[0001] The invention relates to a heald frame, to a weaving machine with at least one heald frame and to a method for producing a heald frame. [0002] It is known to provide a heald frame with a top transverse element and a bottom transverse element which are connected to side elements for forming a heald frame. The following description and claims refer to the top transverse element and to the bottom transverse element as lengthwise transverse elements. The transverse element can also be called a frame element.

[0003] In order to allow high-speed weaving, heald frames should be as light and rigid as possible. It is known in the prior art to provide heald frames made of a light material such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy or a composite material.

[0004] The healds are fastened to the heald frame with considerable play or clearance in order to allow a weaver to move the healds. As a result, the healds also move during a weaving process . In order to counteract the wear caused by the sliding movement of the healds, it is known to provide heald carrier profiles which are fastened to the lengthwise transverse elements in order to carry the healds. Preferably, the heald carrier profiles are made of a wear-resistant material such as steel or a similar material.

[0005] When a heald frame is provided that is made of two or more different materials, this can lead to undesired effects during weaving if the heald frame is exposed to varying temperatures . In particular because of the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion of for example the aluminum, used for the lengthwise transverse element, and the steel, used for a heald carrier profile, a bimetal effect may arise which can result in a bending of the transverse elements. In particular if the top and the bottom transverse element have an opposite orientation, the healds are subjected to stress. This can result in possible weaving problems or damage, in particular during high-speed weaving and/or in heald frames having relatively large lengthwise dimensions.

[0006] US 4,633,916 and US 3,754,577 describe a heald frame with a transverse element comprising a groove for receiving a heald carrier profile. The heald carrier profile is made of a material such as a carbon fiber laminate, for example, and serves also as a reinforcement means. The profile is glued in the groove. However, a heald carrier profile made from carbon fibers is in most cases insufficiently wear-resistant . [0007] Furthermore it is also known from inter alia WO 2005/095688 to provide at least one separate reinforcement support which is fastened between the transverse elements in the case of heald frames having relatively large lengthwise dimensions. [0008] JP 2006-138040 describes a heald frame formed from a fiber-reinforced composite material. The lengthwise transverse elements are integrally formed with the heald carrier profiles which are attached to the inner sides . As the rigidity of such a heald frame is regarded as being insufficiently, recesses, formed within the heald frame, are filled with reinforcement elements made of a reinforcing staple fiber composite, resin or foam. [0009] WO 2008/040559 Al describes a heald frame with lengthwise transverse elements to which heald carrier profiles and reinforcement profiles are fastened. The heald carrier profiles are provided on the two opposite inner sides of the transverse elements, while the reinforcement profiles are provided on the two outer sides of the transverse elements.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a heald frame with a high rigidity in order to allow high-speed weaving. It is further an object of the invention to provide a weaving machine with at least one heald frame and a method for producing a heald frame.

[0011] This object is solved by a heald frame comprising at least one lengthwise transverse element, at least one heald carrier profile which is fastened to the transverse element at the level of an inner side of the transverse element and at least one reinforcement profile which is fastened to the transverse element, wherein a reinforcement profile is fastened to the transverse element in the vicinity of the heald carrier profile fastened at the level of an inner side of the transverse element.

[0012] This object is further solved by a weaving machine provided with at least one heald frame.

[0013] In addition, the object is solved by a method for producing a heald frame which comprises at least one lengthwise transverse element, wherein at least one heald carrier profile is fastened to the transverse element at the level of an inner side of the transverse element and at least one reinforcement profile is fastened to the transverse element, wherein a reinforcement profile is fastened to the transverse element in the vicinity of the heald carrier profile fastened at the level of an inner side of the transverse element.

[0014] The basic idea of the invention is to provide a reinforcement profile which is fastened to the transverse element close to the heald carrier profile.

Providing the reinforcement profile at a location at which the heald carrier profile is fastened to the transverse element allows bimetal effects resulting from the use of different materials for the transverse element and the heald carrier profile to be eliminated effectively and a rigid heald frame is obtained.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the heald frame comprises a top and a bottom transverse element which are connected with the aid of two side elements. The sides of the top and of the bottom transverse element facing each other are referred to as the inner sides of the transverse elements. The sides of the top and of the bottom transverse element that are arranged at an outer side of the heald frame, are referred to as the outer sides of the transverse elements . On the top transverse element, the inner side corresponds to the under side of the transverse element, while the outer side corresponds to the upper side of the transverse element. On the bottom transverse element, the inner side of the transverse element corresponds to the upper side of the transverse element, while the outer side corresponds to the under side of the transverse element. [0016] The reinforcement profile can have an arbitrary shape. According to a preferred embodiment, a reinforcement profile is used having a round or a square cross section. According to one embodiment, the reinforcement profile consists of a solid body. According to other embodiments, the reinforcement profile consists of a hollow body in order to obtain in this way a material-effective reinforcement profile.

[0017] According to preferred embodiments, a carbon fiber or carbon fiber-reinforced reinforcement profile is provided. According to a preferred embodiment, the heald carrier profile and the lengthwise transverse element are made of a different material in order to produce a lightweight heald frame having a sufficient wear resistance on the heald carrier profile. Bimetal effects are avoided by the reinforcement profile, more particularly as the reinforcement profile is sufficiently strong to counteract thermal expansions which would lead to the aforementioned bimetal effects. A carbon fiber-based reinforcement profile also offers the advantage that a reinforcement profile of this type hardly expands or contracts at varying temperatures . The heald carrier profile is preferably made of a wear-resistant material such as steel. According to preferred embodiments, the lengthwise transverse elements are made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy or a composite material.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the transverse element is provided with at least one elongate profiling for receiving at least one aforementioned reinforcement profile. Preferably, the profiling, which comprises a recess for example, extends substantially over the entire length of the transverse element. A profiling of this type can easily be produced and the corresponding heald frame is very cost-effective. According to another embodiment, at least two reinforcement profiles are provided in one or more elongate profilings . [0019] According to another embodiment, the transverse element is provided with a substantially U-shaped profiling for receiving at least one reinforcement profile. According to one embodiment, the transverse element is formed utilizing metal forming techniques. Alternatively, shaping techniques, such as rolling or extruding, can be used to shape the transverse element. By shaping a U-shaped profiling a recess can be provided while the thickness of the transverse element can remain proportionally low. The heald carrier profile is fastened to the front side of the transverse element. According to one embodiment, the U-shaped profiling protrudes in the direction toward the front side. When fastening the heald carrier profile to a front part of the U-shaped profiling, a space is left free between the heald carrier profile and the transverse element in order to allow the healds to be fastened more easily.

[0020] Preferably, the heald carrier profile and the at least one reinforcement profile are fastened to the transverse element substantially at the same level. This allows a very effective reinforcement of the heald frame in a zone in which forces act on the heald frame.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement profile and/or the heald carrier profile are glued to the transverse element. Securing the profiles to the heald frame with the aid of glue allows a simple and cost-effective production of the heald frame. The type of glue is preferably adapted to the material which is used for the reinforcement profile and/or for the heald carrier profiles.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the heald carrier profile is provided with a substantially flat connecting part for fastening to the transverse element. According to the invention, a surface with only insignificant or no protruding or penetrating parts for connecting the heald carrier profile to the transverse element is indicated as being substantially flat. In providing a substantially flat connecting part, notches or holes for receiving respective parts in a receiving part of the transverse element can be avoided. As a result, local weak spots are avoided and the strength of the transverse element is increased in the zone of the receiving part.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the connecting part of the heald carrier profile is provided with an undulating surface. Additionally or as an alternative, the transverse element is provided with an undulating surface on a receiving part for receiving the heald carrier profile. Advantageous undulating surfaces are for example described in WO 2008/040559 Al, the content of which is hereby fully incorporated in the application. [0024] According to another preferred embodiment, the transverse element is provided with a narrow groove for receiving glue at a receiving part for receiving the heald carrier profile. The narrow groove has a depth of for example 0.1 to 0.4 mm, more particularly of about 0.2 mm. The groove is filled with glue for ensuring a reliable fastening of the heald carrier profile to the transverse element .

[0025] Alternatively, the transverse element and the heald carrier profile are provided with corresponding receiving and/or penetrating parts on a receiving part and a connecting part, respectively. Respective connecting elements are for example described in WO 2006/058565 Al, the content of which is hereby fully incorporated in the application. [0026] Embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numbers . In the drawings :

[0027] figure 1 is a schematic view of a heald frame;

[0028] figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the top transverse element of a heald frame to which a reinforcement profile according to the invention is fastened;

[0029] figure 3 is a schematic side view of the top transverse element of a heald frame without a reinforcement profile according to the invention;

[0030] figure 4 is a detail from figure 3; [0031] figure 5 is a schematic side view of the top transverse element of a heald frame with a substantially cylindrical reinforcement profile according to the invention;

[0032] figure 6 is a detail from figure 5; [0033] figure 7 is a schematic side view of the top transverse element of a heald frame with a substantially bar- shaped reinforcement profile according to the invention;

[0034] figure 8 is a detail from figure 7; [0035] figure 9 is an alternative embodiment similar to figure 6; [0036] figure 10 is an alternative embodiment similar to figure 8 ;

[0037] figure 11 is an alternative embodiment similar to figure 6; [0038] figure 12 is an alternative embodiment similar to figure 6;

[0039] figure 13 is an alternative embodiment with two reinforcement profiles according to the invention;

[0040] figure 14 is an alternative embodiment similar to figure 7.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a heald frame 1 which comprises two lengthwise transverse elements 2, namely a bottom transverse element and a top transverse element. A heald carrier profile 3 is fastened to each of the transverse elements 2. Healds 4 are arranged to the heald carrier profiles 3. The transverse elements 2 are connected to side elements 20. The sides of the transverse elements 2 facing each other are referred to as the inner sides 200. The sides opposite to the inner sides 200 are referred to as the outer sides 201.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the top transverse element 2 of the heald frame 1. The heald carrier profile 3 is fastened to the front of the transverse element 2 at the level of an inner side 200 of the transverse element 2, more particularly close to the inner side 200 of the transverse element 2. According to the invention, a reinforcement profile 5, in particular a carbon fiber reinforcement profile 5, is fastened to the transverse element 2 at the level of the inner side 200 of the transverse element 2. The reinforcement profile 5 is fastened to the transverse element 2 in the vicinity of the heald carrier profile 3. In particular, the heald carrier profile 3 and the reinforcement profile 5 are fastened to the transverse element 2 at substantially the same level. The reinforcement profile 5 is inserted into a profiling 220 provided on the back of the transverse element 2.

[0043] The illustrated transverse element 2 comprises an elongate bar 21 and a slat 22 which are integrally formed. The elongate bar 21 and the slat 22 are for example made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy or a composite material in order to obtain a lightweight transverse element 2. In order to further reduce the mass of the transverse element 2, the elongate bar 21 is provided with a number of cavities 210. [0044] In order to further improve the rigidity, a top reinforcement profile 6, preferably a top carbon fiber reinforcement profile 6, is provided on an outer side 201 of the transverse element 2. In addition, a damping strip 7, in particular a synthetic damping strip 7, for example as known from EP 1240371, is provided in a transition zone between the elongate bar 21 and the slat 22 above the heald carrier profile 3, which is intended to interact with healds .

[0045] By providing a separate carbon fiber reinforcement profile 5 which is attached to the transverse element 2 substantially at the same level as the heald carrier profile 3, a wear-resistant material such as steel can be used for the heald carrier profile 3 while a sufficient rigidity is ensured and bimetal effects are excluded that result from the combination of two different materials such as an aluminum alloy for the transverse element 2 and steel for the heald carrier profile 3. [0046] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2, 5 and 6, the carbon fiber reinforcement profile 5 has a round or circular cross section. The reinforcement profile 5 is attached in a recess 222 of the profiling 220 that is formed in the transverse element 2, in particular in the slat 22 of the transverse element 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot-shaped recess 222 of the profiling 220 and a receiving part 221 of the profiling 220 for the fastening of the heald carrier profile 3 are provided on opposite sides of the slat 22. The profiling 220 comprises a U-shaped recess 222 of the slat 22, whereby the heald carrier profile 3 is fastened to the front of the receiving part 221, more particularly to the front part 225, positioned close to the front, of the U-shaped profiling 220. In other words, the front part 225 functions as the receiving part 221. In this case, the profiling 220 is positioned at the level of the receiving part 221. When fastening the heald carrier profile 3 to a front part 225 of a U-shaped profiling 220, a space is left free between the heald carrier profile 3 and the transverse element 2, what facilitates an attachment of the healds (not shown in figure 2) .

[0047] Figures 3 to 8 show schematic side views of the top transverse element 2 of the heald frame, wherein figure 3 shows the top transverse element 2 with only a top reinforcement profile 6, figure 5 shows the top transverse element 2 with a top reinforcement profile 6 and a reinforcement profile 5 according to the invention having a round or circular cross section and figure 7 shows the top transverse element 2 with a top reinforcement profile 6 and a reinforcement profile 5 according to the invention having a square cross section. [0048] Figures 4, 6 and 8 show details of the transverse elements 2 corresponding to figures 3, 5 and 7, respectively. As may be seen in figure 4, the profiling 220 comprises a recess 222 at the level of an inner side 200 of the transverse element 2. In the embodiment shown, the recess 222 of the profiling 220 is provided on a slat 22. As shown in figures 6 and 8, a reinforcement profile 5 having a specific shape is introduced into the recess 222 of the profiling 220 and secured in the recess 222 of the profiling 220 with the aid of glue 8.

[0049] A part 221 for receiving the heald carrier profile 3 is provided on the opposite side of the slat 22. In the embodiment shown in figures 4, 6 and 8, the heald carrier profile 3 has a substantially flat shape and no protruding or penetrating parts for connecting to the slat 22. The heald carrier profile 3 is connected to the slat 22 by glue 9. In order to improve a secure fastening of the heald carrier profile 3 to the slat 22, a narrow groove 223 is provided on the front part 225 of the receiving part 221 of the slat 22. The narrow groove 223 is filled with glue 9 for connecting the heald carrier profile 3 to the slat 22.

[0050] Figures 9 and 10 show two alternative embodiments, similar to figures 6 and 8, respectively.

According to the embodiments shown in figures 9 and 10 the heald carrier profiles 3 have a J-shape, while according to the embodiments shown in figures 2 to 8 and 11 and 12 the heald carrier profiles 3 have a C-shape. In the embodiment of figure 9 a hollow reinforcement profile 5 is received, while in the embodiment of figure 10 a solid reinforcement profile 5 is received. It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures and that heald carrier profiles having an arbitrary or known shape can be fastened to the transverse elements 2.

[0051] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein a heald carrier profile 3 with a penetrating part 30 is fastened to the slat 22 of a transverse element 2. Notches 224 for receiving the penetrating parts 30 of the heald carrier profile 3 are provided substantially at the same level as the profiling 220 for receiving the reinforcement profile 5. Other shapes of receding parts are known from

WO 2006/058565.

[0052] Figure 12 shows a detail of a transverse element 2 comparable to figure 6, wherein a connecting part 32 of a heald carrier profile 3 is provided with an undulating surface 226 in order to improve a secure fastening and/or wherein the front part 225 of a receiving part 221 of a slat 22 is provided with an undulating surface 227. These surfaces are still substantially flat and the incisions or grooves for forming the undulating surfaces run in a substantially fluent way. In this case local weak spots in the slat 22 are avoided. Other shapes for undulating surfaces are known from WO 2008/040559. In this embodiment, two reinforcement profiles 5 are arranged next to each other in the profiling 220 with the aid of glue 8. According to a variant (not shown) , it is also possible for more than two reinforcement profiles according to the invention to be attached next to one another in the profiling 220. [0053] Figure 13 shows a variant embodiment of a transverse element 2 comparable to figure 12, wherein two reinforcement profiles 5 are provided in two corresponding profilings 220 which are formed by recesses and are attached in the vicinity of the heald carrier profile 3. According to other variant embodiments, it is possible to provide at least two reinforcement profiles 5 according to the invention in one or more profilings 220. In this case, the heald carrier profile 3 is provided at the level of the connecting part 32 with a groove 31 for receiving glue 9 for connecting the heald carrier profile 3 to the transverse element 2.

[0054] Figure 14 shows an embodiment comparable to figure 5, wherein a transverse element 2 is only- reinforced by a reinforcement profile 5 according to the invention that is attached in the U-shaped profiling 220 of the transverse element 2 in the vicinity of the heald carrier profile 3 which is fastened at the level of an inner side 200 of the transverse element 2. No top reinforcement profile is provided in this embodiment.

[0055] The fact that the at least one reinforcement profile 5 is attached to the opposite side of the receiving part 221 of the profiling 220 in relation to the heald carrier profile 3, more particularly the reinforcement profile 5 on the back and the heald carrier profile 3 on the front, also offers the advantage that the receiving part 221 can form a partition for the glue 8 and 9, allowing an appropriate glue 8 or 9 to be selected for respectively connecting the reinforcement profile 5 to the slat 22 of the transverse element 2 and the heald carrier profile 3 to the slat 22 of the transverse element 2. [0056] It is also possible to have a transverse element 2 available, wherein only a top reinforcement profile 6 is attached to the transverse element 2, wherein no reinforcement profile according to the invention is attached, as shown in figures 3 and 4, in the profiling 220 which is provided for attaching a reinforcement profile according to the invention.

[0100] The heald frame, the weaving machine and the method according to the invention represented in the claims are not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described by way of example, but can also include variants and combinations thereof that come under the claims .