Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same

A fixing device comprising:

• an endless fixing rotator, formed into a loop and rotatable in a direction of rotation;
• an opposed rotator disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator;
• a pressure pad disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to press against the opposed rotator via the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip between the fixing rotator and the opposed rotator,
• a lateral end heater disposed on the pressure pad to heat a lateral end of the fixing rotator in the axial direction of the fixing rotator;
• and
• a thermal conduction aid interposed between the pressure pad and the fixing rotator to decrease a temperature gradient of the fixing rotator in an axial direction of the fixing rotator,
• the pressure pad including a nip-side face disposed opposite the thermal conduction aid,
• the lateral end heater including a nip-side face being disposed opposite the thermal conduction aid and projecting beyond the nip-side face of the pressure pad.