of the roller 2 by means of the adjusting elements 12.

[0035] When the side plate 3 is mounted on or on the base frame 8, the central recess 6 of the side plate is located above the central elevation 10 of the base frame 8. This makes it possible for additional components of the textile machine 1, which may be adjacent to the roller 2 and aligned with its rotational axis D, to have space there.

[0036] An essential feature of the present invention is, among other things, that in the assembled state of the textile machine 1, a gap 13 is formed between the side plate 3 and an adjacent end face S of the roller 2. This gap 13 is shown in the schematically simplified side view of Fig. 5 to recognize.

[0037] According to the presentation of Fig. 1 Two actuators 12 are assigned to the side plate 3, which can be designed in the form of screws.

[0038] The Fig. 1 The adjusting elements 12 shown in the form of screws are screwed into the respective reinforcing ribs 5 of the side plate 3 and interact with their free ends with a surface of the base frame 8 at its central elevation 10.

[0039] The above-mentioned screws 12 are positioned in the reinforcing ribs 5 of the side plate 3 such that their free ends come into contact with a surface of the central elevation 10 of the base frame 8 at the above-mentioned reference points R.

[0040] By actuating the screws 12, it is possible to exert a tensile or compressive force on the side plate 3 in interaction with the base frame 8 and in the direction of the rotational axis D of the roller 2. In other words, the side plate 3 can be pushed away or pulled towards the roller 3 in the axial direction by actuating the screws 12. This then causes the gap 13, i.e., a distance between the side plate 3 and the adjacent end face S of the roller 2, to change and can be set to a predetermined target value.

[0041] After a desired positioning of the side plate 3 relative to the base frame 8 and thus a predetermined target value for the gap 13 has been set or achieved, this position of the side plate 3 can be fixed via the screws 12 and, if necessary, also additionally pinned (via pin elements not shown).

[0042] In the presentation of Fig. 1 With reference to a screw 12, it is symbolically indicated by a dashed line that this actuating element 12 can alternatively also be designed in the form of an actuating cylinder. In this alternative embodiment of the textile machine 1 according to the invention, two actuating cylinders (instead of the screws) can thus be attached to each of the two reinforcing ribs 5 of the side plate 3, which act on the central elevation 10 of the base frame 8 at the aforementioned reference points R in the same way as already explained above. Accordingly, by actuating such actuating cylinders 12, it is possible to specifically change the distance between the side plate 3 and the end face of the adjacent roller 2 in order to thus set the gap 13 to a predetermined target value.The mobility of the side plate 3 on the base frame 8 is the prerequisite for axially aligning the side frame 3 so that the lower line of the side frame 3 serves as the target distance to the roller. The prerequisite for adjusting the side frame 3 at all other points is that it is firmly connected to the base frame 8 at its lower edge (lower flattened outer edge 4). The lower edge of the side frame 3 on or with the base frame 8 is therefore the pivot point for aligning the side frame 3 with its surface towards the front of the roller 2. The side frame 3 must therefore be flexible and, if necessary, also be able to bend.

[0043] With regard to the alternative embodiment just mentioned with one or more actuating cylinders 12, it is understood that these can be connected to a pneumatic or hydraulic circuit of the textile machine 1.

[0044] In connection with the actuation of the adjusting elements 12, for example in the form of the aforementioned screws or adjusting cylinders, it is understood that the side plate 3 is fixedly mounted on the associated base frame 8. This is a prerequisite for the actuation of the adjusting elements 12 to result in a tilting or adjustment of the side plate 3 relative to the end face of the roller 2, thus enabling the adjustment of the gap 13 to a predetermined target value.

[0045] In connection with the adjusting elements 12, which are assigned to the side plate 3 and, as explained, are attached to its reinforcing ribs 5, it should be pointed out separately at this point that due to the given angular relationships between the side plate 3 and the supporting base frame 8, a sufficiently large change in position on the circumference or on the outer contour of the side plate 3 is achieved with a minimal deflection of the side plate 3 relative to the base frame in order to set or maintain the gap 13 at a predetermined target value.

[0046] If, as explained, two actuators 12 are attached to the side plate 3, it is also possible, by means of a different actuation of these two actuators 12, to clamp the side plate 3 or to exert a torsional force thereon, with which a type of twisting of the side plate 3 is achieved in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation D of the roller 2. This ensures a highly precise adjustment of the gap 13 to a predetermined target value in the area of ​​the entire front side of the roller 2. In this context, it should be noted that such clamping of the side plate 3 is also made possible by the fact that the two reference points R, at which the actuators 3 attached to the side plate 3 interact with the base frame 8 and its elevation 10 or interact when actuated, are located in the two corner regions of the elevation 10, as explained above, and are therefore relatively far apart from one another.

[0047] To monitor the gap 13 that forms between the side plate 3 and an adjacent end face of the roller 2, the textile machine 1 according to the invention can, according to a further embodiment, be equipped with at least one measuring device 14, which is preferably arranged adjacent to the gap 13. In the side view of Fig. 5 For the purpose of simplified representation, such a measuring device 14 is symbolized only by a rectangle.

[0048] To improve the monitoring of the gap 13 with regard to its dimensions, it is also possible to provide a plurality of measuring devices 14. These measuring devices 14 can then be conveniently arranged along the circumference of the roller 2 and preferably adjacent to the gap 2.

[0049] The measuring principle of this measuring device 14 can be purely optical, or alternatively based on laser technology or radar, as well as on a capacitive or sensitive measuring method.

[0050] The measuring device 14 is expediently connected to a processor unit 15 in terms of signal technology, which in the representations of Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 each symbolized by a rectangle. The signal path between the measuring device 14 and the processor unit 15 is shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 each symbolized by dotted lines.

[0051] The data measured by the measuring device 14 regarding the gap 13, which is an "actual value" of the gap 13 or the distance of the side plate 3 from the adjacent end face of the roll 2, are then transmitted to this processor unit 15 and can then be compared therein with a predetermined target value.

[0052] The processor unit 15 can be equipped with a display unit or the like (not shown) with which a measured actual value of the gap 13 and any deviation from a predetermined target value can be displayed. If the textile machine 1 according to the invention is configured with an actuator 12 in the form of a screw, an operator can then use this display to determine whether the screw has been sufficiently actuated or actuated to adjust the side plate 3 in the desired manner relative to the end face of the adjacent roller 2.

[0053] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an actuating element 12 in the form of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, preferably two such actuating cylinders 12, are signal-connected to the processor unit 15 and can be controlled thereby. This means that, in the event that the processor unit 15 detects a deviation between the measured actual value for the gap 13 and a predetermined target value, a suitable control or actuation of at least one actuating cylinder 12 is possible by the processor unit in order to then realize a displacement or movement of the side plate 3 relative to the end face of the adjacent roller 2 and thus set the gap 13 to a predetermined target value.

[0054] The aforementioned monitoring of the gap 13 by means of the measuring device 14 and the resulting control of at least one actuating cylinder 12 can also be carried out according to the invention during ongoing operation of the textile machine 1, preferably in the form of a closed-loop control. This ensures that during ongoing production, the gap 13 does not change from a set, predetermined setpoint, and that this setpoint is always maintained.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that, according to a further embodiment of the textile machine 1 according to the invention, the above-described side plate 3 and its adjustability with respect to an end face of an adjacent roller 2 are provided on both sides of the roller 2. This counteracts a possible operating situation of the textile machine 1 according to the invention in which, on one side of the roller 2, the gap 13 between a side plate 3 and the adjacent end face of the roller 2 needs to be enlarged, but on the other side of the roller 2, the gap 13 needs to be reduced. Reference symbol

[0056] 1Textile machine 2Roller 3Side plate(s) 4Outer edge (of side plate 3) 5Reinforcing ribs (on side plate 3) 6Central recess (of side plate 3) 7Vertical inner flank(s) (of central recess 6) 8Base frame 9Top side (of base frame 8) 10Protrusion 11Side wall areas (of protrusion 10) 12Actuator 13Gap (between side plate 3 and an end face S of roll 2) 14Measuring device 15Processor unit DRotation axis (of roll 2) RReference point SSide face (of roll 2)

Claims

1. Textile machine (1) for processing fibre material, comprising at least one roller (2) arranged to rotate around a rotary axis (D) with which the fibre material can be processed, and lateral shields (3), arranged on both sides of the roller (2), each being attached to an assigned base frame (8), characterised in that at least one of the lateral shields (3) is attached stationarily to its assigned base frame (8) and at least one actuator (12) which interacts with the base frame (8) is assigned to this lateral shield (3), wherein, as a result of actuation of the actuator (12) a tensile force or force of pressure can be applied to the lateral shield (3) in the direction of the rotary axis (D) of the roller (2) in interaction with the base frame (8) in order to thus change a position of the lateral shield (3) relative to the front face (S) of the assigned roller (2), and to set a gap (13) to a predetermined setpoint between the lateral shield (3) and the opposite front face (S) of roller (2).

2. Textile machine (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that two actuators (12) with which a tensile force or force of pressure can be applied to the lateral shield (3) in the direction of the rotary axis (D) of the roller (2) in interaction with the base frame (8), and thus a position of the lateral shield (3) relative to the front face (S) of the assigned roller (2) can be set adjustably, are assigned to the lateral shield (3).

3. Textile machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the lateral shield (3) is equipped with reinforcement fins (5) - along the outer edge (4), in particular in the lower area of it - which can be brought into contact with an upper face (9) of the base frame (8).

4. Textile machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base frame (8) comprises a projection (10) in a central area of its upper face (9).

5. Textile machine (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the projection (10) on the upper face (9) of the base frame (8) - viewed in a plane orthogonal to the rotary axis (D) of the roller (2) - has a rectangular contour.

6. Textile machine (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that two actuators (12), each of them interacting with certain reference points (R) of the projection (10), are attached to the lateral shield (3).

7. Textile machine (1) according to claim 6, in as much relating back to claim 5, characterised in that the actuators (12) interact with certain reference points (R) which - viewed in a plane orthogonal to the rotary axis (D) of the roller (2) - each lie in the upper edge areas of the rectangular projection (10).

8. Textile machine (1) according to one of the claims 4 to 7, in as much relating back to claim 3, characterised in that the reinforcement fins (5) of the lateral shield (3), in particular on the bottom outer edge (4) of the lateral shield (3), are adapted to the contour of the projection (10), preferably that the reinforcement fins (5) of the lateral shield (3) on its bottom outer edge (4) can be placed on the upper area of the base frame (8), and are arranged stationarily on it.

9. Textile machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the minimum of one actuators (12) is configured as a screw which can be actuated from an outer side of the lateral shield (3).

10. Textile machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the minimum of one actuators (12) is configured as a positioning cylinder, preferably that two actuators (12) which are assigned to one lateral shield (3), are each configured as positioning cylinders.

11. Textile machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one measuring device (14) with which the distance, i.e. gap (13), between the lateral shield (3) and the front face (S) of the roller (2) adjacent to it can be measured.

12. Textile machine (1) according to claim 11, in so much relating back to claim 10, characterised in that the data measured by the measuring device (14) in relation to the gap (13) between the lateral shield (3) and the front face (S) of the roller (2) adjacent to it can be transferred to a processor unit (15) and, using this processor unit (15), the actuator (12) in the form of a positioning cylinder can be activated in order to thus set the setpoint predetermined for the gap (13).

13. Textile machine according to claim 12, characterised in that the gap (13) between the lateral shield (3) and the front face (S) of the roller (2) adjacent to it can be measured continuously using the measuring device (14) during ongoing operation of the textile machine (1), wherein, in case of a deviation of the measured actual value from a predetermined setpoint for the gap, the actuator (12) in the form of a positioning cylinder can be actuated in order to set or hold the predetermined setpoint for the gap (13).

14. Textile machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is configured in the form of a carding machine or roller card.

15. Method for operating a textile machine (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 14, characterised in that at least one lateral shield (3) is arranged adjacent to a front face (S) of the roller (2) arranged to rotate around a rotary axis (D) for the processing of fibre material, wherein the lateral shield (3) is attached stationarily to a base frame (8), and a gap (13) between the lateral shield (3) and the front face (S) of the roller (2) adjacent to it is continuously measured, wherein an actuator (12) which is assigned to the lateral shield (3) and interacts with the base frame (8), applies a tensile force or force of pressure to the lateral shield (3) and is activated in a regulated manner in order to thus set the gap (13) between the lateral shield (3) and the front face (S) of the roller (2) adjacent to it to a predetermined setpoint.

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