A fixing device for fixing an unfixed toner image by heating and
pressurizing a recording material by which the unfixed toner image is
carried includes a heating member having a heat source, a pressurizing
member that faces the heating member and that forms a fixing nip region
between the heating member and the pressuring member, a belt member that
circulates while being tensioned around the heating member and is able to
transport the recording material while in contact with a surface of the
unfixed toner image of the recording material, and a belt driving device
that temporarily stops or decelerates the belt member after a rear edge
of the recording material passes through the fixing nip region, and that
restores the belt member before a leading edge of a subsequent recording
material reaches the fixing nip region.