Method and device for measuring the ply angle prior to cutting

A cutting device for cutting a reinforcing ply formed of a set of portions of thread, of given length, coated in a rubber compound, laid parallel to one another and making a given theoretical angle with a longitudinal direction of the ply, comprising:

• a first means able, without proceeding to cut the ply, to apply a first force and to estimate an actual angle of the threads with a longitudinal direction of the device, comprising a measurement wheel, mounted on a mobile support running on a straight rail, with a direction of the rail being orientable to a given angle with the longitudinal direction of the device, and able to follow a groove formed by a space between two mutually juxtaposed reinforcing threads when the support moves along the rail, and of which an axle, oriented substantially in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the direction of the rail and by the direction perpendicular to the plane of the ply, is free to move in said direction of the axle, and
• a second means able to apply a second force that is greater than the first force and to cut the ply at the actual angle estimated by the first means;
• wherein the first means further comprises;
• assessing means for assessing the distance covered by the support of the said wheel along the rail,
• assessment means for assessing the movement of the said wheel in the direction parallel to the direction of the axle, and
• calculation means able to determine a mean actual angle of the threads with the longitudinal direction.