Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of a spinning unit of an open-end friction spinning machine is disclosed for spinning units of the type containing two rollers arranged next to one another, drivable in the same rotational direction and forming a wedge-shaped yarn forming gap. It is provided according to the invention that a device for carrying out the cleaning is applied to the area of the wedge-shaped gap and that, during the cleaning, the yarn and fiber holding forces directed to the wedge-shaped gap during the spinning operation are eliminated or at least reduced. Preferred disclosed embodiments reduce the yarn and fiber holding forces during cleaning by reducing or interrupting the suction forces and by stopping or reversing the rotation of at least one of the friction rollers.

Abstract: An opening roller and a process for making an opening roller for open-end spinning machines is disclosed where wavy shaped toothed rings and intermediate rings are alternately slid on a preferably cylindrical part. The toothed rings and the intermediate rings are clamped between axial stops. It is provided that during the clamping of the toothed rings and the intermediate rings between the axial stops, the intermediate rings are plastically deformed. Thus it is achieved that without narrow manufacturing tolerances, the toothed rings and the intermediate rings rest against one another without gaps so that fibers cannot be caught during use of the opening roller.