PORTABLE DEVICE HAVING CASING ACCESS RESPONSIVE TO DETECTION OF A USER'S HAND - Patent application

Abstract

The portable device (1) comprises a body (16) comprising a casing "I having an opening (9) and a closure element (5) movable between a closed position blocking the casing opening (9) and an open position allowing access to the casing (7). The body (16) further comprises a first sensor (4) located in a selected area (19) and configured to detect a user's hand (21) holding the body (16) in the selected area (19), and a mechanism (18) configured to move the closure element (5) to its open position when the user's hand (21) is detected by the first sensor (4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable device having a body provided with a closure element controlling access to the casing, and more particularly to the automatic control of the movement of this closure element when a user starts to use such a portable device. [Background technology]

[0002] Some portable devices include a body that includes a casing having an opening and a closure element movable between a closed position that blocks the casing opening and an open position that allows access to the casing, which are examples of some aerosol generating devices, particularly but not limited to, where the casing is configured to receive a consumable that includes at least an aerosol forming substance for generating an aerosol in a vaping session.

[0003] Typically, the body of known portable devices is equipped with a dedicated button, which is coupled to a mechanism, itself coupled to a closure element, and which has to be operated (or actuated) by the user each time the user wants to use the portable device and open the casing (e.g. to introduce or remove a consumable). The user thus has to perform one or more operations before accessing the casing, which may appear to be a drawback for some users, for example when the user needs to perform several other operations to use his portable device (especially to prepare and start a vaping session).

[0004] Furthermore, due to the small dimensions of the portable device, the dedicated buttons allowing the user to control the mechanism can easily be operated accidentally, for example in a pocket or bag, thus potentially damaging the mechanism and / or the closure elements, causing objects contained in the casing (e.g. consumables) to detach from the casing and requiring the user to reinsert the objects into the casing (if not damaged), or allowing any dust or material residues to get into the casing which can interfere with operation (e.g. aerosol generation) or be dangerous to health (e.g. if transformed by heating and mixed with the generated aerosol). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to improve the above situation, and in particular to enable automatic control of the closure elements upon specific detection of the user's hand on the portable device body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The proposed invention provides an embodiment of a portable device comprising a body with a casing having an opening and a closure element movable between a closed position blocking the casing opening and an open position allowing access to the casing.

[0007] The portable device has a main body comprising: a first sensor arranged in the selected area and configured to detect a user's hand holding the main body in the selected area; a mechanism configured to move a closure element to its open position when a user's hand is detected by said first sensor; The present invention is characterized by further comprising:

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the closure element can be activated very simply and automatically, without having to rely on a dedicated operating button, depending on how the user holds the portable device, in particular depending on the detection of the user's hand by the first sensor.

[0009] The first sensor is located or disposed in a selected area of ​​the casing. The device body may include an outer wall. The first sensor may be located or disposed in a selected area of ​​the outer wall.

[0010] Embodiments of the portable device may include other features, which may be considered separately or in combination, in particular the following features: The first sensor may be selected from the group consisting of a capacitive sensor, a resistive pressure sensor, and a strain gauge. The first sensor may be configured to detect the user's hand when the user's hand applies at least a predefined force to the selected area for at least one predefined duration and for a predefined number of times equal to at least one. For example, the predefined duration may be comprised between 500ms and 2s, the predefined force may be comprised between 2N and 6N, and the predefined number of times may be comprised between 1 and 3. The body may have an exterior with a plastic cover (possibly removable) at least in selected areas. In this embodiment, the first sensor may be located between the exterior and the plastic cover. In one example embodiment, the closure element may include a first magnet, and the mechanism may include an electromagnetic coil configured to generate a first magnetic field when a user's hand is detected by a first sensor to attract the first magnet to move the closure element from the closed position to its open position. In the immediately preceding embodiment, the mechanism may include a second magnet spaced apart from the first electromagnetic coil and configured to generate a second magnetic field to attract the first magnet when the first electromagnetic coil no longer generates the first magnetic field to move the closure element from its open position to its closed position. The portable device may comprise an aerosol generating device, in which a casing is for receiving a consumable containing at least an aerosol forming substance. In this embodiment, the portable device may comprise an aerosol generating unit comprising a casing and configured, when supplied with electrical energy, to convert the aerosol forming substance into an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user. In the immediately preceding embodiment, the portable device may include a rechargeable battery that stores electrical energy used by the aerosol generation unit to convert the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol and used by the mechanism to move the closure element to its open position. Also, in the immediately preceding embodiment, the body may include a second sensor configured to detect a consumable received in the casing, and the aerosol generation unit may be configured to convert the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol when the second sensor detects the consumable in the casing. For example, the second sensor may be selected from the group consisting of a photoresistor and a proximity sensor. For example, the main body may also include a transparent protective cover installed in a hole communicating with the casing between the second sensor and the casing to protect the second sensor. This transparent protective cover may be made of, for example, a glass material or a plastic material (possibly with an anti-fouling coating). Also, for example, the second sensor may be configured to detect when the consumable has been removed from the casing and, after this detection, to stop the supply of electrical energy to the aerosol generation unit. Also for example, the aerosol forming material may include a tobacco material or at least one polyol. The portable device may constitute an electronic cigarette.

[0011] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic and functional cross-sectional view of an example of an embodiment of a portable device according to the invention with its closure elements in its closed position, prior to the insertion of a consumable product into its casing; [Diagram 2] 2 shows a schematic and functional cross-sectional view of the portable device of FIG. 1 allowing the opening of its closure elements and the insertion of a consumable into its casing after detecting a user's hand in a selected area; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a portable device 1 that can be used by a user, the portable device 1 having a closure element 5 that controls access to a casing 7 and that is placed in an open position depending on the position of the user's hand.

[0014] In the following description, the portable device 1 is considered to be an aerosol generating device, although the portable device 1 according to the invention may be of another type, as long as it comprises a closure element that controls access to the casing through which the introduction (or insertion) and removal of objects is intended.

[0015] Furthermore, in the following description, the aerosol generating device 1 is considered to be (or constitutes) an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette or personal vaporizer). However, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the invention may be of another type, as long as it is capable of converting an aerosol-forming substance in solid form into an aerosol (possibly close to room temperature). More generally, the portable device 1 according to the invention relates to any aerosol generating device, usually called a T-vapor (or "heat-not-burn" (or HnB)) device, which comprises a heater for heating a solid substance.

[0016] Furthermore, in the following description, the object intended to be introduced (or inserted) into the casing 7 is considered to be a consumable 2 comprising at least an aerosol-forming material 8. For example, the consumable 2 is a tobacco stick. The aerosol-forming material thus comprises at least a tobacco material (optionally cut tobacco), although the invention is not limited to this type of consumable.

[0017] The term "aerosol forming substance" is used to designate any material that can be aerosolized in the air to form an aerosol. Thus, an aerosol forming substance may include one or more of nicotine, tobacco materials, polyols, caffeine, or other active ingredients, or flavorings.

[0018] Additionally, the term "aerosol" may include suspensions of a substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas, and further, such suspensions may be within a gas, including air.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a portable device 1 (here, an aerosol generating device) according to the present invention comprises at least a body 16 comprising a casing 7 having an opening 9, a closure element 5, a first sensor 4 and a mechanism 18.

[0020] The closure element 5 is movable between a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) in which it blocks the casing opening 9 and an open position (as shown in FIG. 2) in which it allows access to the casing 7 .

[0021] The first sensor 4 is located in a selected area 19 of the device body 16 and is configured to detect a user's hand 21 holding the device body 16 in the selected area 19 (see FIG. 2).

[0022] For example, device body 16 comprises an exterior wall 20 having an exterior surface, and this selected area 19 is delimited on the exterior surface to indicate where a portion of a user's hand 21 must be placed in order to be detected by first sensor 4. Selected area 19 is preferably defined at a location where a user's hand 21 is typically partially placed when the user uses portable device 1 (e.g., during a vaping session when portable device 1 is an aerosol generating device).

[0023] In other words, the first sensor 4 can detect the user's hand 21 (preferably under certain conditions, as explained below) only if the user's hand 21 is in partial contact with the selected area 19 (here, at least one finger is in contact with the selected area (19)). The contact of the user's hand 21 with the selected area 19 (preferably under certain conditions) is considered to indicate an intention to use the portable device 1.

[0024] The mechanism 18 is configured to move the closure element 5 to its open position when a user's hand 21 is detected by the first sensor 4, as shown in FIG.

[0025] Thus, the present invention allows the closure element 5 to be activated very simply and automatically depending on how the user holds the portable device 1, without relying on a dedicated operating button. The present invention also enhances the user experience due to the fact that the present invention allows the user to reduce the number of operations to use the portable device 1. Furthermore, since the portable device 1 is grip-dependent, the control of the mechanism 18 (allowing access to the casing 7) cannot be opened unintentionally.

[0026] For example, the first sensor 4 may be supplied with electrical energy (or power) by a power source 15 housed in the device body 16. However, this is not necessary. In fact, the power source 15 may also be housed in a separate body coupled to the body 16, for example by screwing with two corresponding threaded parts, clipping or by magnets. Also, for example, the power source 15 may be a rechargeable battery. In this case, the body 16 may comprise an electrical connector to which a charger cable may be connected during a charging session of the rechargeable battery 15. Such a charger cable may be coupled to an (AC) adapter or to a wall outlet. The charger cable and / or the (AC) adapter may belong to the portable device 1.

[0027] Also, for example, the closure element 5 may be a slidable shutter that can be moved (arrow F) between closed and open positions by the mechanism 18. In the non-limiting example of Figs. 1 and 2, the closure element 5 is a flat plate that is moved linearly and thus translated. However, the closure element 5 may also have a curved shape and follow a curved line when moved between the closed and open positions by the mechanism 18. To facilitate the movement of the closure element 5, the device body 16 may comprise a guide member (or rail) 22 in the vicinity of the casing opening 9, as shown in the non-limiting example of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0028] Also, for example, the first sensor 4 may be a resistive pressure sensor. In this case, the first sensor 4 is configured to detect pressure applied by the user's hand 21 in the selected area 19 on the device body 16. However, in a variation of the embodiment, the first sensor 4 may be, for example, a capacitive sensor (which detects a change in capacitance caused by the presence of a finger in the selected area 19 on the device body 16 or by pressure applied by the user's hand 21 in the selected area 19 on the device body 16) or a strain gauge (which detects a change in strain applied by the user's hand 21 in the selected area 19 on the device body 16).

[0029] In an example of an embodiment, the first sensor 4 may be configured to detect the user's hand (21) when the user's hand 21 exerts at least a predefined force in the selected area for at least one predefined duration and a predefined number of times equal to at least 1. In this case, the predefined duration may be comprised between 500 ms and 2 s. For example, the predefined duration of the force to be detected (which may be a first condition to be met for detection) may be equal to 1 s. Also, in this case, the predefined force may be comprised between 2N and 6N. For example, the predefined force (which may be a second condition to be met for detection) may be equal to 4N. Also, in this case, the number of times the predefined force is detected may be comprised between 1 and 3. For example, the number of times (which may be a third condition to be met for detection) may be equal to 2, in order to avoid triggering the movement of the closure element if the user inadvertently presses the selected area 19 only once without trying to access the casing 7.

[0030] Also for example, the device body 16 may have an exterior with a plastic cover at least in selected areas 19. In this embodiment, the first sensor 4 may be placed (or sandwiched) between this exterior and this plastic cover, allowing protection of the first sensor 4. This plastic cover is preferably removable so that the first sensor 4 can be replaced.

[0031] As shown in the non-limiting examples of Figures 1 and 2, the closure element 5 may comprise a first (permanent) magnet 23 and the mechanism 18 may comprise an electromagnetic coil 24 configured to generate a first magnetic field when a user's hand 21 is detected by the first sensor 4. This first magnetic field is for attracting the first magnet 23 in order to move the closure element 5 from its closed position to its open position, as shown in Figure 2. With such a mechanism 18, unless the user's hand 21 is detected in the selected area 19, the electromagnetic coil 24 is not supplied with electrical energy, and thus the closure element 5 remains in its closed position. Then, when the user's hand 21 is detected in the selected area 19, the electromagnetic coil 24 is supplied with electrical energy coming from the power source 15, and thus the closure element 5 reaches its open position.

[0032] For example, the strength of the first magnetic field may be comprised between 250 mT and 500 mT.

[0033] Also, as shown in the non-limiting example of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the mechanism 18 may comprise a second magnet 25 arranged at a distance from the first electromagnetic coil 24 and configured to generate a second magnetic field, which attracts the first magnet 23 when the electromagnetic coil 24 ceases to generate the first magnetic field, so that the closure element 5 moves from its open position to its closed position. With such an embodiment, when the electromagnetic coil 24 is no longer supplied with electrical energy, the closure element 5 moves automatically from its open position to its closed position, since the first magnet 23 is now attracted by the second magnetic field. This allows the casing 7 to be closed in a very simple manner, possibly without consuming electrical energy, if the second magnet 25 is a permanent magnet. However, in a variant of the embodiment, the second magnet 25 may also be an electromagnetic coil that is supplied with electrical energy when the casing 7 has to be closed (i.e. when the electromagnetic coil 24 is no longer supplied with electrical energy).

[0034] Such an embodiment significantly increases the life and robustness of mechanism 18, as it has no mechanically complex moving parts.

[0035] It should be noted that if the second magnet 25 is a permanent magnet, the second magnetic field is also permanent. Thus, the strength of the first magnetic field must be greater than the strength of the second magnetic field in order to be able to move the closure element 5 from its closed position to its open position. This condition on strength does not need to be implemented if the second magnet 25 is a second electromagnetic coil, since the controller 6 prevents the supply of electrical energy to the second electromagnetic coil 25 when supplying electrical energy to the first electromagnetic coil 24 (and vice versa).

[0036] For example, if the second magnetic field is permanent, its strength may be comprised between 250 mT and 500 mT, however, if the second magnetic field is not permanent, its strength may be equal to that of the first magnetic field.

[0037] 1 and 2, when the portable device 1 is an aerosol generating device, its casing 7 is for receiving a consumable 2 (here, a tobacco stick) containing at least an aerosol forming substance 8, and its body 16 comprises an aerosol generating unit 3. The aerosol generating unit (3) comprises a casing 7 and is configured, upon supply of electrical energy coming from a power source 15, to convert the aerosol forming substance 8 mixed with air into an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user through successive draws (or "puffs" or inhalation phases) in a vaping session.

[0038] When the closure element 5 is in its open position (FIG. 2), a user may manually insert at least a portion of the consumable 2 into the casing 7, which may be a heating chamber.

[0039] As shown in the non-limiting examples of Figures 1 and 2, the casing 7 is in communication with an air outlet 10 of an air flow passage 11 and is supplied with air coming from at least one air inlet 12 of said air flow passage 11. This allows mixing of the aerosol-forming substance 8 with the air.

[0040] As also shown, the consumable 2 may include a filter 13 downstream of the aerosol-forming material 8. In the non-limiting example of Figure 2, the consumable 2 is fully inserted into the casing 7. However, like a cigarette, the filter 13 may also be at least partially and temporarily placed in the user's mouth, where the filter 13 is used as a mouthpiece to draw in the aerosol generated with each puff (or inhalation).

[0041] The aerosol-forming substance 8 is configured to be heated (without burning) and generate an aerosol when mixed with air. This heating is performed by a heater 14 supplied with electrical energy coming from a power source 15. This heater 14 may belong to the aerosol generation unit 3.

[0042] In the non-limiting example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heater 14 surrounds the casing 7 and thus surrounds a part of the consumable 2 (more precisely, its aerosol-forming substance 8) to heat the aerosol-forming substance (8). For example, the heater 14 can be a thin-film heater wound around the outer surface of the casing 7 to heat the side walls and at least a part of the interior space of the casing 7. However, in a variant (not shown), the heater 14 can be a coil associated with a susceptor or a resistive coil heater. In a first alternative, the coil is configured to generate an electromagnetic field when supplied with an electric current, and the susceptor is configured to convert this electromagnetic field into heat. This susceptor is a foil of the consumable 2 and surrounds or is located inside the aerosol-forming substance 8. In other variants of the embodiment (not shown), the heater 14 can be located inside the consumable 2 or inside the casing 7.

[0043] For example, the heater 14 may heat the aerosol-forming substance 8 to a temperature comprised between 150°C and 350°C.

[0044] The electrical energy supplied to the heater 14 during a vaporizing session is controlled by a controller 6. This controller (or control unit) 6 may comprise at least a processor and a memory configured to perform operations for controlling the aerosol generation unit 3, in particular its heater 14 during a vaporizing session, and also the power source 15 and mechanism 18 during a possible charging session.

[0045] The electrical energy supplied to the electromagnetic coil 24 may also be controlled by the controller 6. In this case, each time the first sensor 4 detects the user's hand 21 in the selected area 19 (possibly under the conditions mentioned above), it sends a signal representative of the detection to the controller 6, which thus enables the supply of electrical energy to the electromagnetic coil 24 to move the closure element 5 to its open position.

[0046] For example, the processor of the controller 6 may be a digital signal processor (i.e., DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). More generally, the processor may include multiple integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected between them via wired or wireless connections. The term "integrated (or printed) circuit" herein refers to any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0047] Also for example, the memory of the controller 6 may be a random access memory (or RAM), although the memory may be any type of device configured to store program instructions for a processor.

[0048] Generally speaking, the functions of the controller (or control unit) 6 may be performed through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control with dedicated logic, or even manually (by a user). These functions may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware and hardware capable of executing software in conjunction with appropriate software.

[0049] As shown in the non-limiting examples of Figures 1 and 2, the controller (or control unit) 6 (and in particular its processor and memory) may be fixed on a printed circuit board (or PCB) 17 (here housed within the body 16).

[0050] Also, as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of Figures 1 and 2, the device body 16 may comprise a second sensor 26 configured to detect the consumable 2 received in the casing 7. In this case, the aerosol generation unit 3 may be configured to convert the aerosol-forming substance 8 into an aerosol when the second sensor 26 detects the consumable 2 in the casing 7. In other words, when the second sensor 26 detects the consumable 2 in the casing 7, it emits a specific first signal representing this detection and triggering the supply of electrical energy to the heater 14 and thus the generation of an aerosol for inhalation. For example, the emitted specific first signal may be transmitted to the controller 6, so that the controller 6 can supply electrical energy to the heater 14.

[0051] For example, the second sensor 26 may be a photoresistor, although in a variant, the second sensor 26 may also be, for example, a proximity sensor.

[0052] 1 and 2, the device body 16 may also include a transparent protective cover 27 disposed in a hole 28 communicating with the casing 7 between the second sensor 26 and the casing 7 to protect the second sensor 26. This prevents the second sensor 26 from being contaminated or damaged.

[0053] For example, this transparent protective cover 27 may be made of a glass material or a plastic material (possibly with an anti-fouling coating).

[0054] Also, for example, the second sensor 26 may be configured to detect when the consumable 2 has been removed from the casing 7 by the user and, after this detection, to stop the supply of electrical energy to the aerosol generation unit 3.

[0055] In other words, when the second sensor 26 detects that there is no more consumable 2 in the casing 7, it emits a specific second signal representative of this detection and triggering the stopping of the supply of electrical energy to the heater 14 and thus the end of the generation of aerosol. For example, the emitted specific second signal may be transmitted to the controller 6, which thus prevents the supply of electrical energy to the heater 14.

[0056] In addition to its processor and memory, the controller (or control unit) 6 may also comprise an input interface, mass memory (particularly for storing intermediate data generated during its calculations and processing), and an output interface for delivering messages and instructions for controlling at least the aerosol generation unit 3 (particularly its heater 14), as well as electronic components (such as switches) that supply power (stored in the power source 15) to the aerosol generation unit 3, the first sensor 4, the mechanism 18, and any second sensor 26 that may be present.

[0057] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the several block diagrams in FIGS. 1 and 2 represent conceptual views of illustrative components or circuitry embodying the principles of the invention herein.

[0058] The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. It is therefore to be understood that those skilled in the art may devise various configurations that embody the principles of the invention and are within its spirit and scope, although not expressly described or shown herein. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are expressly intended to be merely for educational purposes to facilitate the reader's understanding of the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to advance the art, and should not be construed as being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Furthermore, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A portable device (1) comprising a body (16), wherein the body (16) has an opening (9), and a closure element (5) movable between a closed position closing the casing opening (9) and an open position permitting access to the casing (7), and comprises a casing (7), wherein the body (16) i) a first sensor (4) configured to be installed in a selected area (19) and detect a user's hand (21) holding the body (16) in the selected area (19); ii) a mechanism (18) configured to move the closure element (5) from the closed position to the open position when the user's hand is detected by the first sensor (4), further comprising, a portable device (1).

2. The first sensor (4) is selected from the group consisting of a capacitive sensor, a resistive film pressure sensor, and a strain gauge, The portable device according to claim 1.

3. The first sensor (4) is configured to detect the user's hand when the user's hand applies at least a pre-defined force to the selected area for at least a pre-defined duration and at least a pre-defined number of times equal to 1, The portable device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The pre-defined duration is included in 500 ms to 2 s, The pre-defined force is included in 2 N to 6 N, The pre-defined number of times is included in 1 to 3, The portable device according to claim 3.

5. The body (16) has an outer surface provided with a plastic cover at least in the selected area, The first sensor (4) is installed between the outer surface and the plastic cover, The portable device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The closure element (5) comprises a first magnet (23), The mechanism (18) comprises an electromagnetic coil (24) configured to generate a first magnetic field when the user's hand is detected by the first sensor (4) to attract the first magnet (23) to move the closure element (5) from the closed position to the open position, The portable device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The mechanism (18) is arranged at a distance from the first electromagnetic coil (24), configured to generate a second magnetic field to attract the first magnet (23) when the first electromagnetic coil (24) stops generating the first magnetic field, and move the closure element (5) from the open position to the closed position and includes a second magnet (25). The portable device according to claim 6.

8. The portable device includes an aerosol generating device, wherein in the aerosol generating device, the casing (7) is for receiving a consumable (2) containing at least an aerosol forming substance (8), the portable device includes the casing (7), and an aerosol generating unit (3) configured to convert the aerosol forming substance (8) into an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user when supplied with electrical energy. The portable device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The portable device includes a rechargeable battery (15) that stores electrical energy used by the aerosol generating unit (3) to convert the aerosol forming substance (8) into the aerosol and used by the mechanism (18) to move the closure element (5) to the open position. The portable device according to claim 8.

10. The main body (16) includes a second sensor (26) configured to detect a consumable (2) received in the casing (7), and the aerosol generating unit (3) is configured to convert the aerosol forming substance (8) into the aerosol when the second sensor (26) detects the consumable (2) in the casing (7). The portable device according to claim 8.

11. The second sensor (26) is selected from the group consisting of a photoreceptor and a proximity sensor. The portable device according to claim 10.

12. The main body (16) includes a transparent protective cover (27) installed in a hole (28) communicating with the casing (7) between the second sensor (26) and the casing (7) to protect the second sensor (26). The portable device according to claim 10.

13. [[ID ​ ​ ​ The second sensor (26) is configured to detect that the consumable (2) has been removed from the casing (7), and to stop the supply of electrical energy to the aerosol generating unit (3) after the detection. The portable device according to claim 10.

14. The aerosol-forming substance (8) contains a tobacco material or at least one polyol. The portable device according to claim 8.

15. The portable device constitutes an electronic cigarette. The portable device according to claim 8.

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