A METHOD FOR MANAGING AT LEAST ONE ADJUSTMENT OPERATION ON AN APPARATUS FOR BUILDING TYRES

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The object of the present invention is a method for managing at least one adjustment operation on an apparatus for building tyres.

Another object of the present invention is a process and a work station implementing such method.

With the term "safety enclosure" it is intended the perimeter of an area with controlled access delimited for example by a fence provided with access door or by passage detection sensors.

With the term "opening" of the safety enclosure, or analogous terms, it is intended the possibility to access the reserved area or a breach of the reserved area. In the case of the fence provided with access door, the opening of the safety enclosure occurs by means of opening of the access door. In the case of area provided with detection sensors, the opening occurs following the deactivation of such sensors or following a breach of the reserved area, detected by the sensors themselves .

With the term "closure" of the safety enclosure, or analogous terms, it is intended the impossibility of accessing the reserved area or the lack of breach of the reserved area. In the case of the fence provided with access door, the closure of the safety enclosure occurs by means of closure of the access door. In the case of area provided with detection sensors, the closure occurs following the activation of such sensors. With the term "pneumatic actuator", it is intended an element driven by compressed air, suitable for moving devices of the building apparatus. A pneumatic piston, in particular double-acting, is an example of a pneumatic actuator.

With the term "building operation", it is intended any one operation that concludes with the attainment of a structural component of the tyre or of a part thereof, or which is a processing step of the tyre itself, including the vulcanisation of the green tyre.

With the term "work station" it is intended an apparatus for building a tyre suitable for obtaining or processing a structural component of the tyre or a part thereof within a safety enclosure forming an integral part of the work station. A work station is for example a station comprising at least one tyre vulcanisation mould .

With the term "adjustment operation" it is intended a verification of correct positioning (e.g. a centring) and/or correct functioning of devices of a building apparatus, during apparatus initialisation e.g. following a size change, during ordinary periodic controls, and during extraordinary controls e.g. following an indication of a defect shown on the tyre being processed or on the finished tyre.

With the term "safety distance" it is intended a distance greater than the range of action of a device belonging to the building apparatus.

The Applicant has observed that the known building apparatuses, operating by means of pneumatic actuators, are subjected to vibrations and impact that over time negatively affect the calibrations of the devices of the building apparatus, requiring periodic controls for re ^¬ establishing centring and adjustments in order to prevent defects on the tyres themselves.

In particular the Applicant has observed that in order to adjust the known building apparatuses, respecting the narrow tolerance margins and operating in safety conditions, i.e. in conditions of deactivation of the apparatus itself or rather the electrical power supply and the pneumatic supply, long processing times are required and hence long stop times of the building apparatus itself.

The Applicant has also observed that a manual adjustment of the pneumatic actuators, in the absence of activation of the pneumatic supply, does not allow maintaining the desired position or adjustment if not after a long series of attempts, in which it is necessary to also consider the instability problems of the devices during reactivation of the pneumatic supply.

In such aim, the Applicant perceived the need to simplify the adjustment of building apparatuses operating with pneumatic actuators in order to limit the stopping time of the apparatus itself and improve the productivity thereof, while ensuring the required tolerances of the building process.

In particular, the Applicant perceived the need to ensure the safety of the operators set to conduct adjustment operations while allowing a precise reactivation of the apparatus after having fulfilled the ordinary and extraordinary adjustment requirements of the apparatus itself. In this perspective, the Applicant perceived that the adjustment of the apparatus can be facilitated and made quicker by maintaining the pressure inside the pneumatic actuators in conditions such to not constitute a risk for operators.

The Applicant has finally found that it is possible to execute at least one operation of adjustment of an apparatus belonging to a work station, in open safety enclosure conditions, ensuring the safety of the operators by means of activation of an auxiliary pneumatic supply of the pneumatic actuators to be adjusted .

More specifically, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for managing at least one adjustment operation on an apparatus for building a tyre, said apparatus being arranged within a safety enclosure and comprising at least one pneumatic actuator .

Preferably said method comprises executing at least one building operation in closed safety enclosure conditions comprising activating at least one primary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuator and driving said at least one pneumatic actuator by selecting a corresponding connection with said primary pneumatic supply.

Preferably said method comprises executing at least one adjustment operation of said apparatus in open safety enclosure conditions comprising activating an auxiliary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuator.

Preferably the closure of the safety enclosure is the condition required for being able to activate said primary pneumatic supply.

Preferably the opening of the safety enclosure corresponds with an automatic command for the deactivation of said primary pneumatic supply.

The Applicant deems that by maintaining the pressure inside the pneumatic actuators due to the activation of an auxiliary pneumatic supply, it is possible to easily execute an adjustment operation in open safety enclosure conditions, ensuring the safety of the operators.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process for performing at least one adjustment operation on an apparatus for building tyres, said apparatus being arranged within a safety enclosure and comprising at least one pneumatic actuator.

Preferably said process comprises closing said safety enclosure in a manner so as to enable the activation of a primary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuator. Preferably said process comprises executing at least one building operation of said tyre in closed safety enclosure conditions by driving said at least one pneumatic actuator by means of selection of a corresponding connection with said primary pneumatic supply .

Preferably said process comprises opening said safety enclosure, automatically deactivating said primary pneumatic supply.

Preferably said process comprises activating an auxiliary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuator. Preferably said process comprises driving said pneumatic actuator by selecting a corresponding connection with said auxiliary pneumatic supply. Preferably said process comprises executing in open safety enclosure conditions said at least one adjustment operation on said apparatus.

Preferably said process comprises deactivating said auxiliary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuator.

According to a still further aspect, the present invention relates to a work station comprising a safety enclosure and an apparatus for building a tyre arranged within said safety enclosure and comprising at least one pneumatic actuator.

Preferably the apparatus for building a tyre comprises a primary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuator that can be activated for executing at least the building of a portion of a tyre in closed safety enclosure conditions .

Preferably the apparatus for building a tyre comprises an auxiliary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuators suitable for executing an adjustment operation in open safety enclosure conditions.

Preferably the apparatus for building a tyre comprises a main pneumatic selector operatively associated with said safety enclosure, adjustable for activating/deactivating said auxiliary pneumatic supply respectively with safety enclosure open and with safety enclosure closed.

The present invention, in at least one of the aforesaid aspects, can also have one or more of the preferred characteristics described hereinbelow.

Preferably, executing at least one adjustment operation of said apparatus in open safety enclosure conditions comprises selectively driving a group of pneumatic actuators by means of a corresponding connection with said auxiliary pneumatic supply, said apparatus comprising at least two groups of pneumatic actuators, each comprising at least one pneumatic actuator.

The Applicant deems that in the case of two or more groups of pneumatic actuators, the selective adjustment of a group improves the safety conditions of the operator and the quality of the adjustment, since the auxiliary pneumatic supply is driven for one group at a time .

Preferably activating said auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises the activation of an automatic command that prevents the execution of said at least one building operation in case of closure of the safety enclosure. The Applicant deems that the use of an automatic command for preventing building following the activation of the auxiliary pneumatic supply ensures an optimal level of safety for the operator in case of accidental closure of the safety enclosure.

Preferably provision is made for detecting the pressure of said auxiliary pneumatic supply in order to generate said automatic command that prevents the execution of said at least one building operation in closed safety enclosure conditions upon attaining a specific upper threshold value.

The Applicant deems that the direct and automatic detection of the pressure of the auxiliary pneumatic supply is capable of providing an automatic command in brief time periods and without interfering with the correct operation of the apparatus during adjustment. Preferably, activating said auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises by-passing said primary pneumatic supply with said auxiliary pneumatic supply in the inlet and/or in the outlet of each pneumatic actuator or group of pneumatic actuators.

The Applicant deems that a by-pass between the primary pneumatic supply and the auxiliary pneumatic supply allows simplifying the apparatus, making possible the use of standard pneumatic actuators during design phase or re-adapting apparatuses already in use, making them safer and more reliable during adjustment phase.

Preferably by-passing said primary pneumatic supply with said auxiliary pneumatic supply is achieved downstream of a selection of the corresponding connection of the pneumatic actuator with said auxiliary pneumatic supply. The Applicant deems that such configuration allows maintaining a remote control of the selection of the pneumatic actuator to be adjusted, in a manner so as to further increase the safety of the operator.

Preferably provision is made for deactivating said auxiliary pneumatic supply at the end of the adjustment operation .

Preferably deactivating said auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises the activation of an automatic command which enables the execution of said at least one building operation in closed safety enclosure conditions.

The Applicant deems that the use of an automatic command for enabling the building allows a quick and reliable management of the passage between the execution of the adjustment operation and the execution of the building operation .

Preferably provision is made for detecting the pressure of said auxiliary pneumatic supply in order to generate said automatic command which enables the execution of said at least one building operation in closed safety enclosure conditions upon attaining a specific lower threshold value.

The Applicant deems that the direct and automatic detection of the pressure of the auxiliary pneumatic supply is capable of providing an automatic command in brief time periods and without interfering with the correct operation of the apparatus during building.

Preferably deactivating said auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises by-passing said auxiliary pneumatic supply with said primary pneumatic supply in the inlet and/or in the outlet of each pneumatic actuator or group of pneumatic actuators.

Preferably, by-passing said auxiliary pneumatic supply with said primary pneumatic supply is achieved downstream of a selection of the corresponding connection of the pneumatic actuator with said primary pneumatic supply.

Preferably the opening of the safety enclosure is the condition for activating said auxiliary pneumatic supply .

Preferably the pressure in the auxiliary pneumatic supply has a value greater than or equal to about 3 bar. Preferably the pressure in the auxiliary pneumatic supply has a value less than or equal to about 7 bar.

Preferably the pressure in the primary pneumatic supply has a value greater than or equal to about 7.

Preferably the pressure in the auxiliary pneumatic supply has a value less than or equal to about bar and about 8 bar. Preferably provision is made for reducing the pressure of said auxiliary pneumatic supply with respect to said primary pneumatic supply.

The Applicant deems that such reduction allows ensuring the maximum stroke of the pneumatic actuator while making it ineffective in case of impact against the operator .

Preferably provision is made for reducing the pressure of said auxiliary pneumatic supply to about 3 bar.

The Applicant deems that such value of the pressure is optimal for allowing a safe, effective and reliable adjustment .

Preferably provision is made for reducing the flow rate of said auxiliary pneumatic supply with respect to said primary pneumatic supply.

The Applicant deems that such reduction allows further increasing the safety of the operator, ensuring a fluid but slow movement, without impact, of the pneumatic actuator .

Preferably said adjustment operation comprises an operation for verifying or centring at least one device of said apparatus driven by a pneumatic actuator.

Preferably provision is made for detecting and signalling a defect of said tyre and performing said adjustment operation as a function of the indicated defect .

The Applicant deems that a reliable and quick adjustment operation allows improving the quality of the finished product, operating as a part of a feedback process.

Preferably said building operation comprises vulcanising a green tyre. Preferably said adjustment operation comprises an operation of centring and/or concentricity of a loader device of a vulcanisation mould with respect to said vulcanisation mould.

Preferably said adjustment operation comprises an operation of centring and/or concentricity of an unloader device of a vulcanisation mould with respect to said vulcanisation mould.

Preferably said adjustment operation comprises an operation for verifying the pressure exerted by grip members of a loader device and/or of an unloader device of a vulcanisation mould.

Preferably, executing at least one adjustment operation of said apparatus in open safety enclosure conditions comprises manually activating an auxiliary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuator.

Preferably, executing at least one building operation in closed safety enclosure conditions comprises activating at least one electrical power supply, in which the closure of the safety enclosure is the condition required for being able to activate said electrical power supply.

Preferably the opening of the safety enclosure corresponds with an automatic command for the deactivation of said electrical power supply.

Preferably provision is made for selectively driving a group of pneumatic actuators by selecting a corresponding connection with said auxiliary pneumatic supply, said apparatus comprising at least two groups of pneumatic actuators, each comprising at least one pneumatic actuator. Preferably, selectively driving a group of pneumatic actuators by selecting a corresponding connection with said auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises modifying the position of an operative pneumatic selector.

Preferably, activating/deactivating said auxiliary pneumatic supply of said pneumatic actuators comprises modifying the position of a main pneumatic selector.

Preferably provision is made for modifying the position of a secondary pneumatic selector in order to select between said primary pneumatic supply and said auxiliary pneumatic supply in the inlet and/or outlet of said pneumatic actuator.

Preferably provision is made for modifying the position of a secondary pneumatic selector in order to select between said primary pneumatic supply and said auxiliary pneumatic supply in the inlet and/or outlet of said pneumatic actuator as a function of the position of a main pneumatic selector.

Preferably at least two groups of pneumatic actuators are provided, each comprising at least one pneumatic actuator, and an operative pneumatic selector is provided for each group of pneumatic actuators, said operative pneumatic selector being adjustable for selecting a corresponding connection with said auxiliary pneumatic supply.

Preferably a secondary pneumatic selector is provided for each inlet and/or outlet of the pneumatic actuator or group of pneumatic actuators, for alternately selecting between said primary pneumatic supply and said auxiliary pneumatic supply in the inlet and/or outlet of said pneumatic actuator. Preferably each secondary pneumatic selector is operatively connected to said main pneumatic selector. Preferably each secondary pneumatic selector is arranged downstream of the respective operative pneumatic selector.

Preferably piping of said auxiliary pneumatic supply arranged between said operative pneumatic selector and said secondary pneumatic selector has a smaller diameter than piping provided in the primary pneumatic supply. Preferably the piping 12 has a diameter greater than or equal to about 4 mm.

Preferably the piping 12 has a diameter less than or equal to about 6 mm.

Preferably the piping 13 has a diameter greater than or equal to about 6 mm.

Preferably the piping 13 has a diameter less than or equal to about 12 mm.

Preferably said auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises a flow adjuster adapted for decreasing the pressure in the auxiliary pneumatic supply with respect to the pressure in the primary pneumatic supply.

Preferably said auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises a manostat for detecting the pressure inside the auxiliary pneumatic supply.

Preferably a command box is provided, containing said main pneumatic selector and said operative pneumatic selector, said command box being arranged within the safety enclosure.

The Applicant deems that inserting the command box within the safety enclosure increases the safety of the operator, since the activation of the auxiliary pneumatic supply depends on the opening of the safety enclosure and hence on the deactivation of the electrical power supply and the primary pneumatic supply .

Preferably at least one device is provided that is movable due to the action of at least one pneumatic actuator and said command box is arranged at a safety distance from said device.

Preferably a main pneumatic selector is provided that is manually adjustable for activating/deactivating said auxiliary pneumatic supply.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be clear from the following description of several embodiments of methods, processes and apparatuses according to the invention, made as a non-limiting example with reference to the enclosed figures in which: Figure 1 shows a partial scheme of a work station according to the present invention.

With reference to figure 1, reference number la overall indicates a work station comprising an apparatus 1 for building a tyre and a safety enclosure. The apparatus 1 is arranged within the safety enclosure 2. In the case illustrated in the enclosed figure, the safety enclosure 2 is obtained by means of a fence adapted to separate the apparatus 1 from the environment and comprises an door 3 for accessing the safety enclosure which, in the enclosed figure, is illustrated in closed position. Alternatively, the safety enclosure 2 is obtained in an area having passage detection sensors.

The apparatus 1 can comprise at least one pneumatic actuator, e.g. a pneumatic cylinder, comprising a piston associated with a stem slidably engaged in a chamber provided with inlet and outlet. According to the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises three pneumatic actuators 4. In particular, the illustrated embodiment and the following description provide for the use of double-acting pneumatic actuators 4 provided with functionally interchangeable inlet 4a and outlet 4b.

Each pneumatic actuator is associated with at least one device, not illustrated, movable due to the action of the pneumatic actuator.

According to a possible embodiment, the apparatus 1 can be an apparatus for vulcanising green tyres comprising a vulcanisation mould. In this case, one or more devices can be provided from among the following:

a loader device relative to the vulcanisation mould;

an unloader device relative to the vulcanisation mould; grip members of a loader device and/or of an unloader device relative to the vulcanisation mould.

According to non-illustrated embodiments, the apparatus 1 can comprise at least two groups of pneumatic actuators 4, each comprising at least one pneumatic actuator arranged within the safety enclosure 2.

The apparatus 1 preferably comprises an electrical power supply (not illustrated) and a primary pneumatic supply 5 in connection with the pneumatic actuator 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary pneumatic supply 5 is in connection with the three pneumatic actuators 4. The primary pneumatic supply 5 and preferably also the electrical power supply can be activated for executing the building of at least one portion of a tyre in closed safety enclosure conditions. Indicated with 6 is an auxiliary pneumatic supply arranged in connection with the pneumatic actuators 4 and suitable for executing an adjustment operation of the devices of the apparatus in open safety enclosure conditions. The auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 is arranged in connection with system air at an inlet 7.

Indicated with 8 is a main pneumatic selector adjustable for activating/deactivating the auxiliary pneumatic supply. In particular, the main pneumatic selector is a three-way, two-position mechanical valve. Preferably the main pneumatic selector is a valve with manual actuation .

Indicated with 9 is an operative pneumatic selector provided for each pneumatic actuator 4 or group of pneumatic actuators.

The operative pneumatic selector 9 is adjustable for selecting a corresponding connection between the pneumatic actuator and the auxiliary pneumatic supply. In particular the operative selector 9 is obtained by means of a five-way, three-position selector for reversing inlet/outlet of the pneumatic actuators and also providing a neutral discharge position. Preferably the operative pneumatic selector 9 is a valve with manual actuation valve. In the illustrated embodiment, three operative pneumatic selectors 9 are provided.

Indicated with 10 is a secondary pneumatic selector provided for each inlet and/or outlet of the pneumatic actuator or group of pneumatic actuators. The secondary pneumatic selector is configured in a manner so as to alternately select between the primary pneumatic supply 5 and the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 in the inlet and/or outlet of the pneumatic actuator. In the illustrated embodiment, six secondary pneumatic selectors 10 are provided.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figure, each secondary pneumatic selector 10 is operatively connected to the main pneumatic selector 8. In particular, each secondary pneumatic selector 10 is controlled by a valve 11 as a function of the position assumed by the main pneumatic selector.

As illustrated in the enclosed figure, each secondary pneumatic selector 10 is arranged downstream of the respective operative pneumatic selector 9, considering a direction of access of the air from the inlet 7 to the pneumatic actuator 4.

Indicated with 12 is a piping of the auxiliary pneumatic supply arranged between the operative pneumatic selector 9 and the secondary pneumatic selector 10. Preferably the piping 12 comprises delivery piping and outlet piping which are functionally interchangeable. The piping 12 has a diameter smaller than piping 13 provided in the primary pneumatic supply 5.

Preferably the piping 12 has a diameter comprised between about 4 mm and about 6 mm.

Preferably the piping 13 has a diameter comprised between about 6 mm and about 12 mm.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 comprises a flow adjuster 14 adapted for decreasing the pressure in the auxiliary pneumatic supply with respect to the pressure in the primary pneumatic supply and in the system. Preferably, the pressure in the auxiliary pneumatic supply has a value comprised between about 3 bar and about 7 bar.

Preferably the pressure in the primary pneumatic supply has a value comprised between about 7 bar and about 8 bar .

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 comprises a manostat 15 for detecting the pressure within the auxiliary pneumatic supply.

A command box (not illustrated) contains the main pneumatic selector 8 and the operative pneumatic selectors 9. The command box is arranged within the safety enclosure, preferably arranged at a safety distance from the range of action of the devices of the apparatus .

During use, provision is made for closing the safety enclosure 2 in a manner so as to enable the activation at least of the primary pneumatic supply 5. Preferably the closure of the safety enclosure 2 also enables the activation of the electrical power supply. In other words, the closure of the safety enclosure is the condition required for being able to activate the primary pneumatic supply and preferably also the electrical power supply.

The primary pneumatic supply 5 of the pneumatic actuators is activated, preferably along with the electrical power supply.

At least one tyre building operation is executed in closed safety enclosure conditions by driving at least one of the pneumatic actuators by means of selection of a corresponding connection with the primary pneumatic supply 5, for example by selecting the position of primary operative pneumatic selectors 17.

If the apparatus 1 is an apparatus for vulcanising green tyres comprising a vulcanisation mould, the building operation comprises vulcanising a green tyre.

In order to execute, in open safety enclosure conditions, at least one adjustment operation on a device associated with a pneumatic actuator, the safety enclosure 2 is opened. The opening automatically deactivates the primary pneumatic supply 5 and preferably also the electrical power supply. Indeed the opening of the safety enclosure 2 corresponds with an automatic command for the deactivation of the primary pneumatic supply and preferably of the electrical power supply .

Then there is the activation of the auxiliary pneumatic supply, for example by modifying the position of the main pneumatic selector 8. The activation of the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 is preferably manual.

Preferably the opening of the safety enclosure is the condition for activating the auxiliary pneumatic supply. In particular, activating the auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises by-passing the primary pneumatic supply with the auxiliary pneumatic supply in the inlet and/or in the outlet of each pneumatic actuator 4 (or group of pneumatic actuators) . Such by-pass is achieved downstream of a selection of the corresponding connection of the pneumatic actuator with the auxiliary pneumatic supply which will be described hereinbelow.

Preferably, in order to perform such by-pass, the position of the secondary pneumatic selectors 10 is modified in order to select between the primary pneumatic supply and the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 in the inlet and/or outlet of each pneumatic actuator 4. In particular, the position of the secondary pneumatic selectors is modified as a function of the position of the main pneumatic selector 8, for example by means of actuation of the valve 11 that commands the secondary pneumatic selectors 10 following the modification of the position of the main selector 8.

Finally, there is the driving of the pneumatic actuator to be adjusted by selecting the corresponding connection with the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6, for example by modifying the position of a corresponding operative pneumatic selector 9. The selection of the connection with the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 at the pneumatic actuator to be adjusted is preferably manual.

The pneumatic actuator to be adjusted is then supplied only by the auxiliary pneumatic supply and can be moved in a safe and reliable manner, without being affected by inertia and without requiring successive approximation attempts .

Preferably the activation of the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 comprises the activation of an automatic command that prevents the execution of building operations in case of closure of the safety enclosure. In the case of the apparatus illustrated in the figure, proceed with detecting, e.g. by means of the manostat 15, the pressure inside the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 in order to generate the automatic command that prevents the execution of building operations in closed safety enclosure conditions upon attaining a specific upper threshold value, indicative of the fact that an adjustment operation is underway.

Preferably provision is made for reducing the pressure of the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6, for example to about 3 bar, with respect to the primary pneumatic supply. With reference to the apparatus 1 illustrated in the enclosed figure, such decrease is obtained for example by means of the flow adjuster 14.

Preferably provision is made for reducing the flow rate of the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 with respect to the primary pneumatic supply. With reference to the apparatus 1 illustrated in the enclosed figure, such decrease is obtained for example by the piping 12 of the auxiliary pneumatic supply, having diameter smaller than the piping 13 provided in the primary pneumatic supply 5.

At the end of the adjustment operation, it is possible to adjust other pneumatic actuators or groups of pneumatic actuators. In particular, if the apparatus comprises at least two groups of pneumatic actuators, each comprising at least one pneumatic actuator, proceed with selectively driving a group of pneumatic actuators by selecting a corresponding connection with the auxiliary pneumatic supply, for example by modifying the position del corresponding operative pneumatic selector 9. Preferably such selection is executed manually.

At the end of the adjustment operation for all the pneumatic actuators that required it, proceed with deactivating the auxiliary pneumatic supply, for example by modifying the position of the main pneumatic selector 8, in order to restore the building conditions of the tyre .

In particular, deactivating the auxiliary pneumatic supply comprises by-passing the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 with the primary pneumatic supply in the inlet and/or in the outlet of each pneumatic actuator (or group of pneumatic actuators) . Such by-pass is achieved downstream of the selection of the corresponding connection of the pneumatic actuator with the primary pneumatic supply achieved by means of the primary operative pneumatic selectors 17.

Preferably, in order to perform such by-pass, proceed with modifying the position of the secondary pneumatic selectors 10 in order to select between the primary pneumatic supply and the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 in the inlet and/or outlet of each pneumatic actuator 4. In particular, the position of the secondary pneumatic selectors is modified as a function of the position of the main pneumatic selector 8.

Preferably, deactivating the auxiliary pneumatic supply 6 comprises the activation of an automatic command which enables the execution of building operations in closed safety enclosure conditions. In the case of the illustrated apparatus, proceed with detecting the pressure inside the auxiliary pneumatic supply in order to generate the automatic command which enables the execution of building operations in closed safety enclosure conditions upon attaining a specific lower threshold value, indicative of the fact that the adjustment operations have terminated.

The adjustment operation can comprise an operation for verifying or centring at least one device of the apparatus 1 driven by a pneumatic actuator.

In addition, the adjustment operation can be executed as a function of a defect of the tyre, detected and indicated in the course of a quality control.

If the apparatus 1 is an apparatus for vulcanising green tyres comprising a vulcanisation mould, the adjustment operation comprises one or more from among the following :

an operation of centring and/or concentricity of a loader device of a vulcanisation mould with respect to the vulcanisation mould;

an operation of centring and/or concentricity of an unloader device of a vulcanisation mould with respect to the vulcanisation mould;

an operation for verifying the pressure exerted by grip members of a loader device and/or of an unloader device of a vulcanisation mould.