Fixing device and image forming apparatus

A fixing device comprising:

• a flexible endless belt rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation;
• a heat conductor disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt to heat the endless belt;
• a heater disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the heat conductor to heat the heat conductor;
• a pressing rotary body disposed opposite the endless belt;
• a nip formation pad disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the endless belt and pressing the endless belt against the pressing rotary body to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the pressing rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed, the nip formation pad including an abutment face;
• a support disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the heat conductor and contacting the abutment face of the nip formation pad to support the nip formation pad against pressure from the pressing rotary body;
• and
• a heat insulator interposed between the heater and the nip formation pad and the support to shield the nip formation pad and the support from the heater.