A system and method for cleaning and disinfecting a wind instrument's tubing

Abstract

This invention provides a system for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of wind instruments, including a counterweight base, a placement module, a hot air drying module, a disinfection module, and a power supply and control module. The placement module is installed on the counterweight base and has a hollow chamber inside its housing. The chamber contains a support structure and multiple replaceable air outlet connectors communicating with the chamber, adaptable to the pipe diameters of different wind instruments. Both the hot air drying module and the disinfection module are located within the hollow chamber and are electrically connected to the power supply and control module. The hot air drying module includes a blowing assembly and a heating module. The blowing assembly is located behind the heating module, and an air inlet is provided on the counterweight base or the housing. The system achieves an automated process of drying followed by disinfection through the control module, offering advantages such as integrated drying and disinfection, strong versatility, controllable temperature and airflow, and effective protection of instrument materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of musical instrument cleaning and maintenance technology, specifically to a system and method for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of wind instruments. Background Technology

[0002] Wind instruments are a class of wind instruments that use the tube as a resonator. Sound is produced by the player blowing air or vibrating their lips to vibrate the air column inside the tube. They are commonly found in various orchestras and solo performances. Because the player's mouth is in direct contact with the instrument's mouthpiece during performance, bacteria, microorganisms, and droplets from the mouth can easily enter the instrument's internal structure with the airflow. Although surface cleaning with water and a cloth is usually done after playing, the interior of the instrument, especially complex structures such as curved sections and tone holes, is difficult to thoroughly clean. Long-term accumulation of saliva residue and a damp environment can easily breed bacteria and mold, affecting not only the instrument's sound quality and lifespan but also potentially posing a threat to the player's health.

[0003] Currently, cleaning methods for wind instruments are mostly manual, such as using long, thin cloths, absorbent cleaning sticks, or soft brushes to physically absorb and wipe the pipes. These methods are not only cumbersome and inefficient, but also difficult to reach bends and hidden areas, failing to thoroughly clean the hard-to-reach corners of the pipes, resulting in limited cleaning effectiveness and difficulty in achieving disinfection. Furthermore, while some wind instrument drying devices exist on the market, most only have a single drying function and lack a disinfection module, failing to meet the comprehensive cleaning needs of wind instruments. Some devices with disinfection functions, such as the Chinese utility model patent CN212880330U, propose a disinfection device suitable for pipes, including a frame, a lamp mounting bracket, and a disinfection unit, which disinfects the fluid inside the pipes using ultraviolet light and negative ions. However, its design is mostly suitable for straight-tube instruments (such as flutes and clarinets), lacking applicability to instruments with curved pipe structures (such as saxophones and trumpets). The few sterilization devices that can accommodate curved instruments are often bulky, complex in structure, and poorly portable, making it difficult to meet the daily carrying and immediate maintenance needs of performers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of wind instruments that can be adapted to a variety of wind instruments.

[0005] This invention is implemented as follows: On one hand, the present invention provides a wind instrument pipe cleaning and disinfection system, including a counterweight base, a placement module, a hot air drying module, a disinfection module, and a power supply and control module; The placement module is installed on the counterweight base and includes a shell, a support structure, and at least two air outlet connectors. The shell has a hollow cavity inside. The support structure is located inside the hollow cavity. The air outlet connectors are inclinedly located on the upper section of the shell and communicate with the hollow cavity. The hot air drying module and the disinfection module are both located in the hollow cavity and electrically connected to the power supply and control module. The power supply and control module is located in the counterweight base or the placement module. The hot air drying module includes a blowing assembly and a heating module. Both the blowing assembly and the heating module are mounted on the support structure. The blowing assembly is located on the rear side of the heating module. An air inlet is also provided on the counterweight base or the housing near the blowing assembly. The air inlet is connected to the hollow cavity. Both the blowing assembly and the heating module are electrically connected to the power supply and control module.

[0006] Furthermore, the air outlet connector is detachably connected to the housing, and the air outlet connector is also provided with an interface adapted to the pipe opening size of a certain wind instrument.

[0007] Furthermore, the air outlet connector includes at least a first air outlet connector and a second air outlet connector. The first air outlet connector is an outwardly protruding connector. At least two slots are provided on both sides of the circumference of the first air outlet connector to limit and fix the wind instrument pipe. The second air outlet connector is a rubber-elastic inwardly concave connector, which achieves fixation with the wind instrument pipe through its own elasticity.

[0008] Furthermore, a press-type buckle is provided on the circumference of the first air outlet connector. One end of the press-type buckle is pivotally connected to the side of the first air outlet connector, and the other end can be flipped to press the wind instrument pipe tightly onto the first air outlet connector.

[0009] Furthermore, the width of the counterweight base is greater than the width of the placement module, and the direction of the width extension of the counterweight base is consistent with the orientation of the first air outlet connector and the second air outlet connector.

[0010] Furthermore, the disinfection module is a negative ion generator, and one end of the electrode head of the negative ion generator is close to the air outlet connector.

[0011] Furthermore, the power supply and control module controls the start-up and operation level adjustment of the hot air drying module and the disinfection module.

[0012] Furthermore, the hot air drying module also includes a temperature sensor, which is electrically connected to the power supply and control module for real-time detection of airflow temperature and feedback to the power supply and control module. The power supply and control module adjusts the temperature of the heating element according to the feedback signal.

[0013] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of wind instruments, based on the system described in any one of claims 1-6, specifically including the following steps: Step 1: Connect the section of the wind instrument to be cleaned to the adapter interface of the placement module and fix it in place to form a sealed processing environment; Step 2: Start the system through the power supply and control module and control the hot air drying module to start running and adjust to the target level. The air blown out by the blower assembly is heated by the heating module and then enters the pipe of the wind instrument through the hollow chamber and the air outlet connector to remove saliva and moisture from the pipe. Step 3: Keep the hot air drying module running, and control the disinfection module to start running through the power supply and control module. Release disinfection components into the hollow cavity, and blow the disinfection components into the pipes of the wind instrument under the action of the hot air blown out by the hot air drying module. Step 4: Stop the machine after completing Step 3; Step 5: Manually disassemble the wind instrument and store it properly.

[0014] Furthermore, the method also includes: detecting the temperature inside the hollow chamber or the wind instrument pipe before or after starting the hot air drying module, and controlling the running time and speed of the hot air drying module or the disinfection module according to the temperature detection result.

[0015] The present invention has the following advantages: 1. Achieving integrated drying and disinfection functions: This invention integrates a hot air drying module and a disinfection module. Through the logic control of the control module, it can complete the process of drying for a period of time and then disinfecting. It is easy to operate and highly efficient. It can simultaneously solve the problems of saliva removal and bacterial disinfection in the pipes of wind instruments, avoiding cross-infection.

[0016] 2. High versatility: This invention features multiple replaceable air outlet connectors with different sizes and specifications of interfaces, which can be adapted to the pipe openings of various wind instruments such as saxophones, flutes, clarinets, and oboes. By changing the sealing interface, different wind instruments can be processed without the need to equip each instrument with separate equipment, thus reducing the cost of use.

[0017] 3. Precise parameter control to protect instrument safety: This invention uses a combination of temperature sensor and control module to precisely control drying temperature and airflow, which avoids heat damage to wooden instruments, lacquer surfaces, rubber pads or precision instrument components while rapidly evaporating saliva moisture. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a left view of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the AA cross-section.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Counterweight base; 11. Air inlet; 2. Placement module; 21. Housing; 211. Hollow cavity; 22. Support structure; 23. First air outlet connector; 231. Slot; 232. Press-type buckle; 24. Second air outlet connector; 25. Interface; 3. Hot air drying module; 31. Fan; 32. Heating wire; 4. Disinfection module; 5. Power supply and control module. Detailed Implementation Example 1

[0024] refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a system for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of a wind instrument (a saxophone is used in this embodiment for illustration), including a counterweight base 1, a placement module 2, a hot air drying module 3, a disinfection module 4, and a power supply and control module 5; The placement module 2 is installed on the counterweight base 1 and includes a housing 21, a support structure 22, and two air outlet connectors. The housing 21 contains a hollow chamber 211. The support structure 22 is located within the hollow chamber 211 and supports the hot air drying module. The two air outlet connectors are obliquely and detachably (clamp-on or threaded connection) located on the upper section of the housing 21, and each air outlet connector also has an interface 25 adapted to the size of the saxophone pipe opening. The saxophone pipe communicates with the hollow chamber 211 through the interface 25. Different air outlet connectors can be used to adapt to different wind instruments. The two air outlet connectors are a first air outlet connector 23 and a second air outlet connector 24. The first air outlet connector 23 is a protruding connector, and two slots 231 are provided on both sides of its circumference to limit and fix the saxophone pipe. A push-button buckle 232 is also provided at the top of the circumference. One end of the push-button buckle 232 is pivotally connected to the side of the first air outlet connector 23, and the other end can be flipped to press the saxophone pipe tightly onto the first air outlet connector 23. The first air outlet connector 23 is suitable for placing saxophone pipe sections with larger openings, which are typically larger and heavier. Through the combined action of the two slots 231 and the push-button buckle 232, the pipe section can be stably placed.

[0025] The second air outlet connector 24 is a concave connector made of rubber elastic material, which is suitable for pipe sections with small opening sizes. It uses its own elasticity to achieve a tight fixation with the saxophone pipe, which can avoid wear on the saxophone pipe.

[0026] The width of the counterweight base 1 is greater than the width of the placement module 2, and the direction of the width extension of the counterweight base 1 is consistent with the orientation of the first air outlet connector 23 and the second air outlet connector 24. On the one hand, by increasing the bottom support area, the system's center of gravity is lowered, specifically balancing the weight torque in the direction of the wind instrument's pipe extension, effectively counteracting lateral tension; on the other hand, this design is compatible with wind instruments of different weights and sizes, enabling safe operation without additional fixing measures, thus enhancing the system's practicality and reliability.

[0027] Both the hot air drying module 3 and the disinfection module 4 are located within the hollow chamber 211 and are electrically connected to the power supply and control module 5. The power supply and control module 5 coordinates the activation and operation level adjustment of the hot air drying module 3 and the disinfection module 4 to ensure immediate disinfection after drying, avoiding secondary contamination and achieving an automated processing flow. The power supply and control module 5 is located in the counterweight base 1 or the placement module 2 (in this embodiment, it is placed in the counterweight base 1). The hot air drying module 3 includes a blower assembly (fan 31) and a heating module (heating wire 32). Both the fan 31 and the heating wire 32 are mounted on the support structure 22, with the fan 31 positioned behind the heating wire 32. An air inlet 11 is located near the fan 31 on the counterweight base 1, communicating with the hollow chamber 211 to provide a stable air source for the hot air drying module 3. This ensures that the fan 31 efficiently draws in external air and delivers it to the heating wire 32 for heating, forming a continuous drying airflow. Both the fan 31 and the heating wire 32 are electrically connected to the power supply and control module 5. The hot air drying module 3 may also include a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure), which is electrically connected to the power supply and control module 5. This sensor is used to detect the airflow temperature in real time and feed it back to the power supply and control module 5. The power supply and control module 5 adjusts the temperature of the heating wire 32 based on the feedback signal.

[0028] The disinfection module 4 is a negative ion generator. One end of the generator's electrode is close to the air outlet connector, allowing the released negative ions to directly enter the airflow channel. Driven by the airflow from the hot air drying module 3, these ions quickly diffuse into the interior of the wind instrument's tubing, especially in complex structures such as bends and tone holes. The airflow disturbance ensures uniform coverage of the disinfectant components, solving the problem of traditional disinfection methods failing to reach hard-to-reach areas. It also reduces the loss of disinfectant components within the hollow chamber 211, increasing the disinfection concentration per unit time. Furthermore, the use of negative ion disinfection avoids the corrosion of wooden instruments, lacquer surfaces, or rubber pads by chemical residues. Example 2

[0029] This embodiment provides a method for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of wind instruments, based on the system of Embodiment 1, and specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: Connect the section of the saxophone to be cleaned to the adapter interface 25 of the placement module 2 and fix it with the slot 231 and the press-type buckle 232 to form a sealed processing environment; Step 2: Start the system through the power supply and control module 5 and control the hot air drying module 3 to start running and adjust to the target level. The air blown out by the fan 31 is heated by the heating wire 32 and then enters the saxophone's pipe through the hollow chamber 211 and the air outlet connector (23 / 24) to remove saliva moisture from the pipe. Step 3: Keep the hot air drying module 3 running. Control the disinfection module 4 (negative ion sterilizer) to start running through the power supply and control module 5. Release disinfection components into the hollow chamber 211. Driven by the hot air blown out of the hot air drying module 3, the disinfection components are blown into the pipes of the saxophone for disinfection. Step 4: After completing Step 3, shut down the machine via power supply and control module 5; Step 5: Press down the snap-on buckle 232 to release its pressure on the saxophone, remove the saxophone and store it properly.

[0030] Before or after starting the hot air drying module, the temperature inside the hollow chamber 211 or the saxophone pipe can be detected, and the running time and speed of the hot air drying module 3 or the disinfection module 4 can be controlled according to the temperature detection results.

[0031] The wind instrument pipe cleaning and disinfection system and method provided by this invention have the following advantages: 1. Achieving integrated drying and disinfection functions: This invention integrates a hot air drying module and a disinfection module. Through the logic control of the control module, it can complete the process of drying for a period of time and then disinfecting. It is easy to operate and highly efficient. It can simultaneously solve the problems of saliva removal and bacterial disinfection in the pipes of wind instruments, avoiding cross-infection.

[0032] 2. High versatility: This invention features multiple replaceable air outlet connectors with different sizes and specifications of interfaces, which can be adapted to the pipe openings of various wind instruments such as saxophones, flutes, clarinets, and oboes. By changing the sealing interface, different wind instruments can be processed without the need to equip each instrument with separate equipment, thus reducing the cost of use.

[0033] 3. Precise parameter control to protect instrument safety: This invention uses a combination of temperature sensor and control module to precisely control drying temperature and airflow, which avoids heat damage to wooden instruments, lacquer surfaces, rubber pads or precision instrument components while rapidly evaporating saliva moisture.

[0034] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific embodiments described are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Equivalent modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of wind musical instruments, characterized in that: Includes a counterweight base, a placement module, a hot air drying module, a disinfection module, and a power supply and control module; The placement module is installed on the counterweight base and includes a shell, a support structure, and at least two air outlet connectors. The shell has a hollow cavity inside. The support structure is located inside the hollow cavity. The air outlet connectors are inclinedly located on the upper section of the shell and communicate with the hollow cavity. The hot air drying module and the disinfection module are both located in the hollow cavity and electrically connected to the power supply and control module. The power supply and control module is located in the counterweight base or the placement module. The hot air drying module includes a blowing assembly and a heating module. Both the blowing assembly and the heating module are mounted on the support structure. The blowing assembly is located on the rear side of the heating module. An air inlet is also provided on the counterweight base or the housing near the blowing assembly. The air inlet is connected to the hollow cavity. Both the blowing assembly and the heating module are electrically connected to the power supply and control module.

2. The wind instrument piping cleaning and disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outlet connector is detachably connected to the housing, and the air outlet connector is also provided with an interface that adapts to the pipe opening size of a certain wind instrument.

3. The wind instrument piping cleaning and disinfection system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air outlet connector includes at least a first air outlet connector and a second air outlet connector. The first air outlet connector is a convex connector. At least two slots are provided on both sides of the circumference of the first air outlet connector to limit and fix the wind instrument pipe. The second air outlet connector is a rubber elastic concave connector, which achieves fixation with the wind instrument pipe through its own elasticity.

4. A wind instrument piping cleaning and disinfection system according to claim 3, characterized in that: A push-button buckle is also provided on the circumference of the first air outlet connector. One end of the push-button buckle is pivotally connected to the side of the first air outlet connector, and the other end can be flipped to press the wind instrument pipe tightly onto the first air outlet connector.

5. A wind instrument piping cleaning and disinfection system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The width of the counterweight base is greater than the width of the placement module, and the direction of the width extension of the counterweight base is consistent with the orientation of the first air outlet connector and the second air outlet connector.

6. A wind instrument piping cleaning and disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The disinfection module is a negative ion generator, and one end of the electrode head of the negative ion generator is close to the air outlet connector.

7. A wind instrument piping cleaning and disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply and control module controls the start-up and operation level adjustment of the hot air drying module and the disinfection module.

8. A wind instrument piping cleaning and disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot air drying module also includes a temperature sensor, which is electrically connected to the power supply and control module. The temperature sensor is used to detect the airflow temperature in real time and feed it back to the power supply and control module. The power supply and control module adjusts the temperature of the heating element according to the feedback signal.

9. A method for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of a wind instrument, characterized in that, Based on the system described in any one of claims 1-6, the process specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: Connect the section of the wind instrument to be cleaned to the adapter interface of the placement module and fix it in place to form a sealed processing environment; Step 2: Start the system through the power supply and control module and control the hot air drying module to start running and adjust to the target level. The air blown out by the blower assembly is heated by the heating module and then enters the pipe of the wind instrument through the hollow chamber and the air outlet connector to remove saliva and moisture from the pipe. Step 3: Keep the hot air drying module running, and control the disinfection module to start running through the power supply and control module. Release disinfection components into the hollow cavity, and blow the disinfection components into the pipes of the wind instrument under the action of the hot air blown out by the hot air drying module. Step 4: Stop the machine after completing Step 3; Step 5: Manually disassemble the wind instrument and store it properly.

10. A method for cleaning and disinfecting the pipes of a wind instrument according to claim 7, characterized in that: Before or after starting the hot air drying module, the temperature inside the hollow chamber or the wind instrument pipe is detected, and the running time and speed of the hot air drying module or the disinfection module are controlled according to the temperature detection results.

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