Cleaning device for thread-forming elements of an air spinning nozzle and method for cleaning such thread-forming elements - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a sniping unit of an air-spinning machine that enables faultless operation for a long period of time to fabricate yarn with constant quality and strength, and a method for cleaning a yarn formation element of the air-spinning nozzle.SOLUTION: An air-spinning machine comprises a cleaning device 1 for a yarn formation element 2 of an air-spinning nozzle 12, and a spinning unit 9 of the air-spinning machine. The cleaning device includes a storage unit 4 for supplying and pulling in a cleaning belt 3. A fixed-end 5 of the cleaning belt is secured to the storage unit. A free end 6 of the cleaning belt can be supplied for cleaning and retracted after cleaning. The cleaning device has a cleaning belt guide 7 to supply the free end of the cleaning belt to the yarn formation element of the air-spinning nozzle for mechanical cleaning.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for a yarn-forming element of an air spinning nozzle, to a spinning unit of an air spinning machine, and to a method for cleaning such a yarn-forming element.

[0002] Typically, during air spinning, a sliver is drafted in a predetermined manner by a multi-roller drafting device, corresponding to the desired yarn count, and then fed to an air spinning nozzle. In the vortex chamber of the air spinning nozzle, the outer fibers of the sliver are wrapped around an inner fiber core in the area of ​​the inlet opening of the air spinning nozzle's yarn-forming element by the vortex air flow generated by the air nozzle. This results in the characteristic air-spun yarn structure, consisting of parallel yarn cores and wrapped fibers that meet at specific angles. The wrapped fibers are important for the desired strength of the yarn. There is a clear limit to how many fibers must be present in the cross section to achieve sufficient strength, so traditionally spun air-spun yarns are typically in the count range of N20 to N50.

[0003] Air spinning can be performed with fibers of various materials, including natural fibers such as cotton and / or animal hair, synthetic fibers such as polyester, and mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers. In practice, when spinning polymer fibers, especially those with a high proportion of polyester (PES), deposits of polymer residues, polyester fiber fragments, and / or finishing agents occur on the surfaces of the spinning cones of the yarn-forming elements. However, these deposits significantly disrupt the air spinning process and significantly deteriorate the spinning result and, therefore, yarn quality. In particular, increased friction between the surfaces of the air spinning nozzle and the fibers during the spinning process can lead to yarn breakage. Furthermore, deposits can clog the air nozzle and other components of the air spinning nozzle, resulting in yarns with low yarn strength and quality. These deposits also undesirably limit the possible spinning range.

[0004] The problem underlying the present invention is therefore to provide a method for cleaning the spinning unit of an air spinning machine as well as the yarn-forming elements of the air spinning nozzle, which allows for long-term, trouble-free operation with consistent quality and strength of the yarn produced.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a cleaning device for a yarn-forming element of an air spinning nozzle according to claim 1, a spinning unit of an air spinning machine according to claim 4 and a method for cleaning a yarn-forming element of an air spinning nozzle according to claim 7. Advantageous variations of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] A cleaning device according to the present invention for at least one yarn-forming element of an air spinning nozzle configured for use in an air spinning machine comprises a cleaning belt and a storage unit for feeding and retracting the cleaning belt, the fixed end of the cleaning belt being detachably and fixably attached to the storage unit, particularly for replacing the cleaning belt, and the free end of the cleaning belt being feedable, particularly retractable, for cleaning the yarn-forming element and retractable, particularly retractable, after cleaning. Furthermore, the cleaning device has a cleaning belt guide for feeding the free end of the cleaning belt for mechanical cleaning of the yarn-forming element of the air spinning nozzle.

[0007] More preferably, the fixed end is mounted rotatably about the axis in the extension direction of the cleaning belt. This prevents undesirable strong twisting of the cleaning belt caused by multiple windings of the free end around the thread-forming element. The rotatably mounted fixed end therefore passively rotates, i.e., co-rotates, with a delayed rotation caused by the propagating torsional forces acting on the cleaning belt. Alternatively or additionally, the rotary drive may preferably provide active rotation of the fixed end about the extension axis of the cleaning belt, thereby enabling a controlled, defined, and in particular identical, rotation of the fixed end in response to the movement of the free end, thereby reducing torsional forces as needed.

[0008] The spinning unit of the air spinning machine according to the present invention comprises a supply section for sliver to the air spinning nozzle, an air spinning nozzle having a sliver introduction section for introducing the sliver supplied into the air spinning nozzle, a vortex chamber arranged inside the air spinning nozzle for forming a vortex air flow by at least one vortex air nozzle opening into the vortex chamber, at least one yarn forming element arranged in the vortex chamber for producing yarn from the sliver supplied into the vortex chamber of the air spinning nozzle through the outlet of the sliver introduction section, an extraction passage extending through the yarn forming element for extracting the air spun yarn, and a cleaning device, in particular the cleaning device according to the present invention, which has a free end of a cleaning belt that can be drawn out from a storage unit and fed into the vortex chamber and retracted again after cleaning for mechanically cleaning the surface of the yarn forming element.

[0009] In the method according to the present invention for cleaning the yarn-forming elements of an air spinning nozzle, in particular the surfaces of the yarn-forming elements, the free end of the cleaning belt is first fed from the cleaning device through the withdrawal passage of the yarn-forming element to the vortex chamber of the air spinning nozzle, in particular to the outlet of the sliver introduction section where the sliver is introduced into the air spinning nozzle and into the vortex chamber, and then at least one vortex air nozzle opening into the vortex chamber generates a vortex air flow in the vortex chamber, so that the cleaning belt can be guided, in particular multiple times, to clean the corresponding areas on at least the surface of the tip of the yarn-forming element and / or on at least the nozzle opening of the vortex air nozzle and / or on the surface of the withdrawal passage. Finally, after the cleaning process, the cleaning belt is drawn back through the withdrawal passage in the direction of or towards the cleaning device, preferably back into the cleaning device.

[0010] The proposed cleaning device and the proposed method allow mechanical cleaning of components located inside the vortex chamber of an air spinning nozzle to be carried out in a particularly simple manner, and what is particularly advantageous is that cleaning can be carried out particularly quickly and without problems, since the air spinning nozzle does not have to be opened for cleaning.

[0011] An air spinning nozzle is understood to be any spinning nozzle that uses at least one air stream to wind fibers, especially wound fibers, around an inner fiber core to form a yarn or thread. The yarn formation process takes place in the area of ​​the vortex chamber of the air spinning nozzle, in which at least one thread-forming element is arranged. The air spinning nozzles are included in spinning units, each of which serves to produce a yarn from a sliver fed to the air spinning nozzle of this spinning unit.

[0012] The air spinning nozzle has a sliver feed and an inlet. Furthermore, the air spinning nozzle has an internal vortex chamber, one or more yarn-forming or spinning elements at least partially arranged within the vortex chamber, and an outlet for the air-spun yarn formed within the vortex chamber. The outlet is preferably configured as a withdrawal channel that completely passes through the yarn-forming element. The withdrawal channel is preferably formed by the yarn-forming element and a yarn channel that connects to the yarn-forming element in the withdrawal direction of the air-spun yarn, or is formed exclusively by the yarn-forming element.

[0013] Furthermore, the air spinning nozzle is preferably provided with a plurality of vortex air nozzles opening into the vortex chamber, and these vortex air nozzles are particularly preferably fluidly connected to at least one air supply line, so that during operation of the air spinning machine, compressed air provided from the air supply line flows into the vortex chamber through the air nozzles. The vortex air nozzles are arranged in a known manner to create a vortex air flow in the vortex chamber for air spinning the sliver to form yarn. The vortex chamber is located downstream of the sliver introduction section in the sliver transport direction, or the sliver introduction section forms a feed opening or outlet for the sliver to be fed into the vortex chamber on one side facing the vortex chamber.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, a thread or yarn is a fiber bundle in which at least some of the fibers are wound around an inner fiber core. The thread may be a roving or a fiber bundle for further processing, for example, by a ring spinning machine. The sliver, and thus the yarn produced from this sliver, is preferably at least partially, particularly preferably completely, made of synthetic or chemical fibers, such as polyester or polyethersulfone.

[0015] A sliver is essentially a fiber material fed to an air spinning process, preferably as a collected band or bundle of fibers to be spun. All fibers may be formed from the same material, or the sliver may contain chemically different fibers. However, the fibers in the sliver are essentially not yet spun together.

[0016] The yarn-forming element may be an independent component, a section of a structural unit, or a functional unit directly involved in the air spinning process. The yarn-forming element may be integrally formed, i.e., in one piece, or may be formed from multiple pieces. Preferably, the yarn-forming element comprises a spinning cone or a part of a spinning cone. Very particularly preferably, the yarn-forming element forms the spinning cone. Within the scope of the air spinning process, the yarn-forming element is at least partially in direct contact with the fibers to be spun and with the spun yarn to form the yarn.

[0017] The cleaning device is basically any device that allows mechanical cleaning of the yarn-forming elements of the air spinning nozzle of the air spinning machine. Mechanical cleaning is preferably mechanical rubbing of the surface to be cleaned inside the air spinning nozzle by a cleaning belt. However, mechanical cleaning can additionally be supported by a chemical cleaning medium, preferably a cleaning liquid and particularly preferably an aqueous cleaning solution, on the cleaning belt. Additionally, in order to support the mechanical cleaning by the cleaning belt, it is conceivable to apply a corresponding chemical cleaning medium, in particular a cleaning liquid, into the vortex chamber, in particular on the surface to be cleaned.

[0018] The cleaning belt can have any length, any diameter, and any chemical composition, as long as it can still be guided to the surface to be cleaned of the air spinning nozzle and is suitable for cleaning. Preferably, the cleaning belt is at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 50%, very particularly preferably at least 100%, and particularly preferably at least 200% longer than the distance of the surface to be cleaned from the storage unit of the cleaning device, so that complete cleaning is still possible even when the cleaning belt is worn, especially in the region of its tip.

[0019] Preferably, the cleaning belt is made of a fibrous material and / or has a rough surface to support mechanical cleaning. Furthermore, the cleaning belt is flexible so that the end of the cleaning belt introduced into the air spinning nozzle for cleaning can be moved by the vortex air flow, especially multiple times, over the surface to be cleaned of the air spinning nozzle, especially the thread-forming element, and / or over the nozzle opening of the vortex air nozzle. Particularly preferably, the cleaning belt is configured so that it can be guided by the vortex air flow, especially multiple times, over the spinning cone tip, over at least one nozzle opening of the vortex air nozzle, and / or over the surface of the withdrawal channel.

[0020] More preferably, the free ends of the cleaning belt form a predetermined fiber group, especially during or after the application of vortex air and / or moisture. Thus, the free ends can be provided so that a plurality of dispersed fiber ends spreads in the vortex chamber, thereby enabling effective cleaning. The moisture required for spreading can be supplied, for example, via a vortex air nozzle. The dispersible fiber ends can be twisted or glued together before being fed into the vortex chamber, and this holding force is released by the vortex air and / or moisture to spread them out.

[0021] The storage unit is primarily any component or any group of components for storing the drawn-in cleaning belt during operation of the spinning unit or air spinning machine, when the cleaning process is not in progress. The storage unit may have a closed casing and / or be a closed structural unit. In principle, the storage unit may also be integrated into another device or structural unit of the air spinning machine, in particular the spinning unit. The cleaning belt is preferably stored or stored in an attached state. In principle, it is also conceivable that several cleaning belts are stored in one storage unit, but preferably there is exactly one cleaning belt in each storage unit.

[0022] To enable cleaning, the cleaning belt is fed from the storage unit and then retracted again. The feeding can be active, in particular by a drive, but preferably passive, by using a separate device provided on the spinning unit, the air spinner, or the service unit serving the spinning unit, and / or by using an intentional air flow to catch and pull the end of the cleaning belt. For cleaning, the cleaning belt is preferably pulled out or moved at least as far as the surface to be cleaned, which is located at the farthest point from the storage unit of the cleaning device. The retraction can also be active, preferably by a drive, or in particular by a spring that is tensioned during feeding. Passive retraction based on gravity or an externally applied air flow is also possible. Active retraction, however, is preferred.

[0023] The storage unit may in particular comprise a device for consolidating the dispersed fiber ends of the free end during withdrawal. Thus, for example, a twisting device may be provided, which twists the fiber bundle and thereby re-forms a compact free end consisting of individual fiber ends held together by a holding force for easy re-insertion into the withdrawal channel. Alternatively or additionally, the device may comprise means for moistening the dispersed fiber ends and means for compressing the moistened individual fiber ends to form a compact free end.

[0024] A cleaning belt guide is understood to mean firstly any means or device that contributes to the passage or introduction of the cleaning belt from or after leaving the storage unit towards the air spinning nozzle, in particular into the interior of the air spinning nozzle. The cleaning belt guide may be formed as an integral component or as a component group consisting of several components. The cleaning belt guide may also be formed by other components of the air spinning machine, in particular by other components of the spinning unit of the air spinning machine or by components of a service unit serving the spinning unit. Furthermore, the cleaning belt guide may also be understood functionally, and therefore may be any means for guiding the free end of the cleaning belt towards the yarn-forming element to be cleaned.

[0025] A service unit is understood to mean any common device or equipment that can be moved along at least one air spinning machine, in particular along several adjacent spinning units, in order to carry out assisted yarn processing and / or maintenance or service work as required at each spinning unit.

[0026] In one preferred configuration of the cleaning device, the storage unit has a storage reel for unwinding and winding the cleaning belt, the fixed end of the cleaning belt being preferably fixed to the storage reel, so that the cleaning belt can be wound and unwound particularly simply and without risk of knots or loops. Furthermore, the storage reel is preferably removable from the storage unit together with the cleaning belt located thereon, so that the cleaning belt can be replaced and / or renewed in a simple manner.

[0027] According to one advantageous refinement of the cleaning device, the storage unit, in particular the storage reel, is connected to an automatic and / or motorized drive unit for controlled feeding and / or retraction of the free end of the cleaning belt, thereby enabling active control in a particularly simple manner. The drive unit can be electrically and / or pneumatically operated. Preferably, the drive unit is a motor, but direct drive by at least one air stream is also possible.

[0028] Although the cleaning device can basically be arranged at any position in the spinning unit, air spinning machine or service unit, one preferred configuration of the spinning unit according to the invention of an air spinning machine provides that the cleaning device is arranged outside the vortex chamber and preferably outside the area of ​​the air spinning nozzle, so that the air spinning process can be carried out without being hindered by the cleaning device.The cleaning device is particularly preferably arranged downstream of the yarn-forming element and / or downstream of the withdrawal path, as seen in the yarn withdrawal direction of the air-spun yarn, and / or in the area of ​​the yarn preparation unit, especially in the yarn preparation unit.

[0029] The arrangement in the region of the yarn preparation unit is particularly advantageous because the yarn preparation means, which is normally provided for receiving the spun yarn end, can also receive the free end of the cleaning belt in a particularly simple manner and guide or pull it into the interior of the air spinning nozzle, in particular to the vortex chamber, in particular to the outlet of the sliver introduction section, in the same way as the yarn end. Correspondingly, the free end of the cleaning belt, in particular to the outlet of the sliver introduction section, is preferably fed by the yarn forming element. To be able to guide the free end of the cleaning belt into the vortex chamber or to the outlet of the sliver introduction section in the vortex chamber, the yarn preparation means, in particular the yarn preparation unit, is switched accordingly. In this case, direct control of the yarn preparation means for gripping the end of the cleaning belt and movement of the storage unit and / or the free end of the cleaning belt into the region of the yarn preparation means are possible, so that the cleaning belt can now be gripped instead of the yarn by normal operation of the yarn preparation means.

[0030] Many prior art methods for cleaning yarn-forming elements have the disadvantage that the air spinning nozzle must be opened for cleaning. While it is generally possible to clean the yarn-forming elements with a cleaning belt while the spinning nozzle is open, a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention provides for cleaning to be carried out in a substantially closed spinning nozzle or with the vortex chamber closed. Furthermore, it is preferable for cleaning to be carried out during an interruption of the air spinning operation, so that the spun yarn or sliver to be spun is not present in the vortex chamber and the cleaning belt can be introduced into and removed from the vortex chamber unhindered, particularly through the withdrawal channel.

[0031] One preferred variant of the method for cleaning the thread-forming elements provides for the introduction to take place with a vortex airflow switched on (or generated) in order to expel deposits and / or better clean the surfaces of the withdrawal channel, since a switched-on vortex airflow also causes a movement and / or a rotation of the cleaning belt when it is retracted.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferable to generate a vortex air flow in the vortex chamber when or after the free end of the cleaning belt leaves the withdrawal channel or when or after the free end enters the vortex chamber, thereby ensuring effective and reliable cleaning of the area around the withdrawal channel opening of the thread-forming element in the vortex chamber, which further allows reliable guidance of the free end of the cleaning belt along the surface of the thread-forming element in the vortex chamber.

[0033] In principle, the cleaning belt can be reused for any period of time and any number of times. However, due to increased soiling and / or wear, especially in the region of the free end of the cleaning belt, it is advantageous to periodically cut off and discard the leading edge of the free end of the cleaning belt, in particular via a thread cutting means specific to the spinning unit, air spinning machine, or service unit. This can be done after each cleaning, after a specified number of cleanings, or depending on the degree of soiling or wear. The thread cutting means can particularly preferably be a component of a thread preparation means, which can preferably prepare the yarn end appropriately in a known manner for the splicing process after a spinning interruption. Furthermore, it is also possible to periodically replace the cleaning belt after a specified number of cleanings or depending on the degree of soiling or wear. Furthermore, cleaning of the cleaning belt can also be performed during or after retraction into the cleaning device in order to at least partially clean the cleaning belt and extend its service life.

[0034] In principle, cleaning can be performed at any time and can be repeated at any frequency. One preferred configuration of the method for cleaning the yarn-forming element provides that cleaning of the yarn-forming element is performed during spinning interruptions, for example, after at least one or each yarn break, after at least one or each yarn cut, during removal of the winding package that has wound the air-spun yarn, and / or during replacement of the spinning can that supplies the sliver to the spinning unit. Cleaning after a yarn break allows dirt, which may be the cause of the yarn break, to be removed before the air-spinning process is resumed. Cleaning after a yarn break, during removal of the winding package or insertion of a new empty tube into the winding device, and during replacement of the spinning can ensures the same high yarn quality and strength as cleaning after a yarn break. Alternatively or additionally, cleaning can be carried out periodically at specified intervals, either identical or different, in particular with respect to the operating time of the spinning unit, the number of yarn breaks, the number of yarn cuts, the number of winding package removals or empty tube insertions, the number of spinning can changes, and generally the number of spinning interruptions or spinning stops, thereby ensuring regular cleaning and avoiding long periods without cleaning. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, cleaning can be carried out before starting the spinning unit after a specified stop time and / or before stopping the spinning unit in preparation for a specified stop time. This can also ensure that these troublesome deposits in the air spinning nozzle have been sufficiently minimized or removed when the air spinning process is restarted.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, the spinning unit may be included in the working section of the air-spun spinning machine. The working section is understood to mean any position of the air-spun spinning machine where the spinning unit forms an air-spun spun yarn or thread from the sliver supplied to the spinning unit and winds it into a winding package, in particular a cross winding package, via a winding device located downstream of the spinning unit in the yarn travel path. The sliver supply can be via a central sliver store assigned to the air-spun spinning machine or via individual sliver stores, such as spinning cans, assigned to the individual spinning units. A defined amount of sliver is placed in the spinning can so that it can be removed from the spinning can. The working section may have additional sliver or yarn processing devices for demand-specific processing of the sliver or yarn. The working unit may therefore have sensor devices for monitoring the sliver supply and / or sliver parameters and / or alternatively for monitoring yarn withdrawal, yarn supply to the winding device, yarn parameters, eliminating yarn defects and / or splicing after a sliver break or yarn break or after changing a spinning can or removing a winding package. Furthermore, the working unit may be assigned sensor devices or other devices in the area of ​​the drafting device including the sliver supply, by means of which the sliver can be drafted according to defined demands and / or provided with additional fibers, in particular so-called core yarns, made of different fiber materials.

[0036] An embodiment of the spinning unit according to the invention for an air spinning machine will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the air spinning nozzle of the air spinning machine during the spinning process. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the air spinning nozzle shown in FIG. 1 with a cleaning device before cleaning the yarn-forming elements of the air spinning nozzle. [Figure 3]2 is a schematic diagram showing the air spinning nozzle shown in FIG. 1 with a cleaning device during cleaning of the yarn-forming elements.

[0038] The sliver 11 is fed to the air spinning nozzle 12, shown only diagrammatically in FIG. 1, in the region of the feeder 10 for spinning the sliver 11 into a yarn 14 by the spinning unit 9 of an air spinning machine from the drafted sliver 11. The sliver 11 enters the vortex chamber inside the air spinning nozzle 12 through the outlet 13 of the sliver inlet 16, where it is spun into a yarn 14 by the vortex air flow in the yarn-forming element 2, which is shaped as a spinning cone. The vortex air flow generated by the vortex air nozzle causes the outer fibers of the sliver 11 to wrap around the inner fiber core, resulting in a yarn structure typical of air-spun yarns, consisting of parallel yarn cores and wrapped fibers that contact the yarn core at a defined angle. Finally, the spun yarn 14 is withdrawn from the air spinning nozzle 12 through the withdrawal channel 15 and is fed to a subsequent yarn processing device, such as a winding device, to form a winding package.

[0039] When air spinning uses a sliver 11 made of synthetic fibers, in particular polyester fibers, deposition of fiber debris and finishing agents occurs during the air spinning process on the surface of the yarn-forming element 2 or on the surface of the walls of the vortex chamber of the air spinning nozzle 12 surrounding the yarn-forming element 2, which deposits in the long term lead to a deterioration of the spinning product and thus to a decrease in yarn strength and quality.

[0040] In order to be able to clean these surfaces, a cleaning device 1 is arranged downstream of the withdrawal channel 15 in the yarn withdrawal direction and in the region of the yarn preparation unit of the spinning unit 9. Inside the storage unit 4 of the cleaning device 1, a cleaning belt 3 is wound onto a storage reel 8. A fixed end 5 of the cleaning belt 3 is attached to the storage reel 8 in a manner that allows it to be repeatedly removed and fixed in position. A free end 6 of the cleaning belt 3 can be led out of the storage unit 4 and retracted again by unwinding and winding the storage reel 8. The cleaning belt 3 is made of a fibrous material and has a rough surface.

[0041] In order to be able to feed the cleaning belt 3 to the air spinning nozzle 12 after unwinding from the storage unit 4, the cleaning device 1 has a cleaning belt guide 7. This cleaning belt guide 7 is formed by another component of the spinning unit 9, in particular by a yarn preparation unit.

[0042] In order to be able to clean the surface of the yarn-forming element 2, the air spinning process is interrupted and then, with the air spinning nozzle 12 still closed, the free end 6 of the cleaning belt 3 is guided by the cleaning belt guide 7 into the area of ​​the outer opening of the withdrawal passage 15 (see Figure 2).

[0043] The free end 6 of the cleaning belt 3 is then introduced into the withdrawal channel 15 by the yarn preparation means and advanced therein towards the outlet 13 of the sliver inlet 16 into the interior of the vortex chamber. By generating a vortex air current inside the vortex chamber, the free end 6 of the cleaning belt 3 is repeatedly moved towards and wrapped around the surface of the yarn-forming element 2, which is shaped as a spinning cone. By further feeding the cleaning belt 3 into the vortex chamber, the free end 6 of the cleaning belt 3 can also be passed through the nozzle opening of a thin air nozzle, with cleaning particularly taking place in the region of the tip of the yarn-forming element 2 and in the region of the nozzle opening. The movement of the free end 6 caused by the vortex air current propagates along the cleaning belt 3 in the direction towards the fixed end 5, so that the surface of the withdrawal channel 15 inside the yarn-forming element 2 is also cleaned. The fixed end 5 of the cleaning belt 3 is mounted rotatably about an axis in the extension direction of the cleaning belt 3 so as to avoid undesirable strong twisting of the cleaning belt 3 due to the propagation of movement of the free end 6 toward the fixed end 5.

[0044] Finally, the cleaning belt 3 is again withdrawn from the interior of the air spinning nozzle 12 via the withdrawal passage 15, in which case repeated cleaning is performed on the surface of the withdrawal passage 15. The cleaning belt 3 is again wound onto the storage reel 8 inside the storage unit 4 so that the cleaning belt 3 can be stored without knots or loops. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 Cleaning device 2. Yarn forming element 3 Cleaning Belt 4 Storage Units 5 Fixed end 6 Free end 7 Cleaning belt guide 8 storage reels 9 Spinning Unit 10 Supply section 11 Sliver 12 Air spinning nozzle 13 Exit 14 Thread 15 Drawer passage 16 Sliver introduction section

Claims

1. A cleaning device (1) for a yarn-forming element (2) configured as a spinning cone arranged in a vortex chamber of an air spinning nozzle (12), comprising: - a cleaning belt (3), a storage unit (4) for supplying and withdrawing said cleaning belt (3); Equipped with a fixed end (5) of the cleaning belt (3) is fixed to the storage unit (4), and a free end (6) of the cleaning belt (3) can be supplied to clean the outer circumferential surface of the thread-forming element (2) and the wall surface of the vortex chamber, and can be retracted again after cleaning; and a cleaning belt guide (7) for introducing the free end (6) of the cleaning belt (3) into the thread-forming element (2) for mechanical cleaning; Cleaning device (1).

2. 2. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit (4) has a storage reel (8) for unwinding and winding the cleaning belt (3), and the fixed end (5) of the cleaning belt (3) is attached to the storage reel (8).

3. 3. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit (4) is coupled to an electric and / or pneumatic drive unit for controlled feeding and retraction of the free end (6) of the cleaning belt (3).

4. A spinning unit (9) of an air spinning machine, - a supply (10) of sliver (11) to the air spinning nozzle (12); - an air spinning nozzle (12) having a sliver introduction section (16) for introducing the sliver (11) fed into the air spinning nozzle (12); a vortex chamber arranged inside said air spinning nozzle (12) for creating a vortex air flow by means of at least one vortex air nozzle opening into said vortex chamber; - a yarn-forming element (2) arranged in the vortex chamber for producing a yarn (14) from the sliver (11) fed into the vortex chamber through the outlet (13) of the sliver introduction section (16); - a withdrawal passage (15) extending through said yarn-forming element (2) for withdrawing said air-spun yarn (14); - a cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a free end (6) of a cleaning belt (3) which can be supplied from a storage unit (4) and introduced into the vortex chamber for mechanically cleaning the surface of the thread-forming element (2); A spinning unit (9) of an air spinning machine having:

5. 5. The spinning unit (9) of an air spinning machine according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning device (1) is arranged outside the air spinning nozzle (12).

6. 6. The spinning unit (9) of an air spinning machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cleaning device (1) is arranged downstream of the yarn forming element (2) in the yarn withdrawal direction of the air spun yarn (14) and / or in the area of ​​a yarn preparation unit.

7. 1. A method for cleaning a yarn-forming element (2) formed as a spinning cone arranged in a vortex chamber of an air spinning nozzle (12), comprising: feeding the free end (6) of the cleaning belt (3) from the cleaning device (1) through the withdrawal passage (15) of the thread-forming element (2) into the vortex chamber of the air spinning nozzle (12); generating a vortex air flow in the vortex chamber by means of the vortex air nozzle in order to guide the cleaning belt (3) onto the surface of the thread-forming element (2) and over at least one nozzle opening of the at least one vortex air nozzle opening into the vortex chamber; and drawing the cleaning belt (3) through the drawing passage (15) into the cleaning device (1); A method for cleaning a thread-forming element (2), comprising:

8. 8. The method for cleaning thread-forming elements (2) according to claim 7, wherein the vortex air flow in the vortex chamber is generated when or after the free end (6) of the cleaning belt (3) exits the withdrawal passage (15) or when or after the free end (6) enters the vortex chamber.

9. 9. A method for cleaning thread-forming elements (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the feeding of the free end (6) of the cleaning belt (3) is carried out via a thread preparation means.

10. 10. The method for cleaning a thread-forming element (2) according to claim 7, wherein the cleaning is carried out with the air spinning nozzle (12) closed during an interruption of the spinning operation.

11. 11. A method for cleaning thread-forming elements (2) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the introduction of the free ends (6) is carried out in conjunction with the generation of a vortex air current.

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