HELDLES FOR LOOMS AND LOOMS WITH SUCH A HELDLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a warp thread guide heddle for a weaving loom equipped with a Jacquard mechanism, as well as to a weaving loom comprising a Jacquard mechanism and such a heddle.

[0002] The technical field of the invention is that of the formation of the shed on a loom, by means of heddles which each comprise an eyelet for the passage of one or more warp threads and which each allow one or more warp threads to be moved vertically, to form a shed for the passage of weft threads. Such heddles are installed next to each other on the loom, within a harness, with a high density, which induces friction between a heddle and the warp threads passing through the eyelets of the adjacent heddles.

[0003] It is known from EP-A-1 908 863 to overmould two rods of rounded section on a link of a heddle, by engaging a longitudinal end of each rod in a corresponding housing of the link. These housings are relatively large, which tends to weaken the link in the area of ​​connection with the rods. Furthermore, burrs form during the overmoulding operation, due to dispersions in the dimensions of the link and variations in the positioning of the link in a mould used during this operation. These burrs appear, in particular, at the intersection of a peripheral surface of the link with each rod. These burrs risk damaging, or even cutting, a warp thread adjacent to the heddle once the latter is mounted within a harness of a jacquard loom because this warp thread risks getting caught with these burrs.These burrs must therefore be reduced, or even eliminated, after the overmolding operation, which requires a rework operation, which is difficult to implement and time-consuming.

[0004] It is these problems that the invention aims to address in particular by proposing a new heddle for Jacquard looms, with which the risks of snagging neighboring warp threads during weaving are greatly reduced, or even eliminated.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a warp thread guide heddle for a weaving loom equipped with a Jacquard mechanism, the heddle extending lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and comprising: a link, with an eyelet for passing the warp thread, the eyelet passing through the link between a first transverse face and a second transverse face of the link, the first and second transverse faces being connected to each other by a peripheral surface of the link; at least one rod made of polymer material which extends along the longitudinal axis, which is provided with an external surface and which comprises ∘ a first longitudinal end provided with means for connection to a member of a harness of the Jacquard mechanism and ∘ a second single-piece longitudinal end which comprises at least ▪ a first covering surface which partially covers the first transverse face of the link, ▪ a second covering surface which partially covers the second transverse face of the link, and ▪ an anchoring heel; wherein the first covering surface and the second covering surface are parallel to the longitudinal axis and to a transverse axis, itself perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; wherein the link cooperates with the anchor heel of the rod to oppose a separation of the rod and the link parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0006] According to the invention, the rod and the link form, at the second longitudinal end of the rod, at least one cavity which is offset from the link in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and which is delimited by ∘ a first surface formed by a portion of the peripheral surface of the link; ∘ a second lateral surface formed by a portion of the external surface of the rod, this second lateral surface extending in the direction of the first longitudinal end of the rod, from a line of intersection between the peripheral surface of the link and the external surface of the rod; ∘ a third bottom surface formed by the rod and extending one of the first and second covering surfaces in the direction of the first longitudinal end of the rod.

[0007] Within each cavity, the intersection line extends from the third bottom surface and delimits the first surface. Furthermore, for each cavity, the third bottom surface is arranged, in a direction parallel to the transverse axis, towards the outside of the rod relative to the second lateral surface. Finally, each cavity is not opposite, along an axis of thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse axes, in a direction moving away from a portion of the second rod which forms the third bottom surface of the cavity.

[0008] By virtue of the invention, the cavity formed in the vicinity of the second longitudinal end of the rod makes it possible to arrange certain areas of the heddle, where burrs are most likely to form during overmolding of the rod onto the link, set back inside the cavity. Thus, neighboring warp threads, which are taut and in contact with the outer surface of the heddle when the heddle is integrated into a Jacquard-type loom harness, cannot come into contact with re-entrant edges formed in the cavity. This concerns in particular areas formed by the line of intersection between the peripheral surface of the link and the outer surface of the rod or by a re-entrant joining edge between the first surface and the third bottom surface. This thus avoids any contact of neighboring warp threads with burrs which tend to form in these areas.The risks of burrs catching, injuring or cutting the adjacent warp threads when using the heddle are therefore greatly reduced, or even eliminated. Since no surface limits the cavity in the direction perpendicular to the first covering surface, in a direction away from the third bottom surface, the second longitudinal end of the rod can be overmolded in a mold without a drawer, which further limits the formation of burrs.

[0009] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a rail may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics taken in any technically admissible combination: The third bottom surface of each cavity is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the covering surface that it extends. The link comprises at least one housing passing through the link between the first transverse face and the second transverse face of the link. The anchoring heel passes through the housing of the link from one side to the other along the thickness axis. A contour surface of the housing comprises a proximal portion, arranged longitudinally on the side of the eyelet. The proximal portion of the housing is arranged, along the longitudinal axis, between the cavity or cavities formed at the level of the rod and the eyelet. The anchoring heel forms the free edge of the second longitudinal end. The first and second covering surfaces of the rod extend to the anchoring heel. The anchoring heel of the second longitudinal end of the rod is delimited by two surfaces respectively parallel to the first and second transverse faces of the link.The anchor heel bears longitudinally against the proximal portion of the contour surface of the housing. The intersection line extends to an edge that borders the second covering surface. The rail comprises two rods made of polymer material, each with a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The second longitudinal ends of the two rods each partially cover the first and second transverse faces of the link. Two cavities are formed at the second longitudinal end of each rod on either side of a plane containing the longitudinal and transverse axes and passing through a geometric center of the eyelet. The two cavities formed at the same second longitudinal end of the same rod are not opposite each other in the same direction parallel to the thickness axis. The link is flat and symmetrical with respect to a geometric center of the eyelet.The first surface is formed by a portion of the peripheral surface of the link in a transition zone of the link where the width of the link, taken along the transverse axis, decreases away from the eyelet along the longitudinal axis. The third bottom surface is delimited along the transverse axis towards the outside of the shank by a joining edge which connects the third bottom surface to the external surface of the shank, which is curved and whose concavity is turned towards the second bottom surface. The joining edge extends at a distance from the intersection line, a minimum value of which is greater than or equal to half the thickness of the link, measured between the first and second overlapping surfaces along the thickness axis.A radius of curvature of the projection of the joining edge in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and transverse axes is greater than or equal to a radius of curvature of the projection of the first surface in this plane, preferably at least 1.5 times greater. At the longitudinal level of the cavity and on the side of each covering surface along the thickness axis, the second longitudinal end of the rod has a thickness, measured along the thickness axis relative to the plane formed by the covering surface, which is greater than or equal to a thickness of the link measured between the first and second covering surfaces.On the side of each covering surface along the thickness axis, the second longitudinal end of the rod has, longitudinally between the third bottom surface and a free edge of the second longitudinal end, a width, measured parallel to the transverse axis, decreasing in the direction of the free edge and a thickness, measured along the thickness axis, decreasing in the direction of the free edge. The link comprises at least one longitudinal end tab which is completely surrounded by the second longitudinal end of the rod.

[0010] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a weaving loom equipped with a Jacquard mechanism and several heddles for guiding a warp thread, at least one of which is as mentioned above.

[0011] The operation of this Jacquard loom is more reliable, with less risk of snagging the warp threads, than those of the prior art.

[0012] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of three embodiments of a heddle conforming to its principle and of a Jacquard loom also conforming to its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: [ Fig.1 ] There figure 1 is an elevational view of a warp thread guide heddle for a Jacquard type loom, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig.2 ] There figure 2 is a larger scale view of detail II at the figure 1 ; [ Fig.3 ] There figure 3 represents, on an insert A), a larger scale view of detail III at the figure 1 , on an insert B), a side view in the direction of arrow B on the insert A) and, on insert C), a section along the line CC of the insert A); [ Fig.4 ] There figure 4 represents, on two inserts A) and B), a front view and a longitudinal section along plane BB of a link belonging to the rail of the figures 1 à 3 ; [ Fig.5 ] There figure 5 represents, on two inserts A) and B), a side view of a junction zone between a rod and the link of the rail of the figures 1 à 3 , as well as a partial longitudinal section along plane VV at figure 2 ; [ Fig.6 ] There figure 6 represents the same junction zone in elevation in the direction of arrow VI at figure 5 , as well as several sections taken respectively at the level of the cutting lines AA, BB, CC and DD; [ Fig.7 ] There figure 7 represents, on two inserts A) and B), two perspective views of the junction zone, seen from two different angles; [ Fig.8 ] There figure 8 is a view similar to insert A) of the figure 7 for a rail conforming to a second embodiment; [ Fig.9 ] There figure 9 represents, on three inserts A), B) and C), a side view, a longitudinal section and a front view, in the direction of arrow C on insert A), of the junction zone of the rail of the second embodiment; [ Fig.10 ] There figure 10 is a front view similar to the figure 6 for a rail conforming to a third embodiment, as well as several sections taken respectively at the level of cutting lines AA, BB, CC and DD; and [ Fig.11 ] There figure 11 is a schematic representation of a Jacquard type loom according to the invention, incorporating at least one of the heddles shown in figures 1 à 10 , as well as a harness in accordance with the invention.

[0013] The Jacquard type M loom shown in the figure 11 is equipped with a Jacquard mechanism 102 which controls several hooks 104. A lower end of each hook 104 is associated with an arch 106. A lower end 106a of each arch 106 is connected to an upper end 1a of a heddle equipped with a link 2 for guiding 1 a warp thread 108. Each heddle 1 is connected by its lower end 1b to a spring 110 fixed to a hanging beam 112, the beam 112 being secured to a frame (not shown) of the loom M. The different arches 106 are distributed, in depth and across the width of the loom, passing through holes made in a harness board 114. The elements 1, 106, 110 and 114 form a harness H belonging to the loom M and controlled by the Jacquard mechanism 102.

[0014] The smooths shown on the figures 1 à 10 are intended to be integrated into the H harness.

[0015] THE figures 1 à 7 show a first embodiment of a guide heddle 1 for a warp thread of the harness H on the loom M.

[0016] The guide rail 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X1 and comprises a rail body 10 and a link 2. The rail body 10 comprises two rods 4 which are distinct and arranged on either side of the link 2, along the longitudinal axis X1.

[0017] The rods 4 are made of polymer, for example of the Nylatron type (registered trademark) or natural PA6 polyamide, preferably unfilled. They are overmolded onto the link 2, that is to say obtained by an overmolding operation around the link 2.

[0018] By overmolding, it is meant that the link 2 is at least partially placed in an injection mold formed of at least two mold portions which together define an imprint around the link 2. This imprint is filled by injection of the polymer material intended to form a rod 4. In practice, the two rods 4 of the rail 1 are advantageously overmolded at the same time on the link 2 in a mold forming two imprints. Each of the rods formed at the end of the overmolding operation is preferably a single piece. As explained below, each rod 4 is anchored in the link 2 by a part of the rod, called a heel, which is engaged in a housing defined by the link.

[0019] We denote Y1 and Z1 two axes of the rail 1 which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1. The axis Y1 extends along the width of the link 2, while the axis Z1 extends along the thickness of the link 2. The axis Y1 constitutes a transverse axis for the rail 1, while the axis Z1 constitutes a thickness axis for the rail 1. The center of the reference frame formed by the axes X1, Y1 and Z1 is located at the geometric center C22 of an eyelet 22 of the link 2.

[0020] At each end, the rail body 10 has attachment means 11A or 11B, respectively provided to cooperate with an arch 106 or a spring 110. More precisely, one of the rods 4, shown in the upper part of the figure 1 , carries on a first end 42 the hooking means 11A, while the other rod 4, shown in the lower part of the figure 1 , carries on a first end 42 the hooking means 11B. The hooking means 11A comprise a tip 12 which forms an opening 14 for passage and wedging of an arch 106 by a tube, not shown, mounted around the upper rod 4. The hooking means 11B comprise an external thread 18 which is intended to be screwed into the spring 110 and a sliding damper 19.

[0021] The attachment means 11A and 11B are respectively provided at the upper 1A and lower 1B ends of the rail 1 and are preferably manufactured by overmolding on the link 2, at the same time as the rest of the rods 4.

[0022] The examples of attachment means 11A and 11B are not limiting. For example, the attachment means 11A may comply with the teaching of CN-U-210596433.

[0023] The rods 4 are identical to each other, except at the level of the attachment means 11A and 11B.

[0024] Opposite its first longitudinal end 42, each rod 4 comprises a second longitudinal end 44 by which it is connected to the link 2, by overmolding. 44A denotes the free edge of the second longitudinal end 44 of a rod 4, which is opposite its first longitudinal end.

[0025] Each rod 4 comprises two portions 43 and 45, which are integral with each other, which respectively define the longitudinal ends 42 and 44 and which respectively have a circular section and a non-circular section. Thus, the portion 43 has a circular section, while the portion 45 has a non-circular section. Along the longitudinal axis X1, the portion 43 is arranged between the portion 45 and the attachment means 11A or 11B and the portion 45 is arranged between the portion 43 and the link 2.

[0026] As visible at the figure 3 , the circular section of the portion 43 is centered on an axis X43 parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 and offset from the longitudinal axis X1 by a non-zero distance d43 measured parallel to the thickness axis Z1. Y43 denotes a transverse axis parallel to the transverse axis Y1 and offset from it by the distance d43, in the same direction as the axis X43 relative to the axis X1. The plane containing the axes X43 and Y43 is a plane of symmetry of the portion 43 of the rod 4.

[0027] The cross-section, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1, of the portion 45 is constant, except at the level of the second longitudinal end 44 and its junction with the portion 43. In other words, the second longitudinal end 44 of the rod 4 is a part of the portion 45 whose cross-section varies along the longitudinal axis X1.

[0028] Link 2 is formed from a single-thickness metal sheet, preferably stainless steel. It is advantageously obtained by cutting a sheet of metal.

[0029] The link extends along a longitudinal axis X2. Y2 is a transverse axis along which the width of link 2 extends and Z2 is a thickness axis along which the thickness of this link extends. In the overmolded configuration of the rods 4 on link 2, the axes X2, Y2 and Z2 are respectively merged with the axes X1, Y1 and Z1.

[0030] The link 2 includes a central portion 20 which has lateral edges 21 rounded by polishing and which defines the eyelet 22 for the passage of a warp thread 108, with rounded edges. This eyelet 22 passes through the link 2 from one side to the other along the thickness axis Z2. The axes X2, Y2 and Z2 are concurrent with the geometric center C22 of the eyelet 22 at mid-thickness of the link. The eyelet 22 is rectangular in shape in the main plane of the link 2, which is the median plane of the central portion 20 and contains the axes X2 and Y2. The geometric center C22 is a point of symmetry of the link 2, which facilitates its placement in the mold for the overmolding operation of the rods 4, without any prerequisites as to its orientation.

[0031] The link 2 also comprises two longitudinal tabs 24 which extend its central portion 20, along the longitudinal axis X2, at its two opposite longitudinal ends. The tabs 24 are end longitudinal tabs and each have a reduced width compared to the width of the central portion 20. Between the central portion 20 and the tabs 24, the width of the link measured along the transverse axis Y2 decreases progressively as it approaches the tabs 24 and the lateral edges 21 of the central portion 20 are extended by curved edges 25, which delimit between them a transition zone 26 between the central portion 20 and a longitudinal tab 24.

[0032] In the example of the figures, the transition zone 26 is an area where the width of the link 2 decreases moving away from the eyelet 22 along the longitudinal axis X1.

[0033] We note 27 the lateral edges of the longitudinal legs 24.

[0034] We note respectively 28 and 29 a first transverse face and a second transverse face of the link 2, these transverse faces being parallel to the axes X2 and Y2. The first transverse face 28 is visible at figures 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 and on insert B) of the figure 7 , while the second transverse face 29 is visible at figures 4 , 5 , 6 and on insert A) of the figure 7 . The transverse faces 28 and 29 are opposite each other and offset, along the thickness axis Z2, by the thickness e2 of the link 2, which is constant. The transverse faces 28 and 29 extend over the entire surface of the link 2, from the eyelet 22 to the longitudinal tabs 24.

[0035] In each of the transition zones 26 is provided an elongated housing 32, which constitutes an orifice and passes through the link 2 from one side to the other, between its transverse faces 28 and 29, that is to say parallel to the axis of thickness Z2. The largest dimension of an elongated housing 32 extends along the longitudinal axis X2.

[0036] We note 31 a peripheral surface of the link 2, that is to say the external edge of this link outside the eyelet 22 and outside the housings 32. The peripheral surface 31 includes the longitudinal edges 21, the curved edges 25 and the lateral edges 27.

[0037] Each elongated housing 32 comprises a first proximal lobe 322, on the side of the eyelet 22, and a second distal lobe 324, on the side of a longitudinal tab 24. The lobes 322 and 324 communicate with each other along the longitudinal axis X2. Each housing 32 is thus generally in the shape of a keyhole.

[0038] The elongated housings 32 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane containing the axes Y2 and Z2, which passes through the geometric center C22. Furthermore, each elongated housing 32 is symmetrical with respect to a plane containing the axes X2 and Z2, which passes through the geometric center C22.

[0039] Each housing 32 is delimited by a closed contour which comprises, along the longitudinal axis X2, a proximal portion 323, which defines the bottom of the proximal lobe 322 on the side of the eyelet 22, and a distal portion 325, which defines the bottom of the distal lobe 324 on the side of the closest longitudinal tab 24.

[0040] The second longitudinal end 44 of each overmolded rod 4 partially overlaps the two transverse faces 28 and 29 of the link 2, at the transition zones 26 and passes through the link at the housings 32, right through between the transverse faces 28 and 29. By passing through the housing 32, the second longitudinal end 44 of each rod 4 forms an anchoring heel 442 which cooperates with the contour of this housing, such that this cooperation opposes a relative movement between the rod 4 and the link, in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, that is to say parallel to the axes X1 and Y1. In particular, the cooperation of the heel 442 with the contour of the housing 32 opposes a separation of the rod 4 and the link 2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X1.

[0041] The trace of the anchor heel 442 in the cutting plane of the insert B) of the figure 5 is marked in gray. Each anchor heel 442 is formed during overmolding on the link 2 of the rod 4 to which it belongs.

[0042] Each anchor heel 442 passes through the housing 32 in which it is formed from one side to the other, between the first and second transverse faces 28 and 29. The anchor heel 442 passes through the housing 32 without discontinuity.

[0043] Each anchoring heel 442 completely fills the elongated housing 32 in which it is formed. In particular, the heel 442 bears against the proximal and distal portions 323 and 325 of the closed contour of this housing, which blocks any relative movement of the second longitudinal end 44 relative to the link 2 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis X1. This anchoring of the heel 442 in the housing 32 also blocks any movement between the rod 4 and the link 2 in a transverse direction, parallel to the transverse axis Y1.

[0044] In this embodiment, the part of the anchoring heel 442 bearing against the proximal portion 323 of the closed contour of the housing 32 forms the free edge 44A of the second end 44 of the rod 4.

[0045] The second end 44 of a rod 4 has a first covering surface S448 which partially covers the first transverse face 28 of the link 2, on a first side of a transition zone 26, and a second covering surface S449 which partially covers the second transverse face 29 of the link 2, on a second side of the same transition zone 26, opposite the first side along the axis Z1. The trace of the covering surface S448 is grayed out on the figure 6 . Each of the covering surfaces S448, S449 is delimited by the anchor heel 442. In other words, the covering surfaces S448, S449 extend to the anchor heel 442. The covering surfaces S448 and S449 are coplanar with the first transverse face 28, the second transverse face 29 respectively and therefore extend parallel to the plane formed by the axes X1, Y1 and perpendicular to the thickness axis Z1. A portion of the link 2 is therefore covered by, and embedded between, the two covering surfaces S448 and S449 of the second longitudinal end 44 of each rod 4. This prevents any relative movement between the rod 4 and the link 2 in the two directions perpendicular to the transverse faces 28 and 29, that is to say in the two directions parallel to the thickness axis Z1.

[0046] Thus, each second longitudinal end 44 of a rod 4 is integral with the link 2, without the possibility of movement in all directions.

[0047] The second longitudinal end 44 is in one piece. It defines the surfaces of the overlaps S448, S449 and includes the anchor heel 442. Thus the surfaces of the overlaps S448, S449 and the anchor heel 442 are obtained by filling the same impression in the same overmolding operation.

[0048] The portion of the anchoring heel 442 closest to the proximal portion 323 of the housing 32 is delimited along the thickness axis Z1 by two surfaces S442 and S'442, respectively on the side of the first transverse face 28 and on the side of the second transverse face 29. The surfaces S442 and S'442 are flat and parallel respectively to the adjacent transverse faces 28 and 29.

[0049] Advantageously, the surface S442 is flush with the first adjacent transverse face 28, while the surface S'442 is flush with the second adjacent transverse face 29. Thus it is possible to limit the snagging of the neighboring warp threads 108 when they move in contact with the link 2.

[0050] On the side of each transverse face 28 or 29 of the link 2, the second longitudinal end 44 of a rod 4 has a curved external shape, with a thickness e4, measured along the thickness axis Z1, which decreases as it approaches the heel 442, until it takes a value equal to the thickness e2 of the link 2, at the level of the portion of the heel 442 defined between the surfaces S442 and S'442.

[0051] We note ℓ44 the width of the second longitudinal end 44 measured parallel to the transverse axis Y1 on the side of the transverse face 28. We note ℓ44 the width of the second longitudinal end 44 measured parallel to the transverse axis Y1 on the side of the transverse face 29. On each side of the link 2, the width ℓ44 or ℓ44 decreases as it approaches the free edge of the heel 442, until it takes a value equal to the width of the free edge of the heel 442 or of the proximal portion 323 of the elongated housing 32. Overall, on each side of the link 2, and as visible in the figure 7 , the second longitudinal end 44 of a rod 4 has a shape comparable to a dolphin's head whose beak is constituted by the portion of the heel 422 delimited by the surface S442 or S'442.

[0052] As is evident from sections BB and CC of the figure 6 , the longitudinal legs 24 are completely embedded in the second longitudinal ends 44 of the rods 4. In other words, the lateral edges 27, the transverse face portions 28, 29 and the free edge at each leg 24 are in contact with the associated second longitudinal end 44. In other words, each second longitudinal end 44 completely surrounds a longitudinal leg 24.

[0053] We note S4 the external surface of the rod 4.

[0054] This external surface S4 has a non-circular section on the portion 45 and ends, on the side of the eyelet 22, with the surfaces S442 and S'442.

[0055] For each rod 4, we consider a joint plane defined by the mold in which the rod 4 is overmolded on the link 2. This joint plane corresponds to a closing plane of the two mold portions forming the imprint of the rod 4 around the link 2. This joint plane is parallel to, and in the extension of, the first transverse face 28 of the link 2. We note π a plane forming the trace of the joint plane on the rail 1. The plane π includes the first transverse face 28 and the overlap surface S448.

[0056] As can be seen from the comparison of inserts A and B of the figure 7 , the external shape of the end 44 is different when viewed from the side of the first transverse face 28 or from the side of the second transverse face 29. In other words, the geometry of the external surface S4 is different depending on whether one side or the other of the rod 4 is considered, relative to the plane π, on the rod 4. This geometry is imposed by the imprint of the mold used during the overmolding operation.

[0057] More precisely, in a portion of the second longitudinal end 44 along the longitudinal axis X1, the width ℓ'44 is strictly less than the width ℓ44.

[0058] A cavity C44 is formed by the rod 4 and the link 2 on each side of the second longitudinal end 44, relative to a plane containing the axes X1 and Z1. This cavity extends, along the transverse axis Y1, beyond the part of the link 2 which is covered by the second end 44 of the rod 4.

[0059] The two cavities C44 provided on the second longitudinal end 44 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane containing the axes X1 and Z1. The following description applies to one or the other of these cavities. The second longitudinal end mentioned in the following is the second longitudinal end 44 of one of the rods 4.

[0060] The cavity C44 is defined by a first surface S1 of the link 2, by a second lateral surface S2 of the rod 4 and by a third bottom surface S3 of the rod 4.

[0061] The bottom surface S3 extends, in the direction of the first longitudinal end 42, in particular along the longitudinal axis X1, the first covering surface S448 formed by the second longitudinal end 44. In other words, the junction between the bottom surface S3 and the first covering surface S448 is a line contained in the plane formed by the first covering surface S448. In the first embodiment and advantageously, the bottom surface S3 is in the plane π. The surfaces S3 and S448 are therefore coplanar. The third bottom surface S3 is in the extension, along the longitudinal axis X1 and beyond the peripheral surface 31, of the first transverse face 28 of the link 2. In the first embodiment and advantageously, the surface S3 and the first transverse face 28 are also coplanar.

[0062] Alternatively, the surfaces S3 and S448, therefore the surface S3 and the first transverse face 28, are substantially coplanar without being strictly coplanar, forming between them an angle of less than 10°.

[0063] The first surface S1 is constituted by a portion of a curved edge 25 of the link 2, which is arranged on the side of the third bottom surface S3 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X1. In other words, the first surface S1 is constituted by a portion of the peripheral surface 31, at the level of one of the transition zones 26, where the width of the link decreases moving away from the eyelet 22 along the longitudinal axis X1.

[0064] The second lateral surface S2 is formed by a portion of the external surface S4 which extends towards the first longitudinal end 42 from a line L44 which forms the intersection between the external surface S4 and the peripheral surface 31 of the link 2. Within the cavity C44, the intersection line L44 delimits the first surface S1. The intersection line L44 defines the junction between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. The second surface S2 is said to be lateral in the sense that the second surface S2 is not parallel to the transverse axis Y1. The second lateral surface S2 therefore extends generally transversely to the axis Y1. The second lateral surface S2 delimits the cavity C44 laterally, that is to say along the transverse axis Y1, towards the inside, that is to say in the direction of the longitudinal axis X1. The intersection line L44 is arranged at the same longitudinal level as the second overlapping surface S449.The intersection line L44 extends from the first transverse face 28 to the second transverse face 29. In particular, the intersection line L44 extends from the first covering face S448 to the second covering surface S449. The intersection line L44 extends, within the cavity C44, from the third bottom surface S3.

[0065] On insert A) of the figure 7 , the first, second and third surfaces S1, S2 and S3 are identified by areas with points, with different densities, in order to facilitate their location. Similarly, a center line has been added in the extension of the intersection line L44, in order to facilitate its location.

[0066] The third bottom surface S3 extends laterally, that is to say in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Y1, and in a direction away from the longitudinal axis X1, that is to say outwards, relative to the part of the link 2 located in the same zone as this bottom surface S3 along the longitudinal axis X1. In other words, the bottom surface S3 extends at a distance from the plane comprising the axes X1 and Z1 which is non-zero and which is greater than the distance between this plane and the portions of the peripheral surface 31 embedded in the material of the second longitudinal end 44, in particular the lateral edges 27 of the longitudinal tabs 24.

[0067] Thus, each cavity C44 is offset from link 2 parallel to the transverse axis Y1.

[0068] Furthermore, each cavity C44 is advantageously offset from the link 2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X1. In other words, the third bottom surface S3 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X1, towards the first longitudinal end 42, relative to the part of the link 2 located in the same area as this bottom surface S3 along the longitudinal axis Y1.

[0069] In this case, the cavity C44 is offset from the link 2 parallel to all directions of the transverse faces 28 and 29 of this link, that is to say in all directions parallel to the covering surfaces S448 and S449. In other words, the cavity C44 is arranged laterally on the outside of the link and longitudinally beyond, in the direction of the first longitudinal end 42, the parts of the link not covered by the second end 44.

[0070] A first re-entrant edge A1 is defined at the junction between the first surface S1 and the third bottom surface S3. This edge A1 also corresponds to the junction line between the first covering surface S448 and the third bottom surface S3. This edge A1 extends to the intersection line A44.

[0071] A second re-entrant edge A2 defines the junction between the second lateral surface S2 and the third bottom surface S3. The second lateral surface S2 and the third bottom surface S3 meet at the edge A2. The edge A2 extends generally along the longitudinal axis X1.

[0072] An external edge A3 delimits the third bottom surface S3 laterally outwards. The edge A3 is a joining edge between an end of the edge A1 opposite the intersection line L44 and an end of the joining edge A2 opposite this same intersection line. This edge A3 is projecting and connects the third bottom surface S3 to a portion S44 of the external surface S4 which defines the external shape of the second longitudinal end 44 on the side of the transverse face 28 of the link 2, that is to say on the side visible on the insert B) of the figure 7 . In other words, the bottom surface S3 opens onto the portion S44 of the external surface S4. The surface portion S44 extends the surface S442 away from the eyelet 22.

[0073] In other words, the C44 cavity is defined by a reentrant dihedral between surfaces S1 and S2, with the intersection line L44 as the common line, a reentrant dihedral between surfaces S1 and S3, with edge A1 as the common line, and a reentrant dihedral between surfaces S2 and S3, with edge A2 as the common line.

[0074] Each of the C44 cavities constitutes a reinforcement in which the presence of burrs is not prohibitive because these burrs do not risk coming into contact with warp threads adjacent to the heddle 1, when the latter is integrated into the harness H and when the loom M is in operation.

[0075] In particular, on each side of the plane X1, Z1, each cavity C44 constitutes a recess for the intersection line L44 which is the only junction of the external surface S4 of the rod 4 with the peripheral surface 31 of the link 2 on this side of the plane X1, Y1.

[0076] We note π' a plane parallel to the axes X1 and Y1 and which includes the transverse face 29 and the covering surface S449.

[0077] According to the thickness axis Z1, the second lateral surface S2 is between the planes π and π'.

[0078] We note S'44 a portion of the external surface S4 located on the side of the plane π' opposite to the lateral surface S2. The portion of surface S'44 is visible on the insert A) of the figure 7 and opposite to the surface portion S44. It extends the surface S'442 away from the eyelet 22.

[0079] The width ℓ44 is the width of the surface S44 and the width ℓ'44 is the width of the surface S'44, measured parallel to the transverse axis Y1. The widths ℓ44 and ℓ'44 decrease starting from the bottom surface S3 and approaching the free edge of the heel 442.

[0080] The third bottom surface S3 extends, in a transverse direction parallel to the transverse axis Y1, outwards, relative to the second lateral surface S2.

[0081] We denote e4max the thickness of the rod 4 measured parallel to the thickness axis Z1, in the part of the portion 45 of the rod 4 with constant cross section. We denote e44 the embedding thickness of the link 2 in the second longitudinal end 44, on the side of the first transverse face 28. The thickness e44 is the maximum distance, measured parallel to the thickness axis Z1 at the longitudinal level of the cavities C44, that is to say longitudinally between the intersection of the edges A3 and A2 and the intersection of the edges A3 and A1, between the plane of the first covering surface S448 and the surface S44. We note e'44 the embedding thickness of the link 2 in the second longitudinal end 44, on the side of the second transverse face 29. The thickness e'44 is the maximum distance, measured parallel to the thickness axis Z1 at the longitudinal level of the cavities C44, between the plane of the second covering surface S449 and the surface S'44. We have the following relationship: e 4 max = e 2 + e 44 + e ′ 44

[0082] Each of the thicknesses e44 and e'44 is greater than or equal to the thickness e2. We have the following relationships: e 44 ≥ e 2 e ′ 44 ≥ e 2

[0083] At the longitudinal level of the cavity C44, the external surface S4 of the rod 4 has a maximum height, measured parallel to the thickness axis Z1 relative to the plane of the first covering surface S448, which is equal to e'44 + e2 and which is therefore greater than or equal to twice the thickness e2.

[0084] We denote A48 a re-entrant edge which extends to the junction between the surface S44 and the transverse face 28. This edge is contained in the plane π and borders the covering surface S448 on the outside. We denote A49 a re-entrant edge which extends to the junction between the surface S'44 and the transverse face 29. This edge is contained in the plane π' and borders the covering surface S449 on the outside. Each intersection line L44 of each of the two cavities C44 present on the rod 4 extends to the edge A49.

[0085] When the heddle 1 is integrated into the harness H, the neighboring warp threads can be considered as rectilinear because they are taut and they extend generally in a direction transverse to the axis X1. In this case, if one of these threads comes to rub against the second longitudinal end 44, it comes into contact with one or other of the surfaces S44 or S'44 but cannot penetrate inside one of the cavities C44, given their geometry. Under these conditions, such a thread does not risk being caught, injured or cut by burrs which are inside this cavity.

[0086] However, it is inside each C44 cavity that burrs have the greatest tendency to form, along the intersection line L44 and / or along one of the edges A1 and A2.

[0087] Different positions of a warp thread 108 resting against the second longitudinal end 44 of the heddle 1 are represented by thick dot-and-dash lines on the section CC of the figure 6 The geometry of the second longitudinal end 44 keeps the warp thread 108 outside the two cavities C44, at a distance from the edges A1, A2 and the line L44.

[0088] Edge A3 is flat and contained in the π plane, therefore parallel to the X1 and Y1 axes. Its concavity is turned towards the plane comprising the X1 and Z1 axes and therefore towards the second lateral surface S2. In other words, edge A3 is curved outwards between edges A1 and A2, in a plane parallel to the X1 and Y1 axes.

[0089] On the other hand, no surface of the rail 1 faces the cavity C44 away from the third bottom surface S3 along the thickness axis Z1 perpendicular to this third bottom surface, therefore perpendicular to the covering surface S448. In other words, the cavity C44, and in particular the third bottom surface S3, the first surface S1 and the second lateral surface S2, are not opposite in a direction D1 parallel to the thickness axis Z1 and which moves away from the portion of the second longitudinal end 44 of the rod 4 which forms this surface S3. This makes it possible to create the cavity C44 by means of a mold with a joint plane π and without a drawer, which is advantageous in terms of cost, reliability of the overmolding operation and reduction of burrs.

[0090] The first surface S1 and the junction edge A3 each have a projection, in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and transverse axes X1, Y1, which is in an arc of a circle. We denote by R1 the radius of curvature of the projection of the surface S1 in a plane parallel to the axes X1 and Y1, that is to say of the portion of the curved edge which delimits the cavity C44. We denote by R3 the radius of curvature of the projection of the edge A3 in the same plane parallel to the axes X1 and Y1. The radii of curvature R1 and R3 are identified at figure 6 The radius of curvature R3 is greater than or equal to the radius of curvature R1, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 times this radius R1.

[0091] This relatively large radius of curvature R3 of the edge A3, in comparison with that of the curved edge 25, gives the bottom surface S3 a tapered geometry, advantageous for preventing a warp thread 108 from engaging in the cavity C44 defined by this joining edge A3.

[0092] Each housing 32 is arranged, along the longitudinal axis X1, mainly on the side of the eyelet 22 relative to the cavities C44 of the second adjacent longitudinal end 44. In particular, the proximal portion 323 of a housing 32 is arranged, along the longitudinal axis X1, between the closest cavities C44 and the eyelet 22. In a variant not shown, the distal portion 325 of a housing 32 is arranged, along the longitudinal axis X1, between the closest cavities C44 and the eyelet 22.

[0093] For each rod 4, each covering surface S448, S449 is predominantly, preferably exclusively, arranged at the longitudinal level of each cavity C44 as well as on the longitudinal side of the eyelet 22 relative to each cavity C44.

[0094] Advantageously, at each second longitudinal end 44, the two cavities C44 have first surfaces S1, two second lateral surfaces S2 and third bottom surfaces S3 which are not opposite each other in the same direction D1 perpendicular to the transverse faces 28 and 29 of the link 2. Furthermore, the two third bottom surfaces S3 of the two cavities C44 of the same rod 4 are coplanar.

[0095] In practice, taking into account the fact that two cavities C44 are provided at each of the second longitudinal ends 44 of the two rods 4, the rail 1 has four cavities C44. The four third bottom surfaces S3 of these four cavities C44 are advantageously coplanar, which makes it possible to use, for the overmolding of the rods 4, a single joint plane for the overmolding mold of the two rods 4, which simplifies the manufacture of this mold and also reduces the burrs at this joint plane.

[0096] The plane π is offset from the median plane of the eyelet 22, which contains the axes X1 and Y1, by half the thickness e2 of this eyelet. This allows the third bottom surface S3 to be in the extension of the covering surface S448 and the transverse face 28.

[0097] Furthermore, the distance d43 is equal to half of the thickness e2. Thus, the axis X43 is contained in the plane π and the plane of symmetry X43, Y43 of the portion 43 of the rod 4 is coplanar with the third bottom surface S3 of each cavity C44. This implies that the portion 43 of each rod 4 is symmetrical with respect to the mold joint plane.

[0098] The second longitudinal ends 44 of the two rods 4 are symmetrical with respect to each other with respect to a plane parallel to the axes Y1 and Z1 and passing through the center of the eyelet 22. This has the effect that the plane π is the same for the two rods. Again, this simplifies the manufacture of the mold and limits burrs.

[0099] We denote d3 a distance measured between the junction edge A3 and the intersection line L44. Advantageously, the minimum value of the distance d3 is greater than or equal to half the thickness e2 of the link 2. When the junction edge A3 is contained in the plane π, then d3 is the distance measured in the plane π between the junction edge A3 and the trace of the intersection line L44 in this plane. In practice, the minimum value of the distance d3 can be chosen between 0.1 and 0.15 millimeters, which gives good results for sufficiently separating the warp threads 108 from the burrs present inside the cavity C44, without significantly widening or weighing down the rod 4.

[0100] In view of the above, it is understood that the cavities C44 have the effect that the intersections between the rods 4 and the link 2 which are the most critical in terms of creating burrs, namely the intersections which are essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1, in particular at the level of the intersection line L44 and the edges A1, are arranged in a recess in each cavity C44, therefore at a distance from a neighboring warp thread 108 which comes to bear on one or other of the surfaces S44 or S'44, as shown in the section CC of the figure 6 .

[0101] This is particularly true at the level of the intersection line L44 which is perpendicular, to within 10°, to the third bottom surface S3.

[0102] In a variant not shown, the intersection line L44 is curved.

[0103] Burrs can also be created during the overmolding operation, on essentially rectilinear portions of the rod 4, parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 and located outside the second end 44, therefore outside the cavities C44. These burrs are less aggressive than those which can be created in areas which are not parallel to the longitudinal axis X1.

[0104] Other burrs can also be created along the re-entrant edges A48 and A49, but they are not likely to catch warp threads 108 because these are rectilinear and come to bear against the peripheral surface 31 of the link 2 and against one of the surfaces S44 and S'44, without touching the edges A48 and A49.

[0105] In the second and third modes of operation shown in figures 8 and following, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references. If a reference is given to one of the figures 8 and following without being mentioned in the remainder of the description or mentioned in the description without being shown in these figures, it relates to the same element as that bearing the same reference in the first embodiment. In the following, we mainly describe what distinguishes the Jacquard guide rails of these second and third embodiments from the first embodiment.

[0106] In the second embodiment, the housings 32 of the link 2 are notches which open at the longitudinal ends of this link. In other words, no tabs are provided comparable to the longitudinal tabs 24 of the first embodiment and the contour of the housings 32 is open. This contour does not include a portion comparable to the distal portion 325 of the first embodiment. The peripheral surface 31 is defined outside the contour of the housings 32 and outside the eyelet 22 and includes the longitudinal edges 21 and the curved edges 25.

[0107] Another difference from the first embodiment is that the link 2 has a thickness e2, measured parallel to the thickness axis Z2, which is not constant. This thickness is greater in the central portion 20, which defines the eyelet 22, than in the transition zone 26, as visible in the figure 9 . The transverse faces 28 and 29 are parallel to the axes X1 and Y1, except the portion of the transverse face 28 where the thickness e2 varies.

[0108] The trace of the covering surface S448 is grayed out on the figure 9 .

[0109] Two cavities C44 are respectively formed on either side of a plane containing the axes X1 and Z1 of the second longitudinal end 44 of the rod 4, each being defined by a first surface S1, a second lateral surface S2 and a third bottom surface S3. The cavities C44 have substantially the same geometry as in the first embodiment.

[0110] The variable nature of the thickness e2 allows that the plane π in which the third bottom surface S3 of the cavities C44 is located is coplanar with the median plane of the link 2 defined by the axes X2 and Y2 at the level of the center C22 of its eyelet 22. In other words, the geometry of the link 2, which presents a reduction in thickness visible at the figure 9 makes it possible to align the mold joint plane, therefore the plane π defined as in the first embodiment, and the third bottom surface S3 of the cavity 44 on the median plane of the link 2.

[0111] In this embodiment, the anchor heel 442 does not fill the entire housing 32 in which it is overmolded. In particular, no part of the heel 442 has surfaces comparable to the surfaces S442 and S'442 of the first embodiment. A free edge 442A of the anchor heel 442 extends, along the longitudinal axis X1, at a non-zero distance d442 from the proximal portion 323 of the non-closed contour of the housing 32 in which this anchor heel 442 is overmolded. The anchor heel 442 passes through the housing 32 from one side to the other, between the transverse faces 28 and 29 of the link 2. In this second embodiment, the free edge 442A of the anchor heel forms the free edge 44A of the second end 44 of the rod 4.

[0112] In the third embodiment, the two cavities C44 defined on either side of a plane containing the axes X1 and Z1 of a second longitudinal end 44 of a rod 4 of the rail 1 have their respective third bottom surfaces S3 which are not coplanar but defined respectively in the extension of two covering surfaces S448 and S449 formed by the second longitudinal end 44 and which partially cover, at the level of the transition zones 26, respectively the transverse faces 28 and 29 of the link 2. The trace of the covering surface S448 is grayed out on the figure 10 . This covering surface S448 is not symmetrical with respect to the plane containing the axes X1 and Z1.

[0113] The third bottom surfaces S3 of the two cavities C44 arranged on either side of a second longitudinal end 44 are defined by two parallel and offset planes π and π', parallel to the thickness axis Z1, by a distance d π equal to the thickness e2 of the link 2 at the transition zones 26. In this embodiment, there is therefore not a single joint plane for the mold in which each rod 4 is overmolded on the link 2. However, on the rod 4, on each side of the plane X1, Y1, the joint plane extends exclusively in the plane π, respectively in the plane π', which limits the formation of overmolding burrs which can create snags for the neighboring warp threads.

[0114] The two cavities C44 are not limited according to respective directions D1 and D'1 which are perpendicular to the covering surfaces S448 and S449, parallel to the axis Z1, and each oriented away from the portion of the second longitudinal end 44 of the rod 4 which defines the respective bottom surface S3. These two directions D1 and D'1 are opposite to each other, namely directed upwards for the direction D1 taken into account for the cavity C44 shown on the right of the section CC of the figure 10 and downwards for the direction D'1 taken into account for the cavity C44 cavity represented on the left of this section.

[0115] In this third embodiment, the link 2 is identical to that of the first embodiment. The heel 442 extends to the proximal portion 323 of the contour of the housing 32, with surfaces S442 and S'442 defined as in the first embodiment which are respectively parallel to the transverse faces 28 and 29 of the link 2, which are not flush with these transverse faces 28 and 29 but located set back from the latter, towards the inside of the housing 32, so as not to catch the neighboring warp threads 108 when these move in contact with the link 2.

[0116] With the same notation conventions as for the first embodiment, we have the following relationships: e 4 max = e 2 + e 44 + e ′ 44 e 44 ≥ e 2 e ′ 44 ≥ e 2

[0117] In this third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the part of the anchoring heel 442 bearing against the proximal portion 323 of the closed contour of the housing 32 forms the free edge 44A of the second end 44 of the rod 4.

[0118] In a variant of the invention that is not shown, the two cavities C44 of the upper rod 4, which carries the hooking means 11A, are not opposite each other in a first direction perpendicular to the adjacent covering surface, whereas the two cavities C44 of the lower rod 4, which carries the hooking means 11B, are not opposite each other in a second direction perpendicular to the adjacent covering surface, the second direction being opposite the first direction. In other words, the cavities C44 provided on the upper and lower rods are not limited, perpendicular to their respective third bottom surfaces S3, in directions that are opposite between the upper and lower rods.In this case, and if for each rod 4, the third bottom surfaces S3 are coplanar, the joint plane of the mold for the upper rod 4 is offset, along the thickness axis Z1, relative to the joint plane of the mold for the lower rod 4, by a distance equal to the thickness e2 if the link is of constant thickness as in the first and third embodiments.

[0119] According to another variant of the invention, not shown, the bottom surface S3 of at least one of the cavities C44 is not flat.

[0120] According to another variant also not shown, the bottom surface S3 of a cavity C44 is not coplanar with a transverse face of the link, that is to say it is non-coplanar with the covering surface which it extends, but inclined relative to it. In this case, the bottom surface S3 actually extends the covering surface, of the type of surface S448 or S449 mentioned above, but is not parallel to the median plane of the link 2 defined by the axes X2 and Y2.

[0121] Alternatively, whatever the embodiment, link 2 can be made of ceramic.

[0122] According to another variant of the invention, also not shown, each housing 32 can be formed from several recesses, for example several holes with circular section juxtaposed along the longitudinal axis X2.

[0123] According to another variant of the invention, also not shown, each housing 32 can be formed by one or more notches made from the peripheral surface 31 of the link and opening onto the exterior of the link 2 parallel to the transverse axis Y1, for example at the level of the lateral edges 27 of the longitudinal tabs 24.

[0124] According to another variant of the invention, also not shown, each housing 32 is non-through along the thickness axis Z1.

[0125] In all embodiments, the housing 32 allows anchoring of the rod 4 in the link 2 by means of the anchoring heel 42, this anchoring opposing the separation of the rod and the link parallel to the longitudinal axis X1.

[0126] According to yet another variant of the invention, not shown, the first surface S1 which delimits a cavity C44 comprises, as in the embodiments shown in the figures, a surface portion parallel to the plane defined by the axes X1 and Y1. This first surface S1 may also comprise a portion of the lateral edges 21, parallel to the plane defined by the axes X1 and Z1.

[0127] According to yet another variant of the invention, not shown, the rods 4 are overmolded onto the attachment means 11A and / or 11B, in particular in the case where the materials of these attachment means are different from that of the rod 4.

[0128] According to yet another variant of the invention, not shown, the link 2 comprises a single longitudinal end tab 24.

[0129] According to a further variant of the invention not shown, a single cavity C44 in accordance with the invention is formed on a rod 4, at its second end 44, on a single side of a plane containing the axes X1 and Z1.

[0130] According to a further variant of the invention, not shown, the rail 1 comprises a single rod 4 or only one of the rods 4 of the rail body 10 is provided with a cavity or two cavities C44. In other words, the invention is implemented at the level of a single rod 4.

[0131] Whatever the embodiment or variant of the invention, the presence of at least one cavity C44 on at least one second end 44 of a rod 4 makes it possible to have the areas of the heddle where overmolding burrs are most likely to form, namely the intersection line L44 and the re-entrant edge A1, set back inside the cavity C44. These areas are not reached by neighboring warp threads 108 when the heddle is integrated into a harness H of a Jacquard type loom, which greatly limits, or even eliminates, the risks of these warp threads being caught by these burrs. This reduces the burr remediation operations accordingly.As the cavity C44, and in particular the third bottom surface S3, the first surface S1 and the second lateral surface S2 of the cavity C44, are not opposite each other in a direction D1 parallel to the axis Z1 and which moves away from the portion of the second longitudinal end 44 which defines this bottom surface S3, the cavity C44 does not need a drawer to be formed by overmolding in a mold whose joint plane(s) are perpendicular to the axis Z1, which has little tendency to generate burrs.

[0132] The embodiments and variants envisaged above may be combined, provided that this is technically feasible.

Claims

1. A heddle (1) for guiding a warp thread (108) for a weaving loom (M) equipped with a Jacquard mechanism (102), the heddle extending lengthwise according to a longitudinal axis (X1) and comprising : - a link (2), with an eyelet (22) for passage of the warp thread, the eyelet passing through the link between a first transverse face (28) and a second transverse face (29) of the link, the first and second transverse faces being connected together by a peripheral surface (31) of the link; - at least one rod (4) of polymeric material extending according to the longitudinal axis, which is provided with an outer surface (S4) and comprising ∘ a first longitudinal extremity (42) provided with the means (11A; 11B) for connection to a member (106, 110) of a harness (H), of the Jacquard mechanism and ∘ a second one-piece longitudinal extremity (44) comprising at least ▪ a first covering surface (S448) which partially covers the first transverse face (28) of the link, ▪ a second covering surface (S449) which partially covers the second transverse face (29) of the link, and ▪ an anchoring heel (442); wherein the first covering surface (S448) and the second covering surface (S449) are parallel to the longitudinal axis (X1) and to a transverse axis (Y1), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X1); wherein the link (2) cooperates with the anchoring heel (442) of the rod (4) to oppose separation of the rod and link parallel to the longitudinal axis (X1), characterized in that: - the rod (4) and the link (2) form, at the second longitudinal extremity (44) of the rod, at least one cavity (C44) which is offset from the link (2) according to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X1) and which is delimited by ∘ a first surface (S1) formed by a portion of the peripheral surface (31) of the link (2); ∘ a second lateral surface (S2) formed by a portion of the outer surface (S4) of the rod (4), this second lateral surface extending toward the first longitudinal extremity (42) of the rod, from a line of intersection (L44) between the peripheral surface (31) of the link and the outer surface (S4) of the rod; ∘ a third bottom surface (S3) formed by the rod (4) and extending one of the first and second covering surfaces (S448; S449) toward the first longitudinal extremity (42) of the rod; - within each cavity, the intersection line (L44) extends from the third bottom surface (S3) and delimits the first surface (S1); - for each cavity (C44), the third bottom surface (S3) is arranged according to a direction parallel to the transverse axis (Y1), toward the outside of the rod (4) relative to the second lateral surface (S2); and - each cavity (C44) is non-facing, according to a thickness axis (Z1), perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse axes, in a direction (D1, D'1) away from a portion of the rod (4) which forms the third bottom surface (S3) of the cavity.

2. The heddle according to claim 1, wherein the third bottom surface (S3) of each cavity (C44) is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the covering surface (S448; S449) which it extends.

3. The heddle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the link comprises at least one housing (32) passing through the link between the first transverse face (28) and the second transverse face (29) of the link; - the anchoring heel passes right through the housing (32) of the link according to the thickness axis (Z1); - a contour surface of the housing (32) comprises a proximal portion (323), arranged longitudinally on the side of the eyelet (22); - the proximal portion (323) of the housing (32) is arranged, along the longitudinal axis (X1), between the cavity or cavities (C44) formed on the rod (4) and the eyelet (22); - the anchoring heel (442) forms the free edge (44A) of the second longitudinal extremity (44); - the first and second covering surfaces (S448, S449) of the rod (4) extend to the anchoring heel (442).

4. The heddle according to claim 3, wherein - the anchoring heel (442) of the second longitudinal extremity (44) of the rod (4) is delimited by two surfaces (S442, S'442) respectively parallel to the first and second transverse faces (28, 29) of the link; and - the anchoring heel (442) rests longitudinally against the proximal portion (323) of the contour surface of the housing (32).

5. The heddle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intersection line (L44) extends to an edge (A49) bordering the second covering surface (S449).

6. The heddle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the heddle (1) comprises two rods (4) of polymeric material, each with a first longitudinal extremity (42) and a second longitudinal extremity (44) ; - the second longitudinal extremities (44) of the two rods each partially covering the first and second transverse faces (28, 29) of the link; - two cavities (C44) are formed at the second longitudinal extremity (44) of each rod on either side of a plane containing the longitudinal (X1) and transverse (Y1) axes and passing through a geometric center (C22) of the eyelet.

7. The heddle according to claim 6, wherein - the two cavities (C44) formed at the same second longitudinal extremity (44) of the same rod (4) are not opposite each other according to the same direction (D1) parallel to the thickness axis (Z1); - the link (2) is plane and symmetrical relative to a geometric center (C22) of the eyelet.

8. The heddle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (S1) is formed by a portion of the peripheral surface (31) of the link (2) in a transition zone (26) of the link where the width of the link, taken according to the transverse axis (Y1), decreases away from the eyelet (22) along the longitudinal axis (X1).

9. The heddle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third bottom surface (S3) is delimited according to the transverse axis (Y1) toward the outside of the rod (4) by a joining edge (A3) which connects the third bottom surface (S3) to the outer surface (S4) of the rod (4), which is curved and the concavity of which faces toward the second bottom surface (S2).

10. The heddle according to claim 9, in which the joining edge (A3) extends at a distance (d3) from the intersection line (L44), a minimum value of which is greater than or equal to half the thickness (e2) of the link, measured between the first and second covering surfaces (S448, S449) according to the thickness axis (Z1).

11. The heddle according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein a radius of curvature (R3) of the projection of the joining edge (A3) in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and transverse axes (X1, Y1) is greater than or equal to a radius of curvature (R1) of the projection of the first surface (S1) in this plane, preferably at least 1.5 times greater.

12. The heddle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, at the longitudinal level of the cavity (C44) and on the side of each covering surface (S448; S449) according to the thickness axis (Z1), the second longitudinal extremity (44) of the rod (4) has a thickness (e44, e'44), measured according to the thickness axis (Z1) relative to the plane formed by the covering surface, which is greater than or equal to a thickness (e2) of the link measured between the first and second covering surfaces.

13. The heddle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, on the side of each covering surface according to the thickness axis (Z1), the second longitudinal extremity (44) of the rod (4) presents, longitudinally between the third bottom surface (S3) and a free edge (44A) of the second longitudinal extremity (44), - a width (ℓ44, ℓ'44), measured parallel to the transverse axis (Y1), decreasing in the direction of the free edge (44A); and - a thickness (e44, e'44), measured according to the thickness axis (Z1), decreasing in the direction of the free edge (44A).

14. The heddle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the link (2) comprises at least one longitudinal extremity fluke (24) which is completely surrounded by the second longitudinal extremity (44) of the rod (4).

15. A weaving machine (M) equipped with a Jacquard mechanism (102) and several heddles (1) for guiding a warp thread (108), characterized in that at least one of the heddles (1) is according to one of the preceding claims.