EP1498521B1 - Heald frame and weaving loom fitted with at least one such heald frame - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a heald frame, and a loom equipped with at least one such frame.

It is known to equip a loom by means of heald frames, which are intended to be controlled in a vertical oscillations movement by means of a suitable device, such as armor mechanics or dobby.

Such a heald frame first comprises a body, which is formed by reversible assembly of two uprights and two sleepers. In use, the amounts are substantially vertical, while the sleepers are substantially horizontal. Each crossbar also supports an attachment member, also called bar, which allows the attachment of a corresponding end of the loom of the loom.

The invention relates more particularly to such a heddle frame which is provided with damping means, interposed between the fastening member and the rails, at at least one end thereof. Thus, during oscillations of the frame, certain direct contacts between the fastening member and the healds are eliminated, which reduces the vibrations by rebounding of the healds on the bars and, thereby, the overall wear suffered by these various elements. while increasing the service life.

US-A-3,895,655 discloses a heald frame, which is provided with such vibration damping elements. These resilient elements, which are fixed on each cross, are interposed between the faces opposite these sleepers and smooth, so as to act on the ends of the latter.

This known solution, however, has certain disadvantages in that it is difficult to control the distance separating these damping elements and the fastening member. Moreover, the operation of fixing these resilient elements proves expensive, while their presence provides a significant additional mass to the entire frame.

It is also known from US Pat. No. 4,106,529 and US Pat. No. 4,106,530 to insert resilient damping elements between the stringers and the fastening members. These damping elements, which are provided on one or both sides of the attachment members, can be freely arranged, or be fixed in grooves provided on the fastening members.

This alternative solution, however, involves other disadvantages.

Indeed, if the damping elements are mounted freely, their positioning is not satisfactory. On the other hand, if they are received in grooves, the realization of the fastener is difficult and expensive, since the aforementioned grooves have very small dimensions and are difficult to machine. Moreover, such a solution contributes to significantly weigh down the entire fastening member.

US-A-5,232,025 discloses a cross member, the lower end is formed of two half-shells, which support a fastening member. However, this document does not describe the existence of damping elements, interposed between this fastening member and a corresponding bar.

This being said, the invention proposes to provide a heald frame to overcome the various disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

It proposes in particular to make such a framework which, while being provided with damping means positioned accurately, retains an acceptable mass and a reduced manufacturing cost.

For this purpose, it relates to a heddle frame for a loom according to claim 1 attached.

The invention also relates to a loom according to claim 25 attached, equipped with at least one heald frame as defined above.

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématique de principe d'un métier à tisser conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe transversale, selon la ligne II-II à la figure 1, illustrant de façon partielle un cadre de lisses appartenant au métier à tisser de la figure 1, en particulier en ce qui concerne la solidarisation mutuelle d'une traverse, d'un organe d'accrochage et d'une lisse appartenant à ce cadre ; et
• les figures 3 à 9 sont des vues en coupe transversale, analogues à cette figure 2, illustrant sept variantes de réalisation de l'invention.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of a loom and several heddle frames in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a weaving machine according to the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, along the line II-II in FIG. 1, partially illustrating a heald frame belonging to the loom of FIG. 1, in particular with regard to the mutual bonding of FIG. a cross member, a fastening member and a rail belonging to this frame; and
• Figures 3 to 9 are cross-sectional views, similar to Figure 2, illustrating seven embodiments of the invention.

In FIG. 1, a dobby 1, of a type known per se, is intended to drive a heald frame 2 belonging to a loom M, according to an oscillating vertical movement represented by the arrows F ₁ and F ' ₁ . For this purpose, an actuating arm 1 has dobby is coupled to each frame of smooth 2, by means of rods and oscillating levers.

The trade M comprises several frames, generally between six and twenty-four, of which only one is shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of clarity.

Each frame 2 comprises a body, which is formed by the assembly of two uprights 4, 4 'and two crosspieces 6, 6'. The amounts 4, 4 'extend generally in a direction parallel to that Z-Z' of vertical oscillation of the frames, namely vertically in service. Furthermore, the crosspieces 6, 6 'extend in a direction YY', which is perpendicular to that Z-Z 'above, namely horizontally in use.

Each respectively upper and lower 6 '6' is equipped, in known manner, a corresponding fastening member or bar 8, 8 '. These bars 8 and 8 ', which will be described in more detail in the following, allow the attachment of the upper and lower ends respectively of different smooth 10 belonging to the frame 2 of the loom M.

FIG. 2 illustrates the attachment of the upper end of a rail 10 to the upper cross member 6, by means of the bar 8. It should be noted that the fixing of the lower end of this rail 10 on the rail 6 ' is performed in a similar manner, by means of the bar 8 '. In this spirit, the mechanical elements of the lower crossbar 6 ', the lower bar 8' and the lower end of the rail 10, respectively similar to those of the upper cross member 6, the upper bar 8 and the upper end of the beam 10, bear the same numbers assigned the reference "prime".

The structure of the upper cross member 6, which is conventional, will not be described in more detail in the following. The underside of this crosspiece 6, facing the smooth 10, is extended by a rib 6 ₁ extending over the entire main dimension of this cross. This rib 6 ₁ is extended by a lug 6 ₂ having, in cross section, substantially a diamond shape.

The fastening strip 8 is formed by a folded thin sheet whose thickness e is for example close to 0.7 mm. It comprises first a region 8 ₁ , for fixing the bar 8 on the cross member 6, by cooperation of forms.

More precisely, this fixing region is formed of two branches 8 ₂₁ and 8 ₂₂ , generally having a shape of L, the corners of which are placed opposite each other, so as to cover the aforementioned ergot 6 ₂ . It should also be noted that these branches 8 ₂₁ , 8 ₂₂ constitute the free ends of the folded sheet, forming the fastening bar 8.

The existence of this lug 6 ₂ , associated with the branches 8 ₂₁ and 8 ₂₂ , thus gives a removable character to the fixing of the bar 8 on the crossbar 6.

In this respect, it will be noted that, advantageously, the folded sheet constituting the bar 8 is elastic and / or prestressed.

The two branches 8 ₂₁ and 8 ₂₂ meet, opposite the crossbar 6, an intermediate region 8 ₃ , of reduced cross section. It finally extended by a Region 8 ₄ for the attachment of the rail 10, which will be described in more detail in the following.

This smooth 10 comprises, in a conventional manner, a filamentary element 10 ₁ , provided with an eyelet 10 ₂ , visible in Figure 1, for the passage of a not shown warp. At each end of the rail, the filiform element 10 ₁ extends into two main branches ₃ , defining a housing ₄ to receive the bar 8. The outlet of this housing is bordered by two teeth ₅ of the rail, extending towards each other, so as to form a neck 10 ₆ of restricted transverse dimension.

Returning to the attachment region 8 ₄ , the latter has a roughly rectangular cross section, whose dimensions are significantly greater than those of the intermediate region 8 ₃ . This attachment region 8 ₄ forms, in its lower part opposite the crosspiece 6, a U-shaped fold 8 ₅ , whose core 8 ₅₁ is turned towards the cross member 6.

This fold ensures the retention of a damping element 12, of known type, which is a flexible element made for example of a polymer material, an elastomeric material, or the like. Such a damping element, which extends over substantially the entire major dimension of the cross member 6 is retained by wedging and / or bonding in the interior of the fold 8 ₅ in the form of U.

In the configuration of use of the loom M, the intermediate region 8 ₃ is received in the neck 10 ₆ , while the attachment region 8 ₄ is received in the housing 10 ₄ . The same applies to the lower end of the crossmember, the various mechanical elements being arranged symmetrically with respect to the median horizontal axis of the frame 2.

More specifically, we note s ₁ the surfaces of the upper latching bar 8, which are adapted to come into direct abutment against the surfaces Si facing the smooth, belonging to the two teeth 10 ₅ . These direct bearing surfaces s ₁ and S ₁ form a traction zone, opposite to the compression zone, corresponding to the free surfaces of the damping element 12 and to those C ₁ opposite the arm 10.

In the static state, as shown in Figure 2, when the top of the boom end is in direct abutment against the upper surfaces s ₁ next to the bar 8, the bottom of the smooth end is substantially bearing against the lower damping element 12 'at its surfaces lower compression C ' ₁ . Of course, when the lower end of the rail is in direct support, by its traction surfaces S ' ₁ , on the surfaces s ' ₁ of the lower bar 8', the upper part of this rail is substantially in support by its upper compression surfaces C ₁ against the upper damping element 12.

Such a measure is advantageous. Indeed, the respectively upper 6 and lower 6 'sleepers are subjected to vibrations in service, which confers a variable character to their spacing. The heddles come into contact, respectively with the bar and with the damping element, sometimes by their traction surfaces and sometimes by their compression surfaces, the shocks on the compression surfaces helping to damp the vibrations.

Providing a substantially simultaneous support on the traction surfaces, lower or upper, and on the compression surfaces, upper or lower, makes it possible to work the cross members 6 and 6 'in a configuration where the rails are substantially rectilinear. This is favorable to the transmission of a maximum compressive force. One of the two sleepers, which acts as a damper, thus absorbs a significant effort and reduces the bending of the other cross, ensuring a pulling force.

Thus, during the oscillations of the frame 2, the presence of damping elements respectively upper 12 and lower 12 'makes it possible to reduce the oscillations axial vibrations of the rails and their impacts on the bars. This therefore ensures a reduction in the overall wear experienced by these rails and these bars and, consequently, to increase the duration of use.

In FIG. 2, damping means 12 and 12 'equip the bars 8 and 8 respectively. However, it can be provided to provide only one of these bars 8 or 8 'such damping means, while the other 8' or 8 is devoid of. In this case, when the single damping means 12 or 12 ', integral with the bar 8 or 8' are in contact with the compression surfaces of the end facing the bar, the other end thereof is advantageously in contact, by its traction surfaces S ' ₁ or S ₁ , with the other facing bar 8' or 8.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first variant embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the mechanical elements similar to those of Figure 2 are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 100.

The crosspiece 106 is hollowed out with a recess 106 ₁ having, in cross-section, a diamond shape. This recess, which is open towards the not shown smooth, opens outward via a neck of reduced transverse dimension.

The bar 108 is provided with a fixing region 108 ₁ , which comprises two L-shaped legs 108 ₂₁ and 108 ₂₂ , forming the free ends of the folded sheet constituting the bar 108.

The attachment region 108 ₁ can be introduced into the recess 106 ₁ , by pinching the two branches 108 ₂₁ and 108 ₂₂ , so that it penetrates through the aforementioned neck. Then, these two branches are pressed against the walls 106 ₂ of the recess 106 ₁ , by elasticity and / or prestressing of the constituent plate of the bar.

As in the example of FIG. 2, the two branches 108 ₂₁ , 108 ₂₂ come together in an intermediate region 108 ₃ , of reduced section, which extends into a region fastening 108 ₄ . The latter has a generally similar profile to that of region 8 ₄ of Figure 2, except the fold 108 ₅ which has a U-shaped section with wings oppositely inclined from one another. In other words, this fold 108 ₅ defines a housing which has larger dimensions at the core 108 ₅₁ of the U at its outlet.

The bar 108 is finally provided with a damping element 112, having an overall mushroom shape. It thus comprises a foot 112 ₁ , received in the interior volume of the fold 108 ₅ , and a head 112 ₂ bearing against the underside of the bar 108. The mutual connection between the bar 108 and the damping element 112 is realized thanks to a jamming by cooperation of forms and / or a collage.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second variant embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the mechanical elements similar to those of Figure 2 are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 200.

The hooking region 208 ₄ of the bar 208 has roughly a form of rectangle. It is provided with two lower branches 208 ₄₁ , which are inclined opposite the crosspiece 206.

Each branch 208 ₄₁ is extended by a corresponding fold 208 ₅ , having substantially a V shape. These two folds 208 ₅ are connected by a terminal link section 208 ₆ , roughly in the shape of a circular arc.

In addition, the damping element 212 is hollowed out, so that the walls of this recess are pressed against the outer face of the branches 208 ₄₁ , folds 208 ₅ and connecting section 208 ₆ . This element 212, which is therefore particularly retained at the two folds 208 ₅ , is fixed to the bar 208 by cooperation of shapes and / or bonding.

It should be noted that the damping element 212 has lateral dimensions greater than those of the hooking region 208 ₄ . Thus, this damping element is provided with two lateral projections 212 ₁ , delimiting two functional sets denoted J. In service, these projections therefore extend in the vicinity of the branches 210 ₃ of the rail 210, so as to avoid any contact between these branches and the attachment region 208 ₄ of the bar 208.

The attachment region 208 ₄ extends, opposite the damping element 212, by an intermediate region 208 ₃ , similar to those 8 ₃ and 108 ₃ described above. Unlike the previous examples, the region 208 ₁ for attachment to the cross member 206 is formed by a simple extension of the intermediate region 208 ₃ , without changing the transverse dimensions with respect to the latter. The two branches 208 ₂₁ and 208 ₂₂ are thus fixed permanently on the upper cross member 206, in particular by gluing or by wedging.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third variant embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the mechanical elements similar to those of Figure 2 are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 300.

The bar 308 of FIG. 5 differs from those of the preceding examples in that it is formed of two separate folded sheets 309 and 309 '. The latter extend, in use, in a manner symmetrically symmetrical with respect to the direction Z-Z 'of vertical oscillation of the frames.

The attachment region 308 ₄ therefore differs from those of the previous examples in that it is open opposite the cross member 306. More specifically, this attachment region 308 ₄ has a generally U-shape, whose wings 308 ₄₁ and 308 _'41 are terminated by recessed flanges 308 ₅ and 308' ₅ , each of which belongs to a corresponding folded sheet 309 or 309 '. These re-entrant edges thus forming folds of the constituent plates of the bar 308, while the damping element 312, which is generally massive, is hollowed out with two notches 312 ₁ and 312 ' ₁ , intended to receive these flanges 308 ₅ and 308 ' ₅ .

The hooking region 308 ₄ extends into an intermediate region 308 ₃ , which is itself terminated by a region 308 ₁ , ensuring the attachment of the bar 308 to the cross member 6. More precisely, these regions respectively intermediate 308 ₃ and fixing 308 ₁ are constituted by two parallel branches 308 ₂₁ and 308 ₂₂ , each of which belongs to a corresponding folded sheet 309 or 309 '.

FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth variant embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the mechanical elements similar to those of Figure 2 are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 400.

Smooth 410 of this embodiment differs from the previous examples in that it is asymmetrical. Each of its ends thus has an overall shape of C, the filiform element 410 ₁ being extended by a single branch 410 ₃ , from which respectively an intermediate tooth 410 ₃₁ and a return 410 ₃₂ extend. This tooth and this return, which are directed toward one another, define, with the branch 410 ₃ , two gaps 410 ₄₁ , 410 ₄₂ .

Furthermore, the bar 408 comprises a zone 408 ₅ , folded U-shaped, in which is housed the damping element 412, which is fixed by cooperation of shapes and / or bonding. This damping element 412 is provided with a rib 412 ₁ , extending towards the filiform element 410 ₁ , which is received in the gap 410 ₄₁ .

One 408 of the wings ₅₂ of the portion 408 ₅ U-shape is extended by an intermediate leg 408 ₄ extending along the vertical axis ZZ 'into the interstice 410 ₄₂ with in order to ensure the attachment of the arm 410. This intermediate branch is extended by an end branch 408 ₂ , generally L-shaped.

More specifically, this end branch 408 ₂ comprises a section 408 ₄₁ , parallel to the intermediate branch 408 ₄ , as well as a terminal section 408 ₂₂ , forming a free end of the folded sheet constituting the bar 408. section 408 ₄₁ is separated from the walls facing the return 410 ₃₂ of the arm 410, which delimits a functional lateral play, noted j, to substantially prevent contact between these two mechanical elements.

The terminal section 408 ₂₂ and the wing 408 ₅₂ , which are generally parallel, are bent so as to have a local increase in their relative spacing. This therefore allows the fixing of the bar 408 on a lug 406 ₂ of the cross 406 having, in cross section, substantially a diamond shape. This mutual fixation is ensured in a manner analogous to that described with reference to the first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2.

In a similar manner to the first embodiment, described with reference to Figure 2, we note s ₂ the surfaces of the latching bar 408, which are adapted to bear directly against the surfaces S ₂ opposite the smooth 410 C ₂ also denotes the surfaces of the beam against which the damping element 412 is able to abut by its rib 412 ₁ . As can be seen, the cushioning member 412 is provided opposite surfaces _s2 direct support of the catching bar 408.

As explained with reference to Figure 2, when the traction surfaces S ₂ of the boom 410 are in direct abutment against the surfaces s ₂ opposite the strip 408, the not shown lower end of this smooth is substantially in abutment against the lower damping element, also not shown. In addition, when the lower end of the beam is in direct support, by its lower traction surfaces, against the facing surfaces of the not shown lower bar, the upper end of this bar is substantially supported by its upper compression surfaces C ₂ against the upper damping element 412.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth variant embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the mechanical elements similar to those of Figure 2 are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 500.

Smooth 510 of this FIG. 7 differs from that of FIG. 6 in that it has an overall section in the form of J. Thus, it is only provided with an upper return 510 ₃₂ , being devoid of a lower tooth. The branch 510 ₃ of the bar 510 is distant from the facing leg 508 ₄ of the bar 508, thus forming a first lateral functional game, noted J '.

One 508 ₅₂ of the wings of the portion 508 ₅ U-shaped is extended by the aforementioned branch 508 ₄ , which is partially received in the gap 510 ₄₂ , so as to ensure the attachment of the smooth 510. This branch 508 ₄ is terminated by a return 508 ₄₁ , extending substantially 180 °, which is placed at a distance from the upper return 510 ₃₂ facing, belonging to the smooth 510, so as to form a second lateral functional game, noted j ' .

The other 508 ₅₃ of the wings of the portion 508 ₅ , shaped U, forms a free end of the bar 508. This wing 508 ₅₃ enters a notch formed in the damping element 512.

The latter is thus threaded on this free end 508 ₅₃ , such a fastening can be by example completed by collage. It should be noted that, as illustrated in this FIG. 7, the damping element 512 does not necessarily extend against the core 508 ₅₁ and the wing 508 ₅₂ of the portion 508 ₅ .

Moreover, this damping element 512 is provided with a part 512 ₁ , projecting laterally with respect to the arm 508 ₄ of the bar 508. In service, this projection 512 ₁ therefore bears against the branch 510 ₃ of the rail 510, so as to avoid any contact between this branch of the rail and the arm 508 ₄ opposite the bar 508.

Therefore, the mutual lateral friction of the bar and the bar is substantially eliminated, which contributes to reduce the wear suffered by these two parts.

It should be noted that each of the bars 408 or 508 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is equally suitable for use with healds of different shapes, especially in C or J. Thus, it is only necessary to change the damping element 412 or 512, depending on the use considered.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth variant embodiment of the invention.

Smooth 610 of this figure 8 is similar to that 410 of Figure 6. Thus, this smooth 610 comprises a filiform body 610 ₁ extended by a main branch 610 ₃ , from which respectively extend an intermediate tooth 610 ₃₁ and a return 610 ₃₂ . This tooth and this return define, with the aforementioned main branch, two interstices 610 ₄₁ and 610 ₄₂ , while we note E the free end of this smooth 610.

The bar 608 comprises a fixing branch 608 ₆ , which is permanently fixed on the cross member 606, in particular by gluing. This branch 608 ₆ is extended towards the top, ie opposite the filiform body 610 ₁ , by a fold 608 ₅ , generally having a shape of U. In a similar manner to that described above, this fold 608 ₅ ensures the retention of an element 612 damping, by jamming and / or bonding.

The securing branch 608 ₆ is further extended, opposite the fold 608 ₅ , by a first hooking branch 608 ₄ , which is received in the gap 610 ₄₂ . This branch 608 ₄ is extended by a first return 608 ₄₁ , parallel to the main branch 610 ₃ . This first return is itself extended by a second hooking branch 608 ' ₄ , received in the gap 610 ₄₁ , which is terminated by a second return 608' ₄₁ , directed towards the free end E of the bar.

It should be noted that, contrary to the previous embodiment, the damping member 612 is not placed opposite the direct bearing surfaces of the fastener against the bar. Indeed, in this figure 8, this attachment member 612 is placed opposite the free end E of the smooth 610, with respect to the filiform body 610 ₁ thereof.

Figure 9 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the invention.

The smooth 710 of this FIG. 9, which is similar to that of FIG. 2, comprises a filiform body 710 ₁ , which extends into two main branches 710 ₃ , defining a housing 710 ₄ for receiving the bar 708. The outlet this housing is bordered by two teeth 710 ₅ of the smooth, which define a neck 710 ₆ of reduced transverse dimension. Finally, we denote E 'the free end of this smooth, opposite the filiform body 710 ₁ .

The bar 708, which is generally similar to that 8 of Figure 2, comprises an attachment region formed by two branches 708 ₂₁ and 708 ₂₂ , adapted to cap a pin 706 ₂ of the bar 706. Opposite this fixing region, the bar 708 is equipped with an attachment region 708 ₄ , which has a roughly rectangular cross section.

In use, this attachment region 708 ₄ is received in the housing 710 ₄ of the rail 710. However, it will be noted that, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 2, this attachment region is devoid of a fold, intended to to the retention of a damping member.

The attachment region and the attachment region are mutually connected by an intermediate region 708 ₃ , a portion of which is received in the neck 710 ₆ . Note that, unlike the embodiment of Figure 2, this intermediate region does not have a constant cross section.

Indeed, it is provided with two lateral projections 708 ₃₁ , generally U-shaped, which extend symmetrically with respect to the main vertical axis of the bar. These two projections 708 ₃₁ define, opposite the free end E ', two folds 708 ₅ V-shaped, for the holding by cooperation of shapes and / or bonding two damping members 712.

It should be noted that, as in the embodiment of FIG. 8, each damping member 712 is placed opposite the free end E 'of the heald 710, with respect to the filiform body 710 ₁ thereof . Thus, in use, this free end E 'is able to bear against each of these damping members.

As a variant, provision can be made for a single projection 708 ₃₁ , associated with a single damper 712. As a further variant, at least one damper may be fixed directly, for example by gluing, on a vertical part of the intermediate region 708 ₃ , which is then devoid of lateral projection.

The invention achieves the previously mentioned objectives.

Indeed, the use of a folded sheet, for the realization of the latching bar, gives it a satisfactory manufacturing simplicity, and a low cost. Moreover, this measure makes it possible to reduce the overall mass of the frame, compared to the prior art, while ensuring easier integration of the damping element, as well as a convenient fastening of the fastening member. on the transom of the frame.

In addition, the reduced section of the constituent plate of the latching bar makes it less sensitive to differential expansion problems, than are the fasteners proposed in the prior art.

Finally, it should be noted that, thanks to the invention, the operations to install and replace the damping element are particularly simple and quick to implement.

Claims (25)

1. A heald frame for a loom, said frame comprising two uprights (4, 4') and two crossbars (6, 6'; 106; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706), each crossbar being provided with a hooking element (8, 8'; 108; 208; 308; 408; 508; 608; 708) capable of receiving a corresponding end of at least one heald (10; 210; 410; 510; 610; 710) of said frame, while there are also provided damping means (12, 12'; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712) integral with at least one corresponding hooking element, these damping means being suitable for butting against compression surfaces (C₁, C'₁; C₂; E; E') of the or each heald, characterised in that this at least one hooking element is formed of at least one bent metal sheet (8, 8'; 108; 208; 309, 309'; 408; 508; 608; 708) and in that the or each hooking element is provided with traction surfaces (s₁; s'₁; s₂) which are suitable for coming to bear directly against traction surfaces (S₁; S'₁; S₂) facing the or each heald.
2. A heald frame according to Claim 1, characterised in that the or each bent metal sheet forming said hooking element (8, 8'; 108; 208; 308; 408; 508; 608; 708) is of substantially constant thickness (e).
3. A heald frame according to Claim 2, characterised in that the thickness of the bent metal sheet is less than 1.5 mm, preferably than 1 mm.
4. A heald frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the damping means comprise at least one damping element (12, 12'; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712), the profile of which is constant along the hooking element.
5. A heald frame according to Claim 4, characterised in that the or each damping element is fastened to the hooking element by gluing.
6. A heald frame according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the or each damping element is fastened to the hooking element by mating shapes.
7. A heald frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one folded section (8₅, 8'₅; 108₅; 208₅; 308₅, 408₅; 608₅; 708₅) of the or each metal sheet (8, 8'; 108; 208; 309, 309'; 408; 608; 708) constitutes a zone for receiving and holding said damping means (12, 12'; 112; 212; 312; 412; 612; 712).
8. A heald frame according to Claim 7, characterised in that the or each receiving and holding fold (8₅, 8'₅; 108₅; 308₅; 408₅; 608₅) has overall a U-shape.
9. A heald frame according to Claim 7, characterised in that the or each receiving and holding fold (208₅; 708₅) has overall a V-shape.
10. A heald frame according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the damping means (512) are integrally connected to the hooking element (508) at one free end (508₅₃) of said bent metal sheet (508).
11. A heald frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the or each heald (10; 210; 710) has, at at least one end, two main branches (10₃, 10'₃; 210₃; 710₃) defining a receptacle (10₄, 10'₄; 210₄; 710₄) which opens towards a corresponding crossbar (6, 6'; 106; 206; 306; 706) by means of a neck (10₆, 10'₆; 210₆; 710₆), whereas the corresponding hooking element (8, 8'; 108; 208; 308; 708) comprises a hooking region (8₄, 8'₄; 108₄; 208₄; 308₄; 708₄) extending in operation into said receptacle, and also an intermediate region (8₃, 8'₃; 108₃; 208₃; 308₃; 708₃) received in operation in said neck.
12. A heald frame according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the or each heald (410; 510; 610) has, at at least one end, a main branch (410₃; 510₃; 610₃) defining, with a tooth (410₃₁; 610₃₁) and/or a reversed section (410₃₂; 510₃₂; 610₃₂) of this heald, at least one receiving gap (410₄₁, 410₄₂; 510₄₂; 610₄₁, 610₄₂), whereas the corresponding hooking element (408; 508; 608) has at least one hooking branch (408₄; 508₄; 608₄, 608'₄) housed in the or each gap (410₄₂;510₄₂;610₄₁,610₄₂).
13. A heald frame according to Claim 12, characterised in that the hooking branch (408₄; 508₄) is extended by a reversed section (408₄₁; 508₄₁), bent at approximately 180° relative to this hooking branch, this reversed section (408₄₁; 508₄₁) of the hooking element being located laterally at a distance from the facing reversed section (410₃₂; 510₃₂) of the heald.
14. A heald frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the damping means (12, 12'; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) are placed opposite direct bearing surfaces (s₁, s'₁; s₂) of this at least one hooking element (8, 8'; 108; 208; 308; 408; 508) against a corresponding heald.
15. A heald frame according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, taken in combination with Claim 14, characterised in that the damping means (212; 512) are provided with at least one lateral protrusion (212₁; 512₁) extending towards the or each main branch (210₃; 510₃) of the heald (210; 510), so as to separate (play J; play J') this main branch laterally from the hooking region (208₄; 508₄) of the hooking element (208; 508) and thus avoid substantially any lateral friction between the or each main branch (210₃; 510₃) and this hooking region (208₄; 508₄).
16. A heald frame according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the damping means (612; 712) are placed opposite a free end (E; E') of the heald (610; 710), relative to a filiform body (610₁; 710₁) of this heald.
17. A heald frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is provided with means (6₂, 6'₂, 8₂₁, 8₂₂, 8'₂₁, 8'₂₂; 106₂, 108₂₁, 108₂₂; 406₂, 408₂₂, 408₅₂; 706₂, 708₂₁, 708₂₂) for removably fastening the or each hooking element (8, 8'; 108; 408; 708) to a corresponding crossbar (6, 6'; 106; 406; 706).
18. A heald frame according to Claim 17, characterised in that the removable fastening means are means (6₂, 6'₂, 8₂₁, 8₂₂, 8'₂₁, 8'₂₂; 106₂, 108₂₁, 108₂₂; 406₂, 408₂₂, 408₅₂; 706₂, 708₂₁, 708₂₂) for fastening by mating shapes, in particular by pinching and/or by wedging.
19. A heald frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bent metal sheet (8, 8'; 108; 208; 309, 309'; 408; 508; 608; 708) is elastic and/or prestressed.
20. A heald frame according to Claims 18 and 19, characterised in that the removable fastening means for fastening by mating shapes comprise two branches (8₂₁, 8₂₂, 8'₂₁, 8'₂₂; 108₂₁, 108₂₂; 408₂₂, 408₅₂; 708₂₁, 708₂₂) of said bent metal sheet (8; 108; 408; 708), and also walls (6₂, 6'₂; 106₂; 406₂; 706₂) facing the crossbar (6, 6'; 106; 406; 706).
21. A heald frame according to Claim 20, characterised in that the two branches (8₂₁, 8₂₂, 8'₂₁, 8'₂₂; 408₂₂, 408₅₂; 708₂₁, 708₂₂) in operation cap a spur (6₂; 406₂; 706₂) of the crossbar (6; 406; 706).
22. A heald frame according to Claim 20, characterised in that the two branches (108₂₁, 108₂₂) are flattened, in operation, against walls (106₂) of a recess (106₁) formed in the crossbar (106).
23. A heald frame according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the hooking element (208; 308; 508; 708) is fastened permanently to the crossbar (206; 306; 506; 706), in particular by gluing or by riveting.
24. A heald frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, at least when said frame is static, when direct bearing surfaces (S₁, S'₁) of a first and/or a second end(s) of the or each heald (10) are in contact with said direct bearing surfaces (s₁, s'₁) of a first (8) and/or a second (8') hooking element(s), compression surfaces (C'₁, C₁) of a second and/or a first end(s) of the heald are substantially in contact with surfaces facing damping means (12', 12) integral with a second (8') and/or a first (8) hooking element(s).
25. A loom (M) fitted with at least one heald frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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