An image forming apparatus including an image forming mechanism forming a
toner image on a recording sheet and a fixing mechanism. The fixing
mechanism includes a pair of rotating members forming a nip portion and
fixing the toner image onto the recording sheet with the nip under
pressure and heat, and an ejection guide member swinging relative to the
fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism further includes a plurality of
separation pawl members turning about a rotating shaft, a bracket having
an elastic member, a pawl stopper, and a supporting shaft configured to
support the bracket. The stopper pawl further includes a pressing member
and a lever moving to allow the stopper to turn. The supporting shaft
further includes a center axis about which the bracket is freely
pivotable.