Fixing device and image forming apparatus configured to change the pressing force between two nip members

A fixing device including

• a first nip member and a second nip member pressed against the first nip member,
• the fixing device being configured to pass a recording medium carrying a toner image thereon through a nip portion formed by the first nip member and the second nip member and to fix the toner image on the recording medium, wherein
• the fixing device further includes:
• a first elastic member and a second elastic member to press the second nip member against the first nip member;
• and
• an operation lever to change a pressing state of the second nip member against the first nip member by the first elastic member and the second elastic member,
• the operation lever is configured to be switchable in positions of:
• a first position in which the first elastic member is made operative to press the second nip member and the second elastic member is made non-operative,
• a second position in which the second elastic member is made operative to press the second nip member and the first elastic member is made non-operative, and
• a neutral position in which both the first elastic member and the second elastic member are made non-operative to press the second nip member, and wherein
• a pressing force of the second nip member against the first nip member in the first position is different from a pressing force of the second nip member against the first nip member in the second position.