Fixing device and image forming apparatus

A fixing device comprising:

• a heated rotating body;
• a pressure rotating body that is pressed against the heated rotating body to form a fixing nip portion;
• a heating unit configured to heat the heated rotating body;
• a separation claw disposed on a downstream side of the fixing nip portion with respect to an insertion direction of the recording medium and in proximity to at least one of the heated rotating body and the pressure rotating body, the separation claw separating the recording medium from the heated rotating body or the pressure rotating body;
• and
• a gap rolling member rotatably supported by the separation claw and configured to contact an outer peripheral surface of the heated rotating body or the pressure rotating body to define a gap between the heated rotating body or the pressure rotating body and a distal end portion of the separation claw,
• wherein the fixing device melts and fixes an unfixed toner image on the recording medium by heating and pressurizing the recording medium passing through the fixing nip portion,
• the separation claw has a conveyance surface facing the recording medium passing through the fixing nip portion, and
• a part of an outer peripheral surface of the gap rolling member protrudes from the conveyance surface.