Patent ID: 8385801

Claim:
An image heating apparatus comprising: a magnetic flux generating unit configured to generate magnetic flux; a rotatable endless belt member including an electroconductive layer which generates heat by the magnetic flux generated by said magnetic flux generating unit and having flexibility, wherein said magnetic flux generating unit is provided outside said belt member; a back-up member disposed inside said belt member; a rotatable contacting member configured to contact said belt member to form a nip with said back-up member between said belt member and said contacting member, in which a recording material is nip-conveyed, between said contacting member and said belt member, wherein when said nip is formed, at least a part of said belt member has an elliptical shape; a regulating member configured to regulate movement of the belt member from an inside of said belt member, wherein said regulating member regulates movement of said belt member in a shape such that said regulating member follows the elliptical shape of said belt member; and flanges, disposed at both end portions of said belt member, configured to support said belt member, wherein each of said flanges is provided with said regulating member.