EP3609355A1

EP3609355A1 - A device for control of combustion of a cigarette or a like product

Info

Publication number: EP3609355A1
Application number: EP18721466.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Linda INNOCENTINI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Smokat Srl
Priority date: 2017-04-11
Filing date: 2018-04-09
Publication date: 2020-02-19
Also published as: WO2018189644A1

Abstract

A device for control of combustion of a cigarette or a like product, in which a suction end and an opposite combustion end are identified, the device comprising: a first tubular element (2) defining internally thereof two consecutive chambers, respectively a first and a second chamber (3, 4), the first chamber opening to outside being destined to receive the suction end of a cigarette while maintaining the combustion end of the cigarette external of the first chamber; a second element (5), having a prevalent longitudinal extension and being axially interested by at least a through-hole (50A, 50B), inserted partly in the second chamber (4) from which it projects by a portion (7) thereof enabling a smoker to aspirate smoke coming from the suction end of the cigarette, the suction end involving at least the first chamber (3); a catalyser member (8) borne by a head of the second element (5) internal of the first element (2), positioned centrally of the chambers (3, 4) so as to penetrate at least into the suction end of the cigarette the suction end involving at least the first chamber (3).

Description

A DEVICE FOR CONTROL OF COMBUSTION OF A CIGARETTE OR A LIKE PRODUCT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning control of combustion of cigarettes or similar products, with particular reference to the reduction of toxic gases produced by the combustion of the cigarettes or similar products.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The process of tobacco combustion of cigarettes generates a heterogeneous mixture of gassy and corpuscular substances, generically defined as "tobacco smoke".

It is known that the temperature of tobacco combustion is strongly influenced by the intensity with which aspiration takes place, significantly modifying the composition of the heterogeneous mixture of smoke. It follows that the cigarette can generate, from the qualitative point of view, gaseous and corpuscular substances that are different according to the way in which the cigarette is smoked.

The smoke aspirated from the cigarette constitutes the primary current constituting the "active smoke", while the spontaneous combustion between two aspiration steps (drags) defines the secondary current, which is responsible for "passive smoke".

Owing to the smaller supply of oxygen and the lower combustion temperature of the tobacco between the successive aspiration steps, the concentration of some substances (nicotine, benzopyrene, carbon monoxide, ammonia, etc.) is greater in the secondary current than in the primary current.

Consequently the majority of the combustion products of a cigarette are generated in the secondary current, between successive aspiration steps.

In particular, the quantity of carbon monoxide generated by the incomplete combustion of a cigarette is not retained by the usual filters and is therefore aspirated by the smoker together with the primary current, and inhaled by persons in proximity due to the secondary current.

Carbon monoxide is well known to be an extremely toxic and dangerous substance that can easily combine with haemoglobin in the blood and damage the muscle fibres, especially those of the heart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An aim of the present invention is to provide a device for control of the combustion of a cigarette or a similar product and able to drastically reduce the generation of toxic substances that are damaging to the organism and to the environment, in particular carbon monoxide.

A further aim of the invention is to provide the above-mentioned device that is able to reduce and possibly even eliminate generation of hydrocarbons.

A further aim of the invention is to provide the above-mentioned device that is able to reduce the temperature of the cigarette smoke.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a device that not only satisfies the above-described aims but is also able to increase the number of aspirations necessary for the total consumption of the cigarette.

The above aims are attained as described in the independent claims.

The dependent claims delineate preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics of the invention are specified in the following with particular reference to the accompanying tables of drawings, in which: - figure 1 is a view of the device of the invention, sectioned along a vertical axial plane, in a first use configuration of a cigarette;

- figure 1 A illustrates the device of figure 1 in the expulsion configuration of the cigarette stub from the device;

- figure 1 B illustrates a variant of detail ^ of figure 1 ;

- figure 1 C illustrates a variant of detail J₂ of figure 1 ;

- figure 2 is a section view of the unit to be used for cleaning some parts of the above-described device;

- figures 3A, 3B are sections along a vertical axial plane, showing two steps with which the device is cleaned using the above-mentioned unit;

- figure 4 is a lateral view of a second embodiment of the combustion control device in a first use configuration;

- figure 4A shows an enlarged view of the detail indicated in figure 4;

- figure 5 is a lateral view of the device of figure 4 in a second use configuration;

- figure 5A shows an enlarged view of the detail indicated in figure 5;

- figure 6 is a lateral view of the device of figures 4-5A in an exploded configuration which shows the constituent components;

- figure 7 is a view along section VII-VII indicated in figure 6;

- figure 8 is a lateral view of a significant component of the control device of figures 4-7, in a non-operating configuration;

- figure 9 is a lateral view of the component indicated in figure 8, which interacts with the control device of figures 4-8, in an operating configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to figures 1-3B, the device 1 of the invention comprises the following components:

- a first tubular element 2 defining internally thereof two consecutive chambers, respectively a first and a second chamber (3, 4): in the section that is common to the two chambers there is a discontinuity in diameter, precisely an increase passing from the first to the second chamber, which gives rise to a first annular abutment 13. The wall delimiting the first chamber 3 affords at least a slot 23 having a longitudinal extension, i.e. parallel to the axis of the first chamber; a second element 5 constituted by two parts 5A, 5B, first and second, both having relative axial through-holes 50A, 50B. The second part 5B partially screws internally of the first part; this gives rise to an external discontinuity: a second annular abutment 15.

A disc 20 is solidly constrained to the end of the hole 50A, i.e. the hole not involved in the coupling with the second part 5B, which disc 20 bears a catalyser member 8 facing towards the outside of the hole 50A and coaxial thereto; the disc 20 has at least one through-hole 2I (e.g. four holes) having an axis parallel to the axis of the first part 5A. An annular gully 9 is fashioned in the external circumferential part of the first part 5A, the gully 9 coupling to a seal and friction ring 10 which can drag on the circumferential surface 9A of the gully;

- a ring-nut 27 which couples by screwing to a relative portion 40 included in the head of the first element 2 relative to the second chamber 4;the diameter of the internal hole of the ring-nut exhibits a discontinuity which gives rise to a third annular abutment 18.

The second element 5-catalyser member 8 group is partly inserted in the first element 2 from the side of the second chamber 4; the coupling of the ring-nut 27 with the member 2 follows.

The surface 9A of the gully 9 faces an annular groove 12, realised in a portion of the surface delimiting the second chamber (4); in this way an annular channel 42 is defined, in which the friction and seal ring 10 is arranged.

From the foregoing it is clear that the second^' element 5-catalyser member 8 group can slide along the axis of the first element 2 between two end positions A ₍ A₂.

The first position A (see figure 1 ) is defined by the intercepting of the second annular abutment 15 against the third annular abutment 18: this interception further prevents extraction of the first element 2 from the group. By exerting a force F on the group directed along the axis of the device 1 , and taking care to keep the first element 2 still, there is a gradual sliding of the group towards the first element 2; this sliding is opposed by the friction caused by the dragging of the seal and friction ring 10 on the facing surfaces 9A, 12 of the annular channel 42; this sliding stops when the ring 10 is clamped between the head of the annular groove 12, which faces towards the second chamber 4 and the first annular abutment 13; see figure 1A in which the end position A₂ is defined.

Positions of the group can be obtained that are intermediate with respect to the end positions A^ A₂; any intermediate position is stabilised by the friction ring 10 locked between the facing surfaces 9A, 12 of the channel 42.

In the device 1 of the invention, the second element 5 is partly inserted in the second chamber 4 from which it projects with a portion 7 (comprised in the second part 5B).

The axial through-holes 50A, 50B of the second element 5 communicate with the first chamber 3 via the holes 21 afforded in the disc 20 which bears the catalyser member 8.

As is known, a cigarette S has a suction end (coinciding with the filter, if included) and a combustion end, opposite the suction end.

With the group in the first end configuration A^ the portion of cigarette containing the suction end is inserted in the first chamber 3: this causes the penetration of the catalyser member 8 into the cigarette from the suction end; with this group in the first configuration Ai, there is maximum penetration of the catalyser member into the cigarette.

In these conditions the portion (7) is able to allow the smoker to aspirate the smoke coming from the suction end of the cigarette.

At the end of the consumption of the cigarette (for example when it is reduce to a stub) the smoker intervenes on the group so as to define the remaining end position A₂: this leads to the expulsion of the stub, or of the partially- smoked cigarette, from the first chamber 3. The variant of figure 1 B highlights that the wall delimiting the first chamber 3 affords at least a slot 123 having a transversal extension, i.e. perpendicular to the axis of the first chamber.

In the variant of figure 1 C, a spring 1 10 is also included in the annular channel 42, which maintains the ring 10 in abutment against the first annular abutment 13. The spring is gradually compressed in the passage of the group from the first end position Α_Ί to the second end position A₂. With the expulsion of the cigarette stub, and following the annulling of the force F (by the smoker), the spring 1 10, by elastic reaction, returns the group into the first position AT .

With reference to figure 2, reference numeral 80 denotes a cleaning unit for parts of the device 1 , comprising a cylindrical body 60 crossed by a through- hole constituted by two consecutive portions 61 , 62, the first having a larger diameter than the second.

The second portion 62 functions as a guide for a stem 63 which is borne by a cursor 64, axially slidable in the first portion 61 , from which it projects partially in opposition to elastic means 65 situated in the first portion 61. The portion of the stem 63, external of the body 60, bears a felt 66 having a longitudinal extension that is coaxial to the body 60; the felt 66 has a circular section that grows as it proceeds towards the outside; the felt is advantageously interchangeable. To clean the catalyser member 8, the operator grips the cursor 64 so as to introduce the unit 80 into the first chamber 3: it follows that the catalyser member 8 intercepted by the felt 66 penetrates into the felt 64 and is cleaned (see figure 3A).

To clean the through-holes 50A, 50B of the second element 5 it is sufficient to introduce the unit 80 into the holes as illustrated in figure 3B.

The catalyser member 8 can be realised using various components and/or alloys, for example a stainless steel alloy (for example nickel steel) or a metal or ceramic body on which a noble metal, such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, is deposited.

Testing was carried out to simulate consumption of a cigarette in compliance with the ISO 3308:2009 standard, which prescribes 6 aspirations at 60-second intervals from one another.

In particular, tests have been carried out using a device that does not include the catalyser member, and other tests using the device equipped with the catalyser member.

The gas collected from each aspiration (using known methods, for example syringes) was sent to a gas chromatograph for analysis of the following components H₂, 0_2, N₂ and compounds CH₄, CO, C0₂, C₂H₆ and C₃ H₈.

It is known that the aspirated gas, aspirated by pumping (e.g. a syringe) is injected into the gas chromatograph using a conveyor gas to constitute a gaseous mixture.

Further tests were carried out to monitor the temperature of the smoke from the cigarette issued in successive aspirations with the device not fitted with and fitted with the catalyser member of the control device of the present invention.

A traditional cigarette was used, known on the market by the mark "Vogue". Table no. 1 below reports the results of the gas chromatography analysis carried out on the aspirated mixtures (filter side) in terms of percentage concentration in volume (% v/v) of the above-cited components with the cigarette respectively not fitted and fitted with the catalyser.

Table no. 1

Note that the concentration values (% v/v) at the % values indicate a concentration below the limit detectable by the instrument. Following table no. 2 reports the differences between the concentrations (% v/v) of the case with the catalyser member with respect to the case with the catalyser member.

Table no. 2

An analysis of the data reported in table no. 2 reveals:

- An increase of the H₂ concentration from one aspiration to a next, in both the case without and with the catalyser member respectively up to values of 0.46 and 0.013 % v/v;

- A reduction in the concentration di H₂ in the case using the catalyser member (0.450% v/v and the 6th aspiration);

- A practically constant trend of the 0₂ concentration from one aspiration to a next, in both the case without and also practically constant with the catalyser member;

- An increase in the concentration of 0₂ in the case using the catalyser member (3.44% v/v and for the 6th aspiration); The detection of CH₄ only at the 5th and 6th aspiration in the case without the catalyser member and with a growing trend up to 0.1 1 % v/v;

% v/v di CH₄ below the limits of detectability of the instrument in the case with the catalyser member;

The detection of CH₄ only at the 4th, 5th and 6th aspiration in the case without the catalyser member with a maximum of 0.03% v/v;

% v/v di CO below the limits of detectability of the instrument in the case with the catalyser member;

An increase in the concentration of C0₂ between one aspiration and the next in both the case without and with the catalyser member with a growing trend respectively up to values of 4.4 and 0.4% v/v;

A reduction in the concentration of C0₂ in the case using the catalyser member (4.06% v/v for the 6th aspiration);

The detection of C2H₆ only at the 4th, 5th and 6th aspiration in the case without the catalyser member and with a growing trend up to 0.6% v/v; % v/v di C₂H₆ below the limits of detectability of the instrument in the case with the catalyser member;

A practically constant trend of the C₃H₈ concentration about the mean value of 0,032% v/v maximum value of 0.03% v/v;

In general, a reduction in the C₃H₈ in the case using the catalyser member

(0.022% v/v and the 2nd aspiration).

Table no. 3 reports the aspirated gas temperatures at the filter, with the cigarette without the catalyser member and with the catalyser member; the aspirations were carried out consecutively, at intervals of 5-6 seconds one from the next, with aspirated air volumes of 25 ml, starting from an ambient temperature of 23°C. Table no. 3

Aspiration no. T

[°C]

Cigarette with device Cigarette with catalyser without catalyser device

1 23 23

2 23 23

3 23 23

4 23 23

5 23 23

6 24 24

7 24 24

8 24 24

9 24 24

10 24 24

11 24 24

12 24 24

13 24.5 24

14 24.5 24

15 25 24

16 25 24 17 - 24

18 - 24

19 - 24

20 - 24

21 - 24

22 - 24

23 - 24

24 - 24

25 - 24

The analysis of the data reveals:

- In the case of the device with the catalyser member the number of aspirations necessary for the total consumption of the cigarette is greater than the case in which it is fitted with the catalyser member (25, instead of 16);

- The temperature of 23°C detected at the start of the test starts to rise in both cases at the sixth aspiration detected;

- In the case of having a device with the catalyser member from the 6th up to the 16the and last aspiration the temperature rises to 25°C;

- In the case of having a device with the catalyser member from the 6th up to the 25th and a final aspiration the temperature remains constant at 24°C.

From the comparison of the results of the gas chromatography analysis of the gaseous mixtures aspirated at the section of the filter it can be observed that given a same volume of mixture, and in the case where the combustion control device with the catalyser member is applied, concentrations are obtained that are below the detectable limit of the gas chromatograph of compounds CH₄ , CO, C₂H₆,C3H₈; there is also a very significant drop in C0₂. It can therefore be stated that the application of the patented device leads to a reduction in the amount of carbon participating in the combustion process.

From the observation of the experimental data it can be stated that the device with the catalyser member reduces the entity of the combustion, given a same quantity of aspirated smoke, (with the same number of aspirations the consumption of the cigarette is smaller than without the catalyser member). This seems also to be confirmed by the lower temperature of the gases with respect to the case without the catalyser.

With reference to figures 4-9, reference numeral 30 denotes a second embodiment of the combustion control device of a cigarette S or a like product, for example a cigar, the cigarette identifying a suction end 31 and an opposite combustion end (not illustrated).

The above-mentioned control device 30 comprises:

- a casing 32 having a substantially cylindrical geometry which defines a lateral surface 33 and a pair of heads 34, 35 arranged opposite one another;

- a first opening 36, realised in a first head 34, able to allow insertion of the suction end 31 of a cigarette S internally of the casing 32, keeping the combustion end external;

- a second opening 37, realised in a second head 35, able to allow the smoker to aspirate the smoke coming from the suction end 31 of the cigarette when positioned in the casing 32;

- a dividing element 38 positioned internally of the casing so as to define a first chamber 70 opening to the outside via the first opening 36, and a second chamber 71 opening to the outside via the second opening 37; - the first chamber 70 being able to house at least the suction end 31 of a cigarette S;

- the dividing element 38 comprising a plurality of through-holes 72 able to place the first chamber 70 and the second chamber 71 in communication and to be passed-through by the smoke in arrival from the suction end 31 of the cigarette S;

- a catalyser member 73, borne by the dividing element 38, positioned centrally in the first chamber 70 so as to penetrate at least into the suction end 31 of the cigarette when this latter is inserted in the first chamber 70;

The catalyser member 73 advantageously intervenes in the combustion step of the cigarette with a catalytic action that facilitates a reduction of the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the smoke exiting from the second opening 37 and aspirated by the smoker.

The control device 30 can comprise a slidable group 74, positioned in the second chamber 71 , longitudinally mobile between a first configuration in which it allows passage of the smoke coming from thesuction end 31 of the cigarette S via through-holes 72 of the dividing element 38, and a second configuration H₂ in which it enables cleaning of the through-holes 72 of the dividing element 38.

In particular, the slidable group 74 can comprise:

- a slide (75) that is longitudinally slidable in the second chamber (71 );

- a through-sleeve 76 arranged coaxially to the slide 75, an end 77 of which exits from the second opening 37 so as to allow the smoker to aspirate the smoke penetrating into the second chamber 71 via the through-holes 72 of the dividing element 38;

- a plurality of axial brushes 78 borne by the slide 75, each of which is able to engage and disengage a corresponding through-hole 72 of the dividing element 38 in the respective second configuration H₂ and first configuration

- axial guide means of the slide 75 between the first configuration and the second configuration H₂ and vice versa.

The engagement of the axial brushes 78 in the through-holes 72 of the dividing element 38 advantageously enables cleaning the through-holes 72 of the dividing element 38, to remove any detritus associated to the smoke which by depositing might obstruct the through-holes.

In a variant, the axial brushes 78 borne by the slide 75 can have a longitudinal extension that is greater than the longitudinal extension of the through-holes 72 of the dividing element 38.

In this way complete cleanliness of the through-holes 72 brushed by the brushes 78 can be guaranteed, as well as facilitating the extraction of the cigarette S from the first chamber 70 of the casing 32.

The slidable group 74 can further comprise an elastic element 79, interposed between the slide 75 and the dividing element 38, for facilitating the abutment of the slide 75 against the second head 35 in the first configuration of the slidable group 74 (figure 4, 4A).

The second configuration H₂ of the slidable group 74 can be obtained by acting on the end 77 of the sleeve 76 which exits from the second opening 37, in opposition to the elastic element 79 (figures 5, 5A).

In a further variant, the slide 75 and the second head 35 of the casing 32 can be shaped according to truncoconical geometries which in the first configuration of the slidable group 74 facilitate the sealed abutment of the slide 75 against the second head 35 (figures 4, 4A).

The dividing element 38 positioned internally of the casing 32, which defines the first chamber 70 and the second chamber 71 , can be shaped in a disc geometry and the through-holes 72 can be distributed according to one or more peripheral crowns (figure 7).

The catalyser member 73 intervening in the combustion step of the cigarette S and facilitating the reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons present in the smoke can be advantageously shaped in a needle profile and be arranged coaxially to the first chamber 70 of the casing 32.

The catalyser member 73 can be advantageously realised with various components and/or alloys, for example a stainless steel alloy (for example nickel steel) or a metal or ceramic body on which a noble metal is deposited, such as platinum, palladium, rhodium.

In a preferred embodiment, the casing 32 can comprise a pair of shells (81 , 82) able to sealedly couple with a first shell 81 which comprises the first opening 36, houses the dividing element 38 and defines the first chamber 70 and a first portion of the second chamber 71 , and with a second shell 82 which comprises the second opening 37 and defines the second portion of the second chamber 71 (figure 6).

By way of example, the first shell 81 can be made of a metal material, and the second shell 82 can be made of a plastic material, preferably for use with foodstuffs.

In a further embodiment, the device 30 of the invention can further comprise a cleaning group 83 able to insert in the first chamber 70 via the first opening 36, so as to enable cleaning of the external surface of the catalyser member 73 (figures 8, 9).

By way of example, the cleaning group 83 can comprise a manually activatable grip 84 from which a pair of cleaning stems 85 emerge, parallel to one another and able to insert by translation into the first chamber 70 and enable cleaning by rotation of the external surface of the catalyser member 73. The cleaning stems 85 of the cleaning group 83 are dimensioned so as to enable insertion between them of the catalyser member 73, and so as to enable contact between the external surface of the catalyser member 73 and the external surfaces of the cleaning stems 85. Alternatively a greater number of cleaning stems 85 can be included, for example three or four, or more.

In a further variant, the casing 32 can be provided with through-slots 86 which place the first chamber 70 in communication with the external environment, to facilitate heat exchange during the combustion steps of the cigarette (figures 4, 5, 6, 9).

From detailed experimental testing carried out on a double sample in specialised university laboratories, it has emerged that: in the absence of the control device of the invention the aspirated carbon monoxide (CO) is in both cases 0.50 in volume percentage [% v/v] while the methane (CH₄) is respectively 0.06 and 0.07 in percentage volume [% v/v];

^ in the presence of the control device 30 of the invention the aspirated carbon monoxide (CO) is in both cases 0.25 in volume percentage [% v/v] while the methane (CH ) is respectively 0.02 in percentage volume [% v/v]. There is therefore a reduction by 50% of the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) and a reduction by about 70% of the emission of methane (CH₄).

On the basis of the foregoing it is clear how the present device for control of combustion of a cigarette or a like product is able to greatly reduce the generation of toxic substances that are damaging for the organism and for the environment, in particular the carbon monoxide and the hydrocarbons.

All of the above is due to the catalyser member, realised using a stainless steel alloy (preferably nickel steel), and to the dividing element which defines inside the casing of the control device a pair of chambers communicating with one another via the through-holes realised in the dividing element. The brushes fixed to the slide enable an excellent cleaning of the through- holes, with consequent removal of any detritus associated to the smoke which by depositing might obstruct the through-holes. The cleaning group ensures maximum effectiveness of the catalytic action of the catalyser member during the combustion step of the cigarette, by keeping the external surface thereof clean.

Other advantageous aspects of the device of the present invention are obvious.

Claims

1 ) A device for control of combustion of a cigarette or a like product, in which a suction end and an opposite combustion end are identified, the device being characterised in that it comprises: a first tubular element (2) defining internally thereof, two consecutive chambers (3, 4), respectively a first chamber and a second chamber, with the first camber, opening to outside, being destined to receive the suction end of a cigarette while maintaining the combustion end of the cigarette external of the first chamber; a second element (5), having a prevalent longitudinal extension and being axially interested by at least a through-hole (50A, 50B), inserted partly in the second chamber (4) from which it projects by a portion (7) thereof enabling a smoker to aspirate smoke coming from the suction end of the cigarette, the suction end involving at least the first chamber (3), the suction end involving at least the first chamber (3); a catalyser member (8) borne by a head of the second element (5) with head of the second element internal of the first element (2), the catalyser member (8) being positioned centrally of the chambers (3, 4) so as to penetrate at least into the suction end of the cigarette, the suction end involving at least the first chamber (3).

2) The device of the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises first means for axial sliding of the second element (5)-catalyser member (8) group with respect to the first tubular element (2) between two end positions (A A₂) respectively of maximum penetration of the catalyser member (8) into the body of the cigarette and expulsion from said first chamber (3) of the cigarette stub, or the partly-smoked cigarette. 3) The device of claim 2, wherein in the common section of the chambers (3, 4) there is a discontinuity in the diameter, with an increase of the diameter from the first to the second chamber which gives rise to a first annular abutment (13) characterised in that the first means comprise: an annular gully (9) realised externally in the second element (5); an annular groove (12) realised in a portion of the surface delimiting the second chamber (4), facing the gully (9), identifying therewith an annular channel (42); at least a friction and seal ring (10) which tightly adheringly surrounds the circumferential surface (9A) of the gully (9) and in turn is tightly adheringly surrounded by the annular surface of the groove (12), the ring being destined to drag on the opposite surfaces of the annular channel (42) so as to allow the axial sliding of the second element (5)-catalyser member (8) group with respect to the first element (2) and so as to stabilise any position of the group between the end positions (A^ A₂) up to reaching the end position (A₂) in which the ring is clamped between the head of the annular groove (12), which faces towards the second chamber (4) and the first annular abutment (13).

4) The device of claim 2, characterised in that the first means comprise: an annular gully (9) realised externally in the second element (5); an annular groove (12), realised in a portion of the surface delimiting the second chamber (4), facing the gully (9), identifying therewith an annular channel (42); at least a friction and seal ring (10) which tightly adheringly surrounds the circumferential surface (9A) of the gully (9) and in turn is tightly adheringly surrounded by the annular surface of the groove (12); elastic organs (110), inserted in the annular groove (42) and interposed between a head of the annular channel (12) and the ring (10), the elastic organs 110 being subjected to a gradual compression in the passage of the second element (5) - catalyser member (8) group from the first end position (A^ to the second end position (A₂).

5) The device of claim 2, characterised in that the first means further comprise second means (45) destined to define, in combination with the first means, the position of maximum penetration of the catalyser member (8) in the body of the cigarette and to prevent extraction of the second element (5) - catalyser member (8) group from the first tubular element (2).

6) The device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second element (5) comprises: a first part (5A) a head of which bears the catalyser member (8); a second part (5B), coupled to the first part (5A), forming the portion (7) able to allow the smoker to aspirate the smoking coming from the suction end of the cigarette.

7) The device 1 or 2 or 5, characterised in that it comprises a disc (20), which bears the catalyser member (8), fixed internally of the end of the first part

(5A), not coupled to the second part (5B), the disc having at least a through- hole (21 ).

8) The device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the part of the first tubular element delimiting the first chamber (3) affords at least a slot (23).

9) The device of claim 8, characterised in that the slot extends transversally, i.e. perpendicularly to the axis of the first chamber (3).

10) The device of claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises a unit (80) for cleaning both the catalyser member (8) and the at least a through-hole (50A, 50B) afforded in the second element (5).

11 ) The device of claim 10, characterised in that the unit (80) comprises an interchangeable felt (66).

12) A device for control of combustion of a cigarette or a like product, the cigarette identifying a suction end (31 ) and an opposite combustion end, the control device (1 ) comprising:

• a casing (32) having a substantially cylindrical geometry which defines a lateral surface (33) and a pair of heads (34, 35) arranged opposite one another;

• a first opening (36), realised in a first head (34), able to allow insertion of the suction end (31 ) of a cigarette (S) internally of the casing (32), keeping the combustion end external;

• a second opening (37), realised in a second head (35), able to allow the smoker to aspirate the smoke coming from the suction end of the cigarette when positioned in the casing (32); characterised in that it comprises:

• a dividing element (38) positioned internally of the casing (32) so as to define a first chamber (70) opening to the outside via the first opening

(36), and a second chamber (71 ) opening to the outside via the second opening (37);

• the first chamber (70) being able to house at least the suction end (31 ) of a cigarette (S); · the dividing element (38) comprising a plurality of through-holes (72) able to place the first chamber (70) and the second chamber (72) in communication and to be passed-th rough by the smoke in arrival from the suction end (31 ) of the cigarette (S);

• a catalyser member (73), borne by the dividing element (38), having a needle-shaped geometry and positioned centrally in the first chamber

(70) so as to penetrate at least into the suction end (31 ) of the cigarette when this latter is inserted in the first chamber (70);

• the catalyser member (73) intervening in the combustion step of the cigarette (S) with a catalytic action that facilitates a reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the smoke exiting from the second opening (37) and aspirated by the smoker.

13) The device of claim 12, characterised in that it comprises a slidable group (74), positioned in the second chamber 71 , longitudinally mobile between a first configuration ( ^) in which it allows passage of the smoke coming from the suction end (31 ) of the cigarette (S) via through-holes (72) of the dividing element (38), and a second configuration (H₂) in which it enables cleaning of the through-holes (72) of the dividing element (38). 14) The device of claim 13, characterised in that the siidable group (74) comprises:

• a slide (75) that is longitudinally siidable in the second chamber (71 );

• a through-sleeve (76) arranged coaxially to the slide (75), an end (82) of which exits from the second opening (37) so as to allow the smoker to aspirate the smoke penetrating into the second chamber (71 ) via the through-holes (72) of the dividing element (38);

• a plurality of axial brushes (78) borne by the slide (75), each of which is able to engage and disengage a corresponding through-hole (72) of the dividing element (38) in the respective second configuration (H₂) and first configuration (H^);

• with the engagement of the axial brushes (78) in the through-holes (72) of the dividing element (38), which enables cleaning the through-holes (72);

• axial guide means of the slide (75) between the first configuration (H^ and the second configuration (H₂) and vice versa.

15) The device of claim 14, characterised in that the axial brushes (78) borne by the slide (75) have a longitudinal extension that is greater than the longitudinal extension of the through-holes (72) of the dividing element (38).

16) The device of claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the siidable group (74) comprises an elastic element (79), interposed between the slide (75) and the dividing element (38), for facilitating the abutment of the slide (75) against the second head (35) in the first configuration (Η^ of the siidable group (8); the second configuration (H₂) of the siidable group being obtained by acting on the end (72) of the sleeve (76) which exits from the second opening (37), in opposition to the elastic element (79).

17) The device of any one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the slide (75) and the second head (35) of the casing (32) are shaped according to truncoconical geometries which in the first configuration (Ητ) of the slidable group (74) facilitate the sealed abutment of the slide (75) against the second head (35).

18) The device of any one of claims from 12 to 17, characterised in that it comprises a cleaning group (83) able to insert in the first chamber (70) via the first opening (36), so as to enable cleaning of the external surface of the catalyser member (73); the cleaning group (83) being manually activatable in rotation and translation.