Modular printhead incorporating alignment mechanism for printhead module

1. A modular printhead comprising:

a chassis;

a plurality of printhead modules mounted in the chassis;

a plurality of alignment mechanisms each corresponding to a respective printhead modules, each alignment mechanism interposed between the chassis and a respective printhead module and including a lever provided on a first side of a fulcrum point and a printhead module engagement plate coupled to the lever at a second side of the fulcrum point;

a plurality of adjuster blocks corresponding to respective alignment mechanisms, each adjuster block engaged with respective levers via an aperture defined through each lever; and

a plurality of adjustment mechanisms corresponding to respective adjuster blocks, each adjustment mechanism coupled to the chassis at one end and to a respective adjuster block at another end, wherein

the lever and the printhead module engagement plate are formed as a unitary piece, and

each alignment mechanism further includes a number of hinged arms facilitating linear and parallel movement of the engagement plate in a direction towards and away from adjacent printhead modules in response to operation of the adjustment mechanism, and

the aperture is defined through the lever perpendicular to a major plane of the engagement plate.

2. A modular printhead according to claim 1 , wherein each adjuster block is engaged with respective levers perpendicularly to the major plane of the engagement plate.

3. A modular printhead according to claim 2 , wherein each adjustment mechanism extends parallel to a major plane of the engagement plate.

4. A modular printhead according to claim 3 , wherein each adjustment mechanism is adapted to move respective levers in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the chassis.