A fixing device and an image forming apparatus using this, in which even
if permanent warping is produced on a roller member that forms a fixing
nip portion, no collision sound is produced due to the collision of
gears, the fixing device including: two roller members that form a nip
portion in which a recording medium is pressed by pressure means and
transported; and a drive gear that engages with a shaft portion of one of
the two roller members and transmits driving force to that roller member.
A key is formed in the drive gear and a key groove having a gap opened
therein is formed in the shaft portion, and when a rotation velocity of
the roller member increases, transmission of driving force from the drive
gear to the shaft portion is suspended and the drive gear slides on the
shaft portion.