Pressure switching device, image forming apparatus, and pressure switching method

A pressure switching device for switching pressure applied between a first opposed member and a second opposed member, the pressure switching device comprising:

• a first fulcrum;
• a switch to pivot about the first fulcrum, the switch to switch between a pressing state in which the first opposed member presses against the second opposed member with predetermined pressure and a pressure decrease state in which the first opposed member is disposed opposite the second opposed member with one of no pressure and decreased pressure smaller than the predetermined pressure between the first opposed member and the second opposed member;
• a second fulcrum;
• an operation member to pivot about the second fulcrum, the operation member to pivot the switch about the first fulcrum;
• a slide aid to contact one of the switch and the operation member as the operation member moves toward the switch, the slide aid mounted on another one of the switch and the operation member;
• and
• a vibration isolating member interposed between the slide aid and said another one of the switch and the operation member,
• the slide aid having a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the vibration isolating member.