Device with compliant switching mechanism

Abstract

A device 100 configured for connection to an external current line 100. The device comprises a switching mechanism arranged within a housing 120 and configured to open and close a current conduction p

Description

Field 5 This relates to opening and closing a current conduction path. In particular, this relates to a switch device or other device with an electrical switching mechanism, the device including a moveable conductor for opening and closing a current conduction path, and a method for operating the device. The device comprises a compliant mechanism. 10 Background A current conduction path can be defined along an external current line and through a switch (or switching mechanism), where the switch is electrically connected to the external current line byway of, for example, electrical terminals or contacts. Such 15 switches can use a switching mechanism to open and close the current conduction path. One approach is to use a switching mechanism comprising a moveable conductor, where the moveable conductor can move between a position where it is electrically connected to the external current line (to close the current conduction path), and a position where it is electrically separate from the external current line (to open the 20 current conduction path). It is desirable to provide an improved apparatus for opening and closing a current conduction path which is suited for production at large volumes and which may be easily and cheaply manufactured and assembled. Such an improved apparatus is 25 desirable for applications including, for example, switches used in power transmission, industrial machinery, and control panels. Summary 30 In a first aspect, a device is provided as defined in the appended independent apparatus claim, with optional features defined in the dependent claims appended thereto. In a second aspect, a method of operating the device of the first aspect is provided as defined in the appended independent method claim. Any features of the first aspect maybe implemented as part of the method of the second aspect. Described herein is a device configured for connection to an external current line. The device comprises a housing and a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is arranged within the housing and configured to open and close a current conduction path defined along the external current line and through the device. The switching 5 mechanism comprises a moveable conductor and a compliant component (the moveable conductor and the compliant component may be integrally formed, or may be formed of separate pieces). The compliant component is configured to directly carry the moveable conductor along a first axis. The compliant component comprises a rigid portion and a flexure portion. The rigid portion extends in a first direction along the 10 first axis between a first end and a second end. The flexure portion is arranged between the second end of the rigid portion and the housing. Part of the flexure portion is fixedly retained by the housing. In response to application of an external force in the first direction to the first end of the rigid portion, the flexure portion is caused to resiliently deform. The deformation of the flexure portion causes the moveable 15 conductor to move in the first direction from a first position to a second position. The flexure portion is configured to deform in one or more directions other than the first direction. In response to the removal of the external force, the flexure portion is arranged to act as a biasing member which urges the moveable conductor to move along the first axis from the second position to the first position. The moveable 20 conductor is electrically connected to the external current line in one of the first and second positions to close the current conduction path, and is electrically separate from the external current line in the other of the first and second positions to open the current conduction path. 25 The device described herein allows for rapid and reliable opening and closing of a current conduction path. The switching mechanism includes a compliant component with a flexure portion which resiliently (e.g. elastically) deforms when a force is exerted on it. A flexure is a flexible element (or combination of elements) engineered to be compliant in specific degrees of freedom. For example, in a compressive force applied 30 to the flexure in the first direction causes the flexure to compress along the first axis by way of deformation in one or more other directions. This deformation allows the rigid potion to move in the first direction. When the force is removed, the flexure portion rapidly recoils or returns from its deformed position, providing a strong biasing force which can rapidly accelerate the moveable conductor along the first axis in order to 35 move the moveable conductor between positions. As such, quick opening or closing of the current conduction path can be provided. By choosing an appropriate material and structure for the flexure portion (optionally one of the specific examples described herein), the flexure portion is formed to be resiliently deformable, meaning that the response of the flexure portion to external forces and pressures may remain substantially constant over a substantial number of cycles of the switching mechanism. 5 This resilient deformability means that the moveable conductor may be moved between its two positions with precision over the normal working lifetime of the device. Reliable opening and closing of the current conduction path may therefore be provided by the device described herein. 10 Typically switches or switching mechanisms can use traditional mechanical components (such as springs) to bias conductors which are moved between different positions to open and close conduction paths (i.e. moveable conductors). The spring can also apply pressure to the contact in the closed position to give better electrical contact between fixed and moving conductors. However, using a spring necessitates 15 the inclusion of several further components to provide a working switching mechanism. For example, the spring requires an additional component to couple it to a conductor, such that compression or extension of the spring leads to the conductor being displaced (e.g. moved or repositioned). The compliant component described herein, in contrast, is configured to directly carry the moveable conductor. A spring also requires a 20 component to brace it, as an unbraced spring would be vulnerable to (even small) lateral forces which may displace the spring and break or damage the mechanism. Unlike a spring, the compliant component described herein is designed to deform in at least one direction other than that of the force acting on it. The intended lateral movement of the flexure portion of the compliant component means that additional 25 bracing components are not required. This reduction in components means that a cheaper, easier to manufacture, and more compact device maybe provided. Optionally, the external force is provided by linear actuation of the device. In other examples, the device further comprises a cam arranged to rotate around a rotational 30 axis perpendicular to the first axis and the external force is provided by rotational actuation of the device. In particular, the external force is provided by the cam, and is applied to the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component when the cam is in a first rotational position, wherein the external force is removed from the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component when the cam is in a second rotational 35 position. These arrangements may provide a means of transferring rotary (actuating) motion to linear motion of the rigid portion of the compliant component. The cam may be coupled to a handle which a user can turn to operate a device. Devices which are operated via a rotational input maybe more compact and may provide various safety and accessibility advantages. 5 Optionally, the flexure portion comprises one or more flexible ligaments. Such ligaments may be thin (relative to the rigid portion), and hence this arrangement may facilitate cheaper and faster manufacturing. Optionally, the one or more flexible ligaments are substantially: T-shaped; or O-shaped. A T-shaped flexible ligament design may increase the length of ligament over which force and pressure is spread 10 whilst the flexure portion is resiliently deformed, and therefore facilitate a more compact switching mechanism. An O-shaped flexible ligament design may more evenly distribute force and pressure around the ligament, and therefore facilitate a durable switching mechanism which minimises the amount of material required. 15 Optionally, the flexure portion is substantially S-shaped. This arrangement may provide the flexure portion with a greater bending stiffness, and thus facilitate a more rapid opening or closing of the current conduction path. Optionally, the compliant component comprises an opening which is configured to 20 retain the moveable conductor. By including an opening which retains the moveable conductor, the compliant component may carry the moveable conductor directly without any need for another intermediary component. Such an opening may also allow a moveable conductor to be slotted into place and held securely without any further means of fastening or attachment. This may allow a modular manufacturing process 25 with fast, easy assembly. The opening may be a slot or recess, or a window or through-hole, as appropriate. Optionally, the flexure portion extends in the first direction from the second end of the rigid portion towards the housing, or the flexure portion extends in a direction 30 perpendicular to the first direction from the second end of the rigid portion towards the housing. A switching mechanism which efficiently makes use of space available in the housing may therefore be provided. Optionally, the moveable conductor and flexure portion are integrally formed of a 35 conductive material. By manufacturing the moveable conductor and flexure portion as a single component, manufacturing time and cost may be reduced. Optionally, the flexure portion comprises a plurality of conductive fins. Use of multiple conductive fins can help in thermal performance of the device, since temperature rise during current flow under normal operating conditions of the device is reduced. In other examples, the fins are not formed of a conductive material. 5 Optionally, the rigid portion and the flexure portion of the compliant component are integrally formed. By manufacturing the compliant component as a single (integrally formed) component, manufacturing time and cost may be reduced. Optionally, the integrally formed compliant component is formed from an insulating material; 10 optionally the insulating material is plastic. By using a compliant component made of an insulating material, the current conduction path through the device maybe physically separated and electrically isolated from the housing of the device, improving safety. 15 Optionally, the flexure portion is formed from plastic. These arrangements may facilitate manufacture of complex shaped flexure portions through, for example, 3D printing or injection moulding processes. Any other suitable material maybe used, such as an elastic material. Alternatively, a rigid material may be used and the flexure may be provided with the required degrees of freedom by form not material. 20 A system is provided comprising a device as described above and an external current line. Such a system maybe used in any suitable application when a device is required to open and close a current line, such as for emergency stop switches on industrial machinery, for example. 25 In a second aspect of the specification, a method is provided for operating the device configured for connection to an external current line as described herein. The method comprises: applying the external force to the first end of the rigid portion; in response to the application of the external force, resiliently deforming the flexure portion in one 30 or more directions other than the first direction; moving, by the deformation of the flexure portion, the moveable conductor in the first direction from the first position to the second position; removing the external force; and in response to the removal of the external force, urging, by the flexure portion, the moveable conductor from the second position to the first position. Optionally, the device further comprises a cam and the external force is provided by the cam. The method further comprises: rotating the cam around a rotational axis perpendicular to the first axis, wherein when the cam is in a first rotational position the external force is applied to the first end of the rigid portion, and when the cam is in a 5 second rotational position the external force is removed from the first end of the rigid portion. It will be understood that any of the features described above with reference to the device of the first aspect may be provided in any suitable combination. Moreover, any 10 such features may be combined with any features of the method of the second aspect, or vice-verse, as appropriate. Brief Description of the Drawings 15 The following description is with reference to the following Figures. Figure 1: Figure 1A shows a schematic cross section of a switch in accordance with an example of the first aspect, where a moveable conductor is in a first position and a current conduction path (defined along an external current line and through the 20 switch) is closed, and Figure 1B shows a schematic cross section of the switch of Figure 1A, where the moveable conductor is in a second position and the current conduction path is open, such that no current flows through the switch. Figure 2: Figure 2A shows a cross section of an example switching mechanism, and 25 Figure 2B shows a cross section of an example switch comprising the switching mechanism of Figure 2A. Figure 3: Figure 3A shows a perspective view of an example switching mechanism, and Figure 3B shows a cross section of an example switch comprising the switching 30 mechanism of Figure 3A. Figure 4: Figure 4A shows a perspective view of an example compliant component, and Figure 4B shows a perspective view of an example switching mechanism comprising the compliant component of Figure 4A. Figure 5: Figure 5A shows a perspective view of an example switching mechanism, and Figure 5B shows a cross section of an example switch comprising the switching mechanism of Figure 5A. 5 Figure 6 shows a cross section of an example switch comprising an example switching mechanism. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an example switch comprising an example switching mechanism. 10 Figure 8 illustrates a method in accordance with the second aspect. Detailed Description 15 With reference to Figure 1 (Figures 1A and 1B), a device comprising a switching mechanism 100 and configured for connection to an external current line no is described. In the following description, the term “switch” is used to describe device too, but the features maybe implemented in any other device with an electrical switching action (such as a contactor or electrical isolation device). 20 A current conduction path is defined along the external current line and through the switch (or device) such that, when the switch is closed, current flows around the external current line 110 and through the switch too. The switch comprises a switching mechanism 150 which is configured to open and close the current conduction path. The 25 switching mechanism may comprise a plurality of components and / or structures which interact to open and close the current conduction path; a schematic view of components of the switching mechanism are shown within the dotted box 150 of Figure 1. The switch 100 also comprises a housing 120, where the switching mechanism 150 is 30 arranged within the housing. The housing may enclose or partially enclose the switching mechanism, and may comprise a cavity into which the switching mechanism fits or can be disposed. The housing may be arranged to retain the switching mechanism. For example, part of the switching mechanism and housing may interlock via a snap-fit mechanism. This may allow for quick and / or modular manufacturing of 35 the switch, as well as facilitating replacement of one or more components if they wear or break. Alternatively or additionally, part of the switching mechanism may be bonded to or otherwise attached to the housing. The housing 120 may also comprise means for providing an electrical connection 5 between the switching mechanism and the external current line. For example, the housing may retain or otherwise comprise one or more connection contacts 105. In the illustrated example of Figure 1, the housing comprises a first connection contact 105A and second connection contact 105B which are in electrical contact with a first portion of the external current line 110A and a second portion of the external current line 110B, 10 respectively. The connection contacts may be formed from any suitable electrically conducting material, optionally copper. Such contacts may be bolted or screwed into the housing, or otherwise mechanically coupled to the housing, or the contacts may be bonded, adhered or moulded into the housing, as appropriate. It will be understood that alternative configurations of the housing are possible which, for example, do not 15 include first connection contacts and second connection contacts, and the current conduction path may be formed by way of other electrically connecting components or terminals. The switching mechanism 150 comprises a moveable conductor 130 (i.e. a conductor 20 which is configured to move or to be moved) and a compliant component 140 (this reference numeral is not shown in Figure 1). The compliant component 140 comprises a rigid portion 142 and a flexure portion 148, which are shown schematically in Figure 1. The compliant component may be provided in any suitable manner to provide a compliant mechanism comprising a flexure. A compliant mechanism is a flexible 25 structure which can transfer force and / or motion through elastic deformation (as opposed to, for example, a traditional mechanism which transfers force and / or motion through a structure of rigid members). A flexure is the particular flexible element (or combination of elements) of said mechanism which provides the desired compliancy with the required degrees of freedom. 30 The compliant component 140 is configured to directly carry the moveable conductor 130. In other words, the compliant component is able to couple to or retain the moveable conductor without the need for any separate coupling component(s). A less complex mechanism may therefore be provided, with fewer parts. A switch which does 35 not require additional coupling component(s), and thus has fewer parts, may be cheaper to manufacture and quicker and easier to assemble. In one example, the compliant component may comprise an opening which is configured to retain the moveable conductor. In such examples, the opening maybe a slot or recess, and the moveable conductor may be shaped such that it is securely held 5 in place by the slot or recess. In other such examples, the opening may be a window or through-hole, and the moveable conductor may be shaped such that it can be inserted into the window or through-hole and securely held in place. Such an opening may allow a moveable conductor to be slotted into place and held securely without any further means of fastening or attachment. This may allow a modular manufacturing process 10 with fast, easy assembly. In other examples, the moveable conductor may additionally or alternatively be held in place by press fit or interference fit, by bonding or adhesive, and / or by one or more mechanical joins, for example. The rigid portion 142 of the compliant component has a first end 144 and a second end 15 146, and extends in a first direction 165 from the first end to the second end along a first axis 160. The first end 144 of the rigid portion maybe flat (see e.g. Figure 1). Alternatively, the first end of the rigid portion can be rounded or can have any other suitable shape depending on the configuration of switch 100. The first end of the rigid portion is a contact face for the application of an external, actuating, force to operate 20 the switching mechanism 150. The second end 146 of the rigid portion can be configured to couple to or otherwise adjoin the flexure portion 148. For example, the rigid portion 142 and flexure portion 148 maybe mechanically coupled, optionally using a sliding dovetail joint for ease of assembly, where the rigid portion may comprise a dovetail and the flexure portion may comprise a groove (or vice versa). In other 25 examples, the second end of the rigid portion may not be mechanically coupled to the flexure portion, but may interact with the flexure portion via a shared contact surface. In other examples, one or more intermediate components of the compliant component maybe disposed between the rigid component 142 and the flexure component 148. In other examples, the rigid portion 142 and the flexure 148 may be integrally formed. 30 The flexure portion 148 is arranged between the second end 146 of the rigid portion and the housing 120, and part of the flexure portion is fixedly retained by the housing. In other words, part of the flexure portion is arranged to be held fixed relative to the housing For example, the flexure portion may be held by the housing or placed against 35 (abutting or adjoining) the housing, either directly or with one or more intermediary components. In the example of Figure 1, the flexure is in contact with, and held fixed relative to, the portion of housing 120 to the left hand side of the Figure. In some examples, the housing fixedly retains the flexure portion by coupling to or otherwise adjoining the flexure portion. For example, part of flexure portion could be bonded to or clamped by housing. In other examples, the housing may be shaped such that it can 5 fixedly retain the flexure portion 148 without the housing and flexure portion being coupled or connected. For example, the flexure portion may simply be in contact with the housing and held in place by the shape of the housing. In other examples, one or more intermediate components maybe arranged to hold or retain part of the flexure portion fixedly with respect to the housing. 10 The flexure portion can be arranged in any suitable direction between the second end of the rigid portion and the housing. In some examples, the flexure portion may extend along the first axis 160 in the same (first) direction 165 as the rigid portion extends in. In other examples, the flexure portion may extend at an angle to the first axis 160, 15 optionally in a direction 167 perpendicular to the direction 165 the rigid portion extends in; in such cases, the flexure portion 148 can be fixedly retained by a different portion of the housing than is shown in Figure 1. The flexibility and resiliently deformable nature of the flexure portion 148 maybe 20 provided by the size, shape and / or choice of material that the flexure portion is constructed from. Similarly, the rigidity of the rigid portion 142 may be provided by the size, shape and / or choice of material that the rigid portion is constructed from. Such parameters of the flexure portion and rigid portion maybe chosen such that, for any external force applied to the flexure portion which causes elastic deformation of the 25 flexure portion, an equivalent external force applied to the rigid portion causes negligible elastic or plastic deformation of the rigid portion. The type and arrangement of flexible structure(s) which make up the flexure portion will affect the bending strength and deformability of the flexure portion (i.e. the stiffness, or bending stiffness, of the flexure portion). 30 As explained above, the current conduction path is defined along the external current line 110 and through the switch 100, and the switch comprises a switching mechanism 150 which is configured to open and close the current conduction path by movement of the moveable conductor 130. Figure 1A illustrates an example current conduction path 35 in the closed position. In the closed position, the moveable conductor 130 is electrically connected to the external current line 110 by way of connection contacts 105. In this illustrated example, the current conduction path comprises the first portion of the external current line 110A, the first connection contact 105A, the moveable conductor 130, the second connection contact 105B, and the second portion of the external current line 110B, along with the rest of external current line 110. The first portion of 5 the external current line 110A is in electrical contact with the first connection contact 105A and the second portion of the external current line 110B is in electrical contact with the second connection contact 105B. Thus, a closed current conduction path is provided from the first portion of the external current line 110A to the second portion of the external current line 110B, and an electrical current carried by the external 10 current line is permitted to flow through the switch 100. It will be understood that alternative arrangements of the current conduction path are possible which, for example, do not include the specific connection contacts 105 of Figure 1. Prior to any significant external forces acting on the switching mechanism 150 (i.e. no 15 forces other than the internal weight and reaction forces of the components of the switch itself and the external current line), the moveable conductor 130 is in a first position. The switching mechanism may be considered to be in equilibrium. In some examples, the flexure maybe completely uncompressed / deformed. In other examples, when the moveable conductor is in the first position the flexure may be subject to some 20 compressive force and be partially (optionally minimally) resiliently deformed such that the flexure portion exerts a force on the moveable conductor which urges the moveable conductor towards the connection contacts 105. In other words, in the first position (which is here the closed position), the flexure portion can apply pressure to the moveable conductor, pushing it against contacts of the external current line. This 25 approach can provide a more robust electrical connection and can help prevent opening of the current conduction path in response to external impulse forces, for example. Although Figure 1A shows the moveable conductor electrically connected to the external current line with the current conduction path closed in the first position, it will be appreciated that alternatively, the moveable conductor could be electrically 30 separated from the external current line with the current conduction path open in the first position (i.e. the moveable conductor and / or the connection contacts for the external current line maybe otherwise positioned). In operation, an external force 170 is applied to the first end 144 of the rigid portion 142 35 of the compliant component 140. This external force is applied substantially in the first direction 165. Forces may be applied to the first end of rigid portion in a direction other than the first direction, but such forces may nonetheless provide a force component in the first direction 165 which may act as the external force 170. Applying an external force to the first end of the rigid portion in the first direction acts to exert a compressive force on the flexure portion 148, which causes deformation of the flexure portion and 5 allows the rigid portion 142 to move along the first axis 160 in the first direction 165. The housing 120 of the switch 100 may be configured such that motion of the rigid portion of the compliant component is substantially confined to motion along the first axis. As such, force components acting on the rigid portion in a direction different from (for example, perpendicular to) the first direction may only cause negligible lateral 10 motion of the rigid portion. In particular, in response to the application of an external force 170 in the first direction 165 to the first end 144 of the rigid portion 142, the external force 170 is transferred through the rigid portion 142 and into the flexure portion 148. A reaction 15 force may also be exerted on the flexure portion by the housing 120, in particular by the part of the housing which fixedly retains or holds the flexure portion. The force exerted on the flexure portion by the rigid portion (and the reaction force from the housing) provides a compressive force on the flexure portion along the first axis. The compressive force causes the flexure portion to resiliently (for example, elastically) 20 deform, for example to compress or twist in one or more directions other than along the first axis. It will be understood that the compression and deformation of the flexure portion 148 facilitates movement of the moveable conductor 130. The flexure portion 148 is 25 configured to deform in one or more directions other than the direction in which the compressive force (caused by the external force 170) is provided, i.e. the flexure is caused to deform in one or more directions other than along the first axis. The deformation may be in plane or out of plane, depending on the configuration of the compliant component. A direction of deformation may be a direction in which at least 30 part of the flexure portion flexes, stretches or contracts in response to the application of the external force 170. In some examples, the flexure portion may deform in a direction 167 perpendicular to the first direction 165. In other examples, the flexure portion may deform in one or more directions extending at an acute angle from the first axis 160, such as example direction 166. Because the flexure portion is configured to deform in 35 direction(s) other than the first direction, the switch 100 does not require any additional component(s) to brace the flexure portion and limit its lateral movement. A switch which does not require such bracing component(s) may be cheaper to manufacture and quicker and easier to assemble. In the illustrated example of Figure 1, the flexure portion 148 is configured to resiliently 5 deform substantially in a direction 167 perpendicular to the first direction 165. Figure 1B shows the flexure portion in its resiliently deformed state during to the application of the external force 170 to the first end 144 of the rigid portion 142 of the compliant component 140. The flexure portion here deforms elastically in the two directions 165 perpendicular to the first direction. With the external force applied and following the 10 resilient (elastic) deformation of the flexure portion, the switching mechanism 150 is once again in equilibrium, with the external force balanced by the reaction pressure provided by the housing 120 on the flexure portion. In the illustrated example of Figure 1B, this reaction pressure is provided by the left hand edge of the housing. The degree to which the flexure portion elastically deforms (for a given stiffness or bending 15 stiffness of the flexure portion) will be proportional to the magnitude of the external force 170 applied. As the external force 170 is applied, the deformation of the flexure portion 148 causes the moveable conductor 130 to move in the first direction 165 from the first position to 20 a second position. As explained above, the compliant component 140 is configured to directly carry the moveable conductor 130, such that as the flexure portion deforms the moveable conductor is moved in direct response to the resilient deformation of the flexure and the displacement of the rigid portion. The moveable conductor may be carried by the rigid portion 142 of the compliant component, or it may be carried by the 25 flexure portion 148 of the compliant component, or it may be carried by a combination of the rigid portion and the flexure portion of the compliant component. The distance between the first position and the second position of the moveable conductor (for a given stiffness orbending stiffness of the flexure portion) will similarly be proportional to the magnitude of the external force 170 applied to the compliant component. 30 Figure 1B shows the moveable conductor in the second position. In this second position, the moveable conductor 130 is electrically separate from the external current line 110 and the current conduction path is open. Electrical current carried by the external current line is not permitted to flow through the switch 100. Although Figure 35 1B shows the moveable conductor electrically separated from the external current line with the current conduction path open in the second position, it will be appreciated that alternatively, the moveable conductor could be electrically connected to the external current line with the current conduction path closed in the second position. In other words, movement of the moveable conductor in the first direction (to the second position) acts to close the switch (or device) by pushing the moveable conductor against 5 contacts of the external current line no. With the moveable conductor 130 in the second position, and the switching mechanism 150 in equilibrium, the external force 170 may then be removed to close (or open, depending on the device configuration) the switch. In response to the removal of the 10 external force, the flexure portion 148 is arranged to act as a biasing member. The flexure portion is configured to bias the moveable conductor 130 along the first axis 160, in a direction opposite to the first direction 165; in this way, the flexure portion is configured to urge the moveable conductor to move from the second position towards the first position. In other words, upon removal of the external force the elastically 15 deformed flexure portion returns to its initial equilibrium (non-deformed or only slightly deformed) state, and this decompressing and subsequent expansion of the flexure portion along the first axis provides a biasing force which causes the rigid portion 142 to move along the first axis 160 in a direction opposite to the first direction 165 and the moveable conductor to move along the first axis in a direction opposite to 20 the first direction from the second position to the first position. The external force may be provided by a linear actuation of the device, or by rotational actuation of the device, for example by a cam 180 (not shown in Figure 1) which rotates around a rotational axis 190 (not shown) perpendicular to the first axis 160. For 25 example, the cam may be mounted on a shaft and the cam shaft may rotate the cam around the rotational axis. The shaft may be coupled to a handle, and the handle may allow a user to rotate the cam about the rotational axis. Providing a rotary motion (i.e. a torque) to open and close the current conduction path may require less effort and therefore be easier for a user than providing a linear force, thus improving accessibility. 30 A more compact switch may also be provided. The cam may be a circular cam with one or more concave notches in its external perimeter. When a notch is aligned with the rigid portion 142 of the compliant component 140, the cam may not provide any substantial external force on the rigid 35 portion. As the cam rotates about the axis, for example by 90 degrees, the notch may be positioned perpendicular to the rigid portion of the compliant component, and the circular edge of the cam may provide an external force 170 on the rigid portion. In other examples, one or more protrusions may be configured to align with the rigid portion 142 to provide an external force 170 on the rigid portion, with the edge of the cam acting to remove the applied force from the rigid portion. Alternatively, the cam may 5 be any other suitable type of cam, for example an eccentric, oval, or elliptical cam. In examples where the switch includes a cam, the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component may be shaped (i.e. rounded) to interface smoothly with the notches or protrusions of the cam, in order to provide a contacting face through which the external force 170 can be effectively provided. 10 The compliant component described herein can be configured to replace a traditional compression spring. Such a flexure replacement can require minimal changes to existing design space, as well as being cost effective and easier to assemble by reducing the bracing and coupling components that such spring-driven mechanisms require. 15 The flexure may be resiliently deformable and configured to flex through form and / or through material. In some examples, the resilient deformation of the flexure portion 148 is facilitated by forming the flexure portion from one or more flexible ligaments. The deflection of the flexible ligaments or members can provide mobility to the flexure portion 148. Such flexible ligaments can be formed of an insulating material, for 20 example a plastic or rubber. In such cases, it may be preferable to form the compliant component in a replaceable manner in order that any wear of the flexible ligaments does not adversely affect the lifetime of the overall switch. In some examples, the flexure may be flexible through form and may be formed from an electrically conductive material. In such examples, the flexure may optionally be formed as part of 25 the moveable conductor, which can facilitate quicker and easier manufacture of the compliant component. Specific examples of compliant components are described below in more detail. 30 With reference to Figure 2 (Figures 2A and 2B), an example switch is described in more detail. The switching mechanism 150 (shown in Figure 2A) comprises a compliant component 140 (reference numeral not shown) with a rigid portion 142 and a flexure portion 148. The flexure portion may comprise one or more thin strips of material 148a, optionally formed of plastic. Such thin strips of material may be referred to herein as 35 flexible ligaments. In the illustrated example of Figure 2A, the flexure portion comprises two flexible ligaments, arranged so as to substantially form a T-shape. The flexible ligaments of the flexure portion may be considered “thin” relative to the thickness of the rigid portion 142 of the compliant component. In some examples, a “thin” strip of material may be considered as any material less than 50% of a thickness 5 of the rigid portion, optionally less than 30% of the thickness of the rigid portion, optionally less than 10% of the thickness of the rigid portion, optionally less than 5% of the thickness of the rigid portion, optionally less than 1% of the thickness of the rigid portion. The thicknesses of the various components can be dependent on the material and / or form of the rigid portion and the flexure portion, as well as on the size of the 10 switch and current rating for a given application. By providing a flexure which is “thin” relative to the rigid portion, the T-shaped flexible ligaments maybe configured to resiliently deform in a plurality of directions other than the first direction when an external force is applied to the rigid portion of the compliant in the first direction, with the upper edge of the T shape becoming convexly curved. 15 It will be understood that the flexure portion 148 may also comprise one or more rigid portions 148b, such as the central portion shown in Figure 2A, which rigid portions can support the flexible ligaments 148a and other flexible or deformable portions of the flexure 148. The rigid portions may also be configured to be retained fixedly by (or 20 against) the housing. Flexible ligaments may provide a flexure portion of adequate bending stiffness (i.e. sufficient bending stiffness that an external force acting on the rigid portion of the compliant component reliably opens or closes the current conduction path) whilst 25 using a minimal amount of material. Flexure portions constructed from one or more flexible ligaments may therefore be cheap to manufacture in terms of material cost. The particular T-shaped arrangement shown in Figure 2 involves the flexible ligaments doubling back on themselves (i.e. forming a U-shape within or at each branch of the T), thereby increasing the total length of ligament. Allowing force and pressure to be 30 spread out over a greater length of ligament can allow a flexure portion of adequate bending stiffness to be provided whilst maintaining a compact footprint. A smaller, more robust switch may therefore be provided. In this example, the rigid portion 142 and the flexure portion 148 of the compliant 35 component may be integrally formed. For example, the rigid portion and the flexure portion maybe integrally formed of an insulating material such as plastic. In such examples, the integrally formed rigid portion and flexure portion may be manufactured using a 3D printing process or an injection moulding process, for example. The integrally formed compliant component may comprise a window or through hole which the moveable conductor can be inserted through, such that the moveable conductor is 5 directly carried by the compliant component as the external force is applied. Alternatively, the moveable conductor 130 may be retained by the compliant component in any other suitable manner. Integrally forming the rigid portion and the flexure portion can facilitate cheaper and 10 quicker manufacturing of a switch, and thus the switch can be suited to production at large volumes. For example, producing an integrally formed component by injection moulding requires fewer moulds than to produce the portions separately, and the portions do not need to be assembled together. In examples where the integrally formed component is made from an insulating material, a switch with improved safety 15 may also be provided; the insulating compliant component is configured to sit between the moveable conductor (and other components of the current conduction path) and thereby creates a physical separation between the housing and any live electrical components. The insulating compliant component can also help to reduce arcing between the connection contacts 105 during operation of the switch. 20 The switch shown in Figure 2B contains the switching mechanism of Figure 2A. In this illustrated example, the moveable conductor is in a first position and is electrically connected to first and second connection contacts (not shown) in this first position. The switching mechanism sits in a cavity within the housing 120. In this example, the 25 flexure portion of the switching mechanism extends in the first direction 146 from the second end of the rigid portion towards the housing 120. The housing fixedly retains the flexure portion at an upper edge of the flexure portion. The flat upper edge of the flexure portion may be coupled to the housing, for example using an adhesive, or the upper edge of the flexure portion may simply rest against (abut) the housing to hold the 30 flexure in place during operation of the switch. Lateral movement of the compliant component can be reduced or prevented by providing additional edge portions of the flexure component which abut the housing 120 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction 165 (e.g. perpendicular to the direction in which the rigid portion 142 of the switching mechanism 150 is displaced by an external force 170 to compress the flexure). 35 With reference to Figure 3 (Figures 3A and 3B), an example switch is described in more detail. The switching mechanism 150 (shown in Figure 3A) comprises a compliant component 140 with a flexure portion 148. In the illustrated example of Figure 3A, the flexure portion comprises two flexible ligaments 148a, arranged so as to substantially 5 form an O-shape. The flexible ligaments of the flexure portion may again be thin relative to the thickness of the rigid portion of the compliant component. As such, when an external force is applied to the rigid portion of the compliant in the first direction, the O-shaped flexible ligaments maybe configured to resiliently deform along an axis substantially perpendicular to the first direction 165, with the circular ‘O’ shape 10 becoming elliptical. It will be understood that the flexure portion 148 may also comprise one or more rigid portions 148b, such as the top portion shown in Figure 3A, which rigid portions can support the flexible ligaments 148a and other flexible or deformable portions of the flexure 148. The rigid portions may also be configured to be retained fixedly by (or against) the housing. 15 The particular O-shaped arrangement shown in Figure 3 may allow force and pressure to be spread substantially evenly around the length of the flexible ligament. As such, the ligament may not contain any one point which undergoes substantially more stress than other points of the ligament 148a. This O-shaped design may therefore provide a 20 more durable flexure portion than other arrangements (for a given type and thickness of material). Lifetime of the component may therefore be improved. In this example, the rigid portion and the flexure portion of the compliant component may again be integrally formed. For example, the rigid portion and the flexure portion 25 may be integrally formed of an insulating material such as plastic. In such examples, the integrally formed rigid portion and flexure portion maybe manufactured using a 3D printing process or an injection moulding process, for example. The integrally formed compliant component may comprise a window or through hole which the moveable conductor can be inserted through, such that the moveable conductor is 30 directly carried by the compliant component as the external force is applied. Alternatively, the moveable conductor 130 may be retained by the compliant component in any other suitable manner. For example, the compliant component 140 maybe formed (moulded, printed, etc.) around the moveable conductor 130. 35 The switch shown in Figure 3B contains the switching mechanism of Figure 3A. In this illustrated example, the moveable conductor is in a first position and the moveable conductor is electrically connected to first and second connection contacts in this first position. The switching mechanism sits in a cavity within the housing. The flexure portion of the switching mechanism may again extend in the first direction from the second end of the rigid portion 142 towards the housing 120. The housing fixedly 5 retains the flexure portion at the upper edge of the flexure portion. The flat upper edge of the flexure portion maybe coupled to the housing, for example using an adhesive, or the upper edge of the flexure portion may simply rest against the housing. Figure 3B further shows the cam 180, configured to rotate around rotational axis 190 in 10 order to apply external force 170 to the rigid end 142 of the compliant component. In this example, a second switching mechanism (not shown) may be provided in a second cavity opposite the first cavity, such that the cam 180 operates two switching mechanisms simultaneously. It can be seen that cam 180 comprises notches or recesses 185, as discussed above with respect to Figure 1, but any other suitable cam 15 may be provided for use in the switch 100. With reference to Figure 4 (Figures 4A and 4B), another example switching mechanism is described in more detail. The compliant component 140 (shown in Figure 4A) comprises a flexure portion 148. The flexure portion may comprise one or more 20 relatively wider strips of material (i.e. wider than the flexible ligaments described above), and optionally the material used to form the flexure is plastic or rubber. In the illustrated example of Figure 4A, a single wide strip of material is used, arranged so as to substantially form an S-shape. The wide strip of the flexure portion has a thickness which is less than the thickness of the rigid portion 142 of the compliant component. 25 For example, the wide strip may be less than 50% of a thickness of the rigid portion, optionally less than 30% of the thickness of the rigid portion, optionally less than 10% of a the thickness of the rigid portion, optionally less than 5% of the thickness of the rigid portion, optionally less than 1% of the thickness of the rigid portion. 30 It will be understood that the thicknesses of the various components can be chosen / selected in dependence on the material and / or form of the rigid portion and the flexure portion, as well as on the size of the switch and current rating for a given application. In particular, the thickness of the wide strip of the flexure portion is selected such that the flexure portion 148 has flexibility through form and the rigid 35 portion is not flexible. As such, when an external force is applied to the rigid portion of the compliant in the first direction 165, the S-shaped wide strip may be configured to compress in the first direction 165 and resiliently deform in a plurality of directions (such as direction 166) other than the first direction, with the curved ‘S’ shape becoming flattened. It will be understood that the flexure portion 148 may also comprise one or more rigid portions, such as the left hand portion shown in Figure 4A, 5 which rigid portions can support the flexible or deformable portions of the flexure 148. The rigid portion(s) may also be configured to be retained fixedly by (or against) the housing. The particular S-shaped arrangement shown in Figure 4 may provide a flexure portion 10 with a greater bending stiffness compared to the flexible ligament examples illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, for example (for a given type of material). In particular, the wider strip(s) of material may provide a greater bending stiffness than thin flexible ligaments. Such an S-shaped arrangement may therefore be suited to higher current applications with larger conductors, where a larger external force is to be applied to the rigid portion 15 of the compliant component. Greater bending stiffness may also reduce accidental opening of the switch by jolts or impacts. In this example, the rigid portion and the flexure portion of the compliant component may again be integrally formed. For example, the rigid portion and the flexure portion 20 may be integrally formed of an insulating material such as plastic, as is discussed above. The integrally formed compliant component 140 may comprise an opening, here a slot or recess 195, which the moveable conductor can be inserted into, where it will be retained and securely held in place, such that the moveable conductor is directly carried by the compliant component as the external force is applied. The slot may comprise a 25 notch or protrusion to help retain the moveable conductor in place. In some examples, the moveable conductor 130 may be fixedly held within the opening or slot 195 by a mechanical joint, and / or by adhesion or bonding, as appropriate and as required by the intended application for the switch. 30 The switching mechanism 150 shown in Figure 4B contains the compliant component 140 shown in Figure 4B and the cam 180. In this illustrated example, the moveable conductor is in a first position and is electrically connected to first and second connection contacts 105A, 105B in this first position. The moveable conductor is held in place by the slot and notch of the compliant component 140, along with any other 35 suitable mechanism for fixedly retaining the moveable conductor. It will be appreciated that these first and second connection contacts 105A, 105B may be provided as part of a housing not shown in Figure 4B. The use of a flexure portion extending in the first direction from the second end of the rigid portion towards the housing (not shown) may allow the switch to be more compact a direction perpendicular to the first direction. 5 With reference to Figure 5 (Figures 5A and 5B), an example switch is described in more detail. The switching mechanism 150 (shown in Figure 5A) comprises a compliant component with a flexure portion 148. The flexure portion may comprise a plurality of thin strips or sheets of material. Said thin strips or sheets of material could be formed 10 from an insulating material, optionally plastic, or alternatively, they could be formed from a conductive material. Such thin strips or sheets of conductive material may be referred to herein as conductive fins. The particular size and shape (dimensions) and / or material chosen for the conductive fins can be selected in dependence on the current rating of the application in which the switch (or other device) is to be used. In 15 the particular illustrated example of Figure 5A, the flexure portion 148 comprises four fins 148a of conductive material, arranged perpendicular to the first axis, with two to the left of the first axis and two to the right of the first axis. However, any suitable arrangement of such “fins” may be provided. 20 The fins 148a of the flexure portion may be thin relative to the thickness of the rigid portion 142 of the compliant component. As such, when an external force is applied to the rigid portion of the compliant component in the first direction, the fins may be configured to resiliently deform in a plurality of directions other than the first direction, with each fin becoming convexly curved. It will be understood that the flexure portion 25 148 may also comprise one or more rigid portions 148b, such as the central portion shown in Figure 5A, which rigid portions can support the fins 148a and other flexible or deformable portions of the flexure 148. The rigid portions may also in some examples be configured to be retained fixedly by (or against) the housing. However, in this example the fins 148a are retained by the housing (see Figure 5B), and the rigid portion 30 is free to move within the cavity of the housing. Retaining the flexure at one or more sides can reduce lateral displacements during operation without the need for additional bracing components and without interfering with deformation of the flexure. A flexure portion which uses a plurality of conductive fins can facilitate improved 35 thermal performance of the switch. If a large current flows through the switch, the components of the current conduction path (such as moveable conductor 130) will tend to rise in temperature. Electrically coupling the flexure portion 148 to the moveable conductor 130 helps to increase the cross sectional area through which current can flow. Using a plurality of conductive fins to form the flexure portion 148 is a particularly efficient way of releasing heat from the current conduction path and into 5 the housing cavity to help cool the switch. In some examples, as shown in Figure 5A, the thin strips may be integrally formed with the moveable conductor 130. For example, the moveable conductor and the flexure portion are integrally formed of a conductive material, such as copper or aluminium, or 10 a material with more elastic properties such as spring steel. In such examples, the integrally formed conductor and flexure component may be manufactured using a 3D printing process or an extrusion process, or any other suitable method. An integrally formed moveable conductor and flexure portion means that the compliant 15 component directly carries the moveable conductor as the external force is applied to the compliant component. The rigid portion 142 can also be integrally formed with the moveable conductor and flexure portion, or can be separately formed. When separately formed, the rigid portion 142 may be formed of an insulating material (or coated in an insulating coating, for example) in order to electrically isolate the electrical components 20 from the switching mechanism. As shown in the illustrated example of Figure 5, the integrally formed moveable conductor and flexure portion may comprise a dovetail join, and the separate rigid portion 142 of the compliant component may comprise a groove, such that a sliding dovetail joint is formed and the two structures can be slotted together. However, any other suitable join or coupling may be provided. In other 25 examples the moveable conductor and compliant component are integrally formed as a single piece (rather than as two pieces), such that the rigid portion 142 is also formed of a conductive material integral with the flexure portion. With a conductive rigid portion, an insulating coating, or insulating barriers, may be provided in order to isolate the electrical components from the rest of the device. 30 The switch (shown in Figure 5B) contains the switching mechanism 150 of Figure 5A. The switching mechanism sits in a cavity within the housing. The flexure portion of the switching mechanism may extend in a direction 167 (generally perpendicular to the first axis 160) from the second end of the rigid portion 142 towards the housing 120. 35 The use of such a perpendicularly extending flexure portion may allow the switch to be more compact along the first axis. The housing fixedly retains the flexure portion at the end of each fin 148a. The ends of each fin of the flexure portion may be coupled to the housing. For example, the end of each fin of the flexure portion could be clamped by the housing, or retained within one or more slots of the housing. Any suitable approach for retaining the end of the fins 148a may be provided in order to facilitate flexing of the 5 flexure 148 and movement of the moveable conductor 130. With reference to Figure 6, an example switch is described in more detail. The switch comprises a plurality of conductive fins 148a similar to the example switch shown in Figure 5. In the illustrated example of Figure 6, the flexure portion comprises two fins 10 148a of conductive material, arranged perpendicular to the first axis 160. It will be apparent that more or fewer fins are possible. The advantages discussed above in respect of Figure 5 as regards thermal efficiency will be understood to apply equally to this switch having one or more conductive fins 148a. In other examples, the fins 148a are not formed of a conducting material, but maybe formed of any other material 15 suitable for providing flexibility to the fins 148a. The flexure portion (which may be integrally formed with the moveable conductor or may be mechanically coupled to the moveable conductor) interfaces with the moveable conductor 130 at one end of the moveable conductor. The flexure portion comprises a 20 rigid mount portion 148b at this interfacing end of the moveable conductor which supports the fins 148a. The fins 148a are formed so as to attach to this mount portion 148b at one end, and span across the cavity to be fixedly retained within the housing 120 at an opposite end of the fins 148a from the rigid mount 148b. In other words, the fins are arranged to be coupled to the housing at their free ends (i.e. the ends not 25 supported by the mount 148b). For example, the free ends of each fin of the flexure portion could be clamped by the housing, or positioned within one or more slots or recesses within the housing 120. With reference to Figure 7, an example switch is described in more detail. The switch 30 comprises a plurality of conductive fins similar to the example switch shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the illustrated example of Figure 7, the flexure portion comprises four fins 148a of conductive material, arranged in two groups of two fins. Each fin is arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first axis 160. It will be apparent that more or fewer fins are possible within each group of fins. In other examples, the fins 148a are 35 not formed of a conductive material. The flexure portion (which may be integrally formed with the moveable conductor or otherwise coupled to it) interfaces with the moveable conductor at one end of the moveable conductor, and the flexure portion comprises a first mount portion 148b at this end of the moveable conductor, which optionally may be part of the integrally 5 formed component. The first group of two fins 148a are formed so as to couple at one end to this first mount portion 148b, and span across at least part of the cavity within the housing. The fins are arranged to be coupled to a second mount portion 148b at their other ends, which optionally may also be part of the integrally formed component. The second group of fins 148a are formed so as to attach to this second mount portion 10 148b at one end, and span across the cavity within the housing. The second group of fins are arranged to be coupled to the housing 120 at their free ends. For example, the free ends of each fin of the second group of fins of the flexure portion could be clamped, or otherwise retained, by the housing. 15 Using multiple groups of conductive fins, as shown, can increase the area through which current can flow during operation of the switch, and can thus further improve the thermal performance of the switch in high current applications. The use of multiple fins (as shown in for example, Figures 5 and 7, where more fins are used than in Figure 6), whether formed from a conductive material or not, may also provide increased 20 bending stiffness of the flexure portion for a given type and thickness of material. With reference to Figure 8, a method 800 for operating the switch of the first aspect (for example, switch 100 described above with reference to Figure 1) is described. 25 At step 810, the method comprises applying an external force to the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component. The external force may be applied gradually or instantaneously. Optionally, the external force is provided by a cam, where the switch further comprises the cam. The cam applies the external force to the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component when the cam is in a first rotational 30 position. For example, a user may turn a handle coupled to the cam (by e.g. optionally 90 degrees in a first rotational direction) to apply the external force. In response to the application of the external force, at step 820, the flexure portion resiliently deforms in one or more directions other than the first direction. It will be 35 understood that compression also occurs in the first direction in order to facilitate displacement of the moveable conductor. The external force causes the rigid portion of the compliant component to move along the first axis in the first direction, and exerts a compressive force on the flexure portion in the first direction. A reaction force may also be exerted on the flexure portion by the housing. This reaction force maybe provided at the part of the housing which fixedly retains the flexure portion. The force exerted on 5 the flexure portion by the rigid portion (and the reaction force from the housing) causes the flexure portion to resiliently deform. The flexure compresses along the first axis and deforms in one or more other directions other than along the first axis (e.g. other than in the first direction 165 and in a direction opposite the first direction). 10 At step 830, the method further comprises the moveable conductor moving in the first direction from the first position to the second position. The movement of the moveable conductor from the first position to the second position is caused by the resilient deformation of the flexure portion. As the flexure portion resiliently deforms, the compliant component directly carries the moveable conductor along the first axis by a 15 distance dependent on the deformation of the flexure portion. The moveable conductor may be carried by the rigid portion of the compliant component, or it may be carried by the flexure portion of the compliant component, or it may be carried by a combination of the rigid portion and the flexure portion of the compliant component. 20 At step 840, the method further comprises removing the external force. The external force maybe removed gradually or instantaneously. Where the external force is provided by a cam, the external force may be removed from the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component when the cam is in a second rotational position (different to the first rotational position). For example, a user may turn a handle 25 coupled to the cam (by e.g. optionally 90 degrees in a direction opposite to the first rotational direction) to remove the external force. In response to the removal of the external force, at step 850, the flexure portion urges the moveable conductor from the second position to the first position. Upon removal of 30 the external force, the elastically deformed flexure portion returns to its equilibrium (non-deformed or partly, optionally minimally, deformed) state, and this movement of the flexure portion provides a biasing force which pushes the rigid portion along the first axis in a direction opposite to the first direction and causes the moveable conductor to move along the first axis in a direction opposite to the first direction, from 35 the second position to the first position. A system may also be provided comprising a switch having a switching mechanism as described herein. It is noted herein that while the above described various examples of the switch of the 5 first aspect, these description should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Also disclosed herein are the following numbered examples. 10 Example 1. A device configured for connection to an external current line, comprising: a housing; and a switching mechanism arranged within the housing and configured to open 15 and close a current conduction path defined along the external current line and through the device, comprising: a moveable conductor, and a compliant component configured to directly carry the moveable conductor along a first axis, the compliant component comprising: 20 a rigid portion extending in a first direction along the first axis between a first end and a second end, and a flexure portion arranged between the second end of the rigid portion and the housing, wherein part of the flexure portion is fixedly retained by the housing; 25 wherein, in response to application of an external force in the first direction to the first end of the rigid portion, the flexure portion is caused to resiliently deform, wherein the deformation of the flexure portion causes the moveable conductor to move in the first direction from a first position to a second position and wherein the flexure portion is configured to deform in one or more directions other than the first direction; 30 and wherein, in response to the removal of the external force, the flexure portion is arranged to act as a biasing member which urges the moveable conductor to move along the first axis from the second position to the first position, wherein the moveable conductor is electrically connected to the external current 35 line in one of the first and second positions to close the current conduction path, and is electrically separate from the external current line in the other of the first and second positions to open the current conduction path. Example 2. The device of example 1, wherein: 5 the external force is provided by a linear actuation of the device; or wherein the external force is provided by a rotational actuation of the device, the device further comprising a cam arranged to rotate around a rotational axis perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the external force is provided by the cam, the external force applied to the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component io when the cam is in a first rotational position, wherein the external force is removed from the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component when the cam is in a second rotational position. Example 3. The device of any preceding example, wherein the flexure portion 15 comprises one or more flexible ligaments. Example 4. The device of example 3, wherein the one or more flexible ligaments are substantially: T-shaped; or 20 O-shaped. Example 5. The device of any of examples 1-3, wherein the flexure portion is substantially S-shaped. 25 Example 6. The device of any preceding example, wherein the compliant component comprises an opening which is configured to retain the moveable conductor. Example 7. The device of any preceding example, wherein: the flexure portion extends in the first direction from the second end of the rigid 30 portion towards the housing, or the flexure portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the second end of the rigid portion towards the housing. Example 8. The device of any preceding example, wherein the moveable conductor 35 and flexure portion are integrally formed of a conductive material. Example 9. The device of example 8, wherein the flexure portion comprises a plurality of conductive fins. Example 10. The device of any of examples 1 to 7, wherein the rigid portion and the 5 flexure portion of the compliant component are integrally formed. Example 11. The device of example 10, wherein the integrally formed compliant component is formed from an insulating material; optionally wherein the insulating material is plastic. 10 Example 12. The device of any of examples 1 to 7, wherein the flexure portion is formed from plastic. Example 13. A system comprising: 15 an external current line; and the device of any preceding example. Example 14. A method of operating a device configured for connection to an external current line according to example 1, wherein the method comprises: 20 applying the external force to the first end of the rigid portion; in response to the application of the external force, resiliently deforming the flexure portion in one or more directions other than the first direction; moving, by the deformation of the flexure portion, the moveable conductor in the first direction from the first position to the second position; 25 removing the external force; and in response to the removal of the external force, urging, by the flexure portion, the moveable conductor from the second position to the first position. Example 15. The method of example 14, wherein the device further comprises a cam 30 and the external force is provided by the cam, the method further comprising: rotating the cam around a rotational axis perpendicular to the first axis, wherein when the cam is in a first rotational position the external force is applied to the first end of the rigid portion, and when the cam is in a second rotational position the external force is removed 35 from the first end of the rigid portion.

Claims

1. A device configured for connection to an external current line, comprising: a housing; and5 a switching mechanism arranged within the housing and configured to openand close a current conduction path defined along the external current line and through the device, comprising:a moveable conductor, anda compliant component configured to directly carry the moveableio conductor along a first axis, the compliant component comprising:a rigid portion extending in a first direction along the first axis between a first end and a second end, anda flexure portion arranged between the second end of the rigid portion and the housing, wherein part of the flexure portion is fixedly15 retained by the housing,wherein the compliant component comprises an opening whichis configured to retain the moveable conductor;wherein, in response to application of an external force in the first direction to the first end of the rigid portion, the flexure portion is caused to resiliently deform,20 wherein the deformation of the flexure portion causes the moveable conductor to move in the first direction from a first position to a second position and wherein the flexure portion is configured to deform in one or more directions other than the first direction; andwherein, in response to the removal of the external force, the flexure portion is25 arranged to act as a biasing member which urges the moveable conductor to move along the first axis from the second position to the first position,wherein the moveable conductor is electrically connected to the external current line in one of the first and second positions to close the current conduction path, and is electrically separate from the external current line in the other of the first and second30 positions to open the current conduction path.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein:the external force is provided by a linear actuation of the device; orwherein the external force is provided by a rotational actuation of the device,35 the device further comprising a cam arranged to rotate around a rotational axis perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the external force is provided by the cam, theexternal force applied to the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component when the cam is in a first rotational position, wherein the external force is removed from the first end of the rigid portion of the compliant component when the cam is in a second rotational position.

53. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flexure portion comprises one or more flexible ligaments.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the one or more flexible ligaments are10 substantially:T-shaped; or O-shaped.

5. The device of any of claims 1-3, wherein the flexure portion is substantially S-15 shaped.

6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein:the flexure portion extends in the first direction from the second end of the rigid portion towards the housing, or20 the flexure portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the first directionfrom the second end of the rigid portion towards the housing.

7. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the moveable conductor and flexure portion are integrally formed of a conductive material.

258. The device of claim 7, wherein the flexure portion comprises a plurality of conductive fins.

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rigid portion and the flexure30 portion of the compliant component are integrally formed.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the integrally formed compliant component is formed from an insulating material;optionally wherein the insulating material is plastic.-gill. The device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flexure portion is formed from plastic.

12. A system comprising:5 an external current line; andthe device of any preceding claim.

13. A method of operating a device configured for connection to an external current line according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises:10 applying the external force to the first end of the rigid portion;in response to the application of the external force, resiliently deforming the flexure portion in one or more directions other than the first direction;moving, by the deformation of the flexure portion, the moveable conductor in the first direction from the first position to the second position;15 removing the external force; andin response to the removal of the external force, urging, by the flexure portion, the moveable conductor from the second position to the first position.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the device further comprises a cam and the20 external force is provided by the cam, the method further comprising: rotating the cam around a rotational axis perpendicular to the first axis, wherein when the cam is in a first rotational position the external force is applied to the first end of the rigid portion, andwhen the cam is in a second rotational position the external force is removed25 from the first end of the rigid portion.

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