Patent ID: 7277655

Claim:
An optical writing unit for use in an image forming apparatus, the optical writing unit comprising: an optical system configured to generate a light beam to write an electrostatic latent image on an image carrying member of the image forming apparatus; a casing configured to encase the optical system, comprising, an opening portion, and a transparent member configured to externally seal the opening portion, and including a top surface higher than a surface of the casing with a predetermined height and an optical writing area through which the light beam emits; and a cleaning tool including a cleaning member, a support member, and a handling part; wherein the casing further includes a plurality of guide members configured to guide the cleaning tool during a cleaning operation, and the support member includes a portion which contacts at least one of the plurality of guide members while a first end portion of the support member is contact free with respect to the plurality of guide members when the cleaning tool conducts the cleaning operation.