Abstract: To realize a high-quality and high-speed printing which can sufficiently comply with high definition, a thermal head having a high heat resistance and excellent thermal responsivity comprises a high thermal conductivity substrate, a heat accumulating layer formed on the surface of the substrate, a plurality of heater elements formed on the surface of the heat accumulating layer in line, a common electrode and an individual electrode energizing each of the heater elements, and a protective layer formed so as to cover the heat accumulating layer, the heater elements and the electrodes, wherein a stress-resistant layer composed of an insulating high-modulus ceramic is provided on the surface of the heat accumulating layer.

Abstract: A thermal head including a temperature keeping layer disposed on a substrate, a plurality of heat generating elements formed on the temperature keeping layer, a plurality of individual electrodes connected to the corresponding heat generating elements, a common electrode connected to the heat generating elements, respectively. Each heat generating element includes a heat generating portion formed between one of the individual electrodes and the common electrode. Each of the individual electrodes and the common electrode have a dual layered structure including a lower electrode and an upper electrode, the lower electrode being formed between the temperature keeping layer and one of the heat generating elements, and the upper electrode being formed above the heat generating element.