Aerosol supply system with leakage protection

Abstract

A component of an aerosol supply system, the component connectable to a second component to form an aerosol supply system, the component comprising: a connection portion configured to engage with a connection portion of the second component; and a textured surface configured to prevent liquid from crossing the textured surface, the textured surface being located on a face of the connection portion, and the textured surface providing a barrier to prevent liquid originating within the aerosol supply system from passing between the component and the second component to an exterior of the aerosol supply system when the component is connected to the second component.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to components of aerosol provision systems having features to provide leak protection, and aerosol provision systems comprising the components. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems that deliver nicotine via vaporisation of a liquid, are designed as two-part systems comprising two components that can be connected together to form a complete aerosol provision system. For example, the components can be a cartridge component comprising a reservoir of liquid that is vaporised by an atomiser within the cartridge component in order to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user, and a device component comprising a battery for providing electrical power to the atomiser in order to operate the atomiser for vaporisation of the liquid. The cartridge component can be a single-use component supplied with a pre-filled reservoir, or a multi-use component that can be filled and refilled with liquid by a user. Cartridge components intended for single or a small number of uses can be referred to as consumables and are intended to be discarded after use and replaced with a new consumable. The device component can be intended for longer term use in order to power a refillable cartridge during multiple refills of the reservoir, or a series of cartridges.

[0003] Both the cartridge component and the device component have a connection portion that is engageable and disengageable with the connection portion of the other component to allow the aerosol provision system to be assembled and disassembled, such as for refilling or replacement of the cartridge component or replacement or recharging of the battery of the device component. The connection can be by, for example, a threaded coupling, a snap connection, a interference fit coupling or a magnetic coupling.

[0004] The cartridge component is designed to deliver liquid from the reservoir to the atomiser in accordance with vaporisation requirements. This is typically achieved by a porous wick that takes up liquid from the reservoir and transports the liquid by capillary action to the atomiser, which can be an electrically heated element. Liquid can escape from the reservoir without being vaporised by the atomiser (for example via an outlet extending through the porous wick of the reservoir, or by dripping from a saturated wick), or vaporised liquid can recondense from the inhalable aerosol. These situations can create free liquid within the aerosol provision system. Another source of free liquid is condensation of water vapour from air that is drawn through the aerosol provision system by a user inhaling through the aerosol provision system in order to obtain the aerosol. Liquid from these or other events can leak from the aerosol provision system, which is undesirable for a user. In the case of a two-component system, engagement between the connection portions can provide a path for such leakage, allowing liquid to reach the exterior of the aerosol provision system.

[0005] Accordingly, methods for reducing leakage from two-part aerosol provision systems are of interest. SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided a component of an aerosol provision system, the component being connectable to a second component to form the aerosol provision system, and the component comprising: a connection portion configured to engage with a connection portion of the second component; and a textured surface configured to resist liquid crossing the textured surface, the textured surface being located on a face of the connection portion, and the textured surface providing a barrier to resist liquid originating from within the aerosol provision system from passing between the component and the second component to an exterior of the aerosol provision system when the component is connected to the second component.

[0007] According to a second aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising a component according to the first aspect.

[0008] These and further aspects of certain embodiments are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. It should be understood that features of the dependent claims can be combined with each other, and the features of the independent claims can be combined with those explicitly mentioned in the claims, as appropriate and expedient. Furthermore, the methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments set out below, but include and contemplate any suitable combination of the features presented herein. For example, a component or an aerosol provision system comprising a component can be provided according to the methods described herein, which methods include any one or more of the various features described below, as appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 simplified schematic longitudinal cross-section taken through an example aerosol provision system to which aspects of the disclosure can be applied; Figure 2 simplified schematic longitudinal cross-section taken through another example aerosol provision system to which aspects of the disclosure can be applied, the aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge component and a device component; Figure 3 simplified schematic longitudinal cross-section taken through an end of an example cartridge component and an end of a device component to which aspects of the disclosure can be applied, the cartridge component and the device component having connection portions in a disengaged configuration; Figure 4 end portions of an example cartridge component and a device component according to aspects of the disclosure in an attached configuration, including example surface textures for leakage protection; Figure 3 simplified schematic longitudinal cross-section taken through an end of an example cartridge component and an end of a device component to which aspects of the disclosure can be applied, the cartridge component and the device component having connection portions in a disengaged configuration;Figure 5 A plan view of an exemplary connection portion having a surface texture for leak protection on an end face of the connection portion of a cartridge component or device component according to a first example is shown; Figure 6 A plan view of an exemplary connection portion having a surface texture for leak protection on an end face of the connection portion of a cartridge component or device component according to a second example is shown; Figure 7A and Figure 7B A plan view of an exemplary connection portion having a surface texture for leak protection on an end face of the connection portion of a cartridge component and device component according to a third example is shown; Figure 8 An end of a connection portion of another exemplary cartridge component and device component in an attached configuration according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown, including another exemplary surface texture for leak protection; Figure 9 A perspective view of Figure 8 a connection portion of an exemplary device component, including an exemplary surface texture of an inner face of a collar of the connection portion is shown; Figure 10A to Figure 10E Highly schematic and not to scale plan views of portions of different examples of textured surfaces are shown; Figure 11 and Figure 12 Highly schematic and not to scale cross-sectional views taken through portions of two exemplary textured surfaces are shown; and Figure 13 and Figure 14 Photographic images of portions of two exemplary textured surfaces are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments can be routinely implemented and are not discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. It is therefore to be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus discussed herein that are not discussed in detail can be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0011] As noted above, the present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol or vapour provision systems such as electronic cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" and "e-cigarette" can sometimes be used; however, it will be appreciated that these terms can be used interchangeably with aerosol (vapour) provision systems or devices. These systems are intended to generate an inhalable aerosol by vaporising an aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a liquid or a gel, which can or can not contain nicotine. Furthermore, hybrid systems can include a liquid or gel substrate plus a solid substrate which is also heated. The solid substrate can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which can or can not contain nicotine. The term "aerosolisable substrate material" as used herein is intended to mean a substrate material which can form an aerosol by the application of heat or some other means. The term "aerosol" can be used interchangeably with "vapour".

[0012] As used herein, the term "component" is used to refer to a part, section, unit, module, assembly or the like of an electronic cigarette or similar device which can contain a number of smaller components or elements within an outer housing or wall. An electronic cigarette can be formed or constructed from one or more such components, and these components can be removably or separably connected to one another, or can be permanently joined together during manufacture to define the entire electronic cigarette. The present invention is applicable to systems comprising (at least) two components which are removably connected to one another and which are configured, for example, as an aerosolisable substrate material carrying component (cartridge, cartomiser or consumable) which holds a liquid or another aerosolisable substrate material and a control unit or device component having a battery for providing electrical power to operate elements for generating vapour from the substrate material. To provide a specific example, in the present disclosure, a cartomiser (cartridge component or consumable) is described as an example of an aerosolisable substrate material carrying part or component, but the present disclosure is not limited in this respect and is applicable to any configuration of aerosolisable substrate material carrying part or component. Furthermore, such components can comprise more or fewer components than those included in the examples. The same is true of the device component.

[0013] The present disclosure is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with aerosol provision systems and components thereof which utilise an aerosolisable substrate material in the form of a liquid or a gel, held in a reservoir, tank, container or other receptacle included in the system. In such systems, an arrangement is included for delivering substrate material from the reservoir for providing substrate material to generate vapour / aerosol. The terms "liquid", "gel", "fluid", "source liquid", "source gel", "source fluid" and the like can be used interchangeably with "aerosolisable substrate material" and "substrate material" to refer to an aerosolisable substrate material having a form capable of being stored and delivered in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1is a highly schematic representation (not to scale) of a common example aerosol / vapour provision system such as an electronic cigarette 10, presented for the purpose of showing the relationship between various components of a typical system and explaining the general principles of operation. In this example, the electronic cigarette 10 has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis represented by a dashed line, and comprises two main components, namely a control or power component, section or unit (device component) 20, and a cartridge component, assembly or section 30 (sometimes referred to as an atomiser cartridge or clearomiser) which carries an aerosolisable substrate material and operates as a vapour generation component.

[0015] The cartridge component 30 comprises a reservoir 3 which houses a source liquid or other aerosolisable substrate material including a formulation, for example a liquid or gel which produces an aerosol, for example containing nicotine. As an example, the source liquid can contain about 1 to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder containing approximately equal amounts of water and propylene glycol, and can also contain other components such as flavourings. A source liquid without nicotine can also be used, for example to deliver a flavourant. A solid substrate (not shown) such as a portion of tobacco or other flavourant through which vapour generated from the liquid passes can also be included. The reservoir 3 has the form of a storage tank which is a container or receptacle in which the source liquid can be stored, so that the liquid is free to move and flow within the confines of the tank. For a consumable cartridge component 30, the reservoir 3 can be sealed after filling during manufacture so as to be disposable after the source liquid is consumed, otherwise it can have an inlet port or other opening through which a user can add new source liquid. The cartridge component 30 also comprises an electrical heating element or heater 4 located externally of the reservoir 3 for generating an aerosol by heating to vaporise the source liquid. It is noted that in other examples the source liquid can be generated by alternative powered means such as a vibrating mesh. A liquid transfer or delivery device (liquid transport element) such as a wick or other porous element 6 can be provided to deliver source liquid from the reservoir 3 to the heater 4 or other vapour generator. The wick 6 can have one or more portions located internally of the reservoir 3 or otherwise in fluid communication with the liquid in the reservoir 3 so as to be able to absorb source liquid and transfer it by wicking or capillary action to other portions of the wick 6 which are adjacent to or in contact with the heater 4. The liquid is thereby heated and vaporised to be replaced by new source liquid from the reservoir for transfer to the heater 4 by the wick 6. The wick can be considered to be a bridge, path or conduit between the reservoir 3 and the heater 4 which delivers or transfers liquid from the reservoir to the heater. The terms including conduit, liquid conduit, liquid transfer path, liquid delivery path, liquid transfer mechanism or element, and liquid delivery mechanism or element can all be used interchangeably herein to refer to a wick or corresponding assembly or structure.

[0016] The heater and wicking (or similar) combination is sometimes referred to as an atomiser or atomiser assembly 7, and the aerosol source as a whole, with its reservoir 3 of source liquid and atomiser 7, can be referred to as an aerosol source. Other terms can include liquid delivery assembly or liquid transfer assembly, where in the present context these terms can be used interchangeably to refer to the combination of the vapour generating element (vaporiser) plus the wicking or similar component or structure (liquid transport element) that delivers or transfers liquid obtained from the reservoir to the vaporiser for vapour / aerosol generation. In contrast to the highly schematic representation of Figure 1 Various designs are possible in which the multiple parts can be arranged differently, for example the wicking 6 can be an element completely separate from the heater 4, or the heater 4 can be configured to be porous and able to perform at least part of the wicking function directly (a conductive mesh, such as for example a metal mesh). In electrical or electronic devices, the vapour generating element can be an electric heating element operating by ohmic / resistive (Joule) heating or by inductive heating. Thus, in general, the atomiser can be considered to be one or more elements that fulfil the function of a vapour generating or vaporising element able to generate vapour from a source liquid delivered to the atomiser, and a liquid transport or delivery element able to deliver or transport liquid from a reservoir or similar liquid store to the vaporiser by wicking action / capillary force. The atomiser is generally housed in a cartridge component of an aerosol-generating system. In some designs, liquid can be dispensed directly from the reservoir onto the vaporiser without the need for a separate wicking or capillary action element. Embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to all and any such configurations consistent with the examples and description herein.

[0017] Returning to Figure 1 , the cartridge component 30 also includes a mouthpiece or mouthpiece portion 35 having an opening or aerosol outlet through which a user can inhale aerosol generated by the atomiser 7. In other designs, the mouthpiece can be provided as a separate component that can be permanently or detachably connected to the cartridge component 30.

[0018] The power unit or control unit, or simply the device or device component 20, includes a battery pack or battery 5 (hereinafter referred to as a battery, and which may be rechargeable) to provide power to the electronic components of the electronic cigarette 10, particularly operating the heater 4. Additionally, a controller 28 is present for overall control of the electronic cigarette, such as a printed circuit board and / or other electronic devices or circuitry. When vapor is required, the control electronics / circuitry 28 uses power from the battery 5 to operate the heater 4, for example, in response to a signal from an inhalation air pressure sensor or airflow sensor (“inhalation sensor,” not shown) on the detection system 10, during which air enters through one or more air inlets 26 in the wall of the device component 20. When the heating element 4 is operated, it causes the source liquid delivered from the reservoir 3 via the liquid delivery element 6 to evaporate to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales through an opening in the mouthpiece 35. As the user inhales at the mouthpiece 35, the aerosol travels from the aerosol source along one or more airflow channels connecting the air inlets 26 to the aerosol source. Figure 1 (Not shown) The air is delivered to the mouthpiece 35. In this example, the system's air inlet 26 is located within the device component 20, and the cartridge component 30 has its own air inlet in airflow communication with the device component 20, allowing air drawn in through the device component's air inlet 26 to reach the interior of the cartridge component 30 and the atomizer 7. In other designs, the air inlet may be located in the outer wall of the cartridge component 30, allowing air to enter the cartridge component 30 directly, rather than reaching it via the device component 20.

[0019] In the examples related to this disclosure, the device component (control unit) 20 and the cartridge component (cartridge, consumable) 30 are separate connectable parts that can be detached from and reattached to each other by moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, such as... Figure 1As indicated by the double-headed arrows in the diagram. Each component 20, 30 has a connecting portion 21, 31 on its corresponding end face facing the other component, and when the aerosol supply system 10 is ready for use or in use, the components 20, 30 are connected together by cooperative engaging elements (e.g., screw or bayonet engagement, push-in engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, or magnetic connection) at the connecting portions 21, 31. The connecting portions provide mechanical communication between the device component 20 and the cartridge component 30, and in some cases, electrical communication. If the heater 4 operates by ohmic heating, or in the case of using a vibrating mesh vapor generator or other electric vapor generator, an electrical connection is required so that current can pass through the heater when the heater 4 is connected to the battery 5. In systems using induction heating, if no component requiring electricity is located in the cartridge component 30, the electrical connection can be omitted. An induction coil can be housed in device component 20 and supplied with power from battery 5. The cartridge component 30 and device component 20 are shaped such that, when connected together, heater 4 is appropriately exposed to the flux generated by the coil for the purpose of generating current in the material of heater 4. Furthermore, orifices for air flow from device component 20 to cartridge component 30 are included at the connection portions 21, 31 of the two components 20, 30, and one or more air inlets 26 are designed in one or more outer walls of device component 21. Connection portions 21, 31 thus provide an interface between cartridge component 30 and device component 20. Figure 1 The design is merely an example arrangement, and the various components and features may be distributed differently between device component 20 and cartridge component 30, and may include other elements not described. The two components 20 and 30 may be as follows: Figure 1 The components are connected end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration or in a different configuration, such as parallel or side-by-side arrangements. The system may or may not be generally cylindrical and / or have a generally longitudinal shape. Any one or both of components 20, 30 can be processed and replaced when depleted (e.g., when reservoir 3 is empty or battery 5 is depleted), or are intended for multiple uses achieved by actions such as refilling reservoir 3 and recharging battery 5. In other instances, the aerosol supply system 10 may be integral, since portions of device component 20 and cartridge component 30 are included in a single housing and cannot be separated. In such cases, the concepts of this disclosure (which relate to the features of connecting portions 21, 31 of connecting portions 20, 30) may instead (or additionally, wherein cartridge component 30 and device component 20 are separable) be implemented at the interface between cartridge component 30 and the detachable mouthpiece component as described above. Embodiments and examples of this disclosure are applicable to any of these and other configurations that are apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0020] The presence of liquid aerosolisable substrate material in the reservoir 3 can result in the presence of unwanted free 'escape' liquid within the cartridge component 30. Liquid can leak out of the reservoir 3 through one or more apertures through which the porous wicking portion 6 extends into the interior of the reservoir for the purpose of absorbing liquid, for example if the wicking portion 6 does not fit tightly in the aperture. Any weak joins between parts of the reservoir can also result in leakage, for example due to damage or manufacturing flaws. Liquid can be able to seep out of these apertures gradually, or can be forced out of the reservoir 3 due to pressure differentials caused by changes in atmospheric pressure or pressure waves within the reservoir 3 caused by impacts. Other causes of free liquid outside the reservoir 3 can be high wicking rates, which deliver liquid to the heater 4 faster than the liquid can be converted into vapour, and condensation of liquid that has already vaporised back from the aerosol form. Any such escaped liquid can move freely along channels and gaps within the internal structure of the cartridge component 30, and can reach the connection portion 31 at which the cartridge component 30 interfaces with the device component 20. Liquid originating from within the aerosol provision system 10 can then be able to pass between the cartridge component 30 and the device component 20 where the cartridge component interfaces with the device component, in other words between the two opposing faces of the two components 20, 30, to reach the outside of the aerosol provision system 10 and cause external leakage.

[0021] While there can be several paths through which liquid originating from within the aerosol provision system can reach the connection portion 21, 31 due to manufacturing defects, damage or gaps manufactured for other purposes, a significant path can be provided by the airflow passage through the aerosol provision system.

[0022] Figure 2A highly schematic simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol provision system is shown having the illustrated air flow passage. The air flow passage 8 begins at an air inlet 26 in an outer side wall of the device component 20 and extends through the aerosol provision system 10 to an outlet 35a in the mouthpiece 35. After the air inlet 26, the air flow passage 8 becomes a central passage or channel that extends longitudinally along the central axis of the aerosol provision system 10. The air passage 8 reaches a connection portion 21 of the device component 20 having an opening in an end face thereof that opposes a corresponding end face of the connection portion 31 of the cartridge component 30 having a corresponding opening through which the air passage 8 continues into the cartridge component 30. Once within the cartridge component 30, the air flow passage 8 increases in width to define a chamber 9 in which the atomiser 7 is located, such that air A flowing along the air flow passage 8 can flow over and / or through the atomiser 7 to collect vapour produced by the atomiser and produce an aerosol. After the chamber 9, the air flow passage 8 narrows in width and extends to the mouthpiece outlet 35a over which a user inhales to draw air A into the air inlet 26 and along the air flow passage 8. The air / aerosol A exits the mouthpiece outlet 35a and into the user's mouth for inhalation thereby.

[0023] It can be appreciated thereby that any liquid L originating within the aerosol provision system 10 can travel via the air flow passage 8 to the connection portions 21, 31. Liquid aerosolisable substrate material that has leaked from the reservoir 3 (having an annular shape in this example surrounding the air flow passage 8 and chamber 9) via a wicking aperture (not shown), dripped from a supersaturated wicking portion and / or condensed from its vapour form can be in the chamber 9 and / or some other portion of the air flow passage 8 and can travel directly along the air flow passage 8 to the connection portion 31 of the cartridge component 30. Once at the connection portion 31, the liquid L can permeate between the opposing two faces of the connection portions 21, 31 of the connection portions 20, 30 to reach the exterior of the aerosol provision system 10 as shown by the arrows.

[0024] Another source of liquid that can leak via the interface between the connection portions 21, 31 originating within the aerosol provision system 10 is condensate from any water vapour carried in the air drawn into the air flow passage when a user inhales, and / or present in the user's exhalations that can occur into the mouthpiece outlet 35a. Air will also be present in the air flow passage 8 when the aerosol provision system is not in use. When temperature conditions are favourable to condensation, water vapour in the air can condense on the inward facing walls of the air flow passage 8 to produce liquid water that can travel along the air flow passage 8 to escape between the connection portions 21, 31 and produce a liquid leak L as described above.

[0025] While the appearance of liquid aerosolisable substrate material outside the reservoir and its possible external leakage can be an occasional problem caused by specific conditions such as damage or pressure changes, the formation of condensate water is more likely to be a certain inherent frequent or ongoing event in an aerosol provision system that is used frequently. Thus, while preventing or mitigating leakage of all liquids originating within the aerosol provision system is of interest, control of condensate water leakage can be particularly important.

[0026] The present disclosure seeks to address the problem of liquid leakage at the interface of the connecting portions of an aerosol provision system by providing a textured surface on one or both of the faces of the one or both components where the faces are located in the connecting portions. It has been determined that a suitably configured texture formed or provided on a surface can inhibit the flow or passage of liquid through or across the textured area. When present on the face of the connecting portion, the texture can interrupt the movement of liquid between the opposing two faces of the connecting portions of the two connecting components, in other words, prevent the liquid from passing through any gap or space that can exist between the opposing two faces, thereby inhibiting any liquid originating within the aerosol provision system from reaching the exterior of the aerosol provision system via the interface of the components. The aerosol provision system is thereby protected from liquid leakage, including liquid aerosolisable substrate material and condensate water.

[0027] Examples of suitable textured surfaces are described in more detail below. However, in broad terms, a textured surface comprises an area or region on which a plurality of protrusions and / or recesses or dimple surface features are defined, the dimensions of which are on the micron scale. These features can be considered as texture features including, for example, protrusion / recess, dimple / ridge or peak / trough. In the event of a small volume of free or escaped liquid being produced inside the aerosol provision system, such dimensions of surface features provide an obstacle to the free movement or flow of the liquid on the surface due to the surface tension in the liquid. Small amounts of liquid are prevented or inhibited from moving in at least one direction on the textured surface (depending on the configuration of the protrusions and recesses) and so can be prevented from reaching the exterior of the aerosol provision system if the textured surface is located between the starting point or location of the liquid and the point of egress to the exterior of the aerosol provision system. Conveniently, and in accordance with the proposed concept, the textured surface is thus located on one or more of the faces of one or both of the connecting portions of the components in order to obstruct or trap the liquid in the vicinity of where it can otherwise exit the interior of the aerosol provision system. In this way, leakage of liquid via the connecting interface can be addressed regardless of the starting point of the liquid within the aerosol provision system.

[0028] The use of a textured surface to address liquid leakage enables leak protection to be achieved in a simple, compact and robust manner that does not require additional parts to be provided and accommodated, such as pads of absorbent material for capturing free liquid in some aerosol provision systems. The textured surface is provided on an already existing face of an existing part of the aerosol provision system, and so does not occupy space within the aerosol provision system.

[0029] The connecting portion of these components comprises a plurality of faces on the exterior of these separate components which become interior faces when the components are connected together, with one or more faces of one component becoming opposite to a corresponding face on the other component. Some portions of this face can be occupied by or included in the mechanism by which the physical connection is made, such as a threaded or snap-engaged engagement portion. Depending on the fit tightness of the connection between the components, there can be a space or spaces between the components having different sizes, through which liquid can pass to the exterior of the system, causing leakage as discussed. To mitigate this problem, it is proposed that a textured surface is provided on at least a portion of at least one face in the connecting portion of at least one of the components. Obviously, given the variety of connection mechanisms available and the many shapes, sizes and configurations of aerosol provision devices, many alternatives are possible. Some examples are presented below, but these are by no means limiting and it is envisaged that the textured surface can be applied to any face of the connecting portion and in a position which provides a barrier to liquid movement from the interior to the exterior of the aerosol provision system.

[0030] Figure 3A simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view showing connection portions of example components configured to be connected together via a snap-fit connection. Cartridge component 30 and device component 20 are shown detached or separated from one another and attachable and subsequently detachable by coming together or moving apart in a longitudinal direction as shown by the double headed arrow. Cartridge component 30 has a portion of air flow passage 8 disposed therein (typically but not necessarily as shown substantially centrally disposed) which opens into an end face 32 of cartridge component 30 which is substantially transverse to air flow passage 8 and hence to the direction of flow of air A through the aerosol provision system along air flow passage 8 when the components are connected to form the system. Device component 20 similarly has a portion of air flow passage 8 centrally disposed for alignment with the portion of air flow passage 8 in cartridge component 30 when the components 20, 30 are connected together. Again, air flow passage 8 opens into a transverse end face 22 of device component 20 which, when the components 20, 30 are connected to join the two portions of air flow passage 8, end faces 22, 32 face one another in an opposed arrangement. End faces 22, 32 brought together when the components 20, 30 are connected are included in connection portions 21, 31 of components 20, 30. Other features which can be present at or on the end faces 22, 32 can be omitted for clarity but can be present depending on the design of the aerosol provision system. In this example, connection portion 31 of cartridge component 30 also includes a protruding flange or leg extending longitudinally at an outer edge of end face 32 which has one or more inwardly facing elevations. Connection portion 21 of device component 20 correspondingly includes one or more outwardly facing depressions on an outer wall of the device component into which the one or more elevations of cartridge component connection portion 30 engage, and by engagement of the elevations and depressions the components are brought together or into communication for connection.

[0031] Figure 4 A simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view showing connection portions of example components configured to be connected together via a snap-fit connection. Cartridge component 30 and device component 20 are shown detached or separated from one another and attachable and subsequently detachable by coming together or moving apart in a longitudinal direction as shown by the double headed arrow. Cartridge component 30 has a portion of air flow passage 8 disposed therein (typically but not necessarily as shown substantially centrally disposed) which opens into an end face 32 of cartridge component 30 which is substantially transverse to air flow passage 8 and hence to the direction of flow of air A through the aerosol provision system along air flow passage 8 when the components are connected to form the system. Device component 20 similarly has a portion of air flow passage 8 centrally disposed for alignment with the portion of air flow passage 8 in cartridge component 30 when the components 20, 30 are connected together. Again, air flow passage 8 opens into a transverse end face 22 of device component 20 which, when the components 20, 30 are connected to join the two portions of air flow passage 8, end faces 22, 32 face one another in an opposed arrangement. End faces 22, 32 brought together when the components 20, 30 are connected are included in connection portions 21, 31 of components 20, 30. Other features which can be present at or on the end faces 22, 32 can be omitted for clarity but can be present depending on the design of the aerosol provision system. In this example, connection portion 31 of cartridge component 30 also includes a protruding flange or leg extending longitudinally at an outer edge of end face 32 which has one or more inwardly facing elevations. Connection portion 21 of device component 20 correspondingly includes one or more outwardly facing depressions on an outer wall of the device component into which the one or more elevations of cartridge component connection portion 30 engage, and by engagement of the elevations and depressions the components are brought together or into communication for connection. Figure 3The components 20, 30 are in a coupled arrangement, connected to operate together as an aerosol provision system, and are provided with one or more textured surfaces as set out herein. The mechanical connection of the components 20, 30 is by engagement of one or more protrusions of the connecting portion 31 of the cartridge component 30 into one or more recesses of the connecting portion 21 of the device component 20, as described above. The end faces 22, 32 are now in an opposed arrangement, facing one another. A small gap or space is shown between the end faces 22, 32; this is for illustrative purposes and can be narrower or wider depending on the configuration of the connecting portions 21, 31. To prevent any liquid L present in the vicinity of the interface between the components 20, 30 from passing through, a textured surface 25 is provided on the end face 22 of the device component, of any liquid such as has condensed or accumulated within the airflow passage 8 (the airflow passage 8 effectively being an orifice through which liquid can pass out of the components and into the interface between the components). The textured surface 25 can comprise one or more separate regions of textured surface arranged on the end face 22, according to different examples. Although shown in this example as being on the end face 22 of the device component 20, the textured surface can instead be on the end face 32 of the cartridge component 32, or the textured surface can be provided on both end faces 22, 32. In the latter case, the textured surface 25 can be provided on zones or regions of the end faces 22, 32 that correspond to or overlap one another when the components are connected, or on different or complementary zones or regions of the end faces 22, 32. The textured surface 25 acts as a barrier or obstacle to the flow of liquid over or between the end faces 22, 32, such that any liquid L that exits the airflow passage 8 and disperses over one or both end faces 22, 32 or moves through the space between the end faces 22, 32 and encounters the textured surface is prevented from travelling through the textured surface 25. Thus, liquid is wholly or at least partially prevented from moving beyond the textured surface 25 and thus from reaching the outer edges of the end faces 22, 32, where leakage to the outside of the aerosol provision system can occur. As shown, the liquid 27 will instead collect at, on or at the inner edges of the textured surface 25, depending on the configuration and structure of the textured surface 25, as will be further described below.

[0032] Figure 5 A simplified plan view of the end portions of the components is shown, according to an example configuration. The components 20, 30 have end faces 22, 32 included in their connecting portions, as described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2. The end faces 22, 32 are in an opposed arrangement, facing one another. A small gap or space is shown between the end faces 22, 32; this is for illustrative purposes and can be narrower or wider depending on the configuration of the connecting portions 21, 31. A textured surface 25 is provided on the end face 22 of the device component 20. The textured surface 25 can comprise one or more separate regions of textured surface arranged on the end face 22, according to different examples. Although shown in this example as being on the end face 22 of the device component 20, the textured surface can instead be on the end face 32 of the cartridge component 32, or the textured surface can be provided on both end faces 22, 32. In the latter case, the textured surface 25 can be provided on zones or regions of the end faces 22, 32 that correspond to or overlap one another when the components are connected, or on different or complementary zones or regions of the end faces 22, 32. The textured surface 25 acts as a barrier or obstacle to the flow of liquid over or between the end faces 22, 32, such that any liquid L that exits the airflow passage 8 and disperses over one or both end faces 22, 32 or moves through the space between the end faces 22, 32 and encounters the textured surface is prevented from travelling through the textured surface 25. Thus, liquid is wholly or at least partially prevented from moving beyond the textured surface 25 and thus from reaching the outer edges of the end faces 22, 32, where leakage to the outside of the aerosol provision system can occur. As shown, the liquid 27 will instead collect at, on or at the inner edges of the textured surface 25, depending on the configuration and structure of the textured surface 25, as will be further described below. Figure 3 and Figure 4Described is a component having a centrally arranged tubular airflow passage 8 open at an end face 22, 32. In this example, the component 20, 30 has a circular cross-section, and thus the end face 22, 32 has a circular shape. In this example, the textured surface 25 is provided over the entire area of the end face 22, 32. Furthermore, other features of the end face 22, 32 are omitted for clarity, but can include, for example, electrical connections and / or elements of a connection portion that enable physical coupling with a connection portion of another component. The textured surface 25 can have gaps or holes within it to accommodate any such features.

[0033] Figure 6 A simplified plan view of an end portion of a component according to a further example configuration is shown. Again, the component 20, 30 has an end face 22, 32 included in its connection portion, as described in relation to the previous examples. Figure 3 and 4 Described is a component having a centrally arranged tubular airflow passage 8 open at an end face 22, 32, other features of the end face being omitted for clarity. In this example, the component 20, 30 has a substantially oblate cross-section, and thus the end face 22, 32 has an oblate shape. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the aerosol provision can have substantially any cross-sectional shape, such that the end face having a surface texture can similarly have any shape. Again in this example, the textured surface 25 has the form of a closed (uninterrupted) ring that completely encircles the end face 22, 32. This allows the textured surface to act as a barrier to prevent liquid from a starting point within the ring, such as liquid flowing out of the airflow passage 8, from flowing in any direction on the end face towards the exterior of the aerosol provision system. The term "ring" is not intended to imply a circular shape; as will be apparent from the description below, the ring can have other shapes, depending on the shape of the end face 22, 32. Figure 6 As will be appreciated, the ring has an oblate shape, following the periphery of the end face 22, 32. Other shapes of ring can be conveniently employed, provided that the shape of the end face 22, 32 is taken into account and any other features present on the end face 22, 32 are avoided. Having a textured surface in the form of a ring allows to block liquid movement across the end face in any direction towards the exterior of the aerosol provision system, and thus can capture or obstruct all possible leaks, with the area of the textured surface being less than, for example Figure 5 the idea of covering the entire end face with a textured surface. This can allow for simpler manufacturing, and better fit to accommodate both the textured surface and any surface features that can be present on the end face.

[0034] Similarly, in other examples, a ring-shaped textured surface can have the form of an interrupted or discontinuous ring, in other words, a ring with one or more gaps or interruptions. Gaps can be present where the risk of leakage is considered low, for example in alignment with some other feature that can interfere with liquid flow towards the outer edge of the end face, or simply to accommodate some other feature of the end face.

[0035] Figure 5 The illustrated textured surface has extended to the outer edge or periphery of the face. Conversely, Figure 6 The illustrated textured surface is provided inwardly of the outer edge by a small distance (although a relatively larger distance can be used). This means that the outer edge or periphery of the textured surface is spaced inwardly of the outer edge or periphery of the face, in other words, the textured surface does not extend to the outer edge of the face. The spacing or separation can keep any free liquid captured, retained or blocked by the textured surface further away from the outer surface of the aerosol provision system, so that the liquid is less likely to contact external objects or items and less likely to be drawn outwardly to cause a leak, for example by breaking the surface tension of the liquid or by wicking action (if the item is porous). The spacing or separation from the outer edge of the face can vary around the periphery of the face.

[0036] Although having a ring of textured surface can in some cases be more preferable than having the face completely covered by a textured surface, as discussed above, the ring should have sufficient width or thickness in the "across" direction (i.e. the direction of movement of liquid within the component from the interior to the exterior of the aerosol provision system) so as to provide a useful level of obstruction to the passage of liquid. As an example, the minimum thickness of the ring can be 1 mm, although this can depend on the viscosity of the liquid of interest and thus on the surface tension, for example if the interception of condensation water or liquid aerosolisable substrate material is of interest. Similarly, a maximum thickness of the ring can be useful in some cases where it is of interest to reduce the total area of textured surface while still providing sufficient liquid capture. In other words, the maximum thickness can be defined as the width beyond which the additional efficacy of liquid capture provided by further enlargement of the textured surface is not of interest or beneficial. The maximum thickness can be about 10 mm. Thus, for example, the thickness of the ring can be in the range 1 mm to 10 mm, although the upper and lower limits of the range can be used independently and nor do they exclude larger or smaller values, for example a thickness in the range 2 mm to 5 mm. Furthermore, the thickness of the ring need not be constant and can vary along the ring, for example so as to better fit with the available space on the face.

[0037] Figure 7A A simplified plan view of an end portion of a component according to a further example configuration is illustrated. Again, the component 20 (e.g. a device component) has a face 22 (of circular shape) which includes a ring of textured surface in its connecting portion, as discussed above in relation to Figure 3 and 4The described, where the centrally arranged tubular airflow passage 8 opens at the end face 22, and other features of the end face are omitted for clarity. In this example, the textured surface 25 is present on only a portion of the region where the end face 22 is located, specifically on one half of the end face 22 and on one side of the end face 22. Other ways in which the textured surface can alternatively be used to partially cover the end face can be used as desired, for example taking into account that other features of the end face are not suitable for the textured surface to be provided or limiting the textured surface to one or more areas that are considered to be the most likely to leak. To extend the leak protection, in another example, the end face of the other component (e.g. the cartridge component) can be equipped with a textured surface on one or more portions of the end face. Figure 7B A simplified plan view of one end of the cartridge component 30 configured in this way is shown, where the textured surface 25 again covers one half of the end face 32 and is present on one side of the end face 32. The textured surface 25 is present on the half of the end face 32 opposite to the textured surface of the device component 20, so that when the components 20, 30 are coupled together, all of the interface region has a textured surface, both above and below the interface region. Thus, the two textured surfaces are complementary in that when they are together, they provide an increased textured surface area to the interface region as a whole. In other examples, the complementary textured surfaces can be shaped differently and can be provided to cover only part of the interface region, such as two textured surfaces that together provide an annular barrier. In still other examples, the textured surfaces on both end faces can overlap, which can provide increased leak protection if desired, as the textured surfaces are provided both above and below the interface region. Figure 7A The textured surface on the end face of the device component 20 is opposite to the textured surface of the cartridge component 30, so that when the components 20, 30 are coupled together, all of the interface region has a textured surface, both above and below the interface region. Thus, the two textured surfaces are complementary in that when they are together, they provide an increased textured surface area to the interface region as a whole. In other examples, the complementary textured surfaces can be shaped differently and can be provided to cover only part of the interface region, such as two textured surfaces that together provide an annular barrier. In still other examples, the textured surfaces on both end faces can overlap, which can provide increased leak protection if desired, as the textured surfaces are provided both above and below the interface region.

[0038] The textured surface can be provided on one or more faces of the connecting portion of the component in addition to the transverse end face, or the textured surface can be provided on one or more faces in addition to the transverse end face.

[0039] Figure 8A simplified longitudinal cross-section view of a connection portion of the exemplary components is shown, the connection portion being configured for connection via a screw thread. The cartridge component 30 and the device component 20 are coupled to one another. The cartridge component 30 has a portion of the airflow passage 8 centrally disposed therein, the airflow passage opening into an end face 32 of the cartridge component 30, where the end face is substantially transverse to the airflow passage 8 and hence to the flow direction of air A through the aerosol provision system along the airflow passage when the components are connected together to form the system. The device component 20 similarly has a portion of the airflow passage 8 centrally disposed therein for alignment with the airflow passage 8 in the cartridge component 30 when the components 20, 30 are connected together. Again, the airflow passage 8 opens into a transverse end face 22 of the device component 20, where the end faces 22, 32 face one another in an opposed arrangement when the components 20, 30 are connected together. Other features that can be present at or on the end faces 22, 32 can be omitted for clarity, but can be present depending on the design of the aerosol provision system. In addition to the end faces 21, 31, the connection portions 21, 31 of the components 20, 30 comprise structures for effecting a screw joint between the components 20, 30. On the device component 20, the connection portion 21 comprises a tubular collar that extends longitudinally beyond the end face 22, and the tubular collar has a screw thread extending around an inner face 23 thereof. On the cartridge component 30, the connection portion 31 comprises a side wall or outward side 33 that extends longitudinally behind the end face 32, the connection portion 31 having a circular cross-section that is sized to be insertable into the collar of the device component 20. The outward side 33 has a corresponding screw thread extending around the outer periphery of the connection portion 31, such that when the connection portion 31 of the cartridge component 30 is inserted into the collar and relative rotational movement of the assembly 20, 30 is effected, the two screw threads engage and the components 20, 30 are coupled together.

[0040] A textured surface 25 is provided on the inner face 23 of the collar to prevent any liquid that reaches the interface region between the components 20, 30 from passing between the inner face 23 of the collar and the outward side 33 of the connection portion 31. The textured surface 25 can be a band that extends completely around the inner face 23 to form a closed loop, or can extend only partially around the inner face 23. In addition, the textured surface 25 can extend completely or partially along the longitudinal direction (the depth of the collar) but subject to the space occupied by the screw thread. If the textured surface is formed as a ring (closed or interrupted), the textured surface can have a thickness according to the exemplary dimensions given above. Furthermore, the textured surface can alternatively be provided on the outward side 33 of the connection portion 31 of the cartridge component, or the textured surface can be provided on both the outward side 33 and the inner face 23, in corresponding, overlapping or complementary regions.

[0041] Figure 9 A simplified longitudinal cross-section view of a connection portion of the exemplary components is shown, the connection portion being configured for connection via a screw thread. The cartridge component 30 and the device component 20 are coupled to one another. The cartridge component 30 has a portion of the airflow passage 8 centrally disposed therein, the airflow passage opening into an end face 32 of the cartridge component 30, where the end face is substantially transverse to the airflow passage 8 and hence to the flow direction of air A through the aerosol provision system along the airflow passage when the components are connected together to form the system. The device component 20 similarly has a portion of the airflow passage 8 centrally disposed therein for alignment with the airflow passage 8 in the cartridge component 30 when the components 20, 30 are connected together. Again, the airflow passage 8 opens into a transverse end face 22 of the device component 20, where the end faces 22, 32 face one another in an opposed arrangement when the components 20, 30 are connected together. Other features that can be present at or on the end faces 22, 32 can be omitted for clarity, but can be present depending on the design of the aerosol provision system. In addition to the end faces 21, 31, the connection portions 21, 31 of the components 20, 30 comprise structures for effecting a screw joint between the components 20, 30. On the device component 20, the connection portion 21 comprises a tubular collar that extends longitudinally beyond the end face 22, and the tubular collar has a screw thread extending around an inner face 23 thereof. On the cartridge component 30, the connection portion 31 comprises a side wall or outward side 33 that extends longitudinally behind the end face 32, the connection portion 31 having a circular cross-section that is sized to be insertable into the collar of the device component 20. The outward side 33 has a corresponding screw thread extending around the outer periphery of the connection portion 31, such that when the connection portion 31 of the cartridge component 30 is inserted into the collar and relative rotational movement of the assembly 20, 30 is effected, the two screw threads engage and the components 20, 30 are coupled together. Figure 9Figure 6 is an isometric view of the end of the device component 20, presenting a textured surface 25 formed as a ring around the inner face 23 of the collar of the connection portion 21 below the thread 21a. It is useful to provide the textured surface 25 before the thread (in terms of the direction of liquid movement) to block any liquid before it can reach the thread 21a. Liquid can contaminate or corrode the thread, causing difficulties with tightening and loosening.

[0042] Similar collar arrangements can be employed on connection portions of components that can be coupled by other mechanical arrangements, such as bayonet fitting, snap fitting or push / interference fitting.

[0043] Note that although the above examples include an opening of the airflow passage 8 on the end face of the component 20, 30, this is not essential, for example in designs where the air inlet is located in the side wall of the cartridge component, so that the airflow does not need to pass from the device component 20 to the cartridge component 30. However, the textured surface is still relevant because liquid originating from within the aerosol provision system can still reach the interface between the connection portions 21, 31 via other gaps, passages or openings in the structure of the system.

[0044] In the foregoing description and the appended claims, the textured surface can be present in the cartridge component, the device component, or both the cartridge component and the device component. Therefore, any reference to a component applies equally to the cartridge component or the device component, except where specific details indicate that the reference relates to only one or the other component. In the context of the entire aerosol provision, the two components can be considered as a first component and a second component, a component and another component, a component and the other component, or a first component and a second component. The component or the first component can be the cartridge component or the device component. The second, another or the other component can be the device component or the cartridge component.

[0045] One or more textured surfaces comprise a plurality of texture features having dimensions on the order of microns. The features are distributed over a two-dimensional area or region of a face on which the textured surface is provided. Within the area, the texture features comprise a plurality of protrusions / recesses, dimples / ridges, peaks / troughs, or the like distributed over the entire area. Relative to the horizontal level of the plane on which the face lies, the texture features can comprise protrusions / ridges / peaks that stand proud of the horizontal level of the plane on which the face lies (such that the spaces between the features lie at the horizontal level of the plane), or can comprise recesses / dimples / troughs that reach below the horizontal level of the plane on which the face lies (such that the spaces between the features lie at the horizontal level of the plane), or both (such that the horizontal level of the plane on which the face lies is between the height of the protrusions / ridges / peaks and the depth of the recesses / dimples / troughs). The textured surface can be provided on the face by being fabricated directly on the face or as part of the face (i.e. formed from the material that constitutes the component having the face), or by being applied to the face as a surface coating or layer (of the same or different material).

[0046] It has been determined that different configurations of texture features serve to inhibit the flow or movement of liquid over a textured surface in different ways caused by different interactions of the liquid surface tension with different feature shapes, sizes, configurations, etc. In particular, by different selections of texture features, the surface texture can be configured to inhibit the passage of liquid flowing onto the surface either by causing the liquid to adhere to the textured surface, or by causing the liquid to flow or move in one direction at the expense of limited or prohibited movement in substantially orthogonal directions.

[0047] Figure 10A A highly schematic and not to scale plan view representation of a first example of a portion of a textured surface configured for adhering liquid is shown. To enable the liquid to adhere, the textured surface is in the form of a plurality of discrete texture features 100 on a face 101 on which the textured surface is provided. The plurality of texture features 100 are arranged at regular or periodic intervals in the form of a triangular array. Since the texture features 100 are discrete and separated from one another, each feature can comprise a protrusion or peak extending from the plane on which the face 101 lies, or can comprise a recess or dimple “dug out” below the plane on which the face 100 lies, or a combination of both. The texture features 100 are depicted as having a generally circular cross-section in a plane parallel to the plane on which the face 101 lies, but this is not essential and the features can have any cross-sectional shape as dictated by the method of forming or providing the textured surface.

[0048] Figure 10BA highly schematic and not to scale plan view representation of a second example of a portion of a textured surface configured for the adhesion of liquid is shown. This is similar to the example of Figure 10A but in this case the texture features 100 are arranged in a regular spacing in the form of a square array. Other periodic distributions conforming to other regular arrays can also be used if desired. Alternatively, irregular or non-periodic distributions can be used.

[0049] Figure 10C A highly schematic and not to scale plan view representation of a third example of a portion of a textured surface configured for the adhesion of liquid is shown. In this example, the texture features 100 are distributed randomly across the face 101 with irregular and non-constant spacing, lacking any intended periodicity. The choice between regular or irregular distribution of the texture features can be determined by the method of forming the texture features. Alternatively, a regular arrangement with constant spacing can be best suited to the adhesion of a liquid having a specified viscosity, the spacing and regularity being selected accordingly to target a particular liquid, such as water or a selected type of aerosolisable substrate material. Conversely, a non-periodic arrangement with a range of spacings between the texture features can be used to provide some adhesion for liquids having a viscosity within a range, such that a single textured surface can manage different liquids.

[0050] Figure 10DA highly schematic and not to scale plan view representation of a first example of a portion of a textured surface configured for the orientation or control of the direction of flow movement of a liquid flowing onto the textured surface is shown. In order to be able to manage the direction of liquid movement in this way, the textured surface can be in the form of a plurality of contiguous texturing features 100 provided on a face 101 on which the textured surface is provided. The texturing features 100 comprise a plurality of substantially parallel ridges 102 extending from the plane on which the face 101 lies and / or grooves / channels / ditches “dug out” below the plane of the face 100, or a combination of both. In this example, the ridges / grooves are substantially straight. Thus, the texturing features 102 are contiguous in one direction (the length direction along which the ridges / grooves extend) and spaced apart from one another in an orthogonal direction (by a substantially constant spacing). The effect of this configuration of texturing features 102 is to block or impede the movement of any incoming liquid in the orthogonal direction indicated by arrow X, whilst enabling or facilitating the movement of any incoming liquid in the length direction indicated by arrow Y. In the context of the functionality desired of the concepts presented herein, the orthogonal direction is considered to be a “cross direction” in which it is desired to inhibit the flow of liquid such that the liquid is inhibited by the textured surface from reaching distal to the textured surface. Thus, the location distal to the textured surface can be protected from exposure to any liquid passing over the face on which the textured surface is provided. Conversely, the movement of incoming liquid along the length direction of the ridges / grooves is facilitated and thus can be directed away from the cross direction, or intentionally facilitated along the length direction, or both.

[0051] Figure 10E A highly schematic and not to scale plan view representation of a second example of a textured surface configured for the control of the direction of liquid movement is shown. The texturing features 102 again comprise a plurality of substantially parallel ridges / grooves, but in this example the ridges / grooves are formed into annular shapes and arranged substantially concentrically. The example depicted shows these annular shapes as circular, but this is not essential and other shapes can be used in configurations in which the grooves / ridges are not straight over the extent of the textured surface. The concentric arrangement defines the cross direction X of the textured surface as being between the centre and the outer edge of the area covered by the textured surface. In this way, liquid can be inhibited from moving outwards from a point near the centre of the textured surface, or inwards towards the centre from a point beyond the textured surface. The direction Y along which the textured surface allows liquid to move is the circumferential direction.

[0052] Figure 11A highly schematic, non-scale cross-sectional view taken through an exemplary textured surface is shown to indicate some parameters of interest. In this example, the textured features include pits or grooves formed in a facet on which the textured surface is disposed. Three textured features are shown, but more features may actually exist along a line through the textured surface. The first parameter of interest is the spacing s, shown as the center-to-center distance or interval between adjacent textured features. By way of example only, the spacing s may be about 20 µm or about 25 µm. More generally, the spacing may range from 15 µm to 30 µm, although larger and smaller spacings, such as in the range of 10 µm to 50 µm, are not excluded. Within or within a region of the textured surface, the spacing may be constant (within manufacturing tolerances, which may depend on the technique used to form the textured features, and may be within, for example, 2 µm or 5 µm), or may be selected to take multiple values ​​varying in the range of up to 10 µm, for example, to better manage liquids with different viscosities. The second parameter of interest is the size or dimensions of a single textured feature. Figure 11 The width w is expressed as the width in a direction parallel to the plane containing the textured surface and the surface on which the textured surface is disposed, but more generally includes the height of the protruding feature and the depth of the recessed or concave feature. These dimensions may or may not be substantially the same within a single feature, such that the width may be approximately the same as the height / depth, or the width may be smaller or larger than the height / depth, but generally within the same order of magnitude. For example, these individual dimensions may be about 2 µm or about 3 µm, although larger or smaller dimensions are not excluded, and may be, for example, at least 1 µm, or up to 5 µm, or up to 10 µm. For example, in some cases, textured features may have dimensions in the range of 2 µm to 5 µm, or 1 µm to 10 µm. Within or in a region of the textured surface, the dimensions used for all textured features may be constant (within manufacturing tolerances, which may depend on the technique used to form the textured features, and may be, for example, within 0.5 µm or 1 µm), or may be selected to take multiple values ​​varying within a range, for example, to better manage liquids with different viscosities.

[0053] Since the size of individual features and the spacing between adjacent features can be selected, another parameter that may be of interest when characterizing textured surfaces is the density of textured features within the textured surface. Density can be defined as the number of textured features per unit area, or more usefully, the number of textured features per unit length across the surface texture to cover both discrete textured features and parallel grooves / ridges. For example, the density can be chosen to be approximately 3, 4, or 5 features per 100 µm (and therefore per 100 µm). 2about 9, or 16, or 25 features per µm), but higher or lower values can also be used as desired, for example in the range of about 2 to 10 features per µm. Furthermore, the density can be substantially constant across the textured surface, or can be selected to vary to provide a textured surface that is more capable of handling liquids having a range of viscosities.

[0054] Figure 12 A highly schematic and not to scale cross-sectional view is shown taken through another example textured surface, in which the individual texture features have the form of protrusions or ridges extending outwardly from the surface carrying the textured surface.

[0055] Figure 13 A photographic image is shown of a portion of a non-limiting example of a textured surface comprising a plurality of discrete texture features in the form of spaced apart dimples. A scale of 100 µm is shown.

[0056] Figure 14 A photographic image is shown of a portion of a non-limiting example of a textured surface comprising a plurality of texture features in the form of spaced apart parallel grooves. A scale of 100 µm is shown.

[0057] In summary, to address various issues and advance the art, the present disclosure shows, by way of illustration, various embodiments in which the claimed application can be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are representative of example embodiments only and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented in service of illustrating the claimed application so that others skilled in the art might better understand and teach the claimed application. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on, or restrictions of, the disclosure, and that other embodiments can be utilised and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments can suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any of the disclosed elements, components, features, steps, devices, or the like, as appropriate. The disclosure can include other inventions not presently described but that can be developed in the future.

Claims

1. A component of an aerosol supply system, the component being connectable to a second component to form the aerosol supply system, and the component comprising: The connecting portion is configured to engage with the connecting portion of the second component; as well as A textured surface is configured to prevent liquid from crossing the textured surface, the textured surface being located on the surface of the connecting portion, and the textured surface providing a barrier to prevent liquid originating from within the aerosol supply system from passing between the component and the second component to the outside of the aerosol supply system when the component is connected to the second component.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The surface is the end face of the component that is substantially transverse to the direction of airflow through the aerosol supply system.

3. The component according to claim 2, wherein, The textured surface is disposed inward from the outer periphery of the end face.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion includes a collar into which the connecting portion of the second component can be inserted, and the surface is the inner surface of the collar.

5. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The textured surface is located between the orifice through which liquid can exit the component and the outer edge of the surface.

6. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The textured surface is formed as a ring to provide a barrier against liquid from the point of origin of the liquid through the space between the component and the second component in any direction toward the outside of the aerosol supply system.

7. The component according to claim 6, wherein, The thickness of the ring is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.

8. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The textured surface is configured to suppress the passage of liquids in the form of water, which are produced by the condensation of water vapor in the air present in the aerosol supply system.

9. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The textured surface is configured to inhibit liquid from crossing the textured surface by causing liquid flowing onto the textured surface to adhere to the textured surface.

10. The component according to claim 9, wherein, The textured surface includes a plurality of discrete texture features in the form of pits and / or protrusions spaced apart in two dimensions.

11. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The textured surface is configured to prevent liquid from crossing the textured surface by directing the liquid flow onto the textured surface in a direction different from the transverse direction.

12. The component according to claim 11, wherein, The textured surface includes a plurality of textured features in the form of grooves and / or ridges extending in a direction orthogonal to the transverse direction and being substantially parallel.

13. The component according to claim 12, wherein, The grooves and / or ridges are substantially concentric.

14. The component according to claim 10, claim 12 or claim 13, wherein, The size of the texture feature is in the range of 1 µm to 10 µm.

15. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The component is a cartridge component, which includes a reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming matrix and an atomizer for evaporating the aerosol-forming matrix.

16. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The component is a device component, which includes a battery for powering the atomizer of the aerosol supply system.

17. An aerosol supply system comprising the component according to any one of the preceding claims.

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