Portable device with casing access that responds to user hand detection

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 comprising a closure element that controls access to a casing, and more particularly relates to automatic control of the movement of said closure element when a user initiates use of such a portable device. Background Art

[0002] Some portable devices comprise a body that is a casing, the casing having an opening and a closure element movable between a closed position closing the casing opening and an open position permitting access to the casing. This is, in particular but not exclusively, the example of several aerosol-generating devices, of which the casing is configured to receive a consumable comprising at least an aerosol-forming substance for generating an aerosol during a vaping session.

[0003] In general, the body of known portable devices is provided with a dedicated button, which is coupled to a mechanism, which itself is coupled to the closure element, and which needs to be operated (or actuated) by the user every time the user wishes to use the portable device and wishes to open the casing (for example, to insert or remove a consumable). As a result, the user needs to perform one or more operations before accessing the casing, which appears to be a drawback for some users, for example when the user needs to perform several other operations (in particular, preparing and starting a vaping session) to use their portable device.

[0004] Furthermore, due to the small size of the portable device, dedicated buttons that allow the user to control the mechanism may be easily accidentally operated, for example, in a pocket or bag, which could potentially damage the mechanism and / or closure elements, cause objects housed in the casing (e.g., consumables) to detach from the casing, requiring the user to reinsert the objects (if not damaged), or allow dust or material residue to enter the casing, potentially interfering with operation (e.g., aerosol generation) or posing a health hazard (e.g., if converted by heating and mixed with the generated aerosol). [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to improve the above situation, and in particular to enable automatic control of closure elements when a user's hand is specifically detected in the portable device body. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] This portable device has its main body, - A first sensor installed in a selected area and configured to detect the user's hand holding the device in this selected area, -A mechanism configured to move the closure element to its open position when the user's hand is detected by this first sensor. It is further characterized by having the following features.

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

[0009] The first sensor is installed, i.e., positioned, in a selected area of ​​the casing. The device body may have an outer wall. The first sensor may be installed, i.e., positioned, in a selected area of ​​the outer wall.

[0010] Embodiments of portable devices may include other features, either separately or in combination, which may be considered separately, particularly the following features: The first sensor may be selected from the group consisting of capacitive sensors, resistive pressure sensors, and strain gauges. The first sensor may be configured to detect the user's hand when the user's hand is applying at least a predefined force to a selected area for at least one predefined duration and at least one predefined number of times equal to one. For example, a predefined duration may fall within the range of 500ms to 2s, a predefined force within the range of 2N to 6N, and a predefined number of repetitions within the range of 1 to 3. The main body may have an outer surface with a plastic cover (which may be removable) covering at least a selected area. In this embodiment, the first sensor may be installed between this outer surface and this plastic cover. In one 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 the user's hand is detected by a first sensor in order to attract the first magnet in order to move the closure element from a closed position to its open position. In the preceding embodiment, the mechanism may include a second magnet positioned at a distance from the first electromagnetic coil and configured to generate a second magnetic field in order to attract the first magnet when the first electromagnetic coil ceases to generate a first magnetic field, thereby moving the closure element from its open position to its closed position. The portable device may include an aerosol generating device, in which the casing is for receiving consumables containing at least an aerosol-forming substance. In this embodiment, the portable device may include an aerosol generating unit comprising a casing and configured to convert the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user when electrical energy is supplied. In the preceding embodiment, the portable device may include a rechargeable battery that stores electrical energy used by an aerosol generating unit to convert an aerosol-forming material into an aerosol, and which is used by a mechanism to move a closure element to its open position. Furthermore, in the preceding embodiment, the main body may include a second sensor configured to detect a consumable received in the casing, and the aerosol generating unit may be configured to convert an 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 photoresistors and proximity sensors. Furthermore, for example, the main body may include a transparent protective cover installed between the second sensor and the casing, in a hole that communicates with the casing, in order to protect the second sensor. This transparent protective cover may be made of, for example, glass or plastic material (which may have an anti-fouling coating). Furthermore, for example, a second sensor may be configured to detect when a consumable has been removed from the casing, and to stop the supply of electrical energy to the aerosol generating unit after this detection. Furthermore, for example, the aerosol-forming substance may include tobacco material or at least one polyol. • Portable devices can constitute an e-cigarette.

[0011] The present invention and its advantages are given only as non-limiting examples and should be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] An example of an embodiment of the portable device according to the present invention is shown schematically and functionally in a cross-sectional view, with its closure element in the closed position before consumables are inserted into its casing. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic and functional cross-sectional view of a portable device that, after detecting a user's hand in a selected area, allows the release of its closure element and insertion of consumables into its casing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0014] In the following description, portable device 1 is considered to be an aerosol generating device. However, portable device 1 according to the present invention may be of a different type, insofar as it includes a closure element that controls access to a casing from which an object is intended to be introduced (or inserted) and removed.

[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 present invention may be of a different type, as long as it can convert an aerosol-forming material in solid form into an aerosol (possibly close to room temperature). More generally, the portable device 1 according to the present 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 material.

[0016] Furthermore, in the following description, the object intended to be introduced (or inserted) into the casing 7 is considered to be the consumable article 2 comprising at least the aerosol-forming substance 8. For example, this consumable article 2 is a tobacco stick. Accordingly, the aerosol-forming substance comprises at least a tobacco material (in some cases, shredded tobacco). However, the present invention is not limited to this type of consumable article.

[0017] The term "aerosol-forming substance" is used to designate any material that is capable of being aerosolized in air so as to form an aerosol. Accordingly, the aerosol-forming substance may comprise one or more of nicotine, tobacco material, polyol, caffeine, or other active ingredients, or flavorants.

[0018] Furthermore, the term "aerosol" may comprise a suspension of a substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas, and such a suspension may be present in a gas including air.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the portable device 1 (herein, an aerosol generation device) according to the present invention at least comprises a main body 16 provided with 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 (shown in Figure 1) that closes the casing opening 9 and an open position (shown in Figure 2) that permits access to the casing 7.

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

[0022] For example, the device body 16 has an outer wall 20 having an outer surface, on which the selected area 19 is demarcated to indicate the location where a portion of the user's hand 21 must be positioned to be detected by the first sensor 4. The selected area 19 is preferably defined as the location where the user's hand 21 is normally partially positioned when the user is using the portable device 1 (for example, during a vaping session when the 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 specific conditions as described 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)). Contact of the user's hand 21 with the selected area 19 (preferably under specific conditions) is considered to indicate an intention to use the portable device 1.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the mechanism 18 is configured to move the closure element 5 to its open position when the first sensor 4 detects the user's hand 21.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention allows the closure element 5 to be activated very easily and automatically according to how the user holds the portable device 1, without relying on a dedicated operation button. The present invention also enhances the user experience by reducing the number of user operations required to use the portable device 1. Furthermore, since the portable device 1 is gripped or not, the control of the mechanism 18 (which allows access to the casing 7) will not open unintentionally.

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

[0027] Furthermore, for example, the closure element 5 may be a sliding shutter that can be moved (arrow F) between a closed position and an open position by the mechanism 18. In the non-limiting examples of Figures 1 and 2, the closure element 5 is a flat plate that moves linearly and therefore translationally. However, the closure element 5 may have a curved shape and may follow a curved line when moved between the closed position and the open position by the mechanism 18. To facilitate the movement of the closure element 5, the device body 16 may be provided with a guide member (or rail) 22 near the casing opening 9, as shown in the non-limiting examples of Figures 1 and 2.

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

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

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the device body 16 may have an outer surface with a plastic cover over at least a selected area 19. In this embodiment, the first sensor 4 may be installed (or sandwiched) between this outer surface and this plastic cover. This allows for the protection of the first sensor 4. The plastic cover is preferably removable when the first sensor 4 needs to be replaced.

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

[0032] For example, the strength of the first magnetic field can fall within the range of 250 mT to 500 mT.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in the non-limiting examples in Figures 1 and 2, the mechanism 18 may include a second magnet 25 positioned at a distance from the first electromagnetic coil 24 and configured to generate a second magnetic field. This second magnetic field is intended to attract the first magnet 23 when the electromagnetic coil 24 ceases to generate the first magnetic field, thereby moving the closure element 5 from its open position to its closed position. In such an embodiment, when the electromagnetic coil 24 is no longer supplied with electrical energy, the first magnet 23 is then attracted to the second magnetic field, causing the closure element 5 to automatically move from its open position to its closed position. 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 variation of the embodiment, the second magnet 25 may be an electromagnetic coil that supplies electrical energy when the casing 7 must be closed (i.e., when the electromagnetic coil 24 is no longer supplied with electrical energy).

[0034] In this embodiment, the mechanism 18 has no mechanically complex moving parts, thus significantly increasing its lifespan and robustness.

[0035] Note that if the second magnet 25 is a permanent magnet, the second magnetic field is also permanent. Therefore, in order to move the closure element 5 from its closed position to its open position, the strength of the first magnetic field must be greater than the strength of the second magnetic field. This strength condition does not need to be met if the second magnet 25 is a second electromagnetic coil, because when the controller 6 supplies electrical energy to the first electromagnetic coil 24, it prevents the supply of electrical energy to the second electromagnetic coil 25 (and vice versa).

[0036] For example, if the second magnetic field is permanent, its strength may fall within the range of 250mT to 500mT. However, if the second magnetic field is not permanent, its strength may be equal to that of the first magnetic field.

[0037] As not limited to Figures 1 and 2, if 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), comprising the casing 7, is configured to convert the aerosol-forming substance 8, mixed with air, into an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user through continuous inhalation (or "puff" or inhalation phase) during a vaping session, when supplied with electrical energy from a power source 15.

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

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

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the consumable 2 may include a filter 13 downstream of the aerosol-forming substance 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 be placed at least partially and temporarily in the user's mouth, in which case the filter 13 is used as a mouthpiece for inhaling the aerosol generated in each puff (or inhalation).

[0041] The aerosol-forming material 8 is configured to generate an aerosol when heated (without combustion) and mixed with air. This heating is carried out by a heater 14 supplied with electrical energy from a power source 15. This heater 14 may belong to the aerosol-generating unit 3.

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

[0043] For example, the heater 14 can heat the aerosol-forming substance 8 to a temperature within the range of 150°C to 350°C.

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

[0045] The electrical energy supplied to the electromagnetic coil 24 can also be controlled by the controller 6. In this case, whenever the first sensor 4 detects the user's hand 21 in the selected area 19 (under the conditions described above), it sends a signal to the controller 6 indicating the detection, and the controller 6 then allows 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 controller 6 may be a digital signal processor (i.e., a DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). More generally, the processor may consist of several integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected to each other via wired or wireless connections. The term “integrated (or printed) circuit” here refers to any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, the memory of controller 6 may be random access memory (i.e., RAM). However, the memory may be any type of device configured to store program instructions for the processor.

[0048] Generally speaking, the functions of the controller (or control unit) 6 can be performed through the operation of programmed logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction between programmed control and dedicated logic, or manually (by the user). These functions can 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 in 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 (i.e., PCB) 17 (which is housed here within the main body 16).

[0050] Furthermore, as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of Figures 1 and 2, the device body 16 may include a second sensor 26 configured to detect the consumable 2 received in the casing 7. In this case, the aerosol generating unit 3 may be configured to convert the aerosol-forming material 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 sends out a specific first signal that indicates this detection and triggers the supply of electrical energy to the heater 14, and consequently, the generation of an aerosol for inhalation. For example, the sent specific first signal may be transmitted to a controller 6, which can then supply electrical energy to the heater 14.

[0051] For example, the second sensor 26 could be a photoresistor. However, in a modified form, the second sensor 26 could be, for example, a proximity sensor.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in the non-limiting examples in Figures 1 and 2, the device body 16 may include a transparent protective cover 27 installed between the second sensor 26 and the casing 7, in a hole 28 communicating with the casing 7, to protect the second sensor 26. This prevents contamination or damage to the second sensor 26.

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

[0054] Furthermore, 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 to stop the supply of electrical energy to the aerosol generating unit 3 after this detection.

[0055] In other words, when the second sensor 26 detects that there are no more consumables 2 in the casing 7, it sends out a specific second signal that indicates this detection and triggers the cessation of the supply of electrical energy to the heater 14, and consequently the end of aerosol generation. For example, the sent specific second signal may also be transmitted to the controller 6, which in turn prevents the controller 6 from supplying electrical energy to the heater 14.

[0056] In addition to its processor and memory, the controller (or control unit) 6 may also include an input interface, a large-capacity memory (in particular for storing intermediate data generated during its calculations and processing), and an output interface for delivering messages and commands to control at least the aerosol generating unit 3 (in particular for its heater 14), and electronic components (such as switches) that supply power (stored in the power supply 15) to the aerosol generating unit 3, the first sensor 4, the mechanism 18, and any second sensor 26.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that some of the block diagrams in Figures 1 and 2 represent conceptual diagrams of exemplary components (or structures) or circuits that embody the principles of the present invention as described herein.

[0058] The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various configurations embodying the principles of the invention and falling within its spirit and scope, although not expressly described or illustrated herein, can be conceived by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, all examples listed herein are expressly intended solely for educational purposes to facilitate the reader's understanding of the principles of the invention and the concepts to which the inventors contribute to promoting the art, and should be construed as not being limited to such specifically listed examples and conditions. Moreover, all descriptions herein enumerating the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as their specific examples, are intended to encompass their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable device (1) comprising a main body (16), The main body (16) is A casing (7) having an opening (9), The system includes a closure element (5) that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening (9) and an open position that allows access to the casing (7), The main body (16) i) A first sensor (4) installed in the selected area (19) and configured to detect the user's hand (21) holding the main 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 (21) is detected by the first sensor (4) and Furthermore, The closure element (5) includes a first magnet (23), The mechanism (18) includes an electromagnetic coil (24) configured to generate a first magnetic field when the user's hand is detected by the first sensor (4) in order to attract the first magnet (23) to move the closure element (5) from the closed position to the open position, The aforementioned mechanism (18) Arranged at a distance from the electromagnetic coil (24), The electromagnetic coil (24) is configured to generate a second magnetic field in order to attract the first magnet (23) and move the closure element (5) from the open position to the closed position when the electromagnetic coil (24) ceases to generate the first magnetic field. A second magnet (25) is provided, Portable device (1).

2. The first sensor (4) is selected from the group consisting of a capacitive sensor, a resistive 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 predefined force to the selected area for at least one predefined duration and at least one predefined number of times equal to one. The portable device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned predefined duration is included in 500 ms to 2 s. The aforementioned predefined forces are included in 2N to 6N. The aforementioned predefined number of times is included in 1 to 3. The portable device according to claim 3.

5. The main body (16) has an outer surface that has a plastic cover over at least 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 portable device includes an aerosol generating device, In the aerosol generating device, the casing (7) is for receiving a consumable (2) which contains at least an aerosol-forming substance (8), The aforementioned portable device The casing (7) is provided, The device is configured to convert the aerosol-forming substance (8) into an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user when electrical energy is supplied. The aerosol generating unit (3) is included. The portable device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned portable device The aerosol-forming material (8) is used by the aerosol generating unit (3) to convert it into an aerosol. The electrical energy used by the mechanism (18) to move the closure element (5) to the open position is stored. Equipped with a rechargeable battery (15), The portable device according to claim 6.

8. The main body (16) includes a second sensor (26) configured to detect the consumables (2) received in the casing (7), The aerosol generating unit (3) is configured to convert the aerosol-forming substance (8) into an aerosol when the second sensor (26) detects the consumable (2) in the casing (7). The portable device according to claim 6.

9. The second sensor (26) is selected from the group consisting of photoresistors and proximity sensors. The portable device according to claim 8.

10. The main body (16) includes a transparent protective cover (27) installed in a hole (28) that communicates with the casing (7) between the second sensor (26) and the casing (7) in order to protect the second sensor (26). The portable device according to claim 8.

11. 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 such detection. The portable device according to claim 8.

12. The aerosol-forming substance (8) comprises tobacco material or at least one polyol. The portable device according to claim 6.

13. The aforementioned portable device constitutes an electronic cigarette. The portable device according to claim 6.

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