Fixing device and image forming apparatus

A fixing device comprising:

• a fixing rotary body rotatable in a given direction of rotation;
• a heater disposed opposite the fixing rotary body to heat the fixing rotary body;
• a pressing rotary body contacting the fixing rotary body to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium is conveyed;
• and
• a separator disposed downstream from the fixing nip in a recording medium conveyance direction to separate the recording medium from one of the fixing rotary body and the pressing rotary body,
• the separator including:
• a separation plate including:
• an upstream portion disposed opposite the fixing nip and having a volume not greater than about 1.8 mm3 per unit length of 1 mm of the upstream portion in an axial direction of the one of the fixing rotary body and the pressing rotary body;
• and
• at least one slot disposed downstream from the upstream portion in the recording medium conveyance direction.