A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressure member pressed
against the fixing member, a separating member disposed at a specific
distance from the fixing member for separating a printing sheet therefrom
after the printing sheet has passed through a nip portion formed between
the fixing member and the pressure member, the separating member being
made movable in directions toward and away from the fixing member, and a
movement restricting member for limiting movement of the separating
member in the direction away from the fixing member.