Duplex printer with intermediate fluid distribution arrangement

1. A duplex printer comprising a pair of pagewidth printheads, each printhead comprising:

a casing assembly defining a channel;

at least one elongate support member received within the channel and defining longitudinally extending fluid passages, the support member further defining spaced apart groups of holes extending from the passages;

a fluid distribution arrangement mounted in fluid communication with the support member; and

a plurality of ink ejection integrated circuits (ICs) mounted to the fluid distribution arrangement for fluid communication with the fluid passages of the elongate support member; wherein,

each of the ICs is in fluid communication with the fluid passages via one of the groups of holes respectively and the fluid distribution arrangement.

2. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the holes in each group form a straight line.

3. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the casing assembly includes an elongate casing and a connector assembly located at one end of the casing, the connector assembly including:

first connector means for transmission of electrical power and print activating signals to the printhead; and

second connector means for supplying printing ink and air to the printhead.

4. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the casing contains electrical circuitry mounted on a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

5. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the straight lines are parallel to each other and extend obliquely with respect to the support member.

6. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 4 , wherein power and drive signals are supplied to the ICs from respective PCBs by way of flexible PCB connectors.

7. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the PCBs are carried by moldings which are located within the casing, the moldings carrying busbars for transmitting power to the ICs.