Silkworm cocoon cutter and method for extracting sericin using a silkworm cocoon cutter

KR103002719B1Active Publication Date: 2026-08-11경상북도 (농업자원관리원 잠사곤충사업장) +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020250119317
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-26
Publication Date
2026-08-11
Estimated Expiration
2045-08-26

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Abstract

The silkworm cocoon cutter (100) and the method for extracting sericin using the silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention include: a pupa removal step in which a silkworm cocoon is cut using the silkworm cocoon cutter (100) according to the present invention and a pupa contained inside is extracted; a dismantling step in which, after the pupa removal step, several strands of silk thread are unraveled from the silkworm cocoon (C) to produce a dismantled material (B); a hot water extraction step in which, after the dismantling step, the dismantled material (B) is placed into a hot water extractor (200) to extract sericin by hot water and produce an extract; and a vacuum freeze-drying step in which, after the hot water extraction step, the extract is placed into a vacuum freeze-dryer (not shown) and vacuum freeze-dried. Therefore, the following effects are achieved. Since a number of silkworm cocoons (C) can be cut quickly and easily by the above-mentioned silkworm cocoon cutter (100) to discharge pupae (W) all at once, the manpower can be reduced compared to the background technology and production efficiency can be improved because a number of silkworm cocoons (C) can be cut quickly. In addition, since the silkworm cocoon (C) is transformed into a disassembled material (B) and subjected to hot water extraction, the amount of water (L) used can be reduced compared to the conventional silkworm cocoon (C). Therefore, since the vacuum concentration step can be omitted, rapid operation is possible, and the production cost of sericin can be lowered compared to the background technology.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons and a method for extracting sericin using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons. More specifically, the invention relates to a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons and a method for extracting sericin using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons, characterized by the ability to easily remove pupae from silkworm cocoons, efficiently extract sericin by dismantling the silkworm cocoons from which pupae have been removed and performing hot water extraction, and to enable efficient sericin extraction at low cost by allowing the vacuum freeze-drying step to proceed directly without a vacuum concentration step. Background Technology

[0002] First, let's examine the sericin contained in silk threads as follows.

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating fibroin and sericin through a cross-section of silk thread extracted from a silkworm cocoon, and is explained together.

[0004] After eating mulberry leaves, the silkworm secretes fluid through its mouth to form a capsule-shaped protective membrane that envelops its entire body, and undergoes the metamorphosis process of becoming a pupa. At this time, the above protective membrane is called a silkworm cocoon, and the thread extracted from the above protective membrane is called silk thread (T). A fabric made by weaving such silk thread (T) is called silk.

[0005] However, the above silk thread (T) is composed of two types of proteins as shown in Fig. 1, consisting of 70% fibroin (P), which is formed long in the longitudinal direction and is the main raw material of the silk thread (T), and 30% sericin (S), which surrounds the circumference of the fibroin (P).

[0006] In the past, sericin (S) was not a subject of research for a long time because it was completely removed during the refining process of the above silk (T), but recently, as the excellent functions of sericin (S) have been identified, it is receiving attention in various fields.

[0007] Sericin(S) is receiving great attention as a cosmetic ingredient because its antioxidant, skin-protective, wound-healing, anti-wrinkle, UV-blocking, antibacterial, inhibition of melanin production, and whitening effects have been proven.

[0008] Furthermore, sericin(S) is recently being utilized in food and pharmaceuticals. Due to its low digestibility, it is effective in relieving constipation, and the synergistic effect of this indigestibility and antioxidant properties is being used for the prevention and treatment of diseases involving reactive oxygen species in the digestive tract. In particular, as its osteogenic efficacy has been proven, it is proving to be of great help as a health supplement or pharmaceutical to patients suffering from fractures, dwarfism, and osteoporosis.

[0009] With the discovery of new functions of sericin(S), which was previously discarded, it is expected to contribute significantly to human development not only as a material for cosmetics but also as a material for food and pharmaceuticals.

[0010] The conventional sericin extraction method for extracting such sericin (S) from silk threads is as follows.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a sericin extraction method according to the background technology, and Figure 3 is a photograph showing a hot water extractor, a vacuum concentrator, and a vacuum freeze dryer used in the sericin extraction method according to the background technology arranged in process order.

[0012] After cutting the silkworm cocoon with a knife, a pupa removal step is performed to extract the pupa inside.

[0013] After the above step of removing the pupa, a hot water extraction step is performed in which the silkworm cocoon from which the pupa has been removed is placed in a hot water extractor (10) with water and heated so that sericin (S) dissolves in the water and is extracted. At this time, 1,000 liters of water are used for 10 kg of silkworm cocoon. The water temperature is maintained at 120°C for 1 hour. Then, a gradual cooling process is allowed to occur in a natural state for 12 hours.

[0014] After the above hot water extraction step, a vacuum concentration step is performed in which the sericin (S) extract filtered from the silkworm cocoon in the above hot water extractor (10) is filled into a vacuum concentrator (20) and then undergoes a concentration process.

[0015] After the above vacuum concentration step, the concentrate obtained from the above concentration process is placed in a vacuum freeze-dryer (30) to remove moisture, thereby performing a vacuum freeze-drying step so that sericin can be finally obtained.

[0016] Based on the background technology examined above, the following problems existed.

[0017] First, there was a problem in that production efficiency was reduced because workers had to individually grab each silkworm cocoon and cut it with a knife to remove the pupa inside, which incurred high labor costs and delayed work time.

[0018] Second, there was a problem in that the yield of sericin (S) was reduced because the lightweight silkworm cocoons floated to the surface of the water due to buoyancy inside the hot water extractor (10), and the silkworm cocoon itself was in a state where many silk threads (T) were wound and bundled together, so water was not sufficiently absorbed between the silk threads (T).

[0019] Third, the water temperature inside the hot water extractor (10) is heated to 120°C and maintained for 1 hour, and then the sericin (S) is extracted by slowly cooling it at room temperature for 12 hours. In this case, if the water is stirred, the sericin (S) will be extracted faster, but since the extraction is done in a natural state for 12 hours, the extraction time is long and there is a problem of reduced productivity.

[0020] Fourth, the above vacuum concentration step and vacuum freeze-drying step are processes for removing moisture without heating to prevent denaturation of sericin (S). In particular, since the vacuum freeze-drying step is expensive, the moisture is removed first through the above vacuum concentration step, and then the vacuum freeze-drying step is performed. As such, since the hot water extractor (10) requires a large amount of water, such as 1,000 liters of water for 10 kg of silkworm cocoons, the vacuum freeze-drying step is performed after the vacuum concentration step to evaporate all the water, which resulted in problems such as taking a long time, the work being cumbersome, and the production cost being high. Prior art literature

[0021] (Reference 1) Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0542266 (Registration Date: January 3, 2006) (Reference 2) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2002-0064085 (Publication Date: August 7, 2002) The problem to be solved

[0022] The problem to be solved by the silkworm cocoon cutter and the method for extracting sericin using the silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention is as follows.

[0023] First, we aim to solve the problem of low production efficiency caused by high labor costs and delayed work time, as workers must individually grab each silkworm cocoon and cut it with a knife to remove the pupa inside.

[0024] Second, we aim to solve the problem of reduced sericin yield because lightweight silkworm cocoons float to the surface of the water due to buoyancy inside the hot water extractor, preventing them from sinking sufficiently into the water, and the silkworm cocoons themselves are in a state where many silk threads are wound and clumped together, so water is not sufficiently absorbed between the silk threads.

[0025] Third, this invention aims to resolve the problem of not being able to rapidly extract sericin because the water is not stirred during the hot water extraction step.

[0026] Fourth, we aim to resolve the problem of high production costs, which are time-consuming, cumbersome, and costly because the vacuum freeze-drying step is performed after the vacuum concentration step. means of solving the problem

[0027] The silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention is configured as follows to solve the problem of the inefficiency of the silkworm cocoon cutting process among the above problems.

[0028] It includes a block-shaped body formed elongated on the left and right sides; a plurality of front holes formed from the front to the rear of the body and arranged along the length of the body; a rear hole formed on the rear of the body and connected to the front holes, having a smaller diameter than the front holes; a tube filled with air, which is pipe-shaped and inserted into the front holes, expands inside the front holes, and compresses a silkworm cocoon inserted inwardly; and a blade that is in close contact with the front of the body and is capable of cutting a portion of the silkworm cocoon inserted into the tube.

[0029] In addition, to enable the blade to reciprocate in a straight line along the length direction of the body, it includes an upper guide rail in the shape of an L that is positioned above the front hole at the front of the body and is formed long in the length direction of the body, a lower guide rail in the shape of an L that is positioned below the front hole at the front of the body and is formed long in the length direction of the body, and an actuator in which a rod is connected to the blade to reciprocate in a straight line.

[0030] Additionally, it includes a guide shaft fixed to both rear sides of the body and extended rearward, a transfer plate through which the guide shafts on both sides pass and which can be moved forward and backward along the guide shaft, a needle fixed to the transfer plate so as to penetrate the transfer plate and corresponding to the rear hole, which enters the inside of the rear hole when the transfer plate advances, a hose connected to the rear part of the needle to inject air, an air compressor connected to the hose to supply air, and an actuator with a rod connected to the rear of the transfer plate to enable the transfer plate to move back and forth.

[0031] Also, the method for extracting sericin using the above-described silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention consists of the following process.

[0032] The method includes a pupa removal step of cutting a silkworm cocoon using the above-mentioned silkworm cocoon cutter and extracting the pupa contained inside; a dismantling step of unraveling multiple strands of silk thread from the silkworm cocoon to produce a dismantled material after the pupa removal step; a hot water extraction step of placing the dismantled material into a hot water extractor to extract sericin by hot water, and a vacuum freeze-drying step of placing the extract into a vacuum freeze-dryer to vacuum freeze-dry after the hot water extraction step.

[0033] The above pupa removal steps are as follows.

[0034] The method includes an insertion step of inserting a silkworm cocoon into the inner side of the tube, a cutting step after the insertion step in which the actuator is operated to cause the blade to advance so as to cut off a portion of the silkworm cocoon protruding outside the front hole and then retract to return, an ejection step after the cutting step in which the actuator is operated to cause the transfer plate to advance so that the needle penetrates the rear hole and passes through the rear part of the silkworm cocoon, and air from the air compressor is supplied through the hose and sprayed through the needle so as to discharge the pupa inside the silkworm cocoon forward, and an extraction step after the ejection step in which a hook is inserted into the front hole to pull the silkworm cocoon forward.

[0035] The dismantling machine is configured as follows to enable the above dismantling step.

[0036] A circular container open upward, a rotating plate flowing upward into the container, and

[0037] It includes a rotating shaft fixed to the upper surface of the rotating plate, and a plurality of protrusions formed on the bottom surface of the container and the lower surface of the rotating plate, the protrusions having pointed ends. It also includes a frame that supports the container and supports the rotating shaft so that it can be raised and rotated. Furthermore, it includes a motor that is supported by the frame and transmits power to the rotating shaft.

[0038] The above dismantling step includes the following process by the above dismantling machine.

[0039] It includes a receiving step in which a plurality of cut silkworm cocoons are received inside the container while the rotating plate is raised and the container is open; a lowering step in which, after the receiving step, the rotating plate is lowered into the container to compress the silkworm cocoons; a rotation step in which, after the lowering step, the rotating plate is rotated by the driving of the motor so that each silkworm cocoon is broken down into multiple strands of silk thread; and a rising step in which, after the rotation step, the rotating plate is raised so that the container is opened upward.

[0040] In addition, the hot water extractor used in the above hot water extraction step is configured as follows.

[0041] It includes a tank formed to be sealed and filled with the aforementioned dismantled material and water, a rod penetrating the upper part of the tank and extending downward into the interior of the tank, a screen horizontally fixed to the lower end of the rod, an agitator mounted on the tank to agitate the water and dismantled material filled inside the tank, and an electric heater mounted on the tank.

[0042] The above hot water extraction step includes the following process using the above hot water extractor.

[0043] The method includes a filling step of putting water and dismantled material into the tank, a compression step of lowering the load after the filling step so that the screen presses the dismantled material downward, a heating step of applying electricity to the electric heater after the compression step to raise the water to a specified temperature and then maintaining the specified temperature for a specified time, a cooling step of allowing the water to cool slowly in a natural state after the heating step, and a stirring step of driving the stirrer during the heating step and the cooling step. Effects of the invention

[0044] The silkworm cocoon cutter and the method for extracting sericin using the silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention have the following effects through the above-mentioned solution.

[0045] First, since the above-mentioned silkworm cocoon cutter can quickly and easily cut multiple silkworm cocoons and discharge the pupae all at once, it is possible to reduce manpower compared to the background technology and improve production efficiency by rapidly cutting multiple silkworm cocoons.

[0046] Second, since hot water extraction is performed using deconstructed silkworm cocoons, water usage can be reduced compared to conventional silkworm cocoons. Consequently, the vacuum concentration step can be omitted, enabling faster processing and effectively lowering the production cost of sericin compared to the background technology.

[0047] Third, since the disintegration material (B) is pressed deep into the water inside the hot water extractor, the silkworm cocoon floats on the water surface as in the background technology, which has the effect of resolving the problem of reduced solubility of sericin.

[0048] Fourth, since the water is stirred during the hot water extraction step, the sericin formed in the silk thread can be dissolved more quickly. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing fibroin and sericin through a cross-section of silk thread extracted from a silkworm cocoon. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method for extracting sericin according to background technology. Figure 3 is a photograph showing the hot water extractor, vacuum concentrator, and vacuum freeze dryer used in the sericin extraction method according to the background technology arranged in process order. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a longitudinal section taken along the K-K' line of Figure 4. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a method for extracting sericin using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a process diagram sequentially illustrating the pupa removal step and the dismantling step in a method for extracting sericin using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of the dismantling step in the sericin extraction method using a silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hot water extraction step in the sericin extraction method using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating in detail the pupa removal step in the sericin extraction method using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a process diagram showing the insertion step and the cutting step sequentially in the pupa removal step of the sericin extraction method using a silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a process diagram sequentially illustrating the discharge and extraction steps that proceed after the cutting step of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal section taken along the line F-F' of FIG. 12. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0050] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments of this document. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0051] Furthermore, expressions such as "First," "Second," etc., used in this document may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used merely to distinguish one component from another without limiting such components. For example, "Part 1" and "Part 2" may refer to different parts regardless of order or importance. For instance, without departing from the scope of rights described in this document, Part 1 may be named Part 2, and similarly, Part 2 may be renamed Part 1.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms used in this document are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this document. Terms used in this document that are defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this document. In some cases, even terms defined in this document may not be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

[0054] (Silkworm cocoon cutter)

[0055] Hereinafter, a detailed embodiment of the cutting machine (100) for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention will be examined together with the attached drawings.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section taken along the line K-K' of FIG. 4.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, a block-shaped body (110) is formed as a rectangular parallelepiped extending to the left and right, and a plurality of front holes (114) are formed extending from the front (111) of the body (110) to the rear and arranged along the length of the body (110). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, a rear hole (115) is formed on the rear (113) of the body (110) and connected to the front holes (114), and has a smaller diameter than the front holes (114).

[0058] Additionally, a tube (119) filled with air is configured to be pipe-shaped and inserted into the front hole (114), expand inside the front hole (114), and compress the silkworm cocoon (C) inserted inwardly. The tube (119) is configured so that it does not easily come out when it expands while inserted into the front hole (114), and it serves to hold the silkworm cocoon (C) so that it does not easily detach by compressing the silkworm cocoon (C) when it is inserted inwardly.

[0059] Additionally, a blade (120) is configured to be in close contact with the front surface (111) of the body (110) and capable of cutting a portion of the silkworm cocoon (C) inserted into the tube (119). The angle (A) of the blade (121) formed on the blade (120) is preferably 45 degrees with respect to the bottom of the blade (120). The reason the angle (A) of the blade (121) is formed at 45 degrees is that 45 degrees is the angle at which the shear load is greatest, and since this theory is general knowledge of material mechanics, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0060] In addition, so that the blade (120) can reciprocate in a straight line along the length direction of the body (110), an upper guide rail (116) in the shape of an L is configured, which is positioned above the front hole (114) on the front (111) of the body (110) and is formed long in the length direction of the body (110), and a lower guide rail (117) in the shape of an L is configured, which is positioned below the front hole (114) on the front (111) of the body (110) and is formed long in the length direction of the body (110).

[0061] Additionally, an actuator (130) is configured such that a rod (131) is connected to the blade (120) to cause the blade (120) to reciprocate in a straight line. A flange (123) is formed on the blade (120) on the side opposite to the blade (121), and the rod (131) is connected to the flange (123). The actuator (130) can be configured, for example, as a pneumatic cylinder or a linear motor.

[0062] Additionally, a guide shaft (118) is configured to be fixed to both sides of the rear (113) of the body (110) and extended to the rear, and a transfer plate (140) is configured to be movable forward and backward along the guide shaft (118) through which the guide shafts (118) on both sides pass. A plurality of needles (150) are configured to be fixed to the transfer plate (140) so as to be in a state of penetrating the transfer plate (140) and corresponding to the rear hole (115), so that when the transfer plate (140) advances, they enter into the rear hole (115). The needles (150) are formed like hypodermic needles, and are configured so that the tip facing the rear hole (115) is formed to be pointed so that they can easily penetrate the silkworm cocoon (C), and are configured so that air can be injected into the interior as they are open in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] In addition, a hose (160) is configured to be connected to the rear part of the needle (150) to allow air to be injected, and an air compressor (not shown) is configured to be connected to the hose (160) to supply air.

[0064] In addition, an actuator (170) is configured such that a rod (173) is connected to the rear of the transfer plate (140) to enable the transfer plate (140) to move back and forth, and can be configured as, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or a linear motor.

[0065] The operation process of the above silkworm cocoon cutter (100) is presented through the sericin extraction method using the silkworm cocoon cutter described below.

[0067] (Method for extracting sericin using a silkworm cocoon cutter)

[0068] Hereinafter, a detailed embodiment of a sericin extraction method including a step of removing a pupa by the above-mentioned silkworm cocoon cutter (100) is described in conjunction with the attached drawings.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a method for extracting sericin using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention.

[0070] After cutting the silkworm cocoon, a pupa removal step is performed to extract the pupa contained inside, using the above-mentioned silkworm cocoon cutter (100).

[0071] After the above pupa removal step, a dismantling step is performed to produce a dismantled product (B) by unraveling several strands of silk thread from the above silkworm cocoon (C).

[0072] After the above dismantling step, the dismantled material (B) is placed into a hot water extractor (200) to perform a hot water extraction step for producing an extract by extracting sericin with hot water.

[0073] After the above hot water extraction step, a vacuum freeze-drying step is performed in which the extract is placed in a vacuum freeze-dryer (not shown) and vacuum freeze-dried.

[0075] Hereinafter, a detailed embodiment of the above-mentioned pupa removal step is described together with the attached drawings.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating in detail the pupa removal step in the sericin extraction method using a silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a process flow diagram illustrating the insertion step and the cutting step sequentially in the pupa removal step of the sericin extraction method using a silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention. In addition, FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram illustrating the discharge step and the extraction step sequentially performed after the cutting step of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F' of FIG. 12.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, an insertion step is performed in which a silkworm cocoon (C) is inserted into the inner side of the tube (119). At this time, the tube (119) compresses the silkworm cocoon (C) and serves to hold it so that it does not detach.

[0078] After the insertion step described above, as shown in FIG. 11, a cutting step is performed in which the actuator (130) is operated to cause the blade (120) to advance, cut off a portion of the silkworm cocoon (C) protruding outside the front hole (114), and then return to its original position. At this time, the blade (121) of the blade (120) is tilted at 45 degrees, so it can exert easy shear strength, and at this time, the tube (119) holds the silkworm cocoon (C) so that it does not detach, making it easier to cut.

[0079] After the above cutting step, as in FIGS. 12 and 13, the Actuator (170)By operating the device, the transfer plate (140) advances so that the needle (150) penetrates the rear hole (115) and pierces the rear part of the silkworm cocoon (C), and air from the air compressor (not shown) is supplied through the hose (160) and sprayed through the needle (150), thereby performing a discharge step in which the pupa (W) inside the silkworm cocoon (C) is discharged forward. At this time, the tube (119) holds the silkworm cocoon (C) so that it does not detach, so the phenomenon of the silkworm cocoon (C) being discharged forward by the air ejected from the needle (150) does not occur. When the pupa (W) is discharged in this way, the of the actuator (170) As the transfer plate (140) moves backward due to operation, the needle (150) is made to move out of the rear hole (115).

[0080] After the discharge step, as shown in FIG. 12, a pulling step is performed in which a hook (180) is inserted into the front hole (114) to pull the silkworm cocoon (C) forward. The hook (180) is connected in multiple numbers to correspond to each front hole (114), and the rear part is connected to a single handle, so that the hook (180) can be inserted into multiple front holes (114) simultaneously to pull out the silkworm cocoon (C).

[0082] Below, a detailed embodiment of the above dismantling step is described together with the attached drawings.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of the dismantling step in the sericin extraction method using a silkworm cocoon cutter according to the present invention.

[0084] In order to enable the above dismantling step, the present invention uses the following dismantling device (300).

[0085] A circular container (310) that is open upward is configured, and a rotating plate (320) that flows upward into the container (310) is configured. Additionally, a rotating shaft (321) fixed to the upper surface of the rotating plate (320) is configured, and a plurality of protrusions (313, 325) with pointed tips are formed on the bottom surface (311) of the container (310) and the lower surface (323) of the rotating plate (320).

[0086] In addition, a frame (not shown) is configured to support the container (310) and to allow the rotation axis (321) to be raised and rotated.

[0087] In addition, a dismantling machine (300) is configured including a motor (not shown) that is supported by the frame (not shown) and transmits power to the rotation axis (321).

[0088] The technology regarding the lifting of the above-mentioned rotary shaft (321) is a general matter that can be achieved with various components such as air cylinders, linear motors, and LM guides, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0089] The above dismantling steps by the dismantling device (300) examined above are as follows.

[0090] A receiving step is performed in which a plurality of cut silkworm cocoons (C) are received inside the container (310) while the above-mentioned rotating plate (320) is raised and the container (310) is open.

[0091] After the above receiving step, a lowering step is performed in which the rotating plate (320) descends into the inside of the container (310) and presses the silkworm cocoon (C).

[0092] After the above lowering step, a rotation step is performed in which the rotating plate (320) is rotated by driving the motor (not shown) so that each of the above silkworm cocoons (C) becomes a disassembled material (B) that has been disassembled into several strands of silk thread.

[0093] After the above rotation step, a rising step is performed in which the rotating plate (320) rises and the container (310) is opened upward.

[0094] According to the above disassembly steps, the silkworm cocoon (C) is unraveled, so the individual silk threads are separated, and when compressed, this has the effect of reducing the volume compared to the original silkworm cocoon (C). Generally, since a space is formed inside the silkworm cocoon (C) to accommodate the pupa (W), it is natural that the volume is reduced through the above disassembly steps.

[0096] Hereinafter, a detailed embodiment of the above-mentioned hot water extraction step is described together with the attached drawings.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hot water extraction step in the sericin extraction method using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons according to the present invention.

[0098] In order to enable the above hot water extraction step, the present invention uses a hot water extractor (200) as follows.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 9, a tank (210) is formed to be sealed and filled with the above-mentioned dismantled material (B) and water (L), and includes a door (not shown) that can be opened and closed, and a general configuration that allows for the inflow and outflow of water (L). In addition, the tank (210) is equipped with an electric heater (240) and includes a general configuration that allows for temperature control of the water (L) being filled.

[0100] Additionally, a rod (221) is formed that penetrates the upper part of the tank (210) and extends downward into the inner side of the tank (210), and a screen (223) is formed that is horizontally fixed to the lower end of the rod (221) so as to filter out silkworm cocoons (C). The lifting and lowering of the rod (221) is possible by an actuator such as an air cylinder or a linear motor.

[0101] Additionally, a stirrer (230) is configured to be mounted on the lower part of the tank (210) to stir the water (L) and the dismantled material (B) filled inside the tank (210). For example, a rotating shaft (233) that rotates through the tank (210) is configured, and a propeller (235) mounted on the end of the rotating shaft (233) inside the tank (210) is configured. The rotation of the rotating shaft (233) is driven by a motor (237) positioned outside the tank (210).

[0102] A detailed example of the above hot water extraction step using the above hot water extractor (200) is as follows.

[0103] A filling step is performed in which water (L) and disintegration material (B) are placed inside the tank (210). At this time, 200 to 300 liters of water (L) and 10 kg of disintegration material (B) are added. Therefore, compared to the background technology which used 1,000 liters of water, the amount of water used (volume) can be reduced by approximately 1 / 3 to 1 / 5. The reason the amount of water used can be reduced in this way is that the volume of the disintegration material (B) decreases compared to the same weight of silkworm cocoon (C). Therefore, there is an advantage in reducing the production cost of sericin by reducing the consumption of water (L). In addition, the vacuum concentration step of the background technology can be omitted. Originally, the vacuum concentration step evaporates a large amount of water before the vacuum freeze-drying step to enable easy vacuum freeze-drying, but in the present invention, since the amount of water used can already be reduced by about 1 / 3 to 1 / 5 compared to the background technology in the hot water extraction step, the vacuum concentration step is not necessarily required.

[0104] After the above charging step, a compression step is performed in which the load (221) is lowered so that the screen (223) presses the disassembled material (B) downward. That is, the disassembled material (B) rising upward is pressed deep into the water (L), so that each silk thread is sufficiently soaked in the water (L), thereby easily and quickly dissolving the sericin contained in the silk thread.

[0105] After the above compression step, a heating step is performed in which electricity is applied to the electric heater (240) to raise the water (L) to a specified temperature, and then the specified temperature is maintained for a specified time. Generally, the heating step is performed such that the water (L) is maintained at 120°C for one hour.

[0106] After the heating step, the electric heater (240) is turned off and a cooling step is performed in which a slow cooling process is carried out in a natural state for 12 hours.

[0107] During the heating and cooling steps, a stirring step is performed to drive the stirrer (230). Through the stirring step, the sericin is dissolved more easily by friction between the water (L) and the sericin. Therefore, faster dissolution of the sericin is possible.

[0109] The above vacuum freeze-drying step dries 200 to 300 liters of water (L) in which sericin is dissolved at -40°C and 0 torr, so that only sericin remains. Since the above vacuum freeze-drying step is a general matter, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0111] Based on the above examination of the present invention, the following effects are observed.

[0112] First, since a large number of silkworm cocoons (C) can be cut quickly and easily by the above-mentioned silkworm cocoon cutter (100) to discharge pupae (W) all at once, the manpower can be reduced compared to the background technology and a large number of silkworm cocoons (C) can be cut quickly, thus improving production efficiency.

[0113] Second, since the silkworm cocoon (C) is transformed into a disassembled material (B) and extracted using hot water, the amount of water (L) used can be reduced compared to the conventional silkworm cocoon (C). Therefore, since the vacuum concentration step can be omitted, rapid operation is possible, and the production cost of sericin can be lowered compared to the background technology.

[0114] Third, since the disintegration material (B) is pressed deep into the water (L) inside the hot water extractor (200), the silkworm cocoon (C) floats on the water as in the background technology, so the problem of reduced solubility of sericin can be resolved.

[0115] Fourth, since water (L) is stirred during the hot water extraction step, the sericin formed in the silk thread can be dissolved more quickly. Explanation of the symbols

[0116] 100: Silkworm cocoon cutter 110: Body 111: Front 113: Rear 114: Front hole 115: Rear hole 116: Upper guide rail 117: Lower guide rail 118: Guide axis 119: Tube 120: Blade 121: Blade 123: Flange 130: Actuator 131: Load 140: Transfer plate 150: Needle 160: Hose 170: Actuator 173: Load 180: Hook 185: Handle 200: Hot water extractor 210: Tank 221: Load 223: Screen 230: Stirrer 235: Propeller 233: Rotating shaft 240: Electric heater 300: Dismantler 310: Container 311: Bottom surface 313: Protrusion 320: Turntable 321: Rotating axis 323: If 325: Protrusion

Claims

Claim 1 A cutting machine (100) for cutting a silkworm cocoon (C) to discharge a pupa (W), comprising: a block-shaped body (110) formed long on the left and right sides; a plurality of front holes (114) formed from the front (111) of the body (110) to the rear and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the body (110); a rear hole (115) formed on the rear (113) of the body (110) connected to the front holes (114) and having a smaller diameter than the front holes (114); a tube (119) filled with air inside, which is pipe-shaped and inserted into the front holes (114), expands inside the front holes (114), and compresses the silkworm cocoon (C) inserted inwardly; and a tube (119) that is in close contact with the front (111) of the body (110) and can cut a portion of the silkworm cocoon (C) inserted into the tube (119). It includes a blade (120), and to enable the blade (120) to reciprocate linearly along the longitudinal direction of the body (110), an L-shaped upper guide rail (116) positioned above the front hole (114) on the front surface (111) of the body (110) and formed long in the longitudinal direction of the body (110), a L-shaped lower guide rail (117) positioned below the front hole (114) on the front surface (111) of the body (110) and formed long in the longitudinal direction of the body (110), and an actuator (130) in which a rod (131) is connected to the blade (120) to reciprocate linearly, and a guide shaft (118) fixed to both sides of the rear surface (113) of the body (110) and extended rearward, and the guide shafts (118) on both sides pass through and are transported forward and backward along the guide shafts (118). A transfer plate (140) capable of being inserted, a needle (150) fixed to the transfer plate (140) so as to be inserted through the transfer plate (140) and corresponding to the rear hole (115) such that when the transfer plate (140) advances, the needle (150) enters the rear hole (115), and a hose (160) connected to the rear part of the needle (150) to allow air to be injected.A cutting machine for silkworm cocoons characterized by including an air compressor (not shown) connected to the above hose (160) to supply air, and an actuator (170) connected to the rear of the above transfer plate (140) so that the transfer plate (140) can move back and forth. Claim 2 A pupa removal step in which a pupa contained inside is extracted after cutting a silkworm cocoon using a cutting machine (100) for silkworm cocoons according to claim 1; a dismantling step in which, after the pupa removal step, several strands of silk thread are unraveled from the silkworm cocoon (C) to produce a dismantled material (B); a hot water extraction step in which, after the dismantling step, the dismantled material (B) is placed into a hot water extractor (200) to extract sericin by hot water, and an extract solution is produced; and a vacuum freeze-drying step in which, after the hot water extraction step, the extract solution is placed into a vacuum freeze-dryer (not shown) to vacuum freeze-dry. Including, The above pupa removal step is, An insertion step of inserting a silkworm cocoon (C) into the inner side of the above tube (119), and After the insertion step, a cutting step in which the actuator (130) is operated to cause the blade (120) to advance so as to cut off a portion of the silkworm cocoon (C) protruding outside the front hole (114) and then return to its original position, and After the cutting step, the actuator (170) is operated so that the transfer plate (140) advances, the needle (150) penetrates the rear hole (115) and passes through the rear part of the silkworm cocoon (C), and air from the air compressor (not shown) is supplied through the hose (160) and sprayed through the needle (150) so that the pupa (W) inside the silkworm cocoon (C) is discharged forward. After the discharge step, the method includes a pulling step in which a hook (180) is inserted into the front hole (114) to pull the silkworm cocoon (C) forward. To enable the above dismantling step, A circular container (310) that is open upward, and A rotating plate (320) that flows upward into the above container (310), and A rotating shaft (321) fixed to the upper surface of the above-mentioned rotating plate (320), and It includes a plurality of protrusions (313, 325) formed on the bottom surface (311) of the container (310) and the lower surface (323) of the rotating plate (320), with pointed tips. It includes a frame (not shown) that supports the above container (310) and supports the rotation axis (321) so that it can be raised and rotated, and A dismantler (300) is provided, which includes a motor (not shown) that is supported by the above frame (not shown) and transmits power to the rotation axis (321). The above dismantling step is performed by the above dismantling machine (300), A receiving step in which a plurality of cut silkworm cocoons (C) are received inside the container (310) while the rotating plate (320) is raised and the container (310) is open, and After the above receiving step, a descending step in which the rotating plate (320) descends into the inside of the container (310) to press the silkworm cocoon (C), and After the above lowering step, a rotation step in which the rotating plate (320) is rotated by driving the motor (not shown) so that each of the above silkworm cocoons (C) becomes a disassembled material (B) that has been disassembled into several strands of silk thread, and After the above rotation step, the method includes a rising step in which the rotating plate (320) rises and the container (310) is opened upward. The above hot water extractor (200) is, A tank (210) formed to be sealed by filling the above-mentioned dismantled material (B) and water (L), and A rod (221) that penetrates the upper part of the tank (210) and extends downward into the inner side of the tank (210), and A screen (223) horizontally fixed to the bottom of the above rod (221), and A stirrer (230) mounted on the tank (210) to stir the water (L) and dismantled material (B) filled inside the tank (210), and It includes an electric heater (240) mounted on the tank (210), and The above hot water extraction step is, A filling step of putting water (L) and dismantling material (B) into the tank (210) above, and After the above charging step, a compression step in which the load (221) is lowered so that the screen (223) presses the dismantled material (B) downward, and A heating step in which electricity is applied to the electric heater (240) to raise the water (L) to a specified temperature, and then the specified temperature is maintained for a specified time, and After the heating step above, a cooling step in which the water (L) is allowed to cool slowly in a natural state, and During the heating and cooling steps above, a stirring step that drives the stirrer (230) A method for extracting sericin using a cutting machine for silkworm cocoons, characterized by including Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete

Citation Information

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