Charging Devices

Abstract

A charging device is provided for charging the battery of the aerosol delivery device. [Solution] The charging device 80 comprises a cup-shaped body or cradle 71 configured to receive the aerosol delivery device 100, and at least one radio frequency transmitter 72 configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal to an internal opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a charging device for charging a battery, for example, of an aerosol delivery device.

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-delivery substrate, such as tobacco, to form an aerosol by heating rather than burning the substrate. Further developments in this area remain needed.

[0003] In a first aspect, the present specification describes a charging device comprising: a cup-shaped body or cradle configured to receive an aerosol delivery device; and at least one radio frequency transmitter configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal to an internal opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

[0004] The lining of the interior opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle may comprise a material that reflects radio frequency signals.

[0005] The lining of the interior opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle may include a material that reflects selected radio frequency signals.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one wireless transmitter is located in the base of the cup-shaped body or cradle. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one wireless transmitter is located in a wall of the cup-shaped body or cradle along the longitudinal axis of the wall.

[0007] The at least one radio frequency transmitter may include multiple radio frequency transmitters. For example, the multiple radio frequency transmitters may be disposed at different points within the wall along the longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body or cradle. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple radio frequency transmitters may be disposed at different angular positions within the wall of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

[0008] The charging device may further comprise an inductive charger configured to emit an alternating electromagnetic field, the inductive charger being provided as part of the cup-shaped body or base of the cradle.

[0009] The charging device may further include a control module configured to control the at least one radio frequency transmitter. The control module may be configured to control the inductive charger. The charging device may further include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) configured to detect the presence of the aerosol delivery device within the opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle and output a signal to the control module indicating the presence of the aerosol delivery device.

[0010] The at least one radio frequency transmitter may be configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal toward a point within the interior opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

[0011] The charging device may further include a securing arrangement for holding a received aerosol delivery device in a defined position within the interior opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

[0012] The charging device may further include a magnetic levitation arrangement for urging a received aerosol delivery device to a defined position within the interior opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] Illustrative embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device including a device being charged, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0014] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, including non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosol-forming material without burning the aerosol-forming material, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials.

[0015] According to this disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which, during use, the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0017] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporization device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0019] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may, for example, include tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0021] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices.

[0023] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that may be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the heat generating power source.

[0024] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0025] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol-generating materials, aerosol-generating material storage areas, aerosol-generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol-generating areas, housings, packaging, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0026] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, either material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0027] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, a dietary supplement, a nootropic, or a psychoactive agent. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant. In one embodiment, the active substance is a legally permitted recreational drug. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12. In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavor.

[0028] An aerosol-forming material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiation, or in any other manner. The aerosol-forming material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0029] The aerosol-generating material may be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a "monolithic solid." The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the retained fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the aerosol-generating material's surroundings), or the retained fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0030] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may comprise, for example, from about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solids by weight, to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solids by weight.

[0031] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active agents and / or flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0032] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0033] The material may be on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0034] A consumable is an article containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, generally designated 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Aerosol delivery device 10 includes battery 11, control circuitry 12, heater 13, and consumable 14 (e.g., a tobacco consumable, e.g., in the form of a tobacco stick). The device also includes antenna 15. As discussed in detail below, the antenna may be used to receive radio frequency signals for use in charging battery 11 (e.g., under the control of control circuitry 12). Additionally, antenna 15 may be used to transmit and / or receive data, e.g., using one of several protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). An exemplary antenna 15 is shown located near battery 11; however, this is one of many exemplary locations.

[0037] In use of device 10, heater 13 is inserted into consumable 14 so that the consumable may be heated to generate an aerosol (and, in the case of a tobacco consumable, tobacco flavor) for the user. When a user inhales on the end of the consumable, as shown by arrow 17, air is drawn into device 10 through the air inlet, as shown by arrow 16, and then passes through the consumable, delivering the aerosol (and, in the case of a tobacco consumable, tobacco flavor) to the user.

[0038] The aerosol delivery device 10 is described by way of example only. Many alternative aerosol delivery devices may be used in exemplary implementations of the principles described herein. For example, the device 10 may be substituted within a vapor inhalation device in which an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a liquid) is heated to generate an aerosol. The principles of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular type of aerosol delivery device 10 (i.e., the aerosol delivery device 10 may be configured to aerosolize solid, liquid, or other aerosol-generating material via any suitable electrically or electrically controlled aerosol generator, such as a heater, a vibrating mesh, an irradiation source, an electrically controlled pressurized canister that may include a motorized release valve, or the like).

[0039] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system generally designated by reference numeral 20, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] System 20 includes battery 11, control circuitry 12, heater 13 (or more generally, aerosol generator), and antenna 15 of aerosol delivery device 10 described above. Control circuitry 12 of system 20 includes a charge controller 22 and a control module 24.

[0041] Antenna 15 may be used (e.g., under the control of control circuitry 12) to receive radio frequency signals for use in charging battery 11. Additionally, charge controller 22 may be configured (e.g., under the control of control module 24) to charge battery 11 with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals.

[0042] It should be noted that in some exemplary embodiments, the functionality of control module 24 is implemented by charge controller 22. In fact, control module 24 may be omitted from some exemplary embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a charging device, generally designated by the reference numeral 30, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Charging device 30 includes a cup-shaped body or cradle 31 and at least one radio frequency transmitter 32. Cup-shaped body 31 is configured to receive an aerosol delivery device, such as aerosol delivery device 10. At least one radio frequency transmitter 32 is configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal into an interior opening of cup-shaped body or cradle 31. The broadcasted radio frequency signal can then be received by an antenna (such as antenna 15) and used for radio frequency charging.

[0045] The lining of the interior opening 33 of the cup-shaped body or cradle 31 may include a material that reflects radio frequency signals. Thus, any radio frequency signal incident on the interior opening will be reflected and have a higher probability of successfully striking the antenna (e.g., antenna 15) of the aerosol delivery device when the device is placed within the interior opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle 31. In some exemplary embodiments, the lining of the interior opening 33 is configured to reflect selected radio frequency signals.

[0046] Charging device 30 is shown with at least one wireless transmitter 32 located at the base of cup-shaped body or cradle 31 such that at least one wireless transmitter 32 is configured to transmit radio frequency signals in a direction substantially along the longitudinal axis of cup-shaped body or cradle 31. Radio waves transmitted off-axis may be reflected back towards the axis by a material that reflects radio frequency signals if provided as a lining for interior opening 33. Many other transmitter locations are possible, and some of the locations are discussed further below.

[0047] Although the cup-shaped body or cradle 31 is shown as having a cylindrical shape, embodiments are not limited to this shape and may include, but are not limited to, a rectangular or triangular prism, as well as other cup-shaped bodies described below.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a charging device, generally designated by the reference numeral 40, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Charging device 40 includes a cup-shaped body or cradle 41 and at least one radio frequency transmitter 42. Cup-shaped body 41 is configured to receive an aerosol delivery device, such as aerosol delivery device 10. At least one radio frequency transmitter 42 is configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal into an interior opening of cup-shaped body or cradle 41.

[0050] The at least one wireless transmitter 42 differs from the at least one wireless transmitter 32 in that the transmitter 42 is disposed in a wall of the cup-shaped body or cradle along the longitudinal axis of the wall such that the at least one wireless transmitter 42 is configured to transmit radio frequency signals in a direction substantially along the radial axis of the cup-shaped body or cradle 41. Radio waves transmitted off-axis may be reflected back towards the axis by a material that reflects radio frequency signals if provided as a lining for the interior opening. Of course, it is possible to combine wireless transmitters 32 and 42 into a single cup-shaped body or cradle.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a charging device, generally designated by the reference numeral 50, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Charging device 50 includes a cup-shaped body or cradle 51 configured to receive an aerosol delivery device and further including multiple radio frequency transmitters 52a, 52b, 52c. Multiple radio frequency transmitters 52a-52c are disposed at different angular positions within the walls of cup-shaped body or cradle 51. Of course, the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is one of many exemplary implementations. Multiple radio frequency transmitters may be disposed at different points on the walls and / or base of cup-shaped body or cradle 51.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a charging device, generally designated by the reference numeral 60, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0054] Charging device 60 comprises a cup-shaped body or cradle 61 configured to receive an aerosol delivery device and further comprising a plurality of radio frequency transmitters 62 a, 62 b disposed at different points within the wall along the longitudinal axis of cup-shaped body or cradle 61.

[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates a charging device, generally designated by reference numeral 70, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0056] Charging device 70 includes at least one radio frequency transmitter 72. Charging device 70 further includes an inductive charger 74 configured to emit an alternating current electromagnetic field. Inductive charger 74 may be provided as part of the base of cup-shaped body or cradle 71 (although alternative locations are possible). Inductive charger 74 may include a coil coupled to an alternating current power source such that an oscillating electromagnetic field is generated in the vicinity of the cup-shaped body or base of cradle 71 of charging device 70. For example, multiple radio frequency transmitters may be provided in the base and / or walls of charging device 70, as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3-6.

[0057] FIG. 8 shows a charging device, generally designated 80, including device 100 being charged.

[0058] Charging device 80 comprises cup-shaped body or cradle 71, at least one radio frequency transmitter 72, and the aforementioned inductive charger 74. An internal opening of cup-shaped body or cradle 71 has aerosol delivery device 100 disposed therein for charging (which device is further described below). Of course, aerosol delivery device 100 may be disposed in any of charging devices 30, 40, 50, or 60 for radio frequency charging.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system generally designated by reference numeral 90, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0060] System 90 includes radio frequency antenna 91, first charging unit 92, second charging unit 93, inductive charger 94, power supply 95, and control module 96. System 90 may be used to implement charging device 70. In some exemplary embodiments, inductive module 94 (and thus second charging module 93) may be omitted (such that system 90 may be used to implement any of charging devices 30, 40, 50, or 60 described above, or charging device 110 described below).

[0061] Control module 96 may be used to control first charging module 92 so as to control radio frequency charging of a device (such as device 100) using radio frequency antenna 91. Alternatively or in addition, if inductive charger 94 is provided, control module 96 may be used to control second charging module 93 so as to control inductive charging of a device (such as device 100) using inductive charger 94.

[0062] 10 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, according to an exemplary embodiment, generally designated by reference numeral 100. Device 100 is a device that may be charged by charging device 70 (as shown in FIG. 8), or indeed by any of charging devices 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70, or variations thereof.

[0063] Aerosol delivery device 100 comprises battery 11, control circuit 12, heater 13, consumables 14, and antenna 15 of aerosol delivery device 10 described above. Aerosol delivery device 100 differs from device 10 in that it further comprises a directing module 18.

[0064] Inductive module 18 is configured to electromagnetically couple to an inductive charger (such as inductive charger 74 or 94 described above) so as to be able to transfer power from charging device 70 to aerosol delivery device 100 .

[0065] 11 illustrates a charging device, generally designated by reference numeral 110, according to an exemplary embodiment. Charging device 110 includes a cup-shaped body or cradle 111 and at least one radio frequency transmitter 112. Cup-shaped body or cradle 111 is configured to receive an aerosol delivery device, as described above.

[0066] Charging device 110 includes sensor 115 (e.g., a proximity sensor). Sensor 115 is configured to detect the presence of the aerosol delivery device within the opening of the cup-shaped body and output a signal to the control module indicating the presence of the aerosol delivery device. The control module may control activation of radio frequency transmitter 112 based on the output of sensor 115. Of course, similar sensors may be provided with any of the other charging devices described above. For example, sensor 115 may include a wireless receiver configured to receive a wireless signal (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth) emitted by the aerosol delivery device (e.g., for the purpose of establishing a communication link with transmitter module 30).

[0067] 12 illustrates a charging device, generally designated by reference numeral 120, according to an exemplary embodiment. Charging device 120 comprises a cup-shaped body or cradle 121 and at least one radio frequency transmitter 122. At least one radio frequency transmitter 122 may be configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal toward a point within an interior opening of cup-shaped body or cradle 121.

[0068] Charging device 120 may further include a securing arrangement 123 for holding a received aerosol delivery device at a defined position within the interior opening of cup-shaped body or cradle 121. The defined position may be aligned with a point within the interior opening of cup-shaped body or cradle 121 at which at least one radio frequency transmitter 122 is configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal.

[0069] In this embodiment, the securing arrangement 123 may include a lid including at least one opening configured to receive the aerosol delivery device such that the aerosol delivery device is disposed in a defined position. Of course, many other securing arrangements, such as the use of a bracket, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0070] 13 illustrates a charging device, generally designated by reference numeral 130, according to an exemplary embodiment. Charging device 130 comprises a cup-shaped body or cradle 131 and at least one radio frequency transmitter 132. At least one radio frequency transmitter 132 may be configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal toward a point within an interior opening of cup-shaped body or cradle 131.

[0071] Charging device 130 may further include a magnetic levitation arrangement 133 for biasing a received aerosol delivery device to a defined position within the interior opening of cup-shaped body or cradle 131. The magnetic levitation arrangement may include at least one magnet disposed within the cup-shaped body or cradle. The at least one magnet may be an electromagnet, a temporary magnet, and / or a permanent magnet.

[0072] In some implementations of at least some of the above-described exemplary embodiments, at least one wireless transmitter (such as transmitters 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 91 and 112) may be configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal toward a point (e.g., a center point) within the interior opening of the respective cup-shaped body or cradle.

[0073] As discussed above, power may be extracted from a radio frequency (RF) signal (e.g., by an aerosol delivery device). This can be implemented in several ways. For example, a receiving antenna may be provided to receive the RF signal, creating a potential difference across the length of the antenna. Thus, an AC (typically sinusoidal) RF signal is obtained at the antenna. This AC signal is typically converted to a DC signal using, for example, a rectifier circuit (such as a full-bridge or half-bridge rectifier circuit). In some exemplary embodiments, an impedance matching circuit is provided between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, which attempts to maximize power transfer from the antenna to the rectifier. The DC power output by the rectifier may be stored, for example, using a battery.

[0074] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. It is a charging device, A cup-shaped body or cradle configured to receive an aerosol supply device, At least one radio frequency transmitter configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal to the internal opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle, A control module configured to control the at least one radio frequency transmitter, Sensors and, Equipped with, A charging device in which the sensor is configured to detect the presence of the aerosol supply device in the opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle and to output a signal indicating the presence of the aerosol supply device to the control module.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the lining of the internal opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle includes a material that reflects radio frequency signals.

3. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the lining of the internal opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle includes a material that reflects a selected radio frequency signal.

4. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein at least one wireless transmitter is located at the base of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

5. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein at least one wireless transmitter is positioned on the wall of the cup-shaped body or cradle along the longitudinal axis of the wall.

6. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radio frequency transmitter includes a plurality of radio frequency transmitters.

7. The charging device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of radio frequency transmitters are arranged at different points within the wall along the longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

8. The charging device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of radio frequency transmitters are arranged at different angular positions within the walls of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

9. The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising an induction charger configured to emit an alternating electromagnetic field.

10. The charging device according to claim 9, wherein the induction charger is provided as part of the base of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

11. The charging device according to claim 9, wherein the control module is configured to control the induction charger.

12. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

13. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radio frequency transmitter is configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal toward a point within the internal opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

14. The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing configuration for holding the received aerosol supply device at a defined position within the internal opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

15. The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic levitation configuration for biasing the received aerosol supply device at a defined position within the internal opening of the cup-shaped body or cradle.

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