Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same

A fixing device comprising:

• a fixing rotator;
• a pressure rotator configured to press an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator;
• a belt holder configured to hold the fixing rotator;
• a pressure gear disposed proximate to a longitudinal end of the pressure rotator to rotate the pressure rotator;
• a thermal equalizer disposed facing an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator along a longitudinal direction of the pressure rotator;
• a nip formation pad configured to press the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator via the thermal equalizer to form a fixing nip between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator;
• and
• a support configured to support the thermal equalizer and the nip formation pad,
• the thermal equalizer including:
• a first face facing the fixing nip;
• a second face bending and extending from an upstream end of the first face in a direction of rotation of the fixing rotator;
• and
• a third face bending and extending from a downstream end of the first face in the direction of rotation of the fixing rotator,
• each of an upstream boundary portion as a boundary between the first face and the second face and a downstream boundary portion as a boundary between the first face and the third face including, at least in a longitudinal end portion of the thermal equalizer proximate to the pressure gear, an inclined portion inclined to narrow the first face toward a longitudinal end of the thermal equalizer and having an angle of inclination not greater than 3°.