EP4521913A1

EP4521913A1 - Binding apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: EP4521913A1
Application number: EP23729527.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea CRUZZOLIN
Original assignee: Lacruz Srl
Current assignee: Lacruz Srl
Priority date: 2022-05-13
Filing date: 2023-05-12
Publication date: 2025-03-19
Also published as: WO2023218495A1; IT202200009995A1

Abstract

Apparatus (10), for automatically binding together at least two elements (11, 12) by means of a binding element (25) which comprises an operating head (16) in which there are mounted both a first motor member (Ml) for moving the binding element (25), and a second motor member (M2) for commanding a clamping member (33) suitable for temporarily clamping a free end (25a) of the binding element (25) after with the latter a loop has been formed around the two elements (11, 12) to be bound together.

Description

"BINDING APPARATUS AND METHOD"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns both a binding apparatus for binding two elements together, and having sizes and weight such as to make it portable, and to the relative operating method.

The binding apparatus according to the present invention can be used both in agriculture for binding together, for example, vine branches and/or branches, or even for binding one of them to a support structure, and in the field of cable harnesses, such as for example electrical ones, and in that of packaging, and in all those sectors in which it is necessary to bind at least two elements together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Binding apparatuses commonly used in agriculture for binding two or more vine branches together, or for binding vine branches to a support structure are known.

Among the known apparatuses there is the one described in European patent EP 3133913 granted to the Applicant, which comprises a fixed arm and a mobile, motorized arm, in which a binding element is disposed. The binder also comprises a command lever that is mobile with respect to the fixed arm between an idle position, in which the two ends of the two arms are distant from each other, and an operating position in which the mobile arm is moved towards the fixed arm until their two ends are in contact with, or close to, each other.

On the mobile arm there is a motorized advancement device in order to selectively make the binding element advance up to the outside of the end of the first arm.

Furthermore, on the lever there is a clamping device configured to temporarily and selectively clamp the binding element between the two arms when they are in the operating position.

Said binder also comprises a motorized stapling device for affixing a closing staple around the binding element after a loop has been formed with the latter around the two elements to be bound together.

Said known binder, despite being very effective and automated, is however quite complex, heavy and expensive and allows to bind together two elements of relatively small thicknesses, of the order of a few centimetres, because both must be enclosed between the two aforementioned arms when they are in the operating position.

There is therefore the need to perfect a binding apparatus and method that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art. To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of keeping the apparatus functional, reliable and inexpensive.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to make a binding apparatus that is light, portable and easy to use, and that can be manoeuvred by an operator predominantly with one hand. Another purpose of the present invention is to make an apparatus and to develop a binding method that can allow two or more elements to be bound together without substantial limitations related to the transverse sizes, or thicknesses, of the same elements to be bound.

A further purpose of the present invention is to make a binding apparatus that can use binding elements, also made with elastic materials and of different diameters.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, and to resolve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art a binding apparatus according to the present invention, for binding at least two elements together by means of a binding element having a free end comprises: an operating head having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture; first motor means configured to cooperate with said binding element in order to move it selectively in a bidirectional way between said inlet aperture and said outlet aperture; a clamping member mounted on said operating head and selectively mobile by means of second motor means between an open position, in which it is suitable to receive said free end, and a closed position, in which it temporarily takes said free end in correspondence with said outlet aperture.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, said apparatus comprises: - first command means configured to be driven manually and command said first motor means in order to make said binding element advance and make it exit from said outlet aperture, and

- second command means configured to be driven manually and to command both said second motor means in order to take said clamping member into said closed position, and also said first motor means to make said binding element retract in order to make it re-enter in the outlet aperture.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus also comprises computerized control means configured to command said first motor means on the basis of pulses generated by said command means, wherein in response to a short command to the first command means, said computerized control means are configured to command said first motor means in order to make said binding element advance by a predetermined length, and in response to an extended command to said first command means, said computerized control means are configured to keep said first motor means active, making said binding element advance until said command is interrupted.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a stapling device disposed in proximity to said outlet aperture and configured to affix a closing staple on said free end and on a part of said binding element in order to join them together. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention found said stapling device can be driven manually.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the apparatus also comprises an arm integral with said operating head and a lever pivoted on said operating head and mobile between an idle position, in which it is divaricated with respect to said arm, and an operating position, in which it is substantially parallel to said arm and configured to command the actuation of said stapling device in order to affix a closing staple.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the sizes of said arm and said lever are such that they can even be gripped with the same hand.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the apparatus also comprises cutting means disposed in proximity to said outlet aperture and configured to cut said part of said binding element after said closing staple has been affixed.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention said cutting means are configured to be driven by said lever.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention said clamping member comprises a plate pivoted on said operating head and configured to rotate between said open position and said closed position, and is provided with an attachment zone configured to temporarily and selectively hold said free end of said binding element.

The present invention also relates to a method for automatically binding at least two elements together by means of a binding element having a free end by means of a binding apparatus as described herein. Said method provides to:

- drive first command means both to make said binding element advance in order to make it exit from said outlet aperture and also to take said clamping member into said open position;

- manually associate said free end of said binding element with said clamping member;

- drive second command means to take said free end close to a part of said binding element which is located in proximity to said outlet aperture and outside it;

- make said binding element retract in order to make it re-enter in said outlet aperture, while at the same time said operating head is taken toward said two elements to be bound until it rests against them.

In doing so, at least the advantage of being able to bind at least two elements without particular minimum or maximum limitations of their diameters, for example from a few centimetres to more than 30 cm is obtained. Moreover, with the aforementioned apparatus it is possible to bind the aforementioned two elements together by manoeuvring the apparatus mainly with one hand.

The aforementioned apparatus can be used in all areas where it is necessary to bind two or more elements together.

The electrical power supply of the aforementioned apparatus can take place with one or more batteries that can be installed both on board the apparatus, and disposed externally and connected to the latter by means of a power cable.

In addition, the aforementioned binding element can be wound in a reel that can be installed on board the apparatus, or housed separately from the latter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non- restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a perspective and schematic view of a binding apparatus according to the present invention in a first operating condition;

- fig. 2 is a perspective and schematic view of the binding apparatus of fig. 1 in a second operating condition;

- fig. 3 is a schematic front view of the binding apparatus of fig. 1, in the first operating condition;

- fig. 4 is a schematic front view of the binding apparatus of fig. 1 , in the second operating condition;

- fig. 5 is a detail of the binding apparatus of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 6 is a side, schematic and partially sectioned view of the binding apparatus of fig. 1;

- fig. 7 is a schematic view of a control circuit of the binding apparatus of fig. 1 ;

- figures 8 to 12 are schematic views from above relative to operating steps of the binding apparatus of fig. 1 ;

We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

With reference to fig. 1 a binding apparatus 10 according to the present invention is configured to bind at least two elements together, respectively 11 and 12 (figures 8 to 12), for example, but not only, a vine branch, and/or a branch, to a support pole of the latter, or electrical cables, or packaging elements.

The apparatus 10 is of the portable type and has sizes and weight such that it can be held predominantly with one hand. For example, its total footprint is about 300 mm x 120 mm x 110 mm, and its weight is about 700 grams.

The apparatus 10 (Figures 1 and 2) has a substantially oblong shape and comprises an operating head 16 to which an arm 13 is fixed and a lever 19 is pivoted by means of a pin 18.

The arm 13 and the lever 19 form the handle 22 of the apparatus 10 of the present invention.

The lever 19 is mobile between an idle position, represented in fig. 1, in which it is divaricated from the arm 13, and an operating position, represented in fig. 2, in which it is close and substantially parallel to the latter.

In the embodiment illustrated herein it is provided that the movement of the lever 19 with respect to the arm 13 takes place manually. However, in other embodiments such movement may be automated. The operating head 16 comprises first motor means 24 (fig. 6) configured to move by making a binding element 25 selectively advance, or retract, for example of the thread-like type, in order to bind the two elements 11 and 12 (figures 8 to 12) together, as will be described in detail below.

In the example provided herein, the first motor means 24 (fig. 6) are installed in the lower part 26 (figures 2 and 3) of the operating head 16 and comprise a first motor Ml, of electric type, connected to a roller of a pair of rollers 27 (fig. 6).

In particular, the pair of rollers 27 comprises a first roller 27a and a second roller 27b, one is a command roller and the other one is driven, disposed one above the other, at an adjustable distance. In use, between said rollers 27a, 27b there is interposed the binding element 25, with slight interference, to be dragged by them in one direction and in the other.

In fact, the first motor means 24 are configured to rotate one of said rollers 27a, 27b, in a first direction of rotation, so that the binding element 25 interposed therebetween can be dragged into an inlet aperture 29, made in correspondence with the lower part 26 of the operating head 16 to an outlet aperture 30 facing outwards of the operating head 16. In addition, the first motor means 24 are configured to rotate one of said rollers 27a, 27b, in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first, so that the binding element 25 interposed between them can be returned to the entry by the outlet aperture 30, towards the inlet aperture 29.

Between the inlet aperture 29 and the outlet aperture 30 a conduit 31 is made through which the binding element 25 passes in the movement between one aperture and the other.

The binding element 25 can be advantageously made of plastic material, it can be solid or empty, i.e. having a circular or loop section, and its external diameter can be comprised, for example, between 2 mm up to more than 6 mm.

The possibility of using binding elements 25 made of plastic material greatly reduces the costs related to possible spare parts and maintenances, moreover it allows binding two or more elements 11 and 12 together without risking ruining them, as could happen using a binding element 25 made of rigid material, for example metal.

The apparatus 10 also allows the use of a binding element 25 made of biodegradable and/or non-plastic-containing materials.

The binding element 25, which can be long at will, even many metres, and can come from a tank, not represented in the drawings, which can be supported by the user of the apparatus 10.

The apparatus 10 further comprises a clamping member 33, on the operating head 16, configured to selectively clamp the binding element 25 after a loop has been formed therewith around said two elements 11, 12 (figures 8 to 12) to be bound therebetween.

The clamping member 33 is connected to a second motor M2, for example of electric stepper type, configured to selectively take the same clamping member 33 from an open position (fig. 3) to a closed position (fig. 4) and vice versa.

The clamping member 33 comprises a plate 35 pivoted on the front surface 36 of the operating head 16 to rotate between the open position (fig. 3) and the closed position (fig. 4).

The plate 35 is connected to the second motor M2 by means of a shaft 38, associated with a joint 39 (fig. 5) made in correspondence with the inner surface 40 of the same plate 35.

In addition, the plate 35 comprises, in correspondence with the inner surface 40, an attachment zone 42 configured to selectively clamp at least a portion, or free end 25 a, of the binding element 25.

The attachment zone 42 comprises a jaw 43 (fig. 5) pivoted to the plate 35 and associated with a spring 44 configured to keep the jaw 43 pressed against a fixed element 45.

This allows the binding element 25 to be held firmly clamped when it is inserted between the jaw 43 and the fixed member 45.

The apparatus 10 further comprises stapling means 46 (Figures 3 and 4) installed substantially in correspondence with the outlet aperture 30 of the operating head 16.

The stapling means 46 comprise a stapling device 47, of known type, configured to affix a staple 48 around the free end 25a and a portion 25b of the binding element 25, at the exit from the outlet aperture 30, after a loop has been formed therewith around the two elements 11 and 12.

In the example provided herein, the stapling means 46, and thus the activation of the stapling device 47 are selectively activated by taking the lever 19 into the operating position, i.e. by taking the lever 19 closer to the arm 13 (fig. 2).

The stapling means 46 also comprise a rechargeable magazine 49 (fig. 6) of known type, configured to hold a plurality of staples 48 and push them in correspondence with the stapling device 47.

The stapling means 46 are also associated with cutting means 50, configured to cut the part 25b of the binding element 25.

Preferably the cutting means 50 are disposed upstream of the stapling device 47 with respect to the direction of exit of the binding element 25 from the outlet aperture 30.

In addition, the cutting means are configured to cut the part 25b of the binding element 25 after the closing staple 48 has been affixed by means of the stapling device 47.

The cutting means 50 may comprise, for example, a blade (not represented in the drawings) placed in proximity to the stapling device 47. In the example provided herein, the selective activation of the cutting means 50, takes place by taking the lever 19 into the operating position, i.e. by taking the lever 19 closer to the arm 13 (fig. 2).

However, activation of the stapling device 47 occurs slightly prior to activation of the cutting means 50, for example a few tenths, or hundredth, of a second in advance.

The apparatus 10 comprises first command means 54, configured to simultaneously command both the first motor means 24 to make the binding element 25 exit from the outlet aperture 30 and make it advance it by a predetermined length, and the second motor means M2 to take the clamping member 33 into the open position if it is in the closed position.

Furthermore, the apparatus 10 comprises second command means 55 configured to drive the second motor means M2 to take the clamping member 33 from the open position into the closed position. In this way the free end 25a is brought close to the part 25b of the binding element 25 which is located in proximity to the outlet aperture 30 and outside it.

Furthermore, the second command means 55 are configured to also drive the first motor means Ml to move the binding element 25 backwards, i.e. to return the latter towards the outlet aperture 30. According to possible embodiments, the first command means 54 may comprise a first button 56a, and the second command means 55 comprise a second button 56b.

Said buttons 56a, 56b can be installed in any part of the apparatus 10 without particular limits.

However, in the example provided herein, the buttons 56a, 56b are installed in correspondence with the lever 19. In other embodiments the buttons 56a, 56b are positioned on the operating head 16, for example above it, or on one side thereof or even below it.

In accordance with further embodiments not represented in the drawings, the first and second command means 54, 55 may comprise both a single actuating member 65 having at least two distinct operating positions.

Optionally, the apparatus 10 comprises a third button 57 configured to activate the selective operation of the second motor M2 in case of need. This allows to have a command to drive only the second motor M2 in case of need. For example, the third button 57 can be driven to mechanically unclamp the selective rotation of the plate 35 in the event of accidental jamming or blocks thereof.

The third button 57 may be installed at any position on the apparatus 10, for example in correspondence with the upper part 34 of the operating head 16.

The apparatus 10 comprises energy storage means 58 (fig. 7), for example comprising a rechargeable type battery.

The energy storage means 58 may be connected to a power connector 59 installed in correspondence with the free end 17 of the first arm 13. The energy storage means 58 can be fixed to the arm 13 or to the lever 19, or again to the operating head 16.

In other embodiments, the energy storage means 58 may be independent of the arm 13, the lever 19, and the operating head 16 and transportable by the user. In this case the energy storage means 58 may be connected to the power connector 59 via a cable.

The energy storage means 58 are comprised in a control circuit which further comprises computerized control means 61 and a communication module 62.

The computerized control means 61 are configured to command the first and second motor means Ml , M2 on the basis of electrical pulses generated by the first and second command means 54, 55 and may for example comprise a programmable type control unit 60.

By way of example only, in response to a short command to the first command means 54, the computerized control means 61 are configured to command the first motor means Ml to advance by a predetermined length of the binding element 25, outside the outlet aperture 30. Or, in response to two short commands in succession to the first command means 54, the computerized control means 61 are configured to command the first motor means Ml to advance the binding element 25, outside the outlet aperture 30, by a length equal to twice said predetermined length, and so on. By short command is meant, for example, an impulse and instantaneous pressing of the button 56a of said first command means 54.

Alternatively, in response to an extended command to the first command means 54, the computerized control means 61 are configured to keep the first motor means Ml active by continuously advancing the binding element 25, outside the outlet aperture 30, until the command to the first command means 54 is interrupted.

Extended command means, for example, extended pressing of the button 56a of said first command means 54. The communication module 62 may comprise a radio communication module and/or a Bluetooth module and/or a Wi-Fi module configured to selectively communicate with remote control means 63. Also, the remote control means 63 may comprise a radio communication module and/or a Bluetooth module and/or a Wi-Fi module, and could be comprised, for example, on any known type of control apparatus.

For example, the remote control means 63 may be comprised in a personal computer or a smartphone, and could be configured to selectively control and modify as needed the operating parameters of the remote control unit 61 via selective communication with the communication module 62. For example, the remote control means 63 could be associated with an application that allows to verify and modify the operating parameters of the apparatus 10 and its components.

For example, by means of the remote control means 63 a user can set the measure of the aforesaid determined length of the binding element 25 which is made to advance following a short command of the first command means 54.

Or, the parameters that can be verified by means of said remote control means 63 are the energy charge present in the energy storage means 58, or the number of staples 48 in the magazine 49, and others.

Furthermore, the apparatus 10 may comprise a user interaction unit (not depicted) and which may comprise an LCD screen, a series of LEDs, an acoustic device or other and which is configured to communicate to the user the state of use of the apparatus 10, such as "off', "on", "in operation", "error" etc.

According to possible embodiments, the communication module 62 could be integrated into the computerized control means 61. The operation of the apparatus 10 described so far, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

Initially, the front surface 36 of the apparatus 10, which is in the idle position with the arm 13 distant from the lever 19, is approached, for example manually, towards the two elements to be bound together 11 and 12.

Subsequently, in a second operating step (fig. 8), the user operates the first command means 54.

The first command means 54 simultaneously commands both the first motor means Ml for advancing the binding element 25 out of the outlet aperture 30, and second motor means M2 for taking the clamping member 33 into the open position.

Depending on the type of command that the operator gives to the first command means 54, the advancement of the binding element 25 out of the outlet aperture 30 is controlled. For example, if the operator performs a short command on the first command means, the binding element 25 is advanced out of the outlet aperture 30 by the predetermined length.

Instead, if the operator performs an extended command on the first command means, the binding element 25 is advanced out of the outlet aperture 30 uninterruptedly until termination of said extended command.

Subsequently, (fig. 9), the operator takes, for example manually, the free end 25a of the binding element 25 and surrounds the two elements 11, 12 to be bound in order to define, with the binding element 25, a loop around them. Furthermore, when the loop is defined around the two binding elements 11 and 12, the operator clamps the free end 25 in the attachment zone 42 of the plate 35.

Then, the operator performs a command on the second command means 55, for example by pressing the button 56b, to operate the second motor means M2 and take the clamping member 33 into the closed position so that the free end 25a is brought close to the part 25b of the binding element 25 which is located in proximity to the outlet aperture 30 and outside it.

In addition, by means of the command means 55 the operator also operates the first motor means Ml to move the binding element 25 backwards, i.e. to return it towards the outlet aperture 30, so as to reduce the diameter of the loop and tighten the elements 11 and 12 therein. Simultaneously with that, the operating head 16 is brought towards the elements 11 and 12 to be bound until it rests against them.

In this way, the loop that the binding element 25 makes around the elements 11 and 12 to be bound together is narrowed, and the front surface 36 of the operating head 16 is brought into contact with, or in proximity to, the same elements 11 and 12 to be bound together.

Subsequently, (fig. 12), the operator approaches the lever 19 to the arm 13 (fig. 2), so that their two ends come into contact, or almost, with each other and the stapling device 47 and the cutting means 50 are thus driven. A staple 48 is then affixed to the two ends of the binding element 25 a and 25b close to the front surface 36 of the operating head 16.

Immediately after the application of the staple 48, by means of the cutting means 50 the binding element 25 is cut, in correspondence with the portion 25b in proximity to the outlet aperture 30. With a last operation, for example manual, the operator can move the apparatus 10 away from the two elements 11 and 12 that are already bound together with the binding element 25.

The binding of the two elements 11 and 12 has thus been completed using the apparatus 10 according to the present invention. It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the apparatus 10 and the relative method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve other equivalent forms of an apparatus 10, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Binding apparatus (10), for automatically binding at least two elements (11, 12) together by means of a binding element (25) having a free end (25a), wherein said apparatus (10) comprises: an operating head (16) having an inlet aperture (29) and an outlet aperture (30); first motor means (Ml) configured to cooperate with said binding element (25) in order to move it selectively in a bidirectional way between said inlet aperture (29) and said outlet aperture (30); a clamping member (33) mounted on said operating head (16) and selectively mobile by means of second motor means (M2) between an open position, in which it is suitable to receive said free end (25a), and a closed position, in which it temporarily takes said free end (25a) in correspondence with said outlet aperture (30), and vice versa, characterized in that it comprises:

- first command means (54) configured to be driven manually and command said first motor means (Ml) in order to make said binding element (25) advance and make it exit from said outlet aperture (30), and

- second command means (55) configured to be driven manually and to command both said second motor means (M2) in order to take said clamping member (33) into said closed position, and also said first motor means (Ml) to make said binding element (25) retract in order to make it re-enter in the outlet aperture (30). 2. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises computerized control means (61) configured to command said first motor means (Ml) on the basis of pulses generated by said command means (54, 55), wherein in response to a short command to the first command means (54) said computerized control means (61) are configured to command said first motor means (Ml) in order to make said binding element (25) advance by a predetermined length, and in response to an extended command to said first command means (54) the computerized control means (61) are configured to keep said first motor means (Ml) active, making said binding element (25) advance until this command is interrupted. 3. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it also comprises a stapling device (47) disposed in proximity to said outlet aperture (30) and configured to affix a closing staple (48) on said free end (25a) and on a part (25b) of said binding element (25) in order to join them together.

4. Apparatus (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said stapling device (47) can be driven manually.

5. Apparatus (10) as in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it also comprises an arm (13) integral with said operating head (16) and a lever (19) pivoted on said operating head (16) and mobile between an idle position, in which it is divaricated with respect to said arm (13), and an operating position, in which it is substantially parallel to said arm (13) and configured to command the actuation of said stapling device (47) in order to affix a closing staple (48).

6. Apparatus (10) as in claim 5, characterized in that the sizes of said arm (13) and said lever (19) are such that they can even be gripped with the same hand.

7. Apparatus (10) as in any claim from 3 to 5, characterized in that it also comprises cutting means (50) disposed in proximity to said outlet aperture (30) and configured to cut said part (25b) of said binding element (25) after said closing staple (48) has been affixed. 8. Apparatus (10) as in claim 4, or 5 and 6, characterized in that said cutting means (50) are configured to be driven by said lever (19).

9. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said clamping member (33) comprises a plate (35) pivoted on said operating head (16) and configured to rotate between said open position and said closed position, said plate (35) being provided with an attachment zone (42) configured to temporarily and selectively hold said free end (25a) of said binding element (25).

10. Method for automatically binding at least two elements (11, 12) together by means of a binding element (25) having a free end (25a), by means of an apparatus (10) having an operating head (16) comprising an inlet aperture (29) and an outlet aperture (30); first motor means (Ml) for selectively moving said binding element (25) in a bidirectional way between said inlet aperture (29) and said outlet aperture (30), or vice versa; a clamping member (33) mounted on said operating head (16) and selectively mobile by means of second motor means (M2) between an open position, in which it is suitable to receive said free end (25a), and a closed position, in which it temporarily takes the free end (25a) in correspondence with said outlet aperture (30), characterized in that it provides to:

- drive first command means (54) both to make said binding element (25) advance in order to make it exit from said outlet aperture (30) and make it advance, and also to take said clamping member (33) into said open position;

- manually associate said free end (25a) of said binding element (25) with said clamping member (33);

- drive second command means (55) to take said free end (25a) close to a part (25b) of said binding element (25) which is located in proximity to said outlet aperture

(30) and outside it;

- make said binding element (25) retract in order to make it re-enter in said outlet aperture (30), while at the same time said operating head (16) is taken toward said two elements (11, 12) to be bound until it rests against them.