Device for holding the top sheet of a stack of sheets

Abstract

An arrangement to hold a top sheet of a stack of sheets that are ejected by an office machine and deposited on the stack is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a holding element and a lifting device adapted to vertically move the holding element. A tension spring is adapted to be tensioned when the holding element is placed on the stack, thereby generating a placement force. The lifting device may comprise an upper part where the holding element is arranged and a lower part. The lower part is vertically driven, and the upper part and the lower part being connected by the tension spring. The holding element may be a holding flap that is pivotally positioned at the lifting device and is adapted to pivot between a swung out position that projects over a stack of sheets and a swung in position into the lifting device. A joint drive may effect the lifting movement of the lifting device and the swinging movement of the holding flap, the holding flap being driven by a sliding clutch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.