Patent ID: 7384034

Claim:
A sheet convey apparatus comprising: a main feed roller which rotates in a predetermined direction in contact with one surface of a paper sheet, to give to the sheet a force to convey the sheet in a sheet convey direction; a retard roller which is arranged to oppose said main feed roller and gives to the sheet with which said retard roller is in contact a force to convey the sheet in a direction opposite to the sheet convey direction; a torque limiter which limits a torque of said retard roller and rotates said retard roller in the sheet convey direction when the torque exceeds a predetermined limit; a guide member which includes at least a surface inclined with respect to a plane connecting central axes of said main feed roller and retard roller at an angle in a range of 0° (exclusive) to 90° (inclusive), the inclined surface being located in the vicinity of the central axis of said retard roller; a pair of bearings which rotatably support a rotating shaft of said retard roller; and press application means for urging a bearing of said retard roller against the inclined surface of said guide member to generate a force component toward said main feed roller which is perpendicular to a reaction force from the inclined surface.