Heating device including thermal conductor having arm and projection, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A heating device includes a rotator, a heater, a holder, a temperature sensor, and a thermal conductor. The heater faces an inner face of the rotator, extends in a longitudinal direction, and includes a base and a heat generator having a main heat generation region. The temperature sensor inside the rotator faces one end of the main heat generation region and includes a terminal. The thermal conductor on the heater extends in the longitudinal direction, has a high thermal conductivity, and includes a main portion having a first cross-sectional area, an arm having a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area, and a projection. The arm extends from one end of the main portion closer to the temperature sensor than another end of the main portion. The projection projects from one end of the arm and is separated from the terminal by an insulation distance or more.