Electromagnetic relay with high contact rating and improved insulation

In an electromagnetic relay having a coil with a plunger therein, said plunger movable in response to a signal operating said coil, a yoke-and-armature assembly engaging said plunger for co-movement therewith, a movable contact element movable to make and break electrical contact with at least one fixed contact element, said contact elements each having contacting portions, the improvement of:

• an insulating member
• an insulating member comprising
• a base which forms a bottom of said relay,
• a vertical wall disposed between said magnetic system and said contact elements which divides the interior of said relay into essentially non-communicating portions to prevent arcing therebetween,
• a lateral wall orthogonal to said vertical wall and said base having a lateral groove therein disposed adjacent said contact elements beneath the contacting portions thereof;
• and
• a U-shaped slidable member having a central connecting portion slidably received for lateral movement in said groove and having a first leg perpendicular to said connecting portion engaging said armature and a second leg perpendicular to said central portion engaging said movable contact element,
• whereby movement of said plunger is transmitted through said yoke-and-armature assembly and said slidable member to move said movable contact element.