Aerosol provision system with electrical contact protection

Abstract

A component of an aerosol provision system, the component connectable to a second component to form the aerosol provision system, comprises: a connecting portion configured to engage with a connecting portion of the second component; an electrical contact associated with the connecting portion and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding electrical contact in the connecting portion of the second component when the component and the second component are connected; and a textured surface configured to inhibit the passage of liquid across the textured surface, the textured surface disposed adjacent to the electrical contact to inhibit the passage of liquid towards the electrical contact.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM WITH ELECTRICAL CONTACT PROTECTION Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a component of an aerosol provision system having features providing protection of electrical contacts, and an aerosol provision system comprising such a component.

[0003] Background

[0004] Many aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems that deliver nicotine via vaporised liquids, are designed as a two-part system comprising two components which are connectable together in order to form the complete aerosol provision system. For example, the components may be a cartridge-type component that includes a reservoir of liquid to be vaporised by an atomiser within the cartridge component in order to generate an inhalable aerosol for the user, and a device component that includes a battery for providing electrical power to the atomiser in order to operate the atomiser for vaporisation of the liquid. The cartridge component may be a singleuse component supplied with a pre-filled reservoir, or a multiple-use component in which the reservoir may be filled and refilled with liquid by the user. A cartridge component intended for single or few uses may be termed a consumable, intended for disposal after use and replacement with a new consumable. The device component may be intended for more longterm use, in order to power a refillable cartridge over multiple refills of the reservoir, or to power a series of cartridges.

[0005] The cartridge component and the device component each have a connecting portion which can be engaged and disengaged with the connecting portion of the other component in order 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. Connection may be by a screw thread coupling, a bayonet connection, an interference fit coupling or a magnetic coupling, for example.

[0006] The cartridge component is designed to deliver liquid from the reservoir to the atomiser as required for vaporisation. This is commonly achieved by a porous wick that absorbs liquid from the reservoir and transports it by capillary action to the atomiser, which may be an electrical heating element. Liquid may escape from the reservoir without being vaporised by the atomiser (such as via an outlet of the reservoir through which the porous wick extends, or by dripping from a saturated wick), or vaporised liquid may recondense from the inhalable aerosol. This occurrences can produce free liquid within the aerosol provision system. Another source of free liquid is condensation of water vapour from air drawn through the aerosol provision system by the user inhaling through the system in order to obtain the aerosol. Liquid from these or other events may be able to move within the aerosol provision system and find its way to locations where its presence is detrimental. An example in the case of a two-component system is the join between the connecting portions which may include electrical contacts for the supply of electrical power from the battery in the device component to the atomiser in the cartridge component. Since the components are configured to be separable, such electrical contacts are necessarily exposed within the connecting portions. Any liquid arriving at the connecting portions may therefore reach the electrical contacts, and can cause corrosion or a short circuit.

[0007] Approaches for protecting electrical contacts from liquid exposure within aerosol provision systems are therefore of interest.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to a first aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided a component of an aerosol provision system, the component connectable to a second component to form the aerosol provision system, and comprising: a connecting portion configured to engage with a connecting portion of the second component; an electrical contact associated with the connecting portion and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding electrical contact in the connecting portion of the second component when the component and the second component are connected; and a textured surface configured to inhibit the passage of liquid across the textured surface, the textured surface disposed adjacent to the electrical contact to inhibit the passage of liquid towards the electrical contact.

[0010] 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.

[0011] These and further aspects of the certain embodiments are set out in the appended independent and dependent claims. It will be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with each other and features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. Furthermore, the approach described herein is not restricted to specific embodiments such as set out below, but includes and contemplates any appropriate combinations of features presented herein. For example, a component or an aerosol provision system comprising a component may be provided in accordance with approaches described herein which includes any one or more of the various features described below as appropriate.

[0012] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0014] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-section through an example aerosol provision system to which aspects of the disclosure can be applied; Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-section through another example aerosol provision system to which aspects of the disclosure can be applied, the system comprising a cartridge component and a device component;

[0015] Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-section through end parts of example cartridge and device components having connecting portions in a detached configuration, to which aspects of the disclosure can be applied;

[0016] Figures 4A-4C show simplified schematic longitudinal cross-sections through an end part of three example components with various configurations of electrical contacts, to which aspects of the disclosure can be applied;

[0017] Figure 5 shows a plan view of an example connecting portion of a cartridge or device component with a surface texture for electrical contact protection according to a first example;

[0018] Figure 6 shows a plan view of an example connecting portion of a cartridge or device component with a surface texture for electrical contact protection according to a second example;

[0019] Figure 7 shows a plan view of an example connecting portion of a cartridge or device component with a surface texture for electrical contact protection according to a third example;

[0020] Figures 8A-8E show highly schematic and not-to-scale plan view representations of parts of various examples of textured surfaces;

[0021] Figures 9 and 10 show highly schematic and not-to scale cross-sectional views through parts of two example textured surfaces; and

[0022] Figures 11 and 12 show photographic images of parts of two example textured surfaces.

[0023] Detailed Description

[0024] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed I described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed I described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0025] As described above, the present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol or vapour provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the terms “e- cigarette” and “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used; however, it will be appreciated these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol (vapour) provision system or device. The systems are intended to generate an inhalable aerosol by vaporisation of an aerosolforming substrate in the form of a liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. Additionally, hybrid systems may comprise a liquid or gel substrate plus a solid substrate which is also heated. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. The term “aerosolisable substrate material” as used herein is intended to refer to substrate materials which can form an aerosol, either through the application of heat or some other means. The term “aerosol” may be used interchangeably with “vapour”.

[0026] As used herein, the term “component” is used to refer to a part, section, unit, module, assembly or similar of an electronic cigarette or similar device that incorporates several smaller parts or elements, possibly within an exterior housing or wall. An electronic cigarette may be formed or built from one or more such components, and the components may be removably or separably connectable to one another, or may be permanently joined together during manufacture to define the whole electronic cigarette. The present disclosure is applicable to systems comprising (at least) two components separably connectable to one another and configured, for example, as an aerosolisable substrate material carrying component holding liquid or another aerosolisable substrate material (a cartridge, cartomiser or consumable), and a control unit or device component having a battery for providing electrical power to operate an element for generating vapour from the substrate material. For the sake of providing a concrete example, in the present disclosure, a cartridge or cartomiser (cartridge component or consumable) is described as an example of the aerosolisable substrate material carrying portion or component, but the disclosure is not limited in this regard and is applicable to any configuration of aerosolisable substrate material carrying portion or component. Also, such a component may include more or fewer parts than those included in the examples. This is true also of the device component.

[0027] The present disclosure is particularly but not exclusively relevant to aerosol provision systems and components thereof that utilise aerosolisable substrate material in the form of a liquid or a gel which is held in a reservoir, tank, container or other receptacle comprised in the system. In such systems an arrangement for delivering the substrate material from the reservoir for the purpose of providing it for vapour I aerosol generation is included. The terms “liquid”, “gel”, “fluid”, “source liquid”, “source gel”, “source fluid” and the like may be used interchangeably with “aerosolisable substrate material” and “substrate material” to refer to aerosolisable substrate material that has a form capable of being stored and delivered in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale) of a generic example aerosol / vapour provision system such as an e-cigarette 10, presented for the purpose of showing the relationship between the various parts of a typical system and explaining the general principles of operation. The e-cigarette 10 has a generally elongate shape in this example, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated 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 a cartomiser or clearomiser) carrying aerosolisable substrate material and operating as a vapour-generating component.

[0029] The cartridge component 30 includes a reservoir 3 containing a source liquid or other aerosolisable substrate material comprising a formulation such as liquid or gel from which an aerosol is to be generated, for example containing nicotine. As an example, the source liquid may comprise around 1 to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder comprising roughly equal measures of water and propylene glycol, and possibly also comprising other components, such as flavourings. Nicotine-free source liquid may also be used, such as to deliver flavouring. A solid substrate (not illustrated), such as a portion of tobacco or other flavour element through which vapour generated from the liquid is passed, may also be included. The reservoir 3 has the form of a storage tank, being a container or receptacle in which source liquid can be stored such that the liquid is free to move and flow within the confines of the tank. For a consumable cartridge component 30, the reservoir 3 may be sealed after filling during manufacture so as to be disposable after the source liquid is consumed, otherwise, it may have an inlet port or other opening through which new source liquid can be added by the user. The cartridge component 30 also comprises an electrically powered heating element or heater 4 located externally of the reservoir tank 3 for generating the aerosol by vaporisation of the source liquid by heating. Note that in other examples, source liquid may be generated by an alternative powered means such as a vibrating mesh . A liquid transfer or delivery arrangement (liquid transport element) such as a wick or other porous element 6 may be provided to deliver source liquid from the reservoir 3 to the heater 4 or other vapour generator. A wick 6 may have one or more parts located inside the reservoir 3, or otherwise be 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 parts of the wick 6 that are adjacent or in contact with the heater 4. This 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 may be thought of as a bridge, path or conduit between the reservoir 3 and the heater 4 that delivers or transfers liquid from the reservoir to the heater. Terms including conduit, liquid conduit, liquid transfer path, liquid delivery path, liquid transfer mechanism or element, and liquid delivery mechanism or element may all be used interchangeably herein to refer to a wick or corresponding component or structure.

[0030] A heater and wick (or similar) combination is sometimes referred to as an atomiser or atomiser assembly 7, and the reservoir 3 with its source liquid plus the atomiser 7 may be collectively referred to as an aerosol source. Other terminology may include a liquid delivery assembly or a liquid transfer assembly, where in the present context these terms may be used interchangeably to refer to a vapour-generating element (vapour generator) plus a wicking or similar component or structure (liquid transport element) that delivers or transfers liquid obtained from a reservoir to the vapour generator for vapour I aerosol generation. Various designs are possible, in which the parts may be differently arranged compared with the highly schematic representation of Figure 1. For example, the wick 6 may be an entirely separate element from the heater 4, or the heater 4 may be configured to be porous and able to perform at least part of the wicking function directly (a conductive mesh, such as a metallic mesh, for example). In an electrical or electronic device, the vapour generating element may be an electrical heating element that operates by ohmic / resistive (Joule) heating or by inductive heating. In general, therefore, an atomiser can be considered as one or more elements that implement the functionality of a vapour-generating or vaporising element able to generate vapour from source liquid delivered to it, and a liquid transport or delivery element able to deliver or transport liquid from a reservoir or similar liquid store to the vapour generator by a wicking action I capillary force. An atomiser is typically housed in a cartridge component of an aerosol generating system. In some designs, liquid may be dispensed from a reservoir directly onto a vapour generator with no need for a distinct wicking or capillary element. Embodiments of the disclosure are applicable to all and any such configurations which are consistent with the examples and description herein.

[0031] 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 may inhale the aerosol generated by the atomiser 7. In other designs, a mouthpiece may be provided as a separate component which may be permanently or separably connectable to the cartridge component 30.

[0032] The power component or control unit or, simply, device or device component 20 includes a cell or battery 5 (referred to hereinafter as a battery, and which may be rechargeable) to provide power for electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, in particular to operate the heater 4. Additionally, there is a controller 28 such as a printed circuit board and / or other electronics or circuitry for generally controlling the e-cigarette. The control electronics / circuitry 28 operates the heater 4 using power from the battery 5 when vapour is required, for example in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (“puff sensor”, not shown) that detects an inhalation on the 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, the heating element 4 vaporises source liquid delivered from the reservoir 3 by the liquid delivery element 6 to generate the aerosol, and this is then inhaled by a user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol is carried from the aerosol source to the mouthpiece 35 along one or more air flow channels (not shown in Figure 1) that connect the air inlet(s) 26 to the aerosol source to the aerosol outlet when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 35. Since in this example the air inlets 26 to the system are located in the device component 20, the cartridge component 30 has its own air inlet(s) in air flow communication with the device component 20 so that air drawn in through the device component air inlet(s) 26 can reach the interior of the cartridge component 30, and the atomiser 7. In other designs, air inlets may be located in the outer wall of the cartridge component 30 so that air enters directly into the cartridge component 30 instead of arriving there via the device component 20.

[0033] The device component (control unit) 20 and the cartridge component (cartomiser, consumable) 30 are, in this example to which the present disclosure is relevant, separate connectable parts detachable from and re-attachable to one another by movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, as indicated by the double-headed arrows in Figure 1. Each component 20, 30 has a connecting portion 21 , 31 at an end facing towards the corresponding end of the other component, and the components 20, 30 are joined together when the aerosol provision system 10 is ready for use or in use by cooperating engagement elements at the connecting portions 21 , 31 (for example, a screw or bayonet fitting, or a push-fit, snap-fit or magnetic connection) which provide mechanical and in the present case electrical connectivity between the device component 20 and the cartridge component 30. Electrical connectivity is required if the heater 4 operates by ohmic heating, or where a vibrating mesh vapour generator or other electrically powered vapour generator is used, so that current can be passed through the heater 4 or otherwise supplied to the vapour generator, and / or to any other electrically powered parts in the cartridge component, when these parts in the cartridge component 30 are connected to the battery 5 in the power component. In systems that use inductive heating, electrical connectivity for vapour generation can be omitted if no vapour generating parts requiring electrical power are located in the cartridge component 30, although electrical power may still need to be supplied to other electrical parts in the cartridge component. For inductive heating, an inductive work coil can be housed in the device component 20 and supplied with power from the battery 5, and the cartridge component 30 and the device component 20 shaped so that when they are connected, there is an appropriate exposure of the heater 4 to flux generated by the coil for the purpose of generating current flow in the material of the heater 4. For all non-inductively powered parts, the connecting portions 21 , 31 include electrical contacts to complete electrical circuits between the powered parts and the battery 5 when the cartridge component 30 and the device component 20 are connected together. Also, apertures for air flow from the device component 20 to the cartridge component 30 are included at the connecting portions 21 , 31 of the two components 20, 30 in designs having one or more air inlets 26 in the outer wall(s) of the device component 20. The connecting portions 21, 31 therefore provide an interface between the cartridge component 30 and the device component 20. The Figure 1 design is merely an example arrangement, and the various parts and features may be differently distributed between the device component 20 and the cartridge component 30, and other undepicted elements may be included. The two components 20, 30 may connect together end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration as in Figure 1 , or in a different configuration such as a parallel, side-by-side arrangement. The system may or may not be generally cylindrical and / or have a generally longitudinal shape. Either or both components 20, 30 may be intended to be disposed of and replaced when exhausted (the reservoir 3 is empty or the battery 5 is flat, for example), or be intended for multiple uses enabled by actions such as refilling the reservoir 3 and recharging the battery 5. In other examples, the aerosol provision system 10 may be unitary, in that the parts of the device component 20 and the cartridge component 30 are comprised in a single housing and cannot be separated. In such as case, the concepts of the present disclosure, which relates to features of the connecting portions 21 , 31 that join the components 20, 30, may instead (or additionally where the cartridge component 30 and the device component 20 are separable) be embodied at an interface between the cartridge component 30 and a detachable mouthpiece component as mentioned above. Embodiments and examples of the present disclosure are applicable to any of these configurations and other configurations of which the skilled person will be aware.

[0034] The presence of liquid aerosolisable substrate material in the reservoir 3 can lead to the presence of unwanted free “escaped” liquid within the cartridge component 30. Liquid may be leak out of the reservoir 3 through an aperture or apertures through which the porous wick 6 extends into the reservoir interior for the purpose of absorbing liquid, for example if the wick 6 does not fit tightly in the aperture. Any weak joins between parts of the reservoir 3 may also allow leakage, for example due to damage or manufacturing flaws. Liquid may be able to seep gradually from such holes, or may be forced out of the reservoir 3 owing to a pressure differential arising from changes in atmospheric pressure or to a pressure wave within the reservoir 3 caused by an impact. Other causes of free liquid outside of the reservoir 3 may be a high wicking rate that delivers liquid to the heater 4 more quickly than the liquid can be converted into vapour, and condensation of already-vaporised liquid back from the aerosol form. Any such escaped liquid can freely move along channels and gaps within the internal structure of the cartridge component 30, and may reach the connecting portion 31 where the cartridge component 30 interfaces with the device component 20. The liquid, having originated from within the aerosol provision system 10 and arrived at the interface region, may then be able to interact with the electrical contacts of the connecting portions 21 , 31. The electrical contacts are necessarily exposed within each connecting portion 21 , 31 in order to make an electrical connection with the electrical contacts in the other connection portion 21 , 31 , and hence vulnerable to any liquid in the vicinity. While there may be several pathways by which liquid originating from within the aerosol provision system can find its way to the connecting portions 21 , 31 , arising from manufacturing imperfections, damage, or gaps intended for other purposes, a significant pathway may be provided by the airflow channel through the aerosol provision system.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a highly schematic simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example aerosol provision system with a depicted airflow channel. The airflow channel 8 begins at an air inlet 26 in the 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 airflow channel 8 becomes a central channel or passage running longitudinally along the central axis of the aerosol provision system 10. The air flow channel 8 reaches the connecting portion 21 of the device component 20, which has an opening in its end face that opposes a corresponding end face of the connecting portion 31 of the cartridge component 30 having a corresponding opening by which the air flow channel 8 continues into the cartridge component 30. Once within the cartridge component 30, the airflow channel 8 increases in width to define a chamber 9 within which the atomiser 7 is located, so that air A flowing along the airflow channel 8 can pass over and / or through the atomiser 7 to collect vapour generated by the atomiser 7 and create an aerosol. After the chamber 9 the airflow channel 8 narrows in width and extends to the mouthpiece outlet 35a, upon which a user inhales to draw air A into the air inlet 26 and along the airflow channel 8. Air / aerosol A thereby exits the mouthpiece outlet 35s and enters the user’s mouth for inhalation.

[0036] From this, it can be appreciated that any liquid L originating within the aerosol provision system 10 may travel to the connecting portions 21 , 31 via the airflow channel 8. Liquid aerosolisable substrate material that has leaked from the reservoir 3 (which in this example has an annular shape surrounding the airflow channel 8 and the chamber 9) via wick apertures (not shown), dripped from an oversaturated wick, and / or condensed from its vaporised form can be in the chamber 9 and / or some other part of the airflow channel 8, and can travel directly along the airflow channel 8 to the connecting portion 31 of the cartridge component 30. Once at the connecting portion 31 , the liquid L may work its way between the opposing faces of the connecting portions 21 , 31 of the connected components 20, 30, and thereby reach any electrical contacts (not shown in Fig. 2) associated with the connecting portions 21 , 31 and in the interface region.

[0037] Another source of liquid originating within the aerosol provision system 10 that can reach the interface region between the connecting portions 21 , 31 is condensate from any water vapour carried by the air drawn into the airflow channel as the user inhales, and / or present in any user exhalation into the mouthpiece outlet 35a that may arise. Air will also be present in the airflow channel at times when the aerosol provision system is not use. Water vapour in the air may condense on the inwardly facing wall of the airflow channel 8 when temperature conditions favour this, to create liquid water which can travel along the airflow channel 8 to reach the interface region between the connecting portions 21, 31 , and any exposed electrical contacts located therein.

[0038] While the appearance of liquid aerosolisable substrate material outside the reservoir and possible subsequent exposure of electrical contacts may be an occasional problem arising from particular conditions such as damage or pressure changes, the formation of water condensate is more likely to be a frequent or ongoing occurrence somewhat inherent in a regularly used aerosol provision system. Therefore, while prevention or mitigation of electrical contact exposure to all liquid originating within an aerosol provision system is of interest, electrical contact protection from water condensate may be particularly important.

[0039] The present disclosure seeks to address the issue of electrical contact exposure to liquid at the interface of connected components of an aerosol provision system by providing a textured surface or surfaces disposed adjacent to electrical contacts associated with the connecting portions of the components. It has been determined that an appropriately configured texture formed or provided on a surface can inhibit the flow or passage of liquid across the textured area. When present on a surface adjacent to an electrical contact, the texture can interrupt the movement of liquid towards the electrical contact and thereby inhibit any liquid originating within the aerosol provision system from reaching or coming into direct contact with the electrical contact. The aerosol provision system is thereby protected from liquid exposure of its electrical contacts, including liquid aerosolisable substrate material and water condensate.

[0040] Examples of suitable textured surfaces are described in more detail below. In broad terms, however, the textured surface comprises an area or region in which there is defined a plurality of protruding and / or recessed or pitted surface features with dimensions on the micrometre scale. These features can be thought of as texture features comprising protrusions / recesses, pits / lands, or peaks / troughs, for example. In the context of the small volumes of free or escaped liquid arising internally in the aerosol provision system, surface features of this size present a barrier to the free movement or flow of the liquid over the surface owing to the surface tension forces in the liquid. Small quantities of liquid are prevented or inhibited from moving over the textured surface along at least one direction (depending on the configuration of the protrusions and recesses), so can be stopped from reaching an electrical contact if the textured surface is disposed adjacent to the electrical contact, over an area that liquid would have to cross to reach the electrical contact. Conveniently, the textured surface may be located on one or more faces of one or both connecting portions of the components in the vicinity of any electrical contacts, in order to block or catch any liquid entering the interface between the components and which may otherwise interact with the electrical contacts. The use of a textured surface to safeguard electrical contacts from liquid exposure enables protection in a simple, compact and durable way that does not require the provision and accommodation of additional parts, such as the pads of absorbent material which are utilised in some aerosol provision systems to catch free liquid. The textured surface can be provided on an already-present face of an existing part of the aerosol provision system so does not occupy space within the aerosol provision system.

[0041] The connecting portions of the components comprise various faces on the exterior of the individual components, which become interior faces when the components are connected in that the face or faces of one component become opposed to corresponding faces on the other component. Typically, but not essentially, electrical contacts that make an electrical connection between the components are associated with the connecting portions, and in some way related to one or more of the faces so that the textured surface can be provided on the face, adjacent to the electrical contact. Examples arrangements of electrical contacts are described below. Some parts of a face may be occupied by or comprised in the mechanism by which the physical connection is made, such as screw threads or engaging portions of a snap-fit join. Depending on the tightness of fit of the join between the components, there may be a space or spaces of various sizes between the components through which liquid that may reach the interface can move, and possibly arrive at an electrical contact. To mitigate this, it is proposed that a textured surface may be provided on at least part of at least one face in the connecting portion of at least one of the components, where an electrical contact is located or accessible. Also, an electrical contact associated with a connecting portion may not be located on a part considered to be a face, but a textured surface can be provided on some other part of the connecting portion to protect an electrical contact as appropriate, and such arrangements are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connecting portions of example components. A cartridge component 30 and a device component 20 are shown detached or uncoupled from one another, being attachable and subsequently detachable by being brought together and moved apart in the longitudinal direction shown by the double-headed arrow. The cartridge component 30 has a portion of the airflow channel 8 disposed within it (typically but not essentially centrally disposed as depicted), with the airflow channel 8 open to an end face 32 of the cartridge component 30, where the end face 32 is substantially transverse to the airflow channel 8 and hence to the direction of the flow of air A through the aerosol provision system along the air flow channel 8, when the components are connected to form the system. The device component 20 similarly has a portion of the airflow channel 8 centrally disposed within it, for alignment with the portion of the airflow channel 8 in the cartridge component 30 when the components 20, 30 are connected together. Again, the airflow channel 8 is open to a transverse end face 22 of the device component 20, where the ends faces 22, 32 face one another in an opposed arrangement when the components 20, 30 are connected to join the two portions of the airflow channel 8. The end faces 22, 32, being brought together when the components 20, 30 are connected, are comprised in the connecting portions 21 , 31 of the components 20, 30. Other features which may be present at or on the ends faces 22, 32 are omitted for clarity in Figure 3, but may be present according to the design of the aerosol provision system. Also included in the connecting portions 21 , 31 in this example (but not necessarily present depending on the nature of the mechanical coupling used to hold the components 20, 30 together when connected) is a collar 34 that extends from the outer edge of the end face 32 of the cartridge component 30 along the longitudinal direction, and defines a cavity into which the connecting portion 21 of the device component 20 is inserted for connection of the components 20, 30. The collar 34 has an inner face 33, and the device component 30 has an outwardly facing side wall or face 23 of its connecting portion 21 , the inner face 33 and the side face 23 being opposed when the components are connected. The inner face 33 and the side face 23 may comprise various features (not shown) to effect the mechanical connection, such as cooperating screw threads, engaging protrusions and recesses for a snap-fit or a push fit, or shaped edges and protrusions for a bayonet fitting. The collar or some similar extending portion that enables engagement may alternatively be part of the device component 20. Electrical contacts (not shown) associated with the connecting portions 21 , 31 may, for example, be located on, in or behind any of these faces.

[0043] Figure 4A shows a highly simplified and schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first example connecting portion of a component having electrical contacts. The component 20, 30 may be either or both of the device component 20 and the cartridge component 30, noting that co-operating electrical contacts will be required on both components 20, 30, but may or may not take the same form or configuration in both connecting portions 21 , 31. Features of the connection portion 21 , 31 relating to the mechanical connection for coupling the components 20, 30 are omitted for clarity. An air flow channel is also omitted for clarity, and as noted above may or may not be present at the connecting portion 21 , 31. In this example, a pair of electrical contacts 40 is supported on, such as being formed in or on, or mounted onto, the transverse end face 22, 32 of the component 20, 30. As depicted, the electrical contacts 40 protrude from the end face 22, 32, but may alternatively be flush or substantially flush with the end face 22, 32 such as by being set into the end face 22, 32 or deposited onto the end face 22, 32 as a conductive film or layer. Electrical leads, wires or other conducting elements 42 are shown connecting the electrical contacts 40 through the end face 22, 32 into the interior of the component 20, 30 for electrical connection with electrical parts (not shown) present within the component 20, 30. Figure 4B shows a highly simplified and schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second example connecting portion of a component having electrical contacts. Again, the component 20, 30 may be either or both of the device component 20 and the cartridge component 30, noting that co-operating electrical contacts will be required on both components 20, 30, but may or may not take the same form or configuration in both connecting portions 21 , 31 , and mechanical connection features and an air flow channel are omitted for clarity, and as noted above may or may not be present at the connecting portion 21 , 31. In this example, a pair of electrical contacts 40 is supported on a substrate, circuit board or chip 44 located inside the component 20, 30. A pair of apertures 43 is provided in the transverse end face 22, 32, and the electrical contacts 40 protrude from the substrate 44 outwardly through the apertures 43 so as to be accessible from the exterior of the component

[0044] 20, 30. The electrical contacts 40 hence extend through the end face 22, 32. The electrical contacts 40 may therefore have the form of pins, which may be fixed. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 40 may have the form of pogo pins or some other spring-loaded, springmounted or movable mount. Appropriate electrical connection (not shown) from the substrate 44 or similar to electrical parts (not shown) within the components 20, 30 is made. Depending on the configuration of the electrical contacts 40 and the apertures 43, seals may be provided to prevent the egress of liquid through the apertures 43 into the interior of the component 20, 30. However, such seals cannot protect the electrical contacts 40 themselves from any liquid that may enter the interface between the components 20, 30, so a textured surface can be employed as proposed herein.

[0045] Figure 4C shows a highly simplified and schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third example connecting portion of a component having electrical contacts. Again, the component 20, 30 may be either or both of the device component 20 and the cartridge component 30, noting that co-operating electrical contacts will be required on both components 20, 30, but may or may not take the same form or configuration in both connecting portions 21 , 31 , and mechanical connection features and an air flow channel are omitted for clarity, and as noted above may or may not be present at the connecting portion

[0046] 21 , 31. In this example, the transverse end face 22, 32 has a pair of recesses or cavities 45 formed in it (or have apertures formed in it behind which recesses or cavities are formed are formed in another part of the component 20, 30), and an electrical contact 40 is supported within each recess 45. The electrical contacts 40 are thereby accessible through the end face

[0047] 22, 32. The outer ends of the electrical contacts may be flush with the end face 22, 32 or set back behind the end face 22, 32. This arrangement, in which the electrical contacts 40 do not protrude from the end face 22, 32 may protect the electrical contacts 40 from damage or contaminates when the component 20, 30 is decoupled from the other component. Electrical leads, wires or other conducting elements 42 are shown connecting the electrical contacts 40 through the base of the recesses 45 into the interior of the component 20, 30 for electrical connection with electrical parts (not shown) present within the component 20, 30.

[0048] Although the examples of Figures 4A-4C each include two electrical contacts, a connecting portion of a component may have more or fewer electrical contacts associated with it, but has at least one electrical contact associated with it. Also, the format of the electrical contacts is not limited to the examples of Figures 4A-4C; other workable arrangements will be apparent to the skilled person. Also, electrical contacts may be located within the connecting portion otherwise than as shown in the examples of Figures 4A-4C, as mentioned above.

[0049] The proposed textured surface may be arranged in a variety of ways in order to inhibit the passage of liquid across the textured surface towards an electrical contact. Some examples will now be described, but the present disclosure is not limited in this way. The skilled person will appreciate that one or more textured surfaces may be disposed in other arrangements in order to protect an adjacent electrical contact from exposure to liquid.

[0050] Figure 5 shows a simplified plan view of an end of a component configured in accordance with an example. The component 20, 30 has an end face 22, 32 comprised in its connecting portion, as described in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4A-4C, with a centrally disposed tubular airflow channel 8 open at the end face 22, 32. In this example, the component 20, 30 has a circular transverse cross-section, and hence the end face 22, 32 has a circular shape. A pair of (first and second) electrical contacts 40 is shown, located symmetrically on either side of the air flow channel. The electrical contacts 40 may be configured as supported on the end face 22, 32, protruding through the end face 22, 32, or accessible through the end face 22, 32 as described in conjunction with Figures 4A-4C, for example. A textured surface 25 is provided across the entire area of the end face 22, 32 in this example. Other features of the end face 22, 32 are omitted for clarity, but may include elements of the connecting portion that enable physical coupling with the connecting portion of another component. The textured surface 25 may have gaps or holes within it to accommodate any such features. By being present over across all or substantially all of the end face 22, 32, a single textured surface 25 is adjacent to both the first and second electrical contacts 40, in a format which is not only around the electrical contacts 40 but also fully surrounds the electrical contacts 40. In this way, the electrical contacts 40 are protected from liquid approaching from any direction across the end face 22, 32, and the textured surface 25 is able to capture or block approaching liquid that arrives in the interface region at any location both near to and further from the electrical contacts 40.

[0051] Figure 6 shows a simplified plan view of an end of a component configured according to another example. Again, the component 20, 30 has an end face 22, 32 comprised in its connecting portion, as described in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4A-4C, with a centrally disposed tubular airflow channel 8 open at the end face 22, 32, a pair of electrical contacts 40 arranged symmetrically on either side of the end face 22, 32, and other features of the end face omitted for clarity. In this example, the component 20, 30 has a substantially oblate transverse cross-section, and hence the end face 22, 32 has an oblate shape. It will be readily apparent to the skilled person that an aerosol provision may have substantially any cross-sectional shape, so that an end face of a connecting portion may similarly have any shape. In this example, two (first and second) textured surfaces 25 are provided, one (a first) textured surface 25 adjacent to one (a first) electrical contact 40, and the other (a second) textured surface adjacent to the other (a second) electrical contact 40. Each textured surface 25 has the form of a closed (unbroken) ring that entirely surrounds its associated electrical contact 40. This allows the textured surfaces to act as a barrier to liquid passing over the end face 22, 32 towards the electrical contacts 40 along any direction from a point of origin of liquid at the interface between the connecting portions, such as liquid emerging from the airflow channel 8. The term “ring” is not intended to imply or limit to a circular shape, although a circular shape for the textured surfaces 25 is shown in Figure 6, surrounding electrical contacts 40 (or apertures or recesses through which the electrical contacts protrude or are accessed) which are also circular. It will be readily understood that the electrical contacts, apertures or recesses may have other shapes, and the ring-shaped textured surfaces can be similarly shaped to surround the electrical contacts 40, or may be differently shaped from the electrical contacts, apertures or recesses. Accordingly, any shape of ring may be employed, as convenient having regard to the space available on the end face 22, 32, the shape of the electrical contacts / apertures / recesses, and / or the avoidance of any other features present on the end face 22, 32. A textured surface having the form of a ring allows the inhibition of liquid movement across the end face towards the electrical contacts along any direction of approach, so can capture or block all liquid with a lesser area of textured surface than, for example, the Figure 5 concept of covering the whole of the end face with a textured surface. This may allow simpler manufacturing, and may be better suited for accommodating both the textured surface(s) and whichever other surface features may be present on the end face.

[0052] Similarly, in other examples, a ring-shaped textured surface may have the form of a broken or discontinuous ring, in other words a ring with one or more gaps or breaks in it. A gap may be present corresponding to a direction along which where the risk of liquid approach is considered low, for example in alignment with some other feature that may interfere with the passage of liquid towards the electrical contact, or merely to accommodate some other feature of the end face.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a simplified plan view of an end of a component configured according to a further example. Again, the component 20, 30 has an end face 22, 32 (circular in this example) comprised in its connecting portion, as described in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4A-4C, with a centrally disposed tubular airflow channel 8 open at the end face 22, 32, a pair of electrical contacts 40 arranged symmetrically on either side of the end face 22, 32, and other features of the end face omitted for clarity. In this example, two different textured surfaces 25 adjacent to the two electrical contacts 40 are shown, having different shapes / areas. While this is largely for the purpose of illustration so that two formats of textured surface 25 can be described more succinctly, it is possible to provide different textures surfaces for different electrical contacts within a single connecting portion if desired, for example if different formats of electrical contact are included in the connecting portion for which different textured surfaces are appropriate, or if other features of the end face are non- symmetrical with respect to the electrical contacts so that different areas are available adjacent to different electrical contacts. In the example of Figure 7, a first electrical contact 40 shown on the left side of the end face 22, 32 has a textured surface 25 disposed adjacently to it, around the electrical contact 40 but not completely or fully surrounding the electrical contact 40. In other words, the textured surface 25 has the shape of a discontinuous ring, as described above. A second electrical contact 40 shown on the right side of the end face 22, 32 has a textured surface 25 disposed adjacently to it so as to fully surround the electrical contact 40, as a continuous, unbroken ring. The textured surface 25 differs from the previously shown textured surfaces in that it does not extend over the end face 22, 32 completely up to the electrical contact 40 (or aperture through which the electrical contact 40 extends, or recess through which the electrical contact 40 is accessed); rather, there is an untextured portion of the end face 22, 32 interposed between the outer edge or surface of the electrical contact / aperture / recess and the textured surface 25. As will be described in more detail below, some configurations of textured surface cause liquid to cling to or be held on the textured surface. An untextured portion of the end face 22, 32 between the electrical contact 40 and the textured surface 25 can help to reduce or avoid any risk that liquid captured by the textured surface 25 in this way is nevertheless able to touch the electrical contact 40, for example, if a relatively large bead of liquid is held on the textured surface 25. Clinging liquid is not able to accumulate on the textured surface 25 in immediate proximity to the electrical contact 40. The electrical contact 40 is thereby further protected from exposure to liquid. A gap of this kind between the textured surface 25 and the electrical contact 40 can be implemented in conjunction with any shape or configuration of textured surface, and is not limited to a continuous ring of texture around the electrical contact as depicted in Figure 7.

[0054] While a ring (or other surrounding area) of textured surface may in some cases be preferred to a full coverage of the end face by the textured surface, as discussed above, the textured surface should have an adequate width or thickness in the “across” direction, that is the direction of movement of liquid over the face or similar on which the textured surface is provided towards the electrical contact, in order to provide a useful level of inhibition to the passage of liquid. The across direction can also be thought of as a radial direction, if the electrical contact is considered as a central point around which the textured surface is disposed, movement of liquid towards the electrical contact being along the radial direction. As an example, a minimum thickness or width for the textured surface can be 1 mm, although this may depend on the viscosity and hence surface tension of the liquid of interest, for example, if the trapping of water condensation or of liquid aerosolisable substrate material is of primary interest. Similarly, a maximum width or thickness can be useful in some cases, where it is of interest to reduce the total area of the textured surface while still providing adequate liquid capture. In other words, a maximum thickness might be defined as a width above which additional efficacy of liquid capture provided by a further extent of the textured surface is not of interest or benefit. A maximum thickness might be about 10 mm. Hence, a thickness or width for the ring or other area of textured surface along the across direction can be in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm for example, although the upper and lower limits of this range can be employed independently, and larger or smaller values are also not excluded, for example a thickness in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm. Also, the width need not be constant, and may vary around the ring, for example to better fit with the available space on the end face.

[0055] Note that although the above examples have included an opening of the airflow channel 8 on the end face of the component 20, 30, this is not required, for example in designs in which the air inlet(s) are located in the side wall(s) of the cartridge component so that airflow from the device component 20 to the cartridge component 30 is not needed. However, the textured surface is still pertinent in that liquid originating within the aerosol provision system may still be able to find its way to the interface between the connecting portions 21 , 31 via other gaps, channels or openings in the system structure.

[0056] In the foregoing description and the appended claims, the textured surface may be present in the cartridge component, the device component, or in both the cartridge component and the device component. Hence, any reference to a component applies equally to the cartridge component or to the device component, except where specific details indicate that only one or the other component is referred to. In the context of an entire aerosol provision, the two components can be considered as a component and a second component, a component and a further component, a component and another component, or a first component and a second component. The component or the first component may be the cartridge component or the device component. The second, further or another component may be the device component or the cartridge component.

[0057] The textured surfaces or surfaces comprise a plurality of texture features having dimensions on the micrometre scale. The features are distributed over a two-dimensional area or region of the face on which the textured surface is provided. Within that area, the texture features comprise a plurality of protrusions / recesses, pits / lands, peaks / troughs, or similar, spread over the area. With respect to the level of the plane of the face around the area, the texture features can comprise protrusions / lands / peaks standing proud of the level of the plane of the face (so that spaces between the features are at the level of the plane), or may comprise recesses / pits / troughs reaching below the level of the plane of the face (so that spaces between the features are at the level of the plane), or both (so that the level of the plane of the face is intermediate between the height of a protrusions / land / peak and the depth of a recess / pit / trough). The textured surface may be provided on the face by being fabricated directly on or as part of the face, that is, formed in the material from which the component having the face is made, or by being applied to the face as a surface coating or layer (of the same or a different material).

[0058] It has been determined that different configurations of the texture features act to inhibit the flow or movement of liquid across the textured surface in different ways, caused by different interactions of the liquid’s surface tension with different feature shapes, sizes, configurations, etc. In particular, by different selection of texture features, the surface texture can be configured to inhibit the passage of liquid by causing liquid which is incident on the surface to cling to the textured surface, or by causing liquid which is incident on the surface to flow or move along one direction at the expense of limited or prohibited movement in a substantially orthogonal direction.

[0059] Figure 8A shows a highly schematic and not-to-scale plan view representation of a first example of part of a textured surface which is configured for the cling of liquid. In order to enable liquid to cling, the texture surfaces have the form of a plurality of discrete texture features 100 on the face 101 on which the textured surface is provided. The texture features 100 are arranged so as to be spaced apart from one another over the area occupied by the textured surface, over both dimensions of the plane of the face 101. In this example, the texture features 100 are arranged with regular or periodic spacing, in the form of a triangular array. Since the texture features 100 are discrete and separated from one another, each feature may comprise a protrusion or peak extending from the plane of the face 101 , or may comprise a recess or pit “dug” below the plane of the face 100, or a combination of the two. The texture features 100 are depicted as having a roughly round cross-section parallel to the plane of the face 101 , but this is not essential, and the features may have any cross-sectional shape, dictated for example by the method of forming or providing the textured surface.

[0060] Figure 8B shows a highly schematic and not-to-scale plan view representation of a second example of part of a textured surface which is configured for the cling of liquid. This is similar to the example of Figure 8A, but in this case texture features 100 are arranged with regular spacing in the form of a square array. Other periodic distributions conforming to other regular arrays may also be used if desired. Alternatively, an irregular or non-periodic distribution may be used. Figure 8C shows a highly schematic and not-to-scale plan view representation of a third example of part of a textured surface which is configured for the cling of liquid. In this example, the texture features 100 are randomly distributed over the face 101 , with irregular and non-constant spacing, lacking any intended periodicity. The choice between a regular or an irregular distribution of texture features may be dictated by the method of forming the texture features. Alternatively, a regular arrangement with constant spacing may be most suitable for enabling the cling of a liquid with a specified viscosity, so that the spacing and regularity may be selected accordingly so as to target a particular liquid, such as water or a chosen type of aerosolisable substrate material. Conversely, a non-periodic arrangement with a range of spacings between the texture features could be used to provide some cling for liquids with viscosities within a range, so that a single textured surface can manage different liquids.

[0061] Figure 8D shows a highly schematic and not-to-scale plan view representation of a first example of part of a textured surface which is configured for the direction or control of the direction of movement of flow of liquid incident on the textured surface. In order to enable manage liquid movement direction in this way, a texture surface can have the form of a plurality of continuous texture features 100 on the face 101 on which the textured surface is provided. The texture features 100 comprise a plurality of substantially parallel ridges 102 extending from the plane of the face 101 , and / or grooves / troughs / channels “dug” below the plane of the face 100, or a combination of the two. The ridges / grooves are substantially straight in this example. Hence the texture features 102 are continuous along one direction (the length direction along which the ridges / grooves extend), and spaced apart from one another (by a substantially constant spacing) in the orthogonal direction. The effect of this configuration of the texture features 102 is to interrupt or impede the movement of any incident liquid in the orthogonal direction, indicated by the arrow X, while enabling or promoting the movement of any incident liquid in the length direction, indicated by the arrow Y. In the context of the functionality desired by the concept proposed herein, the orthogonal direction is considered as the “across” direction, along which it is desired to inhibit the passage of liquid, so that liquid is inhibited by the textured surface from reaching the far side of the textured surface. Hence, a location on the far side of 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 incident liquid is encouraged along the length direction of the ridges / grooves, so can be directed away from the across direction, or intentionally encouraged along the length direction, or both.

[0062] Figure 8E shows a highly schematic and not-to-scale plan view representation of a second example of a textured surface which is configured for the control of the direction of liquid movement. The texture features 102 again comprise a plurality of substantially parallel ridges / grooves, but in this example, the ridges / grooves are formed in ring shapes and arranged substantially concentrically. The depicted example shows the ring shapes as circular, but this is not essential, and other shapes may be used in configurations where the grooves / ridges are not defined as straight over the extent of the textured surface. The concentric arrangement defines the across 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 may be inhibited from moving from a point near the centre of the textured surface outwardly, or from a point beyond the textured surface inwards towards the centre. The direction Y along which the textured surface allows liquid movement is the circumferential direction.

[0063] Figure 9 shows a highly schematic and not-to scale cross-sectional view through an example textured surface, in order to indicates some parameters of interest. In this example, the texture features comprise pits or grooves formed in the face on which the textured surface is provided. Three texture features are shown, but in reality many more features may be present along a line through the textured surface. A first parameter of interest is the spacing s, shown as the centre-to-centre distance or separation between adjacent texture features. Purely as an example, the spacing s may be around 20 pm or around 25 pm. More generally, the spacing may be in the range of 15 pm to 30 pm, although larger and smaller spacings are not excluded, for example in the range of 10 pm to 50 pm. Within a textured surface or a region within a textured surface, the spacing may be constant (within manufacturing tolerances, which may depend on the technique used to form the texture features, and might be within 2 pm or within 5 pm, for example), or may be chosen to take a variety of values that vary within a range of up to 10 pm, for example, such as to better manage liquids with different viscosities. A second parameter of interest is the size or dimensions of an individual texture feature, indicated in Figure 9 as a width w in a direction parallel to the plane of the textured surface and the face on which the textured surface is provided, but more generally including the height of protruding features and the depth of recessed or pitted features. These dimensions may or may not be substantially the same within an individual feature, so that the width may be about the same as the height / depth, or the width may be smaller or larger than the height / depth but typically within the same order of magnitude. For example, the individual dimensions may be around 2 pm or around 3 pm, although larger or smaller dimensions are not excluded, and may be, for example, at least 1 pm, or up to 5 pm, or up to 10 pm. For example, in some cases, the texture features may have dimensions in the range of 2 pm to 5 pm, or 1 pm to 10 pm. Within a textured surface or a region within a textured surface, the dimensions for all texture features may be constant (within manufacturing tolerances, which may depend on the technique used to form the texture features, and might be within 0.5 pm or within 1 m, for example), or may be chosen to take a variety of values that vary within a range, for example, such as to better manage liquids with different viscosities.

[0064] Since the size of individual features and the spacing between adjacent features can be selected, a further parameter that may be of interest when characterising a textured surface is the density of the texture features within the textured surface. The density can be defined as the number of texture features per unit area, or more usefully so as to cover both discrete texture features and parallel grooves / ridges, the number of texture features per unit length across the surface texture. For example, the density may be selected to be about 3 or 4 or 5 features per 100 pm (so about 9 or 16 or 25 features per 100 pm2), although higher or lower values may also be used as required, such as within a range of about 2 to 10 features per pm. Again, the density may be roughly constant across the whole textured surface, or may be chosen to vary in order to provide a textured surface more capable of handling liquids with a range of viscosities.

[0065] Figure 10 shows a highly schematic and not-to scale cross-sectional view through another example textured surface, in which the individual texture features have the form of protrusions or ridges extending outwardly from the face carrying the textured surface.

[0066] Figure 11 shows a photographic image 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 pits. A 100 pm scale is indicated.

[0067] Figure 12 shows a photographic image 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 100 pm scale is indicated.

[0068] In conclusion, in order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims1. A component of an aerosol provision system, the component connectable to a second component to form the aerosol provision system, and comprising: a connecting portion configured to engage with a connecting portion of the second component; an electrical contact associated with the connecting portion and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding electrical contact in the connecting portion of the second component when the component and the second component are connected; and a textured surface configured to inhibit the passage of liquid across the textured surface, the textured surface disposed adjacent to the electrical contact to inhibit the passage of liquid towards the electrical contact.

2. A component according to claim 1 , wherein the textured surface is formed on a face of the component through which the electrical contact extends.

3. A component according to claim 1 , wherein the textured surface is formed on a face of the component through which the electrical contact is accessed.

4. A component according to claim 1 , wherein the textured surface is formed on a face of the component on which the electrical contact is supported.

5. A component according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the face is an end face of the component substantially transverse to a direction of air flow through the aerosol provision system.

6. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical contact comprises a pogo pin.

7. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second electrical contact and a second textured surface disposed adjacent to the second electrical contact.

8. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second electrical contact, the textured surface also disposed adjacent to the second electrical contact.

9. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the textured surface is disposed around the electrical contact or around an aperture through which the electrical contact is accessed.

10. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the textured surface fully surrounds the electrical contact or an aperture through which the electrical contact is accessed.

11. A component according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the textured surface has a width along the across direction in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.

12. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the textured surface is configured to inhibit the passage of liquid in the form of water arising from condensation of air flowing through the aerosol provision system.

13. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the textured surface is configured to inhibit the passage of liquid across the textured surface by causing liquid incident on the textured surface to cling to the textured surface.

14. A component according to claim 13, wherein the textured surface comprises a plurality of discrete texture features in the form of pits and / or protrusions spaced apart over two dimensions.

15. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the textured surface is configured to inhibit the passage of liquid across the textured surface by directing a flow of liquid incident on the textured surface along a direction away from the across direction.

16. A component according to claim 15, wherein the textured surface comprises a plurality of texture features in the form of substantially parallel grooves and / or ridges extending along a direction orthogonal to the across direction.

17. A component according to claim 16, wherein the grooves and / or ridges are arranged substantially concentrically around the electrical contact or around an aperture through which the electrical contact is accessed.

18. A component according to any one of claims 14, 16 or 17, wherein the texture features have dimensions in the range of 1 pm to 10 pm.

19. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the component is a cartridge component comprising a reservoir for storing aerosol-forming substrate and an atomiser for vaporising the aerosol-forming substrate.

20. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the component is a device component comprising a battery for powering an atomiser of the aerosol provision system.21 . An aerosol provision system comprising a component according to any preceding claim.

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