Pressurization device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

A pressurization device that includes a pressurization member and a pressurization target member and switches between a pressurization state where the pressurization member pressurizes the pressurization target member and a pressure release state where the pressurization member does not pressurize the pressurization target member, the pressurization device comprising:

• a pressurization force generation member configured to generate a pressurization force;
• a cam that is rotatably supported;
• a first member configured to abut the cam and change in position by rotation of the cam, the first member being configured to abut the pressurization member, move the pressurization member in a direction toward the pressurization target member and in a direction away from the pressurization target member and apply the pressurization force generated by the pressurization force generation member to the pressurization member;
• and
• a second member configured to abut the cam and change in position by the rotation of the cam, the second member being configured to make the pressurization force generated by the pressurization force generation member variable,
• wherein the cam includes a plurality of circumferentially formed cam outer peripheral surfaces at different positions in a rotational axis direction of the cam,
• wherein the plurality of cam outer peripheral surfaces is configured to act on the second member regardless of a phase of the cam, and a first cam outer peripheral surface among the plurality of cam outer peripheral surfaces does not act on the first member in a positional relationship where at least a part of the first cam outer peripheral surface overlaps the first member, and
• wherein the first member is provided with an action-avoiding opening or recess such that at least a part of said first cam outer peripheral surface is permitted to enter into the opening or recess without contacting the first member, thereby preventing the first cam outer peripheral surface from acting on the first member throughout the rotation of the cam.