Modular Printhead Incorporating Alignment Mechanism For Printhead Module

Abstract

A modular printhead includes 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 being interposed between the chassis and a respective printhead module, each alignment mechanism including a lever provided on a first side of a fulcrum point of the lever 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. The lever and the printhead module engagement plate are formed as a unitary piece. 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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.