Spinning site with a cleaning nozzle and method for cleaning a yarn forming element

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spinning station of an air-jet spinning machine and a method for cleaning a yarn-forming element of an air-jet spinneret.

[0002] In general, in air-jet spinning, a sliver is drawn to a defined degree using a multi-roller drafting system according to the desired yarn count and then fed to an air-jet spinneret. Within a swirl chamber of the air-jet spinneret, the outer fibers of the sliver are wound around an inner fiber core by means of a swirling air flow generated by air jets in the area of ​​an inlet opening of a yarn-forming element of the air-jet spinneret. This results in an air-jet-specific yarn structure with a parallel yarn core and wrapped fibers arranged at a specific angle. The wrapped fibers are crucial for the desired strength of the yarn.

[0003] The air-jet spinning process can generally be carried out with fibers made of various materials, including natural fibers such as cotton and / or animal wool, and synthetic fibers such as polyester, as well as blends of natural and synthetic fibers. In practice, the spinning of polymer fibers, particularly polyester (PES) fibers, often results in deposits of polymer residues, polyester fiber fragments, and / or finishing agents on the surface of a spinning cone of the yarn-forming element. However, such deposits significantly disrupt the air-jet spinning process and significantly reduce the spinning result and thus the yarn quality. In particular, thread breakage can occur during the spinning process due to the increased friction between the surfaces of the air-jet spinneret and the fibers.In addition, the air nozzles and other components of the air spinneret can become clogged by deposits, so that the resulting yarn has a lower yarn strength and quality.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a spinning station of an air-jet spinning machine and a method for cleaning a yarn-forming element of an air-jet spinneret, which enable particularly long and trouble-free operation with consistent quality and strength of the yarn produced.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a spinning station of an air-jet spinning machine according to claim 1 and a method for cleaning a yarn-forming element of an air-jet spinneret according to claim 5. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The spinning station of an air-jet spinning machine according to the invention has an air-jet spinneret with a yarn-forming element arranged within a vortex chamber for producing a yarn from a fiber sliver fed to the air-jet spinneret, wherein the air-jet spinneret can be transferred from a closed state for yarn formation to an open state in which the yarn-forming element can be cleaned. Furthermore, at least one cleaning nozzle for cleaning the yarn-forming element in the open state of the air-jet spinneret is assigned to the spinning station or arranged at the spinning station, wherein the cleaning nozzle is designed, in particular positioned and / or aligned or positionable and / or alignable, such that at least in the open state of the air-jet spinneret, the yarn-forming element can be exposed to a cleaning medium through the cleaning nozzle.

[0007] In the method according to the invention for cleaning a yarn forming element of an air spinneret, the air spinneret having a vortex chamber is first opened to make the yarn forming element arranged in the vortex chamber accessible, then and / or simultaneously the yarn forming element and / or a cleaning nozzle is moved into a cleaning position and finally the yarn forming element is exposed to at least one cleaning medium.

[0008] The inventors have recognized that regular cleaning of the yarn-forming element enables long and trouble-free operation with consistent quality and strength of the produced yarn. Such cleaning is particularly easy and can be performed without disrupting the other components of the air-jet spinning machine if the air-jet spinneret is in an open position, for example, during a spinning interruption following a yarn break or a scheduled yarn cut. The invention advantageously allows for increased strength and greater cleanliness of the spun yarns.

[0009] An air-jet spinneret is understood to be any spinneret that uses at least one air stream to swirl fibers, particularly wrapped fibers, around an internal fiber core to form a thread or yarn. The yarn formation process takes place in the region of a swirl chamber of the air-jet spinneret, in which at least one yarn-forming element is arranged. The air-jet spinneret is surrounded by a spinning station, with each spinning station serving to produce a yarn from a fiber sliver fed to the air-jet spinneret. The air-jet spinneret has an inlet for the fiber sliver, the internal swirl chamber, one or more yarn-forming or spinning elements arranged at least partially in the swirl chamber, and an outlet for the yarn produced inside the swirl chamber.In addition, the air spinneret preferably has a plurality of air nozzles opening into the vortex chamber, which air nozzles are particularly preferably in fluid communication with at least one air supply line, wherein during a spinning operation of the spinning station, in which the yarn is produced by means of the air spinneret, compressed air provided by the air supply line flows into the vortex chamber via the air nozzles in order to generate a vortex air flow within the vortex chamber for air spinning the supplied fiber sliver into a yarn.

[0010] A yarn or thread within the meaning of the invention is a fiber strand in which at least some of the fibers are wound around an internal fiber core. A yarn can also be a roving or sliver for further processing, for example, using a ring spinning machine. The fiber strand and thus the yarn produced therefrom are preferably formed at least partially, particularly preferably entirely, from synthetic fibers or chemical fibers, for example, from polyester or polyethersulfone.

[0011] The sliver is essentially the fiber material fed into the air-jet spinning process, preferably provided as a coherent sliver or composite of fibers to be spun. All fibers can be made of the same material, or the sliver can contain chemically different fibers. However, the fibers in the sliver are generally not yet spun together.

[0012] The yarn-forming element can be a standalone component, a section of a structural unit, or a functional unit directly involved in the air-jet spinning process. The yarn-forming element can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. Preferably, the yarn-forming element comprises a spinning cone or part of a spinning cone, and most preferably, the yarn-forming element forms the spinning cone. During the air-jet spinning process, the yarn-forming element comes into direct contact, at least in sections, with the fibers to be spun to produce the yarn, as well as with the spun yarn.

[0013] According to the invention, the air spinneret can be converted from a closed state of the air spinneret, in which the vortex chamber is preferably formed by the air spinneret and the yarn-forming element arranged in the vortex chamber is surrounded by the vortex chamber, into an open state in which the vortex chamber is preferably open to the external environment of the air spinneret and the yarn-forming element is exposed for cleaning, for which purpose at least a first component of the air spinneret, which more preferably comprises the yarn-forming element, can be moved relative to another component of the air spinneret. The first and second components of the air spinneret in particular have wall sections which at least partially delimit the vortex chamber when the air spinneret is closed.Particularly preferably, the first component of the air spinneret, which particularly preferably comprises the yarn-forming element, is moved, in particular shifted and / or pivoted, relative to the second component of the air spinneret, which is preferably arranged stationary at the spinning station. The closed state of the air spinneret is intended for yarn formation, while in the open state of the air spinneret, the yarn-forming element is accessible for cleaning, at least in sections and particularly preferably completely.

[0014] The opening of the air spinneret and the movement of the yarn-forming element and / or preferably the cleaning nozzle can occur either completely sequentially or at least partially simultaneously. It is also conceivable for the yarn-forming element to be moved into a cleaning position at the same time as or immediately after the opening of the air spinneret, in which case a movement of the cleaning nozzle into a cleaning position is not necessary but preferably additionally possible.

[0015] Basically, the cleaning position is the position of the yarn-forming element and / or the cleaning nozzle in which the yarn-forming element is cleaned by at least one cleaning medium using the cleaning nozzle. The cleaning position of the cleaning nozzle is preferably located outside the vortex chamber and / or opposite a surface of the yarn-forming element. The cleaning position is provided for operation of the cleaning nozzle, with operation of the cleaning nozzle preferably taking place exclusively in the cleaning position. In the cleaning position, preferably no further component of the air-jet spinneret, the spinning station and / or the air-jet spinning machine is arranged in a path of action between an outer surface of the yarn-forming element and the at least one cleaning nozzle, particularly preferably all of the cleaning nozzles.

[0016] In principle, cleaning using the cleaning nozzle can be carried out in any desired manner, with the cleaning method preferably comprising a defined cleaning cycle, which in particular is composed of several cleaning steps. Cleaning preferably means the removal of contaminants from the yarn-forming element, in particular fiber, finish, and / or polymer deposits. The contaminants are particularly preferably removed from the outer surface of the yarn-forming element and / or at least part of a yarn withdrawal channel inside the yarn-forming element.

[0017] In order to enable cleaning of the yarn formation element, a cleaning nozzle is provided according to the invention for dispensing a cleaning medium and for supplying the cleaning medium to the yarn formation element. For this purpose, the cleaning nozzle is arranged at the spinning station and / or directed towards the spinning station. Preferably, at least one cleaning nozzle is assigned to two spinning stations, more preferably to a single spinning station. For this purpose, the cleaning nozzle can preferably be arranged in the region of two adjacent spinning stations such that the cleaning nozzle can apply a cleaning medium to the respective yarn formation element of these two spinning stations. More preferably, a cleaning nozzle is arranged at each spinning station. More preferably, the cleaning nozzle is a nozzle for cleaning the yarn formation element using a liquid and / or a gas. Accordingly, the cleaning medium can be either a gas or a liquid.In addition, any mixtures of gases and liquids, in particular aerosols, foams and / or emulsions, can also be used as a cleaning medium.

[0018] Although sufficient cleaning of the yarn-forming element can be achieved using a single cleaning nozzle, more than one cleaning nozzle can also be arranged in the region of a yarn-forming element, wherein preferably several cleaning nozzles are directed or alignable in the cleaning position toward different surface sections of the yarn-forming element and / or from different directions toward the yarn-forming element. Likewise preferably, the cleaning nozzle is designed to apply the cleaning medium to at least one surface section of the yarn-forming element using atomization technology. Particularly preferably, the cleaning nozzle has a liquid atomizer, and most preferably, the cleaning nozzle is designed as a liquid atomizer.

[0019] According to the invention, the cleaning nozzle is designed, in particular positioned and / or aligned, or positionable and / or alignable, such that the yarn-forming element can be exposed to the cleaning medium in the cleaning position. Exposure to cleaning medium means that a cleaning medium is directed onto at least a part or section of the surface of the yarn-forming element.

[0020] The supply of at least one cleaning medium to the cleaning nozzle preferably takes place via at least one cleaning medium line, which can be designed either as a pure liquid line or as a pure gas line, or alternatively as a mixed line. Furthermore, in particular, the supply of gases and liquids as cleaning medium can take place via different or separate lines. Preferably, in the supply direction of the at least one cleaning medium and particularly for each individual cleaning medium, an activation and / or dosing unit is arranged upstream of the cleaning nozzle. This activation and / or dosing unit is particularly preferably designed as a valve and / or as an adjustable throttle in order to be able to regulate the quantity or flow of the cleaning medium supplied to the yarn-forming element in a defined manner.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the spinning station, at least one cleaning nozzle is arranged outside the vortex chamber and / or stationary at or in the region of the spinning station, whereby a particularly simple structure can be achieved and the air spinning process is not disrupted by the cleaning nozzle. Furthermore, the spinning result cannot be impaired by the cleaning medium inside the vortex chamber. According to the invention, a cleaning nozzle can be moved by means of a pivoting device between a rest position and a cleaning position for cleaning the yarn formation element, thereby enabling particularly uninterrupted operation of the spinning station. The movement between the rest position and the cleaning position is preferably a displacement, in particular an extension, and / or a folding or pivoting. In particular, an advantageous embodiment of the spinning station with several cleaning nozzles is conceivable.

[0022] According to the invention, the cleaning nozzle can be positioned and aligned by means of the pivoting device such that the yarn-forming element, in the cleaning position, can be exposed to the cleaning medium frontally and / or laterally over at least part of its surface, whereby cleaning of the yarn-forming element can be achieved in a particularly simple manner. Frontally means in particular in a direction along a yarn take-off channel and / or in the direction of a tip of the yarn-forming element. Laterally means in particular from a side orthogonal to a yarn take-off channel arranged centrally in the yarn-forming element and / or oriented towards a part of a preferably conically shaped side surface of the yarn-forming element.

[0023] A particularly preferred advantageous development of the spinning station is one in which the cleaning nozzle can be rotated at least partially, preferably completely, around the yarn-forming element by means of the pivoting device, in order to be able to expose the surface of the yarn-forming element, in particular a spinning cone surface, to the entire surface of the yarn-forming element during rotation with the cleaning medium. The rotation of the cleaning nozzle can occur either at right angles to a central longitudinal axis or a yarn take-off channel of the yarn-forming element, or at a constant or variable angle, with rotation along a circular path or along a circular segment being preferred.

[0024] According to the invention, the method for cleaning a yarn-forming element provides that the cleaning nozzle for cleaning the yarn-forming element is moved by means of a pivoting device from a rest position to a cleaning position and / or after cleaning from the cleaning position to the rest position. This movement into the cleaning position can in principle occur at any time. It is conceivable for the yarn-forming element to be moved into the cleaning position when the opening process of the air spinneret is initiated, during the opening of the air spinneret and / or after the opening of the air spinneret. However, it is preferred that the yarn-forming element is moved into the cleaning position in such a way that the cleaning nozzle is in the cleaning position before or at the end of the opening process, thereby enabling particularly time-efficient cleaning.

[0025] In principle, cleaning can take place at any time and can be repeated as often as desired. A preferred embodiment of the method for cleaning a yarn formation element provides for cleaning a yarn formation element during a spinning interruption, for example after at least one or each thread break, after at least one or each yarn cut, during removal of a package wound up using the air-jet spun yarn and / or during a change of a spinning can from which the sliver is fed to the spinning station. Cleaning after a thread break makes it possible, in particular, for contamination as a possible cause of thread break to be removed before the air-jet spinning process is resumed. Cleaning after a yarn cut, during removal of the package orInserting a new empty tube into the winding device and during a spinning can change, like cleaning after a thread break, ensures consistently high yarn quality and strength. Alternatively or additionally, cleaning can also be performed periodically at defined intervals, either the same or different from each other, in particular based on the operating time of the spinning station, the number of thread breaks, the number of yarn cuts, the number of bobbin removals or the number of empty tubes inserted, the number of spinning can changes, and generally the number of spinning interruptions or stops, in order to ensure regular cleaning or to avoid longer periods without cleaning.Alternatively or additionally, cleaning can be performed before the spinning station is put into operation after a defined downtime and / or before the spinning station is shut down in preparation for a defined downtime. This also ensures that these disruptive deposits in the air spinneret are minimized or eliminated as far as possible when the spinning process resumes.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the method for cleaning a yarn-forming element provides that the yarn-forming element is cleaned using a cleaning fluid, in particular an aqueous cleaning fluid, an aerosol, a foam, an emulsion, or a gas as the cleaning medium. By appropriately selecting the cleaning medium, a needs-based cleaning and, in particular, additional treatment of the surface of the yarn-forming element can be achieved. For example, in particular using an aerosol, foam, or an emulsion, in addition to a cleaning effect, a defined layer with a defined effect can be applied to the surface of the yarn-forming element, which can have a beneficial effect on the spinning process.For example, the yarn-forming element can be provided with a non-stick coating that at least reduces, or at best prevents, the adhesion of particles to the yarn-forming element for a certain period of time. This can extend the cleaning cycles of the yarn-forming element.

[0027] The use of both a cleaning fluid and an aerosol enables particularly thorough and, above all, rapid cleaning. A cleaning fluid is understood to be any fluid that has a fluid content of preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95%, and most particularly preferably at least 98%. The fluid can particularly preferably be water. Likewise, the cleaning medium can preferably contain at least one cleaning and / or surface-active substance, in particular at least one surfactant.

[0028] Although a single-step cleaning using the cleaning medium is conceivable in principle, in a preferred embodiment of the method for cleaning a yarn-forming element, a cleaning liquid, an aerosol, a foam, or an emulsion is directed at the yarn-forming element in a first cleaning step to remove deposits, and subsequently, in a second cleaning step, a gas stream is directed at the yarn-forming element to remove moisture from the surface of the yarn-forming element and / or to dry it. This preferred cleaning can particularly preferably be carried out using the same cleaning nozzle. Cleaning by means of a gas stream can be carried out either by a continuous gas stream or by one or more gas bursts or pulses.

[0029] In addition, an advantageous embodiment of the method for cleaning a yarn-forming element is also conceivable, in which the yarn-forming element is first cleaned by means of a gas stream to remove loose particles from the surface, subsequently by means of a cleaning liquid, an aerosol, a foam, or an emulsion to loosen adhering particles, and preferably finally by means of a gas stream for the final cleaning and / or drying of the surface of the yarn-forming element. Alternatively, however, the second gas stream can be omitted if necessary in order to keep the surface of the yarn-forming element moist and thereby achieve greater strength of the yarn produced by the yarn-forming element due to the increased force acting on the surface of the yarn-forming element.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the spinning station can be comprised of a work station of the air-jet spinning machine. A work station is understood to be any position on the air-jet spinning machine at which an air-spun spun thread or a yarn is produced by means of the spinning station from a fiber sliver fed to the spinning station and is wound onto a package, in particular a cheese, via a winding device downstream of the spinning station in the thread path. The fiber sliver can be fed in via a central fiber sliver storage device assigned to the air-jet spinning machine or via a fiber sliver storage device assigned to the individual spinning station, such as in particular a sliver can, in which a defined amount of fiber sliver is deposited so that it can be removed from the sliver can. The work station can comprise further fiber sliver or thread treatment devices for the defined and needs-based treatment of the fiber sliver or yarn.of the thread. The work station can therefore have sensors for monitoring the sliver feed and / or the sliver parameters and, alternatively, for monitoring the thread take-off, the thread feed to the winding device, the yarn parameters, for cleaning out yarn defects and / or for piecing after a sliver or thread break or after a sliver can change or a package removal. Furthermore, the work station can be assigned sensors or other devices in the area of ​​the drafting system, by means of which the sliver can be defined and drawn as required and / or provided with additional fibers, in particular made of a different fiber material, a so-called core yarn. Several embodiments of a spinning station according to the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same components. The figures show: . Fig. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a spinning station of an air-jet spinning machine with an air-jet spinneret in a closed state for yarn formation, Fig. 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the Figure 1 shown spinning station with an air spinneret in an open state for cleaning, Fig. 3 a schematic, cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a spinning station of an air spinning machine with an air spinneret in a closed state for yarn formation, and Fig. 4 a schematic, cross-sectional view of the in Figure 3 shown spinning station with an air spinneret in an open state for cleaning.

[0031] A first, in the Figures 1 and 2The illustrated embodiment of a spinning station 1 of an air-jet spinning machine, which is not covered by the claims, has an air-jet spinneret 2 in which a spinning cone is arranged as a yarn-forming element 4 within a vortex chamber 3. In order to produce a yarn by air-jet spinning using the spinning station 1, a fiber sliver is first drawn by means of a multi-roller drafting system and the drawn fiber sliver thus obtained is subsequently fed to the air-jet spinneret 2 via a fiber sliver inlet 7. According to this preferred embodiment, after being introduced via the fiber sliver inlet 7, the fiber sliver is guided around a needle 8 which extends in the fiber sliver transport direction in a previously known manner in the direction of the yarn-forming element 4 approximately as far as the take-off channel opening of the latter. As an alternative to the needle 8, a well-known pair of tweezers can be arranged according to a further preferred embodiment.Within the vortex chamber 3 of the air spinneret 2, the outer fibers of the fiber sliver are wound around an inner fiber core by means of a vortex air flow generated by air spinnerets 2 in the region of an inlet opening of the air spinneret 2, so that an air yarn-specific yarn structure of a parallel yarn core and wrapped fibers lying at a certain angle results, which are decisive for the desired strength of the yarn.

[0032] If a synthetic fiber material is used for air spinning the yarn, individual, detached fibers, fiber residues and possibly auxiliary materials accumulate on the surface of the yarn forming element 4 over time, which can reduce the quality and strength of the spun yarn.

[0033] To prevent this, a cleaning nozzle 5 is arranged stationary outside the vortex chamber 3 in the area of ​​the spinning station 1, whereby due to its arrangement this does not influence the air spinning process in the closed air spinneret 2 (see Figure 1 ). However, if the air spinneret 2 is opened, for example after a thread break or a cut of the spun yarn, the yarn forming element 4 is moved into a cleaning position when the air spinneret 2 is opened, in which an outlet opening of the stationary cleaning nozzle 5 is aligned with a side surface of the yarn forming element 4, so that the surface of the yarn forming element 4 can be cleaned by means of the cleaning nozzle 5 (see Figure 2 ).

[0034] For this purpose, according to this first embodiment, at least one aqueous cleaning liquid is atomized by means of the cleaning nozzle 5 and directed as a spray mist onto the yarn forming element 4, so that the deposits adhering to the surface of the yarn forming element 4 can be removed.

[0035] Preferably, however, such cleaning is carried out by means of a cleaning cycle that can be carried out either once or repeatedly. A first possible cleaning cycle provides that a cleaning fluid is first sprayed onto the surface of the yarn-forming element 4 using the cleaning nozzle 5 to remove deposits, and then a compressed air pulse is directed onto the surface of the yarn-forming element 4, also using the cleaning nozzle 5, in order to remove the mixture of the cleaning fluid and the loosened deposits and to dry the surface of the yarn-forming element 4. Alternatively, according to a further embodiment, instead of the cleaning fluid, a foam is applied to the surface of the yarn-forming element 4 via the cleaning nozzle 5, wherein the foam is mixed with an anti-stick liquid.By means of the subsequent compressed air pulse, the yarn forming element 4 with the anti-stick liquid applied thereto is dried.

[0036] In an alternative cleaning cycle, a compressed air pulse is first directed onto the surface of the yarn-forming element 4 to remove loose deposits. Subsequently, cleaning is performed using a cleaning medium such as the cleaning fluid to remove the deposits not removed by the compressed air. Finally, the mixture of the cleaning fluid and the removed deposits is preferably removed, and the surface of the yarn-forming element 4 is dried by renewed application of compressed air. Furthermore, the same cleaning nozzle 5 is preferably used for all cleaning steps.

[0037] A second, in the Figures 3 and 4The illustrated embodiment of a spinning station 1 of an air spinning machine differs significantly from the first embodiment in that two movable cleaning nozzles 5a, b are provided instead of a stationary cleaning nozzle 5.

[0038] In this case, a first cleaning nozzle 5a is arranged so as to be linearly displaceable in the direction of a side surface of the yarn forming element 4, wherein this cleaning nozzle 5a is also displaced linearly into a cleaning position for cleaning the surface of the yarn forming element 4 after the air spinneret 2 has been opened, during which the yarn forming element 4 is moved into a cleaning position, and thus at least one cleaning medium, in particular a cleaning liquid, an aerosol, a foam, an emulsion or a gas, can be applied to the yarn forming element 4 in the immediate vicinity of the surface of the yarn forming element 4.

[0039] In addition, this cleaning nozzle 5a can also be arranged so as to be pivotable at least in sections around the yarn forming element 4, so that a cleaning fluid can be applied along the circumference of the surface of the yarn forming element 4.

[0040] The second cleaning nozzle 5b is both linearly movable and by means of a swivel device 6 (in Figure 4The first cleaning nozzle 5b (shown only schematically by an arrow) is arranged so as to be pivotable toward the surface of the yarn-forming element 4. During the opening of the air spinneret 2 and the concomitant positioning of the yarn-forming element 4 into a cleaning position, the second cleaning nozzle 5b is displaced linearly. After the yarn-forming element 4 has reached the cleaning position, the cleaning nozzle 5b is then pivoted toward the surface of the yarn-forming element 4 by means of the pivoting device 6, so that cleaning can be carried out using both cleaning nozzles 5a, 5b.

[0041] When cleaning using multiple cleaning nozzles 5a, 5b, cleaning can be performed with all cleaning nozzles 5 simultaneously, or the cleaning nozzles 5a, 5b can be used sequentially for cleaning. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that not both cleaning nozzles use the same cleaning medium at the same time or directly one after the other; instead, each cleaning nozzle 5a, 5b can perform a cleaning cycle independent of the other cleaning nozzles 5b, 5a. List of reference symbols

[0042] 1Spinning station 2Air spinneret 3Swirl chamber 4Yarn forming element 5Cleaning nozzle 6Swivel device 7Sliver inlet 8Needle

Claims

1. A spinning position (1) of an air-spinning machine, with - an air spinning nozzle (2) having a yarn forming element (4) disposed within a vortex chamber (3) for producing a yarn from a fibre band supplied to the air spinning nozzle (2), in which case - the air spinning nozzle (2) can be transferred from a closed state for yarn formation to an open state in which the yarn forming element (4) can be cleaned, - a cleaning nozzle (5; 5a; 5b) for cleaning the yarn forming element (4) in the opened state of the air spinning nozzle (2), characterized in that the cleaning nozzle (5; 5a; 5b) is designed to be movable relative to the yarn-forming element (4) by means of a swivelling device (6) at least between a rest position and a cleaning position for cleaning the yarn-forming element (4) and to be positionable and / or alignable in such a way able that at least in the open state of the air-jet spinning nozzle (2) the yarn-forming element (4) can be acted upon frontally and / or laterally at least over part of its surface with a cleaning medium in the cleaning position.

2. The spinning position (1) of an air-spinning machine according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one cleaning nozzle (5; 5a; 5b) is arranged outside the vortex chamber (3) and / or is in a stationary arrangement.

3. The spinning position (1) of an air-spinning machine according to claim 2, characterised in that the cleaning nozzle (5a; 5b) can be rotated at least partially circumferentially around the yarn forming element (4) by means of the swivelling device (6).

4. The spinning position (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the cleaning nozzle (5a; 5b) can be moved by means of the swivelling device (6) in at least two mutually different directions relative to the yarn forming element (4).

5. A method for cleaning a yarn forming element (4) of an air spinning nozzle with the yarn forming element (4) arranged inside a vortex chamber (3) for manufacturing a yarn from a fibre band supplied to the air spinning nozzle (2), the air spinning nozzle (2) being transferrable from a closed state for yarn formation to an open state in which the yarn forming element (4) can be cleaned, having the steps: - Opening of the air spinning nozzle (2) to render the yarn forming element (4) located in the vortex chamber (3) accessible, - Movement of a cleaning nozzle (5; 5a; 5b) for cleaning the yarn-forming element (4) by means of a swivelling device (6) relative to the yarn-forming element (4) from a rest position into a cleaning position and in particular moving the yarn-forming element (4) into a cleaning position, and - Impinging the yarn-forming element (4) in the cleaning position frontally and / or laterally at least partially with at least one cleaning medium by means of the cleaning nozzle (5; 5a; 5b) positioned and / or aligned accordingly for this purpose.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterised in that the movement of the yarn forming element (4) and / or of the cleaning nozzle (5; 5a; 5b) into the cleaning position occurs with an initiation of the opening process of the air spinning nozzle (2), during the opening of the air spinning nozzle (2) and / or after the opening of the air spinning nozzle (2).

7. The method according to at least one of claims 5 or 6, characterised in that the movement of the yarn forming element (4) takes place in such a way that the cleaning nozzle (5; 5a; 5b) is in the cleaning position at the end of the opening process.

8. The method according to at least one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that a cleaning of the yarn forming element (4) takes place in the course of a spinning interruption, for example after at least one thread break, after at least one cut of the yarn, during a removal of a take-up package wound by means of the air-spun yarn and / or during a change of a spinning can.

9. The method according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that an aqueous cleaning fluid, an aerosol, a foam, an emulsion or a gas is used as the cleaning medium.

10. The method according to at least one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that either, following cleaning by means of a cleaning fluid, an aerosol, a foam or an emulsion, the yarn forming element (4) is subsequently acted upon in a second cleaning step by a gas stream, or that, following cleaning by means of a gas stream, the yarn forming element (4) is subsequently acted upon in a second cleaning step by a cleaning fluid, an aerosol, a foam or an emulsion via the cleaning nozzle (5).

11. The method according to at least one of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that cleaning of the yarn forming element (4) is carried out first by means of a first gas stream for removing loose particles from the yarn forming element (4), subsequently by means of a cleaning fluid, an aerosol, a foam or an emulsion for loosening adhering particles, and following that by means of a second gas stream for final cleaning and drying of the yarn forming element (4).

12. The method according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterised in that the cleaning is performed by means of the cleaning fluid, aerosol, foam or emulsion and by means of the gas stream or the first and / or second gas stream by means of the same cleaning nozzle (5; 5a; 5b).